Question:

I’m tying some PT Nymphs for a fly swap and decided to look at other patterns besides the one I’ve been tying in the past. I noticed that some have wings, while some just have the wing casing. Some people tie in lead, some copper wire, and some nothing at all for weight. Do you have a favorite recipe you use? Why? —

I like to use the Sawyer style PT nymph primarily because it is a good fish catching fly and is easy to tie up, requiring only PT fibres & fine copper wire  (a little superglue is good to stop the wing case from being pulled apart by the trout’s teeth).  The streams that I fish are rarely more than a few feet in depth, and so super fast sinking leaded flies are for me not required.  The Sawyer PT nymphs are very streamlined in form, and this allows the fly to sink quite quickly given its mass.

Response:

You are correct, in the sawyer pattern the thorax is copper too. Clark "Scott Seidman" < I think Sawyer is a little more than all pheasant tail– its all pheasant – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – tail with copper wire used for thread.  Takes seconds to tie, and sinks like a rock

Response:

I’m tying some PT Nymphs for a fly swap and decided to look at other patterns besides the one I’ve been tying in the past. I noticed that some have wings, while some just have the wing casing. Some people tie in lead, some copper wire, and some nothing at all for weight. Do you have a favorite recipe you use? Why?

I’ve never seen a PT nymph with "wings". I like Golden Pheasant tail rather than Ringneck Pheasant.  Try it, and I think you’ll agree it has a slightly mottled look that is much more buggy looking.  Of course, if you are imitating a specific nymph that is solid looking that won’t help.  I color it with Pantone markers sometimes, olive or darker brown, etc. I’ve tried tying the original Sawyer Pheasant Tail, and I don’t like it. I’m sure it worked for him on his English chalk stream using his technique, but I don’t like "tying" them and I don’t like how they look for most of the streams I fish them in. I almost always use peacock for the thorax.  If the peacock herl is long enough, you don’t need legs.

Response:

I can’t recall having a problem with tail PT fibres breaking away to the point I’ve discarded a fly –

And so what if a couple tail fibers fall off anyway?  Most people tie in 4 or 5 fibers anway, and *that’s* not natural.  If a couple fall off, you’ve still got 2 or 3.

Response:

Some of my mates prefer a clayton’s  PT, (see the PTO in the flybox at http://www.flyflickers.com) where the tail used is red cock and the thorax is of brown seal.  They like this brew because the tail (PT can be brittle in the tying) doesn’t break off while fishing.  The thorax colour is to give a more uniform brown colouration to the fly – more like the natural.  All well and good.

I like that.  Also, you don’t need legs with that thorax, and using the copper wire like that, while still tying with thread, sounds like a good idea.  I don’t understand the point in not using PT for the tail also, though.

Response:

There’s lots of styles and it’s hard to make bad one. I think they’re best in size 16 and below.

I agree. I fish Sawyer’s river, the Avon, and find this to be true there. Lazarus

Response:

I’m tying some PT Nymphs for a fly swap and decided to look at other patterns besides the one I’ve been tying in the past. I noticed that some have wings, while some just have the wing casing. Some people tie in lead, some copper wire, and some nothing at all for weight. Do you have a favorite recipe you use? Why? I’ve never seen a PT nymph with "wings".

My bad — I meant "legs" — TL, Tim

Response:

I generally tie PT’s unweighted in the American style. Sometimes I used a wingcase, sometimes not. Sometimes legs, sometimes not. I will also rib it with different color wire. I especially like red copper. I also use a PT as an emerger and usually add a small wing of CDC or filoplume.

The one I normally tie (the first one I learned) is this: http://tinyurl.com/204w As you can see, the pattern as described is unweighted. I fish it with split shot providing the sink mechanism. From what most people have said here, they prefer a weighted nymph over this pattern. I’ve always held the thought that the nymph would swim better unweighted, but I normally fish relatively slow moving water. You mentioned red copper wire. I’m assuming you’ve had better luck with this color vs. the copper color. Do you have any thoughts on what would cause the fish to react better to the red? Thanks to all for the input so far. — TL, Tim

Response:

    You mentioned red copper wire. I’m assuming you’ve had better luck with this   color vs. the copper color. Do you have any thoughts on what would cause the   fish to react better to the red? I don’t know about that. I just like the way it looks and fish it more. Willi

Response:

    I can’t recall having a problem with tail PT fibres breaking away to the   point I’ve discarded a fly –       And so what if a couple tail fibers fall off anyway?  Most people tie in 4   or 5 fibers anway, and *that’s* not natural.  If a couple fall off, you’ve   still got 2 or 3. I use PT for the tails but they do tend to get broken off after a couple fish. I think the fly looks better with tails but I’m not sure the fish care. Willi

Response:

I’m tying some PT Nymphs for a fly swap and decided to look at other patterns besides the one I’ve been tying in the past. I noticed that some have wings, while some just have the wing casing. Some people tie in lead, some copper wire, and some nothing at all for weight. Do you have a favorite recipe you use? Why? — TL, Tim

I make the PT with copper thorax and ribbing but I don

Question:

This is totally off the top of my head but one thing I’d be concerned about is Spring run-off.  I don’t know Yosemite very well and May might be late enough to be past the worst but snow melt can result in swollen, muddy waters and less than stellar fishing. Probably you could get the straight scoop from someone at the park (they have phone numbers for park information) and they might be able to point you in a good direction as to flies, etc. Other than this, I don’t see how you could go too wrong someplace like Yosemite if you can avoid the crowds – which you should be able to do in early May. Have a great time. CMB

Response:

The USGS maintains a web site with stream flow statistics and current flow numbers for almost all the rivers in the west.  For California, try  http://s601dcascr.wr.usgs.gov/Sites/ and for the Merced, look at section 1804.  If you back up and scrounge around you’ll see there is a wealth of useful info from USGS. Chas – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -This is totally off the top of my head but one thing I’d be concerned about is Spring run-off.  I don’t know Yosemite very well and May might be late enough   snip << CMB

Response:

Hello dave, I have spent many weeks hiking the Yosemite back country and found the fishing to be so so. High sierra lakes as you know are notorious for having large populations of small trout. This is a by product of state planting over the last hundred years without the means to monitor and regulate. The fish are mostly in the 6" to 10" range with a few 12" to 14". The valley has been under the special regulations rule for a while with the hope of natural regeneration to an all wild population. These regulations cover the valley from the Happy Isles  bridge through the valley to a bridge West of the town of El Portal. I fished the Merced river last october down stream from the said bridge and landed rainbows in the two pound range. I used the most common dry flies and nymphs as the fish didn’t seen to care what I presented. You should plan on stopping by the sport shop in the village and asking for information and don’t forget to buy some flies. Also if the pass is open there are several lakes on the Eastern side that have healthy populations, like Tioga and Saddlbag lakes. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m looking forward to a first time trip to Yosemite in early May and I’m wondering if anyone has any knowledge to share. I’m planning to be on the Merced River for the most part and I’m wondering if there are any fly types/patterns that I should concentrate on? Any advice on locations? Info on any fly shops in the area would also be appreciated. Thanks, Dave

Response:

I’m looking forward to a first time trip to Yosemite in early May and I’m wondering if anyone has any knowledge to share. I’m planning to be on the Merced River for the most part and I’m wondering if there are any fly types/patterns that I should concentrate on? Any advice on locations? Info on any fly shops in the area would also be appreciated. Thanks, Dave

Response:

Question:

Hi all, I’m new to flyfishing and trying to learn as much as possible. This newsgroup is a great source…thanks to all who contribute. I was hoping that some of the group experts could take a look at a web page that I’ve set up with about 9 pictures of what I’m sure are very common dry flies (one nymph is included). A flyfishing guide purchased them for me some time back and now I’m interested in knowing more about them.  Also, if anyone knows of any color reference books or web pages that I can use to identify flies (many books are B&W <sigh…it would be most appreciated…thanks in advance everyone! The web address is http://members.aol.com/kraftshoot/flys.jpg

Response:

Hi all, – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m new to flyfishing and trying to learn as much as possible. This newsgroup is a great source…thanks to all who contribute. I was hoping that some of the group experts could take a look at a web page that I’ve set up with about 9 pictures of what I’m sure are very common dry flies (one nymph is included). A flyfishing guide purchased them for me some time back and now I’m interested in knowing more about them.  Also, if anyone knows of any color reference books or web pages that I can use to identify flies (many books are B&W <sigh…it would be most appreciated…thanks in advance everyone! The web address is http://members.aol.com/kraftshoot/flys.jpg

The photos are a bit dark, and it is extremely difficult to analyse fly patterns just from photos anyway, but here goes. Flies one and two are "Compara duns" these are flies with split tails, a dubbed body, no hackle as such, and elk or deer hair "wings" tied in a specific fashion. Namely spread in a half circle over the upper part of the hook and tilted slightly forward.These are remarkably successful flies, and the tying materials and style are more important as recognition points than any specific patterns or colours. The flies shown are imitations of olives. Fly three is a spinner imitation with what looks like antron wings. Again an olive. I would prefer smoke blue antron as wings on such a fly, but the "transparent" antron works as well. Flies four and five are parachute style dry-flies, with what looks like calf tail post wings, standard cock hackle wound horizontally around the post, and again seem to be olives. Fly six is a more or less standard hackled dry fly with a relatively short hackle, and this is tied over about a third of the body, probably designed for rough water fishing. Once again an olive. Flies seven and eight  are once again Compara duns, and again olives. Fly nine is an emerger pattern, tied with a trailing shuck of hackle fibre The  bead head nymph, which could be used to imitate almost anything, but this again looks like it was tied to represent an olive nymph. Trying to learn the names of all these flies is a waste of time. As long as you know what you use it for, that is really all that matters. Whether it has a name, or is just a reasonable imitation is quite immaterial.  All of the flies shown look like good fish catchers, and could in fact be used in various sizes to imitate a whole host of naturals. But the range shown here are practically all olive imitations. For lists of various patterns etc try : http://www.virtualflyshop.com/ for info on Olives etc try : http://www.fishing-in-wales.co.uk/wildlife/insects/upwing/bwolive.htm You might also like to look at : http://www.virtualflybox.com/ http://freespace.virgin.net/fly.fishing/index.htm   for colour photos of many flies http://www.sea-ex.com/recreational1/fly1.htm In the meantime there are thousands of sites on the web with info on patterns and tying and fly-fishing generally. The best thing to do is use a good search engine, such as http://www.google.com   and start searching for some of them. You will soon find plenty which you can use. The sites above also have links to many others, which you can try. TL MC — "In order to know what is possible one must constantly attempt the impossible" http://www.mikeconnor.de

Response:

You were asking for someone to identify the flies – I don’t know if you were asking for specific names or not.  Mike gave you the *styles*, which I think is a good idea.  I saw a book recently that looks really good – it helps sort out these kinds of flies by style, and helps you organize them in your head.  There are color pictures of all, and it’s not real long or expensive (under $20 US). "Essential Trout Flies" by Dave Hughes.  He identifies the major styles (Comparadun, parachute, traditional Catskill, spent spinner, thorax, etc.) and tells under which conditions each would be best, and how to fish them, and how to tie them.  Check it out http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0811727483/qid=963285608/sr=1-… -4362007-9744861 Good luck Regards, Jeff

Response:

Question:

Has anyone used the commercially available tents that are designed to be used in a pick-up truck bed.  What do you think of them?  Anyone know where they are available?  Better yet has anyone built one and have any tips for me? Thanks — Tim’s Coastal Georgia Fishing Page http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Trails/1000/

Response:

Tim, Check out http://www.ewalker.com/adgear/tentspec.htm It has an image of and info about a truck tent.  I purchased the tent (from CAMPMOR) for use with my GMC Sonoma and have been very pleased with it.  It is not the highest quality tent available but is quite servicable and I like the durable woven polyethylene floor.  The compact truck bed is a bit tight but quite usable–I imagine a full-size truck would make for a very spacious tent.  I like being able to camp just about anywhere and not being on the ground.  The tailgate ends up being a nice platform for cooking and/or dirty boot storage etc. Tom Has anyone used the commercially available tents that are designed to be used in a pick-up truck bed.  What do you think of them?  Anyone know where they are available?  Better yet has anyone built one and have any tips for me? Thanks — Tim’s Coastal Georgia Fishing Page http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Trails/1000/

– University of Iowa Central Microscopy Research Facility http://www.uiowa.edu/~cemrf Views expressed are mine.

Response:

They are available in camping word’s catalog and I believe that they are in Camphor’s too. Look nice enough I guess. Have no Idea how they perform.

Response:

Thanks Tom, That is what I was looking for.  I have a full size Dodge with an 8 foot bed, should be big enough even though I am 6 foot 2.  What type of headroom does yours provide?  Enough room for a couple of people?  Do you have any problem with rain getting into the bed or does the rain fly extend over the sides of the bed all the way around. Thanks for the help, Tim – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Tim, Check out http://www.ewalker.com/adgear/tentspec.htm It has an image of and info about a truck tent.  I purchased the tent (from CAMPMOR) for use with my GMC Sonoma and have been very pleased with it.  It is not the highest quality tent available but is quite servicable and I like the durable woven polyethylene floor.  The compact truck bed is a bit tight but quite usable–I imagine a full-size truck would make for a very spacious tent.  I like being able to camp just about anywhere and not being on the ground.  The tailgate ends up being a nice platform for cooking and/or dirty boot storage etc. Tom Has anyone used the commercially available tents that are designed to be used in a pick-up truck bed.  What do you think of them?  Anyone know where they are available?  Better yet has anyone built one and have any tips for me? Thanks — Tim’s Coastal Georgia Fishing Page http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Trails/1000/ — University of Iowa Central Microscopy Research Facility http://www.uiowa.edu/~cemrf Views expressed are mine.

– Tim’s Coastal Georgia Fishing Page http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Trails/1000/

Response:

Has anyone used the commercially available tents that are designed to be used in a pick-up truck bed.  What do you think of them?  Anyone know where they are available?  Better yet has anyone built one and have any tips for me? Thanks

The truck tents are available at Campmor in Paramus NJ. Try http://www.campmor.com We bought a Flip-Pak camper top (available thru Six-Pak dealers) for our full-size Chev PU this summer and have been very happy with it. It is a bed-mounted shell, slightly higher than the cab & weighs but 280 pounds.  It looks like a "standard" shell on the road, but in camp the top of the shell opens up, folding forward over the cab, forming a full-size double bed.  The whole thing is covered by a tent giving full headroom over the bed of the truck and sitting headroom over the cab-over bed.   The whole thing can be set up or down in about 30 seconds.. it’s very easy.  We carry all our gear in the bed of the truck, packed in plastic storage boxes.  Works great.  You can carry a small boat on the top of the shell if you want. The tent is not the greatest in really wet weather, but you can buy an optional "storm cover" to solve those problems.   Good luck . . . Kurt

Response:

Has anyone used the commercially available tents that are designed to be used in a pick-up truck bed.  What do you think of them?  Anyone know where they are available?  Better yet has anyone built one and have any tips for me? Thanks

I saw a tent that set up on the ground but connected to the back of the truck. The guy that had it said you you could get it to fit pick-ups with cab tops, vans, or station wagons. I liked his because he had put a low profile A/C unit on his cab top and had a couple of pullout storage boxes that doubled as a table. He had more room in this thing than my pop-up.

Response:

Has anyone used the commercially available tents that are designed to be used in a pick-up truck bed.  What do you think of them?  Anyone know where they are available?  Better yet has anyone built one and have any tips for me? Thanks I saw a tent that set up on the ground but connected to the back of the truck. The guy that had it said you you could get it to fit pick-ups with cab tops, vans, or station wagons. I liked his because he had put a low profile A/C unit on his cab top and had a couple of pullout storage boxes that doubled as a table. He had more room in this thing than my pop-up.

Thanks, never seen one of those before.  I think I am going to go with the Sprortz Tent though. — Tim’s Coastal Georgia Fishing Page http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Trails/1000/

Response:

I’ve never used one, but I’ve seen them sold at Campmor – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Has anyone used the commercially available tents that are designed to be used in a pick-up truck bed.  What do you think of them?  Anyone know where they are available?  Better yet has anyone built one and have any tips for me? Thanks I saw a tent that set up on the ground but connected to the back of the truck. The guy that had it said you you could get it to fit pick-ups with cab tops, vans, or station wagons. I liked his because he had put a low profile A/C unit on his cab top and had a couple of pullout storage boxes that doubled as a table. He had more room in this thing than my pop-up.

Response:

Thanks, ordered one from Redhead. — Tim’s Coastal Georgia Fishing Page http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Trails/1000/

Response:

Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – A mate of mine has an old green heart rod that he has had from childhood in england(about 50 years ago). It has a tip section made from split cane. the rod is a five peice and casts about a size five line. The question is, does any one know if it is a normal thing for such a rod to have a different type of tip or it is a hybrid. He still catches fish on it when he feels nostalgic. Any help would be gratefully received. Neil Grose Tasmania Australia

Hi Neil Day before yesterday I was in the International Fly Fishing Center in Livingston looking at the rod display and observed a green heart rod with a split bamboo tip. I should have paid more attention when reading the information on the rod but I thing this practice was fairly common. Take care & … — Tight Lines ….. Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Catalog,Tips & Tricks, Fishing Reports, & NeverSink at: http://www.btsflyfishing.com

Response:

writes: A mate of mine has an old green heart rod that he has had from childhood in england(about 50 years ago). It has a tip section made from split cane. the rod is a five peice and casts about a size five line. The question is, does any one know if it is a normal thing for such a rod to have a different type of tip or it is a hybrid. He still catches fish on it when he feels nostalgic. Any help would be gratefully received. Neil Grose

Hi Neil, Before Hiram Leonard popularized the 6-strip split cane rod in the 1870’s, almost all of the "bamboo" rods were combinations of a split cane tip with the rest of the rod made from hardwoods such as greenheart, lancewood, monkeywood,etc.  Originally these tips were 3 strip tip sections, then 4, and finally 6 strip pieces.  Although the tips were made out of strips, the edges were rounded off to make it blend in with the rest of the rod. These tips were also made out of Calcutta cane as Tonkin cane was not introduced for rod building until about the turn of the century.  It was not until the 6 strip entire cane rod was popularized that the builders stopped rounding off the edges leaving the hexagonal shape that we are now so familiar with.   If the tip section of your rod has rounded edges or is made from only 3 or 4 strips you may have a much older rod in your possession.                                Hope this helps,                                       Dan Dan Gracia Orvis West Coast Fly Fishing Schools

Response:

A mate of mine has an old green heart rod that he has had from childhood in england(about 50 years ago). It has a tip section made from split cane. the rod is a five peice and casts about a size five line. The question is, does any one know if it is a normal thing for such a rod to have a different type of tip or it is a hybrid. He still catches fish on it when he feels nostalgic. Day before yesterday I was in the International Fly Fishing Center in Livingston looking at the rod display and observed a green heart rod with a split bamboo tip. I should have paid more attention when reading the information on the rod but I thing this practice was fairly common.

This was pretty standard design, greenheart doesn’t behave well in very thin sections whilst well built cane does.  Another common variation was whole cane bottom/built cane top – especially in spinning and worming tackle, bait fishers often used Whole Tonkin cane/Built cane/Whole Spanish reed combinations. Modern composites are not immune from this sort of thing, I still have a rod with glassfibre butt and carbon fibre top. I haven’t used it for a few years, must dig it out sometime and give it a try. As long as the cane is kept well varnished, you inspect it frequently and avoid overloading it, the rod should be good for another 50 years.  Now; does he have a silk line to cast with it? —

Response:

A mate of mine has an old green heart rod that he has had from childhood in england(about 50 years ago). Now; does he have a silk line to cast with it? Derek Moody

How about a horse hair line ? Ernie Harrison

Response:

A mate of mine has an old green heart rod that he has had from childhood in england(about 50 years ago). Now; does he have a silk line to cast with it? Derek Moody How about a horse hair line ? Ernie Harrison

nope, neither. An old buggered cortland D/T #5 is what he casts on it.

Question:

I’ll be in Andros fishing for bones 2/21. Any hot patterns beside the usual Gotchas and Crazy Charlies?

Lefty likes charteruse/white Clousers. Some are using smaller, light colored crabs. Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY

Response:

I’ll be in Andros fishing for bones 2/21. Any hot patterns beside the usual Gotchas and Crazy Charlies?

Response:

Hi Steve- I went bonefishing in Mexico a few weeks ago. Every single fish was caught on one of Craig Matthews (Blue Ribbon Flies, W. yellowstone) patterns called "Bonefish Bitters". The fly lands very gently, doesn’t spook fish, and they gobbled it up! It was originally called "Pop’s Bonefish Bitters" but there are a number of variations. It is very easy to tie, but would be hard to explain in print.  I would get a copy of Dick Borwn’s book "Bonefish Fly Patterns". It has many dozens of good patterns including Bonefish Bitters. Or call Craig at Blue Ribbon Flies. Good Luck! Steve Rosenblum

Response:

Question:

I have just moved to England for a two-year stint courtesy of my wife’s job.   Sadly, I have had to leave behind my favorite stretches of "free" water in exchange for a country where I have been told you must "pay as you play." There must be some salvation for me somewhere.  The thought of not flyfishing for trout and/or salmon for two years (unless I take a second mortgage on the house) does not sit well.   Likewise, my supply of tying materials becomes more depleted by the day and unless I find the location of some fly shops (if there are any) I am likely to resort to catching local pigeons and plucking the occasional stray cat.  Help me.   Should there be an angel of mercy out there that can offer any advice in these matters I would be most indebted.  I am residing approximately 30 miles west of London but am willing to travel if it means being able to wet a line without draining my pocketbook. Cheers! Rhett

Response:

Newsgroups: rec.outdoors.fishing.fly Newsgroups: rec.outdoors.fishing.fly I have just moved to England for a two-year stint courtesy of my wife’s job.

All is not lost, there is plenty of fishing well within most peoples budget, ie

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?

Response:

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

Response:

Question:

Planning a Memorial Day Weekend trip to the Housatonic and have never fished the area.  Looking for help regarding spots and hatches.  Will be staying at Housatonic Meadows State park.   Thanks and Tight Lines! — MICHAEL DeVERE

Response:

Michael, From your campground at Housatonic Meadows North on Route 7 to the Covered Bridge in Cornwall is the entire Trout Management Area.  Anyplace you see a spot where you can squeeze in a car, on either side of the road,  will get you to the River.  Many people like the pool just below the covered bridge, but I have found the entire stretch excellent. The CT State Hatchery is stocking 9,000 Trout into this section on May 22.  This will add to an already abundant, but wise, population. Caddis Flys (Green, Black, Cream, Tan, Brown & Grey) seem to be big producers this week.  Also Caddis Emergers fished in the film are doing well. Look for Ephemerella Dorothea (Little Sulphur in about a size 16) to be hatching during your stay. Good luck. Greg Greg

Response:

Planning a Memorial Day Weekend trip to the Housatonic and have never fished the area.  Looking for help regarding spots and hatches.

The Housie has lots of hatches. Baetus, brown and green caddis (#14-16), maybe March Browns, Green and Brown Drakes if you’re lucky, are all likely to be present. Figuring out what the trout are working on is the biggest challenge. There are lots of trout, virtually all stocked fish, despite fishkills in recent years brought about by hot water and poor water management. River flows are controlled by releases from a power dam, which is operated on weekends primarily for the benefit of canoeists and kayakers. This generally means high water difficult to fish from 9AM to 5PM. One strategy is to fish the north end of the Trout Management Area (about a mile or so above the covered bridge and best accessed from the east side) early in the AM, and move downstream as the water there starts to rise between 8 and 8:30, ending up at the south end around 10 or 10:30, and repeat the trip in the late afternoon. The daily rise and fall of water flow tends to put the trout down during the transition. The Housie gets a lot of fishing pressure, but one can almost always find areas that are not crowded, and it offers a good variety of conditions, from fast pockets to smooth pools.  Check in with Phil at the Housatonic Meadows Fly Shop on Rte 7; take his recommendations with a grain of salt, but he does know the river.

Response:

There’s a fly shop right opposite the campgrounds with good info and excellent local ties although my recollection is that proprietor is a little close mouthed until your wallet becomes visible. A;lso call river club info number for daily updates by the most knowledgeable Ed Kluck who records report daily. 203 248 8616. Also water releases tape # is 203 824 7053. Note that it takes two hours for head of water to reach the campground from the time the release starts at dam at Falls Village.

Response:

Question:

I may be stopping in the Ozarks around Branson or Cassville to fish for trout on my way out west from Cincinnati. Where is the best trout stream (s) anywhere in the Ozarks? I am leaving Sunday. Thanks, Richard

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I may be stopping in the Ozarks around Branson or Cassville to fish for trout on my way out west from Cincinnati. Where is the best trout stream (s) anywhere in the Ozarks? I am leaving Sunday. Thanks, Richard

The best trout stream that I know of is near Lebenon, Mo about 2 or so hours away from Branson.  The place is called Bennet Spring.  They have their own hatchery and release fish everyday, if I remember correctly. Another nice feature is that they have various areas of the park setup for different types of fishing so fly fishers don’t have to cast around bobbers.  Well at least that’s the way things were back in 1983.  Another park you might want to look into is called Mauntauk, or something like that.  It’s in the same general area as Bennet springs yet it didn’t seem to be too crowded. I also think that Missouri has an 800 number to call that might be able to give you more information. good luck Troy Carlo

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