Question:

Paul, I would check out the site run by a decent guy named Matt. He lives not too far away in Rome I believe. He is familiar with the Utica/Rome areas (about an hour away) and he can turn you on to some other spots in your area. If you head up 87, you will find all sorts of small creeks and streams. They used to be awesome for brookies, but I haven’t fished there in years. His site is: http://www.centralnewyorker.com/CNYflyfisherman.htm Give him a try. Gordon Burr The worst day on the water beats the best day in the office. Gordo

Response:

Hi,  I have been an avid fisher person for many years. Have recently taken up fly fishing – after moving to the Albany New York area.  Any tips for the area, fishing spots (fly fishing or otherwise) fishing partners (I’ll buy the beer or lunch) haven’t made any new friends here yet.  would be greatly appreciated Thanks in advance   Paul P

Response:

Hi,  I have been an avid fisher person for many years. Have recently taken up fly fishing – after moving to the Albany New York area.  Any tips for the area, fishing spots (fly fishing or otherwise) fishing partners (I’ll buy the beer or lunch) haven’t made any new friends here yet.  would be greatly appreciated

Do make the trip up to the Adirondacks – Saranac, Ausable area – if you get the chance.  I’d love to head up there with ya, but it’s not in the cards this year

Response:

Hi,  I have been an avid fisher person for many years. Have recently taken up fly fishing – after moving to the Albany New York area.  Any tips for the area, fishing spots (fly fishing or otherwise) fishing partners (I’ll buy the beer or lunch) haven’t made any new friends here yet.  would be greatly appreciated Thanks in advance   Paul P

Funny, I just left after 10 years. Depending where you live, there are a host of nearby opportunities. My personal favorite was either the Mohawk or the Junction of the Hudson and Hoosac for smallies on the fly. The Mohawk has lots of areas to fish- easily accessible are all the locks (that goes for the Hudson, too). From shore good areas are either end of the Crescent Bridge, the flight locks, Lock 7 in Niskayuna and the other side of Lock 7 accessible from Ferry Rd nature path in Clifton Park, just west of Vischer’s Ferry Road. For the jct of the Hoosac and Hudson get to Stillwater and go across the bridge over the Hudson, turn right into the road for the Lock Park. Park in the lot and take the footpath south from the parking area to the Hoosac. I mostly used white grub bodies and spinners on the Hoosac. It’s very interesting place with a lot of fish but water levels change, sometimes dramatically, dependent  upon releases through the dam at Schagticoke, upriver. It is wild in Summer when water levels are down and fish congregate in the narrow rushing channels cut through the rock. Believe me the Albany are is fantastic for water to fish. Start asking around here or local tackle shops. Add the Adirondacks and Vermont to all the water in the Albany area and you are in paradise. I loved it so much I bought the lifetime license from NY state which is good even if you are no longer a NY resident. Tight lines and watch your footing! Cow

Response:

I was out on the river last night, up at the dam. nothing there yet, give it a week and maybe!! Vern

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m sure that you’re aware that there is a heck of a lot of stream fishing in the area.  But sometime between now and mid-May or so is supposed to be a good time to fish for shad and striped bass.  You may want to look into shore access at Green Island, below the dam at Troy.  I can’t give you any first-hand information: I was in the area last year and researched it a bit, but then wasn’t able to get to it.

Response:

Question:

I find that after about six dozen fish that they chew about half the head off the fly. I would like it to be durable enough to last for a full morning’s fishing.

That’s easy, go up to Dodge City and fish with Wayne Knight – the fly will last a year or more<g. — Charlie…

Response:

Willi wonders: Does any one here fish these patterns? I have tied a handful up, primarily the green(summer season) and orange(later evening) colors to see if they had special attractive characteristics for the stated periods of use. I can’t say that I fished them with top confidence, as I share your suspicion of general color theories. Anyway, they caught some fish, but didn’t knock my socks off.                               Tom Littleton

The waters he fished them on are pretty large turbulent waters. I don’t know what the exact area is like where he tested them but it is a large river. There areas of my local waters where I was going to try them are the deeper runs and the pocket water stretches. I’ll try to fish them with SOME confidence. Last fall I was in central/western Wyoming and had a couple days to fish. I stopped in a shop for some information. Since it was fall, the shop owner hadn’t had much business and seemed glad to have someone to talk to. We talked about quite a few things and he gave me some information that, I felt he wouldn’t normally give. It being fall in the Rockies, hatches were limited to sporadic caddis and BWO’s in about a size 20. The olives, he said, brought up the good fish. I asked him what he used and he showed me a large stimulator type fly that was very bright and flashy. The fly was tied on a number 14 stimulator hook which translated into a fly about the size of a normal size 10. I looked at him with some skepticism but bought a couple and went out. The section of river he sent me to carried alot of water even during the low flows typical in the Fall. The area was a series of deep strong runs, filled with large boulders.  I caught a few fish in the morning, then about 11 o’clock the Olives started popping up. I saw occasional rises and switched to a typical Olive imitation tied in a size eighteen. I caught a couple of smaller Browns on the current edges and continued to see an occasional surface feeding trout. The fish that were rising seemed to be smaller fish. I switched over to the fly that the shop owner recommended and I caught a number of sizable fish that came up off the bottom is the heavy current. My guess is that the better trout were feeding on the active and emerging nymphs but weren’t willing to come to the surface through the strong current for such a small fly. The larger attractor pattern, made the trip worthwhile. This isn’t a perfect example of his approach but it is the type of situation where a fly having certain exaggerated visual cues might work well. Willi

Response:

Willi wonders: Does any one here fish these patterns?

I have tied a handful up, primarily the green(summer season) and orange(later evening) colors to see if they had special attractive characteristics for the stated periods of use. I can’t say that I fished them with top confidence, as I share your suspicion of general color theories. Anyway, they caught some fish, but didn’t knock my socks off.                               Tom Littleton

Response:

with a series of flies designed by Gary LaFontaine that he calls his Double Wing series.

I have not experimented with the Double Wing series, but I have been using the Airheadfor several years now with great success, but unlike Gary, do not find it very durable. When I use it on the bedding bluegills I find that after about six dozen fish that they chew about half the head off the fly. I would like it to be durable enough to last for a full morning’s fishing. Big Dale

Response:

Willi, Did you every get the email I sent to you (aka "Rusty Hook")?  Anyway, if you didn’t, here it is again: I’ll probably head up to the Yellowstone area for my vacation, preferably during the clave, but it won’t be due to poor fishing conditions around here. I’ll just be ready for something different by August.

Come on by Stanley this summer, Willi, and we’ll fish for wild cutthroats in places so beautiful they’ll make you eyes bleed. I’ll warn you, though. You’ll have to exert yourself to get there. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

Response:

Each year I come up with a few things that I’m interested in checking out streamside. This year, I’m looking to get a feel for streamer fishing, fishing a "cast" of wets and I’m thinking about experimenting with a series of flies designed by Gary LaFontaine that he calls his Double Wing series. Although I’m not much of a believer of a "right" fly or the importance of color overall, this series of flies is based on studies done by him using underwater divers to record the reactions of trout to certain colors and aspects of flies. The Double Wing series was a result of this study in terms of the "ideal" attractor pattern. He recommends certain color combinations for different light situations. Although Brooks, if I remember right, did some underwater observations, as far as I know, LaFontaine was the only person to study, from an underwater prospective and in a systematic manner, the reactions of trout to a number of variables of a fly’s construction. Does any one here fish these patterns? Any comments? Willi

Response:

Question:

Hi,     I’m going to be on vacation next week, I would like to hear any opinions on good spots to trout fish in Michigan. I don’t have a boat, so I need to know spots that I can wade or shore fish. Thanks, Jerry

Response:

Where in Michigan will you be?  There are plenty of streams and lakes to wet your line in. Maurice Paquette – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi,    I’m going to be on vacation next week, I would like to hear any opinions on good spots to trout fish in Michigan. I don’t have a boat, so I need to know spots that I can wade or shore fish. Thanks, Jerry

Response:

ubject: Michigan Flyfishing Spots for Vacation? Hi,    I’m going to be on vacation next week, I would like to hear any opinions on good spots to trout fish in Michigan. I don’t have a boat, so I need to know spots that I can wade or shore fish. Thanks, Jerry

Jerry, If you are on the upper end of the Lower Peninsula, try the Au Sable. I fished it for a couple of summers around 20 years ago in the Stephen’s Bridge area. There was a *great* Trico hatch in mid/late July in the early AM. (We’re talking 16"+ fish on size 24/28 Trico spinners) Later on in the day there was a Slate Wing Olive, (#18), and fish could be caught on terrestrials. Evenings brought the SWO spinner fall, as well as unidentified spinners and some caddis. While I was out there, I was told the Manistee and the Rifle rivers were also good in the summer, but I never fished them.  If the canoe traffic on the main Au Sable is too heavy, (mainly a weekend thing), try the North Branch. Good luck, George Adams

Response:

I live in Lincoln Park, just south of Detroit.  I know I’ll need to do some driving. Jerry

Response:

I just got back from the Manistee River, and you don’t need a boat. Check www.troutbums.com for more info. By the way , I’m just learning fly fishing (don’t care for other kinds) and I caught and released 2 brooks and a brown. If I can do it anyone can. Good luck and enjoy. Monty.

Response:

Try the Au Sable and Manistee as suggested, but also try the Boardman.  It gets very little pressure and has lots of (mostly smaller) fish.  The Boardman is also reported to hold large browns, but night fishing appears to be the key for those. Steve Kling

Response:

Thanks, I think I’ll try the Grayling area first.That will put me near to both the Au Sable and Manistee. Jerry

Response:

Question:

There is a very beautiful pay to play lake 38 mi No of Seattle.  Its a catch and release fly-fishing only lake.  They have excellent guides if instruction is needed.  Float tubes, waders, boats, rods and everything you would need for a quality experiance.  There is a beautiful Hamptons style Barn for your indoor classes, seminars and retreats.  Check out the web site.  www.acountrylocation.com — Posted via Talkway – http://www.talkway.com Surf Usenet at home, on the road, and by email — always at Talkway.

Response:

What are the green fees ? — TimW, Halfordian Golfer "A Cash Flow Runs Through It…" "Guilt replaced the creel…"

Response:

There is a very beautiful pay to play lake 38 mi No of Seattle.  Its a catch and release fly-fishing only lake.  They have excellent guides if instruction is needed.  Float tubes, waders, boats, rods and everything you would need for a quality experiance.  There is a beautiful Hamptons style Barn for your indoor classes, seminars and retreats.  Check out the web site.  www.acountrylocation.com

Is this Fly fishing ??  Is this the future of FF’ing? Spa, food,Manacureist, lodge river/lake access fees? , Personal photographer to record for your desk the "Big One" you did let get away. Lunch on the Lake with a chilled White and bit smoked Pink. We need a bait pond with soft tacos and warm Oly  and a 1952 Airstream on blocks.A dish on top and a good Hockey game crashing out over the Lake and a card game going all the time. I would sign on there in a heart beat. HM

Response:

Question:

I have a ton of Ruffed Grouse feathers. What do flies do you use it for? Thanks!

Response:

I have a ton of Ruffed Grouse feathers. What do flies do you use it for? Thanks!

See Sylvester Neme’s book The Soft Hackled Fly.  One grouse will go a very long way:  hackles for motion (rather than colour) and "filoplumes" for gills on large nymphs, but not much more:  Quill and tail fibres are commonly too small to use like pheasant. — |  Donald Phillipson, 4180 Boundary Road, Carlsbad Springs,  | |        Ontario, Canada, K0A 1K0, tel. 613 822 0734         |

Response:

I have a ton of Ruffed Grouse feathers. What do flies do you use it for? Thanks! See Sylvester Neme’s book The Soft Hackled Fly.  One grouse will go a very long way:  hackles for motion (rather than colour) and "filoplumes" for gills on large nymphs, but not much more:  Quill and tail fibres are commonly too small to use like pheasant.

Might try crossposting it to rec.outdoors.fishing.fly.tying, those guys’ll be able to help you over there, tell ‘em TBone sent ya. 8{)…. However, my very favorite wet fly, The Breadcrust, uses Grouse tail exclusively.  What a fly ! TimW

Response:

I have a ton of Ruffed Grouse feathers. What do flies do you use it for? Thanks!

Hi Ronald, I use grouse feathers for soft hackle flies.  I particularly like them on a bead head Hare’s Ear Softhackle.  TIP:  If you have trouble finding feathers small enough to tie #18 and smaller, you can take the fibers from a larger feather and spin them around the hook like you would spin deer hair.  In so doing you have soft hackle for just about any sized fly. — Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (97 catalog) http://www.flyshop.com/Expo/Specialty/BTsPdcts/index.html

Response:

Question:

The leatherman and similar tools, and fatly featured swiss knives are bulky and heavy in the pocket.  I use a thin swiss knife or small pocket knife and a pair of the smallest size Channellock brand slip-joint pliers. The channellocks have the slip joint and can just barely stretch to grip a spark plug, yet are small enough to pinch down barbs as small as size 18. They are handier for automotive purposes than needlenose because of the range of grip and the mechanical advantage of their design, though this is not a concern if you carry a good tool kit in your vehicle. At the tip they bite good enough to clip leader material. They are usually adequate for removing hooks for fly fishing where the hooks tend not to be deep in the mouths. Beware of the lookalike brands as they tend to break when you need to really clamp down. One thing I have discovered is that you can open cans or bottles with any sharp pocket knife with a good carbon steel blade. Mark Vinsel http://www.lanminds.com/local/vinnie/gallery.html

Response:

(DPortw8840) writes: I can think of any number of situations where I certainly would take any of them over nothing! I can think of any number of situations where I would take a stick over nothing. To me the biggest advantage of the S.A.K. is I always have one in my pocket.

The two aren’t mutually exclusive.  I have carried a pocket knife daily for more than 40 years.  I recently switched to a SAK after having carried a single-blade lock-blade Gerber/Buck (depending on what I bought when I lost my old one) for nearly 20 years.  I appreciate the utility of the SAK, but that doesn’t mean it’s always the best tool for the job. When I was in the military I always wore a belt knife of some sort, either a big Buck folder, a rigging knife, a large blade (6") sheath knife or a boot knife, but I always had my current favorite pocket knife tucked away somewhere.  I’ve carried as many as three at a time, depending on the situation and need. When the situation requires it I carry a Leatherman, too.  Either on my belt or in the tank bag of my motorcycle.  But I usually take it off when I wear a suit.  It tends to scuff the lining of the jacket.

Response:

: 1) All stainless steel construction… but matte finished! Nothing shiny : or reflective. : But not a very rust resistant stainless steel.  Mine rusted and pitted : after one exposure to saltwater. Saltwater is so corrosive that it will affect even stainless steel. ALWAYS wash your gear with lots of fresh water after being around the salt. : 3) On the Gerber tool, the extra stuff is _inside_ the handles, as : opposed to outside on the Leatherman. Why was this important? Well, : think about which handles are more comfortable to squeeze hard… :  _     _              _   _ :  _|   |_        or   |_   _|  as viewed from the end of the tool. :    (L)                 (G) That is the only complaint about the leatherman. But the "cutting" affect from the handles is not noticable until I use a lot of force on the pliers. And that force is more than the tool was designed for! Remember that the pliers are needle-nose. How much force do you use on those? : The Gerber tools are MUCH easier on the hands… kinda important if : you’re cutting wire… or big hooks. : In addition, this means that the Gerber tool’s blades _can’t_ close back : on the handle while in use… a nifty finger-saving feature that the : Leatherman _doesn’t_ have! Not true. If you find the tools folding back on you, then you need to close the handles on the Leatherman. The only tool on that knife that is to use with the handles open is the pliers. By closing the tool, you are using a sort of "blade lock". : I’ve used mine to cut wire and hooks, fix battery terminal cables, : dispatch northern pike and clean them (though it’s NOT a particularly : GOOD fillet knife… just all I had available! The blade isn’t flexible : enough.) Tighten various screws around the house, and even cut a 1" limb : off of a tree… I was too lazy to go back and get the saw! <G Leatherman can do all that, and is a more compact tool to boot! Jon Porter

Response:

(DPortw8840) writes: I can think of any number of situations where I certainly would take any of them over nothing!

I can think of any number of situations where I would take a stick over nothing. To me the biggest advantage of the S.A.K. is I always have one in my pocket.             Jim

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ll start this by stating my preference for the Leatherman. It is more substantial in it’s manufacture and is easily carried on your belt. The tool selection is more than practical and are more apt to be used than those provided in the Swiss Army Knife. The place I used to work sold Leatherman, Swiss Army, Gerber, and the Leatherman copy (Avoid these! They’re TRASH!) Leatherman DOES make 3 or 4 models… but don’t neglect the Gerber version of the tool, either. Here’s why I bought my Gerber… 1) All stainless steel construction… but matte finished! Nothing shiny or reflective. 2) ONE HAND opening of pliers. Pull it out, snap your wrist, and the pliers are ready to use. Just the thing for handling pike! 3) On the Gerber tool, the extra stuff is _inside_ the handles, as opposed to outside on the Leatherman. Why was this important? Well, think about which handles are more comfortable to squeeze hard…   _     _              _   _   _|   |_        or   |_   _|  as viewed from the end of the tool.     (L)                 (G) The Gerber tools are MUCH easier on the hands… kinda important if you’re cutting wire… or big hooks. In addition, this means that the Gerber tool’s blades _can’t_ close back on the handle while in use… a nifty finger-saving feature that the Leatherman _doesn’t_ have! I’ve used mine to cut wire and hooks, fix battery terminal cables, dispatch northern pike and clean them (though it’s NOT a particularly GOOD fillet knife… just all I had available! The blade isn’t flexible enough.) Tighten various screws around the house, and even cut a 1" limb off of a tree… I was too lazy to go back and get the saw! <G Comes with a velcro-closing cordura belt case, too… Very nice.

Hi Joe, Based on your comments regarding the Gerber tool, I’m going to give one a try.  I’ve used the Leatherman for a couple of years and you are tight.   When you use the pliers on any tough material the Leatherman handles are rough on the hands — Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (97 catalog)

Response:

I’ll start this by stating my preference for the Leatherman. It is more substantial in it’s manufacture and is easily carried on your belt. The tool selection is more than practical and are more apt to be used than those provided in the Swiss Army Knife.

Having used the Leatherman, the Swiss Army Knives, and the Gerber Multi-Plier, my preference is for the Gerber Multi-Plier, and particularly the new needle nosed version.  I like the way that I can bring it into play with one hand over fumbling around with the Leatherman, and I like the way that the sharper edges of the handle are inside on the Gerber, as opposed to digging into your hand on the Leatherman.  The one thing that I don’t like about the Gerber is the way that the sides of the handles come together.  Your learn rapidly to keep your fingers out of there! All of the three are good tools for what they were designed, and I can think of any number of situations where I certainly would take any of them over nothing!

Response:

: I’ll start this by stating my preference for the Leatherman. It is : more substantial in it’s manufacture and is easily carried on your : belt. The tool selection is more than practical and are more apt to be : used than those provided in the Swiss Army Knife. For my vote as a practical SURVIVAL tool, I chose the Leatherman.  The Swiss Army knife is very useful in all of it’s models and configurations. But I find the Leatherman to be compact, very sturdy, and with the combination of tools that I need for my outdoor activities. I have used it for trips into the wilderness for up to a week at a time. It is also a very useful tool for me at work. I carry it almost full time while I go about my daily business. Jon Porter

Response:

I’ll start this by stating my preference for the Leatherman. It is more substantial in it’s manufacture and is easily carried on your belt. The tool selection is more than practical and are more apt to be used than those provided in the Swiss Army Knife. 1) All stainless steel construction… but matte finished! Nothing shiny or reflective.

But not a very rust resistant stainless steel.  Mine rusted and pitted after one exposure to saltwater. 2) ONE HAND opening of pliers. Pull it out, snap your wrist, and the pliers are ready to use. Just the thing for handling pike!

Until you get a little dirt/grit in the mechanism.   3) On the Gerber tool, the extra stuff is _inside_ the handles, as opposed to outside on the Leatherman. Why was this important? Well, think about which handles are more comfortable to squeeze hard…  _     _              _   _  _|   |_        or   |_   _|  as viewed from the end of the tool.    (L)                 (G) The Gerber tools are MUCH easier on the hands… kinda important if you’re cutting wire… or big hooks.

They’re easier on your hands, until the can opener breaks and slips into the hand holding the can.  That’s what happened with mine.   In addition, this means that the Gerber tool’s blades _can’t_ close back on the handle while in use… a nifty finger-saving feature that the Leatherman _doesn’t_ have! I’ve used mine to cut wire and hooks, fix battery terminal cables, dispatch northern pike and clean them (though it’s NOT a particularly GOOD fillet knife… just all I had available! The blade isn’t flexible enough.) Tighten various screws around the house, and even cut a 1" limb off of a tree… I was too lazy to go back and get the saw! <G Comes with a velcro-closing cordura belt case, too… Very nice.

Leatherman comes with a snap closing "leather" belt case. Gerber was, however, quick to replace the one I returned to them.

Response:

I’ll start this by stating my preference for the Leatherman. It is more substantial in it’s manufacture and is easily carried on your belt. The tool selection is more than practical and are more apt to be used than those provided in the Swiss Army Knife.

The place I used to work sold Leatherman, Swiss Army, Gerber, and the Leatherman copy (Avoid these! They’re TRASH!) Leatherman DOES make 3 or 4 models… but don’t neglect the Gerber version of the tool, either. Here’s why I bought my Gerber… 1) All stainless steel construction… but matte finished! Nothing shiny or reflective. 2) ONE HAND opening of pliers. Pull it out, snap your wrist, and the pliers are ready to use. Just the thing for handling pike! 3) On the Gerber tool, the extra stuff is _inside_ the handles, as opposed to outside on the Leatherman. Why was this important? Well, think about which handles are more comfortable to squeeze hard…   _     _              _   _   _|   |_        or   |_   _|  as viewed from the end of the tool.     (L)                 (G) The Gerber tools are MUCH easier on the hands… kinda important if you’re cutting wire… or big hooks. In addition, this means that the Gerber tool’s blades _can’t_ close back on the handle while in use… a nifty finger-saving feature that the Leatherman _doesn’t_ have! I’ve used mine to cut wire and hooks, fix battery terminal cables, dispatch northern pike and clean them (though it’s NOT a particularly GOOD fillet knife… just all I had available! The blade isn’t flexible enough.) Tighten various screws around the house, and even cut a 1" limb off of a tree… I was too lazy to go back and get the saw! <G Comes with a velcro-closing cordura belt case, too… Very nice. — Joe Ellis         o/~ The Synthetic Filker o/~ |    TesserAct Studios  ()X  Darwin (;        Now on the Web at      |   Fairfield, OH 45018  //~~~LL~~~~LL~  http://shell.idt.net/~ellis69 |  New Dimensions In Filk!

Response:

I’ll start this by stating my preference for the Leatherman. It is more substantial in it’s manufacture and is easily carried on your belt. The tool selection is more than practical and are more apt to be used than those provided in the Swiss Army Knife.

Hi J&J, I like my Leatherman much better than my Swiss Army Knife for the things I use a combo tool for.  I particularly like the plier feature of the L which my SAK does not have. — Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (97 catalog)

Response:

says… I’ll start this by stating my preference for the Leatherman. It is more substantial in it’s manufacture and is easily carried on your belt. The tool selection is more than practical and are more apt to be used than those provided in the Swiss Army Knife.

I used to have a Leatherman, but he started getting just a wee bit too toppish.   Left him in a bar one night. David

Response:

I’ll start this by stating my preference for the Leatherman. It is more substantial in it’s manufacture and is easily carried on your belt. The tool selection is more than practical and are more apt to be used than those provided in the Swiss Army Knife.

Agree, as long as you don’t get one of those cheap knock-offs.  Real pieces of garbage, extremely stiff pliers that don’t close, knives as sharp as a dorsal fin, etc. Get the real thing, or a quality competitor.

Response:

I’ll start this by stating my preference for the Leatherman. It is more substantial in it’s manufacture and is easily carried on your belt. The tool selection is more than practical and are more apt to be used than those provided in the Swiss Army Knife. Agree, as long as you don’t get one of those cheap knock-offs.  Real pieces of garbage, extremely stiff pliers that don’t close, knives as sharp as a dorsal fin, etc. Get the real thing, or a quality competitor.

I found a pair of the $15 fishing pliers with wire cutter on a beach about 4 years ago and they work fantastic. Offshore Anglers & Cabelas have them. They don’t have as many gadgets as a Letherman, but I haven’t noticed it to be a problem so far.                                                         jc

Response:

I’ll start this by stating my preference for the Leatherman. It is more substantial in it’s manufacture and is easily carried on your belt. The tool selection is more than practical and are more apt to be used than those provided in the Swiss Army Knife.

Response:

Question:

Many rivers still high, but they are dropping as fast as they went up.   Extremely hot weather melted a lot of snow(still a lot to melt, though).   Big Hole is dropping 10-15% per day.  2′ viz at Melrose yesterday, and salmon flies are showing up down near the "Notch".  River is fishing fairly well with nymphs.  Madison is beginning to drop, too, and traditionally the Montana Power Company drops the Madison flows around the 3rd week of June and begins to fill Hebgen Lake.  Gallatin and Yellowstone are still a mess.  Yellowstone has done some serious damage to  DePuy’s and Armstrong’s Spring Creeks, but NOONE knows for sure how much until the river goes done.  I guess I am the eternal optimist, and I figure this flood is like the YNP fires of 1988.  It will be temporarily inconvenient for us humans, but I expect this event will be beneficial.   Talked to Bob Auger, DePuy’s riverkeeper, yesterday, and he is poised to begin work to rebuild the dam as quickly as the water comes down.  I hope there will be fishing in DePuy’s again by mid-July(will take small bets on this!).  Beaverhead and Big Horn are very good.  Smith River is excellent.  Firehole and Henry’s  Fork are good, too.  Firehole has caddis and PMD’s and the Henry’s Fork is getting ready for green and brown drakes.  High water as this time of year is normal.  Remember, we have been in a decade long drought cycle here, and the recollections of many fishermen are of LOW water years.  Things will look fairly good by first week of July.   Dave Kumlien, Montana Troutfitters,Bozeman html

Response:

Hi Dave, Thanks for the Montana report.  It’s obvious to me you spend a lot of time on it (and for our benefit) and I wanted you to know it’s appreciated. Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (96 catalog)

Response:

Al Beatty writes: Hi Dave, Thanks for the Montana report.  It’s obvious to me you spend a lot of time on it (and for our benefit) and I wanted you to know it’s appreciated.

I second that. -Ande Rychter

Response:

David, Thanks for the information.  It sure is helpful for those of us who live in the city (ie, Dallas, TX) who plan on traveling to Montana in the near term. I was wondering, do you not receive info on the North Blackfoot (from around North Fork down to either Scotty Browns bridge or Clear Creek), as well as Rock Creek? If you or anyone else could provide info on these areas (such as water conditions, hatch & pattern info, whether I should consider wading or floating, etc.) and what I might expect from around July 10 through July 14, I would appreciate it. Thanks again! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Many rivers still high, but they are dropping as fast as they went up.   Extremely hot weather melted a lot of snow(still a lot to melt, though).   Big Hole is dropping 10-15% per day.  2′ viz at Melrose yesterday, and salmon flies are showing up down near the "Notch".  River is fishing fairly well with nymphs.  Madison is beginning to drop, too, and traditionally the Montana Power Company drops the Madison flows around the 3rd week of June and begins to fill Hebgen Lake.  Gallatin and Yellowstone are still a mess.  Yellowstone has done some serious damage to  DePuy’s and Armstrong’s Spring Creeks, but NOONE knows for sure how much until the river goes done.  I guess I am the eternal optimist, and I figure this flood is like the YNP fires of 1988.  It will be temporarily inconvenient for us humans, but I expect this event will be beneficial.   Talked to Bob Auger, DePuy’s riverkeeper, yesterday, and he is poised to begin work to rebuild the dam as quickly as the water comes down.  I hope there will be fishing in DePuy’s again by mid-July(will take small bets on this!).  Beaverhead and Big Horn are very good.  Smith River is excellent.  Firehole and Henry’s  Fork are good, too.  Firehole has caddis and PMD’s and the Henry’s Fork is getting ready for green and brown drakes.  High water as this time of year is normal.  Remember, we have been in a decade long drought cycle here, and the recollections of many fishermen are of LOW water years.  Things will look fairly good by first week of July.   Dave Kumlien, Montana Troutfitters,Bozeman html

Steve Ginn 2nd VP – Consulting Group

Response:

Question:

Friends from England expect visit Vanc. Isl. -Nanaimo and north- late June / early July.They would like to do some flyfishing, prefer dry fly, either fishing lakes from canoe or river wading.  Would appreciate any suggestions of suitable waters and reccommened fly patterns. Thanks in advance

Response:

Friends from England expect visit Vanc. Isl. -Nanaimo and north- late June / early July.They would like to do some flyfishing, prefer dry fly, either fishing lakes from canoe or river wading.

For fly patterns, etc. Roderick Haig-Brown’s books are unbeatable:  he lived there (besides being one of the top angling writers of the century.) For geography, the best source 20 years ago was paperback guidebooks by Alec Merriman of the Victoria Daily Colonist, published by Saltaire. Your friends should also be aware of tidewater fishing for sea-dwelling cutthroat trout, which many people think the best summer angling on Vancouver Island. — |  Donald Phillipson, 4180 Boundary Road, Carlsbad Springs,  | |        Ontario, Canada, K0A 1K0, tel. 613 822 0734         |

Response:

Contact: 1. Murphy’s Sportsfishing Centre in Port Alberni, B.C. (on the island), 4213 Princess Ave., V9Y 5R2, 604-723-8022 2. http://deepcove.com/fish_hotline/ 3. http://vvv.com/flyfish/ 4. http://www.nwlink.com/~mmurphy/wbc.html B. PS. Can someone tell me how to take bookmarks and imbed them into a e-mail/post? Or at least how to copy the text and paste it. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Friends from England expect visit Vanc. Isl. -Nanaimo and north- late June / early July.They would like to do some flyfishing, prefer dry fly, either fishing lakes from canoe or river wading. Would appreciate any suggestions of suitable waters and reccommened fly patterns. Thanks in advance

Response:

Question:

How’s the fishing on the Truckee this time of year?  Would I be wasting my time if I were to go out this weekend (I don’t feel like driving to Pyramid Lake)?  The water seems very cold, but does that mean trout go totally dormant in the winter.  What patterns work this time of year.

Response:

(Charles Taylor) writes: How’s the fishing on the Truckee this time of year?  Would I be wasting my time if I were to go out this weekend (I don’t feel like driving to Pyramid Lake)?  The water seems very cold, but does that mean trout go totally dormant in the winter.  What patterns work this time of year.

Chuck, All of the Truckee on the California side is closed.  The Nevada side is open and you should give the Reno Fly Shop (702) 827-0600 a call to find out if the water’s warm enough.  Needs to be in the mid 40’s at least to do much good.                                                    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!).

Response:

How’s the fishing on the Truckee this time of year?  Would I be wasting my time if I were to go out this weekend (I don’t feel like driving to Pyramid Lake)?  The water seems very cold, but does that mean trout go totally dormant in the winter.  What patterns work this time of year.

HI CHUCK-    Our weather has been unseasonably warm with resultant runoff. The fishing is poor in the river. Sorry.    -Ralph —

Response:

Question:

I turned back to the 444SL after I tried othrs. The LASER line is very nice to cast and floats very high (makes line pickup easier), but: all this only for a very short time (I used it for only one season!). The hard coating is worn out very fast and you have to replace the line. The Wulf Triangel taper is very nice to fish, too. I used it in the 3/4 and 5/6 weight. Rollcasting is much fun and, especially with the 3/4, presentation of drys to very shy trout is terrific. The disadvantage, especially for the 3/4, is that it is very hard to transport heavier or more wind resistant flies. I now returned to the 444SL which can do the job much better: Very long casts are much easier with the 444SL, rollcasting nearly as good as with the TT, but if the situation requires it, I can also tie on a heavy stremer or a heavy weigthed nymph with a few split shots with still comfortable casting.                             Thomas

Response:

If anyone needs a Cortland Fly line or has any questions about

Response:

I used a 444SL for many trouble-free years.  In fact, I wore it out — the first line that I ever killed.  I’ve been thinking about giving the Lazer line a try, but have been playing around with Lee Wulf’s Triangle taper, as well as a few others.  Give me your pros and cons on the 444SL and the Lazer Line, with regard to durability, floatability.  Thanks.

Response:

I used a 444SL for many trouble-free years.  In fact, I wore it out — the first line that I ever killed.  I’ve been thinking about giving the Lazer line a try, but have been playing around with Lee Wulf’s Triangle taper, as well as a few others.  Give me your pros and cons on the 444SL and the Lazer Line, with regard to durability, floatability.  Thanks.

According to the folks at FEATHER-CRAFT Fly Fishing in St. Louis, 444SL is designed specifically for fast-action rods, is stiffer than most lines and is considered 1/4 weight higher than it’s rating.  The Lazer line are supposed to be best for light action rods because it loads the rod quickly for short casts.  

Response: