Question:

With a crossbow. Clark

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Any one can cast a dead cat, it’s the live cat that takes real application!!!! Speaking of which, what is the best way to attach the hook and weight a cat? Warren "get a dog and kill a non-barn cat" Findley <g

Response:

With a crossbow.

So do you tie the tippet on around the bolt by the fletching, then pull the bolt through and then tie on the hook or what? Inquiring minds want to know dammit! <g — Warren Findley Remove (nospamZZ) to respond via email http://www.geocities.com/troutbum_mt/

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Yes tippet to the bolt and fired so the barbed bolt buries deep enough to ensure a solid connection. If a hook is reverse mounted and tied to the bolt it should be left protruding  enough to ensure hookups. Another tip… good floatant for cats is Mherke’s Manx. Clark

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – With a crossbow. So do you tie the tippet on around the bolt by the fletching, then pull the bolt through and then tie on the hook or what? Inquiring minds want to know dammit! <g — Warren Findley Remove (nospamZZ) to respond via email http://www.geocities.com/troutbum_mt/

Response:

(Salmo gairdneri) The steelhead

Steelhead and rainbows have been reclassified as Onchorynchus mykiss since they are related to pacific salmon and not atlantic salmon. Ocean prowling fish follow food to depths ranging in the hundreds of feet.  This is known to be true in all our deep land locked and Great Lakes.  Color becomes a primary concern to fly tiers and most everyone does not know that the color "Yellow" changes the deeper it goes under water.

Color can matter greatly.  Trolling on the Great Lakes at deptsh of 60 to 100 feet, one week the hot color might be Monkey Puke and the next week it’s a Kevorkian. Mu

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Color can matter greatly.  Trolling on the Great Lakes at deptsh of 60 to 100 feet, one week the hot color might be Monkey Puke and the next week it’s a Kevorkian.

Hmm…I can’t find those colors on my Borger chart… /daytripper (Any shot for #27?)

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Splork!  Trip, you get the bill for cleaning the spewed Dr. Pepper out of my keyboard.     — Frank Reid Reverse email to reply.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Color can matter greatly.  Trolling on the Great Lakes at deptsh of 60 to 100 feet, one week the hot color might be Monkey Puke and the next week it’s a Kevorkian. Hmm…I can’t find those colors on my Borger chart… /daytripper (Any shot for #27?)

Response:

George: Thanks for the info about streamers. I think most of us have not spent as much time as we should learning to tie and fish streamers properly. WhenIi went to the FFF Show in Livingston last month one of the classes in tying that I took was one taught by Scott Sanchez. Among the flies he taught us to tie was the Double Bunny. For those who are not aware, this is the fly that won the One Fly Contest three times and they considered banning it from the contest simply because it worked so well. This fly uses a large hook, a bunch of .035 lead wire and two magnum sized rabbit strips glued together. If you tie it big enough, you need AT LEAST an 8 weight rod to cast it and a 10 weight rod is even better. Casting this streamer is no damn fun, since it feels like you are casting a dead cat, but it sure catches big fish. Our local striper lake is turning over now, so the striper fishing has gone away for a while below the damn, but I am getting a box full of Double Bunny flies ready for when this fishing returns. I may have to break out the big rod and a few of these streamers next month when I will be fishing the White River in Arkansas. I feel a need to work some of these streamers in some holes in that river. Big Dale

Response:

Any one can cast a dead cat, it’s the live cat that takes real application!!!!

Speaking of which, what is the best way to attach the hook and weight a cat? Warren "get a dog and kill a non-barn cat" Findley <g

Response:

Any one can cast a dead cat, it’s the live cat that takes real application!!!! Clark

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – George: Thanks for the info about streamers. I think most of us have not spent as much time as we should learning to tie and fish streamers properly. WhenIi went to the FFF Show in Livingston last month one of the classes in tying that I took was one taught by Scott Sanchez. Among the flies he taught us to tie was the Double Bunny. For those who are not aware, this is the fly that won the One Fly Contest three times and they considered banning it from the contest simply because it worked so well. This fly uses a large hook, a bunch of .035 lead wire and two magnum sized rabbit strips glued together. If you tie it big enough, you need AT LEAST an 8 weight rod to cast it and a 10 weight rod is even better. Casting this streamer is no damn fun, since it feels like you are casting a dead cat, but it sure catches big fish. Our local striper lake is turning over now, so the striper fishing has gone away for a while below the damn, but I am getting a box full of Double Bunny flies ready for when this fishing returns. I may have to break out the big rod and a few of these streamers next month when I will be fishing the White River in Arkansas. I feel a need to work some of these streamers in some holes in that river. Big Dale

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GEORGE GEHRKE Snake River – Hell’s Canyon                     September 5, 2001, 12:00 AM Asotin, WA 99402 PH: 509-243-4100 FAX: 509-243-4644  The old adage, "If you want to catch big fish you should use big bait," has a proven history of working.  When it comes to streamers and their use, I can’t begin to tell all the stories involving the deadly use of them. Streamers are intended to perform two major things when fishing under water.  To entice as in offering an attractor and two, to duplicate something.  In the latter case, streamers are intended to duplicate minnows and small fish. There is a third presentation and that is the combining of the two of an attractor that is also a minnow.  The first streamer that comes to mind is the "Mickey Finn" because it is an attractor but also comes across as a small trout such as the rainbow, brown, or even the cutthroat.  Many large fish take streamers with great power because they sometimes only get a glimpse of it shooting by. I never go anywhere without a couple of these babies somewhere in my vest. Specifically, today I took Gladys out to "Ernie’s Restaurant" which is a Gulf Side place in South Panama City.  It sits among the docks and your view is that of beautiful boats moored dock side.  In between is the kind of clean water that has prowling Snook and other various predators. As we sat snacking on our entrees of crab-cakes and mushrooms laced with a large Jack Daniels Black and seven, I noticed the slick, mirrored water about a hundred yards up, between to docks starting to vibrate which is "nervous water" which really are minnows being corralled.  I said, "Gladys, look!  See that nervous water?  You’re about to see a very nice fish come leaping or swirling right there. Like us, the feed is on."  I no sooner say this and by golly, a very large Snook came out of the water with a mouthful of minnows while two others only slash and soon the water goes calm.  A minute later, the nervous water moves twenty yards toward the docks and under one of them.  The chase continues for over a half hour. Perhaps they were small mullet?  If one knew what they were and if they had a streamer that matched that nervous water, it would be a winner.  There is nothing more thrilling then catching a Snook that pushes twenty pounds or more.  Often these babies around docks are ten to fifteen pounders and on a fly rod one couldn’t ask for more. Well, saltwater fly fishing with streamers isn’t the only place you can catch big fish.  Fresh water streamers are the things one uses most often to set World Records with.  Del Canty of old is a prime example of a master streamer fly fisherman.  He once came to the American Sportsman’s Club in Denver Colorado with a 12 pound Rainbow he caught with a size 4 Muddler Minnow just above the Wigwam Club.  He used a sinking line and twitched that Muddler across the bottom of a deep pool and he was there at day break.  Catching big fish with streamers seems to work best at night, early morning and late evenings. When ocean running salmon and steelhead, both being anadromous fish, give the fly fisherman a great advantage because they come back to their birth rivers with memories.  Yes, conditioned memories, for they know what they’ve been chasing and feeding on a thousand miles away. IF, we as fly fishermen can "Match the Memory" with the proper streamers, you’ve hit a home run. Here, is a unique problem that presents itself.  As with the Mickey Finn, one is able to duplicate minnow type and attractive thoughts such as sparkle of the Minnie scales that explode and drift and shine during feeding attacks into schools of minnows.  We can duplicate the carnage in the red we use in our streamers for the blood, and you’re able to tie the baby smolt of other fish, the sardines, darters, any number of things that live in between you and their ocean homes. (Salmo gairdneri) The steelhead, will return to the ocean three and even four or more times but not much over that.  The salmon return and often propagate only once and then die.  Their flesh turns back into nutrients and returns to the sea.  Birds, animals, all that is in contact with a salmon river benefit directly and indirectly.  But the steelhead is a creature that can provide a fly fisherman with an endless amount of useful information.  For instance. Ocean prowling fish follow food to depths ranging in the hundreds of feet.  This is known to be true in all our deep land locked and Great Lakes.  Color becomes a primary concern to fly tiers and most everyone does not know that the color "Yellow" changes the deeper it goes under water. It doesn’t take much depth to affect yellow as the ultraviolet rays separate from normal white light when it enters the water.  Yellow becomes various shades of green.  If Steelhead or any other fish that is atune to a shade of green on an offering being offered deep, a green at the beginning will be the wrong green down deep, whereas one may want to consider starting with a shade of yellow for it to become the right shade of green upon arrival.  This is why I have some Green Butted Skunks tied with yellow butts instead of green, just in case. It works! What we don’t know about fly tying and streamers is infinitely greater then what we know, which means, we really don’t know all that much yet.  Streamers and tying them and then fishing them, even in these modern times is of less interest to the general fly fishing public then they were in the past.  I’m from the old streamer school of fly fishermen.  I’m one of those old fogies that did more (and still do) more streamer fly fishing then dry fly fishing.  In fact, I do three times more nymph fishing then I do dries.  To my mind, trout and most fish do 9/10ths of their feeding under water, not taking things off the top only 1/10th of the time.  Somehow, I think following the real action makes more sense.  True, dry fly fishing is the nicest thing to do since sex.  Who can argue with that.  Thank goodness fly fishing lasts longer. I don’t know what the real percentage is regarding how much food trout get under water but I’m confident it’s over 7/10ths of the time. Trout don’t like coming to the surface because it’s dangerous!  If the food supply and calorie content makes it worth it, sure they’re going to rise to the fly but it is still dangerous.  This is one of the main reasons STREAMERS make trout feel right at home.  They are used to chasing things and they like chasing my streamers. That, sort of makes me smile a lot. Out of a half dozen favorite flies I’d pick the Muddler Minnow and Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear as my first two choices.  The Muddler is so ugly it’s pretty.  Dave Whitlock has tied various styles of them and anyone who researches that aspect of his signature regarding Muddler Minnows will not be wasting their time. One should seine for the Muddler Minnows in their rivers for this could be an eye opener because they are often larger, darker, more big headed and uglier then you imagine.  Large trout don’t chase too many Muddlers because they are a well camouflaged fish and they hug the bottom in order to stay alive.  By offering a Muddler Minnow Streamer that comes off the bottom will get many fishes attention.  Many times when Steelhead fishing, you can track one of these in a convincing wake because you’re able to trim the chin in such a manner so it will plane properly.  Talk about a champion offering, this often will save the day. I often abandon streamers during the heat of the day not unless I can get into broken water where large fish are sulking under their window of safety.  Even then, the current is much too fast and you will often get only the eager, strong eighteen inch browns and bows.  It is NIGHT TIME where big fish come out to chase little fish up to about twelve to fourteen inches.  This is why one need not fear feeling ridiculous by offering a streamer monstrosity whenever it suits their fancy.  You know those big #2 4X hooks you have in storage slowly rusting away from lack of  use?  Well, those are the babies that those meat eating ten to twenty pound browns will chase willingly.  The darker the night, the better.  Never, never, never under estimate the seeing powers of trout’s eyes.  If you catch a big hog brown, do your future fishing a favor. Fillet it and send it to T-Bone for his Barbie. The attractive powers of streamers and night fishing is one of those unsung aspects of fly fishing that usually appeals to those who are willing to try anything new and who are not afraid of things that go thump in the night!  I knew of a day time worker that slept at night. He often fly fished at night and he always seemed to be catching the really big fish. Think about Bates and Steamers and Bodacious Browns.  You just might get hooked. Tying Streamers is really a LOT OF FUN!  Hooking up using them, even more!

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Question:

The first time I took my oldest son fishing it was off the San Clemente pier he was about four years old. I went to the bait shop and asked the clerk what I could use to make my boy’s fish experience one to remember. Mind you this was 25 years ago. The man said if you want to have a truly great time with your son and get him hooked on fishing use this, he handed me what was called a lucky Joe and he also handed me a chrome coated sinker with a treble hook attached. It was a series of  hooks (six or maybe eight in all) spaced about six to eight inches apart. The hooks were individually wrapped in bright colored yarn. Well I attached the sinker and treble hook to the bottom of this set of hooks and then to my sons fishing line. He lowered it down into the water bobbed it up and down about three times and whamo it looked like he had a hit from a monster lunker. I had to help him reel it in. He had 5 (for lack of a better name) sun fish on the line. I wished I had a camera. You should have seen the look on his face he was so excited. To this day he talks about that moment. He fishes everytime he can and everywhere he can. Even golf course water ways. Anything to be fishing. — SgtMike Free newsletter, Monthly drawing. http://www.thefishermans-tips.com A day spent teaching another to Fish, is a day spent learning to befriend another.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Rule # 1.  Leave your fishing pole at home.  Especially if it is your child’s first time fishing.  Focus all your attention on them and share in their excitement in going fishing.  I’ve seen it happen too many times where the parent with the best of intentions loses focus on teaching their child to fish and soon fishing becomes a competition. Inevitably the adult catches the most fish while the child become more and more frustrated and soon loses interest.  Let your daughter be the "big fisherman" and brag about t he bigun she caught. It works and soon you will have a lifelong fishing buddy.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have a 6 year old daughter who wants me to teach her how to fish.  I was wondering if anyone had some good ideas on how to make this the most enjoyable for the both of us. Before you buy.

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looks like a good site – I need to get it indexed on my Beginners/Instruction page.  Thanks for posting it. Ronnie http://fishing.about.com

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I have a 6 year old daughter who wants me to teach her how to fish.  I was wondering if anyone had some good ideas on how to make this the most enjoyable for the both of us. Before you buy.

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First things first. Does she really want to learn?? If she does get her a small (not one of the MICKEY MOUSE ) outfits from Zebco. A four to five foot with a  push  button reel.  Start off small! A farm pond or a well stocked pond and a bucket of worms should do the  trick. Be sure to bring a snack or other type of diversion , do not over react when she wants to skip stones or pick flowers. And most of all CHERISH THE TIME YOU HAVE WITH HER.    they GROW UP TOO QUICKLY THESE DAYS. Hope you have fun. Mark – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have a 6 year old daughter who wants me to teach her how to fish.  I was wondering if anyone had some good ideas on how to make this the most enjoyable for the both of us. Before you buy.

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I have a 6 year old daughter who wants me to teach her how to fish.  I was wondering if anyone had some good ideas on how to make this the most enjoyable for the both of us.

The best all around page I’ve stumbled on for this is: http://thefishernet.com/kids.htm Hope this helps, Jeff The Fishing News  http://www.thefishingnews.com/

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I have a 6 year old daughter who wants me to teach her how to fish.  I was wondering if anyone had some good ideas on how to make this the most enjoyable for the both of us.

Two words: Cane Pole Why? Easier to manage than a spin-cast or fly-rod. Less likely to end up in the emergency room getting hooks cut out, catching trees, etc. Also means you won’t end up casting their line every five minutes. I started both of my daughters this way, and haven’t had a serious problem yet. My older girl is using a spin-cast rod now with few problems, and my 3 year old is almost ready for real hooks. I’d pick someplace where there is areas for the kid to play as well as fish. Patience isn’t a virtue at 6. The local state parks have been a blessing in that regard, every-one has a playground within sight of decent fishing areas. Summer is usually a lousy time to take a kid though, the fishing is sluggish and they just can’t handle all the sitting around. Anyways, good luck. Before you buy.

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Rule # 1.  Leave your fishing pole at home.  Especially if it is your child’s first time fishing.  Focus all your attention on them and share in their excitement in going fishing.  I’ve seen it happen too many times where the parent with the best of intentions loses focus on teaching their child to fish and soon fishing becomes a competition. Inevitably the adult catches the most fish while the child become more and more frustrated and soon loses interest.  Let your daughter be the "big fisherman" and brag about the bigun she caught. It works and soon you will have a lifelong fishing buddy. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have a 6 year old daughter who wants me to teach her how to fish.  I was wondering if anyone had some good ideas on how to make this the most enjoyable for the both of us. Before you buy.

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Question:

It’s not broken. It must be flaky because it worked for half of them. Paul

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – When I should have been working on my spelling I was tying leaders We know, Paul. Your "c" key is broken. Happens to everyone eventually. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/ something bogus to avoid spam)

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rw,    I hate moss on my leader also, that is one of the reasons I use a Leader Link instead of a loop to attach the leader to the line.  The Blood Knot Machine ties tight knots and the ends can be clipped very close which eliminates most moss catching.  The moss that does cling comes off each time you cast. Ernie "rw" wrote – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I don’t like hand-tied leader with lots of knots. The knots snag on weeds and other debris. Sorry, Ernie.

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When I should have been working on my spelling I was tying leaders

We know, Paul. Your "c" key is broken. Happens to everyone eventually. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/ something bogus to avoid spam)

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I don’t like hand-tied leader with lots of knots. The knots snag on weeds and other debris. Sorry, Ernie. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/ something bogus to avoid spam)

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I tie all my own leaders and the only advice I can give you is pratice, pratice, pratice.

LOL! You go, Paul ;^) /daytripper (I blame myself for never making you spell things correctly…)

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When I should have been working on my spelling I was tying leaders

I tie all my own leaders and the only advice I can give you is pratice, pratice, pratice. LOL! You go, Paul ;^) /daytripper (I blame myself for never making you spell things

correctly…)

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B. Watkins See http://home.earthlink.net/~eharrison241 click on Leader Logic Ernie

Ernie How do you pull the bloodknots tight?  I always seem to end up overheating and pinching the leader no matter how much lube (spit) or how gently I pull.  Must be doing something wrong. Peter

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I tie all my own leaders and the only advice I can give you is pratice, pratice, pratice. I tie them by hand (ie. no tools other than nippers to trim the tags) and I allow 2" of line for the knot and tag and I end up +/- 1/4" for segment length. Paul

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I constructed a hand-made leader, following the guidelines in the Orvis Fly-Fishing Book.  I tied the knots as instructed.  It was quite clunky. Do many of you out there construct your own leaders?  Any tips for a smoother hand-constructed leader and tippet would be appreciated.

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What do you mean by clunky?  Did you try to fish with it?  What knots do they use in that book and how many turns? I constructed a hand-made leader, following the guidelines in the Orvis Fly-Fishing Book.  I tied the knots as instructed.  It was quite clunky. Do many of you out there construct your own leaders?  Any tips for a smoother hand-constructed leader and tippet would be appreciated.

Got questions?  Get answers over the phone at Keen.com. Up to 100 minutes free! http://www.keen.com

Response:

I constructed a hand-made leader, following the guidelines in the Orvis Fly-Fishing Book.  I tied the knots as instructed.  It was quite clunky. Do many of you out there construct your own leaders?  Any tips for a smoother hand-constructed leader and tippet would be appreciated.

Response:

B. Watkins See http://home.earthlink.net/~eharrison241 click on Leader Logic Ernie

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I constructed a hand-made leader, following the guidelines in the Orvis Fly-Fishing Book.  I tied the knots as instructed.  It was quite clunky. Do many of you out there construct your own leaders?  Any tips for a smoother hand-constructed leader and tippet would be appreciated.

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Question:

OK, this is old, but it looks like it’s expired, so I’m going to post it here again.  40 of the 47 Page-A-Day calendars are ready for download. They never could get the 4 puzzle calendars [Bridge, Mensa, Scrabble, Chess] and the 2 web calendars [Fly Fishing, Audubon Birds] to work, so those 6 have been scrapped.  The 365 NEW WORDS A DAY works, but has a weird little problem with the pronunciation font.  They’re working on it, but I’m not going to post another update when that’s fixed. So, that leaves 40 good working calendars, and if you really don’t care about the pronunciation font, you can count it as 41.  Here’s where you can find them: http://www.page-a-day.com/downloads.html If you’re looking for a ZODIAC sign calendar, and #freeasd’ers have occasionally heard me read from them, you can find them at [for example] http://www.page-a-day.com/beta/hari.exe http://www.page-a-day.com/beta/htau.exe http://www.page-a-day.com/beta/hcan.exe I think you can see the pattern.  For a MAC version, replace the .exe with .hqx and download that instead. Each download calendar is about 2 Meg in size, unless it’s a PHOTO calendar, which is about 3 Meg.  Their servers are a little flaky and you might need to download more than once. Also, the Photo calendars only go to the end of March, but you can download the quarterly updates, and this is where you’ll find those. http://www.page-a-day.com/cars/download.html http://www.page-a-day.com/cats/download.html http://www.page-a-day.com/dogs/download.html http://www.page-a-day.com/gard/download.html <– Gardens http://www.page-a-day.com/golf/download.html <– Golf Holes I’ve had no trouble running several calendars at once. — Salt of the Earth

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OK, this is old, but it looks like it’s expired, so I’m going to post it here again.  40 of the 47 Page-A-Day calendars are ready for download. They never could get the 4 puzzle calendars [Bridge, Mensa, Scrabble, Chess] and the 2 web calendars [Fly Fishing, Audubon Birds] to work, so those 6 have been scrapped.  The 365 NEW WORDS A DAY works, but has a weird little problem with the pronunciation font.  They’re working on it, but I’m not going to post another update when that’s fixed. So, that leaves 40 good working calendars, and if you really don’t care about the pronunciation font, you can count it as 41.  Here’s where you can find them: http://www.page-a-day.com/downloads.html If you’re looking for a ZODIAC sign calendar, and #freeasd’ers have occasionally heard me read from them, you can find them at [for example] http://www.page-a-day.com/beta/hari.exe <– Aries http://www.page-a-day.com/beta/htau.exe <– Taurus http://www.page-a-day.com/beta/hcan.exe <– Cancer I think you can see the pattern.  For a MAC version, replace the .exe with .hqx and download that instead. Each download calendar is about 2 Meg in size, unless it’s a PHOTO calendar, which is about 3 Meg.  Their servers are a little flaky and you might need to download more than once. Also, the Photo calendars only go to the end of March, but you can download the quarterly updates, and this is where you’ll find those. http://www.page-a-day.com/cars/download.html http://www.page-a-day.com/cats/download.html http://www.page-a-day.com/dogs/download.html http://www.page-a-day.com/gard/download.html <– Gardens http://www.page-a-day.com/golf/download.html <– Golf Holes I’ve had no trouble running several calendars at once. — Salt of the Earth

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Question:

I’m planning on spending several weeks fishing BC lakes this year.  I am looking at the area between Merrit and Kamloops and the area between 100 Mole House and Lttle Fort. I am planning the trip for the first part of July .  I could delay it for a few weeks.  Question:  Given the snow pack this year, would the beginning of July be a reasonable time to fish this area?  Also would appreciate any other advise anyone may care to offer. Thanks in advance. Jim

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No don’t delay go then! Best fishing is may-june into July. fishing holds into July Aug only when the weather is unusually coldin spring early summer. Early July will give you a shot at traveller sedge hatches. other than that major hatches (chironomids, damsels, dragons) are over or on the wane. Expect to fish scuds and leeches Good luck – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I’m planning on spending several weeks fishing BC lakes this year.  I am looking at the area between Merrit and Kamloops and the area between 100 Mole House and Lttle Fort. I am planning the trip for the first part of July .  I could delay it for a few weeks.  Question:  Given the snow pack this year, would the beginning of July be a reasonable time to fish this area?  Also would appreciate any other advise anyone may care to offer. Thanks in advance. Jim

Ralph H "…      the sabbath rang slowly      in the pebbles of the holy streams!" Dylan Thomas, "Fern Hill"

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m planning on spending several weeks fishing BC lakes this year.  I am looking at the area between Merrit and Kamloops and the area between 100 Mole House and Lttle Fort. I am planning the trip for the first part of July .  I could delay it for a few weeks.  Question:  Given the snow pack this year, would the beginning of July be a reasonable time to fish this area?  Also would appreciate any other advise anyone may care to offer. Thanks in advance. Jim

Brian Chan has an excellent video  "Stillwater strategies vol II" if your looking for techniques and patterns in Kamloops area. — The views expressed are my own and does not represent those of my employer.

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I’m planning on spending several weeks fishing BC lakes this year.  I am looking at the area between Merrit and Kamloops and the area between 100 Mole House and Lttle Fort.

I will be fishing up in the Thompson-Nicola plateau (i.e. between Merritt and Kamloops) in about 4 weeks. Some of the higher lakes will still be iced at that time, but you’ll have no problems by July. As for further north – again, you should be out of ice by late May virtually everywhere in the area. I am planning the trip for the first part of July .  I could delay it for a few weeks.  Question:  Given the snow pack this year, would the beginning of July be a reasonable time to fish this area?  Also would appreciate any other advise anyone may care to offer.

Because of the snowpack, some of the *streams* will be a bit tough this year. However, most streams in that area are closed until June 30 anyway. The lakes will be just fine. 3798 Woodland Drive     voice: (250) 368-9315 Trail, BC               data:  (250) 368-9341

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m planning on spending several weeks fishing BC lakes this year.  I am looking at the area between Merrit and Kamloops and the area between 100 Mole House and Lttle Fort. I am planning the trip for the first part of July .  I could delay it for a few weeks.  Question:  Given the snow pack this year, would the beginning of July be a reasonable time to fish this area?  Also would appreciate any other advise anyone may care to offer. Thanks in advance. Jim

My friends and I are going the May long weekend to 100 mile house, hopefully the weather is warm, we plan on hitting the lowest elevation lakes around the area, concentrating on shallower lakes. A good source for info is a tackle shop just out side of 100 mile house near Lac la Hache(sp?), the shop is called FLY-R-US I think. The owner is very informative of which lake is fishable. You can’t miss the shop, it is right on the highway, look for the big sign of a fly. I think July should be alright for fishing in 100 mile area.

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Question:

Ralph Cutter has asked me to pass on the following regarding the successful reversal of a watermaster’s draw down plan on the Truckee river which would have seriously damaged the fisheries.  His access is temporarily blocked for technical reasons. Our effort started with an e-mail message from Ralph last Sunday afternoon.  The word was spread via e-mail to lots of fly fishing interests and fisheries biologists.  The next day the watermaster was deluged by phone calls.  The first reaction was stonewalling and the claim that nothing could be done.  By 4:00 p.m., the watermaster had completely capitulated to our request.  Shows what can be done by an intelligently directed and effective effort.  Ralph’s note is copied below: Congratulations! We did it!! I just spoke with the Federal Watermaster Gary Stone and he has developed a revised ramping schedule as follows: 3/17  5:00 pm  1,850 cfs to 1,400 cfs 3/18  7:00 am  1,400 cfs to 1,100 cfs       10:00am 1,100 cfs to 800 cfs       2:00 pm 800 cfs to 500 cfs       6:00 pm 500 cfs to 300 cfs 3/19  7:00 am  300 cfs to 200 cfs       10:00 am 200 cfs to 100 cfs    He asked me to "tell all your flyfishing friends they can stop calling me now."    As you recall the original plan was to cut flows from 1,950 to 1,000 cfs then six hours later cut that to 100 cfs. This morning Gary relented and added a third cut. After all our pressure (and substantial arm twisting by DF&G biologist Stafford Laird) he sat down this afternoon and did what was right.    You saved a fishery. On behalf of the trout, thanks.   -Ralph

Response:

Nice story Dick, Ralph.  Good one! Cheers — Erik Poole

: Ralph Cutter has asked me to pass on the following regarding the : successful reversal of a watermaster’s draw down plan on the Truckee : river which would have seriously damaged the fisheries.  His access is : temporarily blocked for technical reasons. : Our effort started with an e-mail message from Ralph last Sunday : afternoon.  The word was spread via e-mail to lots of fly fishing : interests and fisheries biologists.  The next day the watermaster was : deluged by phone calls.  The first reaction was stonewalling and the : claim that nothing could be done.  By 4:00 p.m., the watermaster had : completely capitulated to our request.  Shows what can be done by an : intelligently directed and effective effort.  Ralph’s note is copied : below: : Congratulations! We did it!! : I just spoke with the Federal Watermaster Gary Stone and he : has developed a revised ramping schedule as follows: : 3/17  5:00 pm  1,850 cfs to 1,400 cfs : 3/18  7:00 am  1,400 cfs to 1,100 cfs :       10:00am 1,100 cfs to 800 cfs :       2:00 pm 800 cfs to 500 cfs :       6:00 pm 500 cfs to 300 cfs : 3/19  7:00 am  300 cfs to 200 cfs :       10:00 am 200 cfs to 100 cfs :    He asked me to "tell all your flyfishing friends they can : stop calling me now." :    As you recall the original plan was to cut flows from : 1,950 to 1,000 cfs then six hours later cut that to 100 cfs. : This morning Gary relented and added a third cut. After all : our pressure (and substantial arm twisting by DF&G biologist : Stafford Laird) he sat down this afternoon and did what was : right. :    You saved a fishery. On behalf of the trout, thanks. :   -Ralph — Burnaby, BC

Response:

Ralph et al on Phones: Well Done!  Once again, Ralph wrestles a python… S.N.

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Question:

Does anyone know an e-mail address for Gary or Jason Borger? I would like to ask one of them a question about fly lines.

Don’t know an e-mail address, but if you look on the back of one of his videos you will find a phone number for his company.  I called them one time regarding availability of one of their titles and Gary answered the phone.  Worth a shot.  You can probably also reach him (although in a round about way) through Thomas & Thomas rods.                                                Dan Dan Gracia Orvis West Coast Fly Fishing Schools

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Borger don’t post… — TimW Halfordian Golfer

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Borger don’t post… — TimW Halfordian Golfer

Who can blame him! Ralph H

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Jasons E-mail is listed at www.Flyfishamerica.com

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Borger don’t post… — TimW Halfordian Golfer Who can blame him!

all of us that do…for starters… — TimW Halfordian Golfer

Response:

Does anyone know an e-mail address for Gary or Jason Borger? I would like to ask one of them a question about fly lines. Thanks! Steve Rosenblum

Response:

  Does anyone know an e-mail address for Gary or Jason Borger? I would   like to ask one of them a question about fly lines.   Thanks!   Steve Rosenblum  Both can be reached through Flyfishers Online at www.flyfishers.com PFY

Response:

Question:

<Snipped However; for sake of good order, our company tests fly lines from all around the world.  

George, Have you tested the new airflo delta taper lines ? If so I would realy like to hear your opinion on these lines. Cheers Bruce….

Response:

Has anyone out there tried the Lee Wulff TriangleTaper lines.  It looks like it would make a good bass line.  In Cabela’s it is PERFECT FOR ROLL-CASTING LINES UP TO 60 FEET.  Interested to hear from someone about it.

In talking to Lee Wulff at a sport show some years ago he advised cutting back the front taper on the line if you planed on using it for big (bass) flies. You might cut a foot at a time and then try it out. William Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY

Response:

: _______BILL TELLS YOU STRAIGHT ARROW.  However; for sake of good order, : our company : tests fly lines from all around the world.  When inventing fly line : dressings, the : finishings, the casting abilities, multiple factors are studied all the : way to : putting them under microscopes too distance castings before and after : dressing them Sorry? I was under the impression the subject was TTs, oh well,  I suspect we’ll get to it eventually. BTW I would suggest, most, if not all dressing manufactureres do these tests. George Goes on: : I have known Lee and Joan Wulff personally for many years.  We have : always been very : strong and close aquaintences and friends.  Joan was here just this year : fly fishing : for steelhead.  All of this doesn’t mean much to you I know, so far. Damn right, except perhaps that you may have a slight bias.. George Goes on and on: : But I can : report to you the following facts. : : The Wulff Triangle Taper Fly Lines are produced under special design and : manufacturing : specifications just for the Lee Wulff Company by S.Anglers.  Scientific : Anglers cannot : sell the Lee Wulff Fly Lines to their customers and neither can they use : any of its : design advantages in any fly lines they manufacture. : All this sounds like a standard design/manufacturing procedure and licensing agreement to me. : It is my experience that the Lee Wulff Triangle Fly Lines are the finest : flying, farthest casting, most controllable fly lines made in the : world.  No one, and I mean, NO ONE makes : a finer designed fly line fo ease of casting, and honesty of delivery. : : In fact, my tests indicate that the Triangle Taper is really a : wonderfully over-designed Overdesigned? Wouldn’t have thought that possible except from a managerial viewpoint …"Hey, MichelAngelo, when are you going to make an end of it?" : fly line that engineering-wise, has a castability that exceeds the : strength of the finish : Scientific Anglers is able to come up with.  In short, the design is : years ahead of its : time.  Permit me to explain Jay.  I’ll try and make it short. …and its been "years ahead of its time" for the past five years. : : BECAUSE the Triangle casts so wonderfully, it is very easy to get : maximum line velocity and : fly line stretch built up . . . to the point, that if you don’t keep : this particular fly line  or ANY other Line : dressed and cared for with PZ Fly Line Dressing,   or any other decent fly line Dressing : you will overstretch "the stretchability" of : the Scientific Anglers coating and cause it to separate or crack right : where your fly line : normally exits the fly rod tip.  If you can restrain yourself and keep : your line speed within : limits and your fly line dressed and clean properly, you shouldn’t have : any problem.  I would add – with ANY decent line : : I’m telling you Jay.  When you want to reach out and touch someone (a : trout across a river) this baby will get you to the other side with one : false cast!   or you could wade/walk closer to minimise drag … just a suggestion. : : In conclusion; You couldn’t do any better.  It is the only fly line I : fish with.  It brings the ultimate joy into the lives of those who are : thrilled with the casting aspects of fly fishing. :   It does?  Sounds positively orgasmic, are you sure these things are   allowed  to be used in public? : Take care of this fly line and it will Never let you down.                        ^or ANY other decent line : : never.   until it wears out – like every line does eventually, – don’t they,   George? : : Sincerely, : : George Gehrke : Mr. Gink I have no argument with S.A or TTs, I just dislike spam. steve Melbourne, Australia. PS: Apologies to those offended by the use of the "O" word above.

Response:

Yes I would agree with all who say it is a superb line.  My only complaint is they don’t last long efore cracking sets in.  Maybe One good season if I am lucky.  Anyone else find the same thing?

I’ve gotten great wear out of these lines by 1) cleaning them with a MILD soap and water and 2) redressing with Russ Peak’s line dressing.  I’ve not tried Gehrke’s.  Bill

Response:

The British Airflow line using a polymer coating may be superior

in this respect only but falls short in a lot of other categories – or so sayeth the group.<< Airflo had a tremendous problem with line memory (coiling) some years back, but seem to have now overcome that problem. I tried a couple last year and was so pleased by them that now 6 of my 24 lines are AirFlo. Many others I know (over a dozen serious fly flingers) that have heard of how AirFlo worked hard to successfully overcome this problem have now started using them and all comments have been very positive.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Yes I would agree with all who say it is a superb line.  My only complaint is they don’t last long efore cracking sets in.  Maybe One good season if I am lucky.  Anyone else find the same thing? gp Jay Kidwell : Has anyone out there tried the Lee Wulff TriangleTaper lines.  It looks : like it would make a good bass line.  In Cabela’s it is PERFECT FOR : ROLL-CASTING LINES UP TO 60 FEET.  Interested to hear from someone about : it. — gp

George G. posted that the performance of the line exceeds the state of the art for line coatings – high line speed leads to wear. Incidentally I’ve complained of wear with conventional tapers herein as I only get about 2 seasons from a quality line. Most responded that my experience is about average. High modulus rods gave us high line speeds that gave us more friction and accelerated line wear. The British Airflow line using a polymer coating may be superior in this respect only but falls short in a lot of other categories – or so sayeth the group. I guess we need a break through in line coating technology. Ralph H

Response:

Yes I would agree with all who say it is a superb line.  My only complaint is they don’t last long efore cracking sets in.  Maybe One good season if I am lucky.  Anyone else find the same thing? gp Jay Kidwell

: Has anyone out there tried the Lee Wulff TriangleTaper lines.  It looks : like it would make a good bass line.  In Cabela’s it is PERFECT FOR : ROLL-CASTING LINES UP TO 60 FEET.  Interested to hear from someone about : it. — gp

Response:

Has anyone out there tried the Lee Wulff TriangleTaper lines.  It looks like it would make a good bass line.  In Cabela’s it is PERFECT FOR ROLL-CASTING LINES UP TO 60 FEET.  Interested to hear from someone about it.

Yup!  I have a 2/3, 4/5 and 6/7.  They are great on the rods I use them for.  The rods are fast action rods so these lines load the rods nicely, cast like a dream, and roll cast fantastic.  I don’t use them exclusively, but like I said, they are great for the rods they are on. -Burton

Response:

Has anyone out there tried the Lee Wulff TriangleTaper lines.  It looks like it would make a good bass line.  In Cabela’s it is PERFECT FOR ROLL-CASTING LINES UP TO 60 FEET.  Interested to hear from someone about it.

I regularly fish with a TT5/6 on a 5wt. rod, casting #6 & #4 Dahlbergs and a TT8 Bonefish line on a 8wt., casting Dahlbergs up to #2/0 for Australian Bass. They make casting big air-resistant flies long distances easier because their long continuous tapers of up to 38′ allow you to false cast with alot more line in the air. The running line is also thinner than most WF lines and shoots better too. John Knight Sydney Fly Rodders Club    

Response:

Has anyone out there tried the Lee Wulff TriangleTaper lines.  It looks like it would make a good bass line.  In Cabela’s it is PERFECT FOR ROLL-CASTING LINES UP TO 60 FEET.  Interested to hear from someone about it. Jay, I’ve tried all manner of lines for Salmon/Steelhead and the TT is absolutely my favorite.  Smooth, powerful, perfect.  Bill

_______BILL TELLS YOU STRAIGHT ARROW.  However; for sake of good order, our company tests fly lines from all around the world.  When inventing fly line dressings, the finishings, the casting abilities, multiple factors are studied all the way to putting them under microscopes too distance castings before and after dressing them with GEHRKE’S PZ FLY LINE CLEANER &/or Dressing.  Rest assured, we have probably cast and tested almost every fly line being manufactured today at one time or another. I have known Lee and Joan Wulff personally for many years.  We have always been very strong and close aquaintences and friends.  Joan was here just this year fly fishing for steelhead.  All of this doesn’t mean much to you I know, so far. But I can report to you the following facts. The Wulff Triangle Taper Fly Lines are produced under special design and manufacturing specifications just for the Lee Wulff Company by S.Anglers.  Scientific Anglers cannot sell the Lee Wulff Fly Lines to their customers and neither can they use any of its design advantages in any fly lines they manufacture. It is my experience that the Lee Wulff Triangle Fly Lines are the finest flying, farthest casting, most controllable fly lines made in the world.  No one, and I mean, NO ONE makes a finer designed fly line fo ease of casting, and honesty of delivery. In fact, my tests indicate that the Triangle Taper is really a wonderfully over-designed fly line that engineering-wise, has a castability that exceeds the strength of the finish Scientific Anglers is able to come up with.  In short, the design is years ahead of its time.  Permit me to explain Jay.  I’ll try and make it short. BECAUSE the Triangle casts so wonderfully, it is very easy to get maximum line velocity and fly line stretch built up . . . to the point, that if you don’t keep this particular fly line dressed and cared for with PZ Fly Line Dressing, you will overstretch "the stretchability" of the Scientific Anglers coating and cause it to separate or crack right where your fly line normally exits the fly rod tip.  If you can restrain yourself and keep your line speed within limits and your fly line dressed and clean properly, you shouldn’t have any problem. I’m telling you Jay.  When you want to reach out and touch someone (a trout across a river) this baby will get you to the other side with one false cast! In conclusion; You couldn’t do any better.  It is the only fly line I fish with.  It brings the ultimate joy into the lives of those who are thrilled with the casting aspects of fly fishing. Take care of this fly line and it will Never let you down. never. Sincerely, George Gehrke Mr. Gink

Response:

Has anyone out there tried the Lee Wulff TriangleTaper lines.  It looks like it would make a good bass line.  In Cabela’s it is PERFECT FOR ROLL-CASTING LINES UP TO 60 FEET.  Interested to hear from someone about it.

Response:

Has anyone out there tried the Lee Wulff TriangleTaper lines.  It looks like it would make a good bass line.  In Cabela’s it is PERFECT FOR ROLL-CASTING LINES UP TO 60 FEET.  Interested to hear from someone about it.

I have used the Triangle Taper lines for years and they are the best casting lines I have ever encountered. Charlie…

Response:

Has anyone out there tried the Lee Wulff TriangleTaper lines.  It looks like it would make a good bass line.  In Cabela’s it is PERFECT FOR ROLL-CASTING LINES UP TO 60 FEET.  Interested to hear from someone about it.

Hi Jay, Great fly lines and unlike a lot of weight forward lines these are easier to roll cast because the first 40′(I think) is built like a double taper and after that it’s a weight forward. — Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (97 materials catalog) http://www.flyshop.com/Expo/Specialty/BTsPdcts/index.html

Response:

Has anyone out there tried the Lee Wulff TriangleTaper lines.  It looks like it would make a good bass line.  In Cabela’s it is PERFECT FOR ROLL-CASTING LINES UP TO 60 FEET.  Interested to hear from someone about it.

Jay, I’ve tried all manner of lines for Salmon/Steelhead and the TT is absolutely my favorite.  Smooth, powerful, perfect.  Bill

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Has anyone out there tried the Lee Wulff TriangleTaper lines.  It looks like it would make a good bass line.  In Cabela’s it is PERFECT FOR ROLL-CASTING LINES UP TO 60 FEET.  Interested to hear from someone about it. Hi Jay, Great fly lines and unlike a lot of weight forward lines these are easier to roll cast because the first 40′(I think) is built like a double taper and after that it’s a weight forward. — Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (97 materials catalog) http://www.flyshop.com/Expo/Specialty/BTsPdcts/index.html

I believe the 1st 40 feet taper (ie get continuously thicker from the tip) in the standard models. Some models have 60 feet of taper.

Response:

Has anyone out there tried the Lee Wulff TriangleTaper lines.  It looks like it would make a good bass line.  In Cabela’s it is PERFECT FOR ROLL-CASTING LINES UP TO 60 FEET.  Interested to hear from someone about it.

I have used the TT lines for trout – the 5/6.  They are great lines and I enjoy casting them very much.  Yes, roll casting is easy.  The casting distance doesn’t really matter with this line.  I fish a spring creeek regularly and need to make a lot a tip casts – the leader may be twice the length than that of the fly line.  The line turn the leader over with no problem.  Also, beautiful loops at longer distances.  You may also want to look in Rio’s new lines.  I was talking with Jim Vincent and his new line sounds intriguing.  Say it has a #4 weight front taper and a #6 mid section(for a five weight).  It might make sense for casting larger flies while trying to tempt the bass. The name escapes me now and I am not the store, but if you read FR&R or FF, there is an ad in one of them.  TT has done me nothing but justice, and there bass line may have a heavier taper for larger flies. Clark H. Shafer LOst River Outfitters Ketchum, Idaho

Response:

Has anyone out there tried the Lee Wulff TriangleTaper lines.  It looks like it would make a good bass line.  In Cabela’s it is PERFECT FOR ROLL-CASTING LINES UP TO 60 FEET.  Interested to hear from someone about it. I have used the Triangle Taper lines for years and they are the best casting lines I have ever encountered. Charlie…

Ditto! A

Response:

Question:

I’m thinking about trying to make solid bodied baits, like crankbaits, poppers, etc or maybe a rod or two  for something to do during the winter. Can anyone recommend a book on the subjects? I’ve looked around the bookstores and library, but haven’t found anything. If anybody has any exprerience in it, I’d like to know how big of a project it is.  Any leads to sources of materials would also be appreciated. Maybe I could wire a dremmel tool to my extra serial port and do CAD/CAM <g (Yea, right) Anyway, any ideas are appreciated. catch u later, John

Response:

Cant help you there!

Response:

Boyd Pfeiffer has a nice book TACKLE CRAFTS.  We’ve a good fly tie book in our magazine, and should have articles on rod rolling and lure making.  If we don’t now, and I’ll look, I’ll make sure we get them soon. — ** Louis Bignami, Publisher         http://www.finefishing.com Fine Fishing Internet Magazine                "largest fishing mag on the Net" **

Response:

 You might want to give Jann’s a yell, they will send you a catalog full of items like you are after, (No, no M-Baits , but most  Good luck, —     **** Mike Muncy’s ****           "M-Baits"  "Handcrafted Cedar Crankbaits"     **** M-Baits Web Page **** http://www.fishingworld.com/M-Baits/

Response:

As an alternative winter activity to tying flies, I occasionally whittle on cork to fashion largish poppers for bass. I use wine corks that I’ve pulled with a special opener (it has metal or bamboo slats that slide between the cork and bottle neck) so they lack a hole down the middle. After fashioning a body, be it slider or noise maker, I epoxy in an appropriate sized hook rigged normal or keel style. Paint the body something outlandish and tie in a few feathers and it’s ready to go. Make sure you use a hefty rod with these babies since they have *a lot* of air resistance. Haven’t caught an ear yet, though 8). Ron

Response:

Question:

By chance, is there a FF FAQ. I just started FF this year and I’m really getting into it. In fact, the only flies that I used this year were ones that I tied myself. The problem is that I only had success with one type of fly, that being the basic hackle fly. I need to find a source of fly tying info, such as how to’s and different types of flies. Any help would be greatly appreciated. If it helps, I fish mostly for speckle trout, pike and bass, although I’ve only caught the specks on the fly Thanks, Greg.

Response:

Seems like the year is turning early here in CT. Already one of my favorite rivers, the Housatonic, is filling with drifting leaves. Its rapidly getting to the point where fishing is more like raking leaves with a single-tined rake. Did summer really slip away so quickly? Or is this just a case of getting a bit older? JL 8-Wt Editor

Response:

Seems like the year is turning early here in CT. Already one of my favorite rivers, the Housatonic, is filling with drifting leaves. Its rapidly getting to the point where fishing is more like raking leaves with a single-tined rake. Did summer really slip away so quickly? Or is this just a case of getting a bit older?

The Aspens and Gambels Oaks turned early here in Colorado. Could it mean an early winter?  Could it mean lots of snow? Should I put away my fly-rod and get out my skis? — -Wayne Trzyna

Response:

By chance, is there a FF FAQ. I just started FF this year and I’m really getting into it. In fact, the only flies that I used this year were ones that I tied myself. The problem is that I only had success with one type of fly, that being the basic hackle fly. I need to find a source of fly tying info, such as how to’s and different types of flies. Any help would be greatly appreciated. If it helps, I fish mostly for speckle trout, pike and bass, although I’ve only caught the specks on the fly Thanks, Greg.

I’m also interested in a FF FAQ, can anybody help me?

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