Question:

   I was wondering what fishermen actually prefer from kayakers and canoeists.  When paddling down stream, is it better for us to move to the opposite bank (furthest from you) or is it better to pass close to you so as not to spook fish?  Any suggestions or guidelines would be greatly appreciated.

It depends upon how big the river is. If it’s pretty big, try to go to the opposite side of the water. If it’s small, I’d hold upstream a little and actually ask the fisherman. No spot on the river will actually be a good one for you, but some might be better than others. I’m doing most of my fishing on an urban reservoir now. The jetskiers and water skiers are becoming something of a problem. It’s illegal to operate one fast enough to create a wake within 150′ of a shore fisherman, but a number of them don’t seem to care. Maybe I should tuck my coupon book into my tackle box when I’m fishing. "No, sir, I wasn’t goofing off. I was conducting a stakeout for unsafe boating practices!" And I’m soooo sure he’d buy that. You spam my account, I nuke your ass. Simple enough.

Response:

I myself have been thinking of buying a canoe for fishing those waters where access is not very good and the waters too small for my jon boat. As far as having a canoe or kayak pass over the fish, and then waiting for them to recover, I’m sure the recovery period is a lot less than having a Bayliner with a couple of jerks on skis, or a couple of PWC (jet-skis) put your fish down. Some of the lakes I fish are so tore up from these inconsiderate morons, that the weeds are floating for several hours or days after a busy weekend. I could be fishing in a small bay and the idiots will have a whole lake to ski on, and for some reason they just have to find their way into that bay I’m fishing to scare the fish. No wonder I think of bringing the Ruger  with me when I fish. <    <    <    <    <    <    <    <    <    <    < <    <    <    <    <    <

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – As somebody who has been hit, almost hit and chased from the stream by a "fiberglass hatch" of jerks, I’d like to add my two cents worth.  While being hit is not tolerable, we  may as well get used to kayaks and  canoes.  Actually, I would like to get  one or the other to fish streams with  limited shore access.  I think that fish  in a water with lots of canoe&kayak  traffic have to recover quickly after one  passes over.  They’d starve otherwise.  Greg.

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And why clip off the fly?? Some of those inconsiderate jerks would look nice with a royal wolff for and earring… <    <    <    <    <    <    <    <    <    <    < <    <    <    <    <    <

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Pack a .44 magnum in your vest pocket. Take your testosterone powered bass buggy somewhere else.  To pull out even a sling-shot could cost you more than you can imagine.  Clipping off the fly and "accidentally" false casting close to the ear, now that may deliver the message without making a victim of the offender. Wayne to fish is human….to release Divine!!!

Response:

Couldn’t have said it better myownself.  <g PC – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Stay as far away as possible Hi,    I was wondering what fishermen actually prefer from kayakers and canoeists.  When paddling down stream, is it better for us to move to the opposite bank (furthest from you) or is it better to pass close to you so as not to spook fish?  Any suggestions or guidelines would be greatly appreciated. Just got back from the AuSable in Michigan (TR to follow.)  Here’s a bit more into on the aluminum/fiberglass hatch and spooking fish.  On Saturday, the temperature was in the high 80’s and the humidex was off the dial.  Every bubba and his bubbette was rafting, kayaking, and canoeing down the AuSable right in front of the Gates Lodge.  A body couldn’t squeeze a cast in between boats.  Just downstream from Gates is the pullout point for the rentals and it siphons off about 95% of the bubba traffic (of which I became one on Sunday, but more on that later.)  On Sunday, a front had blown through bringing rain, high winds and much colder temps.  This took care of the vast majority of the canoeists (except for yours truly and his bubbette.)  By the evening, I’m back on the water in my rightful position – standing in it not floating on it, and above the pullout point, I couldn’t buy a strike.  Below the pullout there were plenty of fish.  A full 24 hrs. after the bubba hatch, those upstream were still spooked.  I spoke to the store owner this morning and he confirmed that a good bubba hatch will drive the fish down for quite a while. Maybe the occasional boat won’t shake things up much but it looks like a steady bubba hatch will put fish off for quite a while – at least 24 hrs. or more if this experience is anything to go by. Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://members.home.net/pcharles/streamers/index.html

– Those who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it.

Response:

Maybe they could ferry my Power Bait to a hole I can’t reach from the bank.

Now that the State no longer stocks catchables in streams and rivers, you don’t still use Powerbait, do you? From what I’ve seen, it’s not very effective for streambred fish. Willi

Response:

Hi,    I was wondering what fishermen actually prefer from kayakers and canoeists.  When paddling down stream, is it better for us to move to the opposite bank (furthest from you) or is it better to pass close to you so as not to spook fish?  Any suggestions or guidelines would be greatly appreciated.

Just got back from the AuSable in Michigan (TR to follow.)  Here’s a bit more into on the aluminum/fiberglass hatch and spooking fish.  On Saturday, the temperature was in the high 80’s and the humidex was off the dial.  Every bubba and his bubbette was rafting, kayaking, and canoeing down the AuSable right in front of the Gates Lodge.  A body couldn’t squeeze a cast in between boats.  Just downstream from Gates is the pullout point for the rentals and it siphons off about 95% of the bubba traffic (of which I became one on Sunday, but more on that later.)  On Sunday, a front had blown through bringing rain, high winds and much colder temps.  This took care of the vast majority of the canoeists (except for yours truly and his bubbette.)  By the evening, I’m back on the water in my rightful position – standing in it not floating on it, and above the pullout point, I couldn’t buy a strike.  Below the pullout there were plenty of fish.  A full 24 hrs. after the bubba hatch, those upstream were still spooked.  I spoke to the store owner this morning and he confirmed that a good bubba hatch will drive the fish down for quite a while. Maybe the occasional boat won’t shake things up much but it looks like a steady bubba hatch will put fish off for quite a while – at least 24 hrs. or more if this experience is anything to go by. Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://members.home.net/pcharles/streamers/index.html

Response:

Stay as far away as possible – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi,    I was wondering what fishermen actually prefer from kayakers and canoeists.  When paddling down stream, is it better for us to move to the opposite bank (furthest from you) or is it better to pass close to you so as not to spook fish?  Any suggestions or guidelines would be greatly appreciated. Just got back from the AuSable in Michigan (TR to follow.)  Here’s a bit more into on the aluminum/fiberglass hatch and spooking fish.  On Saturday, the temperature was in the high 80’s and the humidex was off the dial.  Every bubba and his bubbette was rafting, kayaking, and canoeing down the AuSable right in front of the Gates Lodge.  A body couldn’t squeeze a cast in between boats.  Just downstream from Gates is the pullout point for the rentals and it siphons off about 95% of the bubba traffic (of which I became one on Sunday, but more on that later.)  On Sunday, a front had blown through bringing rain, high winds and much colder temps.  This took care of the vast majority of the canoeists (except for yours truly and his bubbette.)  By the evening, I’m back on the water in my rightful position – standing in it not floating on it, and above the pullout point, I couldn’t buy a strike.  Below the pullout there were plenty of fish.  A full 24 hrs. after the bubba hatch, those upstream were still spooked.  I spoke to the store owner this morning and he confirmed that a good bubba hatch will drive the fish down for quite a while. Maybe the occasional boat won’t shake things up much but it looks like a steady bubba hatch will put fish off for quite a while – at least 24 hrs. or more if this experience is anything to go by. Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://members.home.net/pcharles/streamers/index.html

Response:

I think if they’d just show their tits it would solve a lot or problems. — The Halfordian Golfer

Response:

 While being hit is not tolerable, we  may as well get used to kayaks and  canoes.  Actually, I would like to get  one or the other to fish streams with  limited shore access.  I think that fish  in a water with lots of canoe&kayak  traffic have to recover quickly after one  passes over.  They’d starve otherwise.

Maybe they could ferry my Power Bait to a hole I can’t reach from the bank. — TBone Walker The Halfordian Golfer

Response:

(copied from above) Afraid I can’t offer a real plan for dealing with these folks.  There doesn’t seem to be a reasonable, effective response. Wayne to fish is human….to release Divine!!!

Just showing you a reasonable, EFFECTIVE response. And if you can’t find the humor in what I posted… <    <    <    <    <    <    <    <    <    <    < <    <    <    <    <    <

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Pack a .44 magnum in your vest pocket. Take your testosterone powered bass buggy somewhere else.  To pull out even a sling-shot could cost you more than you can imagine.  Clipping off the fly and "accidentally" false casting close to the ear, now that may deliver the message without making a victim of the offender. Wayne to fish is human….to release Divine!!!

Response:

Any suggestions or guidelines would be greatly appreciated. Best thing wood be to merely take a break as your canoein’ friends pass by!! It’s NOT really all that big of a deal when you think about it! trout — I come here for the education, I stay for the amusement. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi,    I was wondering what fishermen actually prefer from kayakers and canoeists.  When paddling down stream, is it better for us to move to the opposite bank (furthest from you) or is it better to pass close to you so as not to spook fish?  Any suggestions or guidelines would be greatly appreciated.

Response:

I’m with you on this one. Op

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Any suggestions or guidelines would be greatly appreciated. Best thing wood be to merely take a break as your canoein’ friends pass by!! It’s NOT really all that big of a deal when you think about it! trout — I come here for the education, I stay for the amusement. Hi,    I was wondering what fishermen actually prefer from kayakers and canoeists.  When paddling down stream, is it better for us to move to the opposite bank (furthest from you) or is it better to pass close to you so as not to spook fish?  Any suggestions or guidelines would be greatly appreciated.

Response:

Pack a .44 magnum in your vest pocket.

Take your testosterone powered bass buggy somewhere else.  To pull out even a sling-shot could cost you more than you can imagine.  Clipping off the fly and "accidentally" false casting close to the ear, now that may deliver the message without making a victim of the offender. Wayne to fish is human….to release Divine!!!

Response:

These two rules I agree with 1,000,000,000,000 % ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! <    <    <    <    <    <    <    <    <    <    < <    <    <    <    <    <

                               (snip – snip) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Rule #4 – when you ruin my day as you float by,  don’t smile and say, "How’s the fishing?"  I’m likely to tell you. Rule #5 – if you’re planning a big event that’ll take over a river, publicize it at the local fishing shops – then I’ll know to stay home.

Response:

Pack a .44 magnum in your vest pocket. <    <    <    <    <    <    <    <    <    <    < <    <    <    <    <    <

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I never seem to have a problem with kayakers who are fishing.  They seem to be the more knowledgable.  Canoeist tend to be worse and the very worst are the fairly new and occasional recreation kayakers. I’ve actually had these later types paddle over from across 200 feet of river and paddle around me while asking about the fishing.  They just seemed to want to get the most out of their "wilderness" experience.  No amount of verbal abuse shakes these types, they just get their nose out of joint because you made their day less pleasant. Tubers are totally self-absorbed and could care less about anything or anyone else on the water.  Nothing you can do or say, short of causing yourself a good deal of trouble, has any influence on this crowd. What really torques me about most of these people is that the waters I fish which also supports floaters, is plenty big for rafters, boaters, and tubers to pass well away from the few wading fishermen they pass. Afraid I can’t offer a real plan for dealing with these folks.  There doesn’t seem to be a reasonable, effective response. Wayne to fish is human….to release Divine!!!

Response:

I never seem to have a problem with kayakers who are fishing.  They seem to be the more knowledgable.  Canoeist tend to be worse and the very worst are the fairly new and occasional recreation kayakers. I’ve actually had these later types paddle over from across 200 feet of river and paddle around me while asking about the fishing.  They just seemed to want to get the most out of their "wilderness" experience.  No amount of verbal abuse shakes these types, they just get their nose out of joint because you made their day less pleasant. Tubers are totally self-absorbed and could care less about anything or anyone else on the water.  Nothing you can do or say, short of causing yourself a good deal of trouble, has any influence on this crowd. What really torques me about most of these people is that the waters I fish which also supports floaters, is plenty big for rafters, boaters, and tubers to pass well away from the few wading fishermen they pass. Afraid I can’t offer a real plan for dealing with these folks.  There doesn’t seem to be a reasonable, effective response. Wayne to fish is human….to release Divine!!!

Response:

I prefer to pass farther away (I paddle mostly where bait casters are), but if that line is going to put me in a bad current or into a power boat lane, I’ll just apologize and go by the fisherman.  As a fisherperson myself, I don’t worry too much about spooking the fish. I have observed them while fishing in very clear waters, while swimming, and while just siting around.  Unless there’s a real overabundance of fishermen, in which case the paddlers have little to do with it, they will spook, but will be back in 5 to 10 minutes.   I’ve tried to spook some wild (for many decades of generations.  No stocking done in at least 20 years, maybe more like 40) trout in a fairly heavily fished stream at one of the most popular pools (It was a late Sunday afternoon and I was the only one there, btw.).  Only way I’ve found it can be done is to stand up and skyline yourself.  Noise? No problem. Vibrations on the bank?  No problem.  Swinging your arms around?  Flailing your lure wildly?  No problem.  Let them see you standing up, even a child standing up, and they’re gone.  For as long as their tiny brains can remember danger versus food.  About 5 to 10 minutes on average.  Bream and Walleye and Pike vary.  Bream are about 5 minutes, Walleye and Pike about 15.  I have no clue on Bass.  Bass tend to be under cover and hard to watch, even in very clear water. Carp and Suckers are about 5 to 10.   Now if you’re going down a popular paddling river and there’s a canoe passing the fisherman every 10 to 20 minutes or less, yes, it’ll be bad for him.  Not earth shaking where I am as I tend to fish and paddle in MN and WI, where there are lots of places to do both or either.  The very few relatively crowded trout rivers I’ve gone on do not have paddlers (well, I did once see some tourons risking hypothermia in the evening in a rubber raft.  That water is cold* and they had no warm or dry gear along.).  If, however, I went to the Montana mountain streams to trout fish, I’d be a bit bummed to have some wild paddling action going on all over the river.   But if I were on one of the kayaking rivers out East (Natuhala? Something like that) I’d be checking for dam releases and going somewhere else when there were some, because it’d be nothing but ‘yaks and rafts and inflatables all day long.  I’d rather not fish than spend my day getting pissed off.  Then again, I tend to drive the speed limit or under and stay in the right hand lane, just to preserve my temper. Hi,    I was wondering what fishermen actually prefer from kayakers and canoeists.  When paddling down stream, is it better for us to move to the opposite bank (furthest from you) or is it better to pass close to you so as not to spook fish?  Any suggestions or guidelines would be greatly appreciated.

— rbc:  vixen    Fairly harmless http://www.visi.com/~cyli

Response:

Hi,    I was wondering what fishermen actually prefer from kayakers and canoeists.  When paddling down stream, is it better for us to move to the opposite bank (furthest from you) or is it better to pass close to you so as not to spook fish?  Any suggestions or guidelines would be greatly appreciated.

Somebody else has already pointed out, we don’t "share" the water with kayakers – they have it – we leave. As somebody who has been hit, almost hit and chased from the stream by a "fiberglass hatch" of jerks, I’d like to add my two cents worth.   Rule #1 – go behind the angler – the fish are in front of him. Rule #2 – go somewhere else.  I’m not being facetious.  Anglers are constrained by a large number of factors, fishing regulations, private property, water conditions, etc.  OTOH, a kayaker can go anywhere there’s enough water to float his boat.  Don’t float prime fishing water during the best part of the fishing season.  There’s plenty of other water for you to use. Rule #3 – Learn to control your boat.  The dickhead that ran into me could’ve broken my leg. Rule #4 – when you ruin my day as you float by,  don’t smile and say, "How’s the fishing?"  I’m likely to tell you. Rule #5 – if you’re planning a big event that’ll take over a river, publicize it at the local fishing shops – then I’ll know to stay home. HTH Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://members.home.net/pcharles/streamers/index.html

Response:

Ken, Now it’s bothering me.  I know that I’ve heard or read your name before.  Do you post elsewhere? Thanks, Doug – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Doug Hall Doug,      You don’t by any chance teach at Portland State do you?      - Ken

Response:

Doug Hall

Doug,      You don’t by any chance teach at Portland State do you?      - Ken

Response:

in my part of the world,(SW Va.)there are many float fishermen. When floating and fishing should the boat give right of way to the wading fisherman? I think so…the float fisherman will cover a helluva lot more water than the one wading. It rarely happens though. I too have had jerks come way to close to me throwing them damn rackety ass buzz baits. Makes for some well placed false casts, if you know what I mean. Tim – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –     I was wondering what fishermen actually prefer from kayakers and canoeists.  When paddling down stream, is it better for us to move to the opposite bank (furthest from you) or is it better to pass close to you so  as not to spook fish?  Any suggestions or guidelines would be greatly appreciated. On a large enough river, it’s best if you stay as far away as possible. Most of the time, a fisherman will be casting to a fish less than 40 feet away.   On a smaller river, where the fisherman can easily cast to either bank, it ain’t gonna matter.  Not only your shadow, but any noise or water disturbance will spook a wary fish.    Just pass by as smoothly and quietly as possible with an apologetic "I’m sorry I f*cked up your pool" expression on your face.   Although we realize we sometimes have to share a river with other uses, it’s not really sharing.   Kayakers can paddle where we fish, but we can’t fish where they paddle.   Thanks for asking. Joe F.

Response:

Michael, Lets see, if you only go down the river between the hours of 8:30 to 9:15 a.m.  and then we’ll allow you another 12 minutes in the afternoon, unless there’s a hatch going on.  Other than that, stay off our rivers, because flyfishing is the ONLY acceptable use for all rivers:).  No, but really, just the fact that you are trying to be polite and a simple "excuse me" or any normal courtesy should do.  Just like passing someone in a small hallway.  I’m sure that there will be those who feel that they have exclusive right to the river (and I’m also sure that I will hear from them) but even flyfisherman have to share the river.  Maybe we should be apologizing for blocking the whole damn river with our casting?  I think that some people should take their sports a little less serious.  It’s supposed to be about fun, and if a fish gets put down occasionally, oh well. It’s happened to me more than a few times. I got over it and so will they. Thanks for asking. Doug Hall

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi,     I was wondering what fishermen actually prefer from kayakers and canoeists.  When paddling down stream, is it better for us to move to the opposite bank (furthest from you) or is it better to pass close to you so as not to spook fish?  Any suggestions or guidelines would be greatly appreciated.

Response:

    I was wondering what fishermen actually prefer from kayakers and canoeists.  When paddling down stream, is it better for us to move to the opposite bank (furthest from you) or is it better to pass close to you so as not to spook fish?  Any suggestions or guidelines would be greatly appreciated.

On a large enough river, it’s best if you stay as far away as possible. Most of the time, a fisherman will be casting to a fish less than 40 feet away.   On a smaller river, where the fisherman can easily cast to either bank, it ain’t gonna matter.  Not only your shadow, but any noise or water disturbance will spook a wary fish.    Just pass by as smoothly and quietly as possible with an apologetic "I’m sorry I f*cked up your pool" expression on your face.   Although we realize we sometimes have to share a river with other uses, it’s not really sharing.   Kayakers can paddle where we fish, but we can’t fish where they paddle.   Thanks for asking. Joe F.

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Couldn’t have said it better myself ! ! ! ! ! <    <    <    <    <    <    <    <    <    <    < <    <    <    <    <    <

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –     I was wondering what fishermen actually prefer from kayakers and canoeists.  When paddling down stream, is it better for us to move to the opposite bank (furthest from you) or is it better to pass close to you so as not to spook fish?  Any suggestions or guidelines would be greatly appreciated. On a large enough river, it’s best if you stay as far away as possible. Most of the time, a fisherman will be casting to a fish less than 40 feet away.   On a smaller river, where the fisherman can easily cast to either bank, it ain’t gonna matter.  Not only your shadow, but any noise or water disturbance will spook a wary fish.    Just pass by as smoothly and quietly as possible with an apologetic "I’m sorry I f*cked up your pool" expression on your face.   Although we realize we sometimes have to share a river with other uses, it’s not really sharing.   Kayakers can paddle where we fish, but we can’t fish where they paddle.   Thanks for asking. Joe F.

Response:

Hi,     I was wondering what fishermen actually prefer from kayakers and canoeists.  When paddling down stream, is it better for us to move to the opposite bank (furthest from you) or is it better to pass close to you so as not to spook fish?  Any suggestions or guidelines would be greatly appreciated.

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Question:

Trouble-having problem castin size 6 flies w/ 4 wt. rod. If I use 2x tippet will that help or do I need to back up to a 7wt. rod? Like to catch 1/2 pounders on a light rod.

Response:

Rook2 writes:

<<Trouble-having problem castin size 6 flies w/ 4 wt. rod. If I use 2x tippet will that help or do I need to back up to a 7wt. rod? Like to catch 1/2 pounders on a light rod. A 2X leader/tippet is good for #6 – 10 flies.  A 1X is good for #4 – 8.  You might try teither one; however, you should have little problem casting #6s with a 4 wt. as long as they are not heavily weighted.  Are we talking streamers here, or nymphs? Wooly Buggers?  Trout, bass?  A bigger rod would help (5 or 6wt), but I do not think that is your problem. Dave LaCourse

Response:

bead head brindlebugs for steelhead, thanks for reply. Sounds like heavier tppet should wor even on 4 wt. rod

Response:

Use a heavier leader but consider heavier leaders won’t sink as fast or flow w/ the current as well. I will sometimes use a real heavy leader w/ lighter tippet it is harder to cast but better then too light a leader butt. The butt sections of difffernt size leaders and different brands make a difference. Ones may have a 0.24 or 0.20 (I think thats right)  pick out the brand w/ the heavier butt a 3x from one company or style of leader may differ from 3x. of another brand, read the back of the package, also some tippets may be too limp or to stiff like saltwater tippet.  

Response:

On some occasions, a leader with a thinner butt diameter is better.  When fishing downstream, the thinner leader allows your fly to stay downstream of the leader and fly line. tyler

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Use a heavier leader but consider heavier leaders won’t sink as fast or flow w/ the current as well. I will sometimes use a real heavy leader w/ lighter tippet it is harder to cast but better then too light a leader butt. The butt sections of difffernt size leaders and different brands make a difference. Ones may have a 0.24 or 0.20 (I think thats right)  pick out the brand w/ the heavier butt a 3x from one company or style of leader may differ from 3x. of another brand, read the back of the package, also some tippets may be too limp or to stiff like saltwater tippet.

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Question:

Let’s go fishin soon, It’s been wonderfully nice here in Illinoise. Maybe we could meet up somewhere and just cast at whatever will take a fly. Up here toward rockford, there are quite a few dams with warm run off, we could maybe try to get some smallies. Let me know what you think. Tim Apple " Always one step closer to going Postal! "

Response:

Let’s go fishin soon, It’s been wonderfully nice here in Illinoise. Maybe we could meet up somewhere and just cast at whatever will take a fly. Up here toward rockford, there are quite a few dams with warm run off, we could maybe try to get some smallies. Let me know what you think.

Tim: After all these years, my own thread. I can do smallies by my house in Geneva in the Fox River if that’s what you want to do. Joel and I tried to track you down a few weeks ago. We’re thinking a mini trip to the Madison area either weekend of March 13th or March 27th. Early season opens March 1 for troutlets. You know, I never bought an Illinois fishing license. Email me with what you think you want to do. Wayne Knight Geneva IL                            

Response:

Let’s go fishin soon, It’s been wonderfully nice here in Illinoise.

        if you think it’s been nice in illinoise, you ought to get a taste of north caroliner. no malice, timmy. wayno

Response:

Wayne, You can get your Illinois license instantly on the Internet.  Go the the DNR site and links will take you to the license site (run by a contractor). I’ve done this the last two years.  I wish more states would put licenses online, it seems a simple thing to do. Also you might try the DuPage between the dam in Warrenville and the one in Naperville.  There are some really nice smallmouths in that stretch. — — Sherman Dunnam www.flyfishingjournal.com Stream Reports, Free Classifieds & More – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Let’s go fishin soon, It’s been wonderfully nice here in Illinoise. Maybe we could meet up somewhere and just cast at whatever will take a fly. Up here toward rockford, there are quite a few dams with warm run off, we could maybe try to get some smallies. Let me know what you think. Tim: After all these years, my own thread. I can do smallies by my house in Geneva in the Fox River if that’s what you want to do. Joel and I tried to track you down a few weeks ago. We’re thinking a mini trip to the Madison area either weekend of March 13th or March 27th. Early season opens March 1 for troutlets. You know, I never bought an Illinois fishing license. Email me with what you think you want to do. Wayne Knight Geneva IL

Response:

writes: Also you might try the DuPage between the dam in Warrenville and the one in Naperville.  There are some really nice smallmouths in that stretch.

Thanks, I think I know where that’s at. Wayne Knight Geneva IL                            

Response:

Question:

We are taking a four-day trip to Citico Creek in East Tennessee next week. We would appreciate any suggestions that would help us catch a few trout while we are there. We are beginners in almost every way; we have gear but maybe not the right flies for this time of year and that location. Thanks in advance! Jim and Linnea

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We are taking a four-day trip to Citico Creek in East Tennessee next week. We would appreciate any suggestions that would help us catch a few trout while we are there. We are beginners in almost every way; we have gear but maybe not the right flies for this time of year and that location. Thanks in advance! Jim and Linnea

Dear Jim and Linnea! I live in Knoxville Tennessee and fish mostly in the smokies and sometimes in the national forest where you are going. I haven’t fished Citico creek but I fished North fork Citico and the south fork last year. It’s a little hot this time of the year so early morning or late evening is your options. I use mainly an attractor dry fly like parachute adams or a thunderhead which is a local dry pattern. My sizes would be a 12 or 14. Instead of going to Citico where you have to have a special permit to catch the stockers, I would go to wild streams like The North River or North and South fork of Citico. Bald River has plenty or Rainbows also. Expect the fish to be small though unless you fish in the Tellico River for stockers. I sometimes use a nymph or a terrestrial and my choices then would be a hopper or an ant pattern. For the nymphs a pheasant tail or Gold Ribbed Hare’s ear  will work as well as the Tellico nymph. E-mail me if you all have any other questions. I’m not an expert but I love mountain fishing. Sincerely Hans

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I would start with a 14 Elk Hair Caddis or an Adams. Light Cahills also do quite well. Also, with a little drive you could fish Little North River (a tributary of Telleco). I have always caught fish there. Good Luck Greg – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – We are taking a four-day trip to Citico Creek in East Tennessee next week. We would appreciate any suggestions that would help us catch a few trout while we are there. We are beginners in almost every way; we have gear but maybe not the right flies for this time of year and that location. Thanks in advance! Jim and Linnea

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Bill–thank you for the clearest, most succinct piece of fishing advice I’ve seen recently in this group. I’m also going to the Bahamas for the first time next week and your advice was timely and valuable.

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I am planning my first bonefish trip to Abaco in April. Does anyone have a list of what to pack (stuff like sunscreen,etc.) to fish this area. I have never traveled to the Bahamas and would appreciate any suggestions. Also, any recommendations on clothing and fly patterns would be great. Thanks.

Jim, As of yet I have to wet a line in the southern salt.  However I attended a lefty Kreh seminar last year with a few good general tips, as follows: Find out what colour the bottom is where you are going.  Tie light coloured flies for a light bottom..  A dark bait would seem out of place in "nature" A few good flies in different sizes and colours are better than a vest of mix and match.. FInd out if the fish are being caught on a high or low tide and fish accordingly… Suncreen, suncreen and more suncreen… Ian

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I am planning my first bonefish trip to Abaco in April. Does anyone have a list of what to pack (stuff like sunscreen,etc.) to fish this area. I have never traveled to the Bahamas and would appreciate any suggestions. Also, any recommendations on clothing and fly patterns would be great. Thanks.

Start with a good hat that has a bill that is dark on the underside and has a chin strap for wind. Next, Polarized glasses that are not to dark and are in brown to yellow tones with a neck strap and side shields. Good sun screen is a must. I like very light weight long sleeve shirts and long pants for sun protection in light colors. Orvis, Streamline, Simms and Bare make about the same neoprene, thick soled flats booties that are the standard foot wear today. Most anglers are using #7, 8 and 9 weight outfits for bonefish depending on the wind, fly size and weight. We like leaders that a either hand tied or knotless that are ~ 9′ and clear with a stiff/hard consistency. If the wind is not blowing and the fish are spooky, I just add 3 to 5 feet of tippet and go down a size in flies. I recommend Cortland or SA saltwater lines for the hotter weather. In the Bahamas they use light colored Nasty Charlies that were developed there by Bob Nauheim of Santa Rosa ( Fishing International). The McVay Gotcha is very popular and Lefty Kreh really promotes the chartruese/white Clouser minnows. You might bring some small light colored crabs?  We use smaller/lighter flies in shallow water ( #6/8), medium weight/size flies(#4/6) for average depths(12 to 18") and larger/heavier flies( #2) with lead eyes for deeper water or current drift from tide movement. Take something to clean the salt spray from you glasses. I use a fanny pack if we are going for a long walk on the flats. Bring a small water resistant camera, batteries and film. I use a big stainless steel combo forcepts/cutter that will pinch the barbs, cut leader/tippet and remove deeply hooked flies. I hope that all anglers could have one nice day on the flats with the bonefish. Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY

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I am planning my first bonefish trip to Abaco in April. Does anyone have a list of what to pack (stuff like sunscreen,etc.) to fish this area. I have never traveled to the Bahamas and would appreciate any suggestions. Also, any recommendations on clothing and fly patterns would be great. Thanks.

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I’m planning a mid-March trip to the Eureka area.  Can anybody tell me the name and/or e-mail address of a good fly shop in the area.  What are the current conditions.  Is there a preferred river among the Mad, Eel, Klamath or Smith?  I would appreciate any information from locals or others knowledgeable of the area.

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Check the following site for N. Californaia coast fishing and river information. http://www.northcoastweb.com/fishing/ For fly shop in Eureka check: Eureka Fly Shop 505 H st. Eureka, Ca 707-444-2000 URL:  http://www.northcoastweb.com/fishing/efs/index.htm Mike

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news-s01.ny.us.ibm.net!news-m01.ny.us.ibm.net!newsfeed.uk.ibm.net!arclight. uore gon.edu!news.bbnplanet.com!su-news-hub1.bbnplanet.com!newsxfer3.itd.umich.e du!p ortc01.blue.aol.com!newstf02.news.aol.com!audrey01.news.aol.com!not-for-mai l – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Newsgroups: rec.outdoors.fishing.fly Organization: AOL http://www.aol.com Lines: 7 NNTP-Posting-Host: ladder01.news.aol.com Xref: news-s01.ny.us.ibm.net rec.outdoors.fishing.fly:58966 I’m planning a mid-March trip to the Eureka area.  Can anybody tell me the name and/or e-mail address of a good fly shop in the area.  What are the current conditions.  Is there a preferred river among the Mad, Eel, Klamath or Smith?  I would appreciate any information from locals or others knowledgeable of the area.

Contact Eureka Fly Shop…707-444-2000

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I am curious.  I have trolled some large blue water flies for marlin, Dorado, Wahoo.  Is it best to troll the fly with the popper head on it?         The last time out I was having the best luck trolling Large white flash flies, But were trolling a lot before any hook ups.  None had poppers on them.            This time I will also have flies rigged on other rods sitting on the boat for fast casting while fish are being landed.  I saw a swarm of fish whenever we caught fish last time we were in Mexico.  It seemed to me that this was the way to go.  That way my wife or I can grab them and hopefully get some hook ups while we are stopped and fighting fish.         I am new at blue water fishing, and have only got 4 trips under my belt so far.  Any information on ways to improve my blue water experience would be greatly appreciated.           I have seen a lot of videos talking about running teasers to bring fish in.  Can anybody give me some information on putting together teasers and what to use for them, Fish Feathers Beer cans Bananas?                        Thanks for any help you may have.                               Randy Pugh

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Try trolling hookless baits, and throwing the fly at any fish that come up. Strip out 50 feet of line into a bucket so you are ready for instant casts. Jeff Schaeffer

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Will be in Lake Almanor, No. CA area end of May.  Any suggestions on good streams, patterns, etc.? Sincerely, William Collins

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Will be in Lake Almanor, No. CA area end of May.  Any suggestions on good streams, patterns, etc.? Sincerely, William Collins

Hi-    You might go 10 miles downstream to Butt Lake. PG&E is draining it and the fish will be concentrated. They might also be dead, but hey, it’ll be worth a shot.    Failing that you can go Yellow Creek, a cute but highly over rated spring creek a few miles west of Almanor.    Lake Almanor itself should be good. The smallmouth should be turned on. Fish the rocky points with buggers. As an added bonus you can "accidently" whack jet skiers with your backcasts. Great fun.    -Ralph —

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Man, you guys over there in the good ole US of A don’t know what you’re missin’ out on!! Seriously though some excellent fly-fishing is to be had in Tassie. My favourite moments are those when the fish is poking around in 4 inchs of water, spotted back and dorsals breaking the surface. The fish’s window of vision is so small the fly needs to land right in the fish’s path. Too close and the fish is spooked, too far and the fish won’t even notice the fly. I’ve spent up to two hours on a single fish until finally setting the hook. If you fancy a bit of polaroiding then Tassie’s sandy bottom lakes will make you happy (although their not all sandy bottomed!!!!). Large fish up to around 8 pounds cruise around in these crystal clear waters, some tarns are not bigger than an average family’s block of land. If you don’t mind inching your way around on your stomach trying to fool a brown, then Tassie is place for your next visit. Just remember Got any questions about Tassie then read a book! or ask ME..I live in Melbourne which just across bass strait for those of you not familiar. Tassie’s nice but I wouldn’t live there. By the way I am looking for female fly-fishing penfriends….leave a message and I’ll get back. Mark

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Man, you guys over there in the good ole US of A don’t know what you’re missin’ out on!! Seriously though some excellent fly-fishing is to be had in Tassie. Got any questions about Tassie then read a book! or ask ME..I live in Melbourne which just across bass strait for those of you not familiar. Mark

Or you con contact me. I live in the US but my Father in Law is in Tazzie and is Currently the President of Fly Fish Australia. Malcom (his name) and I are in the planning stage of arranging holiday packages for the fly fisherman who would like to try some of the BEST fishing in the world, Anyone interested should contact me, as he is not yet on the net, but we’re working on it. Thanks.

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Want information on good trails to mountain lakes with decent fishing in N. Calif  or S. Oregon. (Prefer lakes to rivers/creeks.) Would like to hike in about 5 not-to-strenuous mile, set up camp on a lake and day-hike 1-2 miles to other lakes nearby over period of week in early-mid September. Elevation for most of trip, particularly where camping, needs to be no more than 8,500 because one of group gets atlitude sickness. Any suggestions?

The northern coastal ranges of California (Klamaths, Trinity Alps, etc.) have a lot of good lakes.  The elevations are all fairly low, fish are generally bigger than Sierra because of longer growing season.  I know a few lakes with 20+ inch brown trout (but they will remain unnamed). Weather should still be pretty good there in mid-September.  

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In the early 60’s I spent time at Cliff Lake and Lower Wright Lake in the Marble Mountain wilderness.  We were packed in (I was 9 and 10 at the times) and spent two weeks at each lake.  Both are reasonably close to trailheads and provide good jumping off spots to other lakes.   My most memorable fishing experinece occured at Lower Wright Lake.  I was first down the trail, flyrod in hand, already rigged, ready to cast.  I false casted a number of times to get 30 or so feet of line out and dropped the fly onto the lake.  The next thing I knew my rod was bent, the line was being pulled out of the reel, and the giant trout was headed for some brush 100′ away.  I paniced, pulled back on the rod to stop his headlong flight, and the leader snapped.  Luckily the rest of the family was strung out on the trail descending to the lake so my story about "the one that got away" has a viable place in our family myth structure.   Another beautiful, accessible area is the Lakes Basin Area behind Sierra Buttes off Hwy 49 on Gold Lake Road.  It’s more crowded because the road is closer to the backcountry.  Another pretty area is one bounded by Bowman Lake on the north and Grouse Ridge road on the south off of HWY 20 accessed from Interstate 80 at Emigrant Gap.  Hope this helps.  Have fun.   – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Want information on good trails to mountain lakes with decent fishing in N. Calif  or S. Oregon. (Prefer lakes to rivers/creeks.) Would like to

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Want information on good trails to mountain lakes with decent fishing in N. Calif  or S. Oregon. (Prefer lakes to rivers/creeks.) Would like to hike in about 5 not-to-strenuous mile, set up camp on a lake and day-hike 1-2 miles to other lakes nearby over period of week in early-mid September. Elevation for most of trip, particularly where camping, needs to be no more than 8,500 because one of group gets atlitude sickness. Any suggestions?

I used to live up in Mammoth Lakes and worked at a place on the June Lake loop.  There are several good lakes for fishing on the June Lake loop – June Lake, Gull Lake, Silver Lake, Grant lake.  Also there are some lakes you can hike to from Silver Lake.  The trailhead is near Silver Lake resort – ask at the store.  Gem Lake is easily reached within a few hours and the fishing is supposed to be good.  I’m not sure about the altitude – I think Silver Lake is at 7000 feet. Good luck!

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Want information on good trails to mountain lakes with decent fishing in N. Calif  or S. Oregon. (Prefer lakes to rivers/creeks.) I used to live up in Mammoth Lakes and worked at a place on the June Lake loop.  There are several good lakes for fishing on the June Lake loop

Is Mammoth lakes in Northern California?  I always thought of this as Central CA.

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(Jwoodling1) writes: Is Mammoth lakes in Northern California?  I always thought of this as Central CA.

If you have a state road map, locate Madera.  It’s latitude is supposed to be half the state’s latitude.  ML is just slightly North, but owing to the fact that large portions of the Owens Valley and the areas around ML (Get the Inyo National Forest map) are owned by Los Angeles DWP (Dept. of Water and Power) and the prominence of Mammoth as LA as a destination ski area, Mammoth might in semantic principle be considered a part of LA. Central?  sure. When people bring up (it’s an FAQ on the net) the issue of dividing the State (N-S, N-C-S), my proposal is upper and lower:  Lower is all areas below 8K ft., and I claim all areas above 8k ft. I would not worry about it.  It’s just an adjective.

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