Question:

To the Group, I am interested in your advice on those fly fishing combos I see in the major catalogs. I am building up bit of a pile in the form of bonus bucks with my credit card and was thinking to treat myself to a nice intermediate level rod/reel combo, but all the different choices are a bit daunting. So, if you had about $200.00 to cash in on a new rod and reel, say 6-8 wt., which make/model would you choose? Thanks, Mike Seeley

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -To the Group, I am interested in your advice on those fly fishing combos I see in the major catalogs. I am building up bit of a pile in the form of bonus bucks with my credit card and was thinking to treat myself to a nice intermediate level rod/reel combo, but all the different choices are a bit daunting. So, if you had about $200.00 to cash in on a new rod and reel, say 6-8 wt., which make/model would you choose? Thanks, Mike Seeley

Check this one out. http://www.ezflyfish.com/ez6wtoutfit.html Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://www.mountaincable.net/~pcharles/streamers/index.html

Response:

I will second ezflyfish.com  I brought my wife the 5 wt. trout combo last week.  It is a solid buy for the money and ezflyfish/Wilson Creek Outfitters are a class outfit to do business with. Don – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -To the Group, I am interested in your advice on those fly fishing combos I see in the major catalogs. I am building up bit of a pile in the form of bonus bucks with my credit card and was thinking to treat myself to a nice intermediate level rod/reel combo, but all the different choices are a bit daunting. So, if you had about $200.00 to cash in on a new rod and reel, say 6-8 wt., which make/model would you choose? Thanks, Mike Seeley

Response:

Thaks for the tip. Mike

Response:

Question:

I recommend Gary LaFontaine’s Fly Fishing the Mountain Lakes. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

Response:

Most trout lakes have dragon- and damselflies in abundance so nymph imitations of those may possibly work, though warming water will get them more attention. Another possibility would be a callibaetis nymph.

Or streamers if there are some big ones in there. Baitfish and leeches. Very good suggestion on the damsels and dragons, they’re common and a substantial meal compared to a lot of other nymphs. And if someone recommends damsel nymphs or says they’re hot on the lake right now or starting to hatch or whatever, try to retrieve them toward shore because they migrate to shore and then hatch out of the water. Another tip: There’s no way to retrieve too slowly for most insect imitations in a lake. Another tip: If you fish chironomids, try them with a floating line and a very long leader to give a vertical presentation like the natural. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Deb & I are gearing up (literally) for the upcoming season and she really enjoyed fly fishing some of the local lakes.  The reason she enjoyed it so much was that she could really practice her casting, move away from people, and I did all the rowing. What I know about fly fishing lakes would rattle in a thimble.  I purchased a few books on fly fishing lakes and we have been tying up chronomids like crazy. Any you Roffian pros have any pointers for the lake fishing novices?  We hear, thru the local fly shop, that fly fishing has been pretty good at some of the lower elevation (read not frozen) lakes.  What would the trout be likely to be hitting this time of winter?  The fly shop owner thought Wolly Buggers fished on the bottom and slow might do the trick…any others? —– Padishar Creel Going through life in a constant state of confusion.

Response:

In May, I want to try for Ounaniche, using streamers (probably Magog Smelt) at Lac Tremblant. It is my understanding that these fish are deep and my question is this. If I use a Hardy Silex and a Spey-type rod with the streamer on a short 3 – 4ft leader, do I need to add weight to the streamer or weight the tip of the line in order to keep it down? I’m not sure what will happen here as I’ve never trolled a fly in deep water before. Any advice appreciated. Thanks.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – To help you out a little regarding lake fishing, often your success is best under water.  Lakes that have Cutthroat can offer up some interesting dry fly fishing on occasion.  A miller moth or proper dry fly on the surface can be exciting but fishing them a little different and with more patience can produce heart stopping strikes.  Try letting your fly just sit after it lands upon the water.  The little ‘ring’ is an attraction as it is.  Let it set for fifteen seconds before you twitch the fly or surface film nymph just an inch.  Wait five seconds and do it again. Having full sinking shooting heads and sink tips are a must.  Your leader lengths should be kept short.  Eighteen inches of butt, taper, and tippet each is all you need because you want your streamers to not lag or sag or carry long curves of action under water because they are so far removed from the main line.  A particularly wonderful but simple lake fly on 2X hooks of medium size consists of a small sprig of Marlboro Red hackle tips about a quarter inch long, a peacock herl body with grizzly hackle at the head, pulled back a bit over the body is deadly.  Cast her out and let it sink and then when you’re at the depth you want, use short three inch strips.  This simple fly is a must for those who fish lakes and ponds from tubes. Leach patterns on size 8 – 4 long shank hooks often get instant attention.  Black with Olive Green palmered hackle bodies along with a green marabou tail and variations thereof are an arsenal must.  These are especially deadly on bass.  (Big Bass) Use Chenille for your bodies.  Black bodies, black marabou overwing, olive tail but keep it short and palmered green grizzly hackle bodies can vary by changing to black and brown, believe it or not, etc.  Leach patterns pump and breath and work well in large rivers.  I think often the darker patterns are taken for muddlers at times because these streamers seem to catch bigger fish.  Use a sink product to get these fluffy babies down and working. — (C) George Gehrke 2001 http://www.gink.com/shopcart/index.html     fine bamboo flyrods & blanks

Response:

For trolling flies deeply , a sinking line is required. Depth is controlled by the trolling speed, and the length of line out. Rod and reel are immaterial. For deep trolling ,one  may also use a downrigger, with a normal fly-rod, although fly-line is then basically superfluous, and you might just as well use a normal spinning rod and reel.  This is often very successful. TL MC — "Where fishing is concerned, most anglers are basically manic excessives" http://www.mikeconnor.de – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – In May, I want to try for Ounaniche, using streamers (probably Magog Smelt) at Lac Tremblant. It is my understanding that these fish are deep and my question is this. If I use a Hardy Silex and a Spey-type rod with the streamer on a short 3 – 4ft leader, do I need to add weight to the streamer or weight the tip of the line in order to keep it down? I’m not sure what will happen here as I’ve never trolled a fly in deep water before. Any advice appreciated. Thanks.

Response:

Sometimes it helps to know what fish species are in there. I know lakes where there are trout but no bass. Pike but no trout. And so on. It depends on who eats who in the food chain. In a lake with no trout but lots of smallmouth bass for example, there were crayfish remains among the shoreline rocks, so I’d use a crayfish lookalike fly and flip it near the shoreline. Not to say you couldn’t use something else but, what the heck…If you know they like hot dogs, give ‘em hot dogs! I like to fish a lake several times to get to know it. The more the better. Sometimes it takes a couple of years and a lot of listening to the local liars club but don’t necessarily believe them. Some of them wear leech patterns as decoys on their hats but their fly box is full of muddlers.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Deb & I are gearing up (literally) for the upcoming season and she really enjoyed fly fishing some of the local lakes.  The reason she enjoyed it so much was that she could really practice her casting, move away from people, and I did all the rowing. What I know about fly fishing lakes would rattle in a thimble.  I purchased a few books on fly fishing lakes and we have been tying up chronomids like crazy. Any you Roffian pros have any pointers for the lake fishing novices?  We hear, thru the local fly shop, that fly fishing has been pretty good at some of the lower elevation (read not frozen) lakes.  What would the trout be likely to be hitting this time of winter?  The fly shop owner thought Wolly Buggers fished on the bottom and slow might do the trick…any others? —– Padishar Creel Going through life in a constant state of confusion.

Response:

Deb & I are gearing up (literally) for the upcoming season and she really enjoyed fly fishing some of the local lakes.  The reason she enjoyed it so much was that she could really practice her casting, move away from people, and I did all the rowing. What I know about fly fishing lakes would rattle in a thimble.  I purchased a few books on fly fishing lakes and we have been tying up chronomids like crazy. Any you Roffian pros have any pointers for the lake fishing novices?  We hear, thru the local fly shop, that fly fishing has been pretty good at some of the lower elevation (read not frozen) lakes.  What would the trout be likely to be hitting this time of winter?  The fly shop owner thought Wolly Buggers fished on the bottom and slow might do the trick…any others? —– Padishar Creel Going through life in a constant state of confusion.

Response:

Hi Chris, I would suggest you read and digest this site, most especially the articles by Brian Chan. http://www.bcadventure.com/adventure/angling/stillwater/index.phtml My own series of articles on chironomids is not finished, although I have been working on them for quite some time, and I will probably not bother with them now anyway, as he says it better. He also covers more techniques, and better than I could. Woolly buggers, and similar things will often work, but careful imitation and tactics will invariably prove more satisfying, and often more successful. TL MC — "Where fishing is concerned, most anglers are basically manic excessives" http://www.mikeconnor.de

Response:

Most trout lakes have dragon- and damselflies in abundance so nymph imitations of those may possibly work, though warming water will get them more attention. Another possibility would be a callibaetis nymph.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Deb & I are gearing up (literally) for the upcoming season and she really enjoyed fly fishing some of the local lakes.  The reason she enjoyed it so much was that she could really practice her casting, move away from people, and I did all the rowing. What I know about fly fishing lakes would rattle in a thimble.  I purchased a few books on fly fishing lakes and we have been tying up chronomids like crazy. Any you Roffian pros have any pointers for the lake fishing novices?  We hear, thru the local fly shop, that fly fishing has been pretty good at some of the lower elevation (read not frozen) lakes.  What would the trout be likely to be hitting this time of winter?  The fly shop owner thought Wolly Buggers fished on the bottom and slow might do the trick…any others? —– Padishar Creel Going through life in a constant state of confusion.

Response:

To help you out a little regarding lake fishing, often your success is best under water.  Lakes that have Cutthroat can offer up some interesting dry fly fishing on occasion.  A miller moth or proper dry fly on the surface can be exciting but fishing them a little different and with more patience can produce heart stopping strikes.  Try letting your fly just sit after it lands upon the water.  The little ‘ring’ is an attraction as it is.  Let it set for fifteen seconds before you twitch the fly or surface film nymph just an inch.  Wait five seconds and do it again. Having full sinking shooting heads and sink tips are a must.  Your leader lengths should be kept short.  Eighteen inches of butt, taper, and tippet each is all you need because you want your streamers to not lag or sag or carry long curves of action under water because they are so far removed from the main line.  A particularly wonderful but simple lake fly on 2X hooks of medium size consists of a small sprig of Marlboro Red hackle tips about a quarter inch long, a peacock herl body with grizzly hackle at the head, pulled back a bit over the body is deadly.  Cast her out and let it sink and then when you’re at the depth you want, use short three inch strips.  This simple fly is a must for those who fish lakes and ponds from tubes. Leach patterns on size 8 – 4 long shank hooks often get instant attention.  Black with Olive Green palmered hackle bodies along with a green marabou tail and variations thereof are an arsenal must.  These are especially deadly on bass.  (Big Bass) Use Chenille for your bodies.  Black bodies, black marabou overwing, olive tail but keep it short and palmered green grizzly hackle bodies can vary by changing to black and brown, believe it or not, etc.  Leach patterns pump and breath and work well in large rivers.  I think often the darker patterns are taken for muddlers at times because these streamers seem to catch bigger fish.  Use a sink product to get these fluffy babies down and working. — (C) George Gehrke 2001 http://www.gink.com/shopcart/index.html     fine bamboo flyrods & blanks

Response:

Question:

I am wondering what type of experiences people have had fishing smallmouth in the Quetico in early September.  We have a group who has gone on several spring trips thinking about a fall trip.  Several of us are fly fishermen, so in particular, I’m wondering if the fish use shallow areas this time of year or if they begin to go deep. Thanks Peter Jonas Iron Mountain, MI

Response:

I am wondering what type of experiences people have had fishing smallmouth in the Quetico in early September.  We have a group who has gone on several spring trips thinking about a fall trip.  Several of us are fly fishermen, so in particular, I’m wondering if the fish use shallow areas this time of year or if they begin to go deep.

        They are still deep in early Sept. Don’t forget they don’t care about the air temp., they care about the water temp. And by the end of Aug. the water is as warm there as it gets. Mornings and evenings might still be okay though. But otherwise think late Sept., early Oct. tgb

Response:

Question:

Has anyone used Rain-X as floatant? How does it work? Shinji

Response:

I bet it would work great at first.  But if you’ll read the label, it has some really strong petroleum distillates.  I woud think it would damge fly line and leave a horrendous taste on flies. As for myself, a rueben sandwich with hot peppers and a budweiser pretty much makes me unsinkable. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Has anyone used Rain-X as floatant? How does it work? Shinji

Response:

it has some really strong petroleum distillates.  I woud think it would

damge flyline and leave a horrendous taste on flies. It’s been more than 50 years since my last chemistry class, but aren’t "distillates" volatile?  Wouldn’t they evaporate? vince norris

Response:

Rain-X ought to work.  It’s basically wax in some solvents (distillates) and when they evaporate, it leaves an easy to polish windshield. Not knowing what the distillates are, it is unclear what effect they might have on the fly head cement, artificial and natural colors, waxed thread, etc. "Some mornings I wonder if it was worth it to gnaw through the leather straps."  – E. Philips

Response:

Rain-X ought to work.  It’s basically wax in some solvents (distillates) and when they evaporate, it leaves an easy to polish windshield.

        my god, george gherke, are you suffering from laryngitits, or under arrest in a foreign land, or asleep, or have you simply expired?         a. wayne harrison

Response:

Rain-X ought to work.  It’s basically wax in some solvents (distillates) and when they evaporate, it leaves an easy to polish windshield.         my god, george gherke, are you suffering from laryngitits, or under arrest in a foreign land, or asleep, or have you simply expired?         a. wayne harrison

The problem with products containing distilates (in fact, just about anything with an organic solvent) is that the solvents will interact with the plasticizers in the fly line.  Most lines today are built with a plastic coating over a braided core.  If you get solvent onto the coating, a wide variety of things can happen, most of them bad.  Typical results can include (but are not limited to) cracking, softening, peeling, loss of the outer skin, etc.  Probably the worst one is the softening.  I have seen fly lines that were contaminated with gasoline or diesel.  These lines were as limp as overcooked spaghetti, and cast about as well.   Other things you need to be really careful about are- sunscreen, and insect repellant. Be very careful about what you put on your $50 fly line, it could ruin your day.  There are a variety of "resonably priced" line cleaners and dressings out there.  Personally I like Glide, with the caveat that I have to be able to let it dry for long enough before I buff it off(1-2 hrs)-If you do not let it dry, or do not remove excess, it is like glue.  Otherwise, I will use SA line cleaner and dressing in a pinch.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Rain-X ought to work.  It’s basically wax in some solvents (distillates) and when they evaporate, it leaves an easy to polish windshield.         my god, george gherke, are you suffering from laryngitits, or under arrest in a foreign land, or asleep, or have you simply expired?         a. wayne harrison The problem with products containing distilates (in fact, just about anything with an organic solvent) is that the solvents will interact with the plasticizers in the fly line.  Most lines today are built with a plastic coating over a braided core.

The Advantage to using rain x is it works best when dry. You pre treat all flies the night before. The next day you are ready and will not get any thing on the flyline but the water you are fishing in. Jim

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – <HTML &nbsp; <BR <BR <BR Rain-X ought to work.&nbsp; It’s basically wax in some solvents (distillates) and <BR when they evaporate, it leaves an easy to polish windshield. <BR <BR&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; my god, george gherke, are you suffering from laryngitits, or <BR under arrest in a foreign land, or asleep, or have you simply expired? <BR <BR&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; a. wayne harrison</BLOCKQUOTE _______ No Wayne honey, I’m not asleep.&nbsp; I just know you know better.What you say about solvents destroying fly lines is excellent and accurate. <Pgeorge gehrke <BRmr. gink <P_______ Now you force me to review the copy below that followed. <

        i knew you wouldn’t dissapoint me, george…         a. wayne harrison

Response:

The last distallate I tasted was in a little ’shne from the hills.  Didn’t like the taste….. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – it has some really strong petroleum distillates.  I woud think it would damge fly line and leave a horrendous taste on flies. It’s been more than 50 years since my last chemistry class, but aren’t "distillates" volatile?  Wouldn’t they evaporate? Home heating oil is a distillate. Try pouring some of that around your basement floor and see how fast it evaporates…

Response:

it has some really strong petroleum distillates.  I woud think it would damge fly line and leave a horrendous taste on flies. It’s been more than 50 years since my last chemistry class, but aren’t "distillates" volatile?  Wouldn’t they evaporate?

Home heating oil is a distillate. Try pouring some of that around your basement floor and see how fast it evaporates…

Response:

Question:

writes I agree with your views.  Trout, as a species is generally a small fish that averages (AVERAGES) about 12 – 14 inches.  Where are the pictures of those?

Regrettably or otherwise, most stillwater anglers would be disappointed if their rainbows measured only 12-14 inches.  That is the state of things where Troutmaster Monthly winners are concerned.  With Triploids of up to 15 lbs stocked, the little ‘uns dont come into the reckonig. Regards, — Bill

Response:

writes I agree with your views.  Trout, as a species is generally a small fish that averages (AVERAGES) about 12 – 14 inches.  Where are the pictures of those? Regrettably or otherwise, most stillwater anglers would be disappointed if their rainbows measured only 12-14 inches.  That is the state of things where Troutmaster Monthly winners are concerned.  With Triploids of up to 15 lbs stocked, the little ‘uns dont come into the reckonig. Regards,

– Ive often wondered if there are enough people  who would like to fish with the lighter fly lines say 3-5 for smaller fish and perhaps pay less for a day ticket. My favourite fishing is for brownies in smallish rivers and streams in the west, Scotland and Eire . Living just outside Milton Keynes I only fish like this for a few weeks a year. A small fish fishery would get my support if within reasonable driving distance. Anybody else feel the same.? Peter Marler

Response:

A small fish fishery would get my support if within reasonable driving distance. Anybody else feel the same.? Peter Marler

One of my local small stillwaters comprises several ponds, the main one has produced a Welsh record trout of over 24 lbs.  Ther is also a beginners fly pond, also an any method pond for children and non fly- fishermen.  One day, on arriving at the lodge, I was told that the "main" pond was full (max. number of anglers), so I asked if I could go on the beginners pond.  The fish here are averaging around 3/4 lbs.  I had a great afternoon’s sport, landing six, but missed about five others, and all the fish caught were decent plate sized trout. The above is a sort of example of your suggestion. Regards, — Bill

Response:

Indeed.  My husband and I search out the small, native and generally less accessible waters in the NC mountains.  We particularly like to fish to the small native brook trout population with a fly my best friend has dubbed the "Energizer" (It keeps going & going much like the battery bunny of US commercials). – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – writes I agree with your views.  Trout, as a species is generally a small fish that averages (AVERAGES) about 12 – 14 inches.  Where are the pictures of those? Regrettably or otherwise, most stillwater anglers would be disappointed if their rainbows measured only 12-14 inches.  That is the state of things where Troutmaster Monthly winners are concerned.  With Triploids of up to 15 lbs stocked, the little ‘uns dont come into the reckonig. Regards, — Ive often wondered if there are enough people  who would like to fish with the lighter fly lines say 3-5 for smaller fish and perhaps pay less for a day ticket. My favourite fishing is for brownies in smallish rivers and streams in the west, Scotland and Eire . Living just outside Milton Keynes I only fish like this for a few weeks a year. A small fish fishery would get my support if within reasonable driving distance. Anybody else feel the same.? Peter Marler

Response:

______ I agree with your views.  Trout, as a species is generally a small fish that averages (AVERAGES) about 12 – 14 inches.  Where are the pictures of those? Mr. G. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Totally agree with the perspective photo in Trout Fisherman, I wonder if the angler felt better after his fish was portrayed as some protein-bound leviathan. One point which is hard to digest is the rose-tinted view of some anglers, sure we would all like to be on the magical rivers, catching wild browns, but it is not practical. Fly-fishing is for everyone – I have people fish at Cheshire Fishing, who could not manage to fish rivers, I have shift workers who have to grab every moment they can – people who doubt the beauty of such places, then surely have never been. I have fished on rivers, from the beautiful Eastern Cleddau to the Cheshire Dee, they are certainly no more scenic than Cheshire Fishing. Sure, we have double figure trout, but they are not tailess, egg-bound females, they are hard, silver, full tailed trout and the fish are noted for their beauty whatever the size. The main difference is, our trout are raised in earth ponds and their diet is supplemented with natural invertabrates like Shrimp. Don’t mock man made stillwaters – they have their niche – if you like rivers then fish them. Any doubts I had over the ethics of stillwaters was lost, when the teacher of a group of abused boys, told me that she had never in her career, seen a group hold attention for this length of time, their normal attention span was less than 15 minutes, these were spellbound for four hours, they co-operated with each other, they displayed characteristics never shown before. If anyone would like jpegs of fish, scenery etc, just let me know, and if the perspective is wrong on my pictures, then it is because I am a crap photographer, not because I wanted the fish to look bigger..! You are welcome to visit our website http://freespace.virgin.net/r.j/Cheshire.htm

Response:

Totally agree with the perspective photo in Trout Fisherman, I wonder if the angler felt better after his fish was portrayed as some protein-bound leviathan. One point which is hard to digest is the rose-tinted view of some anglers, sure we would all like to be on the magical rivers, catching wild browns, but it is not practical. Fly-fishing is for everyone – I have people fish at Cheshire Fishing, who could not manage to fish rivers, I have shift workers who have to grab every moment they can – people who doubt the beauty of such places, then surely have never been. I have fished on rivers, from the beautiful Eastern Cleddau to the Cheshire Dee, they are certainly no more scenic than Cheshire Fishing. Sure, we have double figure trout, but they are not tailess, egg-bound females, they are hard, silver, full tailed trout and the fish are noted for their beauty whatever the size. The main difference is, our trout are raised in earth ponds and their diet is supplemented with natural invertabrates like Shrimp. Don’t mock man made stillwaters – they have their niche – if you like rivers then fish them. Any doubts I had over the ethics of stillwaters was lost, when the teacher of a group of abused boys, told me that she had never in her career, seen a group hold attention for this length of time, their normal attention span was less than 15 minutes, these were spellbound for four hours, they co-operated with each other, they displayed characteristics never shown before. If anyone would like jpegs of fish, scenery etc, just let me know, and if the perspective is wrong on my pictures, then it is because I am a crap photographer, not because I wanted the fish to look bigger..! You are welcome to visit our website http://freespace.virgin.net/r.j/Cheshire.htm

Response:

Question:

I wonder how many flyfishermen can say they’re trotliners, too?

Multiple droppers could be considered an ‘active trotline presentation’. — TimW – Halfordian Golfer Guilt replaced the creel…

Response:

You know how you hear that ‘fishing is more than catching fish’? It’s usually mentioned in relation to motivations. But it just occurred to me how literally true it is. —How much more several other aspects ought to be valuated and appreciated by us all. ****100% Fishing Success: *40%*—Background knowledge of an area and fish species,equipment prep & timing of outings. This takes years to acquire and is often culturally and family related. *10%*—Getting there, setting up, trial& error, testing, timing…fishing. *1%*—Catching fish. *10%*—Cleaning, fish meat processing. *30%*—Recipes, cooking, growing ancillary produce…then eating gamefish. *10%*—Habitat maintenance & development. (Now you might say that not all anglers do all the above in this way. Well, mostly, when they don’t they’re simply paying for someone else to do it. This is the case with most meat-eating of any type of fish or game.) [Apologies for the cross-post, but rec.fish is dead. Might as well go where the action is.] PS: I’m an all-round fisherman who has fly-inclination. Flies work best for trout, salmon, steelies on the small No. Mich. streams I prefer anyway. But I’m getting to be more of a fish for the table person. Less of a traveller. More inclined to local So. Mich. catfish. Not a lot of time to fish. Want to eat. So…I’m starting to think about trotlines and juglines like I used to use as a teen. Funny how things change. I wonder how many flyfishermen can say they’re trotliners, too? — ***"Out Your Backdoor": Friendly Magazine of DIY Adventure and Culture        http://www.glpbooks.com/oyb … with new bookstore & bulletin board

Response:

Question:

Anyone ever rigged a dropper for smallmouth? For example, a humpy with a shenk’s minnow on a dropper. Is this a dumb idea? What other combinations might you suggest?

Response:

Anyone ever rigged a dropper for smallmouth? For example, a humpy with a shenk’s minnow on a dropper. Is this a dumb idea? What other combinations might you suggest?

A combination of a #8 or #10 muddler, a #8 or #10 Wooly Bugger, and a sneaky little orange #10 or #12 Teeny Nymph dangling off the rear is always a reliable combo for lots of things, smallmouth included.   Early spring with higher than normal water flows, use a short sinking tip or, do like I do and cheat with a small split shot a couple of feet ahead of the first fly.  Let it drift more or less naturally.  No need to strip it.  The fish will find it. As the water runs off and clears up towards early summertime levels, go a size or two smaller on the flies and eliminate the extra weight. Best Regards,          Trent Roberson            Rx F Fish  For Your Good Health, Fly Fish URL=http://www.xnet.com/~rxffish

Response:

Question:

Anybody know of good flyfishing waters in or near Steamboat CO??? Pointers to the best flyshop in the area are also welcome…. Thanks, Lee Butler

Response:

Anybody know of good flyfishing waters in or near Steamboat CO??? Pointers to the best flyshop in the area are also welcome…. Thanks, Lee Butler

all of ‘em. TimW

Response:

Question:

I second that!!! Doug

Response:

I second that!!! Doug

        may the bears feed on the bastards without end.                 a. wayne harrison

Response:

A black bear went into the Country General here at high noon the other day. Walked right through the automatic doors.  They killed her.  Probably the sporting goods department manager did the deed. TimW

Shoplifting, no doubt. Charley

Response:

writes: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -For crying out loud… Of course there are bear in Colorado!!!! I was merely poking fun at folks headed for the South Platte who were honestly amazed at the thought that they might get encounter bear in the mountains! I mean, imagine that … Personally, having encountered black bear in Colorado and other places, I’d much prefer to run into one of them than what I’m more likely to run into near Deckers: armies of overdressed and undertalented Doug Swisher wannabes fishing midge patterns downstream like streamers and taking pictures of each other drinking Coors on the river bank. A bear would be better company! Spinoleo

Very Well said indeed my friend. I also think that some of the bears would have better manners too! Cliff

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For crying out loud… Of course there are bear in Colorado!!!! I was merely poking fun at folks headed for the South Platte who were honestly amazed at the thought that they might get encounter bear in the mountains! I mean, imagine that … Personally, having encountered black bear in Colorado and other places, I’d much prefer to run into one of them than what I’m more likely to run into near Deckers: armies of overdressed and undertalented Doug Swisher wannabes fishing midge patterns downstream like streamers and taking pictures of each other drinking Coors on the river bank. A bear would be better company! Spinoleo

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Bears in Colorado? Ha! That’ll be the day!

There are many bears in CO.  We have had bears in our yard.  Black bears however, but if they are eating your head I guess it doesn’t really matter.

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Bears in Colorado? Ha! That’ll be the day! There are many bears in CO.  We have had bears in our yard.  Black bears however, but if they are eating your head I guess it doesn’t really matter.

A black bear went into the Country General here at high noon the other day.   Walked right through the automatic doors.  They killed her.  Probably the sporting goods department manager did the deed.   TimW

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Hey Spinoleo, When were these bear attacks? I fish that area a lot and have even backpacked and camped back in Cheesman Canyon before. Anyway, I’ve not heard of any bear attacks. When did this happen? Thanks, Cliff

It happened about a week after the incident that drained the Big Hole in Montana… Or the spaceship episode on the Henry’s Fork… IT DIDN"T HAPPEN!!!! Bears in Colorado? Ha! That’ll be the day! Spinoleo

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – You can go to the South Platte at DeckersI-70 south on I-25 to the Santa Fe exit{u.s285}south from Denver to sedalia, west 27 miles. Best fishing is a mile above or below the small town of Deckers.(nice drive too!) It sure is a nice drive, but I don’t think anyone would want to take it nowadays, not with all the bear attacks. No trout is worth being maimed and mutilated beyond recognition, like those two fellows from Illinois. Spinoleo  

I make this drive at least once a week to Deckers and I have never seen  or heard of a bear attack. The biggest problem with Deckers is the weekend horde of flyfishers. If you can avoid the crowd, the experience is uplifting.

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Hey Spinoleo, When were these bear attacks? I fish that area a lot and have even backpacked and camped back in Cheesman Canyon before. Anyway, I’ve not heard of any bear attacks. When did this happen?                                 Thanks, Cliff

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In Colorado, I found that nothing can beat the Arkansas River especially in Sept and October (Brown spawning season).  Its about a 2 hour drive from Denver but worth it.  The water should be warm enough to wet wade by Early August.   The Arkansas River just down stream of Salida  is excellent. It’s not as crowded as the S. Platte. Brown stone flies nymphs, renegades, and olive elk hair caddis, hoppers.  In early October I had a 40 fish (14-18 inches) morning there on renegades fished just below the surface.   The best technique is wade the center of the river and cast to both banks.   The browns can often be seen with their dorsel fins out of the water up against the banks.  They also can be found during the summer in the riffles with their heads right into the rocks as the water comes over them.(more oxygen). My son and I spent many very enjoyable and productive hours on the Arkansas.  Continue on Rt 285 over Trout Creek Pass into the Arkansas Valley.  I can’t remember the Rt numbers from here but Salida is on the map.         The other possibility is Tarryall Resevoir.  The road to Tarryall is in Lake George (I think) off of rt 24.  Or coming from Denver; go out RT 285 over Kenosha Pass and hang a left at the little town (garage and real estate office) of Jefferson and follow the road to Tarryall.   Wade fish from shore (water is cold) with damsel fly/dragon fly/sonefly nymphs twitched just below the surface (long leader, 10′).  You can cast to feeding fish.  Fish the side that has the paved road frontage toward the dam (in between the stone jettys).  There is very good dry fly activity there after the sun goes down (say 7pm) and dark. (Native browns, stocked rainbows (12-14") and even some cutthroat).  This was my alternative to stream fishing during the runoff.  Size 12 olive buggers will sometimes work as well. There is a weed bed the parallels the shore line about 20 feet out. The fish come in looking for nymphs coming out of the weeds.         There is also the So. Platte in Deckers up Rt 167 out of Woodland Park.  Or from Denver: take Rt 285 west toward Pind Junction.  Turn left and Pine Junction and follow the road all the way down into the So Platte Canyon.  You will cross a small trestle bridge in Deckers.   I found fishing up or down from the bridge to be excellent.         South Platte River in Deckers.  Use 2 flies, RS-2 and Buckskin (both nymphs) size 18 or 20.  No larger than a 6X leader is mandatory.  Use a small floating strike indicator and place a very small shot about 6 to 8 inches from the fly.   The idea is to keep the nymph just off the bottom so adjusting the indicator for water depth is essential.  Fish places where slow water meets fast water like behind larger rocks.  The fish are there so make sure you work the section very well adjusting the indicator for depth.  Looking for flashing fish near the bottom that are feeding.  Flip the rig up stream and let the indicator float as naturally as possible.  Keep repeating until the indicator hesitates the slightest in the float.  Just raise up you rod tip and bingo! there’s a fish on.   If you use this method correctly you will get hook ups (gauranteed!!) the trick is to bring them to net on a 6X leader in fast water.  The regulations are flies and lures only. 2 fish per day over 16 inches.  Try just down stream from the trestle bridge at Deckers.  The technique is effective on all Colo streams.  The "Flies and Lies" fly shop in Deckers can also help in supplying you with flies. On a Saturday, you will not be alone.  But there are so many fish and so few fisherman that know the method and use it effectively , it has never gotten in my way.  I’d recommend getting there at 1st light (Say 5:30) fish unitl 1000 AM and then leave.  Return at say 6 Pm and fish until dark (9 PM).  I’ve found you can avoid a crowd this way.            indicator (e.g. lil corkie)              micro shot In the current, looks like this flow is right to left                               !                               !                               !                               ! Good luck

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Within an hour, the South Platte. If you are willing to drive another 30 minutes there are numerous streams in the foothills thata re fishing well. Check with a shop near where you are staying for details, or feel free to reply off-line. — Ken Clark Ft. Lupton, CO

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I am going to be in Denver next week and would like to know what good rivers are within one hour of driving from Denver for fly fishing?

You can also take US 285 west until you reach the city of Fairplay.  To fish the South Fork of the South Platte, just continue on 285, and you will see 2 or 3 State Wildlife Areas on the left side of the road. Water’s a bit low this time of year, but there are lots of fish in there…  Or, you can take Hwy. 9 south from Fairplay and fish the Middle Fork, particularly from Tomahawk SWA, which is hidden on the left side of the road.  The Middle Fork is a bigger stream which holds larger fish than the South Fork… good luck, — MORGAN P. BROWN                 Colorado School of Mines                 Rice University                 Phone:   (303) 215-9190 URL:     http://timna.mines.edu/~mbrown                http://www.owlnet.rice.edu/~mpbro

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You can go to the South Platte at DeckersI-70 south on I-25 to the Santa Fe exit{u.s285}south from Denver to sedalia, west 27 miles. Best fishing is a mile above or below the small town of Deckers.(nice drive too!)

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You can go to the South Platte at DeckersI-70 south on I-25 to the Santa Fe exit{u.s285}south from Denver to sedalia, west 27 miles. Best fishing is a mile above or below the small town of Deckers.(nice drive too!)

It sure is a nice drive, but I don’t think anyone would want to take it nowadays, not with all the bear attacks. No trout is worth being maimed and mutilated beyond recognition, like those two fellows from Illinois. Spinoleo  

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I am going to be in Denver next week and would like to know what good rivers are within one hour of driving from Denver for fly fishing? Thanks, Luc Nocente — Luc Nocente

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Question:

  If you would like a fact sheet on our knot and monofilament tests, e’ mail me your postal address and I’ll be happy to fire one off to you (open offer to anyone).   -Tight lines, Ralph

Hi Ralph, I would like to get your fact sheet regarding knot and monofilament tests. I also have a knot I use I would like to have tested. If you are interested I’ll make a short video on how to tie it so you can test it. I sure it will be great information. Thanks in advance for the information and all the advise/info you share on the group. Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products 3020 Secor Ave Bozeman, MT 59715-6150 405-585-0745 (phone & fax)

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Actually, it’s not your casting.  The removable split shot slip badly, the "nonremovable" non-toxic shot are better, and actually not that difficult to remove with hemostats.  What I do, though, is tie an 18 inch or so tippet onto the regular tippet, and place the shot above the knot.  Of course, you have to keep replacing the tippet section as you go, but you’d have to replace the tippet anyway.

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When tying your tippet leave about a 4-5 inch tag end put your split shot on here and crimp well. Your weight won’t be directly on your line and when snagged you can usally pull it off with out losing your whole tippet . This will also keep your line off the abraisive bottom. I like to use Water-Gremlin BB size and smaller. If you have a problem with them sliding off, tie a knot at the bottom of the tag.

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Ralph Cutter writes:  A wind knot is stronger than a blood knot. -Ralph

–Maybe your blood knots are weaker then a wind knot Ralph, but I wouldn’t want to admit it, if I were you. Have you ever tried wetting the blood knots before setting them?         Grant.

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Ralph Cutter writes:  A wind knot is stronger than a blood knot. -Ralph –Maybe your blood knots are weaker then a wind knot Ralph, but I wouldn’t want to admit it, if I were you. Have you ever tried wetting the blood knots before setting them?        Grant.

Hi Grant-    We have an extremely accurate (annually certified to 1/100 of a lb) strain gauge device built strictly for testing monofilament and knots. We’ve run at least 500 blood knots through the machine in the past six weeks alone. It doesn’t mind "admitting" anything.    "Wind knots" are actually pretty strong. . . consistantly stronger than double surgeon’s, blood knots, or any other popular tippet joining knot.    Yes, we’ve been known to wet the line before setting the knot. In fact, we soak all of our lines for at least 1 hour in 70f water before testing them.    If you would like a fact sheet on our knot and monofilament tests, e’ mail me your postal address and I’ll be happy to fire one off to you (open offer to anyone).    -Tight lines, Ralph —

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Ralph Cutter writes:  A wind knot is stronger than a blood knot. -Ralph –Maybe your blood knots are weaker then a wind knot Ralph, but I wouldn’t want to admit it, if I were you. Have you ever tried wetting the blood knots before setting them?    Grant.

Hello Grant, The overhand knot is about 10-percent stronger than a blood knot. This, of course, is from independent research with a knot testing machine.  I also have heard it more than once from some very fine fishermen.  I also found it hard to believe.  A little independant research goes a long way. Paul J.

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Has anyone figured out an easy way to prevent a split shot from slipping down the tippet/leader to the fly?

I don’t have much trouble with them slipping as much as them sticking!  I think you just have to bite them on there tighter  My problems is that they really don’t come off and when they do, I’m afraid my tippet is damaged (which it probably is) so I end up replacing the whole section.  I never put shot on the leader.  I guess this is just one of those things that doesn’t have a decent answer. Big Hatches, Brad

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 It may seem like a silly question, but what the hey… Has anyone figured out an easy way to prevent a split shot from slipping down the tippet/leader to the fly? (Granted it probably is due to lousy casting technique…) Thanks in advance..

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Has anyone figured out an easy way to prevent a split shot from slipping down the tippet/leader to the fly?

If you put your split just above a blood or "wind" knot, this tends to hold them in place. Altough blood knots are more difficult to tie, are much stronger than those accidental wind knots which actually quite "sharp" for lack of a better term. Good Luck, Jojoe, New York City (Yeah, we FF here)

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Here’s what I do. Tie your fly well up the leader, leaving as much extra material as the water levels dictate. I usually leave anywhere from 6" to 10". Now you can do one of two things; 1.) You can tie a couple overhand knots one atop the other at the end of           the leader. Apply your shot and it will slide down to the knots and     give you great nearly snag proof drifts. 2.) You can tie a piece of tippett to the excess leader below the fly and     repeat the steps described above. Some anglers prefer this method     because it’s less destructive to the leader. Hope this helps, Tom.

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: Has anyone figured out an easy way to prevent a split shot from : slipping down the tippet/leader to the fly? : Tie a simple overhand knot around the split shot before crimping;  I haven’t had any failures on tippet larger than 5x. Bob Capistrant

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crimp the living crap out of it and don’t mess around with the little cutsie flyshop splits…get the removable ones from the drugs and guns store.

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Instead of a blood knot or "wind" knot, use a surgeons knot for tippet to leader connection, and put your shot immediately above this knot. Mike Fair

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Has anyone figured out an easy way to prevent a split shot from slipping down the tippet/leader to the fly? If you put your split just above a blood or "wind" knot, this tends to hold them in place. Altough blood knots are more difficult to tie, are much stronger than those accidental wind knots which actually quite "sharp" for lack of a better term.

   A wind knot is stronger than a blood knot. -Ralph —

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