Question:

Hi, could anyone suggest a stream, pond, or other fly fishing within a short drive from Monterey CA?  I will be there in October and hoped I could try some western fishing.  (I live and fish on the Gulf Coast.) Thanks in advance, john

Response:

There are a few rivers in the area…. You should check the regulations before coming but here they are- Big Sur River, San Lorenzo River and Soquel Creek.  You may be a bit early as these are Steelhead rivers but it would be fun to wet a line.  If you don’t mind driving 2 hrs I could really list tons of great water. Thanks,Forrest — Forrest http://www.FlyFishingREVIEW.com FlyFishingREVIEW.com Win any Sage Rod at FlyFishingREVIEW.com!!! Hi, could anyone suggest a stream, pond, or other fly fishing within a short drive from Monterey CA?  I will be there in October and hoped I could try some western fishing.  (I live and fish on the Gulf Coast.) Thanks in advance, john

– Forrest http://www.FlyFishingREVIEW.com FlyFishingREVIEW.com Before you buy.

Response:

If you want to try fishing the surf, you can fish for surf perch right off a number of beaches.  I have seen a number of discussions on this on Dan blanton’s web site, www.danblanton.com.  Check out the archives for previous discussions.  I have fished Manrissa, (sp??) Beach a few times and have had a great time. Chris

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Question:

Greetings all, I am planning on taking my son on some fishing trips here in the next few weeks; he is relatively young and just starting in fishing.  We are planning on going to the South-East corner of Minnesota for the trips but we are somewhat new to the area and not familiar with the rivers and streams.  I would like to find a river or stream that we camp nearby for a night or two and that he can fish in while I can also do some fly fishing (preferable within walking distance of the camp.) Does anyone know of any places like this in the area that they could recommend to us?  We would greatly appreciate any information that we get. Thanks….

Response:

… Does anyone know of any places like this in the area that they could recommend to us? …

Whitewater State Park. — Ken Fortenberry

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Question:

Good report deleted. Some general questions. When does the shad run start and how long does it last?

Around late March/early April through early May.   The peak varies from year to year.   Seems to be doing quite well this past week, though. How widespread are the runs?

If you mean when do the fish come up the river, it seems to be triggered by higher than average flows.   Early morning & late afternoon are reportedly better, but I don’t go enough to say yes or no.   I’ll add a bit of clarity in that the Susquehanna River holds more fish for longer than do these lower tributaries.   I just like Deer Creek because it’s so darned pretty and a lot easier fishing than on the big river (not to mention safer wading). Many years ago, when the shad were considerably more plentiful, one could arrive in the wee dawn hours and take up a position in quiet waters just below Conowingo Dam.   Once the rest of the world woke up and demanded electricity, they’d start the turbines in the hydro plant.   That was like an ON switch for the shad.   With the higher flows, they’d start biting imediately. Are they on spawning beds when you’re fishing for them or are they in the process of migrating upstream?

The ones I see and catch are migrating.   Quite honestly, I’m not familiar with their spawning habits.   I’ve never noticed a redd in the area I fish, but I’m relatively close to the mouth of the creek. Do the runs draw big crowds?

Crowd being a subjective term, I’d still say yes.   Some pools are known to be excellent spots, and to fish these, your space and mobility will be determined by other fishermen there.   Also, it is not FFO, and there are often a few spin fishermen crowding the FFers.   Having I said that, I’ll say that it is variable by time of day or day of the week.   It’s not necessary to fish the known spots though, the entire river usually holds fish at the peak of the run.   I’ve never had a problem finding a decent pool for myself. And since you didn’t ask: Yellow and red marabou streamers with gold or silver tinsel bodies are the fly of choice.   Use a sink tip line when the water is up.   Cast across and throw in a downstream mend.   They’ll hit on the swing. Joe F.

Response:

We have a HUGE run of shad in the Columbia R. throughout July, sometimes topping 100,000 per day.  These are fairly large fish, running about 3 to 7lbs, with the average about 4lbs.  Hard fighting fish, especially in the considerable current below Bonneville dam, which seems to be the best fishing area.  You can catch them on a fly, but most people use spinning gear, 8-12lb mono, and  small jigs (shad darts) with and ounce or more of pencil lead, since the best fishing is often 30 to 100 yards or more out (where the current is, beyond the eddies or slack water).  Also fisherman are often nearly touching shoulders, so flyfishing is well nigh impossible unless you fish well away from the crowds where the fishing is poor.  You also have to horse the fish in since there are so many lines in the water.  But with the fish so prolific, it can still be a blast. Pat K  

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – We have a HUGE run of shad in the Columbia R. throughout July, sometimes topping 100,000 per day.  These are fairly large fish, running about 3 to 7lbs, with the average about 4lbs.  Hard fighting fish, especially in the considerable current below Bonneville dam, which seems to be the best fishing area.  You can catch them on a fly, but most people use spinning gear, 8-12lb mono, and  small jigs (shad darts) with and ounce or more of pencil lead, since the best fishing is often 30 to 100 yards or more out (where the current is, beyond the eddies or slack water).  Also fisherman are often nearly touching shoulders, so flyfishing is well nigh impossible unless you fish well away from the crowds where the fishing is poor.  You also have to horse the fish in since there are so many lines in the water.  But with the fish so prolific, it can still be a blast. Pat K

Sounds like the "old days" on the Susquehanna below the Conowingo Dam when the larger American shad were plentiful there.   It was certainly not the kind of fishing I enjoy now; but still, it was a great fun of a different sort. Joe F.

Response:

writes: (snip) I might get out again tonigh, & take my son & SWMBO.   Now where the hell is that other reel? Joe F.

Nice report Joe!The rain continuing over the weekend could have made for a tough day on the water.  A lot of fishermen would not even attempt it.  Says something for perserverance and determination! Wayne To Fish is Human….To Release Divine!      —–  Posted via NewsOne.Net: Free Usenet News via the Web  —–      —–  http://newsone.net/ —  Discussions on every subject. —–    NewsOne.Net prohibits users from posting spam.  If this or other posts

Response:

Good report deleted. Some general questions. When does the shad run start and how long does it last? How widespread are the runs? Are they on spawning beds when you’re fishing for them or are they in the process of migrating upstream? Do the runs draw big crowds? Willi

Response:

I’d hoped to get out over the weekend to give the shad run another shot, but the weather looked grim.   By Saturday evening, though, it had at least stopped raining steadily.   Around 5 p.m., SWMBO suggested I might get a couple hours in before dark.   In 10 min., I had the car packed and was on my way. I got to Deer Creek by 6, and as I parked my car, a few of the fishermen already at the Stafford Bridge pool were wading back to their cars.   The one guy I asked just said, "slow."   Still, I struggled into my waders, put my new Mike C. 4 wt. together, and dug in my bag for the reel.   Well, shit. I didn’t have the sink tip line I would certainly need with the water running as high as it was.   In a remarkable bout of foresight and redundancy, however, I had brought my 6 wt and its sink tip line.   Sorry, Mike; it’ll have to wait until next time.   I rigged the 6 wt. & waded out to a spot about 100 yds upstream of the other handful there. I was expecting slow, and the whole time I was gearing up, I didn’t see anybody else hooking up.   So I was pleasantly surprised when I nailed about a one-pounder on about my fifth cast.   Cool.   The barbless hook easily came free, and I went back to casting across the fast current.   Not long afterward, bam, another one.   Okay, that’s two in the first five minutes; how slow could it be?   In the end, not slow at all. After the tenth fish in less than an hour, I remembered a stale Montecruz in my vest pocket.   Most of the hits were coming at the end of the swing across the current, so after one cast, I tucked the rod under my arm and just let my line trail downstream while I lit the cigar.   About the time I got the stogie fired up, I had another fish on, and I set the hook with my armpit.  It was a little too easy; but I admit, I was having fun. As darkness approached, the average size of the fish increased, so I didn’t want to leave.   The last one, when I could barely see, was pushing two pounds.   In landing that one, I managed to tangle my line & tippet so badly there was no way I’d be able to undo it in the dark, so I was done for the night.   I’d caught well over 20 fish in about two hours. The 6 wt. was just a bit heavy for the size fish I was catching, and most of them could be pulled almost straight in.   A few bigger ones put up a pretty good fight, though, with a couple actually making the drag sing a few bars. I might get out again tonigh, & take my son & SWMBO.   Now where the hell is that other reel? Joe F.

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Question:

Hello all, for those of you who expressed interest here is the address of my new website. It has been up for five minutes, and I rather bashed it together yesterday and today, so don’t expect too much at first.  There is not a lot there at the moment, but I will be adding to it almost daily for a while.

Got a problem, Mike. I couldn’t contact your server. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/ something bogus to avoid spam)

Response:

Never mind. I got it. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/ something bogus to avoid spam)

Response:

Hi Mike,    I am happy you found a Webb site for your great work.  The picture of that handsome young fellow holding the fly rod on the main page loaded a little slow and was a little dark.  I down loaded it, converted it to a compressed jpg file and tweaked the brightness a little.  It reduced the volume from 200K to 56K.  I think that would probably be better.  An there is one other thing you might think about changing.  As the picture was slowly loading I could read the first line under the picture which said " I hope you enjoy this site, please leave"  :-) Your friend, Ernie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello all, for those of you who expressed interest here is the address of my new website. It has been up for five minutes, and I rather bashed it together yesterday and today, so don’t expect too much at first.  There is not a lot there at the moment, but I will be adding to it almost daily for a while. http://www.connor.via.t-online.de/ Hope you enjoy it — "In order to achieve what is possible, one must constantly attempt the impossible"

Response:

http://www.connor.via.t-online.de/ Hope you enjoy it

Congrats Mike!  A job well done. bc. — The fruit derived from labor is the sweetest of all pleasures. — Marquis De Vauvenargues

Response:

Thanks Mike! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – http://www.connor.via.t-online.de/

Response:

Mike, Thanks for posting your stories, flies, and other things.  It’s valuable information and an enjoyable read.  Now you have control of your site and it looks great.  It came up and quickly for me. Vern – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks Mike! http://www.connor.via.t-online.de/

Response:

Hello all, for those of you who expressed interest here is the address of my new website. It has been up for five minutes, and I rather bashed it together yesterday and today, so don’t expect too much at first.  There is not a lot there at the moment, but I will be adding to it almost daily for a while. http://www.connor.via.t-online.de/ Hope you enjoy it — "In order to achieve what is possible, one must constantly attempt the impossible"

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – says… Hello all, for those of you who expressed interest here is the address of my new website. It has been up for five minutes, and I rather bashed it together yesterday and today, so don’t expect too much at first.  There is not a lot there at the moment, but I will be adding to it almost daily for a while. http://www.connor.via.t-online.de/ Hope you enjoy it — "In order to achieve what is possible, one must constantly attempt the impossible" Hey! That’s pretty good Mike! I was poking in around the Yorkshire Flies area and I liked the work! I have yet to tie a soft hackle and I was curious how you fish these in still waters…

I saw the description of technique on the first page… Care to elicidate? The pond I fish is rather small so no current and some days there is very little if any wind! — Michael Era

Question:

my week-long sabbatical in the blue ridge ends today, but i leave with more experience in the streams i love and having developed a better friendship with Walt Winter of ezflyfish.com..

Appreciate the reports, Jeff.  I think Tom Brown was up that way this weekend as well.  Fond memories of the Great North State……. Mark Faulkner

Response:

Appreciate the reports, Jeff.  I think Tom Brown was up that way this weekend as well.  Fond memories of the Great North State……. Mark Faulkner

I wanted to go this weekend, but couldn’t get a dog sitter.  Probably just as well, there would have been more witnesses.  NEXT weekend – now that’s a different story.  I’m heading over on Friday and, if I make it back home, I’ll post an unambiguous, unfettered, true report of the ensuing activities (depending on circumstances and to the extent that my attorney allows). Tom — Tom Brown The Signal Group Wake Forest, NC HEATHEN, n. A benighted creature who has the folly to worship something that he can see and feel.                – Ambrose Bierce: The Devil’s Dictionary

Response:

        my week-long sabbatical in the blue ridge ends today, but i leave with more experience in the streams i love and having developed a better friendship with Walt Winter of ezflyfish.com…walt martyred himself to fishing with me during these last 3 days, braving the wrath of his lovely spouse Marie and delaying the demands of his business until the late evening hours.           The first 3 days, i fished my usual spots.           one stream i consider "my" stream because of its closeness to my cabin, because i fish it every time i’m in the area hoping to get to know its entire length eventually, and because it always yields me a fish or two or several. it holds only wild browns and is overlooked by many of the fishing population (spinning and fly) because of its location and lower elevation (1400 feet). still, it has all of the characteristics of streams i love to hike and fish…wildlife (turkey, deer, grouse, snakes)can be seen on occasions, wildflowers blooming from spring through late fall, and a nice combination of deep pools, pocket water, and riffles with some small waterfalls and large boulders or rock formations.  there is a small trail for about 4 miles running beside the stream, which allows access to various points and gives an ability to avoid other fishermen/women or to share a nice day with a group of friends by staggering entries. the browns in the stream are as beautiful, "spooky", and feisty as any i’ve caught in any of the wild trout waters of the state.  On this trip, i deceived several nice brownies with a dave’s hopper, parachute adams, hare’s ear, and prince nymph.  the largest was 10 1/2 inches…above average for me in this stream…with the others in the 6 – 9 inch range, which is the size of fish generally caught in non-hatchery waters. on one trip, i caught an 8 inch brown out of the tail of a deep pool, and a big brown of at least 15-18 inches chased after it as i was bringing it in, so there are larger fish waiting to be taken with skillful and patient persistence…that big brown provides an enduring optimism and goal for future pursuits on "my" stream… jeff

Response:

Question:

A few years ago, I was using a Herlihy (sp.?) knot, but I lost fish like crazy on that knot.  I know that I wasn’t doing something right.  So, I went back to the old improved clinch knot, which I at least feel I can tie correctly.  But still, I snap off decent fish every time I get one.

try a trilene knot. recently I had similar experiences with good size fish. I’d gone for a trip brought what I thought was a few days worth of flies and lost 6 or 7 in a morning – using an improved clinch! The trilene is known to be stronger so I switched to that – and the next few days I didn’t loose a fly till the last morning. the trilene is exactly like a clinch except you go through the eye of the hook 2x and put the tag through both loops formed at the eye then pull it tight. It gives you double the strength at the hook eye. Ralph H

Response:

Yesterday, it happened again.  I was fishing the Russian River here in Alaska, and I lost another big fish.  I’ve been flyfishing on and off for 20 years now, and I gave up spinfishing completely about ten years ago.  In all that time, I have never managed to land a big trout – say anything over 18" or so. The reds are finally disappearing from the Russian, and there are only a few silvers coming through.  With a good pair of glasses, you can see lots of big (20"-30") fish, a mixture of rainbows and Dollies. I had caught one decent Dolly (I did take a 20" Dolly down there two weeks ago), when I spotted two fish in the 20"-24" range. I came up from below them, and fished them with my small pink single egg pattern for about 10 minutes.  No interest at all.  So I moved up a bit, upstream from the fish, and a few casts later, a cast ended up down where those two fish were sitting.  The larger fish grabbed the egg, and I was thrilled. The fish took me under two rocks, and I was in the middle of the river, trying to get my line out from under rocks.  I could feel the fish fighting, but by the time I got the line free from the second rock, the line was snapped. It would have easily been the biggest rainbow I’ve ever caught. This is a recurrent theme with me.  I snap off flies all the time, and feel I must be doing something wrong.  Yesterday, I wanted to apply more pressure, to keep the fish from going under the rocks, but I was afraid to do so.  I must admit that after fly-fishing for salmon all summer with an 8 wt, that my 5 wt feels a bit funny to me, and I was hesitant to use pressure, remembering that the tippet I was using yesterday is not the 14 lb. test leader that I use for reds and silvers. A few years ago, I was using a Herlihy (sp.?) knot, but I lost fish like crazy on that knot.  I know that I wasn’t doing something right.  So, I went back to the old improved clinch knot, which I at least feel I can tie correctly.  But still, I snap off decent fish every time I get one.  It gets expensive, replacing flies all the time, even the ones I tie myself.  And, at times, I end up running out of flies on the water.  Two weeks ago, when Dollies were slamming flesh flies, I ran out. Then I ran out of crystal flash leeches when the silvers stole them all from me.  Yesterday, I ran out of small single pink eggs, and I didn’t get another bite the rest of the day.  Even worse, I feel terrible thinking about the fish that I injure, leaving them with a fly in their body. I try to be very patient with fish, not applying too much pressure, but that seems to give the fish time to get to cover.  If I try to apply pressure, I seem to snap them off.  I’m sure that this is all a matter of practice, practice, practice, but I end up feeling like a complete fishing failure when I lose these fish every chance I get. Any advice?  It’s almost winter up here, and I want to get down there once or twice more before the snows move in.  I know that there’s still a big rainbow down there with my name on it. As an aside, for those who come to Alaska to fish in the summer, I’d suggest trying September sometime instead.  The Russian is full of big fish right now, there are still silvers to be had, the Kenai is producing large rainbows and Dollies, and the crowds are gone.  I think I saw four or five other fishermen on the Russian yesterday in about five hours of fishing. This is a time of year when you can get to big fish by just driving from Anchorage rather than flying, see beautiful fall scenery, and fish uncrowded streams, because everyone else is out moose hunting. Thanks. Damon

Response:

This is pretty elementary, so I hesitate to mention it to someone with so much experience, but are you lubricating your knots with spit?  – something bogus to avoid spam)

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – try a trilene knot. recently I had similar experiences with good size fish. I’d gone for a trip brought what I thought was a few days worth of flies and lost 6 or 7 in a morning – using an improved clinch! The trilene is known to be stronger so I switched to that – and the next few days I didn’t loose a fly till the last morning. the trilene is exactly like a clinch except you go through the eye of the hook 2x and put the tag through both loops formed at the eye then pull it tight. It gives you double the strength at the hook eye. Ralph H

Yes, Ralph, that’s the knot.  I sent Damon an email trying to describe it, but you just did it better. Mark Faulkner

Response:

=====SNIP====== Any advice?  It’s almost winter up here, and I want to get down there once or twice more before the snows move in.  I know that there’s still a big rainbow down there with my name on it.

Assuming that you use the proper tip-diameter & that the fly indeed breaks off at the tip I would advice the "Palomar"-knot: – bring the tip forth & back through the eye of the hook, thus forming a loop. – make a single overhand knot in the double section, sothat the fly comes down hanging in the knot. – take the fly through the loop. – now SPIT ON IT!!!! This really helps to win more than half of your knotstrenght. – Sl

Question:

Does anyone have any tips on flyfishing at Gold Lake (hwy 58) in Oregon?

Response:

Does anyone have any tips on flyfishing at Gold Lake (hwy 58) in Oregon?

1. Take plenty of mosquito juice. 2. Small nymphs, dries, chronimids. 3. Enjoy Lake is full of 8" brookies and fewer larger rainbow.

Response:

Question:

What about streams and rivers ina around yellowstone?

Response:

I’m planning to visit Yellowstone NP in the second half of June.  Does anyone have any suggestions for flyfishing locations, techniques, or patterns during this time of year? Thanks. — John Stoeckel

Response:

Float tube on Yellowstone Lake for Cutthroats w/ bead head wooly buggers

Response:

Stop by Park’s Fly shop in Gardiner, Mont., at the north entrance of the Park. some of the nicest folks you could ask for — not the usual pushy "salesmen" you will find. They will give you a Park map, and even mark it for you. Find Indian Creek, and take a bunch of sturdy hoppers. You can fish most of this stream from the bank, with little or no problem from overhangs. Everytime I’ve fished this beautiful stream, I’ve had great luck. Not many monsters, but a super site with lots of action. Have a great trip !!! Don Hurst

Response:

Kelley730 writes: Float tube on Yellowstone Lake for Cutthroats w/ bead head wooly buggers

You’ll have to wait til July to do that, unless they’ve changed the regs. Lewis Lake is open, though, and the same strategy should work.   Bring some stonefly dry patterns too. CQ

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bring your wet suit and kayak. —

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Question:

Dawn, Gale Meadows Pond is the closest, then maybe Ball Mtn Dam and Townshend Dam.  Somerset Reservoir is not too too far as well.  I hope this helps Cheers, James Ehlers Uncle Jammer’s Guide Service LIC#2298 Underhill, VT

Response:

I need to know some lakes or ponds near Stratton/Bondville, Vermont good for fishing.  Not interested in fly fishing.  Thanks.

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Question:

This request presents a pretty weak thread to this group but I regard you as technicians, hence the question. I’ve been away from fishing for a few years now and have lost track of who mail orders rod building components. Please note that I’m interested in most everything except fly fishing components (including salt water spinning, conventional casting and class trolling to 130+). Any advice is appreciated … AW

Response:

Quoting "WildernessWerkes!"<wwerkes from a message in rec.outdoors.fishing.f    <This request presents a pretty weak thread to this group but I regard    <you as technicians, hence the question. I’ve been away from fishing for    <a few years now and have lost track of who mail orders rod building    <components. Please note that I’m interested in most everything except    <fly fishing components (including salt water spinning, conventional    <casting and class trolling to 130+). Any advice is appreciated … AW I order quite a bit os stuff from Angler’s Workshop.  They have always provided excellant service.           Angler’s Workshop           1350 Atlantic           Woodland, WA. 98674           360-225-9445 Jim Carlisle

Response:

This request presents a pretty weak thread to this group but I regard you as technicians, hence the question. I’ve been away from fishing for a few years now and have lost track of who mail orders rod building components. Please note that I’m interested in most everything except fly fishing components (including salt water spinning, conventional casting and class trolling to 130+). Any advice is appreciated … AW

Just starting to make rods myself. I recently purchased "Crafting a Graphite Fly Rod" by Al Garcia of Frank Amato publications. Al has a section on sources for equipment and materials. B.

Response:

I can reccommend Custom Tackle in Shelbyville, Tenn. Bob McKamey is the owner. Telephone 615-684-6164. I have dealt with this Co. for years. Good luck. Jack

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This request presents a pretty weak thread to this group but I regard you as technicians, hence the question. I’ve been away from fishing for a few years now and have lost track of who mail orders rod building components. Please note that I’m interested in most everything except fly fishing components (including salt water spinning, conventional casting and class trolling to 130+). Any advice is appreciated … AW Just starting to make rods myself. I recently purchased "Crafting a Graphite Fly Rod" by Al Garcia of Frank Amato publications. Al has a section on sources for equipment and materials. B.

I don’t think he’d buy a book on fly fishing gear when he said he wasn’t interested. Angler’s Workshop and Dale Clemems are two great rod building supply companies. Angler’s – (360) 225-9445 Clemens – (610) 395-5119 Don B.

Response:

This request presents a pretty weak thread to this group but I regard you as technicians, hence the question. I’ve been away from fishing for a few years now and have lost track of who mail orders rod building components. Please note that I’m interested in most everything except fly fishing components (including salt water spinning, conventional casting and class trolling to 130+). Any advice is appreciated … AW

Call these: Dale Clemmens Custom Tackle (615)395-5119 Custom Tackle Supply (615)684-6164 Anglers Workshop (360)225-9445

Response:

This request presents a pretty weak thread to this group but I regard you as technicians, hence the question. I’ve been away from fishing for a few years now and have lost track of who mail orders rod building components. Please note that I’m interested in most everything except fly fishing components (including salt water spinning, conventional casting and class trolling to 130+). Any advice is appreciated … AW Just starting to make rods myself. I recently purchased "Crafting a Graphite Fly Rod" by Al Garcia of Frank Amato publications. Al has a section on sources for equipment and materials. B.

There are tons of suppliers, Cabella’s has a good catalogue for tackle craft. Thomas

Response:

One of the most complete mail order rod component catologs that I have seen is put out by Cabela’s.  They put out a series of specialty catalogs.  The one that you need is called "Tackle Craft".  It has a complete spectrum of rod building supplies.  Call 800-237-4444. Mark

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