Question:

Here is an interesting question. Lets say you pass your checkride, but the examiner fails his. Do you have to retake your checkride? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have my IFR checkride scheduled for April 21st… To make it even more exciting my CFII talked me into taking my ride with a DE that is getting his certification for giving instrument checkrides… So not only will he be there but a representative from the FAA will be riding along critiquing him…   Has anyone else had any checkride experiences along these lines? Or, can anyone give relay some interesting checkride experiences to take the edge off my nervousness… Really the nerves haven’t hit yet and I figure that the worst thing that will happen is that I’d bust some portion and have to retake it… Holding pattern entries would be my guess… Any input would be appreciated. Thanks. Jon Kraus PP-ASEL Student-IA  (hopefully not for long)

Response:

Cecil, I don’t know that I can completely agree with you, I’ve heard the issue about hold practice, from grey haired CFI’s and regular G.A. pilots,,,, they all seem to say the same thing about holds.

Well, it’s definitely a YMMV thing.  Also, it depends when and where you fly. I know what you are saying, but realistically, how many times have have you been asked to hold at a towered airport because traffic load was so prohibitive.

Firstly, that’s just one of many scenarios for being asked/told to hold.  To answer your question, I don’t know.  Definitely more than zero, but not that often.  I’ve been asked to hold flying into Arcata, was given a hold out near Modesto, have held at Tracy for the LVK ILS 25R as well as at MARNA down near MRY.  More often though I get a ‘visual hold’ or a ‘vector hold’. There are some approaches that start with a turn in the hold – check out Napa – given direct SGD at 4000′ cleared for the approach – you basically fly the hold. Hilton

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Be the plane…. be the plane… be the plane…   OK got it… Thanks…. JK – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Good luck John.  Be the plane man, be the plane…

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Hi Allen, When I took my multi-engine check ride my boss was getting his DE authority also.  The FAA Inspector from Albuquerque, NM was also training two new inspectors.  There were five of us in a Piper Navajo on a July day in NM. Talk about "sweating" it out. P.S.  We all passed!

Wow that must have given the examiner(s) an opportunity to really test the single engine climb performance!  They probably all had white knuckles by the time you landed… I’m now hoping I don’t get an extra person on board the Seminole when it comes to taking the Multi addon, the performance is marginal at best! Best wishes, Richard Thomas CP-ASEL IA Student AMEL

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I don’t know that I can completely agree with you, I’ve heard the issue about hold practice, from grey haired CFI’s and regular G.A. pilots,,,, they all seem to say the same thing about holds. I know what you are saying, but realistically, how many times have have you been asked to hold at a towered airport because traffic load was so prohibitive.  I’ve only been flying since 2000, but in my personal flying I’ve only ever been asked to hold because of traffic, once!,,, EVER… Yep,,, missed approach holds,,, okay maybe there…  but I don’t think most of us are going to be flying anywhere near to minimums and will be able to make the runway just fine on the first try, since most of us are REALLY REALLY good :-.  Okay,,,  kind of kidding,,,, I know that we are supposed to handle missed approaches as if they are the norm and a landing on the first try as unexpected…. yada yada yada….

I have had scandalously few hours in the system since I passed my checkride, and I’ve had to hold on approach twice. Once approaching Arlington when the controller was trying to ensure that the predecessor, who had actually – gasp – landed, had closed. And once at Paine when the controller had, at a guess, been a little optimistic about sequencing. Surely the first problem illustrates that it’s going to be more likely to happen at an untowered field because by then you’re on advisories and off radar? It doesn’t have to be a busy hub. Remember to check if there’s a specific frequency for closing the plan at an untowered field (e.g. one local airport with ILS and scheduled airline traffic uses the CD frequency, but that’s not clearly stated on the plate). — David Brooks

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My soon to be DE who flys for ATA told me he has only been told to hold 4 times in his entire career… Maybe the big boys don’t get holds as much as us little guys…  JK – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I don’t know that I can completely agree with you, I’ve heard the issue about hold practice, from grey haired CFI’s and regular G.A. pilots,,,, they all seem to say the same thing about holds. I know what you are saying, but realistically, how many times have have you been asked to hold at a towered airport because traffic load was so prohibitive.  I’ve only been flying since 2000, but in my personal flying I’ve only ever been asked to hold because of traffic, once!,,, EVER… Yep,,, missed approach holds,,, okay maybe there…  but I don’t think most of us are going to be flying anywhere near to minimums and will be able to make the runway just fine on the first try, since most of us are REALLY REALLY good :-.  Okay,,,  kind of kidding,,,, I know that we are supposed to handle missed approaches as if they are the norm and a landing on the first try as unexpected…. yada yada yada….

Response:

I don’t know that I can completely agree with you, I’ve heard the issue about hold practice, from grey haired CFI’s and regular G.A. pilots,,,, they all seem to say the same thing about holds. I know what you are saying, but realistically, how many times have have you been asked to hold at a towered airport because traffic load was so prohibitive.  I’ve only been flying since 2000, but in my personal flying I’ve only ever been asked to hold because of traffic, once!,,, EVER… Yep,,, missed approach holds,,, okay maybe there…  but I don’t think most of us are going to be flying anywhere near to minimums and will be able to make the runway just fine on the first try, since most of us are REALLY REALLY good :-.  Okay,,,  kind of kidding,,,, I know that we are supposed to handle missed approaches as if they are the norm and a landing on the first try as unexpected…. yada yada yada…. — — =—– Good Flights! Cecil PP-ASEL Student-IASEL Check out my personal flying adventures from my first flight to the checkride AND the continuing adventures beyond! Complete with pictures and text at:  www.bayareapilot.com "I fly because it releases my mind from the tyranny of petty things." – Antoine de Saint-Exupery – "We who fly, do so for the love of flying.  We are alive in the air with this miracle that lies in our hands and beneath our feet" – Cecil Day Lewis – – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – experience. Hilton

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Cecil, I have to admit that I am going to have to woodshed a little more on holding patterns.  Such an irony, that the very thing we will be tested on in the practical (i.e., holding patterns) represents something that we may never be asked to do in our entire flying career.

I’m sure other IFR pilots, and perhaps your CFI, have told you this – it simply is not true.  I have been given numerous holds by ATC here in the Bay Area (where you are).  Also, many approaches have a hold as part of their misssed approach.  As yourself what happens if you lose comms.  I remember hearing NorCal giving a military pilot a hold and ATC had to literally describe to the pilot how to fly it (over PYE if I remember correctly) – I was amazed. Moreover, if you go into the exercise of learning holds with the thought that you’ll never use them, you probably won’t maximize the learning experience. Hilton

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Good luck John.  Be the plane man, be the plane… — Jack Allison PP-ASEL "When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the Earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return"  - Leonardo Da Vinci

Response:

Here is an interesting question. Lets say you pass your checkride, but the examiner fails his. Do you have to retake your checkride?

No.

Response:

I have my IFR checkride scheduled for April 21st… To make it even more exciting my CFII talked me into taking my ride with a DE that is getting his certification for giving instrument checkrides… So not only will he be there but a representative from the FAA will be riding along critiquing him…   Has anyone else had any checkride experiences along these lines? Or, can anyone give relay some interesting checkride experiences to take the edge off my nervousness… Really the nerves haven’t hit yet and I figure that the worst thing that will happen is that I’d bust some portion and have to retake it… Holding pattern entries would be my guess… Any input would be appreciated. Thanks. Jon Kraus PP-ASEL Student-IA  (hopefully not for long)

When I took my multi-engine check ride my boss was getting his DE authority also.  The FAA Inspector from Albuquerque, NM was also training two new inspectors.  There were five of us in a Piper Navajo on a July day in NM. Talk about "sweating" it out. You are going about it with the right attitude.  Give it the best you’ve got and you’ll do fine. P.S.  We all passed! Allen Smith

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Thanks Cecil…. I expect you to finish up before me and give me some pointers.  :-)   JK – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Jon Kraus PP-ASEL Student-IA  (hopefully not for long) Have a great ride, Jon!  As is often said, your instructor wouldn’t release you for the checkride unless you were ready. I look forward to seeing your ’signature’ changing, after April 21. I have to admit that I am going to have to woodshed a little more on holding patterns.  Such an irony, that the very thing we will be tested on in the practical (i.e., holding patterns) represents something that we may never be asked to do in our entire flying career.  I think I have the pattern entry process, down, though (OnTop has helped me quite a lot with conceptualizing the entries).  Though occasionally I’ve done the ‘wrong’ entry, so to speak, during moments of IFR training induced ‘brain-fog’ As for the nervousness,,, I don’t know what to tell you other than to do something relaxing the day before (unrelated to flying).  If you can,, take the day off and take in a good matinee at the movies (with an extra helping of popcorn and root beer <g) or if you fish, take in a day of fishing. You’ll be fine, come April 21! Look forward to your post-checkride story,,,, really, you’re going to find that you will do just fine!

Response:

Jon Kraus PP-ASEL Student-IA  (hopefully not for long)

Have a great ride, Jon!  As is often said, your instructor wouldn’t release you for the checkride unless you were ready. I look forward to seeing your ’signature’ changing, after April 21. I have to admit that I am going to have to woodshed a little more on holding patterns.  Such an irony, that the very thing we will be tested on in the practical (i.e., holding patterns) represents something that we may never be asked to do in our entire flying career.  I think I have the pattern entry process, down, though (OnTop has helped me quite a lot with conceptualizing the entries).  Though occasionally I’ve done the ‘wrong’ entry, so to speak, during moments of IFR training induced ‘brain-fog’ As for the nervousness,,, I don’t know what to tell you other than to do something relaxing the day before (unrelated to flying).  If you can,, take the day off and take in a good matinee at the movies (with an extra helping of popcorn and root beer <g) or if you fish, take in a day of fishing. You’ll be fine, come April 21! Look forward to your post-checkride story,,,, really, you’re going to find that you will do just fine! — — =—– Good Flights! Cecil PP-ASEL Student-IASEL Check out my personal flying adventures from my first flight to the checkride AND the continuing adventures beyond! Complete with pictures and text at:  www.bayareapilot.com "I fly because it releases my mind from the tyranny of petty things." – Antoine de Saint-Exupery – "We who fly, do so for the love of flying.  We are alive in the air with this miracle that lies in our hands and beneath our feet" – Cecil Day Lewis – – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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Or, can anyone give relay some interesting checkride experiences to take the edge off my nervousness…

It was November 2001.  The WTC wreckage was still strewn across lower Manhattan and the Pentagon construction crews were starting their own herculean rebuilding effort while many citizens were still wary of aircraft sounds in the skies.  The Powers That Be had just recently implemented the DC ADIZ and all the local pilots were well aware that the circular contrails above the city were created by aircraft not displaying civilian livery. I scheduled my checkride to fly out of Frederick, MD (KFDK) but that meant I had to get my plane from Leesburg, VA (KJYO) to FDK.  At the time of my checkride, all flights in the ADIZ had to be on IFR plans so I had to convince my instructor to tag along so we could fly IFR on his ticket. We get to FDK without incident, meet the DE and she begins reviewing the documentation.  Aircraft logs check out OK and she reviews my logbook.  "So you flew to Elizabeth City, NC for your long XC?"  Yes.  "I don’t see an instructor sign-off."  Uh-oh. I had gotten an interpretation from AOPA that an instructor was not required for that flight.  They were wrong.  As the DE put it, "You should have asked the FAA."  OK, what are my options?  It turned out that her afternoon appointment had cancelled (perhaps due to ADIZ restrictions) and she was willing to give me the checkride in the afternoon *IF* I could get the long XC done that day. I call the office and let them know I need to take the rest of the day off and they graciously agreed.  Meanwhile, my instructor (who I begged to check) also was able to get the day off from his day job. We planned and flew a XC from FDK to Hot Springs, VA (KHSP) – a very cool mountain-top airport for those interested – with a secondary stop at Shenandoah (KSHD).  While waiting for fuel at SHD, I called and confirmed with the DE that we would be back in FDK that day, but that daylight would be fast receding by the time we got there.  She normally doesn’t conduct checkrides at night, but she suggested I get back to FDK as quickly as possible. We kept the squirrels under the cowl of the 172 running as fast as the whip could get them and we arrived back at FDK with about 25 minutes of daylight left.  My instructor signed off the logbook and the DE began the oral portion of the checkride. Everything went well and we went to the plane where I performed the pre-flight by flashlight.  Luckily, I was still night current and we took off for the practical test. We went through the usual assortment of tasks – steep turns, DME arc, VOR approach, tracking radials, etc. – and ended up shooting the ILS back to FDK.  She let me know that I’d "broken out" and could remove the hood and proceeded to inform me that as long as I could land and park the plane, I’d received my instrument rating.  Even with that added pressure, I was able to fly a near-perfect glideslope followed by a chirp-chirp…chirp landing that any instructor would be proud of. We went inside where the DE filled out my temporary certificate and I filed my very first IFR plan where I was to be PIC – just to get home to JYO. After all was said and done, I performed the first pre-flight of the day before 8am and tied down after 7pm.  In between, I logged 1.1 hours for the trip to/from JYO-FDK, 4.1 hours for the long XC, and another 1.3 for the practical test (6.5 hours of flight time) on top of the oral exam. It was a long day. Let this be a lesson for all:  Take your instructor on the long XC flight! Really the nerves haven’t hit yet and I figure that the worst thing that will happen is that I’d bust some portion and have to retake it… Holding pattern entries would be my guess…

Good attitude.  Try to stay calm.  Remember that your instructor wouldn’t send you up (hopefully) unless he thought you were ready. — John T http://tknowlogy.com/TknoFlyer http://www.pocketgear.com/products_search.asp?developerid=4415

Response:

Or, can anyone give relay some interesting checkride experiences to take the edge off my nervousness…

My instrument checkride was not atypical so I don’t have any over-the-top experiences to offer.  I did, however, forget the acronym MEA when the DE pointed to it on the en route chart and asked what the number represented.   After he answered his own question, I apologized for the legitimate brain fart.  This DE is also a CFII (not mine) and a very easy person with whom to converse, so overall the test was very comfortable for me.   However, in regards to the nervousness, I have two suggestions.  The first is to really enjoy and interact with the DE during the oral exam.  Ask him about his experiences.  Take the opportunity to let him/her teach you, as well as the more obvious part about him/her testing you.   The more you informally interact with him/her, the more you should realize that he is just a more experienced pilot who wants to be sure you will be a safe pilot, especially with a rating that can be inherently more lethal. Secondly, I found it reassuring that I absolutely did not want to pass the instrument checkride if I was not a safe instrument pilot.  I am not on any fast track to some airline job, so slamming out ratings like the passing of   mile markers on a super highway was not my goal.  Carrying my precious cargo of my wife and two little boys as safely as possible was (and is still) my goal.  This may be obvious, but the point of passing is not to pass, but to demonstrate some level of proficiency. With that in mind, I gave the DE a quick speech at the beginning of my oral exam stating that I expected him to withhold the rating if I was not safe in his eyes.  By doing this, I accomplished two things.  First, it relaxed me because it reminded me of the real purpose of the checkride.  Secondly, it demonstrated to the DE what my sincere goal was if I did pass the checkride. Remember that your CFII would not have endorsed your logbook if s/he felt you were not ready.  Fly like it is your CFII in the right seat, and you should do very well.   Looking forward to reading your post-instrument checkride report. — Peter —-== Posted via Newsfeed.Com – Unlimited-Uncensored-Secure Usenet News==—- http://www.newsfeed.com The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! 100,000 Newsgroups —= 19 East/West-Coast Specialized Servers – Total Privacy via Encryption =—

Response:

I have my IFR checkride scheduled for April 21st… To make it even more exciting my CFII talked me into taking my ride with a DE that is getting his certification for giving instrument checkrides… So not only will he be there but a representative from the FAA will be riding along critiquing him…   Has anyone else had any checkride experiences along these lines? Or, can anyone give relay some interesting checkride experiences to take the edge off my nervousness… Really the nerves haven’t hit yet and I figure that the worst thing that will happen is that I’d bust some portion and have to retake it… Holding pattern entries would be my guess… Any input would be appreciated. Thanks. Jon Kraus PP-ASEL Student-IA  (hopefully not for long)

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Question:

Can any one recommend information regarding a destination for flyrodding for pike in Canada.  I am looking for a location, not necessarily a lodge.  (A lodge may be a reasonable choice since I do not care to cook.)  However a boat rental might be necessary.  I would need airport service since I would be flying in from the SE USA.  Please respond directly via e-mail. Thank you. "If I have been able to see over the horizon, it is because I have stood on the shoulders of giants," Sir Isaac Newton

Response:

A possible source of information is at the only exclusively fly fishing store and guide service that I know of in Manitoba. They advertise for trout trips etc but they may be able to put you in contact with someone else who can help. Hope this helps. http://www.northernangler.mb.ca/index.html

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Question:

– half-assed spey – if the current is moving to left to right (for a right hander) drag the rig up in front of you with the rod parallel to the water then raise the rod, make the typical spey "D" loop behind you and out it goes.

Peter, could you explain this a bit more?  I’ve heard of spey casting but I don’t really know what it involves, but I’d like to try what you’re saying. — Regards, Jeff Before you buy.

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When I’m casting really heavy rigs, like for steelhead, I let the backcast drop into the water behind me and let the current straighten the line out. Then I just lob the rig upstream.

I had to do that with the "bead ‘n’ bunny" rig I talked about earlier. It never gets pretty looking, but if you don’t shoot a little line as well like you mentioned earlier, it *feels* absolutely horrible. — Regards, Jeff Before you buy.

Response:

Bruiserman writes: I get that "bounce" effect, especially on the forward cast, whenever i cast a little lead.  All of my rods are moderate action and i don’t throw anything like a tight loop.  Sometimes my flies even bounce back at me

…in which case, you are approaching George Harvey’s preferred nymph presentation, which he calls a tuck cast. The principle is: overcast the forward pitch upstream, dropping the rod tip at the end, resulting in this bounce effect. You thereby get the weight(nymphs,etc) to strike water first and start to sink, with the floating part of the rig piled up on the water. Then, when the nymph drifts downstream, it does so with far less drag and covers the absolute bottom more effectively. Control of this technique takes lots of practice(I pull it off gracefully perhaps one time in three tries), but does allow an upstream nymph to fish through a lot of water.                              Tom Littleton

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On another topic entirely, I was fishing down at the lake the other day for carp and was dropping in a #12 cracked corn fly made with yellow chenele and copper wire.  Couldn’t keep the LARGE bluegill off the darn thing!  We’re talking bluegill measured by weight not relationship to hand size. — Wayne To Fish is Human…To Release Divine!

Sounds so simple even I can tie it. I will tie up a dozen tonight. Ought to work great on my G-series 2 weight rod. Big Dale – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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Wish i had a video of these techniques because my St. Croix 14 foot rod arrived yesterday and I am trying to figure out how to cast with it.

Watcha’ gonna’ do with that bad boy, BD? — Charlie…

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—

Check out www.Billysandifer.com to get a few ideas. This guy guides on South Padre Island and does the surf thing by guiding clients out of an old Surburban. He finds that the door hinges wear out first on his trucks.This guy is no where near the lunatic fringe…he is way past the fringe. He likes the two-handed rods for casting 100 feet into 40 mph winds that are common. His personal record in a 740 pound shark, but one of his clients beat that by 80 or 90 pounds. I just think it would be a good excuse to learn how to play with a two handed rod. Big Dale

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— Check out www.Billysandifer.com to get a few ideas. This guy guides on South Padre Island and does the surf thing by guiding clients out of an old Surburban. He finds that the door hinges wear out first on his trucks.This guy is no where near the lunatic fringe…he is way past the fringe. He likes the two-handed rods for casting 100 feet into 40 mph winds that are common. His personal record in a 740 pound shark, but one of his clients beat that by 80 or 90 pounds. I just think it would be a good excuse to learn how to play with a two handed rod.

Barbed or barbless hooks? <g — Charlie…

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Big Dale, On another topic entirely, I was fishing down at the lake the other day for carp and was dropping in a #12 cracked corn fly made with yellow chenele and copper wire.  Couldn’t keep the LARGE bluegill off the darn thing!  We’re talking bluegill measured by weight not relationship to hand size. — Wayne To Fish is Human…To Release Divine!

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A lot of people would call that desirable as it allows the nymph to get into the water ahead of your line and start sinking more quickly! Smooth it out a bit and proclaim "I meant to do that" and that’s what a tuck cast is.  Lot’s of good fishermen do it.  Otherwise, you could either underpower your cast slightly, or leave a little slack in your line – let go of the line with your line hand and instead of snapping back it will shoot out a bit more.  Once in awhile, I can even practice what I preach, so it can’t be too hard That’s actually a casting question that I wanted to ask here.  I get that "bounce" effect, especially on the forward cast, whenever i cast a little lead.  All of my rods are moderate action and i don’t throw anything like a tight loop.  Sometimes my flies even bounce back at me a little.  What’s the easiest way to moderate or fix this casting problem?  (I usually use a DT line if that matters)  I’d let up a little but i’m usually trying to throw the whole mess (the indicator, lead, and two fly setup jeffc mentioned) into the wind or something. Any suggestions?

– Regards, Jeff Before you buy.

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the opposite way, drag the rig a little past you with the rod level then continue moving the rod tip behind, pickup and drag the rig in the air in half circle then out with the rod vertical.  It’s easier to do than explain.

Wish i had a video of these techniques because my St. Croix 14 foot rod arrived yesterday and I am trying to figure out how to cast with it. Big Dale – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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the opposite way, drag the rig a little past you with the rod level then continue moving the rod tip behind, pickup and drag the rig in the air in half circle then out with the rod vertical.  It’s easier to do than explain. Wish i had a video of these techniques because my St. Croix 14 foot rod arrived yesterday and I am trying to figure out how to cast with it. Big Dale

man, you finally gotta rod that matches your moniker.  congrats. The best explanation I’ve seen so far is Mike Maxwell’s "The Art & Science of Spey Casting." Really, the main difference between roll casting and spey casting shows up in the forward loop.  The roll cast rolls off the water where the spey cast looks like a regular forward loop from an overhead cast. Without gettting fancy, go out to a pond and roll cast.  After you’ve got a rhythm going, then add an upward push at the end rollcast power stroke.  Instead of a rollcast, you’ll end up with a forward overhead cast looping, assuming the timing works. drop me an email if there’s some things you want to go over. Peter

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I think it’s because you’re usually throwing weight, and a fast action rod isn’t good for that. It generates shocks in the line when the weight reaches the end of forward or backward cast.

That’s actually a casting question that I wanted to ask here.  I get that "bounce" effect, especially on the forward cast, whenever i cast a little lead.  All of my rods are moderate action and i don’t throw anything like a tight loop.  Sometimes my flies even bounce back at me a little.  What’s the easiest way to moderate or fix this casting problem?  (I usually use a DT line if that matters)  I’d let up a little but i’m usually trying to throw the whole mess (the indicator, lead, and two fly setup jeffc mentioned) into the wind or something. Any suggestions? bruiser Before you buy.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I think it’s because you’re usually throwing weight, and a fast action rod isn’t good for that. It generates shocks in the line when the weight reaches the end of forward or backward cast. That’s actually a casting question that I wanted to ask here.  I get that "bounce" effect, especially on the forward cast, whenever i cast a little lead.  All of my rods are moderate action and i don’t throw anything like a tight loop.  Sometimes my flies even bounce back at me a little.  What’s the easiest way to moderate or fix this casting problem?  (I usually use a DT line if that matters)  I’d let up a little but i’m usually trying to throw the whole mess (the indicator, lead, and two fly setup jeffc mentioned) into the wind or something. Any suggestions?

Try shooting some line. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/ something bogus to avoid spam)

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That’s actually a casting question that I wanted to ask here.  I get that "bounce" effect, especially on the forward cast, whenever i cast a little lead.

I’ve been practicing the Lefty technique of swinging the backcast around behind you (in a clockwise motion for right handed casters) rather than pulling the line straight back. The forward cast is just like normal except you aim high. I’ve seen people who use this technique with streamers and it’s pretty impressive. I’m still working on the form, but I do get less bounce that’s for sure. I can now cast heavy streamers 15′ instead of 10′ –Steve

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I’ve been practicing the Lefty technique of swinging the backcast around behind you (in a clockwise motion for right handed casters) rather than pulling the line straight back. The forward cast is just like normal except you aim high. I’ve seen people who use this technique with streamers and it’s pretty impressive. I’m still working on the form, but I do get less bounce that’s for sure. I can now cast heavy streamers 15′ instead of 10′ –Steve

Typical overhead casting is usually not a good idea with lead and weighted flies anyway.  I use a number of different casts, rarely overhead, when nymphing.  No matter what method, I always keep the loops wide open and yes, I prefer a slower rod for this. – upstream lob – just let the rig run straight downstream at the end of the drift then in one motion, pick it up and lay it out upstream. – half-assed spey – if the current is moving to left to right (for a right hander) drag the rig up in front of you with the rod parallel to the water then raise the rod, make the typical spey "D" loop behind you and out it goes. – circle or half a half-assed spey – with the current going the opposite way, drag the rig a little past you with the rod level then continue moving the rod tip behind, pickup and drag the rig in the air in half circle then out with the rod vertical.  It’s easier to do than explain.

Response:

I’ve been practicing the Lefty technique of swinging the backcast around behind you (in a clockwise motion for right handed casters) rather than pulling the line straight back. The forward cast is just like normal except you aim high. I’ve seen people who use this technique with streamers and it’s pretty impressive. I’m still working on the form, but I do get less bounce that’s for sure. I can now cast heavy streamers 15′ instead of 10′

When I’m casting really heavy rigs, like for steelhead, I let the backcast drop into the water behind me and let the current straighten the line out. Then I just lob the rig upstream. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/ something bogus to avoid spam)

Response:

– half-assed spey – if the current is moving to left to right (for a right hander) drag the rig up in front of you with the rod parallel to the water then raise the rod, make the typical spey "D" loop behind you and out it goes.

I had a guide teach me this one day when I couldn’t roll cast worth a shit (okay, that’s most days).   Not only is it a great way to cast a nymph & shot, but it looks damned cool too. Joe F.

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Why is a softer rod better for nymphing?

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Why is a softer rod better for nymphing?

No no Wayno, just turn and walk away… <g — Charlie…

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Why is a softer rod better for nymphing? No no Wayno, just turn and walk away… <g — Charlie…

        your wisdom prevails, as usual, mon duc. wayno, who never enjoyed a sitting duck

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Yeah, yeah, I know. Maybe nymphs would be scared off by a stiff rod? But really: seems that medium to slow action is recommended for nymphing, faster for casting (esp. into a wind, streamers, etc). Why? -A humble and ignorant supplicant

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I can’t really put my finger on it, but…. Oh that didn’t sound good. The thing is, I have a pretty stiff rod now, and… umm… let’s try again. For one thing, you don’t really want an super-tight loop if you’re using 2 nymphs, lead, and a strike indicator.  Nymphing does not necessarily mean those things, but sometimes it does.  A less-stiff rod helps you open the loop a bit. A faster rod usually generates higher line speed, which some people find helpful for drying out a dry fly.  With a nymph or streamer, not only is this not necessary, but it’s undesirable.  I once saw a video where an expert suggested a tactic of letting your streamer drop and touch the water behind you to keep wet, thereby allowing it to sink a little more quickly when landing on the forward cast.  I’ve never tried it for fear of looking like an even worse fisherman than I am. Finally, and this is the part I "can’t put my finger on", but a stiff rod just doesn’t seem to give the best feel when detecting strikes or setting the hook.  If you are literally feeling the take with your rod tip, I’m sure your line would be too tight to the fish, but still it just doesn’t feel right to me.  Bottom line for me personally – I have a Loomis GLX I’ve been using for nymphing and I’m switching to a little more moderate action.  Even though I tend to like faster rods, it doesn’t feel right to me for nymphs.  I’m not an expert but intermediate – don’t know if that means I’m more or less helpful to you at your level. Yeah, yeah, I know. Maybe nymphs would be scared off by a stiff rod? But really: seems that medium to slow action is recommended for nymphing, faster for casting (esp. into a wind, streamers, etc). Why? -A humble and ignorant supplicant

– Regards, Jeff Before you buy.

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Scottb: Yeah, yeah, I know. Maybe nymphs would be scared off by a stiff rod? But really: seems that medium to slow action is recommended for nymphing, faster for casting (esp. into a wind, streamers, etc). Why?

Who says they are?  I’m a successful nympher and use a Sage RPl+, SP, and a Winston LT (soft compared to Sages).  I find the stiffer rod makes casting (albeit short casts) easier with split shot and strike indicator.  It’s more of a lob.  Some would say that *all* my casts are like a lob, but that’s another story.  <g Dave LaCourse

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Why is a softer rod better for nymphing?

I think it’s because you’re usually throwing weight, and a fast action rod isn’t good for that. It generates shocks in the line when the weight reaches the end of forward or backward cast. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/ something bogus to avoid spam)

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But really: seems that medium to slow action is recommended for nymphing, faster for casting (esp. into a wind, streamers, etc). Why? Who says they are?

Well there ya go Scott.  Some things have pretty much universal answers, others have as many answers as fishermen.  Best way is to experiment.  Cheapest way to experiment is to buy used, use it, then sell it and buy another.  Sometimes you can break even or even make a few bucks in the process. Regards, Jeff

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The Winter 2001 issue of Flyfishing and Tying Journal has an outstanding 13 page article on nymphing stategies.  If you don’t get this Journal (1st copy for me), e-mail me with your home state.  They list flyshops that sell the Journal.   It is some of the best info I have seen on the subject. Dave L.

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The Winter 2001 issue of Flyfishing and Tying Journal has an outstanding 13 page article on nymphing stategies.  If you don’t get this Journal (1st copy for me), e-mail me with your home state.  They list flyshops that sell the Journal.   It is some of the best info I have seen on the subject. Dave L.

It is well done, but I hear that the author only wrote it after spending a week with our Uncle Louie on the Rapid. Peter

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Dave, As a newbie, nymphing is my next great challenge, since everyone seems to talk about how productive it is.  I’ve caught one (1) trout on a wet fly and one (1) trout on a dry fly, with several misses on each as well.  I’ve caught numerous pan fish on panfish/bass bugs. So, yes, I’d be interested in getting a copy of this journal. Thanks, Rob The Winter 2001 issue of Flyfishing and Tying Journal has an outstanding 13 page article on nymphing stategies.  If you don’t get this Journal (1st copy for me), e-mail me with your home state.  They list flyshops that sell the Journal.   It is some of the best info I have seen on the subject. Dave L.

– Robert Switzer        wk (732) 949-4942 Lucent Technologies   rm. 4J-263, 101 Crawfords Corner Rd. Holmdel, NJ, 07733

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Peter Charles writes: The Winter 2001 issue of Flyfishing and Tying Journal has an outstanding 13 page article on nymphing stategies.  If you don’t get this Journal (1st copy for me), e-mail me with your home state.  They list flyshops that sell the Journal.   It is some of the best info I have seen on the subject. Dave L. It is well done, but I hear that the author only wrote it after spending a week with our Uncle Louie on the Rapid. Peter

Well, thank you, young fella.  You show me how to streamer fish and I’ll reveal the secrets of nymphing — this June, at Lakewood. Louie Dave LaCourse

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Rob Switzer writes: So, yes, I’d be interested in getting a copy of this journal.

Hi, Rob.  I’ve answered you by e-mail, not knowing you listed your address here.   In New Jersey they list: The Fly Hatch in Shrewsburg (www.flyhatch.com) Orvis Store in Paramus (www.orvis.com) The Sportsmen’s Center in Bordentown (www.sportsmenscenter.com) Hope this helps, Rob.  If not, please feel free to e-mail me with any questions. Dave LaCourse

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Question:

Hi I going from Denmark/Europe to Vancouver BC/Canda for a Computer conference 9-12th of october and I’m looking for the possibility for one or two persons to go for 2-5 days of fishing mainly fly fishing between 13-20th. of october, any [adfordable] hints ? Siimvej 20 8680 Ry Denmark

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Steffen, Call or write Fred, I guarantee good fishing and a good time. Helmer, Fred E-mail Address(es): Business Information:   Company: Fred’s Custom Tackle & Fishing Adventures   Address:     Unit 1- 5880 Vedder Rd..     Chilliwack BC V2R 5P4   Phone: 604-858-7344 Fred deals with a great many European clients. — See our Sharks at the Mandalay Bay Casino in Las Vegas!!!! <*))))< Paul Phillips Director of Operations Fintastic Fish Mounts http://www.fintastic.com/ spam block x – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi I going from Denmark/Europe to Vancouver BC/Canda for a Computer conference 9-12th of october and I’m looking for the possibility for one or two persons to go for 2-5 days of fishing mainly fly fishing between 13-20th. of october, any [adfordable] hints ? Siimvej 20 8680 Ry Denmark

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http://www.guidebc.com/ Vic Carrao is one of the best,most reasonable guides in the Fraser Valley. Also ask about Sturgeon fishing – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Steffen, Call or write Fred, I guarantee good fishing and a good time. Helmer, Fred E-mail Address(es): Business Information:   Company: Fred’s Custom Tackle & Fishing Adventures   Address:     Unit 1- 5880 Vedder Rd..     Chilliwack BC V2R 5P4   Phone: 604-858-7344 Fred deals with a great many European clients. — See our Sharks at the Mandalay Bay Casino in Las Vegas!!!! <*))))< Paul Phillips Director of Operations Fintastic Fish Mounts http://www.fintastic.com/ spam block x Hi I going from Denmark/Europe to Vancouver BC/Canda for a Computer conference 9-12th of october and I’m looking for the possibility for one or two persons to go for 2-5 days of fishing mainly fly fishing between 13-20th. of october, any [adfordable] hints ? Siimvej 20 8680 Ry Denmark

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Question:

Hi I am off pretty soon for Spring break also, I live just outside of Spokane Wa. for a while I lived in Grangeville ID, Where is a good place to go around here? I moved here about a year and a half ago, but worked it mostly, so I didn’t get out much… I know the canyons at Hell’s gate, or Pittsburgh landing, near White bird ID, should be warming up just a touch, like 65-70, which to me is real warm.. at this point. Or go to Lewiston ID or the S.E. Or side of the Snake river.. I can’t decide… What’s going on now? I mean hatch wise… I also heard the Henry’s Fork was good also in the middle of to end of march.. Any body have any info? Thanks!  R.J. Baynum ICQ 29449252

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<<Hi I am off pretty soon for Spring break also, I live just outside of Spokane Wa. for a while I lived in Grangeville ID, Where is a good place to go around here? I moved here about a year and a half ago, but worked it mostly, so I didn’t get out much… I know the canyons at Hell’s gate, or Pittsburgh landing, near White bird ID, should be warming up just a touch, like 65-70, which to me is real warm.. at this point. Or go to Lewiston ID or the S.E. Or side of the Snake river.. I can’t decide… What’s going on now? I mean hatch wise… I also heard the Henry’s Fork was good also in the middle of to end of march.. Any body have any info? Thanks!  R.J. Baynum ICQ 29449252 Hey R.J.  We need to hook up and go flyfishing together.  I too live about 20 minutes South of Spokane and am always looking for new fishing buddies. The best bet for this time of year is the St. Joe by St. Maries, ID.  Call Propps Fly Shop or the Silver Bow for water conditions and hatch information. They can also direct you to what else is hot right now. There is also some tremendous lake fishing starting to happen in the Columbia Basin.  If  you want to get into some fish over the 20 inch mark the Lake Lenice or Lenore are the places to be. Email me and let’s plan a trip. Mike Wilson

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Question:

This topic may have been discussed here before, but… Like most people, I spot dead animals by the roads all the time. Squirrels are a dime a dozen, and just this morning I saw a fox lying frozen in the ditch. Seems like this is a lot of great fly tying fur going to waste! (Most carcasses end up at a local rendering plant around here.) Especially that fox…I hate the idea of letting all that beautiful fur go to waste. (I’m sure the fox would approve of his fur being used for flies rather than as pig chow.)

Scott, I’ll second the notion of Mike O’Connor about Eric Leiser’s book. Also his site does a great job of explaining to a novice how to prepare roadkill. I wrote Eric Leiser years ago (early 80s) about using American Oppossum (commonly known as ‘possums) in flies. I got back a nice note (which I kept!) saying he had seen some very nice streamers using ‘possum. He said you could dye it colors if need be. He compared it to a "soft but still lustrous polar bear." Given the number of ‘possums that I see dead on the road I think I will have to start carrying some rubber gloves, a sharp knife and some Ziplok bags. Since I usually have to wear a suit to work that should be an interesting picture.<g’ -John

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I wrote Eric Leiser years ago (early 80s) about using American Oppossum (commonly known as ‘possums) in flies. I got back a nice note (which I kept!) saying he had seen some very nice streamers using ‘possum. He said you could dye it colors if need be. He compared it to a "soft but still lustrous polar bear." Given the number of ‘possums that I see dead on the road I think I will have to start carrying some rubber gloves, a sharp knife and some Ziplok bags. Since I usually have to wear a suit to work that should be an interesting picture.<g’ -John

‘Possums – 325 million years of evolution, targeted at becoming roadkill. Ain’t nature mysterious! RMF

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Last year, I spotted a large bird carcass by the side of the road. Thinking it was a goose, I swung around and pulled over. Well, it was actually a great blue herron which had been hit by a car and killed! I threw the whole thing in the back of my Subaru and took it home (my 10-year-old son loved it when I pulled it out and chased him with it! <g). Then, of course, I discovered that having a herron carcass was as illegal as owning a bald eagle skin. So much for a lifetime supply of salmon and steelhead flies! I called the local DNR office and turned the carcass in. Dave McCarty

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I once published a piece in Rod and Reel (March 1985?) called "Roadkill Streamers" ..the best streamer fur I’m aware of is marmot: IE western woodchuck. How close marmots are or are not to eastern woodchucks I don’t know. But there is at least one big difference:    Unlike a woodchuck, the skin  of a marmot peels off like a rabbit skin–with no greasy fat adhering to the hide. Better yet, marmot fur has color-banded shades of gray-to-cree-brown, so it automatically looks a lot like a sculpin. Hard stuff to beat. I don’t bother with borax or multi-step tanning processes, all you need to do is strip off the fur and salt it a little.    Last note: marmot fur is so easy to peel off, it’s not a big trick to skewer a strip of fresh marmot skin on hook, add a split shot to the leader, and fish almost instantly. Is that bait fishing? Guess it is. I tried it once….didn’t seem to work any better tho. — /* Sandy Pittendrigh                  –oO0  * http://www.nervana.montana.edu/~sandy  */

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Keep new skins seperate from the rest of your materials until you are certain no pests are feeding off your new found treasure.  Freeze it for a few days to be on the safe side.

I just read in the current American Angler that freezing does not kill destructive insect larvae. The article recommends microwaving on high for 10 to 15 seconds, heating in an oven at 160 degrees for two or three hours, or exposing to sunlight. — something bogus to avoid spam)

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Keep new skins seperate from the rest of your materials until you are certain no pests are feeding off your new found treasure.  Freeze it for a few days to be on the safe side. I just read in the current American Angler that freezing does not kill destructive insect larvae. The article recommends microwaving on high for 10 to 15 seconds, heating in an oven at 160 degrees for two or three hours, or exposing to sunlight. — something bogus to avoid spam)

I douse the freshly dead animals ( either road kills or from local hunters ) with a powerful disinfectant spray, ( do not use disinfectant  with bleach additives ! ) and leave them for a short while. Then wearing gloves, I skin the animals, which should be as fresh as possible, using a very sharp scalpel ( just did two foxes which were about a week old ! Bloody awful job ! )  salt the skin liberally with a 1:1 mix of ordinary salt and borax, with a few crystals of napthalene added  ( crushed mothballs ), and then leave to dry in a cool dry place. Some skins I nail stretched to a board with galvanised nails ( stops skin and fur discolouration at the nailing point ). When dry, I rinse off the salt, and  wash the skins with ordinary soap powder (as used in the home washing machine), in the bathtub and spread on clean newspaper to dry.  When completely dry ( the skin feels like dry parchment to the touch ), place in an airtight box with a few mothballs.  I have some skins over twenty years old prepared in this way and they are still perfect.  If you get a good collection of skins ( Hare,  Fox, and Squirrel  is good), you can make up a whole range of wonderful dubbing. Dyeing the skins extends the range even further, and just a couple of skins will last the average tyer a lifetime. Hope this helps. Tight lines ! Mike Connor

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Years ago maybe still  road-kill pheasants were a popular item for fly tying materials in Northern Colorado. Are they still? I havent but in that are in a long time. Al

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The cock Ringneck Pheasant has some of the most varied and interesting feathers for tying that I have seen. — Ernie Harrison <snip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I think most fly tiers take the Pheasant for granted because they are so common. No definitive line of flies have been invented for the use of pheasant feathers except a few basic ones.  Frankly, its time the inventive nature of the fly tying fraternity gets on the band wagon and start producing fly fishing patterns worth their salt. George

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I’ve used roadkill for fly fur. — Jeff Potter   !.com   delete ‘DELETETHIS!’ to reply ***"Out Your Backdoor": Friendly Magazine of DIY Adventure and Culture        http://www.glpbooks.com/oyb … with a full line of books, bookstore & forum

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Years ago maybe still  road-kill pheasants were a popular item for fly tying materials in Northern Colorado. Are they still? I havent but in that are in a long time. Al

could hope to have.  Between one of these and a hare’s ear mask, is the best of two worlds. I think most fly tiers take the Pheasant for granted because they are so common. No definitive line of flies have been invented for the use of pheasant feathers except a few basic ones.  Frankly, its time the inventive nature of the fly tying fraternity gets on the band wagon and start producing fly fishing patterns worth their salt. George —

Question:

I am relocating to the Boston area (North Shore) and I am looking for good trout spots as well as some hotspots for Bluefish and Strippers. Any ideas are most appreciated. Mike

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I am relocating to the Boston area (North Shore) and I am looking for good trout spots as well as some hotspots for Bluefish and Strippers. Any ideas are most appreciated. Mike

My web site has links to the area fish finder reports, including Reel-Time, for whom I write the Metropolitan Boston report. Additionally, I carry stocking reports and fishing reports from local anglers.  I’m in the midst of updating the page, but you’ll find plenty of info that can get you started.  Feel free to e-mail me with any questions. Welcome to the area. — Mark Cahill For E-mail remove the _Remove_This from the reply to address. http://www.geocities.com/Baja/3297/fishing.htm Mark Cahill’s Fishing New England – Daily Fishing News http://www.reel-time.com/ The Internet Journal of Saltwater Fly Fishing – Metropolitan Boston Regional Editor

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: I am relocating to the Boston area (North Shore) and I am looking for good : trout spots as well as some hotspots for Bluefish and Strippers. : Any ideas are most appreciated. : Mike For trout try the Nissitissit C&R area in Pepperill. For SW try southern ME and Plum I and Crane’s Beach in Ipswitch.

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Question:

   I am planning to go up to the west branch of the Ausable around May16th. My concern was what the water level is like and if there has been any fly hatches, per se, I am planning on fishing the trophy section for a day or 2, then try my luck below the damn.     Last year I was up this same time of year and did very well with Dark Hendricksons, and Wolly Buggers, but last year we had much less snow and rain.      Any information on conditions and such would be greatly appreciated.      Thanks.

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   I am planning to go up to the west branch of the Ausable around May16th. My concern was what the water level is like and if there has been any fly hatches, per se, I am planning on fishing the trophy section for a day or

FYI it snowed in the Adirondacks the morning of May 12: not much accumulation but it accumulated…. — |  Donald Phillipson, 4180 Boundary Road, Carlsbad Springs,  | |        Ontario, Canada, K0A 1K0, tel. 613 822 0734         |

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Question:

| | Any of you poor schlepps out there stuck with me in the land | of no salmonids? I guess bass will have to work for now:) | I’d love to get to know some fellow fly anglers here. Drop me a line. | | — I was. Now I’m not. Oregon is home. Trout and Steelhead are only a mile and a cast away. My father in Marion, Indiana is flying out for a five day nothin’ but flyfishing vacation with my two brothers and me in July. I have a feeling he won’t be a poor schlepp like you anymore. Sympathetically Yours, E M Sutton Gresham, OR "To fish,…or not to fish? No question about it."        /           *                                                                                                                                                                                O                              #/_                              #  O                              

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Any of you poor schlepps out there stuck with me in the land of no salmonids? I guess bass will have to work for now:) I’d love to get to know some fellow fly anglers here. Drop me a line. — Fishin Buddy  o <<     o  |           These opinions are offered by weight  <     <  o       <J           provocative content may have occurred      <<       <<                    during shipping and handling.

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Any of you poor schlepps out there stuck with me in the land of no salmonids? I guess bass will have to work for now:) I’d love to get to know some fellow fly anglers here. Drop me a line. — Fishin Buddy  o    <<     o  |           These opinions are offered by weight  <     <  o       <J              provocative content may have occurred      <<  <<                    during shipping and handling.

We are out here.  Yes, stuck in the land of no salmonids.  But learning to love bass and bluegill flyfishing.   "I am haunted by waters." -Norman Maclean-

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Sugar Creek up near Crawfordsville always afforded us great fly fishing, especially downstream towards Shades State Park. It’s actually a pretty well known stretch of creek written about in _Nymphs_ by Ernie Scweibert. The small mouth you can sight-cast to. No crowds either.   No salmonids? Have you checked out the south shore of Lake Michigan during spawning runs? Tim Shickley – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Any of you poor schlepps out there stuck with me in the land of no salmonids? I guess bass will have to work for now:) I’d love to get to know some fellow fly anglers here. Drop me a line. — Fishin Buddy  o       <<     o  |            These opinions are offered by weight  <     <  o       <J            provocative content may have occurred      <<      <<                     during shipping and handling. We are out here.  Yes, stuck in the land of no salmonids.  But learning to love bass and bluegill flyfishing. "I am haunted by waters." -Norman Maclean-

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Question:

Hi, I’ve been reading this group for a while, and I was wondering if anyone has info about when the steelhead run in the Russian or other Northern California rivers.  Also, any advice on flies/techniques

Response:

Hi, I’ve been reading this group for a while, and I was wondering if anyone has info about when the steelhead run in the Russian or other Northern California rivers.  Also, any advice on flies/techniques

Steelhead run in our coastal rivers generally in December, January and February. A few are caught before and after but the main runs are in this time. The Klamath and its tributaries have a fall or late summer run during September and October. (These fish actually bite flies) For the Russian River the best local info comes from King’s Bait and Tackle in downtown Guerneville.  I don’t have the number but call 707-555-1212. Typically for these winter run fish we need a good storm to open up the rivers, then a week or more to clear.  The fish hit flies best when the rivers are dropping and clearing.  Flies most often used are black and flourescent weighted wet flies in sizes 4-8 and also some big psychedelic maribou "popsicles". Deep drifts along the bottom are recommended. Also typical is a hundred fishing hours or so per winter steelhead caught on flies. But that hundred hours can be quite wonderful in the misty redwoods. I have yet to catch one of these coastal winter fish on flies after about twenty trips.  But to me just seeing a ten pound fish when I have a fly rod in my hands is enough. Good luck! Mark Vinsel May the wild fish live to spawn, and may the brood of their progeny break the tippets of our grandchildren!

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<snip Also typical is a hundred fishing hours or so per winter steelhead caught on flies. But that hundred hours can be quite wonderful in the misty redwoods. I have yet to catch one of these coastal winter fish on flies after about twenty trips.  But to me just seeing a ten pound fish when I have a fly rod in my hands is enough.

Yikes, Mark!  I’ve read your posts with enthusiasm and respect (here and on the listserver) for some time.  If you can’t catch ‘em, who can?   I was gonna get a heavier rod (only have my two backpacking 5wts) and give it a try….  OTH, as you say, there is nothing like the mist in the redwoods… Brook Schoenfield

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writes:

<snip Also typical is a hundred fishing hours or so per winter steelhead caught on flies. But that hundred hours can be quite wonderful in the misty redwoods. I have yet to catch one of these coastal winter fish on flies after about twenty trips.  But to me just seeing a ten pound fish when I have a fly rod in my hands is enough.

Hey Vinnie!! Even though you didn’t get a steelie, I can think of something else you may have caught.  ;-) BH’s Double D

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Yikes, Mark!  I’ve read your posts with enthusiasm and respect (here and on the listserver) for some time.  If you can’t catch ‘em, who can?   Brook Schoenfield

I’m sure some kid or beginner somewhere has walked right up, flubbed their cast and latched onto and landed one. Timing is key.  You can put your fly right in front of those winter fish over and over again with nothing to show, but sometimes I’ve heard they bite. That’s OK with me. I caught one Navarro river winter steelie about ten years ago on bait, and last year I had a hit on the Smith. I covered the Society hole and the run from the tailout above, over and over again before watching a drift boat baitor hook and land a twenty-pounder right where I’d fished.  Somehow the pleasure of flyfishing wins, and I gladly accept this part of luck.  As I caught one on the Thompson in BC my first trip, and have often had fall fish on the Klamath, I am plenty satisfied. Most often I go to get away from some urban stresses. Hooking a steelhead is not relaxing but casting and working the fly is. King harvest will surely come! -The Band Mark Vinsel May the wild fish live to spawn, and may their progeny break the tippets of our grandchildren

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