Question:

Jeff,   Just so I have the details correctly: 1 dry and 1 wet caddis, in orange. Size can be anything the tyer wishes?                               Tom

Response:

Jeff,   Just so I have the details correctly: 1 dry and 1 wet caddis, in orange. Size can be anything the tyer wishes?                               Tom

okay.  see how agreeable i am… jeff (btw, yer now on the rules committee)

Response:

jeff writes: btw, yer now on the rules committee

man, this place is getting like my workplace! People calling me dumbo and maggot, now the committees!  AARRRGH!                                  Tom now, about that matter of defining "orange"

Response:

Tom writes: now, about that matter of defining "orange"

Yes.  And perhaps a recipe….. Dave

Response:

Dave writes: Yes.  And perhaps a recipe…..

no, that would take all of the creativity out of it.                          Tom

Response:

Tom writes: Dave writes: Yes.  And perhaps a recipe….. no, that would take all of the creativity out of it.

Aha!  I see….. heh, heh, heh.

Response:

So can i go buy some caddis and spay paint them orange ???Are these going to be distrubited to all entries into the rodeo ? Also bareback or saddle broncs? And i would imagine there will be alot of bull there also.                    Handyman Mike           Standing in a river waving a stick

Response:

jeff writes: btw, yer now on the rules committee man, this place is getting like my workplace! People calling me dumbo and maggot, now the committees!  AARRRGH!                                  Tom now, about that matter of defining "orange"

If you’re tying Jeffies flies, I think you should be *real* creative.

Response:

Stan writes: If you’re tying Jeffies flies, I think you should be *real* creative.

well, shoot! Within a minute or two after scrambling down the bank, they will all be wet flies anyway!                                 Tom p.s. I am tying flies for myownself, thanks!

Response:

Stan writes: If you’re tying Jeffies flies, I think you should be *real* creative.

hmmm… may i suggest a bunch of orange thread and deerhair on a bottle opener? i lose bottle openers some kinda bad. p.s. I am tying flies for myownself, thanks!

kinda kills the swap idea then don’t it? jeff

Response:

Jeff writes: p.s. I am tying flies for myownself, thanks! kinda kills the swap idea then don’t it?

sorry if you misunderstood, I just wasn’t tying "proxy" flies for others. However, can someone clear up this confusion? Are we having a swap or also a one-fly angling contest at Blue Rock Hole? Ignorant little shit which I am, I am starting to get murky on the details.                                  Tom

Response:

Jeff writes: p.s. I am tying flies for myownself, thanks! kinda kills the swap idea then don’t it? sorry if you misunderstood, I just wasn’t tying "proxy" flies for others. However, can someone clear up this confusion? Are we having a swap or also a one-fly angling contest at Blue Rock Hole? Ignorant little shit which I am, I am starting to get murky on the details.                                  Tom

sorry about the murky details – it’s residue from the anticlave thing. anyway, yer the rules committee, so issue a ruling.  i thought we were tying, swapping, and then fishing the swaps (orange caddis only) at the axelrad rodeo at the blue rock hole. jeff

Response:

jeff clarifies: orry about the murky details – it’s residue from the anticlave thing. anyway, yer the rules committee, so issue a ruling.  i thought we were tying, swapping, and then fishing the swaps (orange caddis only) at the axelrad rodeo at the blue rock hole.

Wow, is this stuff complicated!  I mean, I invited you damned confeder….er, I mean Southerners up here, and now we have this convoluted mess!  Good Lord!  I say we tie them, swap them and then all go and get drunk after we drop them in the woods someplace whilst trying to sort them into boxes. Pretty much what is going to happen anyway, I figure. Alright, I will go along with your version, but don’t say I didn’t warn you, this is going to get Ugly. Good of you to take care of those tshirts for me.                                     Tom

Response:

Hearing about this rodeo, I couldn’t resist… Two cowboys are out on the range talking about their favorite sex positions. One says, "I think I enjoy the rodeo position the best." "I don’t think I have ever heard of that one," says the other cowboy. "What is it?" "Well, it’s where you get your wife down on all fours and you mount her from behind. Then you reach around and cup each one  of her  breasts in your hands and whisper in her ear, ‘Boy, these feel just like your sister’s.’ Then you try and hold on for 8 seconds." – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well alrighty then… here it is.  Participants must tie one dry and one wet/nymph.  Only those attending the Penns clave can join the swap, but, you can have a surrogate (only one) tie your flies for you to be sent to me (only way wayno and pj could participate).  So, sign up, name your seconds (the one whats gonna tie your flies) and send them to me. I’ll send my snail mail address to those participating. Now, before anybody else makes the solicitation, I need a surrogate to tie my flies – with full attribution to you, of course!  Wolfgang, Mike Connor, rw, willi (if you aren’t attending), warren (if you aren’t attending), daytripper, petah c, somebody…i know one of you guys (or girls?) will be happy to help me out <G. Those who sign up and who attend the Penns clave automatically will be entered as participants in the 1st Annual Axelrad Memorial Bizarre Fly Rodeo at the Blue Rock Hole.  You will be allowed to use only orange caddis – dry and/or wet/nymph – for the duration of the rodeo at the Blue Rock Hole.  Further details will be announced by the Board of Directors, once we figure out who the hell they are gonna be. jeff

Response:

(SPLORK VANG MU!) I’ll try to remember that one Jeff.  Good one. bruce h

Response:

Well alrighty then… here it is.  Participants must tie one dry and one wet/nymph.  Only those attending the Penns clave can join the swap, but, you can have a surrogate (only one) tie your flies for you to be sent to me (only way wayno and pj could participate).  So, sign up, name your seconds (the one whats gonna tie your flies) and send them to me. I’ll send my snail mail address to those participating. Now, before anybody else makes the solicitation, I need a surrogate to tie my flies – with full attribution to you, of course!  Wolfgang, Mike Connor, rw, willi (if you aren’t attending), warren (if you aren’t attending), daytripper, petah c, somebody…i know one of you guys (or girls?) will be happy to help me out <G. Those who sign up and who attend the Penns clave automatically will be entered as participants in the 1st Annual Axelrad Memorial Bizarre Fly Rodeo at the Blue Rock Hole.  You will be allowed to use only orange caddis – dry and/or wet/nymph – for the duration of the rodeo at the Blue Rock Hole.  Further details will be announced by the Board of Directors, once we figure out who the hell they are gonna be. jeff

Response:

Question:

 The Department eventually adopted 33 of these "suggestions" …..

To clarify – the ODFW angling regulation task force, upon which the Oregon Council FFF has a seat, reviewed 900+ proposals and ultimately forwarded 33 (?) for further consideration by the ODFW and the Fish and Wildlife Commission (the final decision rests with the Commission). AS OF NOW, the Department is recommending *against* catch and release for Davis Lake, and their last minute reasons have come as a complete surprise to the Oregon Council FFF and other clubs.  The Commission will decide the fate of Davis during their September 22 hearing. I’m trying to get my comments in, and need to get my butt in gear and share them with all of you so you can make comments. For those that do not know, this is the first time a task force of angling and other representatives has been put together to pre-filter what has historically been a mass of regulation change proposals (some individuals would submit dozens of changes without demonstrating any broad support).  An early point of contention on the new process is whether the proposals being forwarded by the task force to the commission were being recommended for approval by the commission, or whether the tasks forces only job was to look for proposals that had broad support of any kind, or some reason to be debated further in front of the commission. Evidently some of the angling representatives on the task force felt the former (forwarding meant recommending for approval), and felt caught off guard when the ODFW made contrary recommendations *after* all the public meetings and after the task force had concluded its business. Thomas Gilg

Response:

This will be a news item that would interest those who fish in Oregon (and those of you who visit).  The Federation of Fly Fishers, Oregon Council was able to present 160 rule changes to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.  The Department eventually adopted 33 of these "suggestions" and the principle gain for the fly fishing community was the removal of the harvest on Davis Lake (catch and release only).  In addition to this major proposal, the Department agreed to close the Odell Creek channel form the buoy upstream to the Forest Service road between the east and west campgrounds to protect spawning beds. My thanks to the volunteers at our local chapter, who worked so hard, so we all could benefit from their splendid efforts. Padishar Creel "What do we live for if it is not to make life less difficult to each other."  – George Eliot

Response:

 The Department eventually adopted 33 of these "suggestions" ….. To clarify – the ODFW angling regulation task force, upon which the Oregon Council FFF has a seat, reviewed 900+ proposals and ultimately forwarded 33 (?) for further consideration by the ODFW and the Fish and Wildlife Commission (the final decision rests with the Commission). AS OF NOW, the Department is recommending *against* catch and release for Davis Lake, and their last minute reasons have come as a complete surprise to the Oregon Council FFF and other clubs <snipped

Thomas, thanks for bringing this news up-to-date and correcting the lastest statements from FFF. (I was quoting the __Oregon Fly Fisher Newsletter I rec’d in the mail today).  I am sorry to hear about their recommendation against the Davis Lake proposal, in fact I am stunned.  I am in SW Washington and I would be happy to show up at any meetings you think would assist in getting the Oregon Council proposals adopted.  I purchase an out-of-state fishing license every year, so I believe I have a say here even though I am not a resident of the great State of Oregon. — Padishar Creel "What do we live for if it is not to make life less difficult to each other."  – George Eliot

Response:

Question:

I am looking to move to Bend and would love to hear about rivers and boatin in the area…John

Response:

John, There are a couple of good oregon books: Soggy Sneakers and Oregon River Tours. Bend is a pretty place, lots of great fly fishing nearby (my fav. hobby). As far as boating rivers: The Deschutes river is nearby, it actually flows through bend (the upper section), but the lower section is the one most often boated.  It is probably the most popular rafting river in oregon.  The river has 5 or 6 class IV rapids and a couple of falls that are pretty much unrunable (unless you’re one of those crazy guys I see on tv).  The river also has a myriad of class 1 through 3 rapids.  The floatable section is close to 90 miles long.  However it is conviently broken by access points into two three day floats, with a couple of one day floats possible as well. The river gets very heavy traffic however.  In the middle of july, expect to count up to two dozen rafts in each direction.  Midweek brings much smaller crowds.  The Rangers have done a really good job discouraging the drunken Frat House parties, thus everyone is pretty pleasant. You also have access (2 or three hour drive) to the Rogue River.  It’s a scenic river with limited entry in the summer.  It is amazing! Since I raft and driftboat, I don’t have experience with smaller boats in Oregon. However, I think that other rivers close to bend may well accomodated kayaks. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am looking to move to Bend and would love to hear about rivers and boatin in the area…John

Response:

Question:

B) It’s been said that large native Battenkill trout are non-existent. HOG-WASH! I submit evidence to the contrary, The photo at…

Actually, what I have heard, is that the ‘average’ size fish, (9"-11" Brookies, and 10"-14" Browns), were in short supply and the bulk of the population were large and small fish. I have never seen many kids fishing the river, and I seriously doubt that a 2 fish limit for them will have a serious impact. The problem will come with enforcement, and the fact that bait fishing is allowed. I think ‘artificials only’ should be the rule wherever fish must be released. Actually, my preference would have been to close the entire stream to *all* usage for one year,  assess the results next fall, and formulate new regulations at that time. George Adams

Response:

George’s thought of closing the river for a year is not a bad one but just look at how difficult it has been to get even this modest change enacted.   I say modest change because I firmly believe that with the allowance of an 18 inch trout per day a lot of 15+ inch fish will grow rather quickly in the eyes of the angler. We have a modest landlock salmon run out of a resivoir in cenrtal Mass where 2 fish per day over 18 inches are allowed and every year I see numerous sub 18 inch fish being taken out.  The problem – no enforecement. Won’t be any different on the B’kill. Lets hope that the high waters this fall result in a good spawn.  We’ll have to wait two yrs to find out though and see if we’re catching those 7 to 9 inch browns; which I used to be a master of but have not seen in recent years. Regarding hatch decline I’m not 100% convinced yet that that does not have something to do with the flood / drought cycle of recent yrs.  For what it is worth the trico’s were awesome this year and while I was not on hte river I heard that the Hendricksons were quite heavy.          

Response:

I would agree with this assessment, in principle. A moratorium may be what is needed. This, ultimately, is what helped the striper fishery recover. Then again, we don’t have a consensus on what is killing the Kill… ACP – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – B) It’s been said that large native Battenkill trout are non-existent. HOG-WASH! I submit evidence to the contrary, The photo at… Actually, what I have heard, is that the ‘average’ size fish, (9"-11" Brookies, and 10"-14" Browns), were in short supply and the bulk of the population were large and small fish. I have never seen many kids fishing the river, and I seriously doubt that a 2 fish limit for them will have a serious impact. The problem will come with enforcement, and the fact that bait fishing is allowed. I think ‘artificials only’ should be the rule wherever fish must be released. Actually, my preference would have been to close the entire stream to *all* usage for one year,  assess the results next fall, and formulate new regulations at that time. George Adams

Response:

I can attest to great Trico hatches on rivers near the BKill…scores of those little buggers. Personally, I can’t stand fishing those things, but the blue wing olive hatches made up for it! ACP – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – George’s thought of closing the river for a year is not a bad one but just look at how difficult it has been to get even this modest change enacted. I say modest change because I firmly believe that with the allowance of an 18 inch trout per day a lot of 15+ inch fish will grow rather quickly in the eyes of the angler. We have a modest landlock salmon run out of a resivoir in cenrtal Mass where 2 fish per day over 18 inches are allowed and every year I see numerous sub 18 inch fish being taken out.  The problem – no enforecement. Won’t be any different on the B’kill. Lets hope that the high waters this fall result in a good spawn.  We’ll have to wait two yrs to find out though and see if we’re catching those 7 to 9 inch browns; which I used to be a master of but have not seen in recent years. Regarding hatch decline I’m not 100% convinced yet that that does not have something to do with the flood / drought cycle of recent yrs.  For what it is worth the trico’s were awesome this year and while I was not on hte river I heard that the Hendricksons were quite heavy.

Response:

 Hi folks.  I am writing with regards to special regulations        that have been proposed for the Battenkill in Vermont.  As many        are aware the fishery has been suffering for the past several        years and unfortunately despite efforts by Vermont Fish and        Wildlife there has been no definitive causes identified for the        decline that has been seen.        In order to reduce the decline in the population of the brown        trout in the river the state has proposed a 6 yr. no kill        regulation that will eliminate or at least minimize the one        identifiable factor in the rivers decline; angler harvest.  At        the same time the state plans to do an extensive study on the        river to identify causes for the decline. (This work has        already begun with some habitat improvement completed this fall        and an evaluation of spawning areas planned for later in the        month).   A public meeting was held in August and the proposal        was by and large favorably received by the public.  Yesterday        the Fish and Wildlife Board voted on this proposal.  It was        accepted with two very important amendments that may corrupt        the purpose of the no kill proposal.  The first is to allow        children under the age of 15 to keep two trout of any size per        day. The second is to allow any angler to keep one trout per        day of 18 inches or larger.        An additional vote will be taken (probably in December) to        determine the final regulations that will be placed on the        river.  There are no public hearings scheduled to discuss these        two amendments but from what I understand this can be ?forced?        upon the board through petition.  I will be investigating how        to achieve this.        In the meantime I would ask that any anglers that are        interested in seeing the Battenkill fishery turned around        please write a POLITE letter to the following individuals that        are members of the F&W Board.        David Mallory        RD # 1, Box 103        Jericho, VT 05465       John Stannard       PO Box 73       Rte 30       Dorset VT 05251        For what it is worth I am not a C&R zealot but I do value the        opportunity of catching wild trout and the Battenkill can be        turned around.  Folks that fish the area around Manchester and        Arlington have numerous options when it comes to fishing and        there is no shortage of streams and ponds that offer anglers        the chance to take home a few fish for dinner.        The real question is whether we as sportsman are willing to        sacrifice a little bit now to pass along a better resource for        the next generations of anglers. We owe it to ourselves and our        children to work towards making the river a better stream than        it is at the moment.  Catch and release is a small price to        pay.        I hope you’ll support the river by writing to these gentlemen        in order to persuade them to reconsider the amendments that        have been put forward.        For what it is worth regarding kids on the river and the 18 inch fish regulation        problem becomes one of enforcement.  Dad’s fishin with the kids, they go off to        collect rocks and a fish takes.  Dad lands the fish and keeps it.  Is that legit?        Regarding 18 inch fish.  I don’t know about you but I can see a lot of guys          using their eyes as rulers and then fish from 14 inches on go into the creel.  I’ve        seen it down here in Mass where we have a salmon run in the fall.  A lot of "18        salmon" are taken home that are clearly shy of that.        Thanks very much.        Doug Lyons

Response:

Some obeservations: 1. The only 1 fish over 18 inches rule is interesting in light of evidence    that such fish are basically nonexistent in the B-Kill…indeed, trout    over TEN inches are apparently down by 89% in many stretched (Source:    Fly Fishing in Northern New England). Thus, my own take is that this    will do little to HARM the fishing. 2. I wonder if these, and more restrictions may increase crowds at other    nearby rivers, thus creating same problems as those affecting the    B-Kill. Perhaps such rules need to to be enforced at all nearby    rivers as a preventative? ACP – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi folks.  I am writing with regards to special regulations       that have been proposed for the Battenkill in Vermont.  As many       are aware the fishery has been suffering for the past several       years and unfortunately despite efforts by Vermont Fish and       Wildlife there has been no definitive causes identified for the       decline that has been seen.       In order to reduce the decline in the population of the brown       trout in the river the state has proposed a 6 yr. no kill       regulation that will eliminate or at least minimize the one       identifiable factor in the rivers decline; angler harvest.  At       the same time the state plans to do an extensive study on the       river to identify causes for the decline. (This work has       already begun with some habitat improvement completed this fall       and an evaluation of spawning areas planned for later in the       month).   A public meeting was held in August and the proposal       was by and large favorably received by the public.  Yesterday       the Fish and Wildlife Board voted on this proposal.  It was       accepted with two very important amendments that may corrupt       the purpose of the no kill proposal.  The first is to allow       children under the age of 15 to keep two trout of any size per       day. The second is to allow any angler to keep one trout per       day of 18 inches or larger.       An additional vote will be taken (probably in December) to       determine the final regulations that will be placed on the       river.  There are no public hearings scheduled to discuss these       two amendments but from what I understand this can be ?forced?       upon the board through petition.  I will be investigating how       to achieve this.       In the meantime I would ask that any anglers that are       interested in seeing the Battenkill fishery turned around       please write a POLITE letter to the following individuals that       are members of the F&W Board.       David Mallory       RD # 1, Box 103       Jericho, VT 05465      John Stannard      PO Box 73      Rte 30      Dorset VT 05251       For what it is worth I am not a C&R zealot but I do value the       opportunity of catching wild trout and the Battenkill can be       turned around.  Folks that fish the area around Manchester and       Arlington have numerous options when it comes to fishing and       there is no shortage of streams and ponds that offer anglers       the chance to take home a few fish for dinner.       The real question is whether we as sportsman are willing to       sacrifice a little bit now to pass along a better resource for       the next generations of anglers. We owe it to ourselves and our       children to work towards making the river a better stream than       it is at the moment.  Catch and release is a small price to       pay.       I hope you’ll support the river by writing to these gentlemen       in order to persuade them to reconsider the amendments that       have been put forward.       For what it is worth regarding kids on the river and the 18 inch fish regulation       problem becomes one of enforcement.  Dad’s fishin with the kids, they go off to       collect rocks and a fish takes.  Dad lands the fish and keeps it.  Is that legit?       Regarding 18 inch fish.  I don’t know about you but I can see a lot of guys       using their eyes as rulers and then fish from 14 inches on go into the creel.  I’ve       seen it down here in Mass where we have a salmon run in the fall.  A lot of "18       salmon" are taken home that are clearly shy of that.       Thanks very much.       Doug Lyons

Response:

Intersesting thoughts. There are still a few good ones swimming the river – a friend took 14 and 15 1/2 brown this past season.  A big concern I have is that a lot of eyeball measuring will be going on and the 15 inch trout will be stretched out by overly zealous anglers. Regarding fishing pressure on other streams one has to remember that many such rivers (the Wallumsac comes to mind)  are generously supported by stocking.  

Response:

Intersesting thoughts. There are still a few good ones swimming the river – a friend took 14 and 15 1/2 brown this past season.  A big concern I have is that a lot of eyeball measuring will be going on and the 15 inch trout will be stretched out by overly zealous anglers. Regarding fishing pressure on other streams one has to remember that many such rivers (the Wallumsac comes to mind)  are generously supported by stocking.  

My take on this whole topic… A) The recently passed regulation is in my opinion a giant step. While probably not the ultimate solution, it certainly is a beginning. Total C&R would be better…FF only would be better…river usage changes pertaining to canoes and tubes would be better…but it’s a good start! I certainly predict the sighting of more youths astream…still that’s ok…a two fish limit between dad and youngster is fine by me. Plus it propogates a continuence of the sport amongst the next generation. B) It’s been said that large native Battenkill trout are non-existent. HOG-WASH! I submit evidence to the contrary, The photo at…    <http://www.virtualflybox.com/photos/bkill_brn.shtml …refutes this opinion. I took this photo late last summer and in addition to this fish I have first hand accountings of trout of these proportions having been caught on these fabled waters. C) As to increased fishing pressure on local waters…that will only be caused by the locals…who are, I’m sure already there, due to the recent decline of the fishery on the Battenkill. D) Future regulatory thoughts have to consider things like the impact caused by non-fishing river usage, changes in the chemical runoffs, landowner riverside impacts, etc. I personally can attest to a huge change in the insect activity on this river. The Caddis hatches used to be legendary…now they are quite rare. The Battenkill has not seen a stockery of fish in over thirty years and has until recently been a prime fishery. Only in the last ten years has there been a major decline…so the reason for that must be determined and solved. But quickly! keep tyin’…byard * * * * * * * * *   V I R T U A L    F L Y B O X    * * * * * * * * *    Fly Tyers Worldwide * Hundreds of Patterns * Tying Instructions                     http://www.VirtualFlybox.com * * * *   F E A T U R I N G   *  9 8 0  *   P A T T E R N S   * * * *

Response:

Question:

Morgan Brown < Congratulations, and welcome to flyfishing. The way you so vividly described your experience lends to my belief that your heart in is the right place for it. And secondly that you minor in literature or writing. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve only been fishing for a couple months now, but the whole flyfishing experience has been a rebirth for my interest in fishing and of the outdoors.  Living in Golden, CO this summer, I’ve found the South Platte River near Fairplay to be an excellent fishing environment – close, uncrowded, full of trout, and beautiful. I fished the South Fork of the S. Platte near Hartsel one Sunday afternoon, still struggling to master the intricacies of actually fishing on the river, more concerned with my ability to snag and lose flies than to catch fish.  The sun edged toward the horizon, giving the remnants of afternoon thunderstorms a warm and heavenly golden-orange hue, and silhouetting the 14,000-foot peaks to the west.  Wading upstream in the gurgling, tepid flow of the stream, I casted to each alluring, grassy cut bank, struggling to keep my elk-hair caddis fly floating freely, scarcely believing that I could convince a brown trout that my offering was edible!  I gently placed my fly between an undercut grassy bank and a large boulder, when in a rush of fury, a decent-sized fish head roiled the water in the vicinity of my fly.  Madly, I stripped line toward me, trying to hook the fish.  Thankfully, he stayed on, and fought like a champion, rushing upstream, then downstream, around in circles, vigorously trying to throw my fly.  Finally I subdued the fish, gently cradling a beautiful 12" brown trout in my hands.  After I unhooked the exhausted fish and revived him in the steady current, I sat down on the cool, grassy bank, feeling the pleasant life-blood current of the stream course past my legs, and watched the slowly setting sun signal the end of day in God’s country.  I had experienced something that embodied true peace.  I stood in the stream, feeling nature rushing past my ankles.  I stalked the trout as I would a brother, fighting and beating him with all my heart, then released him as an equal, so we might fight again.  As visions of the madly-whirling world to which I would be forced to return flashed before my eyes, I wondered to myself: "How many of those people have caught a trout on a fly rod?"  Not many. Not many. — MORGAN P. BROWN                     Colorado School of Mines             Rice University                     Phone:   (303) 215-9190 URL:     http://timna.mines.edu/~mbrown           http://www.owlnet.rice.edu/~mpbro

Response:

Just plain wonderfull. –tony – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Morgan Brown < Congratulations, and welcome to flyfishing. The way you so vividly described your experience lends to my belief that your heart in is the right place for it. And secondly that you minor in literature or writing. I’ve only been fishing for a couple months now, but the whole flyfishing experience has been a rebirth for my interest in fishing and of the outdoors.  Living in Golden, CO this summer, I’ve found the South Platte River near Fairplay to be an excellent fishing environment – close, uncrowded, full of trout, and beautiful. I fished the South Fork of the S. Platte near Hartsel one Sunday afternoon, still struggling to master the intricacies of actually fishing on the river, more concerned with my ability to snag and lose flies than to catch fish.  The sun edged toward the horizon, giving the remnants of afternoon thunderstorms a warm and heavenly golden-orange hue, and silhouetting the 14,000-foot peaks to the west.  Wading upstream in the gurgling, tepid flow of the stream, I casted to each alluring, grassy cut bank, struggling to keep my elk-hair caddis fly floating freely, scarcely believing that I could convince a brown trout that my offering was edible!  I gently placed my fly between an undercut grassy bank and a large boulder, when in a rush of fury, a decent-sized fish head roiled the water in the vicinity of my fly.  Madly, I stripped line toward me, trying to hook the fish.  Thankfully, he stayed on, and fought like a champion, rushing upstream, then downstream, around in circles, vigorously trying to throw my fly.  Finally I subdued the fish, gently cradling a beautiful 12" brown trout in my hands.  After I unhooked the exhausted fish and revived him in the steady current, I sat down on the cool, grassy bank, feeling the pleasant life-blood current of the stream course past my legs, and watched the slowly setting sun signal the end of day in God’s country.  I had experienced something that embodied true peace.  I stood in the stream, feeling nature rushing past my ankles.  I stalked the trout as I would a brother, fighting and beating him with all my heart, then released him as an equal, so we might fight again.  As visions of the madly-whirling world to which I would be forced to return flashed before my eyes, I wondered to myself: "How many of those people have caught a trout on a fly rod?"  Not many. Not many. — MORGAN P. BROWN Colorado School of Mines Rice University Phone:   (303) 215-9190 URL:     http://timna.mines.edu/~mbrown         http://www.owlnet.rice.edu/~mpbro

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Question:

Would like to get some info on fishing for pike, bass etc. in Alberta, Manitoba, and Sask. Places you have fished. I am from the West Coast so this is all new to me. I will be bringing my own boat and camper Thanks for your help.

Response:

In Manitoba there are numerous spots for Pike but htere are only two GREAT musky Lakes and all you can keep is a picture. They stock them at 38". Does that tell you anything? Lots of good lakes with big Pike "Way up North" but I caught the biggest Pike of my career right in Lake of the Prairies. Lots of 48" stuff that weighs in the 30 to 35 lb range. Water is high in fertility so it makes for very large fish very early. If you have a big enough Boat and your going through Saskatchewan hit LAke Deifenbaker. You’l catch anything from Pike to Atlantic Salmon. Probably the most underated fishery in the Province and lots of good camping in a priairie environment. You’ll see more animals than you will in the far North and again the water fertility is very high. — Bob Sheedy Angling Adventures North Lake Fly Fishing On-Line Magazine Home of MASTER ANGLER Fishing Software http://www.articfire.com/arcfire/fishing.htm

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It’s nice to hear from someone who is interested in fishing in Saskatchewan. I live in North Battleford and would recommend any of the lakes in this area. There are no Bass around here, mainly Pike, Walleye, Perch and Stocked Trout. Murray Lake and Jackfish Lake are located 20 minutes North of the city, within our Provincial Park which is very beautiful. They are known for limits of 10" – 12" Perch, lots of Walleye, the largest being about 7 – 8 lbs, as well as plenty of Pike, the largest being 32 lbs. We have stocked Trout lakes such as Twin Lakes, and Picnic Lake, but the sizes caught would probably be considerably smaller than you are used to, 2 – 10 lbs. Also running through the center of the city is the beautiful Saskatchewan River, which has produced Walleye over 10 lbs, as well as Sturgeon up to and exceeding the 100 lb mark. I hope this helps, and I hope your stay in our wonderful province is a memorable one. Good Fishing!

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Question:

— Greg Smith    Visit New York State’s majestic Adirondack Mountains at    http://www.dreamscape.com/esmith/ "I know that our bodies were made to thrive only in pure air,    and the scenes in which pure air is found" –John Muir

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<—– Whole Lotta BUNK Deleted —–

Ayyy Yo Mustiiiie! Wassamatta, youze mom didn’t give youze enough love or somethin??? Or maybe she gave you toooooo much love, dats the problem I think. Youze wanna talk about "Ultimate Challenges"? How about youze givin the nice folks on all of these newsgroups youze been pollutin a lil break? How about you don’t post anything anywhere for a whole month? How about that for an "Ultimate Challenge", huh Mustie? I mean Mistie, I mean, uh, what was your name again? Anyway, I bet youze can’t do it cause youze is not man enough. I bet youze got a "Nad Boy" sticker, fuzzy dice, and flames on your metallic pink Honda, don’t ya? Well, I’m sure I’ll be hearin from ya, cause I know for a fact that you WILL fail the "Ultimate Challenge"… Sly P.S. Youze don’t like my movies, don’t watch’em. I just try to make a      livin like everybody else…

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I can’t believe you people keep falling for this stuff.  You need to just ignore the post altogether. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Oh say can you see, by the prides early light, that you are a fool, for buying the Ford.  And the engine breaks down,  you feel like a clown, Thats right you un-intelligent flag wavers!  Why is it that you all seem so hung up on BUY AMERICAN!   Why is it that innocent women get harrased by union truck drivers for driving a foriegn vehicle?  Would you like your wife,  daughter or mom to be insulted by some greasy moron who says  

Question:

I have two $69.00 caddis tubes that I use for striped bass fly fishing here in CA.. My 8 year old daughter and 10 year old son have no problems at all using them as neither do I. I find the lighter and less expensive the better…One of the responses to you mentioned being "pee" friendly either way you still have wadders on. good luck.  

Response:

One thing to consider is where you will be using the tube or pontoon boat.  I have used both and when conditions permit a pontoon boat is easier to fish from for the reasons others have listed, but I often enjoy backpacking into lakes, and my tube weighs far less than a pontoon boat, which would be too cumbersome for such a trip.  Good luck with your decision.

Response:

There is a pontoon boat that addresses the needs of the backpacker and the river fisherman. Try the Supercat. —                    "One Fish is Worth a Thousand Lies"                             http://Flyfish.Com

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There is a pontoon boat that addresses the needs of the backpacker and the river fisherman. Try the Supercat.

I just tried out a Supercat yesterday and it was great. I’ll be ordering one soon. I guess I shouldn’t have bought that float tube a couple of weeks ago. Brad

Response:

Hello, I am going to make a purchase of either a float tube, or a pontoon float. If you have had experience in any of the above, I sure would like to hear your opinion as the database of information is pretty scarce. If you have a pontoon float, how are they in the wind?  U shape verses V shape verses Round?  How about brand names, general price, etc, good or bad? Sure would appreciate your input. Thanks. Mike

Response:

I just replaced my tube with a JW Outfitters Kingfisher 4 pontoon.  I like it alot better because 1) casting is much easier, 2) sight-fishing is much better, 3) it is faster and more manuverable, 4) ingress-egress MUCH nicer, 5) it is certainly more pee-friendly, and 6) it is lighter.  As to the wind, not a problem.  You can kick out real easily.

Response:

Pontoon boat more comfortable, drier, covers more area. But nothying like fightinhg  a big fish from a float tube. if you gert a flaoat tube-go u or v -boat design only.

Response:

Hello, I am going to make a purchase of either a float tube, or a pontoon float. If you have had experience in any of the above, I sure would like to hear your opinion as the database of information is pretty scarce. If you have a pontoon float, how are they in the wind?  U shape verses V shape verses Round?  How about brand names, general price, etc, good or bad? Sure would appreciate your input. Thanks.

Hi Mike I’ve had a lot of experience with float tubes and pontoon boats.  The float tube will cost you less than a pontoon boat (tube = $100 or so, pontoon = $400 – $1600 or so) Personally I would use a pontoon boat over a float tube no matter what the cost difference is.  After I reached the age of 45 whenever I got my crotch in cold water it was an immediate trip to the bank for a nature call.  Also as I got older staying warm in a tube became a problem.  Also I never felt comfortable floating a river in a tube although I’ve done quite a bit of it.   In the wind you can kick your heart out in a tube and progress on you way very slowly.  With a pontoon craft you can kick and row at the same time and really scoot.  My wife and I use our boats here in Montana on streams like the Big Horn.  When we float through a section that is particularly productive, we pull over to the soft side of the river and kick and row our way back up stream to the top end of the pool and float through it again.  I’ve had my craft in rapid up to grade #3 and did not feel in jeopardy (I have had a lot of experience in white water so that could be part of the reason).  By the way I’m in the fly fishing business but do not sell pontoon boats. For what it’s worth, that’s my belief.  I’m sure you will get other responces with different oppinions.  Which ever way you go, ENJOY! Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (96 catalog)

Response:

Question:

You want: Trout and Salmon Rivers and Lochs of Scotland Bruce Sandison Merlin Unwin Books.

Question:

Does anyone know anything about fly fishing for stripers and blues at Rye Playland (or anywhere else in Westchester County for that matter)?  I live in the area and would appreciate any info.  thanks —   floete

Response:

If you live there you already know you need a boat…. If that is no problem then you will find very good fishing from Scotch caps as far east as you want to run. The best times for me were on a dropping tide near the caps or a high tide just about everywhere else. Clousers work well, poppers when blues are around and big deceivers too. Watch for fire worm hatch in June/July. For Playland the breakwall was good. Use a sinking tip and have fun ! "The true angler is always content to fish alone" Brian Di Carlo

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