Question:

I was going to just wait for 35 peeps to join, but enrollment is slow, and we all need time to fly, so I say on Thursday it’s the end, and Friday morning I’ll post the final list of who’s in. Sound good?

Sounds great.  Where the heck is RW, Bruiser, Louie, Willi, Bob, Charlie and a few others to name a few????  C’mon boys.

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Bouncer writes: Sounds great.  Where the heck is RW, Bruiser, Louie, Willi, Bob, Charlie and a few others to name a few????  C’mon boys.

I don’t have the time right now, Paul.  Gotta keep the Cannuck happy next week-end, and then Jo and I will be at the East Outlet the next two weeks (Fri – Sun).  I’ll be practicing to tie a new fly, so I’ll get in on the next one. Dave

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Make mine a "Poronui Special". Clark

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Tim, I suggested earlier that you make a web page containing up to date info. You could put it in connection to your web site. The reason being that it’s easy to miss out on a post which might contain essential information about the swap. Not saying that you should stop posting the info, only saying that a web page can be a nice backup. 21 flies finished, heading for 38   =)). — Tight lines! / Roger Ohlund Daytime engineer Lifetime flyfisherman For info on flyfishing in northern Sweden visit http://home.bip.net/angler/

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hey Guys, Again, flies due november 11th. Tie one for every tyer, including yourself. One for Dave and da’ kids and if willing, 2 extra’s to make clave prizes . Sound good. Any questions just send me a note. Here’s the updated list of who’s in and what they are tying. Not even close to 30 peeps yet. Flyswapees tried it!) Wolfgang Joe F Rocktrout(aka Bouncer)—— Mountain Midge head Frank Church Clark Reid Lou Teletski Hans Van der stroom—Ritz D — Tim Apple www.flyfishingaddict.com

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On the other hand, I’ll do a flash back PT.  I need the practice and the inspiration to tie.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m in with a solid TBD fly. I was going to just wait for 35 peeps to join, but enrollment is slow, and we all need time to fly, so I say on Thursday it’s the end, and Friday morning I’ll post the final list of who’s in. Sound good? — Tim Apple www.flyfishingaddict.com When is the deadline for signing up, i.e. when will we know the excate number of flues to make ? Im guessing its something like  #flies = #swappers + 4 Hey Guys, Again, flies due november 11th. Tie one for every tyer, including yourself. One for Dave and da’ kids and if willing, 2 extra’s to make clave prizes . Sound good. Any questions just send me a note. Here’s the updated list of who’s in and what they are tying. Not even close to 30 peeps yet. Flyswapees you tried it!) Wolfgang Joe F Rocktrout(aka Bouncer)—— Mountain Midge with bead head Frank Church Clark Reid Lou Teletski Hans Van der stroom—Ritz D — Tim Apple www.flyfishingaddict.com — Svend  1600 Amphitheatre Pkwy       Phone: (+1) 650 933 3618  Mountain View  California 94043  USA

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I’m in with a solid TBD fly.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was going to just wait for 35 peeps to join, but enrollment is slow, and we all need time to fly, so I say on Thursday it’s the end, and Friday morning I’ll post the final list of who’s in. Sound good? — Tim Apple www.flyfishingaddict.com When is the deadline for signing up, i.e. when will we know the excate number of flues to make ? Im guessing its something like  #flies = #swappers + 4 Hey Guys, Again, flies due november 11th. Tie one for every tyer, including yourself. One for Dave and da’ kids and if willing, 2 extra’s to make clave prizes . Sound good. Any questions just send me a note. Here’s the updated list of who’s in and what they are tying. Not even close to 30 peeps yet. Flyswapees tried it!) Wolfgang Joe F Rocktrout(aka Bouncer)—— Mountain Midge bead head Frank Church Clark Reid Lou Teletski Hans Van der stroom—Ritz D — Tim Apple www.flyfishingaddict.com — Svend  1600 Amphitheatre Pkwy       Phone: (+1) 650 933 3618  Mountain View  California 94043  USA

Response:

I was going to just wait for 35 peeps to join, but enrollment is slow, and we all need time to fly, so I say on Thursday it’s the end, and Friday morning I’ll post the final list of who’s in. Sound good? — Tim Apple www.flyfishingaddict.com

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – When is the deadline for signing up, i.e. when will we know the excate number of flues to make ? Im guessing its something like  #flies = #swappers + 4 Hey Guys, Again, flies due november 11th. Tie one for every tyer, including yourself. One for Dave and da’ kids and if willing, 2 extra’s to make clave prizes . Sound good. Any questions just send me a note. Here’s the updated list of who’s in and what they are tying. Not even close to 30 peeps yet. Flyswapees tried it!) Wolfgang Joe F Rocktrout(aka Bouncer)—— Mountain Midge bead head Frank Church Clark Reid Lou Teletski Hans Van der stroom—Ritz D — Tim Apple www.flyfishingaddict.com — Svend  1600 Amphitheatre Pkwy       Phone: (+1) 650 933 3618  Mountain View  California 94043  USA

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snip

p.s.  Much to my surprise, no one has yet committed to that most indispensable of all nymphs, the plain vanilla GRHE.  I guess that’s me then. Wolfgang

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Hey Guys, Again, flies due november 11th. Tie one for every tyer, including yourself. One for Dave and da’ kids and if willing, 2 extra’s to make clave prizes . Sound good. Any questions just send me a note. Here’s the updated list of who’s in and what they are tying. Not even close to 30 peeps yet……

Not a math major myself, but by my count we stand at fifteen or so tyers….three extra bugs per participant puts the grand total at 18 copies per.  I can do that by 11-11. Run this gig any way you like, but if you want more participants I suspect that a more liberal time limit might be the ticket.      :) Wolfgang

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Hey Guys, Again, flies due november 11th. Tie one for every tyer, including yourself. One for Dave and da’ kids and if willing, 2 extra’s to make clave prizes . Sound good. Any questions just send me a note. Here’s the updated list of who’s in and what they are tying. Not even close to 30 peeps yet.

What a coincidence. Just strolled in after some time off, and a flyswap (is a nymph a fly? <g) kicks off. Great, I could do with some tying excercise. I’m in, don’t know what pattern yet. Herman

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When is the deadline for signing up, i.e. when will we know the excate number of flues to make ? Im guessing its something like  #flies = #swappers + 4 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hey Guys, Again, flies due november 11th. Tie one for every tyer, including yourself. One for Dave and da’ kids and if willing, 2 extra’s to make clave prizes . Sound good. Any questions just send me a note. Here’s the updated list of who’s in and what they are tying. Not even close to 30 peeps yet. Flyswapees it!) Wolfgang Joe F Rocktrout(aka Bouncer)—— Mountain Midge head Frank Church Clark Reid Lou Teletski Hans Van der stroom—Ritz D — Tim Apple www.flyfishingaddict.com

– Svend  1600 Amphitheatre Pkwy       Phone: (+1) 650 933 3618  Mountain View  California 94043  USA

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Hey Guys, Again, flies due november 11th. Tie one for every tyer, including yourself. One for Dave and da’ kids and if willing, 2 extra’s to make clave prizes . Sound good. Any questions just send me a note. Here’s the updated list of who’s in and what they are tying. Not even close to 30 peeps yet. Flyswapees it!) Wolfgang Joe F Rocktrout(aka Bouncer)—— Mountain Midge head Frank Church Clark Reid Lou Teletski Hans Van der stroom—Ritz D — Tim Apple www.flyfishingaddict.com

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Question:

As for imparting a "taste," they can make a fly taste bitter, but after the numbness sets in, you really don’t notice it that much.

                  to the max. your friend in the old north state wayno

Response:

    I use Rain-X brand windshield treatment. It seems to be pretty much the same stuff as WaterShed, but for the same price as WaterShed you get about ten times more.

I got some Rain-x to try on some flies, on your suggestion. I haven’t had the chance to try it on any flies yet, but it worked wonders on the old pitted windshield on my van. Thanks Willi

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<< I’m wondering if anybody waterproof’s their dry flies, by which I mean some sort of post-tying, pre-fishing treatment << Does anyone have any experience with this? Do you think it leaves a "taste" on the fly? Any products to recommend or experiences to share? I use Water Shed on dry flys, when I have time to let it dry.  It seems to me to help, noticeably. I doubt that trout have time (generally) to taste a coating on a dry fly even if it is still wet, unless it somehow leaves a significant slick around the fly. Glenn GKT

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I’m wondering if anybody waterproof’s their dry flies, by which I mean some sort of post-tying, pre-fishing treatment. My local fly shop was trying to sell me something (the guy is _always_ on to some new product). I’ve also seen it suggested that spraying dries with a coat of Scotchguard (sp?) helps. Does anyone have any experience with this? Do you think it leaves a "taste" on the fly? Any products to recommend or experiences to share?

I use Hydrostop, although I’ll probably try Rain-X soon, thanks to Charlie W’s tip. These treatments have worked well for me. About the only thing that seems to defeat them is fish slime, and a few shakes in a powder/crystal floatant solves that problem very easily. As for imparting a "taste," they can make a fly taste bitter, but after the numbness sets in, you really don’t notice it that much. — Rusty Hook Laramie, Wyoming

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So has any one else used Rain-x with success Don I haven’t had the chance to try it on any flies yet, but it worked wonders on the old pitted windshield on my van. Be sure to use that stuff outside the house. Big Dale

Haven’t used that, but bought a spray can of Thompson’s Water Seal and it works great.  I have used it on my old canvas tent years ago and it worked good on that too.

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I use a goop called water shed…I think thats whats called.  Anyway this stuff is  permanant and will not come off.  The only drawback is that it needs at least 24 hours to cure…give it shot.  i think I paid around 3 or 4 dollars for it Go Oregon Ducks…The  Big Green Scoring Machine

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I use a goop called water shed…I think thats whats called.  Anyway this stuff is  permanant and will not come off.  The only drawback is that it needs at least 24 hours to cure…give it shot.  i think I paid around 3 or 4 dollars for it Go Oregon Ducks…The  Big Green Scoring Machine

So far it hasn’t impressed me much. I still have to grease my flies Flyfish

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    Rain-X comes in a squirt bottle. When I’ve finished tying a whole bunch of dries I place them in a small glass jar and spray them with Rain-X, then I shake them up real well to get them all saturated. I then dump them on a sheet of paper and let them dry for a day before putting them in fly

boxes. I got some Rain-X at the store last weekend. I’ll probably just refill my Hydrostop jar with it and soak ‘em that way. For drying the saturated flies, I hang them from a sort of clothesline I made just for that purpose. Lets the liquid sink into the flies instead of wicking away into the paper. Letting them dry for a full day is important, at least with Hydrostop. — Rusty Hook Laramie, Wyoming

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My dad used to make a concoction to waterproof his flies out of kerosene and parafin wax.  He would shave the wax and let it melt and then add the kerosene to the solution and then soak the flies in the mix.  Not sure the proportions nor how he melted the wax and then added the kerosene. He tried to get me to heat up the kerosene with the wax on the stove at the same time… but then I was never his favortie! <g

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So has any one else used Rain-x with success Don – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – haven’t had the chance to try it on any flies yet, but it worked wonders on the old pitted windshield on my van. Be sure to use that stuff outside the house. Big Dale

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –     I use Rain-X brand windshield treatment. It seems to be pretty much the same stuff as WaterShed, but for the same price as WaterShed you get about ten times more. I recently paid more than $6 for an ounce of Hydrostop while the Rain-X was sitting in my garage the whole time (ignorance is _not_ bliss)!  Do you find that Rain-X is best applied in the same manner as Hydrostop or Watershed, or do you use some other method?  Thanks for any input.

    Rain-X comes in a squirt bottle. When I’ve finished tying a whole bunch of dries I place them in a small glass jar and spray them with Rain-X, then I shake them up real well to get them all saturated. I then dump them on a sheet of paper and let them dry for a day before putting them in fly boxes.

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I got some Rain-x to try on some flies, on your suggestion. I haven’t had the chance to try it on any flies yet, but it worked wonders on the old pitted windshield on my van. Thanks Willi

I used that stuff on my truck when it was new.  Put a base sticker on the windshield.  Base sticker couldn’t handle the Rain-X.  Peeled off somewhere around Cherry Run. — Frank Reid Reverse email to reply.

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haven’t had the chance to try it on any flies yet, but it worked wonders on the old pitted windshield on my van.

Be sure to use that stuff outside the house. Big Dale

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I believe that 3M took Scotchguard off the market because it causes cancer. I keep hearing that, but they still advertise it anyway: http://cms.3m.com/cms/US/en/2-78/icFurFS/view.jhtml

I think it has been reformulated, according to cans I’ve seen lately. TC, R

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Weird. I’m sure I heard that they withdrew it. It must have been at least a year ago. I recall that they actually got publicity because they did it on their own initiative, and weren’t forced to by the government, which I guess was unusual. Maybe that’s just an obsolete web page that never got trashed.

Could be just an obsolete reference, or maybe they reformulated it? They did withdraw it in 2000: http://myphlip1.pearsoncmg.com/cw/mpviewce.cfm?vceid=1856&vbcid=4150 — Charlie…

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I believe that 3M took Scotchguard off the market because it causes cancer. I keep hearing that, but they still advertise it anyway: http://cms.3m.com/cms/US/en/2-78/icFurFS/view.jhtml Weird. I’m sure I heard that they withdrew it. It must have been at least a year ago. I recall that they actually got publicity because they did it on their own initiative, and weren’t forced to by the government, which I guess was unusual. Maybe that’s just an obsolete web page that never got trashed.

They have apparently created a *new* formula for the product under the same name.   http://products.3m.com/usenglish/home_leisure/home_leisure.jhtml? powurl=Z2GT0H3KWKbeGSHCV1ZFXKgeGST1T4S9TCgvV2G53V0FBRgl

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Hello, I’m wondering if anybody waterproof’s their dry flies, by which I mean some sort of post-tying, pre-fishing treatment. My local fly shop was trying to sell me something (the guy is _always_ on to some new product). I’ve also seen it suggested that spraying dries with a coat of Scotchguard (sp?) helps. Does anyone have any experience with this? Do you think it leaves a "taste" on the fly? Any products to recommend or experiences to share?

    I use Rain-X brand windshield treatment. It seems to be pretty much the same stuff as WaterShed, but for the same price as WaterShed you get about ten times more.

Response:

I use shoe-waterproofing silicone liquid.  "Cavalier Ever-Dri" at the moment, but I suspect all brands are the same. Rather than dip the flies in it, I use a cheap "artrist’s brush"  to daub it on the fly.  That not only saves the stuff, but makes it possible to paint the flotating parts of an emerger but not the sinking parts. When I posted this some months ago, someone else said it doesn’t work very well, but it seems OK to me. vince

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Hello, I’m wondering if anybody waterproof’s their dry flies, by which I mean some sort of post-tying, pre-fishing treatment. My local fly shop was trying to sell me something (the guy is _always_ on to some new product). I’ve also seen it suggested that spraying dries with a coat of Scotchguard (sp?) helps. Does anyone have any experience with this? Do you think it leaves a "taste" on the fly? Any products to recommend or experiences to share? thanks, TyKo

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I’ve also seen it suggested that spraying dries with a coat of Scotchguard (sp?) helps.

I believe that 3M took Scotchguard off the market because it causes cancer. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

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… I’m wondering if anybody waterproof’s their dry flies, …

I rub in a drop or two of Water Shed when I take my dry flies out of the vise. — Ken Fortenberry

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Hello, I’m wondering if anybody waterproof’s their dry flies, by which I mean some sort of post-tying, pre-fishing treatment. My local fly shop was trying to sell me something (the guy is _always_ on to some new product). I’ve also seen it suggested that spraying dries with a coat of Scotchguard (sp?) helps. Does anyone have any experience with this? Do you think it leaves a "taste" on the fly? Any products to recommend or experiences to share?

I use a product called "Water Shed."  It’s billed as a "Pre Fishing Treatmetnt for Flies, Tying Materials, Leaders and Lines."  Works pretty good IMO. — Warren change addy to yahoo for email Henry’s Fork Clave info and Bozeman, MT fishing info http://www.geocities.com/troutbum_mt3/HFclave.html

Response:

I believe that 3M took Scotchguard off the market because it causes cancer. I keep hearing that, but they still advertise it anyway: http://cms.3m.com/cms/US/en/2-78/icFurFS/view.jhtml

Weird. I’m sure I heard that they withdrew it. It must have been at least a year ago. I recall that they actually got publicity because they did it on their own initiative, and weren’t forced to by the government, which I guess was unusual. Maybe that’s just an obsolete web page that never got trashed. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

Response:

I believe that 3M took Scotchguard off the market because it causes cancer.

I keep hearing that, but they still advertise it anyway: http://cms.3m.com/cms/US/en/2-78/icFurFS/view.jhtml — Charlie…

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Question:

Just one other point, a very wise man once said to me when I asked him if something was a good idea " If you have to think very long and very hard about it, and are still not sure, don’t do it".

Excellent point. Right now I’m leaning to getting the horses. It all depends on how my stock options pan out. Money can turn what otherwise would be a terrible idea into an excellent idea.

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<equine opine snipped PS-Stay away from llamas, they are for grass maggot (sheep) herders and a major pain (attitudes).

Spoken like a true Montanan. Welcome, Warren. — Ken Fortenberry

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Vaccinations twice a year are a good idea, and if you have the money (it sounds like you do), vet checks are a good idea. Have the vets come out and worm/vaccinate twice a year, and they’ll spot something early that you might not, especially as a beginner.

And DON’T forget to get a vet check BEFORE you buy a horse.  It can save you a ton of money in the long run.   Vaccinations are a good idea, but not necessary unless the horses are going to come into contact with tons of other horses.  I guess the main reason we don’t is that we have too many and it is easier to treat on an as needed basis. However, for two, better to be safe than sorry is a good philosophy.  It really isn’t that expensive to do it yourself. The key is keeping the vet away unless necessary.  So the more you learn and are able to do, the less reliance you will have on a vet to come out and give shots/worm. Worming is easy, just a tube that shoots out measured amounts of a paste based upon the body weight (you actually set the tube with the weight and it premeasures sort of).  Just have to make sure to get it way back in the mouth so they don’t spit it out. Most stuff is fairly easy and you will pick it up as you go.  It kind of helps you bond with the animal and the animal with you.  I can’t put into words how important the relationship is between a horse and a rider, but it involves lots of trust and patience.  It will eventually turn into a bond that will hopefully last a lifetime. I would also suggest that maybe you start taking riding lessons before you buy horses.  The instructor will be able to teach you many things about horse care and horsemanship that will be invaluable down the road. Warren

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I’m partial to llamas in the backcountry. They can carry 100-120 lbs of gear (but not you), their padded feet are easier on the trails than a horse’s hoofs and they browse and eat their own food instead of grazing on scarce mountain grasses.

Llamas are out of the question. For one thing I need an animal to carry ME for one or two days, not 120 lbs of gear. For another thing, I’d be laughed out of Custer County.

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I’m not, nor will I ever be, an equestrian. But I’ve known enough of them that I’m familiar with some of the potential pitfalls of horse ownership. The best way to sum it up is to say that on a cost/hour basis, horses don’t make much economic sense for the casual fisherman. I realize that boarding costs are highly variable, presumably driven by geography and relative cost of living, but the prospect of shelling out thousands of dollars annually for a couple months’ usage would certainly be a sobering prospect indeed for many of us. Another point to consider: ATV’s are replacing working horses on some ranches (for some jobs). I bet it’s because they’re ‘cheaper to keep’. Good luck.

ATVs aren’t allowed most places I want to go. They don’t even allow mountain bikes. Also, I’m not looking at this as a purely economic deal. I like horses and I like riding them. I’m mainly concerned about the learning curve because I’ve never kept them before.

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Get the horses.  As a matter of fact buy some of my inlaws horses.  I already crash tested one. Seriously, horses are great for hunting and fishing trips.  You won’t need to ship them out to CA for the winter either.  We have over 40 head and keep them outside all winter long up here in Montana. As to feeding. That depends on how much room you have there.  You might get by with grazing them off the pasture if it is big enough and then feeding them hay in the winter.  Hay isn’t all that expensive really.  A horse needs about 2% of its body weight of feed a day.  A 1200 lb horse comes out to a wopping 24 pounds of hay.  Don’t know what the hay prices down there are, but up here it is about $60/ton of good alfalfa. As far as routine medications, just wormer once a year.  Maybe twice a year to be safe.  Want to be even safer?  Worm them or have them wormed before you bring them home.  Shouldn’t have to see a vet at all.  With 40 head we have had the vet out twice this year.  Both horses got caught in a fence.  One while rolling on the ground and got collicky because it was in the fence for several hours overnight and twisted (bad for horses intestines).  The other we think was kicking at a dog and got its legged stuck in a coral panel.  That one was pretty nasty. Try to find a book on horse care and read it for yourself and decide how much hassle it will be for you. Cost wise they are not too bad.  The big pain is in the beginning.  You can find a younger (5-10 year old horse) that is well broke for around $1,500. Then saddles and the other tack, well that depends on new or used.  Make sure you actually sit in the saddle before you buy one.  Ideally you want to sit in it on the horse to get a good feel for it.  Usually can’t though so just make sure you butt isn’t too big (or small).  You won’t need a fancy roping saddle or anything so used you can probably pick one up for about $400-500.  Shop around!  Read the classifieds, check out feed stores (sometimes they have bullentin boards with horses and tack for sale). Being on the high side, look to spend about $6,000 for 2 horses and tack and another $600 or so a year on hay. There are several things you can to do in taking care of horses to make them less at risk for disease, injury, and sickness so arm yourself with knowledge and make the decision afterwards. Happy Trails and Tight Lines. Warren PS-Stay away from llamas, they are for grass maggot (sheep) herders and a major pain (attitudes).

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I’m not, nor will I ever be, an equestrian. But I’ve known enough of them that I’m familiar with some of the potential pitfalls of horse ownership. The best way to sum it up is to say that on a cost/hour basis, horses don’t make much economic sense for the casual fisherman. I realize that boarding costs are highly variable, presumably driven by geography and relative cost of living, but the prospect of shelling out thousands of dollars annually for a couple months’ usage would certainly be a sobering prospect indeed for many of us. Another point to consider: ATV’s are replacing working horses on some ranches (for some jobs). I bet it’s because they’re ‘cheaper to keep’. Good luck. Jeff

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The very best flyfishing in my area (central Idaho) is fairly inaccessible. There are excellent wilderness rivers and backcountry lakes that require some pretty heroic hiking to get to, if you’re not rafting. Once you get there, though, you have it all to yourself, aside from the odd backpacker or two. I’m thinking of getting a couple of horses. I have room for a nice paddock next to my cabin. It’s also a consideration that my older daughter adores horses, and I made the potentially serious mistake of mentioning this idea to her. It’s really, really tempting. The other day, while hiking out from a backcountry lake and sweating blood, a couple of horseback riders passed me going up the trail at a fast trot. They were like gods. It looked so wonderful. My problem is that I have virtually no experience keeping horses. Just a few pack trips. How difficult is it? I’m what you’d call an animal-oriented person. I’ve always had lots of dogs and cats and a multitude of other creatures, but no horses. I figure that at a minimum I’d have to build a fence for the paddock, buy all the gear (in addition to the horses), find a ferrier and a large-animal vet, get a two-horse trailer, and arrange for someone to take care of them for the short periods when I’m not around. Then there’s the question of what to do with them in the winter. I figure I could trailer them back to my home in northern California (Menlo Park) and board them at one of the many stables here. These stables mostly cater to Woodside billionaires, but what the heck. It can’t be that expensive for a few months. Is this a stupid idea? Will I regret it?

Response:

The very best flyfishing in my area (central Idaho) is fairly inaccessible. There are excellent wilderness rivers and backcountry lakes that require some pretty heroic hiking to get to, if you’re not rafting. Once you get there, though, you have it all to yourself, aside from the odd backpacker or two. I’m thinking of getting a couple of horses.

I’m partial to llamas in the backcountry. They can carry 100-120 lbs of gear (but not you), their padded feet are easier on the trails than a horse’s hoofs and they browse and eat their own food instead of grazing on scarce mountain grasses. — Ken Fortenberry

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Sounds like a great idea to me. If you have the time and possibilities, and can afford it, do it, but check the prices at those stables etc first, you may be very unpleasantly surprised, also horses involve a lot of care and work, far more than one imagines. Trailering them is also a pain, for you and for the horses. Mountain bikes can be thrown in the cabin or garage when you are done with them, don’t eat, don’t crap, and don’t get ill apart from an occasional broken chain etc. They cost much less than horses, they are less likely to get stolen, or run away, they are not edible to any great degree, and can not be turned into sausage meat, they do not wear extremely costly handmade steel shoes which require frequent replacement,  do not require horrendously expensive injections and medications at regular intervals, and they also require no looking after when you are absent. They do not engender quite as much enthusiasm on the part of dutiful daughters ( dutiful at least until the first ton of horse manure has to be shovelled out of somewhere ! ) I know a couple of the aforementioned daughters ! Their parents own quite a few horses. Quite amazing how often they have "urgent appointments" when the novelty has worn off, and the animals have to be groomed or cleaned out etc etc. If your daughter wants to ride, rent a horse for her for a while until you are certain she will keep it up and it is worth it. I know all this because I help out ( which usually means I shovel horse shit ! ) for the chance of an occasional ride on one of my friends horses. Not trying to dissuade you in any way, just playing advocatus diaboli. Just one other point, a very wise man once said to me when I asked him if something was a good idea " If you have to think very long and very hard about it, and are still not sure, don’t do it". TL MC

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The very best flyfishing in my area (central Idaho) is fairly inaccessible. There are excellent wilderness rivers and backcountry lakes that require some pretty heroic hiking to get to, if you’re not rafting. Once you get there, though, you have it all to yourself, aside from the odd backpacker or two. I’m thinking of getting a couple of horses. I have room for a nice paddock next to my cabin. It’s also a consideration that my older daughter adores horses, and I made the potentially serious mistake of mentioning this idea to her. It’s really, really tempting. The other day, while hiking out from a backcountry lake and sweating blood, a couple of horseback riders passed me going up the trail at a fast trot. They were like gods. It looked so wonderful. My problem is that I have virtually no experience keeping horses. Just a few pack trips. How difficult is it? I’m what you’d call an animal-oriented person. I’ve always had lots of dogs and cats and a multitude of other creatures, but no horses. I figure that at a minimum I’d have to build a fence for the paddock, buy all the gear (in addition to the horses), find a ferrier and a large-animal vet, get a two-horse trailer, and arrange for someone to take care of them for the short periods when I’m not around. Then there’s the question of what to do with them in the winter. I figure I could trailer them back to my home in northern California (Menlo Park) and board them at one of the many stables here. These stables mostly cater to Woodside billionaires, but what the heck. It can’t be that expensive for a few months. Is this a stupid idea? Will I regret it?

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Question:

Have I used a slinky? Well no. As an aside, you might try asking Mr G this question…especially if (like me) you’re the type of guy who just can’t resist pouring gasoline on a fire. The ensuing eruption might be fun to watch. I have fly-fished with a similar rig: marshmallow nymphs (ala Fly Tyer’s Bench, Fly Fisherman 199?). Marshmallow nymphs are dynamite. They are soft-bodied modular nymph bodies made from open-cell foam, covered with a fine nylon netting. The open-cell nymph body soaks up enough water to (almost) reach neutral bouyancy. So, if you put a split shot 12-18" up the leader, you have no trouble sinking the fly. But because of a small residual, bouyancy caused by lingering air bubbles in the foam, a marshmallow nymph does float casually upward from the split shot. In other words, you can fish a marshmallow nymph right off the bottom, but it still has a weightless quality that allows it to move naturally, slowly, softly in the water. ….best goddam stonefly nymphs there are. — /* Sandy Pittendrigh                  –oO0  * http://www.nervana.montana.edu/~sandy  */

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Sorry if I missed it, but where can we find "marshmallow nymphs?" (Or better yet, the materials to make them?) Thanks, Scott

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Why use  a slinkie for flyfishing?  I’ve used lots of  weighted (artificial lead wound) wooly buggers, which cast fairly well, get down well, and are very effective for steelhead.  Of course you can vary the weight when tying.  I use these for summer steelhead fishing mostly, since the water is often too fast and deep in Northwest rivers to adequately sink the fly during the winter.

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    Slinkies are indeed a part of spinning or bait casting tackle, not at all to be confused with fly fishing. Remember (as if any of you need reminding), fly casting throws/casts the line, not the lure; bait or spin casting throws/casts the terminal rig. Since slinkies are part of the terminal rig, they are, by definition, bait/spin casting gear.     Mono alone doesn’t cast well, and a fly doesn’t cast well on mono. They are totally different fishing methods (sometimes philosophies), and anyone who tells you he/she is fly fishing while they tie on a slinkie is only kidding themselves. Fishing with flies and a fly rod doesn’t necessarily mean you are fly fishing.You have to be casting your line not your sinker.     I fish with  yarn flies(almost exclusively) for steelies. I alternate between a Loomis 1084 drift rod and a Fenwick IronFeather 9 wgt. I’m not a fly fisherman, it’s just that this combination of gear has worked for me. Everything I use is fly fishing gear, including my Systems2, except my line. All mono. I have all the lines and leaders and krap that fly fishing entails, but for steelhead fishing, the simplicity that mono provides cant be beat. And slinkies aren’t part of my arsenal. Al – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It seems to me that the rig would be easier and more effective using a spinning or bait casting rig. If you want to fish that much weight, a fly rod is not a great cgoice. A similar rig is popular on some of Wyomings big rivers but it is used by spin fishermen. Willi

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On the Salmon River in NY, slinkies have become quite popular for those fishing for salmon & steelhead.   Because the river is chock full of snags of one sort or another, it is frustratingly common to lose your rig.   As often as not, it is the split shot that hangs up; and the flexibility and shape of slinkies seems to reduce this annoying problem.   Up there however, they are made up of 3 or more very large split shot, any one of which could cause a serious head injury. They are used predominantly by spin fishermen and snaggers who dredge the bottom with 30 lb. mono.   Some find that the sensitivity of a fly rod helps them detect strikes, and use these chuck and duck rigs with fly rods. These fishermen use fly rods simply to lob the weights and a fly without ever really casting their line or having the slightest concept or ability to actually fly fish.   Most unfortunately, this is legally considered fly fishing; and these rigs are allowed in the fly fishing only stretches of the river. Sadly, this crap isn’t even necessary.   I have never used one.   The most weight I’ve ever added has been three BB sized split shot.   By casting upstream and mending properly, that’s been more than enough in even the fastest and deepest water.   And no, the spinning guys do not get more hookups; quite the opposite.   With less weight, the strikes are more easily detected. I would support a legal definition of fly fishing that requires that the fly be propelled only by the weight of the line and limiting the allowable amount of added weight.   Whatever everybody wants to do to dredge the river elsewhere is beyond my control, but it ain’t fly fishing and shouldn’t be allowed in fly fishing only areas. Joe

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -On the Salmon River in NY, slinkies have become quite popular for those fishing for salmon & steelhead.   Because the river is chock full of snags of one sort or another, it is frustratingly common to lose your rig.   As often as not, it is the split shot that hangs up; and the flexibility and shape of slinkies seems to reduce this annoying problem.   Up there however, they are made up of 3 or more very large split shot, any one of which could cause a serious head injury. They are used predominantly by spin fishermen and snaggers who dredge the bottom with 30 lb. mono.   Some find that the sensitivity of a fly rod helps them detect strikes, and use these chuck and duck rigs with fly rods. These fishermen use fly rods simply to lob the weights and a fly without ever really casting their line or having the slightest concept or ability to actually fly fish.   Most unfortunately, this is legally considered fly fishing; and these rigs are allowed in the fly fishing only stretches of the river. Sadly, this crap isn’t even necessary.   I have never used one.   The most weight I’ve ever added has been three BB sized split shot.   By casting upstream and mending properly, that’s been more than enough in even the fastest and deepest water.   And no, the spinning guys do not get more hookups; quite the opposite.   With less weight, the strikes are more easily detected. I would support a legal definition of fly fishing that requires that the fly be propelled only by the weight of the line and limiting the allowable amount of added weight.   Whatever everybody wants to do to dredge the river elsewhere is beyond my control, but it ain’t fly fishing and shouldn’t be allowed in fly fishing only areas. Joe

Hey Joe,  I hear ya!! I fish the Salmon River Quite often and find what most fishermen consider fly-fishing in the fly zone ludicrous. I admit that some sort of weight system is needed on the River( Sink tip, split shot??), but the slinky rig is not fly-fishing.  The snags are occuring because of the mass of weight on the leader.  Minimum flow are keeping the river down.  This whole season I didn’t ever add much weight and I am having one of the best years in a while.   It is fast becoming a lost art to actually stategically wade,  cast a fly-line,  mend the line,  and  control the drift through areas suspected to hold Steelhead.  I seldom fish the fly zone.  It is crowded with weight chucking slinky-ites dredging the bottom and foul hooking fish.  I don’t understand how a take can be detected with that rig.  Keep on casting!!  Matt C.  

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It seems to me that the rig would be easier and more effective using a spinning or bait casting rig. If you want to fish that much weight, a fly rod is not a great cgoice. A similar rig is popular on some of Wyomings big rivers but it is used by spin fishermen. Of course, "they’re a fun and a wonderful toy". I missed the original post, what’s a Slinkie in fishing.      - Ken

common drift fishing (gear fishing) weight used by drift fishermen in the northwest.  used by so-called flyfishermen in the great lakes and some in the northwest.  a parachute cord filled with lead shot as burned at both ends to seal it.  hooked to a swivel (since when has using a swivel been part of flyfishing tackle?). sorry guys, i don’t think slinky fishing is flyfishing.  i have nothing against people using the rig, but calling it flyfishing bugs me.  the whole setup uses a level line, so one is actually just flipping, not casting the line like normal flyfishing. flyfishing for steelhead is by itself taking a more difficult way to catch these fish and putting restraints on ourselves because of our tackle choice.  you can catch plenty of steelhead without using slinkies, especially in the northwest. chris

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It seems to me that the rig would be easier and more effective using a spinning or bait casting rig. If you want to fish that much weight, a fly rod is not a great cgoice. A similar rig is popular on some of Wyomings big rivers but it is used by spin fishermen.

Of course, "they’re a fun and a wonderful toy". I missed the original post, what’s a Slinkie in fishing.      - Ken — "It suddenly struck me that that tiny pea, pretty and blue, was the Earth. I  put up my thumb and shut one eye, and my thumb blotted out the planet Earth.  I didn’t feel like a giant. I felt very, very small."                         -Neil Armstrong

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It seems to me that the rig would be easier and more effective using a spinning or bait casting rig. If you want to fish that much weight, a fly rod is not a great cgoice. A similar rig is popular on some of Wyomings big rivers but it is used by spin fishermen. Willi

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Question:

I’m heading to Big St. Germaine, WI (above Rhinelander, near Eagle River) in July and would like some information regarding fly fishing streams and lakes in the area.  Does anyone know if an FFF or TU chapter exists the the North Woods of Wisconsin?  Is there a shop I could contact.  How about guides in this area.  I’m a saltwater fly fisher and this will be only my second attempt at creek/stream fishing.  Any patterns that I should try in the summer months.  I’m a fairly adept tyer.  Thanks for the help.

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I’m heading to Big St. Germaine, WI (above Rhinelander, near Eagle River) in July and would like some information regarding fly fishing streams and lakes in the area.  Does anyone know if an FFF or TU chapter exists the the North Woods of Wisconsin?  Is there a shop I could contact.  How about guides in this area.  I’m a saltwater fly fisher and this will be only my second attempt at creek/stream fishing.  Any patterns that I should try in the summer months.  I’m a fairly adept tyer.  Thanks for the help.

Hmmm.  Lots of lakes.  (LOTS of lakes.)  Lots of streams.  A mixture of cold and warm water fisheries.  Take lots of Wooly Buggers in black, white, olive and dark olive.  The Wisconsin fly fishing page lists all the trout streams in the state.  There are too many lakes in the area to even start a list. My plan was to rig up with an olive WB then walk in a straight line till I hit water.  (Usually no more than 200′.) JC

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Question:

It’s walming up over hear in holland and I am itching to have a go and flyfishing for carp.    Is there any on out ther that can provide me thith a fiew tips,  tactics,  and carp dedicated patterns etc. Julian Young PS. is is also posible to catch walleye on the fly ?

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walleye?  maybe using a minnow pattern — if you’re fishing where the wally’s are chasing bait fish. carp?  try wolly buggers and other leach patterns soaked in garlic juice, vanilla, or peppermint.

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Question:

I’m new to the Washington State area and would like to try my luck on some of the rivers and streams in the western half of the state.  Would any body mind dirrecting me to some decent rivers in this area, mind you, I don’t want to know your secret spot but maybe the location of some productive streams/rivers. Thank you in advance for any information you all might render.

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I am going to Cancun in mid april with my company, and I would like to know if there is any fly-fishing in the immediate area around Cancun.   If you know of anything or anyone please let me know.  Thank You.

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Question:

: I am looking for a list of Fly Fishing Shops across the country Have you seen the Phonelist FAQ.  It has over 800 numbers and was posted here a couple weeks ago.  I’ll post it again tonight or tomorrow. Marty

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I am looking for a list of Fly Fishing Shops across the country and Canada.  I do quite a bit of traveling, and feel that this would be quite handy. Thank You, Scott

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Question:

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

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

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

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Question:

I am in need of some fly-fishing spots.  I live in the Chicago area . . .

I, too, live near Chicago and have been looking for places to go that are nearby.  So far as I can tell, there’s not one bloody trout stream anywhere in the state.  The good news is that just a short hop away, in SW Wisconsin (I’m told) there are some fairly decent trout streams, some of which are designated no-kill streams.  I’ve also heard of various streams in Michigan that might be decent, but don’t know any specifics. I got this information from the Trout & Grouse store, which is located in Northfield (right off the Edens expressway).  I took a fly-fishing course there just recently (I’m just beginning), and they apparently have guides that know these WI and MI streams really well.  Sorry, I don’t have their phone or address handy, though I’m sure they’re in the directory if you want to give them a call. Hope this helps.  Keith — Keith Ludwig, Odesta Systems Corporation,

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Being a displaced Coloradoan here in the land of Lincoln, I am in need of some fly-fishing spots.  I live in the Chicago area . . . does anyone have any suggestions or secret spots they might care to divulge.  I will throw a fly at anything but catfish or carp Thanks, Kevin

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