The Sylvania Tract, a little west of Ironwood, has geat smallmouth fishing. It is all canoe, catch and release, barbless hooks only, and if you stay in overnight, has only primitive camping. It is possible to rent a canoe and go into Clark Lake in the morning, fish the day, and get out before dark. It’s not that big a lake. We fished in June and caught bass to 21 inches. I expect if you do a search on Sylvania Tract you will quickly find info. good luck
I’m heading up to Ironwood, Michigan for a wedding in mid August. Does anyone have any advice on some good fishing spots nearby? Any type from fly-fishing for trout to trolling for walleye would be appreciated. Thanks, SB
I was up in that neck of the woods last summer and did some fly fishing in two general locations in that area. The Porcupine mountains are a few miles northeast from Ironwood. I didn’t catch too much there, but it sure is a pretty place with some beautiful vistas and backcountry. If you take Rt. 2 east to Watersmeet, you’ll come to the Ontonogon River. Easy to wade and full of cooperative brookies. I had great luck with small royal wolffs. When you buy your license, get a free copy of Michigan’s Inland Trout and Salmon Guide, which has maps of the whole state and its trout streams. Good luck. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m heading up to Ironwood, Michigan for a wedding in mid August. Does anyone have any advice on some good fishing spots nearby? Any type from fly-fishing for trout to trolling for walleye would be appreciated. Thanks, SB
I’m heading up to Ironwood, Michigan for a wedding in mid August. Does anyone have any advice on some good fishing spots nearby? Any type from fly-fishing for trout to trolling for walleye would be appreciated. Thanks, SB
If you are daring and have a bit of cash book a charter out of the harbor about 45 min north of there (The name escapes me right now Black River Harbor???) . The Salmon should be just offshore by then. Otherwise you have world class musky and walleye waters about 30 minutes south in the Turtle Flambeau Flowage in Wisconsin. No Trolling allowed but this is world class water with many opportunties. Clear and dark waters lie in the flowage and boat rentals as well as local info are available. Night fishing may be the key for some really big fish by then. As for trout streams the Montreal can yield some good catches late in the season if the water remains high enough and is only 15-20 minutes to the west. Then you do have the Brule to the east, but personally I believe it is overrated and overfished. Good luck. Both to you and the future wedded couple. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –
It was not ffing – in was fly catching, and required very lttle effort or skill. However, a mid-night raid on such a place would be *more* than ethical. Dave L.
I wouldn’t recommend a midnight raid due to the dogs, the river keep and the twelve gauge.but I’m planning on staying in the guest cottage at Terry’s for the clave and will try my best to work something out. I will call him tomorrow and see what he says about groups, rates, discounts etc…The shop I guide for has a deal with Terry in which we guide anyone who wants to fish there. The fish are too huge to land alone so this is recommended. I have fished there a bunch and can assure you that there is nothing easy about landing a 6 pound Kamloops on a sz. 18 pheasant tail. The fishing is easy- if you use a cork pellet- but if you fish it according to the hatches and the mood of the fish its a damn fun time and a challenge. For a time this year I was nailing them on a sz. 18 sulphur parachute – it’ll make your knees shake watching a 26 inch brown sip down a fly that small. . My personal best was a 15 pound rainbow. I caught her on a sz. 16 beetle, barbless…..My funniest catch was a 20 some odd inch Kamloops that put me into the backing in one long run. It took the fly, turned tail and ran straight at me, jumped chest high into the air, bounced off a boulder in front of me and kept on hauling. She ran 60 feet in one run. The run was so violent I ended up tangled in the trees 50 feet downstream. I ran after her, pulled my line out of the trees, and tried to reel her in. Another run upstream, and the down…….I landed her after a long fight. Funny thing is, I was just showing my guest how to roll cast and didn’t expect to hook Granted, it may be fake, but it will have you shaking in your boots. By no means is it easy. Any how, enough rambling, I’ll let you guys know what Terry says tomorrow. I just decided that I’m going to fish there for a while in the evening if I can. I’ll post a report…… Tight lines…. Matt McCray
I wouldn’t recommend a midnight raid due to the dogs, the river keep and the twelve gauge.but I’m planning on staying in the guest cottage at Terry’s for the clave and will try my best to work something out. I will call him tomorrow and see what he says about groups, rates, discounts etc…
That’s right nice of you Matt. I actually knew that you were a guide for that stretch of water from talking to Walt and from reading your emails on the NC list, but since we haven’t met, I didn’t want to be so bold as to ask a favor. However, I do have one suggestion. When you talk to Terry, tell him that ROFF consists primarily of well-kempt expert anglers who could bring in lots of future business due to their influence among the wealthy. As opposed to divulging the fact that ROFF is really just a rowdy bunch of profane cheapskates who will attack even a dogwood tree when sufficiently drunk. 
–Steve
No job openings in Wilmington IJ, but I do offer a standing invitation to drive down there and show you how to fix your newsreader so that your name shows up in the From list when you post Take care, IJ. We’ll see you soon!! –Steve
How does IJ do that, anyhow? I already told Walt I was coming to the spring clave in Carolina. However, I forgot to mention that my attendance was contingent upon the presence of Indian Joe. Wouldn’t be a Carolina Clave without THE MAN being there. Mark Faulkner
However, I do have one suggestion. When you talk to Terry, tell him that ROFF consists primarily of well-kempt expert anglers who could bring in lots of future business due to their influence among the wealthy. As opposed to divulging the fact that ROFF is really just a rowdy bunch of profane cheapskates who will attack even a dogwood tree when sufficiently drunk. –Steve
since we are under oath here on roff, i must admit to all the accusations contained in this post, save one: i haven’t been well-kempt since becky oakley and jody stirewalt got into the ritual mushrooms back in ‘78 and decided to make me a human sacrifice to the goddess of love. it is my firm belief that the statute of limitations has run on that incident. wayno the innocent – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –
since becky oakley and jody stirewalt got into the ritual wayno the innocent
Ahhhh, Becky and Jody; I taught them everything they know back in ‘74. — Wayne To fish is human….To release Divine! Before you buy.
(snipped extremely large dose of fermented BS) in the evening if I can. I’ll post a report…… Tight lines…. Matt McCray
Walt, Matt’s been at the mushrooms again. — Wayne To fish is human….To release Divine! Before you buy.
Steve Z: <<As opposed to divulging the fact that ROFF is really just a rowdy bunch of profane cheapskates who will attack even a dogwood tree when sufficiently drunk.
That’s it, Zimmerman! It am generous to a fault, it wasn’t a dogwood, and it was Jeffy what was drunk! Did you pay me for your ‘clave hat? d;0) Louie
Steve Z: <<As opposed to divulging the fact that ROFF is really just a rowdy bunch of profane cheapskates who will attack even a dogwood tree when sufficiently drunk. That’s it, Zimmerman! It am generous to a fault, it wasn’t a dogwood, and it was Jeffy what was drunk! Did you pay me for your ‘clave hat? d;0)
You forgot to say ‘f*ck profanity’<g. — Charlie…
it is my firm belief that the statute of limitations has run on that incident. wayno the innocent
As Delbert McClinton says, "it ain’t what you eat but the way how you chew it". — Charlie…
since we are under oath here on roff, i must admit to all the accusations contained in this post, save one: i haven’t been well-kempt since becky oakley and jody stirewalt got into the ritual mushrooms back in ‘78 and decided to make me a human sacrifice to the goddess of love. it is my firm belief that the statute of limitations has run on that incident. wayno the innocent
LOL. I seem to remember a similar incident involving a certain cactus. Of course you’re the legal expert here, but our president has made abundantly clear the difference between "innocent" and "not convicted". Joe F.
I sent him an email a couple of weeks ago, detailing the steps. I think he enjoys the anonymity. Tom — Tom Brown The Signal Group Wake Forest, NC The older you get, the better you realize you are. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Steve Wore my code marine tee shirt during super senior tennis tournament in kKGreensboro this weekend. Do I get some type of commission, it sure did not help my game. We play doubles, my partner and I won first two matches then my legs <still tired from Slick Rock Creek in fall gave out. If you’re gonna blame the T-shirt for your poor tennis play then I don’t think we’re going to be in any mood to pay you an endorsement check. If you had won, on the other hand, then that would be a different story. Mebbie a handful of Albolene or a used T-shirt I can be in Raleigh in two hours so if you guys are flying out to Maine or someplace fishing and the company plane will hold three give me a call . What’s your fishing schedule looking like over the Christmas holidays? I’m not sure the plane is available, but we’re trying to work things out to drop in unannounced on Marie. You’re welcome to join us. Think you are a pretty smart guy, after very short exposure to fall ball gang I notice you have planned to arrange own quarters. for spring clave. It’s not that I didn’t like the people. Summa the nicest FF folks I’ve ever met. But I can tell you that I was worried during my visits to the cabin at the Fall Ball that the ATF was going to raid the cabin and that LaCourse was going to put on his best Koresh impression and torch the place. All the downstream neighbors on Arkca creek are still trying ti to find the guys who poisioned their stream when they threw the left over meals into the stream beh9ind the cabin. I never did find out how that spaghetti sauce turned out IJ. Bill and I were too afraid to show up for dinner that night. Think I am getting pretty good on this computator thing, Might br be ablr able to get rid of my fire and blanket. Does your company want a highly paid executative who lives in Wilmington? No job openings in Wilmington IJ, but I do offer a standing invitation to drive down there and show you how to fix your newsreader so that your name shows up in the From list when you post Take care, IJ. We’ll see you soon!! –Steve
Steve Wore my code marine tee shirt during super senior tennis tournament in kKGreensboro this weekend. Do I get some type of commission, it sure did not help my game. We play doubles, my partner and I won first two matches then my legs <still tired from Slick Rock Creek in fall gave out. I can be in Raleigh in two hours so if you guys are flying out to Maine or someplace fishing and the company plane will hold three give me a call . Think you are a pretty smart guy, after very short exposure to fall ball gang I notice you have planned to arrange own quarters. for spring clave. All the downstream neighbors on Arkca creek are still trying ti to find the guys who poisioned their stream when they threw the left over meals into the stream beh9ind the cabin. Think I am getting pretty good on this computator thing, Might br be ablr able to get rid of my fire and blanket. Does your company want a highly paid executative who lives in Wilmington? Indian Joe
IJ…might be time to adjust the medication a bit <G. BTW, it’s a different crowd "downstream" in avery/watauga…they’ll have you locked up on charges for environmental pollution within the first day! … of course, you’ll probably be staying over at elk river at tom selleck’s place won’t you? jeff – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Steve Wore my code marine tee shirt during super senior tennis tournament in kKGreensboro this weekend. Do I get some type of commission, it sure did not help my game. We play doubles, my partner and I won first two matches then my legs <still tired from Slick Rock Creek in fall gave out. I can be in Raleigh in two hours so if you guys are flying out to Maine or someplace fishing and the company plane will hold three give me a call . Think you are a pretty smart guy, after very short exposure to fall ball gang I notice you have planned to arrange own quarters. for spring clave. All the downstream neighbors on Arkca creek are still trying ti to find the guys who poisioned their stream when they threw the left over meals into the stream beh9ind the cabin. Think I am getting pretty good on this computator thing, Might br be ablr able to get rid of my fire and blanket. Does your company want a highly paid executative who lives in Wilmington? Indian Joe
Second, it was Louie (the evil one) that went on the midnight trip and the waters weren’t restricted. Now, if you wanna hang with those guys, Steve, ya gotta get your stories right. <g Dave L.
Yessir, Dave, sir, I’ll take my stripes sir. But sir my question still remains sir. Are you… uh I mean… is Louie going to lead us on a midnight trip into Boone’s Fork or are we gonna try to make some sorta financial arrangement to fish it sir? –Steve
Steve Z: <<Yessir, Dave, sir, I’ll take my stripes sir. But sir my question still remains sir. Are you… uh I mean… is Louie going to lead us on a midnight trip into Boone’s Fork or are we gonna try to make some sorta financial arrangement to fish it sir? Dang it, man, if I didn’t know better, I’d swear you were trained by wayno. Shhhhhhhhhhh! And we call them "raids" when we sneak in at night. You know how to handle a flash-light? A tree? Louie btw, what the hell is this Boone’s Fork thingy?
Dang it, man, if I didn’t know better, I’d swear you were trained by wayno. Shhhhhhhhhhh! And we call them "raids" when we sneak in at night. You know how to handle a flash-light? A tree? Louie btw, what the hell is this Boone’s Fork thingy?
Well, I was referring to a specific private section of the creek where the owners have "carefully cultivated the stream habitat" (read stocked insanely big fish and fed them pellets on a regular basis). The fish there are unbelievably big. See www.woundedfork.com for details. Walt calls it "fake fishing." I simply wanna know if he’s going to pull some strings with the locals to get us a few casts on these waters or if you were going to make… other… arrangements –Steve
Steve Z: <<Well, I was referring to a specific private section of the creek where the owners have "carefully cultivated the stream habitat" (read stocked insanely big fish and fed them pellets on a regular basis). The fish there are unbelievably big. See www.woundedfork.com for details. Walt calls it "fake fishing." I simply wanna know if he’s going to pull some strings with the locals to get us a few casts on these waters or if you were going to make… other… arrangements I agree with Walt. I once belonged to a local ffing club. Three heavily stocked ponds with very big fish. After fishing there for awhile, I found out where the term "shooting fish in a barrel" came from. It was not ffing – in was fly catching, and required very lttle effort or skill. However, a mid-night raid on such a place would be *more* than ethical. Dave L.
Well, I was referring to a specific private section of the creek where the owners have "carefully cultivated the stream habitat" (read stocked insanely big fish and fed them pellets on a regular basis). The fish there are unbelievably big. See www.woundedfork.com for details. Walt calls it "fake fishing." I simply wanna know if he’s going to pull some strings with the locals to get us a few casts on these waters or if you were going to make… other… arrangements If they’re Orvis endorsed I’m sure Dave can pull some strings<g. — Charlie…
these waters, in a sense, are orvis endorsed. to fish them, you hafta arrange a guide trip at the orvis shop. I believe it’s $450.00. is it fake. well, in the sense that there ain’t no other stream in the state with fish like this…sure, it’s unreal, afterall, they are fed daily. are they big fish….well, they’re mighty damn big fish! kamloops, browns and rainbows, many well over 30". the biggest brookies i’ve ever seen, some 24"+. california golden trout in the 24" range. 100’s of fish between 12" & 24". it’s a sight to see, but it ain’t "real." does that mean i don’t fish it? hell, are you crazy? i’ll fish it every time i’m lucky enough to wrangle an invite, which appropriately, is just once this year. there is a thrill involved with a 30"+ fish on a 3wt…even if it is "fake." is it wise to sneak in there….go ahead boys…. make terry’s day, or should i say, make his wolves day! yup…wolves. btw, Terry is a very nice fellah who has one of the neatest homes you’d ever want to see. the interior is pure fly fishing motif…from stained glass windows, artwork, books, upholstery, and even the silver and crockery….totally cool. walt — Ezflyfish.com http://www.ezflyfish.com BRBG http://www.abebooks.com/home/BLUEBOOKS P.O. Box 5112 Banner Elk, NC 28604 (828)963-5001
btw, Terry is a very nice fellah who has one of the neatest homes you’d ever want to see. the interior is pure fly fishing motif…from stained glass windows, artwork, books, upholstery, and even the silver and crockery….totally cool.
Do you think there’s a chance that if we told him what we’re planning (I’d be willing to give it a shot) that he might make certain allowances for us (reduced fee, no guide requirement, etc)? I think feeding the fish kinda crosses my own little line of what’s real and what’s fake, but as long as we’re gonna be in the area and all it would be nice to catch a really really big trout. –Steve
Steve Wore my code marine tee shirt during super senior tennis tournament in kKGreensboro this weekend. Do I get some type of commission, it sure did not help my game. We play doubles, my partner and I won first two matches then my legs <still tired from Slick Rock Creek in fall gave out.
If you’re gonna blame the T-shirt for your poor tennis play then I don’t think we’re going to be in any mood to pay you an endorsement check. If you had won, on the other hand, then that would be a different story. Mebbie a handful of Albolene or a used T-shirt I can be in Raleigh in two hours so if you guys are flying out to Maine or someplace fishing and the company plane will hold three give me a
call . What’s your fishing schedule looking like over the Christmas holidays? I’m not sure the plane is available, but we’re trying to work things out to drop in unannounced on Marie. You’re welcome to join us. Think you are a pretty smart guy, after very short exposure to fall ball gang I notice you have planned to arrange own quarters. for spring
clave. It’s not that I didn’t like the people. Summa the nicest FF folks I’ve ever met. But I can tell you that I was worried during my visits to the cabin at the Fall Ball that the ATF was going to raid the cabin and that LaCourse was going to put on his best Koresh impression and torch the place. All the downstream neighbors on Arkca creek are still trying ti to find the guys who poisioned their stream when they threw the left over meals into the stream beh9ind the cabin.
I never did find out how that spaghetti sauce turned out IJ. Bill and I were too afraid to show up for dinner that night. Think I am getting pretty good on this computator thing, Might br be ablr able to get rid of my fire and blanket. Does your company want a highly paid executative who lives in
Wilmington? No job openings in Wilmington IJ, but I do offer a standing invitation to drive down there and show you how to fix your newsreader so that your name shows up in the From list when you post Take care, IJ. We’ll see you soon!! –Steve
Steve Z: <<or is LaCourse planning to lead another midnight trip into restricted waters? Let me know, cause if we’re gonna do Boone’s Fork I’ll plan to tie up a few pellet flies this winter. –Steve (still waiting for the right moment to break the news of my May vacation to my wife) Firt of all, wuss, you announce nothing to the dear lady — you tell or "inform" her that you are going fishing with the guys next May. Second, it was Louie (the evil one) that went on the midnight trip and the waters weren’t restricted. Now, if you wanna hang with those guys, Steve, ya gotta get your stories right. <g Dave L.
I’ve reformatted your announcement below for the less fortunate. Also, I saw Boone’s Fork listed on your page. Does this mean are you going to talk your friends at Boone’s Fork into letting us fish their "fake fishing" stretch–or is LaCourse planning to lead another midnight trip into restricted waters? Let me know, cause if we’re gonna do Boone’s Fork I’ll plan to tie up a few pellet flies this winter. –Steve (still waiting for the right moment to break the news of my May vacation to my wife)
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -The 2nd Annual NC ROFF Spring Clave is planned. All are welcome to join us in fishing and merriment. Here is the link to all of the information. http://users.boone.net/wgw/clave.html Hope to see ya there. Walt
-Walt you got so excited about spring that you forgot to type a message. PLEASE REANNOUNCE. Indian Joe
-Walt you got so excited about spring that you forgot to type a message. PLEASE REANNOUNCE. Indian Joe
sorry ij…i guess the html kilt it. i’ll try again. ***ANNOUNCING*** The 2nd Annual NC ROFF Spring Clave is planned. All are welcome to join us in fishing and merriment. Here is the link to all of the information. The 2nd Annual NC ROFF Spring Clave is planned. All are welcome to join us in fishing and merriment. Here is the link to all of the information. http://users.boone.net/wgw/clave.html Hope to see ya there. Walt Hope to see ya there. Walt — Ezflyfish.com http://www.ezflyfish.com BRBG http://www.abebooks.com/home/BLUEBOOKS P.O. Box 5112 Banner Elk, NC 28604 (828)963-5001
The 2nd Annual NC ROFF Spring Clave is planned. All are welcome to join us in fishing and merriment. Here is the link to all of the information. ’00 R.O.F.F. Spring Fling Hope to see ya there. Walt
I’ll guess I’ll try over here. I sent this message to the tying group so I apologize for the redundancy. Are there any web sites known dealing with bass bug manufacture? I’m looking for something with tying instrutions and pictures. I’m a begineer with spun hair and need help. I bought the book by skip morris and am looking for other sources of help. Thanks in advance for any help. Jorge — Posted via Talkway – http://www.talkway.com Exchange ideas on practically anything ™.
Jorge – there are a few other books you should try. It’s your lucky day because I just happen to have an extra copy of A. D. Livingston’s "Tying Bugs and Flies for Bass." If you want to send me an address by e-mail you can have it. Also check your local library to see if they have a copy of: "Bass Bug Fishing" by Joe Brooks or ""Fly Tying and Fly Fishing for Bass and Panfish" by Tom Nixon The Nixon book is the one that all other Bass flyfishing books are measured by and some good news, I hear it will be re-published in 2000. Good luck, Clyde Drury Black Bass Book Collector http://members.aol.com/BassBks/index3.html
One more thing Jorge — William Tapply’s new book "Bass Bug Fishing" is due out now. You can read a description of it on the Lyons Press web site – I’ll put the URL here: http://www.lyonspress.com/fish_ff.asp Regards, Clyde Drury Black Bass Book Collector
I’ll guess I’ll try over here. I sent this message to the tying
Have a look at Al Campbells fly-tying course at http://www.flyanglersonline.com he has a lot of info there about bass bugs hair etc. Click on Fly-tying from the main menu, and then go to "Intermediate Fly-tying". TL MC
Thanks Clyde and Mike for help beyond the call of duty. I’ll look for the book by Tapply. The web site is great! sincerely, Jorge — Posted via Talkway – http://www.talkway.com Exchange ideas on practically anything ™.
at about 10 am on saturday, matt called me from the shop to let me know his guided trip was cancelled. it was sleeting/snowing and the outside temp. was about 28. we decided it was perfect weather to go fishing. so we got together, geared up, and headed over to tn to fish the tailwaters on the watauga. after a lunch stop at jeff miller’s favorite burger franchise, we headed to the parking area, put waders on and made our way down to the river. the watauga river at this stretch is about 40 to 50 yards wide with an awesome cliff face acting as the opposite bank. there is a water-level cave in the cliff face that as legend goes, was used by the confederates to hide ammo and stores in the recent unpleasantness. as we approached the water, a few other anglers were pulling out, explaining as they went that the water was going to be coming up from the generating station 12 miles east of where we were and it would get pretty hairy if you were out in the river. i asked one of the guys what kind of increase, and he pointed to his chest…in other words, about 3′ of higher water. well hell, we decided to stay close to shore (mama didn’t raise a fool) and try our luck. i tied on a bead-head pheasant tail, size 14 and started dead drifting it through a run and picked up a 12" or so rainbow. i noticed that i was now standing in about 2 feet of water where before it was only about a foot. i checked a rock that i was keeping an eye on, and sure enough, water was starting to flow over it. i hailed matt and told him we better move back some and as he was pulling in his contraption (for lack of a better term for the established guide rig) a rainbow took one of the many flies he was drifting. another gentleman, who was downstream from us, made his way up towards us and we all entered into discussion about what a great strech of river it was and how much higher the water would rise. neal was fishing a beautiful leonard bamboo rod with a princess reel, awesome. he was testing a new crane-fly pattern that he had tied up. as we were just standing in 6 or so inches of water trying to decide what to do about the riskier conditions, i started dead drifting again. bam, a fish. bam, another, fish. as matt was talking about leaving, bam, another fish. to hell with leaving….i say. the river had come up (a foot or two), the water was faster, but it was definetly fishable. here we were, just the three of us, on the most coveted trophy section of the watauga tail-race. cool. to shorten the story….many more fish were caught (matt even managed a big rainbow at about 18-20), some regal (pabst) beer was consumed, and afterwords, it only took 3 hours for my feet to thaw. walt — Ezflyfish.com http://www.ezflyfish.com BRBG http://www.abebooks.com/home/BLUEBOOKS P.O. Box 5112 Banner Elk, NC 28604 (828)963-5001
So how far is it from Raleigh to the Watauga? Steve Zimmerman
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – excellent trip report snipped… walt
About 5.5 hours, Steve, if the weather’s OK and I-40/85 doesn’t have more than 10 wrecks in the construction zones between Durham and Hwy 421. 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 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -.. So how far is it from Raleigh to the Watauga? Steve Zimmerman excellent trip report snipped… walt
Hi, Intested to know if there is some good trout streams within a 1 to 2 hour drive of Cheyenne. I maybe moving there and would like to know in advance if there are trout out and about. Thanks
There is some great lake fishing for trout within a short distance, just outside of Laramie. The Laramie is not bad, the Poudre and Big Thomson rivers in Colorado are good, and you will also be fairly near the North Platte Miracle Mile and Greys Reef sections, which can be awesome. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, Intested to know if there is some good trout streams within a 1 to 2 hour drive of Cheyenne. I maybe moving there and would like to know in advance if there are trout out and about. Thanks
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Kenrat I go to the Smokeys every year in February. Middle prong and the other areas are ok. The most interesting fishing is off of Cade’s Cove. Go to the parking lot at the far end of the Cove and you can enter the water there. This is a limestone stream. Be careful of the water as it can be contaminated by the cow manure from inside the Cove where cattle are grazed. The stream is atypical for the park as it is the only limestone stream. There is a trail that parallels the stream. It is quite a hike. The best fishing lies at the falls on the far end of the trail or in an area called the horseshoe. The best access according to the guys from there is not the trial, but the river. They indicated that full chest waders were needed and that wading stafffs were a must. The sure thing by way of trout is the Cherokee Reservation. It is stocked monthly by the tribe. They sell their own license and the limit is double that of the park. To fish the park you need either a Carolina or Tenn. license. They don’t care which. The fish in the reservation were of small to mid sized. They hit on streamers. I used a dry as a strike indicator and a couple of nymphs trailing.
Thanks for the information! Will look at the reservation area a little more. Hadn’t really thought about it. Many thanks….Kenny
Am new to the fly fishing arena. Wondering if someone can give me some general info on the national park fishing areas close to the Gatlinburg area. Wondering about access, types of flys to have in arsenal for fishing for trout, rockbass or other. Will be there during first weekend in February. Appreciate any assistance and info! Thanks, Kenny
Am new to the fly fishing arena. Wondering if someone can give me some general info on the national park fishing areas close to the Gatlinburg area. Wondering about access, types of flys to have in arsenal for fishing for trout, rockbass or other. Will be there during first weekend in February. Appreciate any assistance and info! Thanks, Kenny
Dear Kenny! Gatlinburg area in February can be unpredictable. If you are lucky it’s 55 degrees and sunny or it could be 32 and snow. I would try West prong of Little Pigeon right off US 441 in the park. You also have Little River and Roaring Fork easily accessible as well as Middle prong of Little Pigeon. I would use a beadhead nymph or a streamer this time of the year. I know you can catch trout on dries in February but I have more luck with nymphs. A pheasant tail or a Hare’s ear work fine for me. I wish you could come in April or May when the real action begins but February is better than nothing. Sincerely Hans
Try calling Jesse Brown Outdoors, Charlotte, NC to start with and talk to Don, he might be able to help you out. (704) 556-0020 Jon
Sorry to disappoint, but ignore the GSMNP until the spring when the water warms up, hatches appear, and the trout are active again. I know, I have flyfished this area for 16 years. Concentrate on the tailwaters of the area. The Clinch river is great right now!!!! Average catches inthe 30’s on scuds, and midges. The S. holston is also very good, with some BWO, and occational Sulphur or two. For info call THE CREEL 423.588.6159 in Knoxville. By the way, what in the hell does a flyshop in Charlotte know of conditions in the Smokies anyway? Let them clean up the Pigeon first, before they bring their a– over here! Phil B. check out this web page: http://funnelweb.utcc.utk.edu/~ldecuir/default.html
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Sorry to disappoint, but ignore the GSMNP until the spring when the water warms up, hatches appear, and the trout are active again. I know, I have flyfished this area for 16 years. Concentrate on the tailwaters of the area. The Clinch river is great right now!!!! Average catches inthe 30’s on scuds, and midges. The S. holston is also very good, with some BWO, and occational Sulphur or two. For info call THE CREEL 423.588.6159 in Knoxville. By the way, what in the hell does a flyshop in Charlotte know of conditions in the Smokies anyway? Let them clean up the Pigeon first, before they bring their a– over here! Phil B. check out this web page: http://funnelweb.utcc.utk.edu/~ldecuir/default.html
Thanks for a very considerate attitude. If you read my post I said try to come in April or June didn’t I? Can you read? Also I have only fished in this area for three years and I have seen hatches in February. Maybe you should stay at the Clinch and let us have the mountains. I don’t care much about the stocked trout anyway. The less time you spend in the smokies the better for me. Hans
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Try calling Jesse Brown Outdoors, Charlotte, NC to start with and talk to Don, he might be able to help you out. (704) 556-0020 Jon
Thanks for the number and info. Will try to get in contact with them. Any help is appreciated!
Am new to the fly fishing arena. Wondering if someone can give me some general info on the national park fishing areas close to the Gatlinburg area. Wondering about access, types of flys to have in arsenal for fishing for trout, rockbass or other. Will be there during first weekend in February. Appreciate any assistance and info! Thanks, Kenny
Kenny, I was just in the Smokies over new years (during the snowstorm). The fishing was very bad but the scenery was great. While I was there, I picked up a copy of a book called A Flyfishing Guide to the Smoky Mountains. It gives good information about the seasons there and gives detailed information about each of the watersheds in the National Park. I would recommend it. E-mail me if you need more information about the author etc. There are a number of other texts that have come out recently on the park and fishing. I have not yet had time to look them over.
Kenrat I go to the Smokeys every year in February. Middle prong and the other areas are ok. The most interesting fishing is off of Cade’s Cove. Go to the parking lot at the far end of the Cove and you can enter the water there. This is a limestone stream. Be careful of the water as it can be contaminated by the cow manure from inside the Cove where cattle are grazed. The stream is atypical for the park as it is the only limestone stream. There is a trail that parallels the stream. It is quite a hike. The best fishing lies at the falls on the far end of the trail or in an area called the horseshoe. The best access according to the guys from there is not the trial, but the river. They indicated that full chest waders were needed and that wading stafffs were a must. The sure thing by way of trout is the Cherokee Reservation. It is stocked monthly by the tribe. They sell their own license and the limit is double that of the park. To fish the park you need either a Carolina or Tenn. license. They don’t care which. The fish in the reservation were of small to mid sized. They hit on streamers. I used a dry as a strike indicator and a couple of nymphs trailing. Ron’s advice on the flies is right on. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Am new to the fly fishing arena. Wondering if someone can give me some general info on the national park fishing areas close to the Gatlinburg area. Wondering about access, types of flys to have in arsenal for fishing for trout, rockbass or other. Will be there during first weekend in February. Appreciate any assistance and info! Thanks, Kenny
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Smoky Mountain Questions Am new to the fly fishing arena. Wondering if someone can give me some general info on the national park fishing areas close to the Gatlinburg area. Wondering about access, types of flys to have in arsenal for fishing for trout, rockbass or other. Will be there during first weekend in February. Appreciate any assistance and info! Thanks, Kenny Kenny, I was just in the Smokies over new years (during the snowstorm). The fishing was very bad but the scenery was great. While I was there, I picked up a copy of a book called A Flyfishing Guide to the Smoky Mountains. It gives good information about the seasons there and gives detailed information about each of the watersheds in the National Park. I would recommend it. E-mail me if you need more information about the author etc. There are a number of other texts that have come out recently on the park and fishing. I have not yet had time to look them over.
Thanks!! Have seen the book at one of the websites. Wondered if it was worth picking up. Am going to try some of the bookstores around here before I look to order it. Just for anyone who is interested – Found a little 5 dollar booklet on Hatches in the Smoky Mountains. If anyone wants any further info, let me know and I will get some. Looked pretty helpful. Thanks….Kenny
BTW, this IS a coed event, right?
Only with your cousin<g. Charlie…
ANNOUNCEMENT ! We are tremendously pleased to announce the First annual Western Colorado Strip Flyfishing Competition to be held May 26th and 27th 1997 in the Roaring Fork Valley of Colorado. All Flyfishers from around the world are invited to participate.
Yikes! This could reveal a little more than who can catch trout! 
We may have to arrange a similar tourny here in the SouthEast…not sure we could now that I think about it…bein’ in the Bible Belt an’ all… As another FFer mentioned, Lewis Grizzard had a definition fer Nekkid…can’t…or more truthfully…don’t want to imagine too many ROFF contributors engaged in such activity….[shudder] ;-D BTW, this IS a coed event, right? — John Carney Fly Fisher & Parrot Head (NO-SPAM in address to avoid spamming)
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – ANNOUNCEMENT ! snip 5) An angler can continue fishing with his last fly while buck naked, but once the 6th fly is gone, the angler must cease fishing and report back to the weigh in area (Glenwood Canyon Brewpub). snip Some strategies and suggestions: ….wear one pair of boot foot chest waders and 5 pair of underwear. ….stock up on the 2X ….relax until late afternoon and fish the rise with dries ….fish streamers along the bank if it’s warm and the sun is out ….put down a life vest before sitting on a sunny aluminum seat ….do not look directly at Lefty when he is nekkid as permanent eye and psycological damage may result. Hope to see *all* of you there…. Tim, You know what Lewis Grizzard said about the word, nekkid (spelled, N E double-K by-God I D). It makes you feel good just to say it. BTW, what’s the entry fee?
only courage… — TimW Halfordian Golfer
<snip I sense my heretofore unyielding disgust with tournaments rapidly fading away, being replaced by an unexpected and somewhat frightening
Lefty? Surely you jest…. Phil Koenig Manhattan Custom Tackle Ltd. http://fishdoc.com "I’m the boss, so WHATEVER I say is OK."
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – ANNOUNCEMENT ! snip 5) An angler can continue fishing with his last fly while buck naked, but once the 6th fly is gone, the angler must cease fishing and report back to the weigh in area (Glenwood Canyon Brewpub). snip Some strategies and suggestions: ….wear one pair of boot foot chest waders and 5 pair of underwear. ….stock up on the 2X ….relax until late afternoon and fish the rise with dries ….fish streamers along the bank if it’s warm and the sun is out ….put down a life vest before sitting on a sunny aluminum seat ….do not look directly at Lefty when he is nekkid as permanent eye and psycological damage may result. Hope to see *all* of you there….
Tim, You know what Lewis Grizzard said about the word, nekkid (spelled, N E double-K by-God I D). It makes you feel good just to say it. BTW, what’s the entry fee?
ANNOUNCEMENT ! We are tremendously pleased to announce the First annual Western Colorado Strip Flyfishing Competition to be held May 26th and 27th 1997 in the Roaring Fork Valley of Colorado. All Flyfishers from around the world are invited to participate. The rules: 1) Each angler can select 6 flies and 6 articles of clothing (including waders and wading boots). 2) Anglers are paired off and assigned an objective observer. 3) Anglers fish for big and most fish. Anglers have the option of measuring and releasing or keeping the fish within the normal regulations. 4) Every time a fly is broken off, an article of clothing must be removed before a new fly can be tied on and fishing can commence. 5) An angler can continue fishing with his last fly while buck naked, but once the 6th fly is gone, the angler must cease fishing and report back to the weigh in area (Glenwood Canyon Brewpub). 6) 5 awards will be presented. …..Most Fish Award …..Biggest Fish Award …..Little Winky Award …..Funniest Looking When Naked Award …..Most likey to require custom waders Award The purpose of this tournamant is to highten the awareness that all flyfishermen were created equal in the eyes of the creator and to strip away the pretensions created by expensive equipment and conceit and to get down to the bare essence of our sport. Above all, the objective is to have fun and to remind all that flyfishing is only fishing, with or without a fly. Some strategies and suggestions: ….wear one pair of boot foot chest waders and 5 pair of underwear. ….stock up on the 2X ….relax until late afternoon and fish the rise with dries ….fish streamers along the bank if it’s warm and the sun is out ….put down a life vest before sitting on a sunny aluminum seat ….do not look directly at Lefty when he is nekkid as permanent eye and psycological damage may result. Hope to see *all* of you there…. — TimW Halfordian Golfer
ANNOUNCEMENT ! We are tremendously pleased to announce the First annual Western Colorado Strip Flyfishing Competition to be held May 26th and 27th 1997 in the Roaring Fork Valley of Colorado. All Flyfishers from around the world are invited to participate.
(snipped) I sense my heretofore unyielding disgust with tournaments rapidly fading away, being replaced by an unexpected and somewhat frightening M.Faulkner
The discussion on braided leaders has me interested to try them. I’ve
known that Orvis sells them, and a recent peak at their catalogue features their braided leader system (which I gather is different from AirFlo). I’m wondering if the leaders are truly braided all the way to the end of the tippet. I get the impression (perhaps mistaken) that the Orvis braided leader system uses more conventional leader material for the tippets; that is normal unbraided monofilament. If this is case, I wonder how well these leaders help to reduce drag. One more question: how well do the braided leaders cast? The loops connecting all of the pieces of the Orvis braided system suggest to me that their leaders wouldn’t turnover very smoothly. Is this the case? Any info would be of interest. Fred. My two cents: I’ve used thr braided leaders (Orvis) for maybe 5-6 years and I love them. I imagine you can get better fishing using conventional leaders precisely matched to any particular situation, but I think you can get more fishing using the braided ones, which is to say I spend more time fishing, and less time messing around with tackle. The braided leaders are stronger and seem to be supple and light enough for my fishing, mostly small, spring creeks and rivers in the midwest, where stealth is a big concern. If you get snagged, usually the tippet goes, which is easily replaced w/ conventional tippet material. Sometimes the end knot goes, and then you just tie in another. It saves for me what is a frustration of dealing with a tiny tangle of blood knots, which also have some windage, and constantly snag weeds, scum, whatever. In any case, I think they’re worth a try.
I’m wondering if the leaders are truly braided all the way
to the end of the tippet. << There is no tippet supplied on any of the braided leaders I’ve tried (Orvis, Roman Moser and Airflo), you supply your own using loop to loop connection. Energy transfer seems more efficient, even with loop to loop connections from line to leader and leader to tippet, and results in terrific turnover. For dry fly fishing I use the Airflo intermediate leader, which floats just below the surface and provides more of a drag free drift. The sinking leaders are available in various sink rates and lengths making exact depth control possible. Since using these I’ve not had to use any additional weight to get my flies down to where they need to be. They do take a bit of adjustment, but once you get up a ways on the learning curve they really do make life easier. The Airflo PolyLeader is the latest stage of this development. With these the leader itself is only about 4′ long, but I’ve used tippets up to 15′ long on them with no problems. Fair winds and following seas, Pat in Pawtucket RI
The discussion on braided leaders has me interested to try them. I’ve known that Orvis sells them, and a recent peak at their catalogue features their braided leader system (which I gather is different from AirFlo). I’m wondering if the leaders are truly braided all the way to the end of the tippet. I get the impression (perhaps mistaken) that the Orvis braided leader system uses more conventional leader material for the tippets; that is normal unbraided monofilament. If this is case, I wonder how well these leaders help to reduce drag. One more question: how well do the braided leaders cast? The loops connecting all of the pieces of the Orvis braided system suggest to me that their leaders wouldn’t turnover very smoothly. Is this the case? Any info would be of interest. Fred. Dr. Fredrick D. Siewers Assistant Professor of Geoscience Rock Valley College Rockford, IL 61114
Previous posts on breathable waders have mentioned their durability and some problems that have developed. I wondered if there was more personal experience out there on this topic. How durable have the different breathable wader brands been in your experience (Simms microfibers, Hodgmann wadelite, LL Bean Gore-Tex, Orvis Gore-Tex and any others you know of)?
Previous posts on breathable waders have mentioned their durability and some problems that have developed. I wondered if there was more personal experience out there on this topic. How durable have the different breathable wader brands been in your experience (Simms microfibers, Hodgmann wadelite, LL Bean Gore-Tex, Orvis Gore-Tex and any others you know of)?
Hi Jonathan, I guided 83 trips and several personal trips as well in my Simms and they worked very well. I developed one pin hole leak after charging through some wild roses but the leak was very easy to repair. Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (96 catalog)
Article yesterday in Wash. Post said: Use chum, Use a fly that looks like chum (brown, about the size of a ping-pong ball) Go for it. Interesting article. — John Novotny Witty and insightful comments deleted in deference to world peace.
I live in Monmouth county N.J. and fish exclusively for striped bass on the fly rod. If there is anyone out there with similar interest, respond! I am always current on the latest info ( at least I think I am). Anyone with tips, hot fishing, or just to BS about one of the best fishing quests one can undertake, respond. Tim Surgent —-