Question:

Check with Fish First Fly shop in Chico. 167 E 3rd St. Chico CA 95928 Tel (530) 343-8300 Fax (530) 343-8934 Their web site is www.fishfirst.com

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I just resently moved to Chico and I love to flyu fish.  I’m don’t know where any good local fishing spots are near by.  If anyone could help me with some streams to fish and some flys to use here in Butte County I would appreciate it Thank you.

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I just resently moved to Chico and I love to flyu fish.  I’m don’t know where any good local fishing spots are near by.  If anyone could help me with some streams to fish and some flys to use here in Butte County I would appreciate it Thank you.

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Question:

For practice, try standing with your off-side shoulder to your target (ie: your feet will point 90

Question:

Thanks for the info.  I’ll have to try the "Prissy".  I figure even with the 5wt it ought to be fun just trying.

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…  I’d like to try out my first fly rod and wondered if anyone had any suggestions on what to throw? Oh yea,  my only rod (so far) is a 5wt …

Poppers, the bigger the better but whatever you can cast. I like deer hair poppers but they’re real wind eaters. The weedless ones are best, they have a loop of heavy mono tied in to surround the hook point. Use a short & heavy leader, ie less than 7′ and tapered from .021 (~ 50 lb test) or so down to about a 3X or even 2X. Some folks don’t even worry about taper when tossing big bass poppers and just use 6 or 7 foot of moderately heavy (30-40 lb test) mono. You can catch big bass on a 5wt but you’d be better off with a heavier rig, especially if you need to horse ‘em out of the weeds. — Ken Fortenberry

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<<I’ll be down in Tx early in April and have the opportunity to fish lake fork.  Bass should be in the shallows and i’ve been told it’s a good opportunity to do some sight fishing.   I’d like to try out my first fly rod and wondered if anyone had any suggestions on what to throw? Oh yea,  my only rod (so far) is a 5wt so I suspect I can’t throw the monster bugs. You will be here at a very good time. From the first of April until tmid June is the best time for fly fishing Laker Fork. If you are using a 5 wt rod I would advise taking an extra. This is also a very good time for blue gill and crappie. They are huge and will be just right for your 5 wt. . I usually use 17 lb. leader at Lake Fork. No taper. These fish aren’t leader shy. Even the big bass will hit small poppers. A favorite of mine is called "Miss Prissy". You can buy them at WalMart for less than you can make them. It may still be a little early for poppers. If so, try something like chartruese or white wooly buggers or zonkers. The fish that you see are probably bedding fish. Cast to them but if they ignore it leave them alone to spawn. You will see people torment them until they are able to snag them. There are a couple of good fly fishing guides on the lake if you need one.

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I’ll be down in Tx early in April and have the opportunity to fish lake fork.  Bass should be in the shallows and i’ve been told it’s a good opportunity to do some sight fishing.   I’d like to try out my first fly rod and wondered if anyone had any suggestions on what to throw? Oh yea,  my only rod (so far) is a 5wt so I suspect I can’t throw the monster bugs. thanks in advance for any suggestions or tips.

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Question:

We got an early start on Friday; left Milwaukee at 2 p.m. and managed to find a campsite on the Two Hearted by about an hour after dark.  We looked like something out a Chevy Chase movie.  The Jeep Grand Cherokee had two bicycles strapped onto the rear windshield and a pop-up camper behind.  Jay, Becky, and I had enough gear and supplies among us to last us a great deal longer than the three day weekend we had planned.  This turned out to be a good thing as circumstances caused us to stay a couple of days longer. The High Bridge Campground north of Newberry Michigan has six sites.  We grabbed the first one we saw on Friday night and lucked out.  Site no. 2 sits at the top of a small sand bluff immediately adjacent to the river.  As soon as we got the trailer situated and the engine turned off we could easily hear the water gurgling below us; a most auspicious beginning! Saturday morning Jay and I hit the stream while Becky lounged in camp. We fished it hard for a couple of hours and then met back at camp to compare notes.  Things were not looking good.  Virtually nothing was coming off the water and the fish were in no mood to play with us.  I saw one stone fly, a couple of languid looking caddis, and no mayflies at all.  I found one small rainbow rising in a desultory fashion to something I couldn’t see.  He eventually fell for a well placed EHC and that was the last fish I saw.  Jay did a little better.  He managed half a dozen small rainbows on a bead head hare’s ear.  And this, it would turn out, was to be the most productive fishing session of the trip. Sunday morning found us exploring a bit further downstream.  We took a look at the East Branch of the Two Hearted.  The east branch is a bit smaller than the main branch and Jay found it more to his liking.  We drove a couple miles further up the road to look at Pike Lake.  I was eager to introduce Becky to belly boats and this looked like the place to do it.  We decided to take Jay back to the east branch and then putter around on the lake for a while.  We would pick jay up back at the bridge at 7 or so.  We never made it back to drop him off.  About 3 miles from the bridge I heard a strange noise under the hood of the Jeep.  We stopped and exchanged ideas of where the sound was coming from.  We all agreed that it was coming from somewhere near the top of the engine but that was the best we could do.  Half a mile down the road the power steering failed and by the time I stopped the vehicle the gauges were all over the map.  We opened the hood again and this time there was no doubt where the problem was.  The power steering unit had self destructed. Luckily we had a cell phone.  After a few calls to Newberry we found a towing service with a flat bed that would come and get us.  Unluckily, we were fifteen miles from the nearest paved road.  The wrecker took 3 1/2 hours to get to us.  The intervening time was spent trying to stay away from and to kill as many as possible of THE WORST infestation of horse-flies, deer flies, and those pesky little biters that look just like house flies I have ever seen!  At 95 degrees F., and 90 % humidity we had to stay in the vehicle because it was the only way to control the numbers of flies we were exposed to.  We could either chase them out or kill them with hats or towels or other makeshift fly swatters.  Outside the mob was too big.  Even a constantly waving towel couldn’t keep them off.  We all got many bites! To make a long story short, we had planned to return home on Monday but were forced to stay two extra days while waiting for a new power steering unit to find its way in from the civilized world.  The fish never did bite (water temps were way to high), the flies continued to bite, though with somewhat less vigor as the temperature and humidity fell over the next two days.  We had a couple of lovely thunderstorms and a tornado allegedly touched down with a half miles of us as we sat waiting for a pizza in Newberry on Monday night. Spent a day on the Lake Superior shore hunting agates and enjoyed a great deal more success in this venture than we did fishing.  Not much of a fishing story I’m afraid but it was at least an opportunity to get out of the city for a while.  Everyone enjoyed the outing despite the tribulations. For future reference, it looks like there’s a lot of good water in the eastern U.P.  Will have to give it another try in a cooler season, and definitely recommend the area to anyone who’s never been there.  Big forests, far away from everything. Tight Lines!

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We got an early start on Friday; left Milwaukee at 2 p.m. and managed to

find a campsite on the Two Hearted by about an hour after dark. < <tale of terror and disaster snipped You shoulda fished the Fox. <g

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We got an early start on Friday; left Milwaukee at 2 p.m. and managed to find a campsite on the Two Hearted by about an hour after dark. < <tale of terror and disaster snipped You shoulda fished the Fox. <g

With a ten year old Pathfinder ;^)

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It really nice of you out-of-staters to come and feed the woods critters for us – Several years ago we hiked in from ‘Lone Pine Dump’ and had a great day of fishing – just follow the bear trail

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Question:

Hello Ken, This is something I’ve been doing quite a bit in the last couple of years. I’m certainly no expert, but here are a few thoughts.. For tackle I recommend a fairly stiff 8 weight rod with a Lamson reel.  You can get away with Pfleuger or a Scientific Angler but they’ll require more care and aren’t as smooth.  Use 20 lb. dacron backing.  Nothing your going to hook is going to run that far.  Even a big red usually stays within 100 yds of where he was hooked so you don’t need Bonefish gear. This rig will handle bass, redfish, speckled trout and the occasional flounder.  You’ll have to deal with wind.  Just the way it goes.  Try the Scientific Anglers Mastery series Wind Cheater line.  Helps a bit.  I also use a slow sinking line a lot and it’s a bit easier to cast into the wind.  I’d go with the Wind Cheater to start with.  Takes some of the edge off of being a beginner. The single most effective lure for me is a chartreuse/white Clouser minnow. Works on Reds and Specks under most circumstances.  Later you can go with some crab patterns for Reds and some Seaducers and Leftys Deceivers for Specks. Don’t discount Crazy Charlies either.. great under the lights for Specks. There are other patterns.. Roadkills, different shrimp imitations, but if you head out with half-a-dozen Clousers and a couple or lighter streamers, you’ll handle most of what you encounter. Is this what you wanted to know? Andy Schreckenghost Houston TX – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am new to fly fishing and in need of information for fishing in the coastal bend.  For instance reel and rod recommendations.  I hear that the wind is a consideration when fishing in the bay. I would appreciate any information. Thank you, Ken Clay

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I am new to fly fishing and in need of information for fishing in the coastal bend.  For instance reel and rod recommendations.  I hear that the wind is a consideration when fishing in the bay. I would appreciate any information. Thank you, Ken Clay

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Question:

I am planning a trip to the Bahamas in February.  I would like to know the proper procedure for checking into Bahamian waters and the procedures for documenting animals on board. Also the names of any good marinas would be appreciated. Thanks, John

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Bahamas in February.  I would like to know the proper procedure for checking into Bahamian waters and the procedures for documenting animals on board. Also the names of any good marinas would be appreciated.

Everything (and more) can be found at:     http://www.bluewaterweb.com/ Good luck and good sailing. s/v Kerry Deare of Barnegat (Remove BOAT) http://www.geocities.com/colosseum/sideline/8620

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Spring for a copy of the Yachtsmans Guide To The Bahamas by Meredith Fields (?).  It’s a very useful book for planning your cruise and finding your way around. What part(s) of the Bahamas are you going to?  (It’s a BIG place) I am planning a trip to the Bahamas in February.  I would like to know the proper procedure for checking into Bahamian waters and the procedures for documenting animals on board. Also the names of any good marinas would be appreciated. Thanks, John

Steve Kuiper, CPA Steve Kuiper & Co., P.A. Altamonte Springs, FL

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February.  I would like to know the proper procedure for checking into Bahamian waters and the procedures for documenting animals on board. Also the names of any good marinas would be appreciated. CruisingSailor.com  has a lot of free info in the  free World Cruising Guide, East Coast of US, Bahamas section.

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I am planning a trip to the Bahamas in February.  I would like to know the proper procedure for checking into Bahamian waters and the procedures for documenting animals on board. Also the names of any good marinas would be appreciated. Thanks, John

Fly your yellow quaranteen flag when you enter Bahamian waters and keep it up until you clear. Most marinas will allow you to tie up while you clear. In fact many will call customs for you.  You can go ashore with all the paper work but your crew must stay on board until the boat is cleared. You may want to get a fishing licence at the same time! You are supposed to obtain a permit for your pet before you arrive.  Rabies shots must be a month old and less than a year old. I have heard of those arriving with just a Rabies and Health Cert being allowed to fill in the forms but don’t count on it.  If you call the Freeport Animal Clinic and ask nicely, they may fax you the forms wich include instructions on how to complete the documentation. This is then sent to Nassau and I think you are supposed to receive something back.  Take copies of all this before you send it off as you may never get a reply!  At least you have something to show when you arrive. The Lucayan Marina at Freeport is world class! have a nice trip! .   Lyman K Duggan   Naval electonics inc   6717 Benjamin Road   Tampa Florida 33634 –Marine TV Antenna Systems– (813) 885 6091 fax 885 3789   http://www.naval.com

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Question:

Happy Holidays!!! How about a place you LIKE to fish? J

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Happy Holidays!!! How about a place you LIKE to fish? J

befuddled. TimW

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Live in Homestead Florida, love to fish the back country of the Everglades, Florida Bay, Biscayne Bay And Upper Keys. Temp is 76 degrees this afternoon, slight breeze great fishing weather. Wishing all of you a great holiday. George Allen – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Happy Holidays!!! How about a place you LIKE to fish? J

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Idaho by far is the worst place in the world for flyfishing. For one thing the fish are all about four inches long and they almost never hit a fly. Mostly whitefish and carp. The only thing they will hit is a piece of Green Giant Corn on an #4 egg hook. Even if you do manage to get one of the sluggish bastards to bite, when they feel the hook they just roll over and swim to you. The water is always murky and of questionable quality.  All you will find is two (the Snakebite & Never-See-A-Salmon Rivers) scummy little drainage ditches next to the freeway. Mostly polluted to the point you can

Question:

Can anyone point me in the direction of Mail Order companies that sell a good range of Fly fishing books. Thanks Simon Simon Lusk Fly Fishing New Zealand on the WWW http://www-aghort.massey.ac.nz/flyfish/intro Department of Consumer Technology Massey University Palmerston North New Zealand

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Hi Three that come to mind are: Dan Bailey’s 1-800-356-4052 Kaufman’s Streamborn  1-800-442-4359 Cabela’s Fly Fishing 1-800-237-4444 Give the 800 # a call and request a catalog. Good Luck Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (catalog avail)

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Try         The Anglers Art         P. O. Box 148         Plainfield, PA 17081         phone (717) 243-9721         fax (717) 243-8603 Very complete and very friendly and helpful. Cheers

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Can anyone point me in the direction of Mail Order companies that sell a good range of Fly fishing books. Thanks Simon

I was just looking through a magazine (about a year old) this morning that had an advertisement.  They claim to have hundreds of titles to choose from.  They are: The Angler’s Art Box 148 Plainfield, PA   17081 Their phone number is:  717-243-9721 and fax line 717-243-8603 Curtis

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Drop an email note to the Brookside Angler in Manchester, VT. They have an extensive list of titles available. Web address http://www.sover.net/~batenkil/flyshop.html

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I’m interested in buying a quality 3 wt outfit – like a Sage LL379 or Thomas & Thomas 7′6" 3 wt paired with possibly a Lamson.  Any dealers or individuals interested in making me an attractive (discounted) offer for the package?. Please contact me by E’mail. Thanks, Mike Ray Atlatna, GA Cashiers, NC

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Drop an email note to the Brookside Angler in Manchester, VT. They have an extensive list of titles available. Web address http://www.sover.net/~batenkil/flyshop.html

Yes try the Merlin Unwin Books catalogue at www.demon.co.uk/M_Unwin_Books or email me for further details Regards

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Can anyone point me in the direction of Mail Order companies that sell a good range of Fly fishing books.

Bennetts of sheffield stock a wide range of videos/ books on the subject. http:/www.dmatters.co.uk/toshops2.html will give you their telephone and fax numbers – just ask them what they have and they will either mail/fax/telephone you. or email them http://www.dmatters.co.uk

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Question:

Am going to a conference near Salida, CO.  Does anyone have some good recommendations for fishing the Arkansas? Access points. Fly selections. Current river conditions. Thanks for the help!

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My son and I fished the Arkansas regularly for years.  We were just by there in late August.  The river was still very high and just about unfishable.  With the heavy late runoff and daily thunderstorms the Twin Lakes Resevoirs needed daily relief.  However we did manage to take about 6 in the 30 min we stopped (just along the shore line).  There are 4 flies that seemed to work well.  Olive Elk Hair Caddis (EHC), Brown Stonefly Nymphs, Renegade, and sometimes a Muddler.  The best way to fish this river (almost exclusively browns) is to wade down the middle and fish both banks.  The browns are frequently right up against the shore line in 4-6 inches of water.  Also fish the riffles.  I’m sure at this time of year they mistake the EHCs for hoppers.  The stoneflys should be fished into the shoreline and allow the current to pull them away.  They will chase them.  In very early October I had a 30 fish morning using renegades fished wet (just below the surface in the seams between fast and slow water).  The "Public Lands" designation as indicated by some new signs appears to extend from just outside of town down to the bridge at Wellsville.  This was private and you should verify it.  This is special regulaltion water (flies and lures only, 2 fish per day, 16 inch minimum.) Good luck, If the water flow is 750cfs or less it should be great. Bill A.

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Question:

 I may be relocating to the Richmond, Virginia area soon and would appreciate any information ya’ll may have regarding FF Clubs / Organizations there.    This is an exciting possibility for me as I’ve never been east of my Texas Gulf coastline. I trust and hope the ethics & traditions of brother anglers are alive and well in the fine Eastern areas of the United States! Once again, any information is highly appreciated. Thanks Ya’ll. TEM

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The Virginia Capital Chapter of Trout Unlimited meets on the 4th tuesday of the month at 7:30 pm at the Central Fidelity Bank north of McRea Rd in Bon Air, VA.  It’s just off Huguenot Rd across from Stony Pt. Plaza.

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TEM If you like smallmouth fishing the James River is one of the best in the South and I’m sure you will find the ladies and gentlemen the same as where you came from. Welcome to the Southeast. Richard Warren Raleigh, NC

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Welcome to Virginia.  We are a Flyfishing Guide and Instruction Service company named….. Flyfishing Virginia, L.L.C.  We post a weekly (well almost) column entitled, "This Week Flyfishing Virginia" where we post the results of all of our guides for the past week.  What’s hot and what’s not.  Stay tuned.  Again, Welcome to a state where you can flyfish 12 months of the years.  Bob Crawshaw and Ron Bennett,  Flyfishing Virginia L.L.C.  804-467-6668

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