Question:

says… [snip] anyone who knows Jeff knows that this is roughly equivalent to Martha Stewart declaring that she’s too tired to make real mashed potatoes and that [snip] I can’t imagine anyone who hangs out in this group would appreciate being compared with Martha Stewart

I guess Jeff doesn’t like being compared to Martha Stewart any more than he likes being too tired to fish

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…actually, just thinkin ’bout martha gives me a woody… uh ken… you ain’t puttin any of this stuff in your articles are you? jeff (schwing king) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – says… [snip] anyone who knows Jeff knows that this is roughly equivalent to Martha Stewart declaring that she’s too tired to make real mashed potatoes and that [snip] I can’t imagine anyone who hangs out in this group would appreciate being compared with Martha Stewart

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… uh ken… you ain’t puttin any of this stuff in your articles are you?

Nah, ROFFians are safe for the time being. Nobody wants to buy trip reports, or not mine at any rate. — Ken Fortenberry

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rw wrote… I can’t imagine anyone who hangs out in this group would appreciate being compared with Martha Stewart That’s Fortenberry’s wet dream.

I thought Martha Stewart was just his pseudonym.  You mean there is a real Martha Stewart??  ;-) — Warren Henry’s Fork Clave info and Bozeman, MT fishing info www.geocities.com/troutbum_mt

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says… [snip] anyone who knows Jeff knows that this is roughly equivalent to Martha Stewart declaring that she’s too tired to make real mashed potatoes and that [snip] I can’t imagine anyone who hangs out in this group would appreciate being compared with Martha Stewart

You’ve obviously never seen Ken and Martha cast.  I have – both of ‘em.  No wonder he looks up to her.  <G — Ken Fortenberry nice TR! Winter is slowly settling into central NJ.  The most fun we’re having around here is scouring a local waterway for signs of searun brown trout.

Could be worse.  you could be stuck on a computer, dreaming about trout.  (sigh) Thanks for sharing it. Rob

Great TR BTW, but don’t let it go to your head. Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://home.cogeco.ca/~pcharles/streamers/index.html

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… You’ve obviously never seen Ken and Martha cast.  I have – both of ‘em.  No wonder he looks up to her.  <G

Yeah, yeah, go ahead and yuk it up about my casting but it wasn’t ME who had our poor guide wishin’ for a football helmet while piloting our drift boat down the Muskegon. Great TR BTW, but don’t let it go to your head.

Not to worry dahling, I won’t forget the little people. — Ken Fortenberry

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says… [snip] anyone who knows Jeff knows that this is roughly equivalent to Martha Stewart declaring that she’s too tired to make real mashed potatoes and that [snip]

I can’t imagine anyone who hangs out in this group would appreciate being compared with Martha Stewart — Ken Fortenberry

nice TR! Winter is slowly settling into central NJ.  The most fun we’re having around here is scouring a local waterway for signs of searun brown trout. Thanks for sharing it. Rob

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I can’t imagine anyone who hangs out in this group would appreciate being compared with Martha Stewart

That’s Fortenberry’s wet dream. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

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I was headed west on I-40 early Sunday morning when I saw the sign for the Blue Ridge Parkway. In a moment of inspired spontaneity caused in no small measure by the clear blue Carolina sky and the remembrance of the past two days fishing with Zimbo and Wayno, I quickly decided to postpone my trip to Alabama one more day and fish in the Park. I’d thought about fishing with Jeff and Waldo on Sunday hoping to be shown another of their Grandfather Mountain gems but they’d both been fishing since Thursday and Jeff said he was too tired to fish another day. Now, anyone who knows Jeff knows that this is roughly equivalent to Martha Stewart declaring that she’s too tired to make real mashed potatoes and that instant mashed potato flakes are a "good thing". Simply astonishing. So when Waldo called, (and speaking of Waldo and Martha Stewart, his upscale, yuppie, downtown Morganton flyshop looks like something straight out of Martha’s design book , we decided to call it a weekend. But the Blue Ridge Parkway beckoned and I pointed the Forester towards the Park. Arrived at Oconaluftee to find the Newfound Gap Road closed for construction. So much for inspired spontaneity. I drove around the south side of the Park and fished Twenty Mile Creek that afternoon instead. The solitary hike up the Twenty Mile Creek trail on a glorious Sunday in December afforded me an opportunity to reflect on the previous days fishing and on flyfishing in general. To bowdlerize Camus, flyfishing represents, even in the depths of the impending winter, that invincible summer within me. Flyfishing challenges my intellect with its arcana of ephemeral bugs, and the contrasting physical challenges of deftly flicking a delicate stick and boulder hopping in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina nourishes my soul in ways I can hardly comprehend. That Friday with Zimbo was our first time fishing together. It was a grey, warm day and the woods around Upper Creek had the smell of moldy, fecund winter. So different from the crisp, sterile smell of a midwestern winter. Funny how different people approach a stream. We climbed down from the trail to a big rock face where we could see three trout feeding in, by Upper Creek standards, a pretty big pool. While I sat on the rock studying the pool looking for an approach, Zimbo grew impatient and slid off the rock to give it a go. It was definitely a spot for an upstream cast but short of taking a swim there was no way to get downstream of the pool. And so we fished. I with a 6′3" 3wt Hamilton ‘boo and Steve with a Cabela’s stowaway. We fished our part of the stream in precisely the three hours Waldo had predicted and then tried to return to that first pool from the downstream side but darkness intervened and we called it a day. It was a real pleasure to finally get to fish with Steve. Wayno had locked us out of the cabin and was already well into the Balvenie when we got home to Beech Mountain. Dinner was necessarily carry-out as the tourist services on Beech Mountain are dependent on the (non-existent) snow. Jeff drove off the mountain at some ungodly hour of the morning to fish with Walt while Wayno and I did the civilized thing and ate a leisurely breakfast down in Banner Elk. The weather continued to cooperate, despite assurances of rain from the weather man, and we hiked down the Elk River in the chardonnay light of late fall in the mountains. No winter here, not just yet. How in the hell do I describe fishing with Wayno ? It’s beyond my poor power. There is a joy, a mischievous, boyish glee in the way he throws himself onto a trout stream. It’s an infectious joy and you just cannot help but get caught up in the delight of flyfishing writ large upon the personal history of that Rowan County rogue. Wayno left to get back in time for the LSU-Tennessee game and Jeff and I had a large time cooking for ourselves back at Zimbo’s cabin. Remember Zimbo’s cabin ? That’s the title of this post. — Ken Fortenberry

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Question:

Finally!!!! a pertinent post to ROFF!!! waldo

#1 pickup line…."hey, nice tooth". Natty

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Thanks to all who have given their advice regarding my trip to somewhere in Maine in late June.  From what I have gleaned from your responses, I believe that I will have my best success on either the Rapid or the East outlet of Moosehead Lake. It sounds like I can not go wrong with either of these pieces of water.  If these waters are comparable, what are some of the things that would make you prefer one of these rivers over another? Quality fishing, lack of crowds, nearby lodges, wildness of scenery, etc.. Thanks, Brooktrout22 Ed

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Brooktrout22 writes: It sounds like I can not go wrong with either of these pieces of water.  If these waters are comparable, what are some of the things that would make you prefer one of these rivers over another? Quality fishing, lack of crowds, nearby lodges, wildness of scenery, etc.. Thanks, Brooktrout22 Ed

Ed, Lakewood Camps is super.  You can go to The East Outlet and you’ll probably catch fish, but Lakewood’s food and atmosphere is tops.  Plus, I think the Rapid fishes better than the East Outlet, with less crowds.  You can *drive* to the East Outlet.   You can’t drive to Lakewood (it is gated).  A boat picks you up at South Arm.    "Outsiders" have to either boat or walk in, so it is less crowded than EO.    The only time I fish EO is in October when the crowds are nil and it is the only place you can still fish.  JMO, of course.  I will be at Lakewood in late June  (25 – 30) with my grandsons and could help you with the river.  Both rivers have their idiosyncrasies. Dave L.

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If these waters are comparable, what are some of the things that would make you prefer one of these rivers over another?

Hard question. Tough choice. There are camps at the headwaters of the Outlet and also at Middledam on the Rapid. I can’t vouch for the outlet as I’ve never stayed there, but Lakewood camps are quite nice and they take good care of you. Plan on gaining weight if you stay there. Both rivers are fairly wild once you get downstream a bit. I expect that the ‘famous’ pools of each have their crowds, and both have plenty of water if you’re willing to walk a bit. Based on my limited fishing of the Rapid my opinion is that the outlet has more large fish, but you will catch more fish at the Rapid and the Rapid also has the opportunity for you to catch a genuine wild brookie of prodigious size. To be fair to the outlet there are some very large brookies there as well, but it’s reputation is that of a salmon river, not a brook trout river. I once even caught a fairly skinny toque (Lake Trout) in the outlet as well that fought about as hard as 2 foot stick. late June is prime time on both rivers, the outlet will run more to generic caddis and stonefly hatches, with a few selected mayflies mixed in. The Rapid is rumored to have a fairly substantial Alder fly hatch in late June. I expect to day trip up for some of that action this summer. You didn’t say if you were interested in a guide. On the east outlet there are a couple of guide services that will run the entire river in a drift boat, something I highly recommend. I believe that the Rapid tends more to a wading experience with the exception of Pond in the River. This is not to suggest that the outlet isn’t wadable, it is, but it has a series of fairly large and deep pools that cannot be completely covered while wading. The outlet offers the opportunity to sample the extensive night life in Greenville and Rockwood (I’m a lumberjack and I’m ok, I work all night….everyone join in now:-)) and to easily visit the Roach and with a 2 hour drive and a couple of paper company gates, the West Branch. Or head north 30-40 mins and fish the Moose River where it dumps into Moosehead Lake. Lakewood will offer you a nice cabin, with lights and showers, incredible food (plan on gaining weight) and an easy walk to the fishing beginning at Middle Dam. Flyfish

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Thanks to all for your advice.  I will see you on the Rapid in late June. Brooktrout

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The outlet offers the opportunity to sample the extensive night life in Greenville and Rockwood

LOL.   You mean the ceremonial rolling up of the sidewalks?  (in the few spots they actually have sidewalks.)  :-) Joe F.

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Joe Fleischman writes: The outlet offers the opportunity to sample the extensive night life in Greenville and Rockwood LOL.   You mean the ceremonial rolling up of the sidewalks?  (in the few spots they actually have sidewalks.)  :-) Joe F.

Hey, the pizza parlor in beautiful downtown Greenvile stays open until 11 pm – Dave

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Caviasco writes: Thanks to all for your advice.  I will see you on the Rapid in late June.

I’ll be the old guy with two tall teenage boys. Dave LaCourse

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Caviasco;   Can’t go wrong with either choice. My only complaint about staying at Lakewood–which I have many times–was the meal schedule. They serve dinner from 6:30 to 8 pm in the evening–EXACTLY when I want to be on the river on a June evening.    Most of the guys staying there were in the dining area–while–as a "hard-core"–I was eating a sandwich out on the Rapid.   By staying at camps on the East Outlet I find I can arrange my meal schedule to suit  my needs–around the best fishing times. That’s the only complaint I had about Lakewood. Great camps–great people–great fishing. You’ll have a wonderful time.    Dave M

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Dave M. writes: My only complaint about staying at Lakewood–which I have many times–was the meal schedule. They serve dinner from 6:30 to 8 pm in the evening–EXACTLY when I want to be on the river on a June evening.

Psssst.   Shhhhhhhh.  (speaking softly) Don’t tell anyone, but you can have your meal served to you in your cabin *after* 8 p.m.  Extra charge of course.   Few know about it. Dave L.

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Dammit you bottom feeder, why didn’t you share that with us during the clave! Of course I could have been broke by the end of the clave… Flyfish

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Dave M. writes: My only complaint about staying at Lakewood–which I have many times–was the meal schedule. They serve dinner from 6:30 to 8 pm in the evening–EXACTLY when I want to be on the river on a June evening. Psssst.   Shhhhhhhh.  (speaking softly) Don’t tell anyone, but you can have your meal served to you in your cabin *after* 8 p.m.  Extra charge of course. Few know about it. Dave L.

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Psssst.   Shhhhhhhh.  (speaking softly) Don’t tell anyone, but you can have your meal served to you in your cabin *after* 8 p.m.  Extra charge of course. Few know about it.

The other thing you can do is cheat back the show-up time a bit. I spent my time at Lakewood trying to figure out what the *latest* possible time was that I could show up for meals and not lose out. I also tried to figure out how to get up and get ready in the morning without waking up Jeff Miller. An impossible task. I defy anyone to pre-rise Jeff at the Penn Clave. –Steve

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Dave B. writes: Dammit you bottom feeder, why didn’t you share that with us during the clave! Of course I could have been broke by the end of the clave…

Well, I would have, but I figured an intimate dinner by candle light  with Paul, Dave, and Dave  would have been too much for you.  <g   What Dave M. says has some merit, but if you eat at 6:30, you can be back on the river by 7.  I’ve done it myself many times.  Or, you can get your big streamers and a 6 or 7 weight and go to the dam and chuck for big brookies/salmon.  I took a 4 pound brookie on a green ghost last September at the dam after dinner. Dave LaCourse Pirate and Bottom Dweller

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LOL.   You mean the ceremonial rolling up of the sidewalks?  (in the few spots they actually have sidewalks.)  :-)

If you fish the West Branch, there’s a girly bar in T2R9 just outside Millinockett.  Actually, there’s a girly bar there even if you don’t fish the West Branch.

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If you fish the West Branch, there’s a girly bar in T2R9 just outside Millinockett.  Actually, there’s a girly bar there even if you don’t fish the West Branch.

Ya know, now that I think of it, I lived in Millinocket for 2 years and never once went into "La Casa", starting to wonder if I was sick at the time . Of course what looks great to a lumberjack after a week in a tiny trailer somewhere out off the Golden road might not be up to my exacting standards. For the out of staters, also affectionately called flatlanders, T2R9 is township 2 range 9, otherwise known as an ‘unincorporated township’ meaning most likely no one lives there except the critters, there is no local government, no local taxes except at the county and state level. Almost heaven except for the (usually) exceptionally long drive to anywhere that has gas, food, entertainment etc. In the case of La Casa, the adult entertainment megacenter of Penobscot County, it’s wedged right between East Millinocket and Millinocket. Imagine the chagrin when the town counsel of East Millinocket discovered that La Casa was NOT located in the town thereof and was therefore not subject to their attempt to zone it out of existence (true story). Flyfish

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LOL.   You mean the ceremonial rolling up of the sidewalks?  (in the few spots they actually have sidewalks.)  :-) If you fish the West Branch, there’s a girly bar in T2R9 just outside Millinockett.  Actually, there’s a girly bar there even if you don’t fish the West Branch.

Finally!!!! a pertinent post to ROFF!!! waldo

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Zimbo writes: I also tried to figure out how to get up and get ready in the morning without waking up Jeff Miller. An impossible task. I defy anyone to pre-rise Jeff at the Penn Clave.

Can’t be done.  Will never be done.  That’s why he’s the official coffee maker whenever he’s around.  That’s all we let him do, though.  Coffee, just coffee……good too… Dave LaCourse Pirate and Bottom Dweller

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Rory McQuillan writes: If you fish the West Branch, there’s a girly bar in T2R9 just outside Millinockett.  Actually, there’s a girly bar there even if you don’t fish the West Branch.

<g  Better explain to our non-Maine friends what a "T2R9" is, Rory.  And our southern brethren call dem places "titty bars".  <g   Dave LaCourse Pirate and Bottom Dweller

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Rory McQuillan writes: If you fish the West Branch, there’s a girly bar in T2R9 just outside Millinockett.  Actually, there’s a girly bar there even if you don’t fish the West Branch. <g  Better explain to our non-Maine friends what a "T2R9" is, Rory.  And our southern brethren call dem places "titty bars".  <g Dave LaCourse Pirate and Bottom Dweller

Yeah, but do them girlys do back massages?  In the water? Frank (oh,the pain!) Church

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Question:

Michael writes: This drag would surely have an equivalent effect upon a fly fished with a piece of split shot 2 feet up the tippet? Is this drag the same one you are talking about?

But it is effected less by it.  Like I’ve said, I used to use weighted flies to get my intended lure to the bottom (simply because using split shot or any weight on the leader was illegal in Maine).  However, using the same lure and the same set up, but using a split shot instead of the weighted nymph, the same effect is accomplished (getting the lure down in the water column), but the drag is considerably less.  With this method, I have observed an unweighted lure tumbling on the bottom not unlike the natural.  This is the ideal that I strive for in every cast.  Do I get it perfect each time?  No.  Nor do I always get a nice drag-free drift with a dry.  But I catch more fish with the split shot method than I do with the weighted nymph (Czech) method.  BTW, I seldom use more than one fly.  If you have the *right* fly, it isn’t necessary.  <g Dave LaCourse Pirate and Bottom Dweller

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Hiya Dave,  please refer back to my previous post and tell me if I understand your split shot method.  Forgive me if I am wrong,  but it would appear to me at least that you didn’t read all my post.  I think I have the jist of the method you speak of,  but would appreciate it if you’d confirm either way.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Michael writes: This drag would surely have an equivalent effect upon a fly fished with a piece of split shot 2 feet up the tippet? Is this drag the same one you are talking about? But it is effected less by it.  Like I’ve said, I used to use weighted flies to get my intended lure to the bottom (simply because using split shot or any weight on the leader was illegal in Maine).  However, using the same lure and the same set up, but using a split shot instead of the weighted nymph, the same effect is accomplished (getting the lure down in the water column), but the drag is considerably less.  With this method, I have observed an unweighted lure tumbling on the bottom not unlike the natural.  This is the ideal that I strive for in every cast.  Do I get it perfect each time?  No.  Nor do I always get a nice drag-free drift with a dry.  But I catch more fish with the split shot method than I do with the weighted nymph (Czech) method.  BTW, I seldom use more than one fly.  If you have the *right* fly, it isn’t necessary. <g Dave LaCourse Pirate and Bottom Dweller

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Snip Michael, my experience with super weighted flies is to use them to get the *real* lure down.  The only problem is, they have a lot of drag.  Nymph fishing is just like surface fishing in this regard — you do not want drag.  My way is to use split shot (weight according to how deep/fast moving the water is) about 2 feet above an unweighted nymph.  While I have taken lots of fish with beadhead nymphs, using the split shot is better than using a super weighted fly.  JMO

I assume that the drag that you speak of is the actual dressing of the fly? Obviously the split shot, round and smooth, has little to impart upon the surrounding water.  The copper PT nymphs that I use also are quite "streamlined", and don’t seem to have much drag, or resistance to the water. That is why I like them a lot,  as you can quite effectively get them to the right depth and location even in the tricky waters. However, the drag that you speak of,  you also relate to the "dry fly drag". To me, dry fly drag is the movement of the fly over the surface of the water, brought about by the line "bellying", as cross currents pull on the line.  It is possible to get bad drag when casting directly upstream, particularly in pool tails where the outflow rapids pull (push) on the line, and cause the fly to skate over the water’s surface.  Of course,  this "drag" will be applied to a sunken fly too,   it causes the nymph to travel quite quickly through the water.  This drag would surely have an equivalent effect upon a fly fished with a piece of split shot 2 feet up the tippet? Is this drag the same one you are talking about? I personally have never used split shot,  neither have I used indicators, nor even the dry fly dropper that is said to be a great indicator.  (Whilst keen sight persists, I shall always prefer the simplicity of the greased leader and the single chosen fly.)  The stream that I favour to fish is very overgrown,  and is difficult to fish in a lot of places even with a 7 footer (I just got a 6 footer and really counting the days to next April) and one fly on a 9 ft leader to 2lb tippet.  Although I’ve never tried the split shot,  I will still believe that for me at least, the single Sawyer copper PT nymph & greased leader is the best option that I know of.  That being said,  I will always like to check out new techniques,  and hence my interest on this matter. I’m wondering though if there is something about the split shot that has a good effect upon the fly.  I imagine that the split shot sinks lower than the fly,  creating a V profile in the leader.  Pulling on the fly line will not immdiately make the fly rise,  as the flyline is connected first to the weight of the split shot.  The split shot is trying to pull the fly down as well as the leader and flyline.  That means that there is not a straight line between flyline and fly,  there is a positive bend,  exactly at the spot that the split shot occupies.  Pulling on the fly line will not be directly proportional with imparted fly movement,  not until the bend has been pulled out. Obviously,  as the drag is getting very pronounced,  the V profile will be reduced to eventually a flat line, and the split shot and the fly will be racing along at equal speeds and directions through the water as the dragging flyline rips it along.  At this point,  mends in the line will be required to reduce the flyline pull,  and allow the V profile to form once more.  If the angler is diligent with mending duty,  then the effect of drag can be kept at bay from the fly at least,  the split shot acting as a delayer to the drag. Mmm,  in fact I think I can imagine exactly what you are referring to about the split shot being a drag moderator:  am I right?

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Michael, yours is a very good description of how I’ve always assumed that a split shot (or a heavily weighted fly) mitigates the drag on an unweighted fly below it.  I completely gave up on split shot some time ago in favor of a bead head or other weighted fly to get another, usually much smaller, fly down.  I started doing this when I began fishing some rivers here in Oregon that allow multiple-fly rigs but do not allow "any added weight" applied to the leader or line.  (Folks quickly learned how to get around this rule!).  The bonus is that although most fish take the fly on the point, sometimes one (usually larger than the norm) will take the anchor, which never happens, of course, with split shot.  The draw-back is that it’s harder and more time consuming to adjust the position of the anchor fly along the length of the leader.  One option is to use a fly with a very big eye and attached it with a sort of loop-to-loop connection to the fly, as one does with the new yarn indicators that have a little plastics loop on them. JR – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – beginning snipped I’m wondering though if there is something about the split shot that has a good effect upon the fly.  I imagine that the split shot sinks lower than the fly,  creating a V profile in the leader.  Pulling on the fly line will not immdiately make the fly rise,  as the flyline is connected first to the weight of the split shot.  The split shot is trying to pull the fly down as well as the leader and flyline.  That means that there is not a straight line between flyline and fly,  there is a positive bend,  exactly at the spot that the split shot occupies.  Pulling on the fly line will not be directly proportional with imparted fly movement,  not until the bend has been pulled out. Obviously,  as the drag is getting very pronounced,  the V profile will be reduced to eventually a flat line, and the split shot and the fly will be racing along at equal speeds and directions through the water as the dragging flyline rips it along.  At this point,  mends in the line will be required to reduce the flyline pull,  and allow the V profile to form once more.  If the angler is diligent with mending duty,  then the effect of drag can be kept at bay from the fly at least,  the split shot acting as a delayer to the drag. Mmm,  in fact I think I can imagine exactly what you are referring to about the split shot being a drag moderator:  am I right?

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I’ve only ever read about the upstream Czech nymphing technique.  I have of course seen pictures of the weighty flies  (tungsten and all).  I frequently use copper & 5 pheasant-tail fibre nymphs (Sawyer),  I think that these copper nymphs (or singular to be more accurate,  as I only use one fly at a time)  sink quite quickly upstream on my small Yorks. stream.    Apart from appearance,  is there much difference between these flies:  copper & low surface area nymph Vs the tungsten but relatively fluffy Czech nymph? [snip] Is there any real bonus  with 3 or even 2 on a stream?  Surely they must be a burden at times; one accurate fly of the right selection and method employed, applied  to the point of attention is perhaps all that is required?

The Czech nymphs that I were given seem to be less fluffy than American Nymphs, but to answer your question, the damn things go down faster than a Times Square whore. As to the relative merits of copper vs tungsten, I think tungsten being denser helps thing sink quicker but quicker is not always better. Presentation and mending to reduce drag count for more in my little book. As to bonus of 3 flies vs 2 or one, that’s just the method. some folks have problems with it, I know I did at first but with practice things seem to work OK most of the time but I’ve been known to get a wind knot while tying on a new fly. — Wayne Knight Expert in creating tailing loops and windknots Otherwise Fishless in Kansas

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Michael writes: I’ve only ever read about the upstream Czech nymphing technique.  I have of course seen pictures of the weighty flies  (tungsten and all).  I frequently use copper & 5 pheasant-tail fibre nymphs  (Sawyer),  I think that these copper nymphs (or singular to be more accurate,  as I only use one fly at a time)  sink quite quickly  upstream on my small Yorks. stream.    Apart from appearance,  is there much difference between these flies:  copper & low surface area nymph Vs the tungsten but relatively fluffy Czech nymph? The metal used in the PT nymph is significantly lower in density than the tungsten CN.  In fact I seem to remember something about tungsten being much denser than lead.  However,  the PT nymph is of much lesser surface area (guaged by my eye,  i.e. hunch mode on) than the CN,  woolly body and all. The surface area would impart drag on the sinking fly,  and slow its decent if increased.  Which sinks the quicker?  Is there anything to be gained from copper PT  to CN? Is 3 better than 1?  I use the one fly on my stream,  (though boat fishing on Scottish lochs use 3 or even  4 at times) primarily because that it is my focus on the river.  On the stream I am selecting exact spots,  and only 1 fly can fill this spot.  On the loch/lake things are not quite so exact (particularly if you are sharing the boat with a pair (inevitable trio) of boozers). Is there any real bonus  with 3 or even 2 on a stream?  Surely they must be a burden at times; one accurate fly of the right selection and method employed, applied  to the point of attention is perhaps all that is required? Regards, Michael.

Michael, my experience with super weighted flies is to use them to get the *real* lure down.  The only problem is, they have a lot of drag.  Nymph fishing is just like surface fishing in this regard — you do not want drag.  My way is to use split shot (weight according to how deep/fast moving the water is) about 2 feet above an unweighted nymph.  While I have taken lots of fish with beadhead nymphs, using the split shot is better than using a super weighted fly.  JMO Dave LaCourse Pirate and Bottom Dweller

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I’ve only ever read about the upstream Czech nymphing technique.  I have of course seen pictures of the weighty flies  (tungsten and all).  I frequently use copper & 5 pheasant-tail fibre nymphs  (Sawyer),  I think that these copper nymphs (or singular to be more accurate,  as I only use one fly at a time)  sink quite quickly  upstream on my small Yorks. stream.    Apart from appearance,  is there much difference between these flies:  copper & low surface area nymph Vs the tungsten but relatively fluffy Czech nymph? The metal used in the PT nymph is significantly lower in density than the tungsten CN.  In fact I seem to remember something about tungsten being much denser than lead.  However,  the PT nymph is of much lesser surface area (guaged by my eye,  i.e. hunch mode on) than the CN,  woolly body and all. The surface area would impart drag on the sinking fly,  and slow its decent if increased.  Which sinks the quicker?  Is there anything to be gained from copper PT  to CN? Is 3 better than 1?  I use the one fly on my stream,  (though boat fishing on Scottish lochs use 3 or even  4 at times) primarily because that it is my focus on the river.  On the stream I am selecting exact spots,  and only 1 fly can fill this spot.  On the loch/lake things are not quite so exact (particularly if you are sharing the boat with a pair (inevitable trio) of boozers). Is there any real bonus  with 3 or even 2 on a stream?  Surely they must be a burden at times; one accurate fly of the right selection and method employed, applied  to the point of attention is perhaps all that is required? Regards, Michael.

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Question:

I’m looking for some new patterns to try on the huge mass of stripers that very reliable sources say are headed towards capecod. If any one has any interesting stuff that has a good history of working please let me know.

Response:

I’m looking for some new patterns to try on the huge mass of stripers that very reliable sources say are headed towards capecod. If any one has any interesting stuff that has a good history of working please let me know.

I’m a big fan of the Ray’s Fly and the Bonderew Bucktail.  Killed them at Chatham the last two Junes. Bob Scott

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TR…Before I started guiding I started using my own brand of yellow clouser. First of all I tied it upside down. In other words hook up, eyes on the lower side. I started flyfishing in the salt in Rhode Island up in Narragansett Bay. Lots of rocks to grab flies. Having the hook up avoids loss to rocky bottoms. Stripers tend to hug the bottom more often than not and I found I spent more time releasing them then tying on new flies. My clousers are also tied like tarpon flies, tied in at the tail which avoids the ugly recurring problem of the material wrapping around the hook shank. My pattern uses four yellow hackle three inches long, six or eight  pieces of silver crystal flash  and a small amount of yellow fish hair. Turn it over and tie in the eyes. I use flaming pink floss to tie the fly. It allows you to really tie the materials securely without worrying about breaking the thread. Believe me it works. My clients have been using it and it out performs many other patterns I’ve tried. Good luck this season…Capt. Ted Bobetsky (http://www.flyfishing-the-salt.com) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m looking for some new patterns to try on the huge mass of stripers that very reliable sources say are headed towards capecod. If any one has any interesting stuff that has a good history of working please let me know.

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Question:

I have a friend going to Yellowstone in the end of August.  I would appreciate any recent information on the road construction in the area, its effects, where the construction is, etc.                 Thanks and tight lines!

Hi I came through fished Yellowstone two weeks ago and the construction was between Madison Junction and Old Faithful. It did restrict access to the Firehole but the section of road nearest Old Faithful was complete and access there was ok. Also the Yellowstone season opened and it is available. Don’t pass up the Gibbon river both above and below the falls. — Tight Lines ….. Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Catalog,Tips & Tricks, Fishing Reports, & NeverSink at: http://www.btsflyfishing.com

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I have a friend going to Yellowstone in the end of August.  I would appreciate any recent information on the road construction in the area, its effects, where the construction is, etc.                                     Thanks and tight lines!

Response:

I have a friend going to Yellowstone in the end of August.  I would appreciate any recent information on the road construction in the area, its effects, where the construction is, etc.                 Thanks and tight lines!

Try this site; it’s got current road conditions, closures etc. http://www.nps.gov/yell/

Response:

I have a friend going to Yellowstone in the end of August.  I would appreciate any recent information on the road construction in the area, its effects, where the construction is, etc.                 Thanks and tight lines!

The park service has a page at http://www.nps.gov/yell/roadinfo.htm that gives road information.

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Question:

I want to purchase a float tube for use in the Tasmanian Lakes. What are the best regarded float tubes in the USA and where is the best place for me to order one? (assuming this can be done on the net) Thankyou Nicholas Brand Melboure Australia

Hi Nicholas,   I am fishing in Tasmania this November. I hear that they wade in the shallow flats of their lakes for big browns. We like J.W.Outfitters, Buck’s Bags and Wood River for the best quality in US made floating devises. Round float-tubes have been popular for the last 30 years, but we see the Wood River V-boats taking a bigger share of the market now. Pontoon boats are great, but not as popular as the old round or V-boats in volume. I would look at http://www.bobmarriotts.com/ as they sell internationally. Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY

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I want to purchase a float tube for use in the Tasmanian Lakes. What are the best regarded float tubes in the USA and where is the best place for me to order one? (assuming this can be done on the net) Thankyou Nicholas Brand Melboure Australia

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Question:

Thanks Jim! I think(?) — Tight lines and sharp hooks, Capt. Mark Poirier

Response:

Why are some people compelled to demonstrate their ignorance when they flame others? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – the first schoolies have been boiling off the beaches of the south Cape, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. White clousers, deceivers — small sizes — are catching fish, some up to 28" from the Elizabeth Islands to Harwich, where a few 28" keepers have been landed already.   I don’t give a fat shit what the "law" is, but a 28" striper s NOT a keeper. Get with the program fool!!! — Tight lines and sharp hooks, Capt. Mark Poirier

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28 inches is the new keeper size for recreational fishermen. The Division of Marine Fisheries ruling has been filed with the Secretary of State which puts it into effect immediately. The commercial quotas are still an issue, with a review of the bag limit due to be reheard next month.

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The third season of fish reports from Reel-Time: The Internet Journal of Saltwater Fly Fishing kicks off with a new editor, David Peros, who reports the first schoolies have been boiling off the beaches of the south Cape, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. White clousers, deceivers — small sizes — are catching fish, some up to 28" from the Elizabeth Islands to Harwich, where a few 28" keepers have been landed already. Get the full report at: http://www.reel-time.com/fishwire/update-fw.html   I don’t give a fat shit what the "law" is, but a 28" striper s NOT a keeper. Get with the program fool!!! — Tight lines and sharp hooks, Capt. Mark Poirier

Captain Poirier, shy man that he is, confided to me in private correspondence, that what he meant to say was that he disagreed with the taking of 28 inch stripers, as they are pre-spawn fish.  He enncourages everyone to return these fish to the water. If he is correct in calling them pre-spawn fish, I agree with  him.  We have the same situation in California with several game species.  Most responsible anglers add a few inches to the 12 inch calico bass limit, the 22 inch barracuda and halibut  limit, and the 28 inch white seabass limit.  We also return the larger fish so we don’t end up with a gene pool biased to the smaller fish. He is probably going to flame me (in e-mail) again for stepping on his toes.  The last time this gentleman (?) e-mailed me, he called me a "…sprout-eating fool…" from the left coast, and we’d never even corresponded before.  If he has a heart, it could be in the right place. Jim Kozakowski Support the United Anglers of California <http://www.webworldinc.com/unitedanglers-sc/

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The third season of fish reports from Reel-Time: The Internet Journal of Saltwater Fly Fishing kicks off with a new editor, David Peros, who reports the first schoolies have been boiling off the beaches of the south Cape, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. White clousers, deceivers — small sizes — are catching fish, some up to 28" from the Elizabeth Islands to Harwich, where a few 28" keepers have been landed already. Get the full report at: http://www.reel-time.com/fishwire/update-fw.html

  I don’t give a fat shit what the "law" is, but a 28" striper s NOT a keeper. Get with the program fool!!! — Tight lines and sharp hooks, Capt. Mark Poirier

Response:

The third season of fish reports from Reel-Time: The Internet Journal of Saltwater Fly Fishing kicks off with a new editor, David Peros, who reports the first schoolies have been boiling off the beaches of the south Cape, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. White clousers, deceivers — small sizes — are catching fish, some up to 28" from the Elizabeth Islands to Harwich, where a few 28" keepers have been landed already. Get the full report at: http://www.reel-time.com/fishwire/update-fw.html

Response:

Question:

Fly of the Month    I am looking for a source that will sell all the materials that are needed to tie a single patern. IE if I want to tie a Adams or Dk Hendrickson it would be nice to go to one souce and order a patern and everything would be there. Assortment of hooks, thread, hackle, dubbing ect. Please respond by E-Mail to

Response:

Fly of the Month    I am looking for a source that will sell all the materials that are needed to tie a single patern. IE if I want to tie a Adams or Dk Hendrickson it would be nice to go to one souce and order a patern and everything would be there. Assortment of hooks, thread, hackle, dubbing ect. Please respond by E-Mail to

Hi Joe, Email your USPS and I’ll send a catalog.  I stock many items not in the catalog like hooks, dubbing, many different feathers, etc. — Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (97 catalog)

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Question:

Can anyone give me some advice on what rivers to hit while in Jackson hole?  I’m going to drive through the area on my way to Seattle and i would like to spend a day fishing.  I have never beenm, hell i have never been to Wyoming, so if anyone can help me out i would really appreciate it. o’ yeah make it quick, cause im moving in about 2 to 3 days. Jeremy Tittle

If you want to drift fish with guide stay away from Snake, do the S. Fork or go over to Henry’s Ford in Idaho. If wade fishing you can do lots of area’s but the water conditions (clarity) and swiftness dictates, this time of year it should be muddy from runoff. You might want to push on and try the Gallatin in the park outside of W. Yellowstone.

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Can anyone give me some advice on what rivers to hit while in Jackson hole?  I’m going to drive through the area on my way to Seattle and i would like to spend a day fishing.  I have never beenm, hell i have never been to Wyoming, so if anyone can help me out i would really appreciate it. o’ yeah make it quick, cause im moving in about 2 to 3 days. Jeremy Tittle

Response:

Can anyone give me some advice on what rivers to hit while in Jackson hole?

Hi Jeremy, If a day is all you have I suggest fishing the Snake river below the dam on Jackson Lake. There is a lot of water to cover and should provide some excellent fishing. Attractor patterns (Humpies, Wulff, EHC etc), nymphs like GRHE, and of course an assortment of Bead Headed whatevers (GRHE, Prince, etc.). Have a good trip.  Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (96 catalog)

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Question:

Could someone help me with some info on the patterns which would be best for fishing the Muskegon or Au Sable rivers in Michigan in 2-3 weeks.  We are going to Grand Haven to visit my family for 2 weeks and I would like to get some fishing in.  I tie my own, so if you can suggest any conventional pattern, or give me a short description for local patterns I would be eternally grateful. Thanks, Jack Holton Denver, CO "Rasthedog"

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Look up the "white-gloved Howdey" in Caucci and Nastasi’s book, Hatches II. I use size 14.  The book also has hatch charts that can really help. Could someone help me with some info on the patterns which would be best for fishing the Muskegon or Au Sable rivers in Michigan in 2-3 weeks.  We are going to Grand Haven to visit my family for 2 weeks and I would like to get some fishing in.  I tie my own, so if you can suggest any conventional pattern, or give me a short description for local patterns I would be eternally grateful. Thanks, Jack Holton Denver, CO "Rasthedog" Regards, John Sirmans

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Could someone help me with some info on the patterns which would be best for fishing the Muskegon or Au Sable rivers in Michigan in 2-3 weeks.  We

Call Steve Southard, owner of the fly factory in Grayling MI at (517) 348-5844.  He should be able to give you some info.  Rusty Gates also has a nice shop up there, but I don’t have his number handy. . Lenny Bloksberg . .

Response:

Rusty Gates phone #: 517-348-8462; Johnson’s Pere Marquette Lodge 616-745-3972. All three places (incl. the Fly Factory) should also be able to provide you with a guide if you are unfamiliar with the water. have fun – should be plenty of salmon in the waters in mid-Sept.

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Organization: IQuest Network Services X-Newsreader: WinVN 0.91.6 (AnnRMiller) says: Rusty Gates phone #: 517-348-8462; Johnson’s Pere Marquette Lodge 616-745-3972. All three places (incl. the Fly Factory) should also be able to provide you with a guide if you are unfamiliar with the water. have fun – should be plenty of salmon in the waters in mid-Sept.

There are a couple web sites you might try: http://www.novagate.com/~bscheere/bens.html (Ben’s flyfishing corner, contains info on PM, Ausable, Muskegon and Kalamazoo rivers) http://oeonline.com/~rmarsh/fishpg.html (Ricks flyfishing page, contains info on Ausable) For hatches you’ll probably see BLO, trico’s and caddis. Tight lines, Bob

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