Question:

Have the white flies started to hatch on the upper Potomac yet?

Response:

Yes.  Best time is after seven p.m.  I’ve been using a "green weenie" pattern, but using white chenille vice chartreuse. — Frank Reid Reverse email to reply.

Response:

Yes.  Best time is after seven p.m.  I’ve been using a "green weenie" pattern, but using white chenille vice chartreuse. — Frank Reid Reverse email to reply.

Frank, it strikes me that Doc Saylor might be somebody you ought to hook up with (no pun intended) Given your propensity to do face plants and other wild gyrations while fishing, you need to make him your fishin’ buddy. Just tryin’ to keep you alive and his business flourishing. Frank Sr. who is due for two more cortisone shots in the heels. YIKES!!!

Response:

Frank, it strikes me that Doc Saylor might be somebody you ought to hook up with (no pun intended) Given your propensity to do face plants and other wild gyrations while fishing, you need to make him your fishin’ buddy. Just tryin’ to keep you alive and his business flourishing. Frank Sr. who is due for two more cortisone shots in the heels. YIKES!!!

Actually, looking for the Air Force Pararescue type. Need someone who can scale a cliff or a fish, shoot an attacking grizzly or a class V rapid to drag my ass out, repair a float tube or repair to the extraction point.  Must be qualified in white water, avalanche, and deep submersible rescue.  Should be world renown fly tyer and brewer. Now thats a fishing buddy.                  Frank (Just had cortisone next to my spine)

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Frank, it strikes me that Doc Saylor might be somebody you ought to hook up with (no pun intended) Given your propensity to do face plants and other wild gyrations while fishing, you need to make him your fishin’ buddy. Just tryin’ to keep you alive and his business flourishing. Frank Sr. who is due for two more cortisone shots in the heels. YIKES!!! Actually, looking for the Air Force Pararescue type. Need someone who can scale a cliff or a fish, shoot an attacking grizzly or a class V rapid to drag my ass out, repair a float tube or repair to the extraction point.  Must be qualified in white water, avalanche, and deep submersible rescue.  Should be world renown fly tyer and brewer. Now thats a fishing buddy.

You need a dog. — TL, Tim (well, not for the fly tying and brewing but, hey, nobody’s perfect.)

Response:

You need a dog. — TL, Tim

Well, I have a dog.  I shall refer to him as "blond dog."  He is a master brewer, as a matter of fact, his output rivals Budweiser in quantity and quality.  He is afraid of bugs, terrified of the treadmill (well, thats not a bad thing), feet moving under a blanket on the bed will send him into a barking fit for two hours, often forgets to put his feet back down when jumping off of a step, gets beaten up by the cat, has more psychosis than ROFF (you must pretend that you are trying to eat his food or he will go 4-5 days without eating), his daddy was a long-haired miniture dachshund and mommy was a maltese.  So he is either a dachtese or a malhund.  I don’t need another. — Frank Reid Reverse email to reply.

Response:

Well, I was in the Navy so I could probably call in an aircraft carrier to save you on occasion.  I’m also due to brew my sixth batch of pale ale or porter soon. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – You need a dog. — TL, Tim Well, I have a dog.  I shall refer to him as "blond dog."  He is a master brewer, as a matter of fact, his output rivals Budweiser in quantity and quality.  He is afraid of bugs, terrified of the treadmill (well, thats not a bad thing), feet moving under a blanket on the bed will send him into a barking fit for two hours, often forgets to put his feet back down when jumping off of a step, gets beaten up by the cat, has more psychosis than ROFF (you must pretend that you are trying to eat his food or he will go 4-5 days without eating), his daddy was a long-haired miniture dachshund and mommy was a maltese.  So he is either a dachtese or a malhund.  I don’t need another. — Frank Reid Reverse email to reply.

Response:

Okay, think we gotta hook up.  I do know of a couple of good spots within ten miles of Harpers Ferry.  My daughter is coming back this weekend after a month away so will stay home, but mayhaps next?  I’ll even leave off the squiddly jokes. — Frank Reid (USAF Retired) Reverse email to reply.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – You need a dog. — TL, Tim Well, I have a dog.  I shall refer to him as "blond dog."  He is a master brewer, as a matter of fact, his output rivals Budweiser in quantity and quality.  He is afraid of bugs, terrified of the treadmill (well, thats not a bad thing), feet moving under a blanket on the bed will send him into a barking fit for two hours, often forgets to put his feet back down when jumping off of a step, gets beaten up by the cat, has more psychosis than ROFF (you must pretend that you are trying to eat his food or he will go 4-5 days without eating), his daddy was a long-haired miniture dachshund and mommy was a maltese.  So he is either a dachtese or a malhund.  I don’t need another.

Thanks.  Best laugh I’ve had in a week.  Nice to know someone has at least one pet crazier than most I’ve had. — rbc:  vixen    Fairly harmless remove invalid or hit reply to email. Though I’m very slow to respond. http://www.visi.com/~cyli

Response:

Question:

Help!  I am trying to get information (prices, contact inoformation, facilities, etc.) on Canada fishing lodges.  I am most interested in fly-in lodges that have good Northern Pike fishing.  I would appreciate any comments or suggestioins. Thanks, Irish Mike

Response:

hey mike. dont know where you are specifically, but my site lists some canadian content you can look into if you like. fishing page has some links for lodges etc. didnt say where you were looking so can’t narrow it down for you bear wiith us we are in midst of fixin the site up a bit. Brian http://members.home.net/walleyewarrior/ Fishing, hunting, camping, golf, outdoor leisure, sports pages. Get all the latest news, message boards, send greeting cards and more. Your one stop source for all pro sports results and info on your favorite teams.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Help!  I am trying to get information (prices, contact inoformation, facilities, etc.) on Canada fishing lodges.  I am most interested in fly-in lodges that have good Northern Pike fishing.  I would appreciate any comments or suggestioins. Thanks, Irish Mike

Response:

http://www.scottlakelodge.com one of the very best and most innovative.

Response:

www.sawmill-lodge.com Housekeeping and American Plans including 16 ft. Lund or Naden boats with 25 HP motors. All rates in Canadian Funds. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – http://www.scottlakelodge.com one of the very best and most innovative.

Response:

Irish Mike Ask this same question in   (can.rec.fishing)     NG Im sure yule get some good response Try these for A start… http://www.outdoor-canada.com/news.html  http://www.sunsetcountry.net/

Response:

Ever think of an outpost….. No dinner bell out there…… Eat when your hungry &…. Fish when your not sleeping…..

Canada 2001

Response:

Minor Bay Lodge on Wollaston Lake, four 50"s caught this year says it all. www.minorbay.sk.ca

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Help!  I am trying to get information (prices, contact inoformation, facilities, etc.) on Canada fishing lodges.  I am most interested in fly-in lodges that have good Northern Pike fishing.  I would appreciate any comments or suggestioins. Thanks, Irish Mike

Response:

Question:

Hello All: I just wanted to let you know that I’ve been lurking thru all the posts for the last couple of months and you guys have some great info.  Thank you!  I’m relatively new to flyfishing and recently took guided "on river" lessons on the Deschutes (handy because I live in Portland).  Wow!  Great experience.  With the guides, it was like a fast forward course in nymphing.  A great start.  I’m now looking to upgrade my gear, and am looking at a Sage 590 DS2 or a St Croix Legend or Imperial.  Also looking to pick up a pair of Orvis Clearwater Breathables (I like the 4 year warranty).  Anyhow, I just wanted to let everyone know I appreciate your posts, and maybe as I get some more experience, I can add to the board.   Scott

Response:

I’ve been lurking thru all the posts for the last couple of months

Congratulations on coming out of the shadows!  You have taken a big step and are now eligible to be Fortenberry fodder! Keep at the learning (it actually never stops).  At least you are into the fun part now.   Good luck and keep us posted. Warren X#-[

Trout Dwellers Unite! Western Conclave Guru For info: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/sp_ROFF_people/wclave/wclave.html

Response:

Anyhow, I just wanted to let everyone know I appreciate your posts, and maybe as I get some more experience, I can add to the board. Scott

Welcome to the group.  It’s always nice to see a new nickname.  BTW, there’s no need to wait until you have experience to start adding to the board.  Most ROFFians aren’t the type to refrain from giving advice just because they don’t know what they’re talking about. — Levi "So long, and thanks for all the fish."

Response:

Welcome Scott from another ROFF newcomer.  I still consider myself a flyfishing beginner and as such I find a lot of the info here invaluable.  I’ve never taken a guided flyfishing trip but I would like to try one soon (maybe Spring 2001). I’m sure you’ve already seen this here a hundred times but….be sure to cast any rod before you buy.  Some shops will let you take them out on the stream and fish them for a few days without having to commit. One thing that has been a great source for me is an annual Flyfishing and Outdoors show held in my state (usually in January).  Every manufacturer you can dream of attends with their full line of gear in tow.  They will gladly rig up any rod/reel combo you like for a test drive on the indoor casting pool.  If they have anything like that near you I highly recommend attending even if it means a days drive and a stay over at a local hotel…it’s that good. Next spring I’ll be in need of new waders too…the Orvis Breathables are appealing.  Keep us posted on the gear front. Regards and tight lines! Natty

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello All: I just wanted to let you know that I’ve been lurking thru all the posts for the last couple of months and you guys have some great info.  Thank you! I’m relatively new to flyfishing and recently took guided "on river" lessons on the Deschutes (handy because I live in Portland).  Wow!  Great experience.  With the guides, it was like a fast forward course in nymphing.  A great start.  I’m now looking to upgrade my gear, and am looking at a Sage 590 DS2 or a St Croix Legend or Imperial.  Also looking to pick up a pair of Orvis Clearwater Breathables (I like the 4 year warranty).  Anyhow, I just wanted to let everyone know I appreciate your posts, and maybe as I get some more experience, I can add to the board. Scott

Response:

Jeezus H. Christ man, are you crazy!  Run far, run fast, before Wolfie and Forty get back. Best of luck and welcome to cyber hell! Opie  **Panhandling for a better tomorrow!**

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello All: I just wanted to let you know that I’ve been lurking thru all the posts for the last couple of months and you guys have some great info.  Thank you!  I’m relatively new to flyfishing and recently took guided "on river" lessons on the Deschutes (handy because I live in Portland).  Wow!  Great experience. With the guides, it was like a fast forward course in nymphing.  A great start. I’m now looking to upgrade my gear, and am looking at a Sage 590 DS2 or a St Croix Legend or Imperial.  Also looking to pick up a pair of Orvis Clearwater Breathables (I like the 4 year warranty).  Anyhow, I just wanted to let everyone know I appreciate your posts, and maybe as I get some more experience, I can add to the board. Scott

Response:

Hello All: I just wanted to let you know that I’ve been lurking thru all the posts for the last couple of months and you guys have some great info.  Thank you!  I’m relatively new to flyfishing and recently took guided "on river" lessons on the Deschutes (handy because I live in Portland).  Wow!  Great experience.  

Lucky bastard. With the guides, it was like a fast forward course in nymphing.  A great start.  I’m now looking to upgrade my gear, and am looking at a Sage 590 DS2 or a St Croix Legend or Imperial.  

Don’t know the St. Croix rods. I’ve got a DS2 5wt, and love it. There is a membership fee, though…was Wolfgang managing that? Vegetables aren’t food. Vegetables are what the food eats.

Response:

Question:

FWIW, several years ago I conducted an experiment to compare fluorocarbon tippet with "standard" tippet on a spring creek where the fish were somewhat leader-shy.  There really did not seem to be a significant difference between the two.  When fish approached my fly from the leader side, they tended to refuse my offering, but would take the fly if they approached from some other direction.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – been using orvis super strong 6x & 7x  tippet with good results. found out today they make a fluorocarbon tippet. told it is invisible in water! its slightly larger in dia. per equivalent test of mono though. its also pricey. $10.00/25 meters. any one tried it?

Response:

: been using orvis super strong 6x & 7x  tippet with good results. found out : today they make a fluorocarbon tippet. told it is invisible in water! its : slightly larger in dia. per equivalent test of mono though. its also pricey. : $10.00/25 meters. : any one tried it? I haven’t tried the Orvis line … however I found the brand I used very useful for getting (dragging) small wet flies (18-20) through scummy surface films in backwaters and the like.  It certainly helps sink small wets that may otherwise tend to float in still water. steve

Response:

says… Forget about it for dry flies. It’s too stiff, so it ruins the drag. My impression is that it’s best for streamers in large-tippet situations, like bonefishing. I’m planning to take a couple of spools of 10lb and 13lb fluorocarbon tippet to Xmas Island.

Berkley’s got a new line out called Vanish… It’s a Fluorocarbon Line but it’s much more supple than the other kinds I have tried. I have a spool of 12lb test I use for my salt water Fly Gear. I also use it for part of leaders as well in the butt section to make it stiffer… — Michael Era

Question:

For any of you who haven’t read the book it is a fun read.  Nice way to spend a couple of those cold winter nights.  Here is part of my entry from "Books of the Black Bass. "Author says he was "raised in the Redneck Way of Fishing."  What he was saying is that numbers and size of fish caught became more important than anything else, thus turning his hobby into work.  Raines grew up in Alabama fishing for Bass, bluegill, crappie, etc.  There is some fly fishing for trout in this book but there is more about the Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass than any other fish.  As you wander through the book you find stories on ex-presidents of the United States, fly fishing legends such as Wulff, Marinaro, McClane, Fox, Kreh, and some Bass world notables such as Ray Scott and Rick Clunn.  Author relates a couple of instances where Scott suffered from foot in the mouth disease as he tried to help his friend, President George Bush, get re-elected.  Raines fished for Bass with Bush although throughout the book he is critical of Hoover, Reagan and other republican presidents.  Time is spent with all the fishing presidents from Hoover and Cleveland down to George Bush and Jimmy Carter.  He speaks out on everyone he writes about and is not afraid to take on the bureaucrats, all in all, an enjoyable read." Clyde Black Bass Book Collector http://members.aol.com/BassBks/index.html

Response:

I currently have for sale a nice copy of "Fly Fishing Through the Midlife Crisis" by Howell Raines. A very clean softcover copy, published in 1994 by Anchor Books. The 352 page book is fresh and clean inside and out, except for a gift inscription inside the front cover. Available for to reserve. Thanks, and best regards. Dave    http://www.newsfeeds.com       The Largest Usenet Servers in the World!

Response:

Question:

Ernie, I think you forgot the most important thing! The FLIES!! Or do you plan on catching your own while fishing? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Over the years I have learned there are several things in addition to flies I want in my vest .  If you are new to fly-fishing you can look them over for suggestions, or you may want to suggest things you don’t find on mine. 1.      Crusher type water resistant hat. 2.      Duct tape for patching waders 3.      Fly Floatant. 4.      Fly line cleaner 5.      Forceps. 6.      Hook sharpener. 7.      Knot tier (Blood Knot Machine). 8.      Leader straightener. 9.      Leaders. 10.     Mosquito repellant 11.     Polarized glasses 12.     Sinkers (wrap on) 13.     Small 110 camera. 14.     Small first aid kit. (with aspirin) 15.     Small flashlight. 16.     Spool of tippet material. 17.     Stream thermometer 18.     Strike indicators 19.     Swiss pocket knife with scissors. 20.     Tippet cutter with hook eye cleaner. 21.     Toilet paper. 22.     Waterproof pancho (lightweight).

– Doug Knight                                     metalfab<atpacbell.net Junk e-mail, solicitation, sales, products and services gladly accepted at $500.00 per mailing and billed directly to your ISP.

Response:

Over the years I have learned there are several things in addition to flies I want in my vest .  If you are new to fly-fishing you can look them over for suggestions, or you may want to suggest things you don’t find on mine.

                        EDITED VEST ITEMS BY A PRO! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – 1.      Crusher type water resistant hat. (Wide Brimmed Western Hat) 3.      Fly Floatant.    Gehrke’s Gink 4.      Fly line cleaner    Gehrke’s PZ Fly Line Cleaner 5.      Forceps.    Not needed with Barbless Hooks 6.      Hook sharpener. 8.      Leader straightener.  (PULL HARD then relax slowly) 9.      Leaders.    Hand tied of course. 10.     Mosquito repellant  (Famous Grouse) 11.     Polarized glasses    (Blue and Yellow) 12.     Sinkers (wrap on)    Gehrke’s XINK Wet Fly Dressing 13.     Small 110 camera.    Water Proof 14.     Small first aid kit. (with aspirin)  and a flask of booze 15.     Small flashlight.    (Water Proof) 16.     Spool of tippet material.  (Make this plural) 17.     Stream thermometer    (Only if you have a diary) 18.     Strike indicators    argggggggggggggggggggggggggh! 19.     Swiss pocket knife with scissors. 20.     Tippet cutter with hook eye cleaner. 21.     Toilet paper.        (Inside a Zip Lock Bag) 22.     Waterproof pancho (lightweight).

    23  A Box of Dry Flies     24  A box of Wet Flies     25  A box of Nymphs     26  A box of Streamers     27  A bottle of KNOT-PERFECT — Doug Knight                                     metalfab<atpacbell.net Junk e-mail, solicitation, sales, products and services gladly accepted at $500.00 per mailing and billed directly to your ISP.

– George Gehrke All Writings

Question:

Anybody been there this week or last?  What are conditions and what is happening? Mike in PDX "When the trout are lost, smash the state."                           Tom McGuane

Response:

Anybody been there this week or last?  What are conditions and what is happening? Mike in PDX "When the trout are lost, smash the state."                           Tom McGuane

Hi Michael, According to a friend who traveled through the area, the fishing in south east Idaho has been great.  Check with the Stonefly Angler in Boise at 208-338-1700.  They should be able to give you up to the minute info. — Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (97 catalog) http://www.flyshop.com/Expo/Specialty/BTsPdcts/index.html

Response:

Question:

I’m looking for a source–mill or distributor–for soft nylon Catch & Release net mesh.   If you happn to know where I can find some, I’d much

I would go to garage sales and look fornets with 30-40 year old bags which almost guarantee release. TimW

Response:

7/8/96 I’m looking for a source–mill or distributor–for soft nylon Catch & Release net mesh.   If you happn to know where I can find some, I’d much appreciate an e-mail.   Thanks.

Hi MRiffler If you have access to the Web go to the Thomas Register, a listing of manufacturers in the US.  They are at http://www.thomasregister.com.  If it’s manufactured in this country you show be able to find it there. Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (96 catalog)

Response:

7/8/96 I’m looking for a source–mill or distributor–for soft nylon Catch & Release net mesh.   If you happn to know where I can find some, I’d much appreciate an e-mail.   Thanks.

Response:

Give Hook and Hackle in Plattsburg, NY a call. Glenn Manchester, VT

Response:

I’m looking for a source–mill or distributor–for soft nylon Catch & Release net mesh.   If you happn to know where I can find some, I’d much

Most people concerned about softness of net mesh would say there is no such thing as soft nylon.  To minimize damage to fish coating you want either cotton or polyester/polyamide. — |  Donald Phillipson, 4180 Boundary Road, Carlsbad Springs,  | |        Ontario, Canada, K0A 1K0, tel. 613 822 0734         |

Response:

I went to the Outdoor Fabric Store where I found bolts of the nylon mesh used for sewing vents and liners for the outdoor jackets. I made up a nice rectangular bag on the sewing machine and fixed it to my old aluminum net frame with small cable ties.  Cheap, looks good, and it is soft.  

Response:

Question:

I realize that the best place to practice casting is in the water, but will casting in the yard damage my line?  I am new to fly fishing, so I don’t have any old lines to use, and I’d rather not trash an expensive line.  Should I buy an inexpensive line to practice with and save the $40 line for the water?   Thanks,

Response:

I realize that the best place to practice casting is in the water, but will casting in the yard damage my line?  I am new to fly fishing, so I don’t have any old lines to use, and I’d rather not trash an expensive line.  Should I buy an inexpensive line to practice with and save the $40 line for the water?

If you have a dog, just keep it clear of lawn, uh, ‘browns’. TimW

Response:

says… I realize that the best place to practice casting is in the water, but will casting in the yard damage my line?  I am new to fly fishing, so I don’t have any old lines to use, and I’d rather not trash an expensive line.  Should I buy an inexpensive line to practice with and save the $40 line for the water?   Thanks,

Hi Mark, If it’s just grass you are casting on, don’t be concerned. Pavement, cement, mud, sand etc. will be very tough on your line. On grass or water, clean your line often and hang it in large loops when not in use for extended periods ( month or more) Cheap lines will slow your learning progress. Buy a good line and look after it and the lawn will be a great place to practice. Don’t forget to add leader before you begin to practice and tie a small piece of yarn on the end of the leader. Flys get caught in the grass and you won’t need one to learn. We conduct classes on grass, using our own rods and lines, with over a hundred and fifty students per year. We use Mastery lines, clean them often, and hang them in the off season. Two to three years with very, very little sign of wear. Clean with soap and water and 3M line cleaner. Fly fishing is catching … learn to let go Dennis Grant Atlantic Fly Fishing School

Response:

Should I buy an inexpensive line to practice with and save the $40 line for the water?  

Hello Mark, It sshould be o.k. to practice with your line on grass as long as you clean it.  Never cast your line on concrete.  I work for a shop and we provide lines to cast with on concrete and they last very short.  Just use a good cleaning product or just dish soap.  Then use Glide or something like it to put a good coating on your line.  Your line should be fine. Good Casting, Paul Johnson,

Response:

: says… : : I realize that the best place to practice casting is in the water, but : will casting in the yard damage my line?  I am new to fly fishing, so I : don’t have any old lines to use, and I’d rather not trash an expensive : line.  Should I buy an inexpensive line to practice with and save the $40 : line for the water?   : If it’s just grass you are casting on, don’t be concerned… : Don’t forget to add leader before you begin to practice and tie a small : piece of yarn on the end of the leader… This is how I learned to cast (from Dave Engerbretson at a University Enrichment short course).  Two things I’d add:         1. be sure to clean and dress your line before you go fishing.         Grass will get your line dirty, which will make it hard to shoot         line.  But of course, you clean your line after every outing         anyway…right?         2. Have a couple snappy comebacks for the neighbors who wonder         what you’re fishing for.  Some possibilities: "I thought I saw a lawn         carp" or "with so many worms, I thought for sure there’d be         fish". — Laboratory for Applied Logic    Dept. of Computer Science University of Idaho             www: http://www.cs.uidaho.edu/~foster —–BEGIN PGP PUBLIC KEY BLOCK—– Version: 2.6.2 mQCNAzDtvLEAAAEEAKAC21G2Be0K0DMgjLpxrwLmsYfCz8rWcfgyABjr3Ryfk1dO nV7fFFpUF3xohR7die+/B2V9oqRQzTLeSF2ECKlsTY/yUyw2kn+P2ju1umh4Fwzd cVTvc+H69q1+Ft3kmw/PE0Pan+g0PUGGJ43stw3q4OgBHdixbRd/f9giJFDxAAUR tCZKYW1lcyBBLiBGb3N0ZXIgPGZvc3RlckBjcy51aWRhaG8uZWR1PokAlQMFEDD8 ReEXf3/YIiRQ8QEBFrAD/2AFuRWcD/3MENC3qJMC/Or1qxknjkK7Uv+TDf2LHPOY GHBbG9PyWuXQ8of0Dd+JYwf/tzlO9Yk1s1zTdikfriak21FW0bCokxDIhA3myppZ IZDWVA9CyvDYHuP5Ii1NkBvocab813JzDLZA+0iVN5sebGb9zSXR4Za47hlriHeP =RDHK —–END PGP PUBLIC KEY BLOCK—–

Response:

Question:

Greenstone lake, the first that you get to, seems to have a small brook trout population but there are so many others that it’s hardly worth fishing.

One of the funnier things I’ve seen while fishing happened here.  A couple of spin fisherman were fishing Greenstone and one hooked about a 6" brookie.  His buddy got the net, which had a handle about three feet long and a rim about 2 feet in diameter.  It was big enough to net salmon for god’s sake. Well, as he went to lift the trout out of the water, it fell through the webbing on the net.  I got a good chuckle to say the least.

Response:

A friend was in at Saddlebag two weeks ago and said the ground was still fairly soggy…..alot of the High Country won’t be opened up this year at all, as fall/winter is beginning to happen already (last week it got down to 35 deg 3 nights straight at 6870 ft. elevation. As far as fishing, it’s been suprising how few trout are actually surface feeding this year in the Sierra (Ralph Cutter- can you shed some light on this and/or confirm/deny ??).   All I’m able to attribute it to is the lower than customary temperature of the water. There *are* hatches, although they are much later than usual, but the fish seeem to be ignoring them. The few that I’ve kept have been **PACKED** with nymphs, hoppers, ants and beetles, but not alot of "surface bugs". I indicator nymphed and worked a pair of ants (one flying, one hardshell) and picked up a few fish….but certainly nothing to boast about. Tried soft-hackele wets for hours with no takers..upstream, down and across and downstream…..started to curse Dave Huges and Sylvester Nemes below my breath, but decided that I’d save that for my third and likely final attempt at this "old New Style" of flyfishing. Don’t know if it would be worth the effort of canoeing and then trekking farther; I’ve heard Mammoth has been pretty good this year, you may want to give it a go instead!!

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At the end of September I’m thinking of heading up to Saddlebage Lake, canoeing accross and hiking around the Conness Lakes/Glacier are to fish for Goldens.  Has anyone been up there lately or at this time of year.  I know it’ll probabaly be a bit cold since its above 10,000 feet. What flies should I bring?  Nymphs, Caddis, Terresterals?  Any advice would be appreciated.  

I haven’t been up there in a few years but this is one of my favorite areas.  I also used a canoe to get across the lake and  then carried it up on the shore a bit and stashed my oars up by a tree a bit up the trail. Greenstone lake, the first that you get to, seems to have a small brook trout population but there are so many others that it’s hardly worth fishing.  The next lake (Wasco) is a little better and I’ve caught fish of a decent size.  Steelhead lake (the biggest in the basin) has been hit and miss for me.  Cascade lake, and the small lake in between it and Steelhead are both real good.  The shallows at the south end of the lake are teeming with brookies in the evening.  There is another small lake (Towser) that is supposed to be a Golden trout only lake and I’ve caught a couple real small ones in it.  Shamrock lake has been one of the best producers for brookies for me and it’s probably the prettiest in the basin.  To the South of Shamrock as you head up the hill there are a couple of other small lakes that are supposed to be Golden trout lakes but I’ve never found them.  At the top of the hill in the center of the basin is Z-lake.  I have caught more brookies in that lake then any of the other lakes.  Helen Lake and Odell have produced much for me and I believe that Odell is supposed to be a golden trout only lake as well. I haven’t fished Hummingbird but I hear it has a large brookie population, so much so that the fish are stunted. There are three lakes up above the waterfall below the glacier that are worth the hike only because they are so pretty.  The first one is almost a tourquiose color.  Unfortunately I was told that these lakes froze solid a few years ago and have not been restocked.  That was about five years ago so it may have changed. If the fish are hitting the surface I have had the best luck with grey hackle peacocks, grey hackle yellows, Sierra brite dots, and coachmens. If they are not,  various nymphs like GR hares ears, prince nymphs, Birds nests, pheasant tails, and a few emerger patterns all seem to work.   I fished all of these patterns with an ultralight spinning rod and a casting bubble.  For the grey hackles, etc, I filled the bubble half full of water and fished them wet just below the surface with a *very* slow retrieve.   For the nymphs I fill the bubble up all the way and then cast and count down several seconds before begining the retrieve. As is the case with any of the areas in the Sierra you should be prepared for any kind of weather.  I’ve been there twice in September when it has snowed.  One time a friend of mine and I drove up and camped at Tioga lake campground because we arrived too late in the day.  He got up the next morning and went out in my canoe on Tioga lake.  He paddled out about 100′ and decided it was too cold.  He knocked on my camper shell window and said that he had to come in and warm up.  We ended up driving around a bit because the heater wasn’t warming fast enough.  It was probably a good three hours before he felt normal again.  Hypothermia is a very real possibility this time of year and it’s nothing to fool around with.  If we had camped out the night before in the basin like we had planned it could have been *real* serious. — John Fereira Isis Distributed Systems – Ithaca, NY

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At the end of September I’m thinking of heading up to Saddlebage Lake, canoeing accross and hiking around the Conness Lakes/Glacier are to fish for Goldens.  Has anyone been up there lately or at this time of year.  I know it’ll probabaly be a bit cold since its above 10,000 feet. What flies should I bring?  Nymphs, Caddis, Terresterals?  Any advice would be appreciated.   "Never get suckered into defending the cost of your fishing habit on a cost per pound basis.  It’ll only embarrass or depress you.  The only measurement that makes sense at all is the cost per cast…So, if you are long on effort and short on results, remember that the more you cast, the cheaper it gets."                                             -Tully Stroud Chris Anderson San Fransicko

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