Question:

Wow—I’ve been reading some great trip reports here recently.  My contribution isn’t as exotic as some, but our party had a great time anyhow. As this is still my first full season of fly fishing, our annual Sierra trek was to be an opportunity to test all that I’ve learned on some of my favorite waters.  Intimidated by the topo of the Pine Creek trail, our group opted to hire a packer to get us to the pass.  As diehard backpackers, none of us had ridden before, and I have to admit that a couple of us had less-than-favorable attitudes towards pack animals.  Five hours later, though, we were deposited at a spot that would have taken us two days to reach…no more snotty attitudes towards horses! Our base camp was at a bench lake on the south side of French Canyon.  From this temporary home surrounded by 13,000 foot peaks we had access to more than a dozen lakes that hold healthy populations of golden trout.  The days were sunny but verrrry windy, and casting was often a challenge for this FF newbie.  We experimented with a variety of patterns, but the fish seemed most eager for terrestrials, at least during daylight hours.  Hoppers, ants, and attractors like stimulators and royal trudes (12 – 16) were universal hits.  The fish we caught certainly weren’t trophy size, running perhaps 9", but they were very worthy fighters.  Besides, golden trout are so beautiful that we really didn’t mind.  I must have missed three strikes for each one that I connected with, but greater skill will surely come with practice.  On two evenings we were lucky enough to witness what I believe were midge hatches that brought every fish in the lake to the surface.  An honest description of the numbers of leaping fish would never be believed…the water was simply boiling with trout.  Amazing. We hiked out on the fifth day, and I had the chance to give my 4wt a workout in Pine Creek for small rainbows to 8".  I pieced this outfit together based on what several ROFFians have said in their posts, and I absolutely love it for small creeks.  A Redington CT 3/4 (praised by Willi, I believe), on a 7′6" Cabela’s PT rod (I went to the archives for this).  The DT4 line (Mike Conner) is a cheapie Dorber (suggested by many here).  I mention this only to thank everyone for the wealth of good information that finds its way to the group.  It has been an immense help to me.  I’ll try to post a couple of pictures to ABPF when the film gets back.  Thanks for the forum! Cheers, Bill

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Wow—I’ve been reading some great trip reports here recently.  My contribution isn’t as exotic as some, but our party had a great time

anyhow. <snip Great report. Thanks, Bill. — TL, Tim

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Wow—I’ve been reading some great trip reports here recently.  My contribution isn’t as exotic as some, but our party had a great time anyhow. …. Cheers, Bill

Bill Thanks for a great report. Count me among the former purists in the matter of using pack stock. Back Country fly selection is pretty non-critical. My usual answer to what patterns to take is "Yes take flies." However when they start springing for the midges in evening hatch, something in the size 20 range can be helpful, but again just what is not critical. Mike — Michael McGuire                     Hewlett Packard Laboratories Phone: (650)-857-5491               Palo Alto, CA 94303-0971

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Question:

I am looking for a copy of Fly Rod and Reel Magazine – The May / June Issue. If anyone has it, and can scan the article written by the PETA President about the future of Fly Fishing. I have heard about the article and would like to read it. Thanks, Mike

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I am looking for a copy of Fly Rod and Reel Magazine – The May / June Issue.

I wouldn’t believe anything I read in Fly Rod & Reel magazine. Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

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I am looking for a copy of Fly Rod and Reel Magazine – The May / June Issue. If anyone has it, and can scan the article written by the PETA President about the future of Fly Fishing. I have heard about the article and would like to read it.

… as if anyone cares – their predictions of the future would be as reliable as T-Bone’s. RalphH

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[deleted] I wouldn’t believe anything I read in Fly Rod & Reel magazine.

The advertisements are real. I pinched myself and they were still there. — TimW, Halfordian Golfer "A Cash Flow Runs Through It…" "Guilt replaced the creel…"

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I am looking for a copy of Fly Rod and Reel Magazine – The May / June Issue. If anyone has it, and can scan the article written by the PETA President about the future of Fly Fishing. I have heard about the article and would like to read it.

It was not an article, it was a couple of paragraphs embedded in several other commentaries. Do not have a scanner sorry but try sending an email to Wayne Knight (remove nospam to respond via mail) Expert in the creation of  wind knots and tailing loops.

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Question:

This summer, starting in early June, I will be bicycling from Anchorage up the Parks Highway to Cantwell, across the Denali Highway and then over to the Alaska highway and out through the Yukon, B.C, Alberta….. I will be bringing a rod (4 pc, 6 wt?) and looking to do what fishing I can as I make my way.  Need to keep my fishing kit small.  Never been there before.  Expect I’ll see grayling.  Might I catch any of the King run on the Susitna? Any ideas on what flies I should bring would be appreciated.  I’m a newbie, but I just can’t pass on the chance to drop a line in the Great White North. I can con a friend of mine into tying up whatever you might suggest.  Also, if anyone wants to bestow the location of their favorite spots on me, I wouldn’t complain. Thanks a bunch.

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This summer, starting in early June, I will be bicycling from Anchorage up the Parks Highway to Cantwell, across the Denali Highway and then over to the Alaska highway and out through the Yukon, B.C, Alberta….. I will be bringing a rod (4 pc, 6 wt?) and looking to do what fishing I can as I make my way.  Need to keep my fishing kit small.  Never been there before.  Expect I’ll see grayling.  Might I catch any of the King run on the Susitna? Any ideas on what flies I should bring would be appreciated.  I’m a newbie, but I just can’t pass on the chance to drop a line in the Great White North. I can con a friend of mine into tying up whatever you might suggest.  Also, if anyone wants to bestow the location of their favorite spots on me, I wouldn’t complain. Thanks a bunch.

Andrew,   I assume you live in Anchorage, or are flying in for this bicycle trip. Either way, from experience flying the bush years ago up there (I flew out of Fairbanks Int’l and Merrill Field, Anchorage) if you don’t bring anything else, bring a headnet and clothes that will protect the rest of your skin from hordes of ravenous mosquitoes. They are not all that bad in the ‘big cities’ of Alaska, but can drive you absolutely crazy out in the muskeg, etc. As an example, I used to fly clients or friends out to a remote lake in the Tanana Valley, and always carried a can or two of Black Flag bug spray. As soon as the airplane doors are opened to de-plane, look out! Of course, headnets were already in place. The Black Flag was to kill ‘em when they boarded with us for the return trip. I have caught grayling on drys and wets, most of the time they are not too fussy. If you want some arm wrenching fun, try any streamer that imitates a minnow, then fish the rivers for pike. We caught pike in the Yukon and Tanana rivers until our arms hurt. These were not especially big fish, maybe average 3# or so, but just sheer numbers will wear you down. Good luck, your post brought back many fond memories. Frank Church Elkhart, IN

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Question:

Who was it said ‘A woman is just a woman but a good cigar is a smoke’? Probably W.C. Fields or George Burns. Pete Marrow http://www.gorp.com/gorp/activity/scottish_ff_faq.htm

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I always offer my trout a Marlboro before I knock its head on a boulder…

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A smoker AND a fish murderer!! How many of your victims have accepted a last cigarette? — Regards Peter (Please also reply by email, my server "loses" posts. Remove nospam to email) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I always offer my trout a Marlboro before I knock its head on a boulder…

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A good fart is better than a good cigar. William Buchman

For the sake of future generations – think of the ozone layer! — Bill

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If you smoke after flyfishing, you’re doing it too fast. — TimW Halfordian Golfer

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‘And a woman is only a woman, but a good cigar is a smoke.’ Rudyard Kipling. You should be ashamed<g. Who was it said ‘A woman is just a woman but a good cigar is a smoke’? Probably W.C. Fields or George Burns.

– Charlie…

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Drugs are for sick people. You said it, enjoy and be damned.

Oh Bill, you have such a BIG heart.  You’re so open minded I could just puke. </chaz

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Of course a good cigar *does* keep away black flies and PCJs.

Good Dave. Even a cheap cigar keeps the biter bugs away. Joel Axelrad

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William Buchman writes:

<<Many smokers are indeed courteous while a few seem to take pleasure in directing their smoke toward others. William Buchman Come on, Buchman.  Lighten up.  I smoked for 45 years and quit five years ago without any problems.  I have never seen a smoker getting his jollies by annoying others with his smoke, especially today.  Any smoke you get while fishing is thousands of times less dangerous than the exhaust smoke you inhaled driving to the stream.  The beauty of smoking outside is that you can position yourself so that the smoke blows away from you.  Ever tried that?  But walking down the street of any town or city is going to expose you to so much lung damage (as compared to cigarette smoke) that you should probably let your wife do all the shopping.  Never go to the mall, Buchman — way to much smoke (from cars and those %*& SUVs. <<<<<<<< Over the last few years, especially after retiring, I am able to keep away from smokers.  When working, I was very annoyed at meetings where one or two smokers could screw up a meeting of about 20 people. I am not conerned over health effects from second hand smoke. My present greatest exposure to smoke is at a swap meet I attend regularly.  If I see someone smoking, I try to avoid them. But every now and then I get an unpleasant surprise by inhaling the concentrated effluent from an unseen cigarette.  MOST ANNOYING!  Smokers do not realize how annoying their effluent can be.  I must admit that smokers purposely annoying other people was mostly a phenomenon associated with younger smokers. The big problem came with filter cigarettes.  Because it did filter out whatever it was that addicted people, stronger and smellier tobacco was used. While the effect on the smoker was not changed much, the unfortunate bystander took a big hit. William Buchman

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A good fart is better than a good cigar. William Buchman

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The trouble with the carcinogenic effects of tobacco is that it works too slowly.

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Buchman writes:

<<The trouble with the carcinogenic effects of tobacco is that it works too slowly. That’s what I like about you, Buchman — you’re all heart. Dave LaCourse

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Drugs are for sick people.

You said it, enjoy and be damned. — Bill

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Do we have to put up with anti-smoking idiots even on ROFF? Joel Axelrad

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Do we have to put up with anti-smoking idiots even on ROFF? Joel Axelrad

Nah, smoke all you want on roff<g. — Charlie…

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More "free speech". — Regards Peter (Please also reply by email, my server "loses" posts. Remove nospam to email)

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Do we have to put up with anti-smoking idiots even on ROFF? Joel Axelrad

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Do we have to put up with anti-smoking idiots even on ROFF? Joel Axelrad

Flames as well as smoke! — Bill

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Do we have to put up with anti-smoking idiots even on ROFF? Joel Axelrad

I’ve got a cigarette going right now!   Damn proud of it, too. And I think that the term "idiots" as joel posted is being way too kind.   Words like assholes, and pricks come to mind much more easily. I actually had to have a chat with my Gen Mgr and Human Resources person about it at work a couple weeks ago.  People were giving me shit constantly about it.  I asked them in that meeting that it be stopped permanently and immediately with this big smile on my face that suggested that a lawsuit totalling more than my companies net worth would be filed if it didn’t. It worked. I also smoke while fishing.  I have been known to accidently drop a butt in the river too, but that’s usually when a trout interupts my smoke break by choosing to hit my fly.  Pretty hard to put out a cigarrette and stick it in my vest when one of the leviathans of the South Platte is ripping line off my reel faster than I can think about it. I should also add that to compensate for may occaisional environmental faux pas I NEVER use those damned sticky foam bobbers that so many nymph fishers refer to a "strike indicators".  You find a lot more of those damned things littering the banks than cigarette butts. </chaz

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My only objection to people smoking safely and cleanly occurs when I breathe their effluent.  I would get pissed if they start a forest fire even if I cannot smell their smoke.  Unfortunately, the emitted crap can go a long way before it becomes innocuous.  As a courtesy, I would hope smokers would have the tact to avoid the situation where their smoke annoys others.  Many smokers are indeed courteous while a few seem to take pleasure in directing their smoke toward others. William Buchman

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Sense of humour failure,methinks! Pedanticism should be left to those who NEVER write anything that could be misconstrued, intentionally or

otherwise. Ahhh….joke ‘em if they can’t take a …. — TimW Halfordian Golfer

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<snipped but VERY well said Of course a good cigar *does* keep away black flies and PCJs.

Oh yeah, better than smearing that DEET shit all over your skin. I’ve often felt that rolling up a fat one for a day astream an excellent addition to my arsenal. (before anyone says a word I want it to be known that I know it’s illegal as hell and I don’t give a damn, okay?  And there’s no law against talking about it.  And a note for the kids:  Drugs are for sick people.) It doesn’t improve my fishing one bit, and probably hurts more than helps a creel count, but it sure makes those bungholes that make noise about my cigarrette smoking a lot easier to take. </chaz

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William Buchman writes:

<<Many smokers are indeed courteous while a few seem to take pleasure in directing their smoke toward others. William Buchman Come on, Buchman.  Lighten up.  I smoked for 45 years and quit five years ago without any problems.  I have never seen a smoker getting his jollies by annoying others with his smoke, especially today.  Any smoke you get while fishing is thousands of times less dangerous than the exhaust smoke you inhaled driving to the stream.  The beauty of smoking outside is that you can position yourself so that the smoke blows away from you.  Ever tried that?  But walking down the street of any town or city is going to expose you to so much lung damage (as compared to cigarette smoke) that you should probably let your wife do all the shopping.  Never go to the mall, Buchman — way to much smoke (from cars and those %*& SUVs. Of course a good cigar *does* keep away black flies and PCJs. Dave LaCourse

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What I do have a problem with is telling young ROFF readers that a pipe, cigar, or chew is *mandatory* to the experience of flyfishing. Nonsense. No-one said it was mandatory.

What part of the following post do you not understand? Cigars or cigarettes are a strictly a no-no on the stream!   If you really want to "put on the dog" and fool the other flyfishermen into thinking that you know what you’re doing out on the stream, it is absolutely mandatory that you smoke a pipe. Path: lobby01.news.aol.com!newstf02.news.aol.com!portc01.blue.aol.com!news-peer. gip.net!news.gsl.net!gip.net!howland.erols.net!newscon04!prodigy.com!not-f or-mail Newsgroups: rec.outdoors.fishing.fly HTH

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Sense of humour failure,methinks! Pedanticism should be left to those who NEVER write anything that could be misconstrued, intentionally or otherwise. — Regards Peter (Please also reply by email, my server "loses" posts. Remove nospam to email)

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – What I do have a problem with is telling young ROFF readers that a pipe, cigar, or chew is *mandatory* to the experience of flyfishing. Nonsense. No-one said it was mandatory. What part of the following post do you not understand? Cigars or cigarettes are a strictly a no-no on the stream!   If you really want to "put on the dog" and fool the other flyfishermen into thinking that you know what you’re doing out on the stream, it is absolutely mandatory that you smoke a pipe. Path: lobby01.news.aol.com!newstf02.news.aol.com!portc01.blue.aol.com!news-peer. gip.net!news.gsl.net!gip.net!howland.erols.net!newscon04!prodigy.com!not-f or-mail Newsgroups: rec.outdoors.fishing.fly HTH

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Question:

hi all, has anyone done any FFishing in Turks Caicos.  i’m going there for my honeymoone and need to know if i should pack my 7 weight! thanks in advance! -eric — Oracle DBA                     GE Fanuc                      Phone:  (804) 978-5945

Response:

hi all, has anyone done any FFishing in Turks Caicos.  i’m going there for my honeymoone and need to know if i should pack my 7 weight! thanks in advance! -eric — Oracle DBA                     GE Fanuc                  Phone:  (804) 978-5945

I say yes, my wife says no (and with great emphasis I might add). David726 E-mail for further assistance to:

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hi all, has anyone done any FFishing in Turks Caicos.  i’m going there for my honeymoone and need to know if i should pack my 7 weight! thanks in advance! -eric — Oracle DBA                     GE Fanuc                      Phone:  (804) 978-5945

You better have the right woman to try fishing on your honeymoon.  Luckily I do.  We took our ‘moon in Nantucket and I went fishing one day.  Got a few striper too.  If it’s okay with her I would say bring it and find out about the opportunities lsater. — Gordon Churchill Flyfish NC http://www.planet-nc.com/flyfishnc/ Striped Bass on the Roanoke River, Hybrids on Jordan Lake, Largemouths on surface.  Pickup and dropoff in Research Triangle Park

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If you’re going on a honeymoon, you are taking the wrong rod! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -hi all, has anyone done any FFishing in Turks Caicos.  i’m going there for my honeymoone and need to know if i should pack my 7 weight! thanks in advance! -eric — Oracle DBA                     GE Fanuc                  Phone:  (804) 978-5945

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Question:

I’ve never been to the Outer Banks but would like to fish the area if there are some flats for boat or wading for redfish … would like to hear from anyone who has info on fishing the area … hear that Ocrakoke is thanks, Bob Vorel

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Bob: Dave Motes here Excellent wade fishing in the sounds behind the Outer banks–all over. Virtually any place you can get to the sound (Manteo causeway south; Currituck is brackish and holds stripers and LMB’s, and trout and flounder when rainfall is lower). You can wade almost anywhere–all the sounds are shallow, though with moving tides and waves in cool water, be careful.  Most places have hard sand bottom.  I also was approached by a large in-shore shark once, probably a bull, at Pea Island.  He left me alone though almost killed my indirectly by pulmonary explosion. My favorite spots:   Manteo Causeway area Bodie Island light  (right turn before the light, in the circle park at the gate; walk down the path then bear right; fish the gut from the dock out west and into the sound there); the top of Pea Island (park at the foot of the Bonner Bridge, cross the road, don’t get run over, bear left, walk out the break; farther the better, all the way to the point if you’re energetic.) anywhere south of there will work; when the water’s clear look for the creases and holes.  Around Hatteras there’s a lifesaving station and a long slough there called (I think )7-mile slough–usually holds fish. I’m talking specs here–flounder also mixed in, blues and stripers, especially around Oregon Inlet–more reds to the south though every year’s different.  I haven’t fished Ocracoke but I’ve heard that there are more and more puppy drum around, and if conditions are right you can even find them in the shallows tailing and rooting a la FLA.  Use any fly you want as long as it’s a clouser in green–UltraHair works–or a bendback deceiver if the grass gets pesky. Happy to go more.  Let me know when you’re planning to go–maybe we can hook up. Zander Brody guides out of Hatteras.  Happy to drive you around and show you spots and put you on fish, surf, sound, or boat. Dave

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Question:

Hi folks, After many years of letting my old fly rod sit in the closet I’ve got this urge to go out and do some fishing again. Wondering if anyone has any reccomendations for any spots to try within a couple of driving hours of the Chicago area for panfish and trout? Thanks! Mark Lakomski Hoffman Estates, IL

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: Hi folks, : After many years of letting my old fly rod sit in the closet I’ve : got this urge to go out and do some fishing again. Wondering if : anyone has any reccomendations for any spots to try within a couple : of driving hours of the Chicago area for panfish and trout? Thanks! : Mark Lakomski : Hoffman Estates, IL Well, i’d suggest checking out the site listed below. Most likely there is a lake within 15 minutes of you that you can fish for panfish.       Chicago Area Paddling/Fishing Page:  http://www.ripco.com/~jwn/

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Mark, Get a copy of American Angler July/Aug’96. The article on pg 43 is "KANKAKEE smallmouths" –  Blur-ribbon smallmouth fishing an hour from Chicago!! Good fishing Dennis

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Get a copy of American Angler July/Aug’96. The article on pg 43 is "KANKAKEE smallmouths" –  Blur-ribbon smallmouth fishing an hour from                            ^^^^ Chicago!! Good fishing

Sometimes typos are revealing.  I just moved to the Chicago area from Portland, OR.  Saw the article before I came.  Don’t think you can hit the Kankakee and start nailing them.  It’s a big river, as I soon found out.   People in flyshops here are telling me that it’s a good idea to hire a guide to find fish the first time or two, and I believe them.  (Not that I’m going to.)  I’ve decided to spend some time, instead, exploring the Fox, which is a lot closer and has fair numbers of fish.  The day I went to the Kankakee recently, it was choked with bait fisherman, and *nobody* was catching–even though the river was supposed to be fishing hot.  Maybe you can dial it in over time, and it’s supposed to have bigger fish than the Fox, but it sure as hell didn’t look like the "Shangri La" it was depicted as in the article. (I’m obviously not dealing well with my relocation…) David

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David, I’ve had the same problem on the Kankakee.  Where are you finshing on the Fox?  I’m also new to the area, so any help will be appreciated. Bob McAnulty – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Get a copy of American Angler July/Aug’96. The article on pg 43 is "KANKAKEE smallmouths" –  Blur-ribbon smallmouth fishing an hour from                            ^^^^ Chicago!! Good fishing Sometimes typos are revealing.  I just moved to the Chicago area from Portland, OR.  Saw the article before I came.  Don’t think you can hit the Kankakee and start nailing them.  It’s a big river, as I soon found out.   People in flyshops here are telling me that it’s a good idea to hire a guide to find fish the first time or two, and I believe them.  (Not that I’m going to.)  I’ve decided to spend some time, instead, exploring the Fox, which is a lot closer and has fair numbers of fish.  The day I went to the Kankakee recently, it was choked with bait fisherman, and *nobody* was catching–even though the river was supposed to be fishing hot.  Maybe you can dial it in over time, and it’s supposed to have bigger fish than the Fox, but it sure as hell didn’t look like the "Shangri La" it was depicted as in the article. (I’m obviously not dealing well with my relocation…) David

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For a change of pace grab your fly rod (or spinning rod) and try fishing some of our other offerings in the Chicagoland area. The great lakes tributaries to Lake Michigan have excellent spawning runs for the following fish Chinook (King) Salmon Brown Trout (German) Coho Salmon Skamania Trout (Steelhead) Chambers Creek Trout (Steelhead) Ganaraska Trout (Steelhead) Just to name a few. Try the following rivers all within  1-3 hours from Chicago Wisconsin: Root River Milwaukee River Oak Creek Indiana: Trail Creek Salt Creek Michigan St. Joe River Black River Kalamazoo River Muskeegon River Cedar Creek White River The best fishing is a bit further in Michigan, and some of the best water in the nation Pere Marquete Little Manistee Big Manistee Baldwin River The Platte The Betsie In my opinion, you cann’t go wrong in Michigan. Tighten ‘em up, then release them. Tom Steele

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You mention possibly switching your interests to the Fox. It is excellent for smallmouth and other species. One of the very good, and well versed, sources for information on fly fishing this stream is Riverside Sports in Geneva.  The person to contact there is Tom Cebula who is only there on the weekends.  Others can give you excellent info on the river in general but Tom fly fishes it extensively and runs their fly fishing department. It is a full line shop and nice depth on the warm water stuff as well as trout/salmon. Their number is 630-232-7047. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Get a copy of American Angler July/Aug’96. The article on pg 43 is "KANKAKEE smallmouths" –  Blur-ribbon smallmouth fishing an hour from                       ^^^^ Chicago!! Good fishing Sometimes typos are revealing.  I just moved to the Chicago area from Portland, OR.  Saw the article before I came.  Don’t think you can hit the Kankakee and start nailing them.  It’s a big river, as I soon found out.   People in flyshops here are telling me that it’s a good idea to hire a guide to find fish the first time or two, and I believe them.  (Not that I’m going to.)  I’ve decided to spend some time, instead, exploring the Fox, which is a lot closer and has fair numbers of fish.  The day I went to the Kankakee recently, it was choked with bait fisherman, and *nobody* was catching–even though the river was supposed to be fishing hot.  Maybe you can dial it in over time, and it’s supposed to have bigger fish than the Fox, but it sure as hell didn’t look like the "Shangri La" it was depicted as in the article. (I’m obviously not dealing well with my relocation…) David

         Trent Roberson            Rx F Fish  For Your Good Health, Fly Fish URL=http://www.xnet.com/~rxffish

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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 am looking for some good spots for Saltwater-flyfishing in the vicinity of Boston (MA). Any suggestions for good spots, how to get and fish there are welcome. Thank,   Thomas

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: I am looking for some good spots for Saltwater-flyfishing in the : vicinity of Boston (MA). Any suggestions for good spots, how to get and : fish there are welcome. : Thank,   Thomas In Ma, I am told that the Joppa flats in Newburyport at low tide and Cranes beach in Ipswitch at all tides produce well. However, So. ME is close and there are many spots. I am partial to the beach in front of my house at Ferry Beach in Saco. The nice thing this summer was that the angler could see fish sign-either birds working or fish breaking. June was the best month. Come up next summer. I will give you directions.  y t, m

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Question:

Hi, I’ve been reading this group for a while, and I was wondering if anyone has info about when the steelhead run in the Russian or other Northern California rivers.  Also, any advice on flies/techniques

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Hi, I’ve been reading this group for a while, and I was wondering if anyone has info about when the steelhead run in the Russian or other Northern California rivers.  Also, any advice on flies/techniques

Steelhead run in our coastal rivers generally in December, January and February. A few are caught before and after but the main runs are in this time. The Klamath and its tributaries have a fall or late summer run during September and October. (These fish actually bite flies) For the Russian River the best local info comes from King’s Bait and Tackle in downtown Guerneville.  I don’t have the number but call 707-555-1212. Typically for these winter run fish we need a good storm to open up the rivers, then a week or more to clear.  The fish hit flies best when the rivers are dropping and clearing.  Flies most often used are black and flourescent weighted wet flies in sizes 4-8 and also some big psychedelic maribou "popsicles". Deep drifts along the bottom are recommended. Also typical is a hundred fishing hours or so per winter steelhead caught on flies. But that hundred hours can be quite wonderful in the misty redwoods. I have yet to catch one of these coastal winter fish on flies after about twenty trips.  But to me just seeing a ten pound fish when I have a fly rod in my hands is enough. Good luck! Mark Vinsel May the wild fish live to spawn, and may the brood of their progeny break the tippets of our grandchildren!

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<snip Also typical is a hundred fishing hours or so per winter steelhead caught on flies. But that hundred hours can be quite wonderful in the misty redwoods. I have yet to catch one of these coastal winter fish on flies after about twenty trips.  But to me just seeing a ten pound fish when I have a fly rod in my hands is enough.

Yikes, Mark!  I’ve read your posts with enthusiasm and respect (here and on the listserver) for some time.  If you can’t catch ‘em, who can?   I was gonna get a heavier rod (only have my two backpacking 5wts) and give it a try….  OTH, as you say, there is nothing like the mist in the redwoods… Brook Schoenfield

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writes:

<snip Also typical is a hundred fishing hours or so per winter steelhead caught on flies. But that hundred hours can be quite wonderful in the misty redwoods. I have yet to catch one of these coastal winter fish on flies after about twenty trips.  But to me just seeing a ten pound fish when I have a fly rod in my hands is enough.

Hey Vinnie!! Even though you didn’t get a steelie, I can think of something else you may have caught.  ;-) BH’s Double D

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Yikes, Mark!  I’ve read your posts with enthusiasm and respect (here and on the listserver) for some time.  If you can’t catch ‘em, who can?   Brook Schoenfield

I’m sure some kid or beginner somewhere has walked right up, flubbed their cast and latched onto and landed one. Timing is key.  You can put your fly right in front of those winter fish over and over again with nothing to show, but sometimes I’ve heard they bite. That’s OK with me. I caught one Navarro river winter steelie about ten years ago on bait, and last year I had a hit on the Smith. I covered the Society hole and the run from the tailout above, over and over again before watching a drift boat baitor hook and land a twenty-pounder right where I’d fished.  Somehow the pleasure of flyfishing wins, and I gladly accept this part of luck.  As I caught one on the Thompson in BC my first trip, and have often had fall fish on the Klamath, I am plenty satisfied. Most often I go to get away from some urban stresses. Hooking a steelhead is not relaxing but casting and working the fly is. King harvest will surely come! -The Band Mark Vinsel May the wild fish live to spawn, and may their progeny break the tippets of our grandchildren

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