Question:

I mean to fish the Delaware, and maybe Esopus and Beaverkill if I can find time and space. There are supposed to be decent fly fishing waters in Dutchess Cty., NY and eastern CT. If so, what type of rod, line wgt, and so forth would be a good starting point. In the early season should I stay with smaller flies or bugs? -Ray

Response:

The West Branch is fairly big water.  To cover your bases here I think a good multi-piece 5 wt. in 9 ft. length would cover you.  For flys, match the size of the bugs on the water.  SIZE MATTERS! — Wayne To Fish is Human…To Release Divine!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I mean to fish the Delaware, and maybe Esopus and Beaverkill if I can find time and space. There are supposed to be decent fly fishing waters in Dutchess Cty., NY and eastern CT. If so, what type of rod, line wgt, and so forth would be a good starting point. In the early season should I stay with smaller flies or bugs? -Ray

Response:

Question:

Who manufactures Cabela’s flyfishing rods and reels? — Jeff Hancock

Response:

Mama san, Papa san and baby san….. ……and whoever else the boss can drag into his office after everyone else leaves…..kinda like Niki shoes. john

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Who manufactures Cabela’s flyfishing rods and reels? — Jeff Hancock

Response:

Question:

I wanna be the "second person." – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –  - $49/ night first person + $9/night for second person

Response:

Do come. I need to meet the bozo who’s ruining my good name…  <G – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Bellows Get to Bainbridge and Ill drive the rest of the way. My Caravan can carry lots of gear and people. Dave i’ll check my schedule to see if i can make it, although you really couldn’t have picked someplace further from my house in washington state <G.  let us know what dates you decide on and then i can make a decision. cb

Response:

Do come. I need to meet the bozo who’s ruining my good name…  <G

hey… i’ll be there for the 16th and 17th. chris

Response:

Bob 11/16-21 time frame looks good to me as do your ideas for rolling tour/fishing.  Dean Brown and Keith Stonebraker sound like great additions, . . . hell we probably could make this a "for credit" offering at ROFF University. For anyone considering this miniclave . . . The cast of characters is shaping up as classic.  The Willowa/Blue Mountain areas are very special. The Grande Ronde offers a realistic shot at a steelhead. This was birthplace of the Apaloosa and the citadel of the best calvery the world has ever known, Chief Joseph’s Nez Pierce homeland. This is an incredibly beautiful part of the old West. Dave – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – So far, Dave Snedeker, JR, and Scott Bellows have at least tentavely committed. George Brown(Dean Emeritus of OSU College of Forestry), who I owe a steelhead trip, has said he is available to participate Nov. 2&3 and during the period Nov.14-21.  I would like to take the opportunity to have him as an added forestry education resource, so would like to plan the shindig around his availability.  I personally prefer sometime in the 11/16-21 time frame.  Keith Stonebraker, who was called by Trey Combs( in one of his classic books on steelhead flyfishing & flies) the pioneer of floating line steelheading on the Clearwater & Snake Rivers, has said he would like to join the festivities.  Keith is also a past commissioner of the Idaho Dept of Fish & Game, and one of the finest flycasters it has been my priviledge to observe.

Response:

I know that I said that the dates would be set based on what the majority of those who had committed before10/23 desired, but I can see that waiting that long won’t work, as I have been underwhelmed by independant input.  People need something relatively firm to shoot for.  Thus I am proposing the following: 11/16 – meet just prior to noon in La Grande, introductions & grab a quick bite, start forestry tour heading towards Enterprise.  Dinner & overnight in Enterprise. 11/17 – resume tour after breakfast arrive in Troy early afternoon,  eat & check in then commence fishing. 11/18, 19 or till whenever people want to go home – catching summer steelhead. I will stick with that unless that won’t work for the majority of those who want to attend. Please get me your committment and accomodation needs ASAP so I can start setting it up & be sure of getting accomodations.  Email me at flies, etc. for Grande Ronde summer runs, or if you need my phone# and/or snail mail address for making arrangements  . Bob Weinberger

Response:

This mini clave/forestry tour is shaping up as a winner. The rivers in the area are first rate and look to be in reasonable condition. My offer for a lift from the Seattle area to the Clave is still open. I know there are some lurkers and regs out there who haven’t spoken up yet. If you are a newby you should know that ROFF claves are open to all, and there is no better way to meet other ROFFers. You will find a group of gentleman and see that the political bull goes out the window during claves. If you are new to the Northwest, I can assure you that this clave will intro you to country it took me a decade to connect with.  If you are from out of the PNB, why not consider using up some of those frequent flyer miles and flying into Seattle or Portland for an end of fall Steelhead fandango on the Grand Ronde. Dave

Response:

The Forestry tour/steelhead miniclave is firm for 11/16-19 (or longer for those who wish to stay longer). Those who have indicated that they will attend are: Dave Snedeker J T Russell (JR) Scott Bellows C Bellows (Bellows) George Brown Keith Stonebraker Myself with Chris Fanning (Padishar Creel) a possible. I’m leaving for Elk hunting tomorrow and will be returning NLT the afternoon of 10/29. Upon return I intend to reserve our accomodations.  Please confirm your attendance and get me your needs for accomodations by the time I return ( single or share a room in Enterprise 11/16. single, share a 2 person room, or share a multi person cabin in Troy 11/17-?). So far only JR has sent me the info. I will be sending directions to meeting place etc. to all confirmed attendees when I get back fm elk hunting. Ken Janik, I know that you were interested in a forestry tour & steelhead fishing, but I haven’t heard from you. There’s a great run this year & water conditions remain perfect. Bob Weinberger

Response:

I’m leaving for Elk hunting tomorrow and will be returning NLT the afternoon of 10/29. Upon return I intend to reserve our accomodations.  Please confirm your attendance and get me your needs for accomodations by the time I return ( single or share a room in Enterprise 11/16. single, share a 2 person room, or share a multi person cabin in Troy 11/17-?). So far only JR has sent me the info. I will be sending directions to meeting place etc. to all confirmed attendees when I get back fm elk hunting. Ken Janik, I know that you were interested in a forestry tour & steelhead fishing, but I haven’t heard from you.

Yes, I’m interested, but I most likely won’t know if I can make it until the week of.  Don’t worry about accomodations for me, if I can make it I’ll take care of myself. Thanks,       – Ken — "The Constitution only gives people the right to pursue happiness.  You have to catch it yourself."      -Ben Franklin

Response:

Hello Bob Yes Im coming. Accomodations 11/16, if someone else would like to share a room Id go with that. Otherwise, a single. ie Im flexible. 11/17-18, like to share the multi person cabin. Thanx Dave

Response:

I have received several requests to conduct a forestry tour (1-2days) and, since I am an avid flyfisherman and this is a flyfishing group, I propose that it be appended to a mini clave.  Dave Snedeker has volunteered to help set it up and proposes that it be aligned with steelheading on the lower Grande Ronde River.  At this point it would have to be in the month of Nov. – any dates except 3-4 days either side of Nov. 11 – son’s wedding. See my post to Dave dated today & titled "re: report on logging national forests" for additional information. I need your preferred dates, locations, accomodation needs and anything you particularly want to see ASAP if you want to participate in such an questions and if you need my phone# and snail mail address for making arrangements. Bob Weinberger

Response:

So far, Dave Snedeker, JR, and Scott Bellows have at least tentavely committed. George Brown(Dean Emeritus of OSU College of Forestry), who I owe a steelhead trip, has said he is available to participate Nov. 2&3 and during the period Nov.14-21.  I would like to take the opportunity to have him as an added forestry education resource, so would like to plan the shindig around his availability.  I personally prefer sometime in the 11/16-21 time frame.  Keith Stonebraker, who was called by Trey Combs( in one of his classic books on steelhead flyfishing & flies) the pioneer of floating line steelheading on the Clearwater & Snake Rivers, has said he would like to join the festivities.  Keith is also a past commissioner of the Idaho Dept of Fish & Game, and one of the finest flycasters it has been my priviledge to observe. I did some checking with the only restaurant & accomodations at Troy, Shilo Inn ( previously owned by the owner of the motel chain of the same name, but bearing no resemblance to any of his motels) – they have 3 rooms (sharing a common bathroom) w/ 2 beds each  above the restaurant – $49/ night first person + $9/night for second person. They also have 3 cabins that hold 4-6 people – example: cabin that holds 5-6, $85/night first person + $9/night for each additional person. There is also a small campground w/ hookups in Troy and several small unimproved (outhouses only) free campgrounds within a mile or two.  The restaurant has a limited bar selection, so I suggest you bring your own favorite libations. ( I, as mini-clavemeister reserve the right to sample all libations brought to determine their appropriateness for such a meeting.) I am leaning toward starting the first day mid-morning from La Grande. Doing a forestry tour while driving towards Wallowa or Enterprise. Overnight in either Wallowa or Enterprise. Continue forestry tour while driving towards Troy.  Arrive in Troy mid-afternoon, check-in, & start fishing. Fish next day or two as desired. That’s just my first cut – anyone with other ideas please speak out. (Note: those needing licenses or steelhead tags – 1 or 3 day license & steelhead tags avail.- will need to get them before heading to Troy.  Those from WA would not need to get an OR out of state license if they don’t want to- the WA border is only 6 mi. below Troy and that also has good water.) The nearest airport to La Grande is Pendleton – an hour away from La Grande, 3.5 hrs from Troy. With enough notice I could get people to & from the airport if needed.  Anyone just interested in the fishing portion could fly into Lewiston/Clarkston & rent a car for the 1-1.5 hr drive to Troy. Please let me know your preferred dates and accomodation needs ASAP so I can start setting it up & be sure of getting accomodations.   I will set it up for the dates the majority, of those committing prior to 10/23, chooses. With the fishing as good as its been and elk hunts going on in adjacent hunt units during the proposed time frame, we’ll need to move quickly to be assured of rooms or cabins. Since this is a short notice mini-clave I am not planning for a raffle, hats or tee shirts,etc. if you need my phone# and/or snail mail address for making arrangements. Bob Weinberger

Response:

So far, Dave Snedeker, JR, and Scott Bellows have at least tentavely committed. George Brown(Dean Emeritus of OSU College of Forestry), who I owe a steelhead trip, has said he is available to participate Nov. 2&3 and during the period Nov.14-21.  I would like to take the opportunity to have him as an added forestry education resource, so would like to plan the shindig around his availability.  I personally prefer sometime in the 11/16-21 time frame.  Keith Stonebraker, who was called by Trey Combs( in one of his classic books on steelhead flyfishing & flies) the pioneer of floating line steelheading on the Clearwater & Snake Rivers, has said he would like to join the festivities.  Keith is also a past commissioner of the Idaho Dept of Fish & Game, and one of the finest flycasters it has been my priviledge to observe.

i’ll check my schedule to see if i can make it, although you really couldn’t have picked someplace further from my house in washington state <G.  let us know what dates you decide on and then i can make a decision. cb

Response:

Bellows Get to Bainbridge and Ill drive the rest of the way. My Caravan can carry lots of gear and people. Dave – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – i’ll check my schedule to see if i can make it, although you really couldn’t have picked someplace further from my house in washington state <G.  let us know what dates you decide on and then i can make a decision. cb

Response:

Question:

I learned a long time ago that the one and only, guaranteed, always correct response to anything that anyone says about fly fishing is "Well, I thought it was "lots of little brookies," when asked, "how’s the fishing on this stream?"

The correct response to QUESTIONS is, "Not much, …..you?"

Response:

The correct response to QUESTIONS is, "Not much, …..you?"

or.."a little slow." but it’s been my experience that once the words, "lots of little brookies" have been uttered, they stop asking questions. — Rusty Hook Laramie, Wyo Before you buy.

Response:

The correct response to QUESTIONS is, "Not much, …..you?" or.."a little slow." but it’s been my experience that once the words, "lots of little brookies" have been uttered, they stop asking questions.

Wouldn’t work here.  In northern WI and the Upper Peninsula of MI "lots of little brookies" is exactly what Bubba is stalking.  You can keep ‘em at seven inches.

Response:

1. "It’s not worth getting up early for stream fishing. The fish bite better after the water warms." Directly related to the number of drinks around the fire the night before

"Dawn is a time of the greatest biological drift." Not sure about biological drift, but catching fish or not, there is no finer time astream.

2. "Cover lots of water types in order to determine the fishes’ feeding pattern" I do this when I’m nervous or upset.

"Find an area that will hold fish and fish it thoroughly from top to bottom, changing flies and sizes until you find what the fish want." And this when totally relaxed and focused.

3. If during a hatch you’re not getting any interest in your fly: "drop down a size." "put on a large attractor pattern like a Coachman." "swim a streamer through the feeding fish" "change positions in order to get a better presentation." All true and I tend to do them in this very order.

4. "Fishermen try to get too close to the fish, I don’t like to get any closer than 30 feet." Rising brown, spring creek, midges or other small dries.

"I always try and get closer than 30 feet from a feeding fish. 15 or 20 feet is better. Casts over 30 feet are too hard to control." Free stoner stream, wide pool, anxious rainbows, cutts or brookies and a good caddis hatch.

5. "C&R is immoral" Ok

"C&R is THE answer" Sure

"C&K is the destroyer of our fisheries" Don’t be silly

6. "The San Juan isn’t crowded." No doubt there are long sections that see zero anglers. Of course they hold no trout either.

"All special reg waters are crowded." It can seem that way, but if you happen to hit it right….

"Special regs waters are less crowded." See above

7. "The upstream dry is the only way to fish." Some days I practice this and really enjoy it.

"Anything you can cast with a fly rod goes." I’ve cast hoppers and worms and even powerbait with the fly rod.  It ain’t the norm, but I’ve done it.

8. "Stocking is the cause of the problems of our rivers." Fix some – break some – it’s human nature.

"Stocking is our salvation." For many many a lake and plenty of moving water this is true.  Look at New Zealand.  A wonderful result of historic stocking.

9. "Use a short heavy leader for nymphing." For Pyramid lake Lahontans there is no other leader.

"A leader with a very long tippet is the best for nymphing." Closer to the truth for tiny nymphs and sluggish trout.

"The newer commercial leaders makes tying your own obsolete." Unless of course you enjoy tyinig up your leaders.

"Hand tied leaders perform best." Oh yea?  Tell Vinnie.  He was kind enough to give me a new line a few seasons back for my birthday.  He hand tied the leader and it promptly broke on a submarine of a fish out of East Delaney back in 95.  I’ll never forget that fish. Niether will he.

JE * Sent from AltaVista http://www.altavista.com Where you can also find related Web Pages, Images, Audios, Videos, News, and Shopping.  Smart is Beautiful

Response:

This got me to thinking of other seemly conflicting pieces of advice and information that are given. Below are some that come quickly to mind. Quotes are paraphrases based on my limited memory. [Quotes snipped]

..great stuff Will/Susan, here’s another one..from a former workmate/internet- friend Fred Templin..raised in PA (browntrout country): *when they’re not rising, pull out a grasshopper…  when they refuse that, pull out the dynamite…. steve d.

Response:

I was kneeling at streamside yesterday scanning an area while trying to peer through the surface chop to find some feeding fish, when I looked upstream and noticed another angler shotgunning some pocket water with rapid fire casts. I was struck by the difference in our angling styles. The advice, "You can’t catch a fish with your fly in the air," came to mind. Then I thought of the advice,"You need to spend more time being observant. Look before you fish." This got me to thinking of other seemly conflicting pieces of advice and information that are given. Below are some that come quickly to mind. Quotes are paraphrases based on my limited memory. 1. "It’s not worth getting up early for stream fishing. The fish bite better after the water warms." "Dawn is a time of the greatest biological drift." 2. "Cover lots of water types in order to determine the fishes’ feeding pattern" "Find an area that will hold fish and fish it thoroughly from top to bottom, changing flies and sizes until you find what the fish want." 3. If during a hatch you’re not getting any interest in your fly: "drop down a size." "put on a large attractor pattern like a Coachman." "swim a streamer through the feeding fish" "change positions in order to get a better presentation." 4. "Fishermen try to get too close to the fish, I don’t like to get any closer than 30 feet." "I always try and get closer than 30 feet from a feeding fish. 15 or 20 feet is better. Casts over 30 feet are too hard to control." 5. "C&R is immoral" "C&R is THE answer" "C&K is the destroyer of our fisheries" 6. "The San Juan isn’t crowded." "All special reg waters are crowded." "Special regs waters are less crowded." 7. "The upstream dry is the only way to fish." "Anything you can cast with a fly rod goes." 8. "Stocking is the cause of the problems of our rivers." "Stocking is our salvation." 9. "Use a short heavy leader for nymphing." "A leader with a very long tippet is the best for nymphing." "The newer commercial leaders makes tying your own obsolete." "Hand tied leaders perform best." Willi

Response:

This got me to thinking of other seemly conflicting pieces of advice and information that are given. Below are some that come quickly to mind. Quotes are paraphrases based on my limited memory.

[Quotes snipped] Got a kick outta that.  It should probably serve as a reminder to all of us that flyfishing is definitely not an exact science. What works at one time in one location won’t work at all somewhere/sometime else.  All your quotes are simultaneously both true and false. That’s what makes flyfishing interesting.  If it were any other way, would we all be so psychotic about catching a simple fish?      - Ken — ET1 – Evil Twin #1 "Guilt replaced the fun" – ROFF-Tim "Ethical conduct is purely a personal thing, and the only  arbiter of personal ethics is your own conscience."  - Mike Connor

Response:

1. … 2. … 3. … 4. … 5. … 6. … 7. … 8. … 9. …

Geez Willi, what are you trying to do, waste a whole winters worth of Saturday arguments in one Tuesday afternoon ? — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

William Loehman/Susan Schwarz wrote [a collection of conflicting ideas]. It’s when one of these paradoxes issues forth from the same mouth that things get confusing. By the way, I never heard "6.  The San Juan is’nt crowded" Before my time, I guess. —                                                       -dnc-

Response:

ET1 wrote Got a kick outta that.  It should probably serve as a reminder to all of us that flyfishing is definitely not an exact science. What works at one time in one location won’t work at all somewhere/sometime else.  All your quotes are simultaneously both true and false. That’s what makes flyfishing interesting.  If it were any other way, would we all be so psychotic about catching a simple fish?      - Ken

The almost religious attachment of certain fishers, especially guides, to particular ways of doing things always brings a wry grin when I get contrary information from the next expert I hire.  Just yesterday I read an article about how to get a drag free drift by actually allowing the downstream pointing loop to form as it flows in the current.  (There’s a little more to it than that, but the technique does run contrary to the conventional wisdom).  ("Extending Your Drag-free Drifts" by Curt Trout in Fly Fisherman).

Response:

It’s when one of these paradoxes issues forth from the same mouth that things get confusing. By the way, I never heard "6.  The San Juan is’nt crowded"

In a recent book I read, a guide that worked the Juan actually made the statement, "The myth about the San Juan being too crowded is just a myth." I was glad to read that most of the other guides interviewed in the book felt that over crowding was a real problem on the most popular waters and most were in favor of some restrictions.  One shop actually, on their own, cut down on the number of trips they make on an over used river in their area even though there is a very high demand. Willi

Response:

Willi wrote [a collection of conflicting ideas]. By the way, I never heard "6.  The San Juan is’nt crowded" Before my time, I guess.

Probably uttered by visitors from the South Platte. — Rusty Hook Laramie, Wyo Before you buy.

Response:

[snipped] Uh oh! William discovered our secret! It’s all over now but the backpedalling…

Response:

While completely nekkid, William Loehman/Susan Schwarz 1. "It’s not worth getting up early for stream fishing. The fish bite better after the water warms." "Dawn is a time of the greatest biological drift."

I imagine it depends on the water temperature at dawn. If its 60, then the fish will probably be happy. And don’t forget that the big browns, LM bass, and some catfishes are nocturnal anyway. "I always try and get closer than 30 feet from a feeding fish. 15 or 20 feet is better. Casts over 30 feet are too hard to control."

If your casting skills are like mine, get within dapping distance. 5. "C&R is immoral"

Let your conscience and your DOW regs be your guide. 6. "The San Juan isn’t crowded."

The South Platte is mobbed. The Gunnison at Almont isn’t. These are all like the famous police oral board question: Can you (shoot a fleeing felon/arrest a drunk)? The correct answer being "It depends upon the circumstances…" "They conferred, as against the Government, the right to be let alone — the most comprehensive of rights…" -Justice Louis Brandeis

Response:

……thinking of other seemly conflicting pieces of advice….

I learned a long time ago that the one and only, guaranteed, always correct response to anything that anyone says about fly fishing is "Well,

Response:

I learned a long time ago that the one and only, guaranteed, always correct response to anything that anyone says about fly fishing is "Well,

I thought it was "lots of little brookies," when asked, "how’s the fishing on this stream?" — Rusty Hook Laramie, Wyo Before you buy.

Response:

Question:

Beginning angler, need advice: What would be best live/artificial Baits to catch Catfish & Bass? What should be the best locations in the streams (no current, fast current, ponds, depths, etc…) where Catfish or Bass are concentrated? Thank you very much indeed.

Response:

Brian, I haven’t done alot of catfishing but I ran across a guy the other day and he said he uses a product called junnies (do a search on the web). he said he bought the stuff off the internet and that a catfish guide told him about it he stated that the guide had the maker come fishing with him and they caught 10 to 1 (maker vs. guide). I do alot of creek fishing and catch alot of bass. I use a lure by rebel called a creek hopper. On a good day I catch and relese about 30 (1/2lb to 1 1/2lds) bass and no telling how many sunfish. you can also check: <A HREF="http:www.tn-outdoors.comtn-outdoors.com</A for other fishing and hunting articles. happy fishing Larry

Response:

I have found that a ball of chicken liver on a medium size treble hook works well in most situations. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Beginning angler, need advice: What would be best live/artificial Baits to catch Catfish & Bass? What should be the best locations in the streams (no current, fast current, ponds, depths, etc…) where Catfish or Bass are concentrated? Thank you very much indeed.

Response:

I have a question:  how do you get the chicken livers to stay on the hook.  I got some fresh chicken livers to use for bait and they were the consistancy of mush.  I would have had a better chance of trying to put grape jelly on the hook.  I have heard you can freeze them but this seems like a messy job.   Any suggestions you can give would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks.   – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have found that a ball of chicken liver on a medium size treble hook works well in most situations. Beginning angler, need advice: What would be best live/artificial Baits to catch Catfish & Bass? What should be the best locations in the streams (no current, fast current, ponds, depths, etc…) where Catfish or Bass are concentrated? Thank you very much indeed.

Response:

I have found that a ball of chicken liver on a medium size treble hook works well in most situations.

BBBbbbbbbut chicken liver flies right off the hook when you’re fly fishing.  Fresh pork skin is the best way for the fly fisherman —  * Center for Computational Biology  * Montana State Bozeman  (406) 994-7061  * http://www.nervana.montana.edu/~sandy */

Response:

Hey…. Martha Stuart of Flyfishing <g <g <g Yuk Yuk Yuk !!! Are you still using the Hot Glue gun to tie your flies (I just came across your article from the Disco era) ?. I (obviously) found it amusing as hell….sorry…<g I also saw your foam nymphs in the Umpqua book…congratulations… — TimW Halfordian Golfer

Response:

You can use strips cut from pantyhose to wrap the chicken livers in prior to placing them on the hook.  This keeps the bait on the hook but still lets the scent and blood reach the fish. A couple tips: – Cutting the pantyhose into strips prior to going fishing will spare you a significant amount of hastle from your fishing buddies. – Be careful when inserting a hook with a large barb.  It is not easy to stick the hook through the fabric.  Or better yet mash the barb down somewhat. – Let the wrapped liver soak in blood before you hurl it at the catfish. – I’ll leave the acquisition of the aforementioned garments to you.  Your wife may worry if she catches you rifling through her dresser. Good luck – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have a question:  how do you get the chicken livers to stay on the hook.  I got some fresh chicken livers to use for bait and they were the consistancy of mush.  I would have had a better chance of trying to put grape jelly on the hook.  I have heard you can freeze them but this seems like a messy job.   Any suggestions you can give would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks.

Response:

FROM, ANDRE !   I OFTEN TRY SEWING THREAD WITH MY CHICKEN LIVER, SIMPLY PUT THE LIVER ON A TRI -HOOK  AND PROCEED TO RAP IT ABOUT 10 TIMES ,  THAT ALWAYS WORKS FOR ME.

Response:

Question:

    My family are planning to camping in Angle Fire, NM.  I been fly-fishing in Red River but never been in Angle Fire.  Anyone have comments or suggestion. please Email me.  Thanks! Happy fly-fishing! —    _/     _/  _/  _/        _/ _/    AlphaPager (972) 597-0457  _/   _/    _/  _/        _/  _/     TI-MSGID: RKS2 _/     _/  _/    _/_/_/  _/    _/www.geocities.com/Yosemite/9916

Response:

    My family are planning to camping in Angle Fire, NM.  I been fly-fishing in Red River but never been in Angle Fire.  Anyone have comments or suggestion. please Email me.  Thanks!

 Rick When we’re  in angel fire we generally fish the cimmaron, downstream from eagles nest lake (about a 30 minute drive) or coyote creek down the mountain toward Mora (new mexico 3 i think) at the coyote creek state park  (30 minutes or so also).  good luck james mahan Please include J Mahan in subject line of email replies.

Response:

Question:

writes: I landed a 3 pound carp (now I surely will go on the list ’sh_t list) on an 8x tippet today at lunch.

   Not hardly, at least for me.  I fished (bait) for carp as a kid, and know them to be wary and strong.  Carp are vegetarians, not scavengers; they don’t like polluted water, but can survive in conditions that would kill other fish; they are exotics and often a nuisance, but they did not ask to be brought here.  My hat is off to anyone who can bring one to a fly.  What pattern did you use?  Broccoli comparadun? Roger (ffer and goldfish keeper)

Response:

Call Cabella’s (800-237-4444).  They are a huge mail order company in the Midwest and they have some very good deals that they will guarantee 100%. Let me know what you do and good luck. Jeff

Response:

: I just won $100 in the instant lottery and I was able to talk my lovely : spouse into letting me buy a new fly rod (the money being a windfall and all)! Reddington Redspot, 5-6 wt, $100.  I’ve got a few rods, but I’ve used this new one more than any other this year.  It’s a fast rod, and that suits me fine.  Your style might be different.  Whether or not it works for you, I am really impressed by the value of the redspot. — Rick T. Rick Fletcher   –   http://www.chem.uidaho.edu/~fletcher/ Associate professor of chemistry  |  That’s Idaho, not Iowa.    | ad hominem University of Idaho               |  Upper Left Hand Corner.    | ad hominem Moscow, ID 83844-2343             |  No, I don’t grow potatoes. | ad hominem

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I just won $100 in the instant lottery and I was able to talk my lovely spouse into letting me buy a new fly rod (the money being a windfall and all)!<Snip..

I bought a Martin flyrod recently, and I think it is an american brand, so you should be able to find it somewhere. It is a 8′6", 5-6 wt, handles well and casts like a dream. The price was about 110 USD (in Holland), which is definitely value for money. They also have a 9 foot travelrod (4-piece) in the same weightclass. Good luck and tight lines, Herman —  Herman Nijland        |   Daytime   system manager                        |   Lifetime  flyfisher STOAS  APH             | Vlijmenseweg 50a       |   Tel.  : +31 (0)73-6214745 5223 GW Den Bosch      |   Fax   : +31 (0)73-6220235 Netherlands            |   E-mail: Check out our WWW site! URL:  http://www.stoas.nl Or my own page at:            http://www.stoas.nl/user/hny

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direct or I may miss it. Back in the March ‘96 issue of FlyRod &Reel magazine, there was an article on "affordable rods".  They gave a very good review to a "HT" (HiTech) manufactured rod in a couple of variations.  I ordered a 7′6" Executive Premier in a 5 wt. with the cork handle (comes in EVA also) from a mail order dealer up in the Milwaukee area for less than $40.  Picked up a little Shakespear reel at the local sports super store (SportMart) for around $15, some Scientific Anglers Concept WF5F line for $13 and shazam! A complete setup for less than $70 including tax and shipping. I’ve used it 4 times now and it ain’t bad.  In fact, it’s downright a pleasure to fish with.  I know that in confessing this transgression against the very precept of spending small (maybe not so small) fortunes for a FF outfit that I am setting myself up to be banished from this list for the rest of my life. It works quite well also, I landed a 3 pound carp (now I surely will go on the list ’sh_t list) on an 8x tippet today at lunch.   I’m not saying that it will replace my Orvis bamboo but then it’s many hundreds less in cost too.  Any questions, please address direct (my wife occassionally reads the list and I don’t want her knowing that gear can cost this little). Hope this helps…Jerry

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I just won $100 in the instant lottery and I was able to talk my lovely spouse into letting me buy a new fly rod (the money being a windfall and all)! Now herw is my quandry.  I have been using a cheep, heavy, stiff 7 wt rod for about 3 yrs now. I fish mosty bass and bluegill (no elephant gun comments please ;-p).  I would like to buy a 5wt rod and I need to keep the price as close to my lucky $100 as possible.  As I said, I am used to a heavy, stiff clunker of a rod, so weight is of little consideration. I suppose as I get older I will regret that opinion. I have heard good and bad about St. Croix. I also know that there are used rods out there for bargin prices. Any advice would be helpfull as I don’t want to blow this decision and end up with a $100 dud.

     You might look in the LL Bean Flyfishing Catalog.  They have a good beginner’s outfit they use in their school, with reel, backing, the works, for $99.00.  I did not buy it, because they said the action was a bit faster than is good for a true beginner learning on their own.  However, since you already have experience, that should not be any problem.  They sell them in a range of rod weights, so you should be able to get what you are looking for.  I DID buy their  next level of rod, and I have been having a ball!  The casting action is good for my skill level, and I did not go into deep debt for my new-found passion.  Hope this helps you.                                 Dan Johnson

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I just won $100 in the instant lottery and I was able to talk my lovely spouse into letting me buy a new fly rod (the money being a windfall and all)! Now herw is my quandry.  I have been using a cheep, heavy, stiff 7 wt rod for about 3 yrs now. I fish mosty bass and bluegill (no elephant gun comments please ;-p).  I would like to buy a 5wt rod and I need to keep the price as close to my lucky $100 as possible.  As I said, I am used to a heavy, stiff clunker of a rod, so weight is of little consideration. I suppose as I get older I will regret that opinion. I have heard good and bad about St. Croix. I also know that there are used rods out there for bargin prices. Any advice would be helpfull as I don’t want to blow this decision and end up with a $100 dud. P.S. if you are in the Columbus area and are trying to sell your wonderfull, whippy, high-end, casts like a dream, bought it for $300 and now I just don’t get out like I would like to, rod — I would be delighted to give it a new home. Email me. — | P. Erik Jaros                 | "I was a fine idea at the time. | |                               |          Elvis Costello         |

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Question:

I saw a piece of Montana land for sale the other day–40 acres with (big) beautiful spring creek, panoramic mountain views, deer, geese, beavers, sand hill cranes, osprey, brown trout, wild flowers, skunks, eagles, elk etc, and it got me wondering (I’m not selling, just asking)….how much do people who don’t live in Montana think such a piece of land should sell for?   Yes, it’s true: my question is only marginally realted fly fishing, but I am curious about the answer.

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$ 250,000 …. Can I borrow some money ?

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That depends on whether you are going to let the public fish it !

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: I saw a piece of Montana land for sale the other day–40 acres with : (big) beautiful spring creek, panoramic mountain views, deer, geese, : beavers, sand hill cranes, osprey, brown trout, wild flowers, skunks, : eagles, elk etc, and it got me wondering (I’m not selling, just : asking)….how much do people who don’t live in Montana think : such a piece of land should sell for? That depends totally on the location, Sandy.  I’m sure you know that, so I’m not certain what your point is.  But hey, I’ll bite. Around here (Moscow, N. Idaho), you might get a piece like that for $60K. Down on the Clearwater, it would run a little more than twice that. — Rick T. Rick Fletcher   –   http://www.chem.uidaho.edu/~fletcher/ Assistant professor of chemistry  |  That’s Idaho, not Iowa.    | ad hominem University of Idaho               |  Upper Left Hand Corner.    | ad hominem Moscow, ID 83844-2343             |  No, I don’t grow potatoes. | ad hominem

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Question:

One method that works fairly well is to tie the end of the leader (not tippet) to the center of the piece of yarn using an improved cinch knot.  Then tie the tippet to the leader just above the yarn also using an improved cinch knot.  The  obvious disadvantage to this method is that it’s not very easy to change depths. John Johnson Atlanta, GA

A second disadvantage is that it requires two knots instead of one. Next time I think that I’ll try the simple overhand knot that others have suggested. John Johnson Atlanta, GA

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I am trying to use yarn instead of foam, BioStrike, etc. What is the best knot and method to use to attach the yarn to the leader?

Hi Jay, The question is, do you want effectiveness and are you willing to work for it, or do you want convenience and are willing to settle for not as effective? If you want the most sensitive and best casting system, use a fairly stout leader 2X or 3X  (~6 to 7 1/2 ft. in length) and tie your yarn on to the end with an *improved* clinch knot (the regular clinch knot will slip). Then attach your tippet (depth of the water or slightly longer) to the leader with an improved clinch knot behind the indicator and slide it up against the indicator.  Test the connection (don’t bounce your knots!).   Attach split shot ~6" away from your fly (no closer than 4" and no farther away than 8")   If you keep at least 2 "X" numbers difference between the leader and the tippet size, the break will be at the fly and not at the yarn.  You have to keep adjusting the  length of the tippet as the water depth changes, and that’s a pain.  But, it is deadly.  The stout leader makes casting the indicator much easier and the 90 degree tippet gives you great control over placement.  This is often called "the hinged nymphing system" and was developed by the gentleman I teach fishing schools with, Dean Schubert, and his ex-roomate Dave Hickson.   If you don’t want to go through all these machinations you can tie your yarn on with a clove hitch which will allow you to loosen up the knot and slide the yarn up  or down, and it won’t score the line or weaken it.  It also won’t cast as well and you won’t get the 90 degree hinge that you get with the other system so it won’t be as sensitive and your fly may actually be quite a ways from your indicator (instead of within a 2 ft. circle), but it is more convenient and in fast water it works OK.                                        Good Fishing!                                                Dan Dan Gracia                                                               Orvis West Coast Fly Fishing Schools If you kill that big fish you can’t catch ‘em again.  So what if they eat other fish?  If you kill the big ones there will only be little ones left (funny how that works!).

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I am trying to use yarn instead of foam, BioStrike, etc. What is the best knot and method to use to attach the yarn to the leader? — Jay Thomas

I don’t know what type of water you are fishing but in New Zealand’s North Island, on the larger rivers eg. the Tongariro or Rangitikei, I use a 1" piece of Glo-bug yarn. Soak the yarn in a dry fly floatant and allow to dry. My leader is joined to the fly line by a pair of interlocking loops and the Glo-bug yarn indicator is placed in between the loops before they are pulled up tight. Lime green is easy to see at the change of light and hot pink when the sun is on the water. This indicator does not affect casting but there is some distance between it and the fly. For these waters this distance is not a problem. Jim Learmonth

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While yarn works great for indicating strikes, I find it interferes tremendously with casting. — -Wayne Trzyna

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While yarn works great for indicating strikes, I find it interferes tremendously with casting.

Hi Wayne, Your right if your talking about those golf ball and larger sized sized chunks of yarn that people toss around.  However, if you get the right yarn, you don’t need huge pieces of it and I find it easier to cast than any other indicator I’ve found (so far).  The yarn you want to find comes in your choice of colors and can often be found at macrame shops.  It is a braided polypropylene yarn.  One of the brand names out there is Bonnie Braid, I’m sure there are plenty more. However, all polypropylene yarns are not created equal and different skeins of the same brand and the same color can perform differently.  The type that works best is coarse and shiny.  Not shiny and soft, not coarse and dull, but coarse and shiny.  Get it in a color you like as waterproof markers won’t penetrate the fibers and will wash off quickly.  It usually comes in 50 or 100 yard skeins depending on the thickness of the braid.  I prefer the 100 yard skeins because the braid is smaller and easier to seperate.  Use about 4 strands of the braid, tie it on and comb out the fibers.  Cut to the desired size (dime to quarter size depending on amount of weight used), and treat with paste floatant.   I use the Orvis Hy-flote paste floatant because it liquifies when I rub it between my fingers. Don’t use too thick a paste or it won’t work well.  I’ll then stroke it on the fibers and comb it out again.  If you did it right this should look like a very small open flower floating on the water.  If the flower is tipping forward – your fly is dragging behind it, if it is tilting backwards – it is in front of the indicator.  If it floats straight up, you are getting a very good drift.  If you did it wrong it will look like a dense golf ball or bigger.  Dense doesn’t cast or float as well as the "open flower".  Goldilocks strikes again, not to thick, not too thin, just right!                             Good Fishing,                                   Dan Dan Gracia                                                               Orvis West Coast Fly Fishing Schools If you kill that big fish you can’t catch ‘em again.  So what if they eat other fish?  If you kill the big ones there will only be little ones left (funny how that works!).

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dont

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dont

nonsense. make a standard overhand loop with the yarn inside, breaking strength is 100% of the tippet. The advantage of yarn (you can also use small pieces of etafoam, a few CDC feathers etc.) is that you can adjust the size of the strike indicator and the depth of fishing (in shallower water just move the indicator closer to the fly). An easier strike indicator is Orvis Strike Putty, a resin you can mold to any shape and you can us as much as you really need (from very small for midge fishing in shallow water to really big to fish a deep run with a stonefly, highly visible colors and even night glowing!).       If this was your question…                                       Thomas

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I am trying to use yarn instead of foam, BioStrike, etc. What is the best knot and method to use to attach the yarn to the leader? — Jay Thomas

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Tie a slip-knot in the leader. Insert yarn and pull tight. Trim yarn to size and apply a small amount of floatant. This has worked for me for years. It is also easy to adjust the fly depth and has minimal effect on the leader stregth. Good luck. Jack

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Path: news.itd.umich.edu!newsxfer2.itd.umich.edu!newsfeed.internetmci.com!realti me.net !news.mindspring.com!jpthomas.mindspring.com!user Newsgroups: rec.outdoors.fishing.fly Organization: MindSpring Enterprises Lines: 6 NNTP-Posting-Host: jpthomas.mindspring.com X-Newsreader: Yet Another NewsWatcher 2.1.8 I am trying to use yarn instead of foam, BioStrike, etc. What is the best knot and method to use to attach the yarn to the leader? — Jay Thomas

Try a knittingneedle knot.

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I am trying to use yarn instead of foam, BioStrike, etc. What is the best knot and method to use to attach the yarn to the leader? — Jay Thomas

Jay, Around here we tie an overhand knot at the area where you want the indicator to be, but leave it loose. Then put the yarn in the knot an tighten it. This way it is easy to backl the knot off and roll it to a different spot depending on how deep the water is. It won’t be a weak link since it is way up the leader where it is thick anyway. Martin Allen

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Tie a slip-knot in the leader. Insert yarn and pull tight. Trim yarn to size and apply a small amount of floatant. This has worked for me for years. It is also easy to adjust the fly depth and has minimal effect on the leader stregth. Good luck. Jack

   Our knot testing machine (which, as Lefty says, "has no bias") shows that yarn slip knotted to leader will reduce the leader strength by up to 50%. A much better way is to tie a simple overhand knot in the leader and put in a piece of yarn before cinching up.    Without the yarn this would result in a "wind knot" which is not very strong (reduces leader strength by about 15% . . . it’s not nearly as bad as many have been led to believe).     Our strain gauge device measures accurately down to 1/100 of a pound and it shows zero reduction of strength in an overhand knot cinched around a piece of yarn. Your leader will always break at the yarn because it creates a focus of energy; however, there is no reduction in the strength of the leader.    -Ralph —

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I am trying to use yarn instead of foam, BioStrike, etc. What is the best knot and method to use to attach the yarn to the leader?

One method that works fairly well is to tie the end of the leader (not tippet) to the center of the piece of yarn using an improved cinch knot.  Then tie the tippet to the leader just above the yarn also using an improved cinch knot.  The  obvious disadvantage to this method is that it’s not very easy to change depths. John Johnson Atlanta, GA

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I am trying to use yarn instead of foam, BioStrike, etc. What is the best knot and method to use to attach the yarn to the leader?

I learned a nice method from a guide on the San Juan River in New Mexico. You form a loop up in the fat part of the leader, then reach through the loop and pull another loop of the same leader through it. You put the yarn halfway through this second loop and pull on the leader to tighten it up. If you need to change depths, you just push the leader to open the loop, get your yarn out and do it again somewhere else. I hope I have explained this so you can understand it. It’s a pretty simple method, though it will leave a bend in the leader if you leave the yarn in too long. Doesn’t seem to affect the strength of the leader though. — | Michael P. Thompson – Liberty Communications | |           * Spreading the Word *             |

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[snip] Your leader will always break at the yarn because it creates a focus of energy; however, there is no reduction in the strength of the leader.   -Ralph

I didn’t realize from your previous posts that you were a "New Age" kind of guy Ralph.  That focus of energy must be some variation of the pyramid effect.  :-) BTW, I love to read your magazine articles! See ya, John Johnson Atlanta, GA

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Question:

Spectra. I have used unbraided spectra equivalent ( I believe it is Kevlar strands) for both pike and barracuda on the fly and have yet to have a problem.  I have heard that spectra does like going around sharp corners such as through eyes of hooks or swivels. There is a braided microfibre sold under the brandd name ‘CORASTRONG’ in the UK that I use for bonefish backing.  Its fine diameter means that you can lots of backing on a smallish reel.  The stuff is abrasion resistant across coral heads unlike micron or other dacron braids.  I have yet to use for leader but see no reason why it should not work. Chris Enstone – ‘fishing is just like work except that you don’t get paid for it and you enjoy it’

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        After taking one trip to nor. Saskatchewan for pike on a fly in summer ‘94, and dealing with the hassels of wire tippets, I wondered if there has been any experience with the new braided micro-filament lines used more often in the baitcasting (shh,;)) world.  They are low-stretch, supposedly are more abraision resitant, and super-strong for their respective diameter.  Would these lines be worth their lack of stiffness (for turning over pike flies) in order to take advantage of their fish fighting abilities?         Also, would they work well enough to be used as backing?                                                 Response by e-mail or                                                 posting appreciated,                                                 Starving College Student — Ryan Maas

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