Question:

does anyone know of a good recreational city in northern wyoming or southern montana?  like to stay with in 400 miles of denver   – flying a 182

   Check out West Yellowstone, MT (WYS).  I stop in there at least once a year.  The Madison River and Hebgen lake are just north of the runway (good fishing).  There’s a pilots campground on the field and complimentary mountain bikes for exploring the local area.  The town is just 1.5 miles down the road and has outfitters for hiking/biking/rafting/4-wheeling trips if that’s your thing.  If you’re going to be driving around on your own, check out the nearby (20 miles?) Earthquake Lake visitor center.  The lake was formed in the 1959 earthquake when the side of a large mountain collapsed into the Madison River.  Very cool place.  For general info, check out : http://www.westyellowstonechamber.com/ already been to rapid city/devils tower.  jackson hole probably booked over weekend, and a little far.  

  Jackson Hole is an overrated tourist trap.  The FBO on the field caters to bizjets and gasoline burners are treated accordingly.  Don’t bother. John Galban=====N4BQ (PA28-180)

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or are there many recreational things to do it billings?  it’s directly north of cody, but can skirt around smoke if problem.  just don’t want to get "weathered in" by smoke at cody. would prefer a town that has river for fishing or rafting – and some good local restaurants and bars of course.

If you can, Butte or Missoula are awesome and have your recreation "needs".

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i am taking parents up to cody, wyoming (COD) over labor day,  first time flying with me.  (yes leaving at 6am for mom) have motel and rafting trip scheduled, but current fires there might be a prob – -especially if wind is blowing smoke into city,  and as i can attest to living in denver it’s extremely unpleasant on lungs and eyes. (and im sure airplanes)

I’m not au courant on the fires and of course in a few weeks the situation may change, so this might not help But have you considered West Yellowstone (WYS)?  You can fly through the Tetons and get in there not going over 10k or swing around to the N We were at both Cody and West Yellowstone last summer, and I liked the latter better.  It was a closer drive into Yellowstone Park, smaller city (very touristy still), beautiful airport with a nice long runway and an ILS so no problem at all landing there. I’m sure rafting trips and motels can be arranged, if not there’s a nice pilot’s campground at the airport Cheers, Sydney

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – i am taking parents up to cody, wyoming (COD) over labor day,  first time flying with me.  (yes leaving at 6am for mom) have motel and rafting trip scheduled, but current fires there might be a prob – -especially if wind is blowing smoke into city,  and as i can attest to living in denver it’s extremely unpleasant on lungs and eyes. (and im sure airplanes) I’m not au courant on the fires and of course in a few weeks the situation may change, so this might not help But have you considered West Yellowstone (WYS)?  You can fly through the Tetons and get in there not going over 10k or swing around to the N We were at both Cody and West Yellowstone last summer, and I liked the latter better.  It was a closer drive into Yellowstone Park, smaller city (very touristy still), beautiful airport with a nice long runway and an ILS so no problem at all landing there. I’m sure rafting trips and motels can be arranged, if not there’s a nice pilot’s campground at the airport Cheers, Sydney

Rafting trips are booked months ahead.  Hotels are scarce, at times. — Jim in NC–

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Cheney’s popping in and out of Jackson Hole (TFR Aug1-Sep1) so you may want an alternative.

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<<I am in Billings.  The smoke comes and goes.  Yesterday morning was our worst day.  It was 2 miles viz until about 8 am when a cold front came thru.  That cleared it up to about 15 mile viz. thanks for the posts and the local info. visibility is my main concern – but sounds managable – so we’ll probably still land / stay in cody, but maybe head north to billings or further for day trips if cody isn’t pleasant environment.. cough cough << Jackson Hole is an overrated tourist trap. i’ve spent new years in jackson hole once–  drove there but saw AF2 at JAC. one thing i like was teton county library south of town. largest small town library i’ve seen- modern and new titles -big bay window with deer wandering by.  nice way to spend cold afternoon. west yellowstone – western montana is definetely on my list.  now that i’m flying 182 shouldn’t be a prob for a 3-4 day trip thanks – and will post pics!

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<<I am in Billings.  The smoke comes and goes.  Yesterday morning was our worst day.  It was 2 miles viz until about 8 am when a cold front came thru.  That cleared it up to about 15 mile viz. thanks for the posts and the local info. visibility is my main concern – but sounds managable – so we’ll probably still land / stay in cody, but maybe head north to billings or further for day trips if cody isn’t pleasant environment.. cough cough

Now today we had vis of 50 miles.  Still a little fuzzy looking but flyable.

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Rafting trips are booked months ahead.  Hotels are scarce, at times.

I’m sure both are true, especially if one has specific preferences or wishes a multi-day trip or to stay at a lodge in the park. However, just for a comfortable but not fancy motel, we were there after July 4th and there were vacancies in both W. Yellowstone and Cody, at motels and at "dude ranches" outside town.  There was also space available on several different day and half-day rafting trips, trail rides etc. Whether they would have been available a week ahead of time, or whether they represented the inevitable "last minute cancellations", I can’t say. Whether the sitch is different on Labor Day, can’t say either but I suspect it’s pretty much the same. FWIW Sydney

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Got into this a bit late, but I’m a big fan of Sheridan.  Have some info and pics on my web site:  http://www.flyingmutts.com. FYI,  the Big Horn Fire that was burning NW of Sheridan is pretty much contained so that shouldn’t pose a problem  Flying time from Boulder to Sheridan in my 182 is usually about 2′15" depending on wind.   Have fun. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -i am taking parents up to cody, wyoming (COD) over labor day,  first time flying with me.  (yes leaving at 6am for mom) have motel and rafting trip scheduled, but current fires there might be a prob – -especially if wind is blowing smoke into city,  and as i can attest to living in denver it’s extremely unpleasant on lungs and eyes. (and im sure airplanes) still hoping for cody, but prepping an alternate if needed.  does anyone know of a good recreational city in northern wyoming or southern montana?  like to stay with in 400 miles of denver   – flying a 182 already been to rapid city/devils tower.  jackson hole probably booked over weekend, and a little far.   anyone been to sheridan / buffalo area? or are there many recreational things to do it billings?  it’s directly north of cody, but can skirt around smoke if problem.  just don’t want to get "weathered in" by smoke at cody. would prefer a town that has river for fishing or rafting – and some good local restaurants and bars of course. thanks in advance — will post flying pics of wherever we end up!

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thanks – i’ve seen your site – nice pics – and salida and buena vista are on my list of places to go. leaving sat morning for cody – called the FBO and they said viz is been ok -but i have riverton as a b’up also taking a 182 from front range – planning 2.5 to 3 hours – if you can get to sheridan in just over 2 that’s good to hear! my only concern now is front moving in from north this weekend- hope it doesn’t make it an IFR morning still 25 hours away from that IFR checkride — but getting closer all the time…

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Now today West Yellowstone is a no go, viz about 1-2 miles around 11 am.   Hazy here in Billings and the viz is only about 30-40 miles.  There has been a lot of rain in southwestern MT over the past week. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – thanks – i’ve seen your site – nice pics – and salida and buena vista are on my list of places to go. leaving sat morning for cody – called the FBO and they said viz is been ok -but i have riverton as a b’up also taking a 182 from front range – planning 2.5 to 3 hours – if you can get to sheridan in just over 2 that’s good to hear! my only concern now is front moving in from north this weekend- hope it doesn’t make it an IFR morning still 25 hours away from that IFR checkride — but getting closer all the time…

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i am taking parents up to cody, wyoming (COD) over labor day,  first time flying with me.  (yes leaving at 6am for mom) have motel and rafting trip scheduled, but current fires there might be a prob – -especially if wind is blowing smoke into city,  and as i can attest to living in denver it’s extremely unpleasant on lungs and eyes. (and im sure airplanes) still hoping for cody, but prepping an alternate if needed.  does anyone know of a good recreational city in northern wyoming or southern montana?  like to stay with in 400 miles of denver   – flying a 182 already been to rapid city/devils tower.  jackson hole probably booked over weekend, and a little far.   anyone been to sheridan / buffalo area? or are there many recreational things to do it billings?  it’s directly north of cody, but can skirt around smoke if problem.  just don’t want to get "weathered in" by smoke at cody. would prefer a town that has river for fishing or rafting – and some good local restaurants and bars of course. thanks in advance — will post flying pics of wherever we end up!

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Sheridan or Buffalo are definitely options. Buffalo is a little closer to Story, which is a great place to visit. OTOH, I don’t think you can get a rental car at Buffalo. Buffalo has cheaper gas than Sheridan, though, and is more of a rustic airport.

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still hoping for cody, but prepping an alternate if needed.  does anyone know of a good recreational city in northern wyoming or southern montana?  like to stay with in 400 miles of denver   – flying a 182

I am in Billings.  The smoke comes and goes.  Yesterday morning was our worst day.  It was 2 miles viz until about 8 am when a cold front came thru.  That cleared it up to about 15 mile viz.  You’ll get what you get.  You can fly to Red Lodge(RED) and have a short walk into town. It’s a cool mountain town similar to Cody.  Go to Bogarts for lunch, and don’t miss the candy store that is in a 75 year old movie theater…squeaking wood floors and all. already been to rapid city/devils tower.  jackson hole probably booked over weekend, and a little far.  

And a ton of TFR’s.  Cheney is in and out of JAC for the month of August. anyone been to sheridan / buffalo area?

I’ve been to Sheridan a few times, nice scenery. or are there many recreational things to do it billings?  it’s directly north of cody, but can skirt around smoke if problem.  just don’t want to get "weathered in" by smoke at cody.

You won’t get weathered in by smoke but you may get actual 10 mile viz, which sucks.  If you are a golfer Billings has a few places to play. would prefer a town that has river for fishing or rafting – and some good local restaurants and bars of course.

All the rivers are low right now as we have not had measureable rain for 56 days now and most of the snow has already melted off the mountains this year.   Columbus(6S3) is right on the confluence of the Stillwater and Yellowstone rivers 30 miles SW of BIL.  You can easily fish the rivers or there are numerous float operators if you want to float the river.  All towns around here have interesting bars and restaurants.  I will give you more info if you’d like.

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Question:

This last weekend I was out fishing (float tubing) on a high altitude lake with a chilly wind (about 30mph and 38oF). The lake was white capping with 1-3 waves.  The water temp was 38o-40oF and I was out for 3 and half hours straight.  Came in when it got dark. I got quite a work out but it was kind of fun. Got some strikes and hook ups in the process. I was a bit exhausted and cold when I came in but all-in-all in pretty good shape.  I was dressed for the weather even though the wind and the cold water started to creep in after awhile.  I was with friends so they knew where I was at. More and more I find myself going fishing when it’s snowing, raining, or wind blowing hard.  I don’t mess with lightning.  The occasional nice day is usually when the fishing is slow.  Some people say I’m nuts.  I’ve read stories where that kind of fishing kind of normal for fly fishers.  I don’t (in my mind) take unnecessary risks. Is this about the norm for you guys?  What kind of float tube or fishing accidents have you experienced?  What were the conditions? Eric

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be sure to know the symptoms of hypothermia Not a fishing story, but, I was duck hunting on the Chesapeake Bay and "felt fine"  I "wasn’t even cold anymore" the two guys that found me say  I was randomly moving decoys and my walking was very wobbly, my speech badly slurred, yet I still "argued" that I was just fine they forced me into a hut and got me warmed They told me a little about the dangers and after I read up, I realized they had saved my life …. I was probably minutes from collapse I’m nearly 40 years older now and don’t find the cold as much fun,  but I’m very aware of shivers, numbness and such. go out, damn right, but be careful and keep a clear margin of safety….. —–= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =—– http://www.newsfeeds.com – The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! —–==  Over 80,000 Newsgroups – 16 Different Servers! =—–

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another one<g … this time the San Francisco Bay we went out of Alviso and got caught in a very powerful storm when we got back to the dock, I could NOT work the keys to open my car Thank god a guy drove up "checking on his boat in the Marina" and helped me get the car open and started and pull my buddy out of the boat ( he could get out under own power ) we left boat, motor, decoys, guns and all and went to Fremont for coffee and food it was all there when we got back, but we were VERY aware that we had been one small problem from losing everything … a stalled outboard would have killed us —–= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =—– http://www.newsfeeds.com – The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! —–==  Over 80,000 Newsgroups – 16 Different Servers! =—–

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was supposed to be get the car open and started and pull my buddy out of the boat ( he couldn’t get out under own power )

the waves and wind had filled his waders, he was too cold to get them off, alone  I had taken mine off when they were about half full, and a sinking boat seemed very likely.  I remember telling him why I was taking mine off and saying  "if this boat goes down, you won’t want them on"

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Eric: Lately it seems like the "nastier" the conditions, the more I enjoy it. First of all, it does cut down on the crowds. Second, if you are prepared for it with the right gear (and the gear keeps getting better all the time), even "nasty" conditions aren’t too bad, within reason. I guess the key is that "within reason" thing.  And I have indeed caught my biggest fish in what I used to consider nasty conditions. Finally, biting insects are not a problem! A guide once told me "There is no such thing as "bad conditions", there is just "bad gear". Preparation and common sense are paramount. Jim Ray

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This last weekend I was out fishing (float tubing) on a high altitude lake with a chilly wind (about 30mph and 38oF). The lake was white capping with 1-3 waves.  The water temp was 38o-40oF and I was out for 3 and half hours straight.  Came in when it got dark. I got quite a work out but it was kind of fun. Got some strikes and hook ups in the process. I was a bit exhausted and cold when I came in but all-in-all in pretty good shape.  I was dressed for the weather even though the wind and the cold water started to creep in after awhile.  I was with friends so they knew where I was at. More and more I find myself going fishing when it’s snowing, raining, or wind blowing hard.  I don’t mess with lightning.  The occasional nice day is usually when the fishing is slow.  Some people say I’m nuts.  I’ve read stories where that kind of fishing kind of normal for fly fishers.  I don’t (in my mind) take unnecessary risks. Is this about the norm for you guys?  What kind of float tube or fishing accidents have you experienced?  What were the conditions? Eric

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I leave out words too so I knew what you meant. I might have had a mild case of hypothermia.  I was a little dizzy and disoriented when I got out of the water but I thought was from bobbing around like cork for three hours.  Also, the wind was down about 10mph and the temp about 35o. It gets cold at sunset in the mountains.  Even though I have neoprene waders the wind on those wet waders made it feel bitter cold. The two things that crossed my mind that would have been a major bummer.  1) The main bladder of my float tube fail and 2) get broadside into the wind in a big wave and get flipped. For number 2, I kept my tube about 45 degrees into the wind so I wouldn’t capsize.  The other thing I found was that I could actually fin into the wind and go somewhere that way.  The wind was too strong to try kick straight into it.  I kind of zig-zagged like a sailboat does.  I had to go back across a cove against the wind to get out of the water.   was supposed to be   get the car open and started and pull my buddy out of the boat ( he couldn’t   get out under own power )     the waves and wind had filled his waders, he was too cold to get them off, alone    I had taken mine off when they were about half full, and a sinking boat seemed very likely.  I remember telling him why I was taking mine off and saying  "if this boat goes down, you won’t want them on"

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I wear an CO2 inflatable vest or carry a regular life vest from my big boat, depending on conditions.   And, I don’t feel a bit "wimpy" doing so. Another "not fishing" story.   I train retrievers for field trials, and such.   One summer day a client was working his dog and I wanted to plant a "blind retrieve" for the animal.   I figured I’d go out 30 feet from shore and prop the dummy on a branch of a submerged tree, then run the dog from the other side of the lake.   So wearing blue jeans and a summer shirt I swam out the 30 feet and started back …. tell you what I BARELY made it …. those jeans soaked up water and I could just, …just … stay above the surface enough to breath.   I remember thinking, "F–k, I’m going to drown within 15 feet of shore, in sight of a dozen people."    Next summer try to swim a pool wearing soaked cold weather gear, it will open you eyes, I bet.

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Is this about the norm for you guys?  What kind of float tube or fishing accidents have you experienced?  What were the conditions?

Went through a microburst on Rock Creek once. It got REAL interesting when 2′ to 3′ diameter Doug Fir started dropping into the river. — Tight Lines! Brian D. Nelson Diamond N Outfitters, Missoula, Montana www.diamondnoutfitters.com

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Ain’t no gear to protect ya from that Brian.                    Handyman Mike           Standing in a river waving a stick

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More and more I find myself going fishing when it’s snowing, raining, or wind blowing hard.  I don’t mess with lightning.  The occasional nice day is usually when the fishing is slow.  Some people say I’m nuts.  I’ve read stories where that kind of fishing kind of normal for fly fishers.  I don’t (in my mind) take unnecessary risks.

The hardest conditions make the most enduring memories. Is this about the norm for you guys?  What kind of float tube or fishing accidents have you experienced?  What were the conditions?

Last year I packed my float tube to a high lake in mid October. There was about 6" of snow that obiterated the "trail" (to use the term loosely), so I just followed my dogs through and over and under the downed timber, hoping for the best. The fresh snow was magical. I thought it meant fair weather, but a front moved in. By the time I reached the lake it was well below freezing, and the lake, which I’d never seen before, looked like an off-color POS. I was so cold that I had to build a fire, which took a couple of hours. After fortifying myself around the fire with some coffee, whiskey, M&Ms, and maybe one or two other substances, I put on my waders, blew up the float tube, rigged my rod, put on my fins, and set out for the drop off below the rock face near the inlet. Maybe another hour. It was the hottest lake fishing I’ve ever had, but I could only stand to be in the water for 45 minutes. Ice shelves were accreting along the shore. Then I had a two-hour hike back to the "trail" head, into a stiff wind. Great trip.

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Eric More and more I find myself going fishing when it’s snowing, Eric raining, or wind blowing hard. I like that too, as long as I’m fishing in a place where a warm cabin is waiting for me at the end of the day. Makes you feel like you’re *really* alive. But if I’m staying in a tent, forget it. Gearwise, one of the worst things you can have is a pair of too small boots. My previous boots were too small for winter fishing. On the last day of the Baltic clave, I was fishing really hard (had not caught any fish, damn Marcel had picked them all up under our noses). Anyway, I was standing in the 5C (41F) water in the Baltic sea for hours. When I decided to quit, I couldn’t feel my feet anymore. They really had an out of body -experience, no tactile sense left whatsoever. — Jarmo Hurri address or apply rot13 to header email address.

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Went through a microburst on Rock Creek once.

It sounds like that’s a once in a lifetime type of experience.  I work for an electric utility and I’ve seen what microbursts can do to wood poles.  I can imagine what it would be like in the forest.

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Went through a microburst on Rock Creek once. It sounds like that’s a once in a lifetime type of experience.  I work for an electric utility and I’ve seen what microbursts can do to wood poles. I can imagine what it would be like in the forest.

I pulled the photo and related newspaper article about this incident and put them on my website. There is a link to "Rock Creek Microburst". It will give an idea of what kind of damage it did. Be warned that my scans of the newspaper clippings are not great and seem to be rather large so the page may load slow. Anyone have any tips for scanning/posting these? — Tight Lines! Brian D. Nelson Diamond N Outfitters, Missoula, Montana www.diamondnoutfitters.com

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Went through a microburst on Rock Creek once. It sounds like that’s a once in a lifetime type of experience.  I work for an electric utility and I’ve seen what microbursts can do to wood poles. I can imagine what it would be like in the forest. I pulled the photo and related newspaper article about this incident and put them on my website. There is a link to "Rock Creek Microburst". It will give an idea of what kind of damage it did. Be warned that my scans of the newspaper clippings are not great and seem to be rather large so the page may load slow. Anyone have any tips for scanning/posting these?

Phbbtt! A mere bagatelle Took all of three seconds to load the full page (I love broadband!!) I stick a sheet of flat black paper behind newsprint when scanning, it greatly reduces that "bleed through" effect from the reverse side print. Aside from that, it’s hard to get around that artifacting when the compression is set so high. /daytripper

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Question:

Looking for Evil Colorful Nymphs Flash in the net.. Anyone have some ideas ? Thanks… Phil..

Response:

Looking for Evil Colorful Nymphs Flash in the net.. Anyone have some ideas ? Thanks… Phil..

What, we didn’t ignore you enough the first time you posted this question? Kavin

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Looking for Evil Colorful Nymphs Flash in the net.. Anyone have some ideas ? Thanks… Phil..

Hey, Phil.  I started on a CB550 but also owned a 1998 Sportster.  Sold it to finance becoming certified to teach art in Pennsylvania.  I’d rather have the Sporty back though.  Getting a f-t art teaching position is durn difficult.  I own an old 650 now which is fun, but not an H-D. Uh, *on topic*, though, I’d recommend you visit Yahoo! and just do a search for Tattoos. That’s going to be needle-in-a-haystack, but it may be the only way. Whatever you do, don’t type _nymph flash_ unless you enjoy fly fishing, okay? Good luck. — Curt

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I scribbled: [snip] Whatever you do, don’t type _nymph flash_ unless you enjoy fly fishing, okay? Good luck.

Hey, check out: http://www.madeinthephilippines.com/hermesalegre/ http://hsa.brown.edu/~maicar/NYMPHS.html http://hsa.brown.edu/~maicar/000Free/000NYMPHS/source/14.html http://www.tanglewave.com/nymphs.html http://www.nymphart.com/ There’s always Playboy magazine as well, Phil. — Curt 2 tattoos, 2 rings… and a bunch o’ search engines!

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Looking for Evil Colorful Nymphs Flash in the net.. Anyone have some ideas ? Thanks… Phil..

Try a search for Dave Bolt, he may do what you are looking for…. TQ

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"Help, I’ve scribbled and I can’t put my little golfer’s pencil down!" I scribbled:

[snip] Search for Boris Vallejo and Julie Bell.   Here’s one link: http://www.imaginistix.com/searchprocess.cfm — Curt (Okay, that’s it for Phil.  No more.  I promise.)

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Try a search for Dave Bolt, he may do what you are looking for….

Yeah, http://www.artspace.com/ – Bollt has some *really* cool dark/wicked faeries and nymphs etc. GOOD stuff. I think I own all of his stuff, well, except the set of "butterflys and moths" or whatever that is. All his mythical/fantasy stuff is top notch, and great "sellers" at the shop. Cat — — oO$8$Oo.,oo,.oO$$88$Oo 8$:`   .8$$8.  ’;8$’ 8$.   ,8$  $8,  :8$ `8$$..8$o..o$8..;8$ http://www.catbones.com/

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Question:

No, you all can bring those teeny little eastern ethics into any bar you like over here, but the girls are likely to laugh at them.  :) mind…..um……them ain’t girls! Wolfgang see, ya gotta kinda hold em upsi……well, never mind

Ah, so you *have* been in a bar out here.  Hard to believe, I know, but those *were* the girls that held you upside down. JR

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – No, you all can bring those teeny little eastern ethics into any bar you like over here, but the girls are likely to laugh at them.  :) mind…..um……them ain’t girls! Wolfgang see, ya gotta kinda hold em upsi……well, never mind Ah, so you *have* been in a bar out here.  Hard to believe, I know, but those *were* the girls that held you upside down.

Oh, I’ve been in quite a few bars out there.  Never been held upside down.  And no, those ain’t girls…..some day we’ll explain the bother. Wolfgang wouldn’t be ethical

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…… cuz then he could never never no no uh uh uh venture into a bar west of omaha on accounta then he’d get beat up by a couple dozen cowboys with REALLY BIG ethics…….yup, uh huh.      :)

No, you all can bring those teeny little eastern ethics into any bar you like over here, but the girls are likely to laugh at them.  :) JR

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…… cuz then he could never never no no uh uh uh venture into a bar west of omaha on accounta then he’d get beat up by a couple dozen cowboys with REALLY BIG ethics…….yup, uh huh.      :) No, you all can bring those teeny little eastern ethics into any bar you like over here, but the girls are likely to laugh at them.  :)

mind…..um……them ain’t girls! Wolfgang see, ya gotta kinda hold em upsi……well, never mind

Response:

yellow foam spider was the ticket. After about six months of fishing almost exclusively with nymphs I had forgotten how fun it is to see a fish rise from the depths to take a fly on the surface.

I am glad you had some fun with the panfish flies. Since I am auch a slut about catching bluegill from the surface, I most often start with the yellow foam spider. I seldom am able to catch catfish with a fly, but they are a hell of a lot of fun when they do take the fly. I use head cement on the ghost minnow and I think the smell of it puts the catfish off. Richard Hart who came up with the pattern gives it a spray with Cortland’s Mayfly Scent when he fishes these flies for catfish or carp. As far as I am concerned the flies accomplished their purpose…I could almost see the smile on your face from here. That is what bluegill are all about. Big Dale

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As far as I am concerned the flies accomplished their purpose…I could almost see the smile on your face from here.

So far I have caught brown trout, smallmouth and bream on your flies (that I won at the raffle(s)). No catfish yet, but plenty of smiles for me too. — Charlie…

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The bluegill are just finishing the spawn season at the pond and the aggressive males linger in groups at the edges of the beds waiting for something to happen. Loitering like teenagers at the mall, I guess.

Hokey smokes they’re early down there!  Bluegills won’t be spawning here for another month or so.  I am SO jealous!! Wolfgang assuming that the gills were actually QUITE finished spawning cuz on accounta he would hate to think that steve would fish em on the redds cuz then he could never never no no uh uh uh venture into a bar west of omaha on accounta then he’d get beat up by a couple dozen cowboys with REALLY BIG ethics…….yup, uh huh.      :)

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[deleted] Good points. I actually did try a couple of casts with the smaller fly first, but had no luck so decided to get serious and pull out something I thought would have a chance.

…like stink bait or a 3/0 snagging hook… — TBone Walker The Halfordian Golfer

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Good points. I actually did try a couple of casts with the smaller fly first, but had no luck so decided to get serious and pull out something I thought would have a chance.

Seems to me like catfish or bullhead on a fly would be pretty darn tough fishin’.  The most artificial thing I ever caught one on was a plastic worm. But I’m no catfish commonsewer.

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Just a thought…I think it would have been better if you left the smaller fly on. A small fly won’t "spook" him and if it’s right near his nose he might just suck it in to see if it is food. If you were lazin’ around and not actively eating, a big mac might not seem interesting, but if someone passes a candy dish you’ll probably grab a couple…

Good points. I actually did try a couple of casts with the smaller fly first, but had no luck so decided to get serious and pull out something I thought would have a chance. –Steve

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About two weeks ago or so, Big Dale sent me a box of his hand-tied bass and panfish flies. I thanked him when they arrived, but I had a lingering feeling that I wouldn’t be doing him or his flies justice until I fished with them. The weather and my schedule finally cooperated yesterday afternoon and I finally made it over to my neighborhood pond for a couple of hours. There was quite a bit of wind and I had inadvertently left the reel I was planning to use at home meaning I had nothing but a 4wt line to go with the 5wt rod I brought. Casting was tough but what the heck I was fishing. I tried a couple different fly patterns from Dale’s Box, starting with a Mylar Minnow, changing to a Cap Spider, and finally settling on a yellow foam spider when I didn’t seem to be catching anything beneath the surface. Despite the wind (or perhaps *because of* the wind), the yellow foam spider was the ticket. After about six months of fishing almost exclusively with nymphs I had forgotten how fun it is to see a fish rise from the depths to take a fly on the surface. The bluegill are just finishing the spawn season at the pond and the aggressive males linger in groups at the edges of the beds waiting for something to happen. Loitering like teenagers at the mall, I guess. I caught quite a few fish as I made my way around the pond. After a while I added a LaFontaine’ Twist nymph as a dropper, which seemed to decidedly increase the interest of the bass. All was going well despite the wind and the contorted casting until I happened upon a VERY large catfish sunning himself at the edge of the water. (OK, I don’t know for a fact that it was trying to get sun but it was just lying there in six inches of water with no apparent interest in eating). My heart started pounding, my mouth went dry and I was consumed by a case of MFS (monster fish syndrome). Suddenly, my only intention was to find a way to catch that monster catfish. Hands shaking, I clipped off the dropper and tried to find something in Big Dale’s box that would catch a catfish. I chose a gray and white Ghost Minnow, placed it perfectly on the first cast and slowly stripped the fly past the bigcat’s nose. The catfish slowly turned, ignored the fly, and swam into the depths of the pond. I spent the next fifteen minutes in a pathetic attempt to convince that catfish to comeback and show some interest in me. I should have known better. I knew I wasn’t going to interest that catfish. And I knew that once I started trying to catch it I was going to end up empty-handed and that the leisurely enjoyment of catching half-pound bluegill and bass would be gone. Though perhaps not as profound as the story of Ahab and Moby Dick, there’s a life lesson in there somewhere. Telling me to enjoy the things I have in life, to be happy with my lot and to leave the never-to-be-caught catfish well enough alone. –Steve

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Question:

Yesterday I got news from a friend that Sydney Harbour was really firing, with big schools of bonito and yellowtail kingfish feeding on top nearly all morning – he and his wife got several good bonnies on fly and lost a kingie, fly line and all before leaving, sick of catching ‘em. I got my gear out before bed, putting a Teeny ‘head on my 11 wt and an intermediate on the 8. The sky was clearing after intermittent drizzle since Christmas Eve. I woke up at 5am this morning to the sound of pouring rain. It’s been going all day (it’s nearly 1 pm now). The wind is up around 15kts, a southerly, which ruins my chances in my 4.2m runabout. I’ve downloaded all the Win’98 Y2K patches I can, I’ve upgraded my antivirus data files, I’ve eaten most of the leftovers in the fridge, but there are a I’M PISSED OFF I WANT TO GO FISHING JK

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I know how you feel John, s’been hissing down here for 3 days or so … still we need it.  Having decided to take the plunge (finally!) into the salt  I’ve been tying a box full of saltwater flies in anticiaption and what happens? … still we need it. good luck when the weather breaks. Steve

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I wish we had some of that rain! Forrest http://www.FlyFishingREVIEW.com FlyFishingREVIEW.com Before you buy.

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I’ve got a lot of empty bottles here I could fill for you.

John : If you want, you could send a bunch of bottles of rain to Dallas. Nearby Lake Lewisville is still 13.3 feet low and weather liers offer no help. The weather here was 73 degrees this afternoon with blue skies and the wind was less than 20 m.p.h.  If this keeps up all the catfish will die of sunburn. There Waldo and Jeff are fishing in beautiful gray days and knocking ice out of their rod guides and we are stuck in this damn bluebird kind of days and still wearing shorts and sandals. I am jealous. It is still too hot to enjoy a Young’s Oatmeal Stout. Big Dale Big Dale

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….It is still too hot to enjoy a Young’s Oatmeal Stout.

Unimaginable Dale.  Never been a fan of hot weather myself but it’s never too hot to drink a good beer, especially if it accompanies a nice mess of fried bluegills. And as the latter are something of a specialty of yours I should think you’d be in pretty good shape.  Bottoms up!

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Where are you Forrest? I’ve got a lot of empty bottles here I could fill for you. Cheers JK

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I wish we had some of that rain! Forrest http://www.FlyFishingREVIEW.com FlyFishingREVIEW.com Before you buy.

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Big Dale, Don’t worry, that’s the one thing with the weather – I guarantee it will change (for better or for worse is the only question, and not even the meteorologists know that!). You wouldn’t believe it here today, not a cloud in the sky, no wind, 25deg Some how I have to tell my better half that I’m going to get some of those kingies at 5am tomorrow morning (New Years Eve), it might be my last chance. Cheers JK

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Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hire a guide. He will teach you more in one day than you can learn in a year by yourself. sage advise. oh yeah…wear some shoes. stingrays are painful. –Wataugan Walt Another piece of advice, if you gotta void DON’t do it in the water if you are waist deep. Walk to the shore and do it in the bushes. It’s a little known fact, sharks home on human urine. Be sure not to take it out when you are waist deep and go.                                                        John Popp                                                       in Sanford Fl.         john, dammit, you blew it!  here we were, about to complete an honest to god, serious, informative, boring, lifeless thread, and here you come with some witty, lively humor.  we just must purge roff of such trash!         your anal retentive buddy,         wayno wayno

 But I was serious (sob sob). Does no one take me seriously. Now that youve negated my advice by relegating it to humor, don’t blame me if the advice is not taken and the worm is.                                                            John Popp                                                      in Sanford Fl.

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don’t blame me if the advice is not taken and the worm is.

Stop it John! Your killing me! Capt. Gary S. Colecchio West Palm Beach, Florida "Lie ? Me ? Never!  No, no, no, the truth is far too much fun !" – Captain Hook

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Hire a guide. He will teach you more in one day than you can learn in a year by yourself.

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Hire a guide. He will teach you more in one day than you can learn in a year by yourself.

sage advise. oh yeah…wear some shoes. stingrays are painful. –Wataugan Walt

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There are places to wade around there but, as others have suggested, get a guide – at least for a day. Oh, and do wear shoes and shuffle your feet when you walk so you don’t step on a ray. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, I’ll be in the Florida Keys the week of Thanksgiving.  I’m hoping to catch my first Bonefish.  However, I know nothing about the Keys or Bonefish.  To further complicate things I’m a relatively new fly fisherman. So any information/tips would be most welcome.  I’ll be staying in Islamorada.  I do not have a boat so I’ll be wading. Questions. 1. Where should I fish? 2. What time of the day should I fish?  Or is it what part of the tide do I fish? 3. Any pointers on fly fishing for bonefish would be helpful. 4. Any dangers I should know about?  Should I wear shoes?  Is there bad things to step on? Many thanks, David PS I heard Harry Harris park is a good place to fish.  Is this true? Also, I’ll have my Golden Retriever along.  Where can I take her when I’m not fishing?

– Charlie…

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hire a guide. He will teach you more in one day than you can learn in a year by yourself. sage advise. oh yeah…wear some shoes. stingrays are painful. –Wataugan Walt Another piece of advice, if you gotta void DON’t do it in the water if you are waist deep. Walk to the shore and do it in the bushes. It’s a little known fact, sharks home on human urine. Be sure not to take it out when you are waist deep and go.                                                        John Popp                                                       in Sanford Fl.

        john, dammit, you blew it!  here we were, about to complete an honest to god, serious, informative, boring, lifeless thread, and here you come with some witty, lively humor.  we just must purge roff of such trash!         your anal retentive buddy,         wayno wayno

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Hire a guide. He will teach you more in one day than you can learn in a year by yourself. sage advise. oh yeah…wear some shoes. stingrays are painful. –Wataugan Walt

Another piece of advice, if you gotta void DON’t do it in the water if you are waist deep. Walk to the shore and do it in the bushes. It’s a little known fact, sharks home on human urine. Be sure not to take it out when you are waist deep and go.                                                         John Popp                                                        in Sanford Fl.

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Hi, I’ll be in the Florida Keys the week of Thanksgiving.  I’m hoping to catch my first Bonefish.  However, I know nothing about the Keys or Bonefish.  To further complicate things I’m a relatively new fly fisherman. So any information/tips would be most welcome.  I’ll be staying in Islamorada.  I do not have a boat so I’ll be wading. Questions. 1. Where should I fish? 2. What time of the day should I fish?  Or is it what part of the tide do I fish? 3. Any pointers on fly fishing for bonefish would be helpful. 4. Any dangers I should know about?  Should I wear shoes?  Is there bad things to step on? Many thanks, David PS I heard Harry Harris park is a good place to fish.  Is this true? Also, I’ll have my Golden Retriever along.  Where can I take her when I’m not fishing?

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Question:

I have been fly fishing for awhile now and I always hear that chirnomids are the key.  Any info on how to fish these little creatures would be most helpful!

Depends on whether you’re fishing them in rivers or lakes. In rivers generally I like to fish them dead drift (both pupa and larval imitations).   I fish them under an indicator with 6x (hopefully) or 7x (if I must) tippet set to the depth of the water and a small split shot about 6" above the fly.  In spring creeks the indicator will only move once out of every 4 strikes or so and you’re better off watching the fish for a feeding move if you can see him when the ‘cator gets close.  If the fish’s head snaps from the side to center, STrike! If the fish moves over and stops, STRike!  If you see the white flash of the fish’s mouth opening, wait until it closes and STRIke!   If you think it might be your fly but you’re not sure, STRIKe!!   You have nothing to lose and if it was you and you didn’t strike, the fish may not pick it up again and you’ve lost out.  If in doubt, STRIKE!! You can also fish a pupa imitation in the film by putting some fly floatant only on the thorax).  This will allow it to hang down from the suface just like the natural does (this only works on a fresh fly not a waterlogged one).  You’ll see the strike as a sipping rise. If they are taking the fully emerged adults, fish the midge on the surface.  If you get a refusal – the fish turns away or the water just bulges under your fly, trim the hackle off the bottom of the fly and cut the tail in half. This will drop it slightly into the film and will usually take the fish that just refused it.  If you don’t see a small bubble in the riseform, then the fish is not breaking the surface and hanging it an inch under the water sometimes works real well.  Treat your leader with fly floatant up to about 1"-2" away from the fly but not on the pupa itself.  This will hang the fly just under the surface.  Sometimes the take is visible as a rise and sometimes the take just looks like a bulge in the water – STRIKE! In lakes I also often use an indicator with my pupa imitations to more accurately imitate the manner in which  they approach the surface.  Attach the indicator about 5′ above the fly and a small split shot about 6" from the fly.  Cast the fly out and allow it to sink for 10 seconds or so. Strip the fly back to you in 6-7" strips with the rod tip in the water so that when you pull on the line you are pulling on the fly.  Strip it just fast enough to make a small wake with the indicator.  This method makes the fly swim up to the surface more vertically than without an indicator and makes a big difference in success.  Watch the ‘cator closely as the fish will often take the fly as it stops moving and sinks a little before the next strip.  Even if the fish takes it as you have it under tension, the indicator will twitch slightly before you feel it.  These are most effectively fished over weedbeds (chironomid hotels). I set up dries and emergers in lake the same way I outlined for rivers, but I try to give them a little twitch from time to time since there is no current. Helps attract the fish’s attention and adds a little more realism to the presentation.  Remember this is a twitch not a 1 or 2" pull – would have to be super midge to move that far.  If you get the slack out of the line and get your rod tip slightly under water you can do this twitch pretty effectively. Don’t overdo it.                            Hope this helps,                                    Dan Dan Gracia Orvis West Coast Schools Dan Gracia                                                               Orvis West Coast Fly Fishing Schools If you kill that big fish you can’t catch ‘em again.  So what if they eat other fish?  If you kill the big ones there will only be little ones left (funny how that works!).

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Question:

Are you *sure* this was about fishing!!! Oliver Inverness-shire;  Scotland "Lead me not into temptation – I can do it myself"

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Before anyone gets crazy, this has nothing to do with bestiality.  My buddy has heard stories (yeah, right, another one of those "my friend" stories) of seducing brown trout in New Zealand by stealthily sneaking up on them and immobilizing them by stroking their bellies.  True or myth? Tickling or "guddling" trout is ancient in England, described in many books. — |  Donald Phillipson, 4180 Boundary Road, Carlsbad Springs,  | |        Ontario, Canada, K0A 1K0, tel. 613 822 0734         |

Yup did it myself as a boy, ok only on small streams where you c can reach underneath the bank, slowly move your fingers along untiil you make contact, gently tickle the trout away from the bank and then flip it out of the water. I prefer fly fishing nowardays Regads

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I have tickled trout..It works. also works with goldfish (at least the ones in my pond) regards Kyfho2

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Before anyone gets crazy, this has nothing to do with bestiality.  My buddy has heard stories (yeah, right, another one of those "my friend" stories) of seducing brown trout in New Zealand by stealthily sneaking up on them and immobilizing them by stroking their bellies.  True or myth? Brent

Not only can you tickle the bellies of trout, *that* is how you fish with hands only. As a boy, all my relatives would rendezvous on my         grandfather’s ranch during the haying season each August. It was known as "The Box Bar Ranch," and it stretched along Spring Creek, twelve miles outside of Saratoga, Wyoming. The day we began work in the fields along Spring Creek, during our break for lunch my uncles would place a couple of us in the water upstream, and a couple downstream.  The rest of us would then walk into the middle of the stream.  The trout would quickly retreat to the sides where the stream had cut deeply underneath the sod. Slowly, we would approach the banks, submerging our hands beneath the overhanging sod and placing them under the trout.  We could then gently rub the bellies of the fish. When we felt sure of our hand placement, SNAP!, with a quick flick of the wrist the trout would be airborne, heading for a soft landing in the mowed hay lying along the banks of the stream.   *Catch and eat* was the order of the day on the Box Bar Ranch, along Spring Creek, Saratoga, Wyoming, in the early sixties. Ed Hunsaker Mgr., Henry’s Fork Lodge 1994, 1995 —

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Not a good idea trying the above where mink are endemic !!! Muskrats can also cause pucker.  This happened to a friend back in

high school.  I’d never seen the whites of anyone’s eyes get so large.

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We used to do this as kids in the rivers in the Scottish/ English Borders: 1.  stand in a river in wellies but up to your knees in freezing water.  (it’s best to wear shorts so you don’t have to explain to geriatric parents.  2.  Fell gently under big stones or banks ’til you find a fish.  3.  VERY gently tickle it’s tummy until you can grab it.   THATS the theory!  Usually, you miss the grab, fall in and freeze for hours going home when (final indignity) you get a row.  Good fun though!! David Malone knows how. Oliver Inverness-shire;  Scotland "Lead me not into temptation – I can do it myself"

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seducing brown trout in New Zealand by stealthily sneaking up on them and immobilizing them by stroking their bellies.  True or myth? Brent True. Easy to do if you know of an overhanging bank on a stream where you can reach under *SLOWLY* and very gently stroke the fish with your fingers and very slowly move your hand till you think you have the fishes centre of gravity in your palm and SCOOP the fish out. You cannot grab hold of it.

Reminds of the stories my dad told me ("Tall Tales of Oklahoma") about guys who’d haul big spawning catfish out of the mud.   A big flathead or blue cat would get the best of them sometimes (or so the stories go) and they’d never be heard from again…

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Before anyone gets crazy, this has nothing to do with bestiality.  My buddy has heard stories (yeah, right, another one of those "my friend" stories) of seducing brown trout in New Zealand by stealthily sneaking up on them and immobilizing them by stroking their bellies.  True or myth? Brent

True, I’ve done it often years ago here in holland… (it’s here an illegal way of fishing)

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There was an english TV-series as well, where the method was shown. Seemed to work fine I don’t remember the original name of the series, but it was called in Finland ‘See you later, honey’ BR, Eki

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Before anyone gets crazy, this has nothing to do with bestiality.  My buddy has heard stories (yeah, right, another one of those "my friend" stories) of seducing brown trout in New Zealand by stealthily sneaking up on them and immobilizing them by stroking their bellies.  True or myth? Brent

It’s perfectly true, but I’ve been told it only works on male trout. And how do you determine if it is a male? By giving it a couple of test tickles.

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Suggested reading on the subject is the Curtis Creek Manifesto by Sheridan Anderson.  He spends an illustrated page on the subject. Jim, Nevada Jim’s Outdoor Sports, Elko, Nevada

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I like the "test tickles" joke. Made me laugh. But no-one seems to be taking this seriously. Tickling trout does work. Although it’s not compatible with catch-and-release. You tickle trout (usually in small mountain streams) when you are hungry. Trout usually hide underneath something when they get scared. A hollow space underneath a rock can harbor a half a dozen tightly packed fish. All squashed together. Reach in there with your hand and tickle one along its side and underbelly, just like you were another fish jamming youreself in there–just long enough to figure out where the head and gills are. Then pinch real hard right at the back of the gills, and then head for the campfire. —  Sandy Pittendrigh          –O0       (406) 585-6600-5276

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The reason this works is that the trout thinks you are is making sexual advances. Ernie Harrison

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I made a trout laugh once. I threatened to catch it!

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True – works with ‘ladies’ too Oliver Inverness-shire;  Scotland "Lead me not into temptation – I can do it myself"

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Before anyone gets crazy, this has nothing to do with bestiality.  My buddy has heard stories (yeah, right, another one of those "my friend" stories) of seducing brown trout in New Zealand by stealthily sneaking up on them and immobilizing them by stroking their bellies.  True or myth? Brent

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Tickling or "guddling" trout is ancient in England, described in many books.

… and it can still be practiced today.  While studying Arctic grayling in a river in northern Alaska, a fisheries biologist whom I know saw an unusual sight – a lake trout, which had evidently swum up into the river from a large lake downstream.  The fish was holding tight against the bank, and in order to confirm that it was indeed a lake trout, the biologist "tickled" it and lifted it out of the water. Woods Hole, MA   USA

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 seducing brown trout in New Zealand by stealthily sneaking up on them and immobilizing them by stroking their bellies.  True or myth? Brent

True. Easy to do if you know of an overhanging bank on a stream where you can reach under *SLOWLY* and very gently stroke the fish with your fingers and very slowly move your hand till you think you have the fishes centre of gravity in your palm and SCOOP the fish out. You cannot grab hold of it. Not a good idea trying the above where mink are endemic !!! Pete Marrow work: http://ui.nmh.ac.uk/gsrg.html play: http://www.gorp.com/gorp/activity/scottish_ff_faq.htm

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True. Easy to do if you know of an overhanging bank on a stream where you can reach under *SLOWLY* and very gently stroke the fish with your fingers and very

The other benefit of this technique is that the fish will magically grow larger as this is performmed Tim Walker

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Before anyone gets crazy, this has nothing to do with bestiality.  My buddy has heard stories (yeah, right, another one of those "my friend" stories) of seducing brown trout in New Zealand by stealthily sneaking up on them and immobilizing them by stroking their bellies.  True or myth?

Tickling or "guddling" trout is ancient in England, described in many books. — |  Donald Phillipson, 4180 Boundary Road, Carlsbad Springs,  | |        Ontario, Canada, K0A 1K0, tel. 613 822 0734         |

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The book that comes to mind is "How Green Was My Valley" about a coal mining family in wales (also made into an academy award winning movie, but I don’t think the movie talks about tickling trout).   Matt Carey

: Before anyone gets crazy, this has nothing to do with bestiality.  My : buddy has heard stories (yeah, right, another one of those "my friend" : stories) of seducing brown trout in New Zealand by stealthily sneaking up : on them and immobilizing them by stroking their bellies.  True or myth? : Tickling or "guddling" trout is ancient in England, described in many books. : — : |  Donald Phillipson, 4180 Boundary Road, Carlsbad Springs,  | : |        Ontario, Canada, K0A 1K0, tel. 613 822 0734         |

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Before anyone gets crazy, this has nothing to do with bestiality.  My buddy has heard stories (yeah, right, another one of those "my friend" stories) of seducing brown trout in New Zealand by stealthily sneaking up on them and immobilizing them by stroking their bellies.  True or myth?

 Getting close enough to New Zealand Brown trout to tickle their bellies.. I think you want to post this on R.O.F.F. Fantasies…Tickle thier bellies…I think your friend is doing more than tickling your belly..

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Before anyone gets crazy, this has nothing to do with bestiality.  My buddy has heard stories (yeah, right, another one of those "my friend" stories) of seducing brown trout in New Zealand by stealthily sneaking up on them and immobilizing them by stroking their bellies.  True or myth? Tickling or "guddling" trout is ancient in England, described in many books.

It’s usually done where ther are undercut banks and the trout may be reached by shore.  It can be described much better in some survival books such as, "The S.A.S. Survival Handbook". Steve —

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Before anyone gets crazy, this has nothing to do with bestiality.  My buddy has heard stories (yeah, right, another one of those "my friend" stories) of seducing brown trout in New Zealand by stealthily sneaking up on them and immobilizing them by stroking their bellies.  True or myth?

Brent, this brings back some old memories. Yes, ‘tickling trout’ is possible and something I’ve done many times as a lad in England. Most of the good trout waters were posted/private and we needed a way to catch fish without a rod. If we didn’t have a pole, we couldn’t possibly be poaching.   We would stand motionless in the water (I remember one favourite place was the river Mole just down from Box Hill) until the trout returned to their feeding stations. People that don’t move didn’t bother them at all. Then we would stretch our hands out about a foot or so (slowly) under a trout and ‘flutter’ our fingers while gradually lifting them and getting closer to the trout’s belly. The action appeared to lull them to sleep and we’d eventually end up with our hands actually touching the fish. Then we just lifted them out of the water and into the bag. Seems to work with most species of trout although ours were mostly speckles. Just for the record – I tried this with pike and it didn’t have the same effect although I did manage to catch pike with my bare hands. My fishing techniques have become somewhat more sophisticated since. David E. Malone All opinions expressed are my own.

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Question:

I’m planning to drive up from L.A. to spend a couple of days fishing the Owens.  Would appreciate any help regarding good places to fish, patterns, etc.   David Sheffield

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I’m planning to drive up from L.A. to spend a couple of days fishing the Owens.  Would appreciate any help regarding good places to fish, patterns, etc.   David Sheffield

You should pick up a current copy of California Fly Fisher at your local fly shop.  There is a good article with all this info. The gist of it:  try #14-16 nymphs (pheasant tails, hare’s ears, etc), wooly buggers, and have some small caddis and midge dries too.  Fish anywhere between Pleasant Valley Rreservoir and Bishop. Use a long tippet and drift it downstream as the trout are line wary. Fish the undercuts and riffles as well as the pools where the fish are more obvious. Mark Vinsel http://www.lanminds.com/local/vinnie/gallery.html

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Question:

a

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For the first time I got skunked on the Deerfield yesterday, by the hell I couldn’t figure out what the trout were going for yesterday. Saw a guy catching a trout and tried his fly and they didn’t even spend a look on this fly. Only one wet spend me two hits which I lost immediately. Looking for guys who caught yesterday consistently trout and who can tell me for what pattern they go for in the moment. Thomas

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Thomas,     A first time net surfer, I noticed that you are a fellow Bostonian with an interest in fly-fishing.  I typically go to Vermont to fly-fish (White River, Waits River, etc.).  However, it seems from your e-mail that there is good fishing in Mass, specifically the Deerfield River.   Could you possibly suggest a specific location on the river that may be a good place to try, some fly patterns and any other relevant other info on the deerfield or any other river within a proximity of Boston?     Look forward to hearing from you

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Thomas,    A first time net surfer, I noticed that you are a fellow Bostonian with an interest in fly-fishing.  I typically go to Vermont to fly-fish (White River, Waits River, etc.).  However, it seems from your e-mail that there is good fishing in Mass, specifically the Deerfield River.   Could you possibly suggest a specific location on the river that may be a good place to try, some fly patterns and any other relevant other info on the deerfield or any other river within a proximity of Boston?    Look forward to hearing from you

Yes, you’re right, there is great fishing in Mass, too. The Deerfield has two catch and release areas which have optimal water temps=  even during this hot summer (the water comes from the bottom release of a dam, so the water didn’t have more than about 68F this su= mmer). Thw two C/R areas are located above route 2 (MA). If you’re coming from North Adams (MA) on Route 2 you will pass the Mohawk = Trail campground. Only a few hundred yards after the entrance to the campground the goes an intersection to the left with a sign for=  the Yankee atomic power plant. Go this street, follow it about a mile. At the next crossing go to the left and then underneath the = tunnel. Then you are back at the Deerfield river. On the left hand side the C&R area II is located. There are many places where you = can park your car. If you drive further along the road next to the stream you will cross the deerfield river and a few miles later you will cross track= s. This is the begin of C&R-area II. Read the sign after the tracks on your right! The first good spot is right here. If you climb d= own to the Deerfield you have a nice run upstream and a larger pool a few ft downstream. You are often alone at this spot although t= he fishing here is very good. If you go further along the street a few miles the street comes down to the river. The river makes here a left turn (you cant see it=  from the street, because a small forest is in between). Underneath the riffle (called Rainbow run) there is a big pool. You can fin= d almost always fisherman there, because the fishing here is pretty good. Most poeple fish only directly under the run, but it’s wor= th to go downstream. It’s usually less crowded there and the pool, which is very long, holds large sized trout. If you go further on the street (about 3/4 of a mile) there is a dirt road to the right. Go there carefully (street is in pretty bad=  shape). You will find there a nice run to fish (you can really see the trout and choose a specific one to fish; come early on weeke= nds, many fisherman like to fish this run) and a good pool underneath (which I like to fish by far the most, because less people are=  fishing here and I saw almost always when I went to this spot this year rises in this pool). If you have further yestions, send me an email. You will also find a good description of those areas in the book about Mass Troutfis= hing from Trout Unlimited with a detailed map and hints for fishing. Have fun,  Thomas

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