Question:

July 24,25.26,27  Gosh, I hope you can make it.  You are going to be missing a wonderful party if you dont.  LOL

I  put it on my calendar, I have been watching the fares.  It is on a weekend so there is not too much time off.  It would be a blast  to attend one of the Midwest/East coast gimpfests.  – MZ Visit my website: http://www.mzuschlag.com

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My son rowed the Middle Fork last year and came back saying he wants to move to Idaho. He’s applied for this year too, also in June. I’ll have to call him today to see if he’s heard yet. Did you get an early enough date to be able to contiunue on down the main part of the river? That’s their strategy- I guess there’s a window of opportunity if the timing is right. Usually it is the Middlefork that has the limitation on water the first day or until you reach Indian Creek, then the flow almost doubles.  Main Salmon is always runnable.  It is a lousy water year, but I am hoping runoff will last long enough to get us through the first day or 2 after that the flows increase. I can imagine your son loved it, it is  an amazing river even after all the fires.  – MZ

Well, it’s not too late to pray for more snow! last year April was very productive I understand. All this talk–has me dreaming about kayaking the Green River again. I did that a number of years ago before I got RA.  Flat water but wonderful. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Visit my website: http://www.mzuschlag.com

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We will also try to get a permit for the Main Salmon.  If we can score a permit for the main stem Salmon it means we will do the Middlefork then float down to the put-in on the Main Salmon and do back to back trips totaling about 200 miles.

Ooops, obviously I didn’t read on down the thread before posting! too exciting! Cynthia

Response:

My son rowed the Middle Fork last year and came back saying he wants to move to Idaho. He’s applied for this year too, also in June. I’ll have to call him today to see if he’s heard yet. Did you get an early enough date to be able to contiunue on down the main part of the river? That’s their strategy- I guess there’s a window of opportunity if the timing is right.

Usually it is the Middlefork that has the limitation on water the first day or until you reach Indian Creek, then the flow almost doubles.  Main Salmon is always runnable.  It is a lousy water year, but I am hoping runoff will last long enough to get us through the first day or 2 after that the flows increase. I can imagine your son loved it, it is  an amazing river even after all the fires.  – MZ Visit my website: http://www.mzuschlag.com

Response:

Thank you for the compliment.  I hope we have a good flow in June for you. It is beautiful.  I packed back into Big Creek, a tributary of the Salmon, on horses when I was 18.  Dad and Unc were after goats and sheep.  They filled both.  It was literally an experience of a lifetime.  I am now 56 and Dad and Unc are 83 and 79.  Wish we had more pictures. I wish you the best and I can imagine how excited you are.

You have a beautiful State and the Middlefork is really magical, it is one of my most favorite rivers (and I have done a fair number of rivers).  I put it in the top 3 right next to the Grand Canyon. You can’t compare the Grand and Middlefork they are apples and oranges.  I always try to read the history when I go.  I have read about the Sheepeaters and the wars.  If we get a Main Salmon permit we go right past the Polly Beamis homestead.  I love reading river lore.  I read the book Thousand Pieces of Gold about Polly Beamis when I ran the Salmon.  On the Rogue I enjoy reading Hathaway Jones stories out loud; everyone gets into hysterics, they are tall tales.  Fun to dig out the history.   If you have any good book suggestions for that area let me know. Visit my website: http://www.mzuschlag.com

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What a blast we will be launching in June!

Hmmmmm.  Does that free you up for Gimpfest in July? Char "Remember, I’m pulling for ya’.  We’re all in this together."  Red Green

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What a blast we will be launching in June! Hmmmmm.  Does that free you up for Gimpfest in July? Char "Remember, I’m pulling for ya’. We’re all in this together."  Red Green

When is the Gimpfest?  I have a request  in Travelocity to watch for good fares to Des Moines.  We will be gone until early July,  a bit longer if the Main Sa;lmon permit is obtained. — MZ Visit my website: http://www.mzuschlag.com

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July 24-27 http://www.fadedjeans.com/iowa/ Duckie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – What a blast we will be launching in June! Hmmmmm.  Does that free you up for Gimpfest in July? Char "Remember, I’m pulling for ya’. We’re all in this together."  Red Green When is the Gimpfest?  I have a request  in Travelocity to watch for good fares to Des Moines.  We will be gone until early July,  a bit longer if the Main Sa;lmon permit is obtained. — MZ Visit my website: http://www.mzuschlag.com

–   _(‘  (_<_)           _   _(‘< -quack  (_<_)     _    __(‘< *QUACK!* <_{__)   _(‘< "|,,|_"  (_<_)

Response:

July 24,25.26,27  Gosh, I hope you can make it.  You are going to be missing a wonderful party if you dont.  LOL Char "Remember, I’m pulling for ya’.  We’re all in this together."  Red Green

Response:

I just got the word one of my boating buddies drew a permit for the Idaho’s Middlefork of the Salmon!   I love rowing the Middlefork it is one of my all time favorite rivers and an extremely difficult permit to get.  What a blast we will be launching in June!  Sorry I know this is way OTP but this is really exciting news. — MZ

Lucky You! My son rowed the Middle Fork last year and came back saying he wants to move to Idaho. He’s applied for this year too, also in June. I’ll have to call him today to see if he’s heard yet. Did you get an early enough date to be able to contiunue on down the main part of the river? That’s their strategy- I guess there’s a window of opportunity if the timing is right. Cynthia

Response:

Have you ever examined the info on the Sheepeater Indians?  They populated the area and that is where the petroglyphs came from.  You can still see depressions in some of the banks that were where they camped. — Val in Boise

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – We will also try to get a permit for the Main Salmon.  If we can score a permit for the main stem Salmon it means we will do the Middlefork then float down to the put-in on the Main Salmon and do back to back trips totaling about 200 miles.  We did the Middlefork last in 1997 managed to pick-up a canceled permit for the Main Salmon 2 days before we departed for the trip.  It is awesome crystal clear water, canyons, mountains, hot springs, elk, big horn, petroglyphs, and the best fly fishing you will find anywhere.  First day of the Middlefork is non-stop rapids, not overwhelming but you have to pay attention. Our party usually breaks at least 1 oar in that stretch because it is shallow. Picking up a canceled permits mean we have to call almost every day starting in late March. This is one of the classic western river trips.  I have been bouncing off the walls all day.  – MZ Visit my website: http://www.mzuschlag.com

Response:

Thank you for the compliment.  I hope we have a good flow in June for you. It is beautiful.  I packed back into Big Creek, a tributary of the Salmon, on horses when I was 18.  Dad and Unc were after goats and sheep.  They filled both.  It was literally an experience of a lifetime.  I am now 56 and Dad and Unc are 83 and 79.  Wish we had more pictures. I wish you the best and I can imagine how excited you are. — Val in Boise

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I just got the word one of my boating buddies drew a permit for the Idaho’s Middlefork of the Salmon!   I love rowing the Middlefork it is one of my all time favorite rivers and an extremely difficult permit to get.  What a blast we will be launching in June!  Sorry I know this is way OTP but this is really exciting news. — MZ Visit my website: http://www.mzuschlag.com

Response:

I just got the word one of my boating buddies drew a permit for the Idaho’s Middlefork of the Salmon!   I love rowing the Middlefork it is one of my all time favorite rivers and an extremely difficult permit to get.  What a blast we will be launching in June!  Sorry I know this is way OTP but this is really exciting news. — MZ Visit my website: http://www.mzuschlag.com

Response:

Sent this along to John. You just never know. Duckie I just got the word one of my boating buddies drew a permit for the Idaho’s Middlefork of the Salmon!   I love rowing the Middlefork it is one of my all time favorite rivers and an extremely difficult permit to get.  What a blast we will be launching in June!  Sorry I know this is way OTP but this is really exciting news. — MZ Visit my website: http://www.mzuschlag.com

–   _(‘  (_<_)           _   _(‘< -quack  (_<_)     _    __(‘< *QUACK!* <_{__)   _(‘< "|,,|_"  (_<_)

Response:

I just got the word one of my boating buddies drew a permit for the Idaho’s Middlefork of the Salmon!   I love rowing the Middlefork it is one of my all time favorite rivers and an extremely difficult permit to get.  What a blast we will be launching in June!  Sorry I know this is way OTP but this is really exciting news. — MZ Visit my website: http://www.mzuschlag.com

Wonderful!  How are you gonna stand the wait until June? — Nann remove the Gator cheer to email me "To array a man’s will against his sickness is the supreme art of medicine." …Henry Ward Beecher

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Welll as usual, I will expect a vicarious thrill.  Congrats M

Response:

We will also try to get a permit for the Main Salmon.  If we can score a permit for the main stem Salmon it means we will do the Middlefork then float down to the put-in on the Main Salmon and do back to back trips totaling about 200 miles.  We did the Middlefork last in 1997 managed to pick-up a canceled permit for the Main Salmon 2 days before we departed for the trip.  It is awesome crystal clear water, canyons, mountains, hot springs, elk, big horn, petroglyphs, and the best fly fishing you will find anywhere.  First day of the Middlefork is non-stop rapids, not overwhelming but you have to pay attention. Our party usually breaks at least 1 oar in that stretch because it is shallow. Picking up a canceled permits mean we have to call almost every day starting in late March. This is one of the classic western river trips.  I have been bouncing off the walls all day.  – MZ Visit my website: http://www.mzuschlag.com

Response:

Question:

I’m gonna avoid the rush and start hating you now! I Love the north country and wish I could get back there. Any room in your luggage for me?? Enjoy! Dan

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Okay guys — I’m all tricked out with Bob R2’s Secret Weapons and am headed to the great white north to slug it out with the toothy critters.  Am also packing a fly rod and hope to get in a few rounds with Arctic Grayling.  As I’ve never caught a Grayling, I really have no idea what size to expect.  My goal for Northern Pike seven pound lake trout is a baby compared to some of the ones caught from these waters (Northern Alberta and Southern NWT), so maybe I’ll hook into a 30 pounder. Hope all you guys catch a bunch of bass while I’m away and I get to read all about it when I return.  See you in late July! —– Family, Friends, Fishing Rob Storm http://www.stormsrestaurants.com

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Hey Rob, On your way north, stop and pick me up…ok?  Go gettum tiger and remember, those aren’t bass you’re catching so don’t try to lip them.  :) —

Response:

Good luck, Rob. We are with you in spirit at least. — Bob Rickard SECRET WEAPON — World’s absolute finest spinnerbaits! All others are now obsolete . . . See for yourself at http://inetsa.com/user/secretweapon

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Okay guys — I’m all tricked out with Bob R2’s Secret Weapons and am headed to the great white north to slug it out with the toothy critters.  Am also packing a fly rod and hope to get in a few rounds with Arctic Grayling.  As I’ve never caught a Grayling, I really have no idea what size to expect.  My goal for Northern Pike seven pound lake trout is a baby compared to some of the ones caught from these waters (Northern Alberta and Southern NWT), so maybe I’ll hook into a 30 pounder. Hope all you guys catch a bunch of bass while I’m away and I get to read all about it when I return.  See you in late July! —– Family, Friends, Fishing Rob Storm http://www.stormsrestaurants.com

Response:

Okay guys — I’m all tricked out with Bob R2’s Secret Weapons and am headed to the great white north to slug it out with the toothy critters.  Am also packing a fly rod and hope to get in a few rounds with Arctic Grayling.  As I’ve never caught a Grayling, I really have no idea what size to expect.  My goal for Northern Pike pound lake trout is a baby compared to some of the ones caught from these waters (Northern Alberta and Southern NWT), so maybe I’ll hook into a 30 pounder.   Hope all you guys catch a bunch of bass while I’m away and I get to read all about it when I return.  See you in late July! —– Family, Friends, Fishing Rob Storm http://www.stormsrestaurants.com

Response:

Have a great trip Rob.  If your wife packed your clothes, check your tackle box for your underwear. — Consider Him

| Okay guys — | I’m all tricked out with Bob R2’s Secret Weapons and am headed to the great | white north to slug it out with the toothy critters.  Am also packing a fly rod | and hope to get in a few rounds with Arctic Grayling.  As I’ve never caught a | Grayling, I really have no idea what size to expect.  My goal for Northern Pike seven | pound lake trout is a baby compared to some of the ones caught from these | waters (Northern Alberta and Southern NWT), so maybe I’ll hook into a 30 | pounder. | | Hope all you guys catch a bunch of bass while I’m away and I get to read all | about it when I return.  See you in late July! | —– | Family, Friends, Fishing | Rob Storm | http://www.stormsrestaurants.com

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Question:

Some natives of ROFF are fairly wild. Some natives elsewhere, may object to being called "wild", but might accept "uncivilised", coupled perchance, with "indigenous"?  Some wild things are not necessarily native, or indeed indigenous, and are seldom civilised. Fishery biologists are not always native, and seldom uncivilised, although they may be wild. My "experience" of Florida, admittedly pure hearsay, is limited to hearing or reading about kidnappings and murders of unsuspecting, ( apparently mostly German), tourists, on or in the daily news. No information with regard to the respective professions of these people was usually tendered, although it may well be that one or the other group consisted either partly, perhaps even mainly, or indeed possibly even exclusively, of wild uncivilised native fishery biologists, with large ears and short hair, some of whom were driving too slowly, in the lane reserved for overtaking. Whether or not this was the reason for the kidnapping, and / or murder, is not clear. Somehow seems a sensible supposition nevertheless. Such instances appear to be rare in North Carolina, whether this is due to the absence of overtaking lanes, the lack of tourism, international news coverage, or the veritable plethora of legal eagles who it seems are still practising in that state, presumably thus rendering such activities less profitable, is a matter for considerable conjecture. It would certainly appear that some fishery biologists, whether native or not, although presumably  indigenous to somewhere or other, possibly even to Florida, may in fact be more civilised than others, notwithstanding the short hair and long ears, or even the florid complexion, and the tendency to slow driving in the wrong lane, all of which may, or may not,  be typical of fishery biologists, "Floridians", or tourists in general. This is demonstrated quite clearly by the peculiar propensity of this particular group,( although admittedly, as of yet, a statistically invalid sample ), for publishing apologies on ROFF. Complex terminology,  invariably indicative of considerable, in some circumstances, even colossal commitment, and indefatigable endeavour, perhaps finely tempered with a modicum of civilisation, on the part of those professions constrained to its use, in order to effect understandable and readily definable communication among themselves, may often cause confusion among large groups of the population, not currently conversant or capable, concerning such concepts. Interchangeable  use of specific professional terminology by the public at large should generally be avoided. Hope this clears everything up. Oleum et operam perdidi, hinc illae lacrumae.  Quot homines, tot sententiae, quis leget haec? TL MC — "If you have tried everything you know, and nothing works, then perhaps it is time to accept that you don

Question:

riffling hitch

I’ve now looked "everywhere" for details on the riffling hitch, but to no avail. Not a mention in the knot books I’ve found … a few hits from three different web searches, but no dice on how to tie it. This knot sounds like it would be a good all-around nymphing knot whether for stream or lake, one fly or two. Any clues on where to find it? BTW, as I mentioned in my original post, I tried out my new sinking line last week at Lake Almanor (near Mt.Lassen). I caught, of all things, a very nice sized Squaw Fish (~24 inches) that gave me a vigorous 20 minute fight. I guess these guys can get up to 6 feet long … I’d probably still be there if I’d hooked one of those monsters! Perhaps if I’d been able to employ the riffling hitch … 8^) Bill Howe Boulder, CO

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Gentlemen:     You can find illustrations for the Riffling Hitch on page 55 of <Steelhead Fly Fishing and Flies, by Trey Combs, Amato Publications.

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I use two successfully in lakes.  What I change though is the Knot I use. Instead of tying a normal not I use one called a "Riffling Hitch" that I found in the back of an old Steelhead fishing book.  The result of the "riffling hitch" is that the line comes off the side of the head instead of straight out through the eyelet.  this imparts a swimming motion to the flies when you troll them.  It works best when you tie the hitch come of the same side of both flies. Riffling hitch sounds like a good knot.  Never heard of it though.   I agree  with Ed that two is a workable setup when using sinking line.  I have had alot more success with this setup than using a single fly one.  A large fly, say a leech, in front and a smaller fly, like a scud, about 3 feet back seems to work pretty well on the lakes I fish in Utah and Wyoming.   Not only does this have an "attractor affect" but also allows you to find what they are actively feeding on much quicker. David Howell

        I’d like to see a riffling hitch myself. I’ve been tying a nymph onto the bend of the hook with an improved clinch knot. This has worked for me with the last few years with fairly good success. I still break the nymph off once in awhile when struck though. I tried tying to the eylet but, had more trouble with that setup. — -= Fred =-                                                \ [[[[                               \||||                        (         ||||                         (____   [[[[                                                 Fly Fisher

Response:

When fishing a sinking line on deep lake water, does anyone tie on two flies, or is one streamer or nymph the normal limit. I’m going to be trying out my new sinking line on a lake for the first time next week, and realized that the two nymph system I’ve been using on streams for the last couple of years might not be appropriate on a sinking system. While the moving water of the stream gives two nymphs some natural motion, it seems to me that two flies following each other around in the still water of a lake might just scare the lunkers off! Bill Howe

Response:

I use two successfully in lakes.  What I change though is the Knot I use. Instead of tying a normal not I use one called a "Riffling Hitch" that I found in the back of an old Steelhead fishing book.  The result of the "riffling hitch" is that the line comes off the side of the head instead of straight out through the eyelet.  this imparts a swimming motion to the flies when you troll them.  It works best when you tie the hitch come of the same side of both flies.  Going left and then right tends to cause the Ed Green – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – When fishing a sinking line on deep lake water, does anyone tie on two flies, or is one streamer or nymph the normal limit. I’m going to be trying out my new sinking line on a lake for the first time next week, and realized that the two nymph system I’ve been using on streams for the last couple of years might not be appropriate on a sinking system. While the moving water of the stream gives two nymphs some natural motion, it seems to me that two flies following each other around in the still water of a lake might just scare the lunkers off! Bill Howe

Response:

I use two successfully in lakes.  What I change though is the Knot I use. Instead of tying a normal not I use one called a "Riffling Hitch" that I found in the back of an old Steelhead fishing book.  The result of the "riffling hitch" is that the line comes off the side of the head instead of straight out through the eyelet.  this imparts a swimming motion to the flies when you troll them.  It works best when you tie the hitch come of the same side of both flies.

Riffling hitch sounds like a good knot.  Never heard of it though.   I agree  with Ed that two is a workable setup when using sinking line.  I have had alot more success with this setup than using a single fly one.  A large fly, say a leech, in front and a smaller fly, like a scud, about 3 feet back seems to work pretty well on the lakes I fish in Utah and Wyoming.   Not only does this have an "attractor affect" but also allows you to find what they are actively feeding on much quicker. David Howell

Response:

Question:

Anybody been there this week or last?  What are conditions and what is happening? Mike in PDX "When the trout are lost, smash the state."                           Tom McGuane

Response:

Anybody been there this week or last?  What are conditions and what is happening? Mike in PDX "When the trout are lost, smash the state."                           Tom McGuane

Hi Michael, According to a friend who traveled through the area, the fishing in south east Idaho has been great.  Check with the Stonefly Angler in Boise at 208-338-1700.  They should be able to give you up to the minute info. — Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (97 catalog) http://www.flyshop.com/Expo/Specialty/BTsPdcts/index.html

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Question:

I am going to Anchorage on business on Sep 25-26 and would like to know whether there is any possibility of flyfishing nearby on Saturday the 27th. I can’t stay long so the fishing has to be accessible. Any ideas about what I might be able to find? If so what gear should I bring? Thanks in advance, Mike —                      Michael S. Young The RREEF Funds, 650 California Street, San Francisco, CA 94108           "Chaos is normal; normality is exceptional."

Response:

I am going to Anchorage on business on Sep 25-26 and would like to know whether there is any possibility of flyfishing nearby on Saturday the 27th. I can’t stay long so the fishing has to be accessible. Any ideas about what I might be able to find? If so what gear should I bring? Thanks in advance, Mike —                     Michael S. Young The RREEF Funds, 650 California Street, San Francisco, CA 94108          "Chaos is normal; normality is exceptional."

That’s pretty late in the season, but if the weather holds ther is some dynamite fishing on the upper Kenai River 100 miles south of Anchorage. I’ve caught some BIG rainbows around then, but it’ll be cold and you’ll probably be breaking ice out of your guides. 7 or 8 wt are the right size. You might tie into a silver and tehre are always dollies around. A float trip is about the only good way to fish it. It can easily be an afternoon trip. For conditions and guide recommendations call McAffee’s Fly Shop in Anchorage – sorry don’t have the number where I can lay hands on it. Lance    web stuff at: www.primenet.com/~hankins

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am going to Anchorage on business on Sep 25-26 and would like to know whether there is any possibility of flyfishing nearby on Saturday the 27th. I can’t stay long so the fishing has to be accessible. Any ideas about what I might be able to find? If so what gear should I bring? Thanks in advance, Mike —                     Michael S. Young The RREEF Funds, 650 California Street, San Francisco, CA 94108          "Chaos is normal; normality is exceptional." That’s pretty late in the season, but if the weather holds ther is some dynamite fishing on the upper Kenai River 100 miles south of Anchorage. I’ve caught some BIG rainbows around then, but it’ll be cold and you’ll probably be breaking ice out of your guides. 7 or 8 wt are the right size. You might tie into a silver and tehre are always dollies around. A float trip is about the only good way to fish it. It can easily be an afternoon trip. For conditions and guide recommendations call McAffee’s Fly Shop in Anchorage – sorry don’t have the number where I can lay hands on it. Lance    web stuff at: www.primenet.com/~hankins

Should not realy be that cold in late September…and the upper Kenai is a good bet as is the Russian River if you walk upstream of the campgrounds. These are both a 2-2.5 hour drive south of Anchorage. Give me a call when you get to the state, if I’m not on a trip I’d be happy to hook up with you and show you around. Paul Hansen Alaska Rainbow Adventures http://puffin.ptialaska.net/~icewater Paul Hansen

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Question:

Hello, Read "Pike on the Fly" by Renyolds and Berryman.  It is a good book. I personally like the Whistler and the Bunny Fly. Thanks for the In Fisherman news, but Al Linder doesn’t know or care about fly fishing.  That is why Larry Dahlberg left In Fishing.

Response:

You might try InFisherman Magazine for some further info on fly fishing for Pike.  They are on CompuServe at 74631,3654. Flag Al Lindner and let him know … Additionally, they did an excellent article back in ‘90.  It was their 15th Anniversary issue and was in the month of March.  The article is about the Dahlberg concepts of flies bearing his name. It’s one of the best no-nonsense articles ever written in laymen’s terms.  To some extent, it goes into Pike fishing also.  If you request it, they might send you a copy. I wanted to feature it on my page but since it is copyrighted, I had to pass.

Make that the February 1990 issue – I just looked it up.  

Response:

 Thanks Jon, Have you tried any of these ?.  Also where would I find the patterns – most of them are foreign to me Thanks again Rod

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Hi, I missed the original post, but have fished extensively for Pike in my travels, and we have pickerel right here in Nova Scotia. I’ve found that leech imitators and large muddler minnows work well, as well as some of the bass flies out that are supposed to imitate frogs. If this helps, let me know and I could give you the exact names. Bill

Response:

You might try InFisherman Magazine for some further info on fly fishing for Pike.  They are on CompuServe at 74631,3654. Flag Al Lindner and let him know you received this information from RxFFish. They have a video featuring Larry Dahlberg fly fishing for Pike.  The video also goes into great detail about tying flies for them. It ranks as one of their all time best sellers.   Additionally, they did an excellent article back in ‘90.  It was their 15th Anniversary issue and was in the month of March.  The article is about the Dahlberg concepts of flies bearing his name. It’s one of the best no-nonsense articles ever written in laymen’s terms.  To some extent, it goes into Pike fishing also.  If you request it, they might send you a copy. I wanted to feature it on my page but since it is copyrighted, I had to pass. Hope this adds some additional good information for your interests. Regards, Trent Roberson URL=http://www.xnet.com/~rxffish Thanks Jon, Have you tried any of these ?.  Also where would I find the patterns – most of

them are foreign to me – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Thanks again Rod

Response:

Question:

Planning a Memorial Day Weekend trip to the Housatonic and have never fished the area.  Looking for help regarding spots and hatches.  Will be staying at Housatonic Meadows State park.   Thanks and Tight Lines! — MICHAEL DeVERE

Response:

Michael, From your campground at Housatonic Meadows North on Route 7 to the Covered Bridge in Cornwall is the entire Trout Management Area.  Anyplace you see a spot where you can squeeze in a car, on either side of the road,  will get you to the River.  Many people like the pool just below the covered bridge, but I have found the entire stretch excellent. The CT State Hatchery is stocking 9,000 Trout into this section on May 22.  This will add to an already abundant, but wise, population. Caddis Flys (Green, Black, Cream, Tan, Brown & Grey) seem to be big producers this week.  Also Caddis Emergers fished in the film are doing well. Look for Ephemerella Dorothea (Little Sulphur in about a size 16) to be hatching during your stay. Good luck. Greg Greg

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Planning a Memorial Day Weekend trip to the Housatonic and have never fished the area.  Looking for help regarding spots and hatches.

The Housie has lots of hatches. Baetus, brown and green caddis (#14-16), maybe March Browns, Green and Brown Drakes if you’re lucky, are all likely to be present. Figuring out what the trout are working on is the biggest challenge. There are lots of trout, virtually all stocked fish, despite fishkills in recent years brought about by hot water and poor water management. River flows are controlled by releases from a power dam, which is operated on weekends primarily for the benefit of canoeists and kayakers. This generally means high water difficult to fish from 9AM to 5PM. One strategy is to fish the north end of the Trout Management Area (about a mile or so above the covered bridge and best accessed from the east side) early in the AM, and move downstream as the water there starts to rise between 8 and 8:30, ending up at the south end around 10 or 10:30, and repeat the trip in the late afternoon. The daily rise and fall of water flow tends to put the trout down during the transition. The Housie gets a lot of fishing pressure, but one can almost always find areas that are not crowded, and it offers a good variety of conditions, from fast pockets to smooth pools.  Check in with Phil at the Housatonic Meadows Fly Shop on Rte 7; take his recommendations with a grain of salt, but he does know the river.

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There’s a fly shop right opposite the campgrounds with good info and excellent local ties although my recollection is that proprietor is a little close mouthed until your wallet becomes visible. A;lso call river club info number for daily updates by the most knowledgeable Ed Kluck who records report daily. 203 248 8616. Also water releases tape # is 203 824 7053. Note that it takes two hours for head of water to reach the campground from the time the release starts at dam at Falls Village.

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Question:

I most certainly a novice at Fly fishing, but I catch enough fish and have fun. The other day though I caught a fellow angler looking down his nose at me like I was some sort of kook. I had a fish on the line (a little one as is my usual luck) and was reeling it in.  I later saw this gentleman bringng hsi fish in by pulling the line with his free hand and letting it tangle around his legs. I was raised as a spin fisherman, so my instinct is to use the reel. I also know both sides of the argumant and have seen and heard many experts advocate fishing fighting both ways (reel or hand). So my question is, what really is the best way. I mostly fish for trout in the 8 to 18 inch range, though 12 to 14 is about average for around here. I also catch bass on the same rod. Pulling the line can be a pain, but so can trying to reel up the extra line  after setting the hook before the fish takes off.  – Thanks –Grant in PA

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I generally let the fish decide!  Seriously, I let the fish pull the line out until I’m on the reel, then play it from there.  If it’s a wee one, I generally pull it in by hand.  The important thing is to get the fish to hand, using whatever technique works best at the moment. — Jim Benenson                 Los Alamos, New Mexico, USA "To protect your rivers, protect your mountains"       Emperor Yu of China, circa 1600 B.C.

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writes: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I most certainly a novice at Fly fishing, but I catch enough fish and have fun. The other day though I caught a fellow angler looking down his nose at me like I was some sort of kook. I had a fish on the line (a little one as is my usual luck) and was reeling it in.  I later saw this gentleman bringng hsi fish in by pulling the line with his free hand and letting it tangle around his legs. I was raised as a spin fisherman, so my instinct is to use the reel. I also know both sides of the argumant and have seen and heard many experts advocate fishing fighting both ways (reel or hand). So my question is, what really is the best way. I mostly fish for trout in the 8 to 18 inch range, though 12 to 14 is about average for around here. I also catch bass on the same rod. Pulling the line can be a pain, but so can trying to reel up the extra line  after setting the hook before the fish takes off. — Thanks –Grant in PA

Grant, it is a good habit to get the fish on the reel as quickly as possible.  If the fish you have on is large, you will have more control, more mobility, reduce line ware and lessor chance of fly line wraping around any and all weeds, twigs, etc. Fight fish that are either large, on in heavy water require the fisher person to be opposit the fish or below the fish for control measures.   Try and do the above with line around your feet. Best of Luck Joe

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First rule of thumb, do what is easiest and most comfortable for YOU. don’t let anyone "look down his nose at you" because you are doing something the WRONG way. If you are used to playing a fish on the reel, do so, this will especially help when you catch a larger fish. The drag on your reel was designed to help you with this. Smaller fish can be played by just stipping line, but again there really is no right or wrong way. TieFlie

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Question:

I’ve been looking at the drift boats kits online from Greg Boats and Ray’s Dories. Has anybody built one of these boats for fly fishing? How did the building go, any tips? Also, who did you buy the kit from? Any info would be appreciated.

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Check out Greg Tatman’s kits.  I built the 12′ river pram.  After all said and done it cost a little over a grand to build and fully outfit. While a 2 person boat, it fishes best as one person rig.  Stable as well as maneuverable.  It fishes the steelhead rivers here on the Olympic Peninsula and Snake River drainages just fine. I would select it again in a heartbeat.  It came with a good set of instructions and when I got stumped, Greg was glad to answer questions.  It took about 4 months of week ends, maybe 80 hours. I do not have the number at hand, but call information and ask for Tatman Boats in Springfield Oregon. Bart Phillips

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I’ve been looking at the drift boats kits online from Greg Boats and Ray’s Dories. Has anybody built one of these boats for fly fishing? How did the building go, any tips? Also, who did you buy the kit from? Any info would be appreciated.

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I built a Don Hill Drift Boat a 16 ft. Guide Boat, it is a great kit comes complete with video and instructions. The boat took about 120 hrs to build and Don has a 1- 800 Number if you have any questions. He and his staff aim to please the customer and if I was going to build another boat it would be his. Also Greg Tatman used to work for Don before going into business. Call Don Hill @ 1- 800878 – 5488 and tell him you heard about him from Kent Anderson in Nashville Tn. fly fishing

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I built a Don Hill Drift Boat a 16 ft. Guide Boat, it is a great kit comes complete with video and instructions.

Whadja pay ? — TimW Halfordian Golfer

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Thanks for the info. I’ll give him a call. Where do you use your boat in Nashville. I’m in KY.

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I am interested in building a drift boat.  If anybody has any information or experiences with drift boat kits I would appreciate any input.

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be careful. i had a drift boat, and i sold it.  it was very hard to do.  i actually cried as it left the driveway and turned the corner into someone else’s flyfishing reality. the problem was..the driftboat haunted me.  i would be leaving for work and it would be in the driveway saying "tim..how can you go off to work and leave me all alone in the driveway…". or, i’d be heading off on a wading adventure or with the belly boat and it would cry…"tim…how could you ?". and then, of course i’d feel guilty and this in turn would lead to a fishless day (happened a lot, actually). approach this driftboat thing with care my friend… Tim Walker

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Strongly suggest that anyone thinking about building a drift boat contact the Wooden Boat Shop in Seattle, and purchase a set of Tracy O’brien’s plans.  This plan set tells how to build a stitch and glue hull, which has no frames to trip over or take up space, is far stronger, and has fiberglass/epoxy chines, which is where the damage gets done.  I have built both a Don Hill (which is a lovely boat, BTW) and an O’Brien, and the O’brien is much sweeter.   Stitch and glue is a technique where you sew the plywood panels together with iron wire, brace the panels into shape, and then treat the seams with first a fillet of epoxy soaked sawdust and then epoxy soaked fiberglass tape.  This creates an extremely strong hull, and uses no ribs.  This gives you an open floor, which means nothing to trip over, and no floorboards to catch your fly line.  BIG advantage. You can buy a finished boat of this style by contacting Creekside Outfitters in Issaquah, WA.  They have somebody selling the hulls for about $1700.  Better to build yourself and have the pleasure.  Also, much as in rod building, by doing it yourself, you can use neat woods and get the extra cosmetic pleasure for minimal costs. Take care with the woods that you use.  Suggest that you get Hoadley’s book on hardwoods and use that to drive your materials selection

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: be careful. : the problem was..the driftboat haunted me.  i would be leaving for : work and it would be in the driveway saying "tim..how can you go : off to work and leave me all alone in the driveway…". I guess Tim hears a lot of voices.  I think we are the ones who should be careful. Ignore the voices, Tim.  They are only in your head.  Really. — Rick T. Rick Fletcher   –   http://www.chem.uidaho.edu/~fletcher/ Assistant professor of chemistry  |  That’s Idaho, not Iowa.    |  These University of Idaho               |  Upper Left Hand Corner.    |  opinions Moscow, ID 83844-2343             |  No, I don’t grow potatoes. |  are mine.

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: Strongly suggest that anyone thinking about building a drift boat contact : the Wooden Boat Shop in Seattle, and purchase a set of Tracy O’brien’s : plans.  This plan set tells how to build a stitch and glue hull, which : has no frames to trip over or take up space, is far stronger, and has : fiberglass/epoxy chines, which is where the damage gets done.  I have : built both a Don Hill (which is a lovely boat, BTW) and an O’Brien, and : the O’brien is much sweeter.   Andrew, just how difficult are the techniques and effort required to do a good job?  Special tools, techniques, etc…? Thanks. — Rick T. Rick Fletcher   –   http://www.chem.uidaho.edu/~fletcher/ Assistant professor of chemistry  |  That’s Idaho, not Iowa.    |  These University of Idaho               |  Upper Left Hand Corner.    |  opinions Moscow, ID 83844-2343             |  No, I don’t grow potatoes. |  are mine.

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My fly fishing buddy just bought a new drift boat for fishing the Green River. Unfortunately we have not been able to find any information on how to navigate the river well.  We don’t have much trouble when rowing backwards but when the boat is turned around to go through the rapids it is difficult to steer. We haven’t been able to find books, instruction, or anything else to make this any easier.  Has anyone had experience doing this?  Can you suggest any publications to assist us. Thanks! Jeff Dinsdale

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Call 1-800-541-9498 (Frank Amato Publications) Ask for "Floating Whitewater Rivers". This book should get you on the right track.

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I have a rule which has served me well. Never go down a river unless:     a) you have gone down it with someone who knows the river         and     b) you specifically intended to learn the river from that person. Rule number 2:  Always put the plug in before launching. Have fun!

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