Question:

It’s been a while since I actually went out for brookies, and I forgot how hard they hit. It was worse than a pike hitting the fly. I landed three in the range of 14-18 inches and almost lost the pole on the first one.

Yowza!  I’m a little familiar with the area and I’ve never even heard of the water you’re talking about.  Thanks for the report – I printed it off for my "files". Regards, Jeff

Response:

I just returned from a trip to Northern Ny and had a blast up there. Had a few days of good fly fishing on some small streams that are not all that popular or even that large. I started out on Plumb Brook near Degrasse, NY. I had a limited amount of luck that day. Too bright out. About the only day of sun for the two weeks I was there.Got hold of a couple of small brookies and some chub minnows. That was it. The brookies ranged from 4-9 inches but they were fun. I finally can say I got one of my own flies to catch a fish. The next day I got out was to Harrisville (my hometown) and to the Oswegatchie River. Not a lot of luck there, but the river was low for this time of year and the browns seemed really spooky this year. Saw about 40 of them, but no takers on any fly tossed at them. Next it was on to the really small streams. You know the ones…only about 1-5 feet across and usually have a couple of beaver dams around them. Well the water level here was way up and the brookies were out in force. As soon as the fly hit the water, they were out of it after it. More often than not, they missed the fly completely. I caught 40 small ones (once again 4-9 inches long) and saw a few flashes that made my mouth water. I was using a #18 willy’s pip in black with a 3/4" tail. This made them mad since they kept missing it in the water rushing over the dam. I switched to a #10 green and grizzly wooly bugger and thats when the big ones started to hit hard. It’s been a while since I actually went out for brookies, and I forgot how hard they hit. It was worse than a pike hitting the fly. I landed three in the range of 14-18 inches and almost lost the pole on the first one. Wasn’t expecting the pole to be jerked so hard. Pulling them from the hole in the dam was a trip. I thouroughly enjoyed all three hours that day. Ususally when you mention NY and fly fishing, the only places you ever hear of are the Delaware, Battenkill,  Ausable and the Salmon Rivers, but I am here to tell you that if you drive from Watertown NY up Route 3 through Harrisville, Fine, Star Lake, and farther up to Lake Placid, you should hit every little tiny creek, stream and river you see. Some of them will make the whole trip worth while. The trout you will encounter will be brookies, rainbows, and browns (some of which are in the 5-8 pound range). Try little river in Star Lake for Browns. Very large and mean. I talked with a man at the TNT tackle shop in Edwards and he told of 18-22 inch brook trout in Plumb Brook and Elm Brook. Gotta love that. Just goes to show that the most popular places aren’t always the best. Hope you get a chance to try out some of the areas in the near future. I will see some of you up there in October. Some browns and salmon with my name on them. Gonna take a first time fly fisher with me to see how he likes a 40 pound salmon on the end of a 7 wt fly rod with only a 10#  tippet. Good fishing all. The worst day on the water beats the best day in the office. Gordo

Response:

Question:

I usually take two to three guided trips each year and have been doing this now for the past 8 years.  The great majority of the time the guides I’ve used have been good companions, wonderful teachers, more than willing to share their knowledge of the local fishing, and in general more than worth the money I’ve spent. I believe however that much of that experience has been what I brought to the table.  I never count fish, try hard to listen to suggestions and instruction, don’t try to be an expert when in fact my enthusiasm far outweighs any talent I have, treat the guide with respect, and tip well, even when I’ve been totally skunked.  As I diabetic I have dietary restrictions and I’ve had guides drive 40 miles out of their way to be sure I could get a lunch that met those needs.  On the other hand I do remember sharing one trip with a stranger who seemed to expect at least 6 fish over 24", gourmet streamside meals, and treated the guide as if he were some hired servant for the day.  Needless to say he was not treated well. Guides are people.  Some are real jerks and I’ve dumped one by 10:00 a.m. when I unfortunately ran into him.  But most are genuinely interested in seeing their clients have a great day and learn something new.  It has been my experience that nearly all respond in kind when you treat them with respect, humor, and honesty.  Also, I’ve learned the shop is VERY interested in the clients having a great time.  The flyfishing community is fairly small and most of the shop owners know each other.  I generally use my home shop for recommendations and the folks at my destination know I’ll be going home and reporting back on how I was treated.  One bad report can mean at lot of lost recommendations. I have one shop that I’ve been back to three times, Mountain Anglers in Breckenridge, CO.  The last time I was there I was treated like a long lost friend, shared drinks and dinners with several of the guides, and generally made to feel like "one of the gang".  Jackson Streit and his group rank at t he very top in my book and I wouldn’t hesitate to send anyone their way. But with the strong recommendation that you go prepared to do your part. Just my $.02… Don — Don Anderson

Response:

I think this is generally true in every perfection.  I know that as a performer, the better the audience is the better the show they will get.  It’s unintentional but true.  I receive energy from the audience and I’m more concerned with minute nuances of my performance when the audience is appreciative.  I think guides are the same. — Vern Before you buy.

Response:

That should be "profession" not "perfection."  Oops, I did it again. Vern I think this is generally true in every perfection.  I know that as a performer, the better the audience is the better the show they will get.  It’s unintentional but true.  I receive energy from the audience and I’m more concerned with minute nuances of my performance when the audience is appreciative.  I think guides are the same. — Vern Before you buy.

Before you buy.

Response:

Question:

We are planning a trip to Chincoteague, Va right after Labor Day. Is there any saltwater fly fishing opportunities in the Chincoteague area? ~thanx fred

Response:

Say hello to Misty for me. Dave – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – We are planning a trip to Chincoteague, Va right after Labor Day. Is there any saltwater fly fishing opportunities in the Chincoteague area? ~thanx fred

Response:

Fred, There is excellent fishing for flounder, croaker, striper and other species in the areas around Chincoteague.  Should be some bluefish action after Labor Day.  In fact, if you’re not going to fish, why the hell would ANYONE want to go to Chincoteague? Wayne to fish is human…to release divine. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – We are planning a trip to Chincoteague, Va right after Labor Day. Is there any saltwater fly fishing opportunities in the Chincoteague area? ~thanx fred

Response:

Question:

I think the Who Am I? post simply stated what many of us have come to realize  - the regular posters on ROFF are a community – and a very open one at that.   For those who taken exception to the post or the many ‘gutter’ threads that develop on ROF I say thanks for the interest. I for one appreciate it. For better that than no reaction. Hey Walt.  I agree.  The Who am I thread makes me want to puke.  Think of all those mass marketers out there ferreting names, ages children professions, locations and email addresses of "dedicated" fly fishers.  I hate to be their postal worker or ISP.

get real. They have far better ways to get the names, addresses and incomes of hundreds of thousands – they wouldn’t bother with the handful who posted an abrreviated bio under the "Who am I" thread. Just thought that I’d mention that with the alan 46r thread this place seems more like roff than rofft. There is a veritable lovefest (who am i) going on over there. Strange indeed. oh yeah…on topic… uhmmm, well, I mentioned thread. –Wataugan Walt Paul Shook said: <<I’m glad to hear that I am not the only one that thinks the "Who I Am" thread

is a bit strange. Dave Laplace said: ROFF is a bunch of pretty nice guys and gals.  They are simply exchanging their "vital statistics".

Ralph H remove "(take_this_out)" for email reply. "I could be bounded in a nutshell, and count myself a king of infinite space, were it not that I have bad dreams." – Hamlet

Response:

Walt Winter wrote – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – (Fiddleaway wrote) The bottom line is that the response to the Who Am I thread speaks for itself.  The majority of the respondents thought it of enough value to participate.  Clearly, Randall, Walt and Paul are in the minority, but in spite of themselves, in responding they too have given us a little insight as to who they are.  Thanks guys. ok, i’ll rise to the occasion…. Hey buddy, don’t group me with Randall or Paul. I have no idea what the hell Randall is agreeing with (certainly not with my view). I was one of the first responders and have read and enjoyed every damn "who am i" bio.

I apologize for grouping you with the other naysayers.  As a matter of fact, I thought I had remembered that you had given a positive response to the Who Am I thread early on.  But I didn’t read the later ones (as they digressed into responses to Who Am I rather than originals).  My fault for assuming the poster who grouped you with them was correct. Mea culpa.  Consider me well chagrined. —                                                       -dnc-

Response:

–                                                       -dnc- Ralph H wrote – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I think the Who Am I? post simply stated what many of us have come to realize  - the regular posters on ROFF are a community – and a very open one at that.   For those who taken exception to the post or the many ‘gutter’ threads that develop on ROF I say thanks for the interest. I for one appreciate it. For better that than no reaction. Randall Davis says: Hey Walt.  I agree.  The Who am I thread makes me want to puke.  … Just thought that I’d mention that with the alan 46r thread this place seems more like roff than rofft. There is a veritable lovefest (who am i) going on over there. Strange indeed. Paul Shook said: <<I’m glad to hear that I am not the only one that thinks the "Who I Am" thread is a bit strange.

The bottom line is that the response to the Who Am I thread speaks for itself.  The majority of the respondents thought it of enough value to participate.  Clearly, Randall, Walt and Paul are in the minority, but in spite of themselves, in responding they too have given us a little insight as to who they are.  Thanks guys.

Response:

The bottom line is that the response to the Who Am I thread speaks for itself.  The majority of the respondents thought it of enough value to participate.  Clearly, Randall, Walt and Paul are in the minority, but in spite of themselves, in responding they too have given us a little insight as to who they are.  Thanks guys.

ok, i’ll rise to the occasion…. Hey buddy, don’t group me with Randall or Paul. I have no idea what the hell Randall is agreeing with (certainly not with my view). I was one of the first responders and have read and enjoyed every damn "who am i" bio. What has happened here is a typical out of context post by Ralphbot. He’s done it in the past and he’s at it again. Welcome back roboboy. Tim and Jon really have to sharpen up there programming skills(aws) and do something about these damn bugs that keep poppin up. Step up to the friggin’ plate Tim and take your at bat. Until then, I’m rippin the fucking white flags down and I’ll kick all of your sorry asses if I see ya on my river, well, mudhole. Wading staff use by able-bodied men is for pussies (myself included). Brookies rule. Single-malt scotch. I don’t miss the NBA. Hillary, 2000 (this buds for you georgie Ralphbot needs a lube-job. Who ate FIFI? –Wataugan "I’ll kick yer ass" Walt

Response:

        ralph, what the hell was all that shit you, or someone else, strung together?  how about taking responsibility for a little clarity.  i know walt well enough to know that he supports the humanization of this group through communication about who we are. what you, or somedamnbody has published, misrepresents his viewpoint. a. wayne harrison

Response:

. Hillary, 2000 (this buds for you georgie –Wataugan "I’ll kick yer ass" Walt

 I was fine till here , Hillary ?? Oh God ..drink more Scotch Man, it may clear your muddled head.    Hillary, 2000…. good christ. And I thought Al "the Stump" Gore was scary….. HM

Response:

I was fine till here , Hillary ?? Oh God ..drink more Scotch Man, it may clear your muddled head.    Hillary, 2000…. good christ. And I thought Al "the Stump" Gore was scary….. HM

HM, just kiddin’, Iza tryn ta raisz Ginko ferm da ded. –Wataugan "Moe Skeeter 2000" Walt

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was fine till here , Hillary ?? Oh God ..drink more Scotch Man, it may clear your muddled head.    Hillary, 2000…. good christ. And I thought Al "the Stump" Gore was scary….. HM HM, just kiddin’, Iza tryn ta raisz Ginko ferm da ded. –Wataugan "Moe Skeeter 2000" Walt

  Well, the water has been real cold as of late. Not many bugs on the water here, so to speak. HM

Response:

       ralph, what the hell was all that shit you, or someone else, strung together?  how about taking responsibility for a little clarity.  

nothing Walt wrote was quoted out of context. If you or he had a problem with what he said it is your problem not mine. The ‘bot is a creation of your, his (and tim’s) lack of comprehension  -  not mine. Frankly I understood what Walt said perfectly tho’ his addled old mine may have lost the thread since he wrote it <g:  Given the history of animous and invective the break out of the sudden "love-fest" was a surprising – however it wasn’t strange it simply spoke to what many of us longed for – a relief from all the bad sentiment and a return to respect for all as people. We are a community despite the efforts of some to break us down. Ralph H remove "(take_this_out)" for email reply. "I could be bounded in a nutshell, and count myself a king of infinite space, were it not that I have bad dreams." – Hamlet

Response:

       ralph, what the hell was all that shit you, or someone else, strung together?  how about taking responsibility for a little clarity.  i know walt well enough to know that he supports the humanization of this group through communication about who we are. what you, or somedamnbody has published, misrepresents his viewpoint. a. wayne harrison

Wayne go to the Ng Rec.outdoors.fishing.fly.tying and you can find the original thread there – check out Walt’s contribution – you will see what I included was exactly what he said – ditto for all the others. Ralph H remove "(take_this_out)" for email reply. "I could be bounded in a nutshell, and count myself a king of infinite space, were it not that I have bad dreams." – Hamlet

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -The bottom line is that the response to the Who Am I thread speaks for itself.  The majority of the respondents thought it of enough value to participate.  Clearly, Randall, Walt and Paul are in the minority, but in spite of themselves, in responding they too have given us a little insight as to who they are.  Thanks guys. ok, i’ll rise to the occasion…. Hey buddy, don’t group me with Randall or Paul. I have no idea what the hell Randall is agreeing with (certainly not with my view). I was one of the first responders and have read and enjoyed every damn "who am i" bio. What has happened here is a typical out of context post by Ralphbot. He’s done it in the past and he’s at it again. Welcome back roboboy.

Walto-gin – don’t imbibe and post within the same time zone. Randall took you out of context not I – I quoted you exactly. Go back and re-read the thread in ROFT which you intiated! Wash the kettle black off your face while you are at it! ;^) What you said was clear to me – big flame fest on ROFT love-fest on ROFF – a surprising turning of the worm. Ralph H remove "(take_this_out)" for email reply. "I could be bounded in a nutshell, and count myself a king of infinite space, were it not that I have bad dreams." – Hamlet

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Harrison) says:        ralph, what the hell was all that shit you, or someone else, strung together?  how about taking responsibility for a little clarity.  i know walt well enough to know that he supports the humanization of this group through communication about who we are. what you, or somedamnbody has published, misrepresents his viewpoint. a. wayne harrison Wayne go to the Ng Rec.outdoors.fishing.fly.tying and you can find the original thread there – check out Walt’s contribution – you will see what I included was exactly what he said – ditto for all the others. Ralph H

Ralph….. The following enclosed below is verbatim of what I wrote on rofft. It in no way condemns, ridicules, or "makes me want to puke" the "WHO AM I THREAD". As mentioned earlier, I have no idea why Randall decided to agree with me or what the hell he agreed with. IMHO, you were bored and decided to try and muddy some waters elsewhere now that your arch-enemy Tim has decided to cool off for awhile. All I have in response to you is that whilst my brain may be addled temporarily at times with a comforting single-malt indulgence, yours, unfortunately, seems to be addled permanently most likely from birth. Get a grip man, –Wataugan "hellfire and brimstone southerner" Walt – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Just thought that I’d mention that with the alan 46r thread this place seems more like roff than rofft. There is a veritable lovefest (who am i) going on over there. Strange indeed. oh yeah…on topic… uhmmm, well, I mentioned thread. –Wataugan Walt

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Walto-gin – don’t imbibe and post within the same time zone. Randall took you out of context not I – I quoted you exactly. Go back and re-read the thread in ROFT which you intiated! Wash the kettle black off your face while you are at it! ;^) What you said was clear to me – big flame fest on ROFT love-fest on ROFF – a surprising turning of the worm. Ralph H

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Harrison) says: Wayne go to the Ng Rec.outdoors.fishing.fly.tying and you can find the original thread there – check out Walt’s contribution – you will see what I included was exactly what he said – ditto for all the others. Ralph H Ralph….. The following enclosed below is verbatim of what I wrote on rofft. It in no way condemns, ridicules, or "makes me want to puke" the "WHO AM I THREAD". As mentioned earlier, I have no idea why Randall decided to agree with me or what the hell he agreed with.

Yes it is verbatim. It is in fact exactly what I included in my cross post to ROFF…  and yes I agreed in my previous post in this thread that what you said was taken out of context by Randall and Paul Shook … IMHO, you were bored and decided to try and muddy some waters elsewhere now that your arch-enemy Tim has decided to cool off for awhile.

so why are attacking me? Is it in character for you to assault the ‘love fest’ you previously defended? All I have in response to you is that whilst my brain may be addled temporarily at times with a comforting single-malt indulgence, yours, unfortunately, seems to be addled permanently most likely from birth.

well that’s fine – in these repartee games I’ve always adhered to adage "turn about is fair play" Let’s give it a rest Walt. Just thought that I’d mention that with the alan 46r thread this place seems more like roff than rofft. There is a veritable lovefest (who am i) going on over there. Strange indeed. oh yeah…on topic… uhmmm, well, I mentioned thread. –Wataugan Walt

Ralph H remove "(take_this_out)" for email reply. "I could be bounded in a nutshell, and count myself a king of infinite space, were it not that I have bad dreams." – Hamlet

Response:

Question:

A friend is going on his honeymoon on Maui and was looking for some suggestions on where to go fly fishing.Any fly patterns or where there is a good tackle shop to stop in at would be appreciated. Thanks , jeff

Response:

A friend is going on his honeymoon on Maui and was looking for some suggestions on where to go fly fishing.Any fly patterns or where there is a good tackle shop to stop in at would be appreciated. Thanks , jeff

I would also like to hear some suggestions.  I plan on taking a trip there soon and would like to put in some time fly fishing.  I have heard fishing the islands can be pretty tough however…anyone have info on Maui? -Greg

Response:

A friend is going on his honeymoon on Maui and was looking for some suggestions on where to go fly fishing.Any fly patterns or where there is a good tackle shop to stop in at would be appreciated. Thanks , jeff

Hi Jeff, I heard that there was a bike shop that had some fly fishing equipment. Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY www.kiene.com

Response:

Question:

Hi, The second week in July we will be boating the Shuswap lake in British Columbia. Can anyone help with  fishing experiences, equipment, flies etc. Thanks in advance.

Response:

Hi, The second week in July we will be boating the Shuswap lake in British Columbia. Can anyone help with  fishing experiences, equipment, flies etc. Thanks in advance.

Shuswap is a very large natural lake not particularly noted for its flyfishing. I’ve never fished Shuswap but can tell you from local scuttlebutt it has a population of nice sized rainbows usually taken by trolling salmon plugs. You will need special ‘tags’ to kept fish Some fish are caught at the mouth of the Adams River (which has decent fishing for resident rainbows), Steamboat Bay and at Little River using flies at various times of the year. Best fishing usually coincides with the migration of sockeye salmon fry (April and May) from the redds to the lake and of smolts from the Lake out into the South Thompson River (June). You will likely be able to pick up some fish but do not expect anything spectacular. Try the mouths of the creeks and even the good size creeks themselves for ‘pan size’ fish. Nearby White Lake is well known for it’s excellent fishery for large Kamloops Rainbows and there are other small lakes in the area. Ralph H replace "spamsucks" with direct for email reply.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – .ca says: Hi, The second week in July we will be boating the Shuswap lake in British Columbia. Can anyone help with  fishing experiences, equipment, flies etc. Thanks in advance. Shuswap is a very large natural lake not particularly noted for its flyfish ing. I’ve never fished Shuswap but can tell you from local scuttlebutt it has a population of nice sized rainbows usually taken by trolling salmon plugs.

Trolling the ‘Apex’  salmon plug in black/silver, in about 15 feet of water   is popular and productive

Response:

Question:

anyone have current conditions on knights ferry area of stanislaus thanks in advance

Response:

Hey Ken , are you out there…? You should try Ken Lindsay at flyfishing online.  He will surely be able to help you out. I can’t find his address or # right now but he should be listed. Cheers — gp

Response:

(Carlton Fung) writes: anyone have current conditions on knights ferry area of stanislaus thanks in advance

Yes,  it’s closed right now.  Opens back up the first of the year.  That section of the river is closed between Oct. 15th and Jan. 1st each year to allow the salmon to make their spawning run.  I believe the upper part of the Stan around Big Trees is still open, but you need to check the reg’s to be sure.

Response:

check the regs – I believe the Stanislaus is closed until the end of the   year for the salmon to spawn.         gr

Response:

I beleive the upper part of the Stan closes November 15.–Crashjibe

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Will be in L.A. last two weeks in January.  Would greatly appreciate any and all information and recommendations on good fishing within a one day range of LA. city limits

Response:

writes: Will be in L.A. last two weeks in January.  Would greatly appreciate any and all information and recommendations on good fishing within a one day range of LA. city limits

Ocean or freshwater. Fly fishing only?

Response:

Question:

Any suggestions as to what brand/type of equipment a person who is just beginning fly fishing should consider.  I have fished with a spincast setup for years but we are moving to Montana (Red Lodge) and given the opportunities for fly fishing there I would like to begin to learn fly fishing.   Any suggestions would be gretly appreciated.  Andy.

Response:

Try a setup from Orvis, they have several setups for about $150. (evrything inlcuded to get you started) Rod, Reel, Backing, Line and Leader..etc. Keith

Response:

I read the other two replies and agree with door #1… a low end orvis setup (green mountain) is a good place to start.  Response #2 suggested a 7 weight… NOT!  I’ve been fishing a 5 wt for all sizes and species of trout (as well as a 26"+ landlocked salmon) from Maine to California as well as Canada.  I truly believe it’s a good weight for all sizes (San Juan River 22" rainbows, Bow River 24" rainbows, Owens River 18" browns, etc.).  I like a good tussle and would rather use a light/delicate rod & presentation than something as beafy as a 7 weight.  Some people use them on migrating king salmon in the salmon river of NY. Good Luck! Karl

Response:

St Croix makes an acceptable quality graphite 8-1/2′ #5/6 2 piece rod that runs $75-100 and Cabelas makes an acceptable quality 567 graphite click drag reel for $20. This would put a starter into an outfit for under $125, plus line and will let someone learn on graphite rather than glass and converting. IT REALLY IS A LOT DIFFERENT….when you’re learning, you tend to "over cast" and can end up with a blster on your palm [;0 which makes the experience less enjoyable. The only negative about this AMERICAN MADE rod is the cork in the grips tend to be of lesser quality, so inspect them closely and sand the grip down with emery cloth or 220 grit sandpaper before you go out the first time—- I had to take a rod back because the dark spots in the grip were soft and they fell out! The rod was replaced (Thank You Pete at Fly Fishing Outfitters in Lafayette, CA 510-284-FISH) with no questions asked, and it’s replacement has performed admirably. Hey, just my opinion….but no matter what you do, FISH BY ANY MEANS!! I have flyfished for over 30 years and 1993 marked my first graphite purchase…..all I can say is IF YOU CAN, start on graphite!!! Larry #:)#

Response:

St Croix makes an acceptable quality graphite 8-1/2′ #5/6 2 piece rod that runs $75-100 and Cabelas makes an acceptable quality 567 graphite click drag reel for $20. This would put a starter into an outfit for under $125, plus line and will let someone learn on graphite rather than glass and converting.

Larry,  My first rod was bamboo, my next rod was fiberglass and then of course a graphite.  The biggest change for me was between bamboo and fiberglass.  I still have all three types of rods and enjoy fishing them all.  The biggest kick is fishing the bamboo rod with a tapered silk line.  You really appreciate the advances in line technology after you have tried to keep a silk line floating all day. Ernie Harrison

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Question:

Could someone help me with some info on the patterns which would be best for fishing the Muskegon or Au Sable rivers in Michigan in 2-3 weeks.  We are going to Grand Haven to visit my family for 2 weeks and I would like to get some fishing in.  I tie my own, so if you can suggest any conventional pattern, or give me a short description for local patterns I would be eternally grateful. Thanks, Jack Holton Denver, CO "Rasthedog"

Response:

Look up the "white-gloved Howdey" in Caucci and Nastasi’s book, Hatches II. I use size 14.  The book also has hatch charts that can really help. Could someone help me with some info on the patterns which would be best for fishing the Muskegon or Au Sable rivers in Michigan in 2-3 weeks.  We are going to Grand Haven to visit my family for 2 weeks and I would like to get some fishing in.  I tie my own, so if you can suggest any conventional pattern, or give me a short description for local patterns I would be eternally grateful. Thanks, Jack Holton Denver, CO "Rasthedog" Regards, John Sirmans

Response:

Could someone help me with some info on the patterns which would be best for fishing the Muskegon or Au Sable rivers in Michigan in 2-3 weeks.  We

Call Steve Southard, owner of the fly factory in Grayling MI at (517) 348-5844.  He should be able to give you some info.  Rusty Gates also has a nice shop up there, but I don’t have his number handy. . Lenny Bloksberg . .

Response:

Rusty Gates phone #: 517-348-8462; Johnson’s Pere Marquette Lodge 616-745-3972. All three places (incl. the Fly Factory) should also be able to provide you with a guide if you are unfamiliar with the water. have fun – should be plenty of salmon in the waters in mid-Sept.

Response:

Organization: IQuest Network Services X-Newsreader: WinVN 0.91.6 (AnnRMiller) says: Rusty Gates phone #: 517-348-8462; Johnson’s Pere Marquette Lodge 616-745-3972. All three places (incl. the Fly Factory) should also be able to provide you with a guide if you are unfamiliar with the water. have fun – should be plenty of salmon in the waters in mid-Sept.

There are a couple web sites you might try: http://www.novagate.com/~bscheere/bens.html (Ben’s flyfishing corner, contains info on PM, Ausable, Muskegon and Kalamazoo rivers) http://oeonline.com/~rmarsh/fishpg.html (Ricks flyfishing page, contains info on Ausable) For hatches you’ll probably see BLO, trico’s and caddis. Tight lines, Bob

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Question:

I’d like to fly fish for northern pike in northwest Ontario in early to mid July.  While I have fished northern and walleye for years in this area, I am new to fly fishing.  Any ‘tricks of the trade’ would be appreciated.  I am set up with a sinking line and a popper plus a couple good size (long tail) flys.  Am I on the right track?

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I’d like to fly fish for northern pike in northwest Ontario in early to mid July.  While I have fished northern and walleye for years in this area, I am new to fly fishing.  Any ‘tricks of the trade’ would be appreciated.  I am set up with a sinking line and a popper plus a couple good size (long tail) flys.  Am I on the right track?

Sounds good so far, but you should pay some attention to your leader.  A standard tippet isn’t real effective when dealing with pike teeth. You should pick up some 30 lb. test steel line and cut off a piece about 1 ft. in length.  For a sinking leader, use 30 lb. test lead core line about 10" long (do not use much more!) remove about 2" of the core from each end.  Tie a uni-knot, same as attaching your tippet to regular fly line with the outer shell of the lead core line around the steel line, and then, tie a second uni-knot with the steel line around the lead core.  Pull the two knots together and you have your leader.  Tie the other end of the lead core line shell to the fly line with another uni-knot and tie the fly to the other end of the steel line. By the way, if you use a long piece of lead core line and manage to back-cast the line into your head (who hasn’t done this with a regular monofilament tippet), you will see Elvis or other such sites long after you come to. Good luck…fly fishing pike is really fun. — Yukon College, Academic Studies/Professional Studies Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada   Telephone (403) 668-8809

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