Question:

The last couple of times I have been out fishing the weather has been less than ideal.  My last day out was Super Bowl Sunday and I went to fish the Gallatin River.  The river was flowing like a runny slushy and it was very cold out.  This was the first time I have ever had a layer of ice on my leader and had small flies freeze into ice cubes.  The slush on the water made it very difficult to get the flies and leader to penetrate the surface for a decent drift. I did manage to get one lazy take and did see several fish feeding, but I did not land anything.  It is hard trying to hook a fish with an ice cube.  I still had a nice day visiting some of the places I used to fish on a regular basis before moving to Livingston. The previous outing, I found myself in between trips of the "big move".  I loaded the truck up and decided instead of driving back to Bozeman and unloading that I would fish for a few hours then do the deed.  I drove up the Yellowstone for a few miles to a nice side channel of the river that is easy to wade.  It was cold out, but the sun was shining and there was little wind.  Other than the drone of passing cars, it was a very peaceful day out.  I managed to catch a few whitefish but missed out on the rainbows when they started rising to midges. Somehow I had managed to forget my box of dry flies on my desk after adding midge patterns. The weekend before I had my daughter and the weather had been perfect for a long day of fishing.  I was unable to go for obvious reasons, but I couldn’t help but wondering how the fishing was with each look outside the window.  This weekend the weather is very nice.  Currently it is in the 40’s and somewhat cloudy.  It has been above freezing every day since Thursday (since I picked up my daughter) and the big storm that they have been predicting has not materialized as of yet (6- 12" of snow my ass!). As I look out of my window, once again wondering how the fishing is right now, I am starting to wonder if I am cursed.  It seems that every time that I am unable to get out, the weather will be nice.  When I am able to fish, the weather decides to become the worst it will be than on the preceding or following days. There is a bright side to this curse however.  The days I am able to fish are either by myself or with very few others out on the rivers. In my last three outings I have only encountered 4 people and only got within speaking range once.  This solitude is part of the charm of winter fishing and I always have spring and summer to look forward to for warmer weather.  The time spent with my daughter is invaluable and a worthy trade for such a minor curse.  Is having the best of both worlds too much to ask for though?

Response:

Just curious Warren.  Is John Grisham required reading for law

students <G. Email Wayno and ask him or wait another year and half for me to start law school — Warren Findley

Response:

Have you done anything that may have upset Mr. Forty?

Warren

Response:

Have you done anything that may have upset Mr. Forty? <g Warren

Just curious Warren.  Is John Grisham required reading for law students <G. I just finished reading The Brethren, and I am a few pages from the end of The Rainmaker.  I couldn’t put down The Brethren and I didn’t want it to end either. I’m no fictional literature aficionado, but he sure keeps my attention. Opie  –Planning for the Past–

Response:

Don’t worry,  this "curse" is not just restricted to you.  Last season,  my 4 absolute favourite flyfishing weekends in the Piscatorial Calendar (last in May, first in June, plus last 2 in Sept)  were washed out with flooded rivers.

Response:

Don’t worry,  this "curse" is not just restricted to you.  Last season,  my 4 absolute favourite flyfishing weekends in the Piscatorial Calendar (last in May, first in June, plus last 2 in Sept)  were washed out with flooded rivers.

Were you trying to fish the Grand last year.  :)  It was flooded too. Flooding must be catching. Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://members.home.net/pcharles/streamers/index.html

Response:

…cut for brevity… I am starting to wonder if I am cursed.

…cut for brevity… Have you done anything that may have upset Mr. Forty? Opie  –Planning for the Past–

Response:

Question:

<good story snipped I liked it a lot, Adam. Put me in mind of my favorite Sierra small stream and had me reflexively looking for my hiking boots. thanks, -sid

Response:

<snipped Keep writing stuff like that and you won’t have anyone out to get you.  Well done. Reminded me of a little spot I often go to get away from the hustle and bustle of the tourists. Warren Remember, men will come and men will go, but the streams and mountains go on forever. -Bob Carmichael

Response:

In the early morning light, long sun rays make diamond glints in the dew covered grass.

    (snip)     very well written prose, adam. wayno

Response:

Dear Adam, This is what fly fishing is about. It is not what you catch but where you catch (if you catch). And the more, this is what fly fishing in Continental Europe is about, small streams in Belgium, Northern France and Germany. No huge trout out for your fly (you are more than lucky to catch one of upto 40 cm), but to be away from it all. Marcel From The Netherlands

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – In the early morning light, long sun rays make diamond glints in the dew covered grass. A spruce forest edges the little meadow in deep blue-green while a sparkling tiny stream draws a shallow meandering line through the alpine valley. Undercut grassy banks border the small riffles below a plunge pool. The solitude is perfect, the setting is awesome and there is room for only one observer at a time. A small stream is enough to re-kindle the fishing flame of one’s youth every time. Creeping or low crawling through the grass, the coolness of the dew soaks into your clothes, but the focus is on a gin clear pool thirty feet ahead. The light fly rod gets caught in the grass, but you casually unhook the tip, careful to clear the rod from the tangle without making sudden movements. Unhooking the fly, stripping out enough line to make a cast to the near side of the pool, you sit up on your feet, crouching to maintain a low profile. Switching two false casts, you shoot a tight loop laying the fly line on the grass with the leader hooking into the pool. The leader is long enough to cross the pool, but you know this and have made a perfect presentation into the tail of the pool in order to not upset the wary brook trout upstream. The cast is unproductive, but that does not slow your racing pulse. A quick pick up and cast again in one smooth movement farther upstream, the caddis mimic alights like a natural. A small piece of the stream bed moves and suddenly the caddis is gone in a swirl. In the same moment, you lift the little fly rod, tightening the line. Telegraphed up the fly line, surges of the brook trout are felt through the light fly rod. Quickly playing the fish to hand, the gemstone colors of the small trout glow brightly. Releasing the trout from the barbless hook completes the act and the scurry for cover is evidence that this one is unharmed. Small stream fly fishing is gaining in popularity. The reasons are easy enough to understand. Solitude in the outdoor is at the top of the list. There are rivers to fish with many anglers if you want to share the experience. Rivers are popular fly fishing destinations and they are reflected on by all forms of the media. Small streams are out of the way, not reported on regularly and introspection, not popularity echoes here. A feeder stream, off the fishing path can provide a afternoon of quiet thoughts while experiencing the outdoors by yourself. There are no television or magazine anglers here, just you and your thoughts among the trees. Outfitting for fly fishing a small stream is a personal choice. A fly rod with a couple of flys in a film canister along with swim trunks makes things simple. On the other hand, a modern fourth generation graphite fly rod with a large arbor reel and specialized mini shooting head fly line can make decisions difficult. Hundreds of stone, caddis, and mayflys in expensive aluminum compartment fly boxes tucked in a ergonomically tailored vest, bulging with the latest gadgetry for the technically minded is another possible choice. Some use a bamboo fly rod made in the early part of the century, possibly handed down in the family. Somewhere in there lies a typical small stream fisher. We are a diverse lot, but we are looking for the same thing, peace in nature’s solitude. Light fly line weights are standard for small streams. Line weights of zero through five are generally considered an advantage when casting for wary trout. The small diameter of a light fly line combined with the light weight reduces the unwanted sight and impact when making a presentation. For small streams, fly sizes are small and wind is usually not a hinderance. A good fly rod choice will be a seven foot three weight. You can give or take a foot in length and a fly line size and still have a good choice for a rod. A small reel without a drag is all that is necessary. Equipment can be as technical or as simple as you want to make it. Fly fishing equipment is a personal choice that should match the fisher and the water being fished. Moving along on a small stream seems to come natural. Most fishing is done in an upstream manner to approach the trout from behind. Trout hold in the current to feed most of the time and their blind spot is to the rear. You need all the help that you can get when the stream is shallow, and the fish are wary of predators. This is because of the lack of deep water and structure to hide in. In order to be successful, a good creeping technique must be developed. Select earth tones for your clothes, a low profile when approaching a productive section, and as few false casts as possible. The better you become, the more your back will hurt! Headhunting, a term that is used for a fly fisher consumed by catching the largest fish does not apply here. Not that a small stream fly angler will turn their back on a large brown trout, that is exactly what some do. This is a technique used to reduce the anglers "presence" to the wary trout when rigging for the situation. The fishing attitude is one of opportunity. If a large trout is caught, it is a gift. The essence is the outdoor experience. To catch a small glistening gem and to give it back to nature, this is what small stream fishing is about. Not a quest for monster trout. On your adventure please remember this. The small stream environment is usually pristine, one single piece of trash is out of place. No impact hiking is a must, and if some trash is found, packing it out is good form. Hiking along, if another angler is present, give him or her a wide berth to minimize the intrusion. Fly fishing small streams is a return to solitude that we all need. A perfect way to enjoy the outdoors. I hope you like my story, adam

Response:

In the early morning light, long sun rays make diamond glints in the dew covered grass. A spruce forest edges the little meadow in deep blue-green while a sparkling tiny stream draws a shallow meandering line through the alpine valley. Undercut grassy banks border the small riffles below a plunge pool. The solitude is perfect, the setting is awesome and there is room for only one observer at a time. A small stream is enough to re-kindle the fishing flame of one’s youth every time. Creeping or low crawling through the grass, the coolness of the dew soaks into your clothes, but the focus is on a gin clear pool thirty feet ahead. The light fly rod gets caught in the grass, but you casually unhook the tip, careful to clear the rod from the tangle without making sudden movements. Unhooking the fly, stripping out enough line to make a cast to the near side of the pool, you sit up on your feet, crouching to maintain a low profile. Switching two false casts, you shoot a tight loop laying the fly line on the grass with the leader hooking into the pool. The leader is long enough to cross the pool, but you know this and have made a perfect presentation into the tail of the pool in order to not upset the wary brook trout upstream. The cast is unproductive, but that does not slow your racing pulse. A quick pick up and cast again in one smooth movement farther upstream, the caddis mimic alights like a natural. A small piece of the stream bed moves and suddenly the caddis is gone in a swirl. In the same moment, you lift the little fly rod, tightening the line. Telegraphed up the fly line, surges of the brook trout are felt through the light fly rod. Quickly playing the fish to hand, the gemstone colors of the small trout glow brightly. Releasing the trout from the barbless hook completes the act and the scurry for cover is evidence that this one is unharmed. Small stream fly fishing is gaining in popularity. The reasons are easy enough to understand. Solitude in the outdoor is at the top of the list. There are rivers to fish with many anglers if you want to share the experience. Rivers are popular fly fishing destinations and they are reflected on by all forms of the media. Small streams are out of the way, not reported on regularly and introspection, not popularity echoes here. A feeder stream, off the fishing path can provide a afternoon of quiet thoughts while experiencing the outdoors by yourself. There are no television or magazine anglers here, just you and your thoughts among the trees. Outfitting for fly fishing a small stream is a personal choice. A fly rod with a couple of flys in a film canister along with swim trunks makes things simple. On the other hand, a modern fourth generation graphite fly rod with a large arbor reel and specialized mini shooting head fly line can make decisions difficult. Hundreds of stone, caddis, and mayflys in expensive aluminum compartment fly boxes tucked in a ergonomically tailored vest, bulging with the latest gadgetry for the technically minded is another possible choice. Some use a bamboo fly rod made in the early part of the century, possibly handed down in the family. Somewhere in there lies a typical small stream fisher. We are a diverse lot, but we are looking for the same thing, peace in nature’s solitude. Light fly line weights are standard for small streams. Line weights of zero through five are generally considered an advantage when casting for wary trout. The small diameter of a light fly line combined with the light weight reduces the unwanted sight and impact when making a presentation. For small streams, fly sizes are small and wind is usually not a hinderance. A good fly rod choice will be a seven foot three weight. You can give or take a foot in length and a fly line size and still have a good choice for a rod. A small reel without a drag is all that is necessary. Equipment can be as technical or as simple as you want to make it. Fly fishing equipment is a personal choice that should match the fisher and the water being fished. Moving along on a small stream seems to come natural. Most fishing is done in an upstream manner to approach the trout from behind. Trout hold in the current to feed most of the time and their blind spot is to the rear. You need all the help that you can get when the stream is shallow, and the fish are wary of predators. This is because of the lack of deep water and structure to hide in. In order to be successful, a good creeping technique must be developed. Select earth tones for your clothes, a low profile when approaching a productive section, and as few false casts as possible. The better you become, the more your back will hurt! Headhunting, a term that is used for a fly fisher consumed by catching the largest fish does not apply here. Not that a small stream fly angler will turn their back on a large brown trout, that is exactly what some do. This is a technique used to reduce the anglers "presence" to the wary trout when rigging for the situation. The fishing attitude is one of opportunity. If a large trout is caught, it is a gift. The essence is the outdoor experience. To catch a small glistening gem and to give it back to nature, this is what small stream fishing is about. Not a quest for monster trout. On your adventure please remember this. The small stream environment is usually pristine, one single piece of trash is out of place. No impact hiking is a must, and if some trash is found, packing it out is good form. Hiking along, if another angler is present, give him or her a wide berth to minimize the intrusion. Fly fishing small streams is a return to solitude that we all need. A perfect way to enjoy the outdoors. I hope you like my story, adam

Response:

Question:

You got RCMP on the brain.

That’s O.K., as long as they stay out of my pants!

Response:

Come on Wolfie, they use green machines on the Miramichi all the time. Oh, I get it, in that particular river’s case the US dollar bill isn’t the fly, it’s the catch! David – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – <interesting tale snipped What I would like to know is how in hell you managed to cast a folded dollar bill!  I mean, talk about catching air!!

Response:

Great Post, great story. Thanks, Bruce

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Let me first say, "I’m a midget, love fly fishing, and live in Las Vegas." Arriving at work approximately 45 minutes early with nothing to do, I wondered what I could do to fill my time.  Within an instant it came to me, practice my casting.  However, I work on the Las Vegas strip.  No problem, I pulled out my 9′ rod and an old line that I only use for practice casting on concrete.  Yea, I did it.  I went on the strip and practiced my cast.  As you could imagine, I received an assortment of comments from the absurd, funny, and outright rude. All of a sudden a gentleman stopped his car and asked, "have you had a HOOKER." "Not yet.  I’ve been trying to interest the one down the street.  But no bites," I replied. "Try a hundred," he said as he drove off with a chuckle. I didn’t have a hundred, only a few twenties, two fives, and a one.  After taking the one out of my wallet, I folded it into a small square.  I pulled out my Buck Knife and poked a hole in the bill.  What the heck, I was board and it was some thing to do.  I also thought it was funny.  Boy, I sure got a lot of comments now.  People all over the place.  But, everyone gave me room to cast. I had an imaginary stream in front of me, cast my line, and allowed the bill to float to the ground.  All of a sudden an attractive lady stepped on the bill and picked it up.  I didn’t want her to keep it so I started reeling in the line.  She continued holding onto the bill as she walked towards me. "Is this yours," she asked. "Thank you," I said. "Now that you’ve caught me, what are you going to do with me?" I was shocked.  Was she really a hooker?  I still don’t know even at this time if she was.  However, I politely excused myself and quickly went to work.  I felt uncomfortable and wanted out of the situation. Looking back at the situation, it must have been quite a sight to see a 4′ 6" man fly fishing on the Las Vegas strip.  Even now it makes me laugh. It was a pretty strange thing to do.

Response:

Let me first say, "I’m a midget, love fly fishing, and live in Las Vegas." Arriving at work approximately 45 minutes early with nothing to do, I wondered what I could do to fill my time.  Within an instant it came to me, practice my casting.  However, I work on the Las Vegas strip.  No problem, I pulled out my 9′ rod and an old line that I only use for practice casting on concrete.  Yea, I did it.  I went on the strip and practiced my cast.  As you could imagine, I received an assortment of comments from the absurd, funny, and outright rude. All of a sudden a gentleman stopped his car and asked, "have you had a HOOKER." "Not yet.  I’ve been trying to interest the one down the street.  But no bites," I replied. "Try a hundred," he said as he drove off with a chuckle. I didn’t have a hundred, only a few twenties, two fives, and a one.  After taking the one out of my wallet, I folded it into a small square.  I pulled out my Buck Knife and poked a hole in the bill.  What the heck, I was board and it was some thing to do.  I also thought it was funny.  Boy, I sure got a lot of comments now.  People all over the place.  But, everyone gave me room to cast. I had an imaginary stream in front of me, cast my line, and allowed the bill to float to the ground.  All of a sudden an attractive lady stepped on the bill and picked it up.  I didn’t want her to keep it so I started reeling in the line.  She continued holding onto the bill as she walked towards me. "Is this yours," she asked. "Thank you," I said. "Now that you’ve caught me, what are you going to do with me?" I was shocked.  Was she really a hooker?  I still don’t know even at this time if she was.  However, I politely excused myself and quickly went to work.  I felt uncomfortable and wanted out of the situation. Looking back at the situation, it must have been quite a sight to see a 4′ 6" man fly fishing on the Las Vegas strip.  Even now it makes me laugh.  It was a pretty strange thing to do.

Response:

<interesting tale snipped What I would like to know is how in hell you managed to cast a folded dollar bill!  I mean, talk about catching air!!

Response:

I folded it into a small, tight, and compact square, poked a hole in it with my knife, and tied it to my line with granny knots.  I did get air.  But, at the time I thought it was funny.  I did it more for the laugh than for the presentation.

Response:

Let me first say, "I’m a midget, love fly fishing, and live in Las

Vegas." (great story snipped) Now THAT’S FUNNY!! My soon to be mother-in-law lives at Lake Mead and I’ve never been to Vegas.  I anticipate a family visit in the next few months.  I’ll have to get you to show me the sidewalk technique!  I’ll bring along my 6 1/2 foot small stream rod and we’ll see what a 6 foot guy with a short rod and a 4 foot 6 inch guy with a long rod can do on the sidewalk. I’ll supply a pair of 5 dollar bills.  We’ll go for the class acts! — Wayne To fish is human….To release Divine! Before you buy.

Response:

As you reeled her in, you should have said, "Will you or won’t you ???" Her reply, " My room or yours ??" Your reply, " If you are going to argue about it, let’s forget the whole thing. "

Response:

My room mate just got back from Vegas…she said she saw a lot of weird things going on…

Response:

rod and a 4 foot 6 inch guy with a long rod can do on the sidewalk.

This place just gets sicker and more depraved by the minute!  Thank you Lord, a home at last!!

Response:

and we’ll see what a 6 foot guy with a short rod and a 4 foot 6 inch guy with a long rod can do on the sidewalk.

Oh God, dont you just hate these pissing contests ? TL MC

Response:

Oh God, dont you just hate these pissing contests ?

Oh, thank goodness it’s just a pissing contest……methought…….but no, a man were an ass to say what I thought!

Response:

Oh God, dont you just hate these pissing contests ? Oh, thank goodness it’s just a pissing contest……methought…….but no, a man were an ass to say what I thought!

You got RCMP on the brain. Mu

Response:

My room mate just got back from Vegas…she said she saw a lot of weird things going on…

I’m one of them.  They pay me good money to act stupid.  I’m an actor you see?  The hotel wants silly and I give it to them.

Response:

She was an amateur.  No working girl in Vegas would be turned by $106.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Let me first say, "I’m a midget, love fly fishing, and live in Las Vegas." Arriving at work approximately 45 minutes early with nothing to do, I wondered what I could do to fill my time.  Within an instant it came to me, practice my casting.  However, I work on the Las Vegas strip.  No problem, I pulled out my 9′ rod and an old line that I only use for practice casting on concrete.  Yea, I did it.  I went on the strip and practiced my cast.  As you could imagine, I received an assortment of comments from the absurd, funny, and outright rude. All of a sudden a gentleman stopped his car and asked, "have you had a HOOKER." "Not yet.  I’ve been trying to interest the one down the street.  But no bites," I replied. "Try a hundred," he said as he drove off with a chuckle. I didn’t have a hundred, only a few twenties, two fives, and a one.  After taking the one out of my wallet, I folded it into a small square.  I pulled out my Buck Knife and poked a hole in the bill.  What the heck, I was board and it was some thing to do.  I also thought it was funny.  Boy, I sure got a lot of comments now.  People all over the place.  But, everyone gave me room to cast. I had an imaginary stream in front of me, cast my line, and allowed the bill to float to the ground.  All of a sudden an attractive lady stepped on the bill and picked it up.  I didn’t want her to keep it so I started reeling in the line.  She continued holding onto the bill as she walked towards me. "Is this yours," she asked. "Thank you," I said. "Now that you’ve caught me, what are you going to do with me?" I was shocked.  Was she really a hooker?  I still don’t know even at this time if she was.  However, I politely excused myself and quickly went to work.  I felt uncomfortable and wanted out of the situation. Looking back at the situation, it must have been quite a sight to see a 4′ 6" man fly fishing on the Las Vegas strip.  Even now it makes me laugh. It was a pretty strange thing to do.

Response:

snip I had an imaginary stream in front of me, cast my line, and allowed the bill to float to the ground.  All of a sudden an attractive lady stepped on the bill and picked it up.  I didn’t want her to keep it so I started reeling in the line.  She continued holding onto the bill as she walked towards me. "Is this yours," she asked. "Thank you," I said. "Now that you’ve caught me, what are you going to do with me?" I was shocked.  Was she really a hooker?  I still don’t know even at this time if she was.  However, I politely excused myself and quickly went to work.  I felt uncomfortable and wanted out of the situation.

V. You are obviously a C&R fisherman at heart, however I would suggest you spend some time reading the C&R/C&K thread and seek guidance from the doyen there as to exactly when/whether it is appropriate for a C&R guy to keep a beauty such as you described. Uh. By the by. What fly….er……bill were you using again and do you think it would work as well for a 6′ fat guy? Kiyu

Response:

Question:

X-no-archive: yes Animal rights Internet lists are abuzz over the summer movie Instinct, which stars Anthony Hopkins as a primatologist.  Activists claim the film has a strong animal rights message. Don’t give this movie your money.

I saw the movie about ten days ago.  The animal rights message, as explicitly stated, is reasonable enough, i.e. the wanton slaughter of gorillas is a bad thing.  The subliminal messages which may come through have been the topic of a great deal of discussion here in the past month or so, but I don’t think the film has much to add, or that it will make a great impression on the general public.  There is, however, an even better reason to avoid this one; it’s a bad movie.  The cast looked pretty bored throughout and left me feeling much the same.  Maybe I’m just tired of people loping around in bad gorilla costumes.

Response:

What is now left my friends? I ask  you humbly what may we discuss? without wishing to cause tension on the surface, perhaps the meniscus? If treated properly perhaps this odd phenomenon will disappear or sink, for those of you now quite alarmed, dont worry friends , it will float again with gink. The souls of fishes long departed may return at last to haunt us anglers all, the wanton bludgeoning we once practiced in our youth begin with age to pall, what can one do, how may one then, avoid such horrible and all consuming fate? one might perhaps then praise the fish in prayer, before placing it well spiced and heated on ones plate. Oh lord I fear that what I did perhaps was not quite right, and maybe not your wish but lord forgive me please, judge not harshly, remembering I used a  fly to catch this glorious fish. There are some who would have us think that fishing is an evil thing, in actual fact a heinous crime Or did you lord, when we were placed here,  think of us, and give us all these lumps of tasty protein packed in slime ? I may be wrong of course oh lord, and even far too proud in my assumptions of your wishes, in which case then I will surely land in hell, and burn forever as a punishment for bludgeoning all those fishes. Whatever lord, although it may be wrong, and not in accord with your decrees, this fascinating fishing with an artificial fly. If you dont mind, and nothing else occurs to change my mind, I

Question:

Charlie Chock: <<Stop in at or call Unicoi Outfitters in Helen.  They are on the main hiway (Rt 75?) next to the Hooch just before you go into Helen (from the south).  They will know what’s going on and where.

They also have a ‘pay to fish’ stretch of the river now by their shop I hear. — Charlie… Yeah.  They tried to get me to rent a half day.  They have some pix of big fish being taken, but somehow I couldn’t see myself paying to fish. I did, however, have a reservation at Dukes Creek (off of 75A).  Cost $3.00 to park, they inspect your hooks to make sure they are barbless. Great water, but it is all C and R. Dave LaCourse

Response:

I did, however, have a reservation at Dukes Creek (off of 75A).  Cost $3.00 to park, they inspect your hooks to make sure they are barbless. Great water, but it is all C and R.

Waters Creek has similar regs but you can keep 1/per day and 3/yr if they meet the size limit. Haven’t caught a keeper there yet though<g. — Charlie…

Response:

Cindy Wolfe: <<Anyone fly fish in North Georgia, specifically the Dahlonega and Helen area. We are planning a trip there soon, and we’d like to know where they are biting… Stop in at or call Unicoi Outfitters in Helen.  They are on the main hiway (Rt 75?) next to the Hooch just before you go into Helen (from the south).  They will know what’s going on and where. Dave LaCourse

Response:

Cindy Wolfe: <<Anyone fly fish in North Georgia, specifically the Dahlonega and Helen area. We are planning a trip there soon, and we’d like to know where they are biting… Stop in at or call Unicoi Outfitters in Helen.  They are on the main hiway (Rt 75?) next to the Hooch just before you go into Helen (from the south).  They will know what’s going on and where.

They also have a ‘pay to fish’ stretch of the river now by their shop I hear. — Charlie…

Response:

Anyone fly fish in North Georgia, specifically the Dahlonega and Helen area. We are planning a trip there soon, and we’d like to know where they are biting… Thanks for the replies…

Check out http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/ngto/. There is a wealth of information there. Also, as was suggested. Unicoi Outfitters in Helen is a good source. — Charlie…

Response:

Anyone fly fish in North Georgia, specifically the Dahlonega and Helen area. We are planning a trip there soon, and we’d like to know where they are biting… Thanks for the replies…

Response:

Cindy, there is lots of great water in North Georgia. Chatahoochee runs through Helen. Its easily accesible. I like fishing the Toccoa. It’s about an hour from Dahlonega following 60. Doesn’t seem to get much pressure. Mind the dam generation schedule (TVA). They typically do not generate on the weekends. Also in that area is Coopers Creek and Rock Creek. You’ll seen the forest service signs on the way to the Toccoa. Good Luck! Kevin – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Anyone fly fish in North Georgia, specifically the Dahlonega and Helen area. We are planning a trip there soon, and we’d like to know where they are biting… Thanks for the replies…

Response:

Question:

Steve, It sounds an awful lot like a trermocline to me. Did your friend  try to look below this light line? Whenever I have seen the thermocline I am always able to see bottom also and im sure he to should have been able to see bottom.  I guess you will have to ask him but to answer your question yes sonar does pick up thermoclines,but remember not every lake will develope one every year! It just depends on the conditions Good Luck Weedjig

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Can anybody clear up an issue.  A friend fished a couple of fly-in Canadian lakes last year and said that the edges sloped off fairly steeply, lots of rocks, etc., but that at about 20-25 feet the bottom became uniformly flat across the basin, with a weak echo return.  He assumed that this indicated an old lake bottom that had silted in, so there was just a featureless expanse of mud. These weren’t tiny lakes and I have some difficulty imagining that kind of siltation.  I seem to recall reading something about sonar echoes being intercepted and bounced back by the thermocline (epilimnion or hypolimnion, I’m not sure) when a lake has stratified (In-Fisherman, I think).  This was the beginning of July and the weather had been hot and dry.  The water was warm enough to swim in. Could this be a cuase of the aforementioned sonar readings?  We are going up again this year and I would really like to know if this might be the case? Thanks loads.

With a paper graph (Eagle or Lowrance X-16) it is very easy to adjust the unit to see the thermocline and the bottom at the same time.  To support your theory, 20 to 25 feet deep seems to be a realistic depth for a thermo- cline in mid summer that far north. Easiest way to test — use a hand line with depth markings or mark your fishing line with a permanent marker ko

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The flat ‘bottom’ reading could certainly be the thermocline.  It is very rare for any lake to have a uniformly flat bottom, especially Canadian shield lakes. Try adjusting the sensitivity up and down (mostly down in this case) to filter out unwanted signal and returns.  Also, be sure and turn the fish ID feature off if your unit has one.  Fish ID is not reliable for recognizing fish signals.  Any return not close to the bottom will show up a a "fish", and it may not be.  Some units also loose much detail in the displayed signal when the fish ID is on. Enjoy your Canadian trip!  I have to skip my Canada trip this summer and will be going through severe withdrawl!  I guess I’ll just have to fish more at home instead CHPeil!

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Can anybody clear up an issue.  A friend fished a couple of fly-in Canadian lakes last year and said that the edges sloped off fairly steeply, lots of rocks, etc., but that at about 20-25 feet the bottom became uniformly flat across the basin, with a weak echo return.  He assumed that this indicated an old lake bottom that had silted in, so there was just a featureless expanse of mud. These weren’t tiny lakes and I have some difficulty imagining that kind of siltation.  I seem to recall reading something about sonar echoes being intercepted and bounced back by the thermocline (epilimnion or hypolimnion, I’m not sure) when a lake has stratified (In-Fisherman, I think).  This was the beginning of July and the weather had been hot and dry.  The water was warm enough to swim in. Could this be a cuase of the aforementioned sonar readings?  We are going up again this year and I would really like to know if this might be the case? Thanks loads.  

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Question:

I am contemplating a trip to the Denver/Golden/Boulder area on either April 22 or may 5. Is there a general time when the snowmelt makes the rivers unfishable? I am also interested in fishing for trout in lakes via float tube and would appreciate suggestions for guides, lakes favorite fly shops etc. Please E-me with any details. Thanks in advance. JT

Response:

Try the S Platte in Cheesman Canyon!!  Can be great at that time of the year.  It’s about a 90-minute drive s.w. of Denver. Lakes and floattubes are really out, at that time of the year. j.

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Question:

Check out the AMI Recreation Network: http://www.aminews.com/ami Fly fishing, fishing, outdoor and travel news. Updated weekly. Looking for news items and fishing reports. AMI News is largest recreation news bureau in nation.

Response:

Check out the AMI Recreation Network: http://www.aminews.com/ami Fly fishing, fishing, outdoor and travel news.

Phhhhpptt! Pretty weak, imho…I won’t waste the bandwidth there again…. <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< < Digital Equipment Corp.    Alpha Server Engineering  < <           "Read this and nobody gets hurt"           < <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

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Question:

I was at the Orvis Factory outlet (almost all clothes) in Williamsburg this weekend.  In the back of the store was at least 50 cloth rod tubes of different lengths selling for $15.  I waited about 4 months last year on an Orvis "back-order" before cancelling and getting one in 3 days from Cabella’s.

Response:

I was at the Orvis Factory outlet (almost all clothes) in Williamsburg this weekend.  In the back of the store was at least 50 cloth rod tubes of different lengths selling for $15.  I waited about 4 months last year on an Orvis "back-order" before cancelling and getting one in 3 days from Cabella’s.

The point being? Mike

Response:

I was at the Orvis Factory outlet (almost all clothes) in Williamsburg this weekend.  In the back of the store was at least 50 cloth rod tubes of different lengths selling for $15.  I waited about 4 months last year on an Orvis "back-order" before cancelling and getting one in 3 days from Cabella’s.

I hope you went straight to the manager to point this out. They need to know when they F’up and loose business!

Response:

I was at the Orvis Factory outlet (almost all clothes) in Williamsburg this weekend.  In the back of the store was at least 50 cloth rod tubes of different lengths selling for $15.  I waited about 4 months last year on an Orvis "back-order" before cancelling and getting one in 3 days from Cabella’s.

I had a similar experience with Orvis vise jaw. I waited a year for a reply and when one was not forthcoming, I went to Manchester, VT, and a clerk grabbedone out of a drawer for me. I am now getting the run around on a reel repair. Most other companies would have repaired or made good on there product. I will never buy another Orvis product. They don’t stand behind them and they change models maufacturers too often.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was at the Orvis Factory outlet (almost all clothes) in Williamsburg this weekend.  In the back of the store was at least 50 cloth rod tubes of different lengths selling for $15.  I waited about 4 months last year on an Orvis "back-order" before cancelling and getting one in 3 days from Cabella’s. The point being? Mike

that Orvis sucks and obviously doesn’t deserve your business? (I’ve got my own opinions) Ralph H

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<snip I hope you went straight to the manager to point this out. They need to know when they F’up and loose business!

Factory outlets sell mostly seconds and discontinued items. Maybe Orvis’ quality control is too stringent instead of ‘loose’<g. Charlie…

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Sounds like you are a Cabela’s customer.  Loser.

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I hope you went straight to the manager to point this out. They need to know when they F’up and loose business!

I’m in the catalog retail business (not FF or outdoors related) and I wouldn’t bother to go "to the manager."  over 90% of all dissatified customers simply walk away, voting with their feet and wallets.  The vendor that doesn’t know that is in the wrong business.  I used to love Orvis, still love the products, but recognize that no one is watching anymore, as their service degradation is apparent.  I could not believe that even the level of on site customer service in Manchester is in the toilet.  Have you seen that TV commercial where the sign "WE’RE NUMBER 1" falls into disrepair and says "WE’RE NUMB" ? too true jg

Response:

I was at the Orvis Factory outlet (almost all clothes) in Williamsburg this weekend.  In the back of the store was at least 50 cloth rod tubes of different lengths selling for $15.  I waited about 4 months last year on an Orvis "back-order" before cancelling and getting one in 3 days from Cabella’s.

 According to Orvis, the purpose of the outlet chain is clothing, not tackle, which the disposition of, they are keeping a closely guarded secret.  I was certainly not at the tent sale last year. jg

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How does one pronounce that anyway ? or’ i fis ? TimW

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Sounds like you are a Cabela’s customer.  Loser.

I can only hope that you’re kidding. TimW

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Sounds like you are a Cabela’s customer.  Loser.

Sounds like you’re an Orvis customer. Broker?  :-) — Bob Jarvis Mail addresses hacked to foil automailers!

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I was at the Orvis Factory outlet (almost all clothes) in Williamsburg this weekend.  In the back of the store was at least 50 cloth rod tubes of different lengths selling for $15.  I waited about 4 months last year on an Orvis "back-order" before cancelling and getting one in 3 days from Cabella’s.

I think that Cabella’s and Orvis both have a good, overall reputation for customer satisfaction or they would not be so successful. Everybody screws up once and a while. Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY

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: Sounds like you are a Cabela’s customer.  Loser. Guess I don’t care to be a ‘winner’ in your books — I just got some big s/w hooks and bright hackle and marabou from Cabelas — all set to tie some big pike flies for my June Canada trip. Now I just need to get a real job so I can buy a 9wt rig. JonCook.

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Stopped by my local Orvis dealer today OUT OF BUSINESS!!! Drove an hour each way just to get there, Only one Orvis left in my area now. –     GOING BROKE    on Fur & Feathers!  

Response:

I just bought an Orvis ‘Fullflex ‘A’ 7′ 6wt rod. It’s got a plain cork handle with a simple two hoop reel hook up, no real mount or anything… but, I’m wondering, it looks like it may be a fiberglass rod. I don’t know if Orvis makes a fiberglass rod. I can’t find this one in any catalog.

Fullflex was the name of Orvis’s house brand fiberglass rod approx. 1970. — |  Donald Phillipson, 4180 Boundary Road, Carlsbad Springs,  | |        Ontario, Canada, K0A 1K0, tel. 613 822 0734         |

Response:

I just bought an Orvis ‘Fullflex ‘A’ 7′ 6wt rod. It’s got a plain cork handle with a simple two hoop reel hook up, no real mount or anything… but, I’m wondering, it looks like it may be a fiberglass rod. I don’t know if Orvis makes a fiberglass rod. I can’t find this one in any catalog. It’s a 4 piece rod… can anyone offer me any insights as to how much they cost and do they make them any more, and also, is it glass or is it graphite? Thanks in advance.

Response:

Unable to locate Orvis’s catalog address in any of the popular outdoor magazines could someone please post their mailing address. Also unable to locate address of Flyfishing magazine. Flyfishing is evidently not that popular in KS.If someone would post the subscription address and price it would be appreciated.

Response:

Query Orvis catalog to: Points North Fly Fishing Outfitters an Orvis dealer in the Berkshires P.O. Box 146 Adams, MA 01220 Kevin Moran

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1-800-548-9548 will get you a catalog. Jim Elias Blue Grass IA H.Y.M.R.

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Question:

In early September my dog and I went up to the Highlands National Park in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada for three days of hiking and fishing.  Well, after one day of hiking and ten  days of fishing on the Margaree River I returned home addicted to the sport of fly fishing.  I had met some of the nicest fishermen on the river that taught me everything from casting to choosing a fly.   For me it was an opportunity to fish with some of the greats of t

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      Ann, absolutely a beautiful river. I plan to go back there in June. Tell me, did you get any fish?  Did you get a chance to go to the Atlantic Salmon Museum while you were there? It was closed up for the season when I was there last October.                Mike

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