Question:

One thing that rather surprises me about such discussions, is that we already have a very large range of very effective patterns, which catch fish most satisfactorily, when used correctly.  It might be possible to improve on these, although in many cases I doubt it.

Ah, but there’e the rub, or rather, at least two of them.  If one is buyng flies, and the seller is both knowledgable, and willing to share that knowledge, the purchaser may indeed wind up with the "correct" patterns and colors for the water in question.  However, if one is tying, then things get a bit tricky.  If one simply looks at what they see on or in the water, (or worse, simply look at non-POV relevant pictures of the thing they wish to imitate or simulate) and then look up patterns/color variants to match it to their eye, it may or may not be a match. It could get even worse.  For example, if they want a bi-visible, now there are two colors to consider, and the possible conflict of the sighting color.   I absolutely agree that the likelihood of there not being a printed pattern/variant recipe somewhere that will fill the bill is small, perhaps non-existent.  But, IMO, simply matching what you see to what you think you need is iffy at best, without keeping "what the fish sees" in your mind.  For example, a light-colored, lightly-dressed wet will, when viewed against a light background, look much different when viewed against the backdrop of a rocky lie or from below against a darkening sky, just as a similarly light-colored dry will when viewed from below against a bright blue sky, etc. TC, R

Response:

Letcher Lambuth, in 1936, did some studies with Pacific coast salt water bait fish.  Using gelatin filters to simulate the top 20 feet of the water column, he observed that candlefish and herring looked far different in the water than they did in the hand.  He then designed the Lambuth Herring and the Lambuth Candlefish using the colors that he saw via the filters.  Note that he did not have the advantage of studies of the mechanics of fish vision. We know, for examples, that after a certain depth red turns black, that green is the last color to remain identifiable, and that flash (tinsel, etc.,) requires light to be of any significance.  However, this is to our eyes not necessarily to the eyes of a fish. With due respect to Lambuth, a true pioneer, it seems to me that we are better served by dressing our flies, when we are tying something that is meant to be bait specific, with colors as exact to our eyes as possible. Wouldn’t it stand to reason that colors X, Y, Z; properly porportioned to match a bait would be identifiable to a fish as that bait at what ever depth and conditions the fish was used to viewing it? I’d appreciate your discussion. Crusty

Response:

[snip] This underwater view is very much the subject of Lafontaine’s "The Dry Fly."  He and his partner conducted quite a few scuba dives to see how <SNIP Visit The Streamer Page at

http://members.home.net/pcharles/streamers/index.html Skues book is indeed first class.  If you want a modern view I would suggest "The Trout And The Fly. A new approach"  By John Goddard and Brian Clarke. This book is, in my opinion, one of the finest works ever printed on the subject, and covers the subjects you mention very precisely and thoroughly, with excellent photography. My English copy was borrowed by somebody, and not returned. Most annoying. I still have a German copy though, so all is not lost. The ISBN number is 3-275-00803-X.  This number may be specific to the German version, I am not sure. However, a net search should turn up a copy for you. I have still not got LaFontaine

Question:

I eventually landed several beautiful, dark colored rainbows and lost several more as I slipped and slid my way along the ice.  I did lose a rather nice rainbow due to ice in the guides, but such is fishing during this time of year.  I was a little rusty from not having fished in almost two months, but it all came back rather quickly.  Funny how sometimes the harder you try, the worse you get and then you just let things happen and it is like you never even had that extended break. Probably the best thing about actually taking that break is that I rediscovered what fly fishing is to me and just how much it means to me.  I even caught some fish which made it all that much sweeter.  The best fish I landed, a 17" rainbow, had me mesmerized after I slipped the hook out of his mouth.  He lay there in the net peacefully, as if to give me ample time to admire his beauty before I released him.

Thanks for the report. Glad to hear you got out.  Winter Rainbows do seem to be somehow more colorful. Willi

Response:

Warren, Have you tried a Leader Link? Ernie

Is that leader link the braided loop thing that you slide over your flyline tip and then secure with a little bit of tubing and some glue?

Response:

Warren, Have you tried a Leader Link? Ernie Is that leader link the braided loop thing that you slide over your flyline tip and then secure with a little bit of tubing and some glue?

No. They’re little plastic, tube-like things, with holes through each end and two slots on the middle. You run the flyline through a hole, run it up through a slot, tie a knot in the end, and pull it tight. Do the same thing with the leader through the other hole. They work great. They’re made by Eagle Claw. I add a butt section with a leader link and then tie on the leader with a blood knot. To replace leaders I just cut and retie at the butt section. It might last for months. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

Response:

"Michael" wrote Is that leader link the braided loop thing that you slide over your flyline tip and then secure with a little bit of tubing and some glue?

Michael,   It is a little nylon piece, shaped like a grain of rice, but a little larger with a hole through the center the long way and a hole through the sides. Ernie

Response:

I haven’t had time to post this sooner, but I went fishing this last Saturday on the Yellowstone.  It was a cold day, the wind was howling, and there were several snow flurries causing temporary white outs. Perfect day to be alone on the river. Before heading out, I stopped in at Dan Bailey’s to check the board and see if they had any recent info.  After being told that there wasn’t much happening on the river and that the spring creeks were fishing well, I still decided to head out.  I did receive several looks that all but said "Are you nuts?!?!"  Well, that is still being debated but I went out anyway. I found a nice stretch of water that wasn’t being blasted by the wind and as I rigged up the snow stopped.  The wind also started letting up from a constant gale force wind, to an occasional strong gust.  Things started off slow and I proceeded to work my way upstream where I got into a pod of whitefish.  After catching two and remembering some fond memories of JeffC the Whitefish King, I moved further upstream in search of trout. I eventually landed several beautiful, dark colored rainbows and lost several more as I slipped and slid my way along the ice.  I did lose a rather nice rainbow due to ice in the guides, but such is fishing during this time of year.  I was a little rusty from not having fished in almost two months, but it all came back rather quickly.  Funny how sometimes the harder you try, the worse you get and then you just let things happen and it is like you never even had that extended break. Probably the best thing about actually taking that break is that I rediscovered what fly fishing is to me and just how much it means to me.  I even caught some fish which made it all that much sweeter.  The best fish I landed, a 17" rainbow, had me mesmerized after I slipped the hook out of his mouth.  He lay there in the net peacefully, as if to give me ample time to admire his beauty before I released him. A few weeks ago I asked if anyone had ever tried using that Zap-a-Gap connection for joining the leader to the fly line.  After getting no response I decided to try it.  Not only did it hold very well, but it was a nice change of pace in not having to fight the line hanging up on the guides.  Even when ice began clogging the guides, the fly line and leader connection would pass through without hang ups. I am now planning on carrying the needle, needle vise, and Zap-a-Gap in my vest in case I need to change a leader.  It is a very quick and easy way to connect a leader to a fly line and I found it much easier than tying a nail knot.  I am still amazed at how easily the connection passes through the guides. — Warren Findley

Response:

Warren, Have you tried a Leader Link? Ernie "Warren" wrote <snip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am now planning on carrying the needle, needle vise, and Zap-a-Gap in my vest in case I need to change a leader.  It is a very quick and easy way to connect a leader to a fly line and I found it much easier than tying a nail knot.  I am still amazed at how easily the connection passes through the guides. Warren Findley

Response:

Warren, Have you tried a Leader Link? Ernie

I actually installed a Leader Link on Warren’s line during the Western Clave, Ernie. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

Response:

(another excellent report snipped) Hey Warren, I caught a fish on your little green seredipitiy sunday. The fish were visible because the stream is so low, and there were midges hatching all over.  My favorite winter bug (extra fuzzy small hare’s ear) wasn’t working, so just for the hell of it i tied on your 18 green serendipity.  I’ve tried since the montana trip to catch a NM trout with a one of those flies and it finally worked.  I was in a small stream near albq. BTW, these were real midges that you could actually see with the naked eye, not those tiny SJ midges.  If your ears were ringing Dec 9-12 it’s because we must have said "warren would like this river" 20 times. bruce h — bare your soul let your spirit burn out along the road to no return – r.e. keen

Response:

Question:

Chris,    It is difficult to tail a member of the trout family because their tail is not rigid.  Members of the salmon family are easy to tail. Ernie for all my advice, you should have seen me in practice this morning <G.  had a difficult time tailing a fish and when i finally did, it broke me off right there and shot away.  the way things go sometimes.

<snip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – chris

Response:

Landing steelhead with a double-handed rod has always troubled me. ..

Just break the rod in half – always works for me! RalphH

Response:

I have found that just a plain pair of wool glove allows you to grip the fish’s tail much easier.  Hope this is of help. Kevin

Response:

Chris,    It is difficult to tail a member of the trout family because their tail is not rigid.  Members of the salmon family are easy to tail. Ernie

well, we’ll have to agree to disagree.  i find steelhead much easier to tail than some of the pacific salmon, although they are in the same family as trout and steelhead, maybe you meant the salmo genus. btw, another way to get a handle on the fish is to first grab the leader… yes, sometimes you get cuts on your fingers from doing it.  of course, with all the benfits of a 2-handed rod, landing fish on them without beaching them is one of the drawbacks. chris

Response:

I wouldn’t worry about tailing steelhead I’ve found that they roll on their side and don’t trash. If you back out of the water and lay your rod down and keep tension on the line you can get a hold of the tail and then get your fly out.It’s much easier to release a steelhead than a small trout I haven’t seen anything used to tail a steelhead.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Landing steelhead with a double-handed rod has always troubled me. I have tried to tail them, but my hand is often too small and/or weak to do so. Besides, it seems to take too much time to sufficiently weaken them before trying to tail them. I don’t want to exaust them. So I tend to force the issue as quickly as possible and try to beach them as soon as possible. Most of the time I have been successful in doing so although I have lost a few feisty ones that seemed to hate to touch the beach. I don’t mind losing some; I let all of them go any way afterwards. However, I wonder if beaching them might hurt them. Does anyone have any factual information regarding beaching and health of relatively large fish? Could anyone give me lessons about how to tail them? As much as I love to hook them, I would like to release them safely. Shinji on the Sky well, i don’t think it’s good for a big fish to flop around on rocks and sand, you really want to keep the fish in the water and not have the rocks and sand remove the fish’s slime layer or scales.  i haven’t seen any studies on it, but i believe all info on releasing fish recommends not bringing the fish out of water. what i do is make sure i have some loose line off the reel so that once i tail the fish i can illeviate the line pressure so i don’t break the rod.  i haven’t found that it takes much more time to tire a steelhead out to tail it than to beach it.  if it’s a problem with your hands, i think there are some tailing devices out there… most seem to be fairly long handled, but i’m sure you could cut back the handle.  i know cabelas sells them.  you could also make sure to fish with someone else, who can tail your fish and vice-versa, but that’ll probably decrease fishing days if you must have a partner.  look into some sort of tailing device if you can’t use your hands, because it is better for the fish you plan on releasing. chris

Response:

for all my advice, you should have seen me in practice this morning <G.  had a difficult time tailing a fish and when i finally did, it broke me off right there and shot away.  the way things go sometimes. i agree that it’s not that big of a deal to lose a fish once you’ve touched the leader or made a grab for the tail… but it truly is nice to get ahold of a steelhead every once in awhile just to get a real good look at one and technically land a steelhead <G. chris

Heartily I agree. That’s why I was trying to beach them. I’d like to thank and say good-bye to them in a proper manner. Shinji on the Sky

Response:

______  I always just slip my free under the fish and lift just a little without taking the fish out of the water and I turn it (being on the edge of the river now) into what current there may be.  Usually, I can slip the hook out very easily.  When I want the fish to simply swim off, I lower its weight back off my hand and they will almost surely swim off casually rather then darting off, which confirms the calming affect lifting a fish just a little has on them while still letting them stay in the water. This works especially well when using barbless hooks because they come out much easier without upsetting a fish as will most barbed hooks will.  Barbed hooks go in easy but come out with more difficulty unless you pay attention to the angle of the little slit one should try to back such hooks out.  Barbed hooks are easier to remove with a large pair of forceps.  A secret I use is to use a pair of dikes.  Powerful cutting and pointed pliers that I can snip the hook in half (large hooks with large barbs) just behind the barb if its all the way through.  The barb comes out instantly and the fish is free. Yes, it cost me a fly but when you’ve caught a 12 pound or large Steelhead, the cost of a fly you’ve tied yourself is a small price to pay for such great entertainment.  It always amazes me when watching television fishing shows the great amounts of effort the ‘Pros’ will go to to save a fly at the greater expense and stress and damage to the fish.   Hope these suggestions are somewhat useful gentlemen. Mr. G. — http://www.gink.com/chat

Response:

Chris,   It is difficult to tail a member of the trout family because their tail is not rigid.  Members of the salmon family are easy to tail.

ARRGH! It’s that Salmonid Taxonomy problem again. Trouts and salmons are all in the family Salmonidae. One of the major genera with in that family is _Salmo_, which includes the Atlantic Salmon and the Brown Trout. Another major family is _Onchorynchus_, which includes the Cutthroat, Rainbow, Golden, Gila, Apache trout and all of the Pacific salmons (pink, king, coho, et cetera). The Lake and Brook Trout are in yet two more genera. (Brookies are technically chars, but I still like them anyway. They’ve got spirit.) At any rate, there is no "trout family" that is distinct from the "salmon family." The criterion that I use is based upon tracing evolutionary relationships. The other criterion may be based upon reproductive migrations or on freshwater vs. saltwater, which leaves us screwed in describing sea-run Cutts or Browns or Steelhead. (Genetically, Steelhead are Rainbows. Bigger and migratory, but rainbows none the less.) Opt out == cop-out. What’s so hard to understand?

Response:

The WDFW gives away a nifty little device at most of the sportsmens shows that is simply a dowel with a plate hook on the end of it. I think they even had directions on how to make them in the regs pamphlet. If you were to make one of these short enough to put in your vest you wouldn’t even have to touch the fish. Simply hook the line with the tool and slide the tool to the fishes mouth. Lift the tool up and the fish unhooks itself. It’s the same principle as the "CatchemRelease" tool you spend $20 on (I have one I use for trout and love it!).  It’s one of the best devices for fishing I have found. It’s simple and better yet it works! Gary

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Landing steelhead with a double-handed rod has always troubled me. I have tried to tail them, but my hand is often too small and/or weak to do so. Besides, it seems to take too much time to sufficiently weaken them before trying to tail them. I don’t want to exaust them. So I tend to force the issue as quickly as possible and try to beach them as soon as possible. Most of the time I have been successful in doing so although I have lost a few feisty ones that seemed to hate to touch the beach. I don’t mind losing some; I let all of them go any way afterwards. However, I wonder if beaching them might hurt them. Does anyone have any factual information regarding beaching and health of relatively large fish? Could anyone give me lessons about how to tail them? As much as I love to hook them, I would like to release them safely. Shinji on the Sky

well, i don’t think it’s good for a big fish to flop around on rocks and sand, you really want to keep the fish in the water and not have the rocks and sand remove the fish’s slime layer or scales.  i haven’t seen any studies on it, but i believe all info on releasing fish recommends not bringing the fish out of water. what i do is make sure i have some loose line off the reel so that once i tail the fish i can illeviate the line pressure so i don’t break the rod.  i haven’t found that it takes much more time to tire a steelhead out to tail it than to beach it.  if it’s a problem with your hands, i think there are some tailing devices out there… most seem to be fairly long handled, but i’m sure you could cut back the handle.  i know cabelas sells them.  you could also make sure to fish with someone else, who can tail your fish and vice-versa, but that’ll probably decrease fishing days if you must have a partner.  look into some sort of tailing device if you can’t use your hands, because it is better for the fish you plan on releasing. chris

Response:

Landing steelhead with a double-handed rod has always troubled me. I have tried to tail them, but my hand is often too small and/or weak to do so. Besides, it seems to take too much time to sufficiently weaken them before trying to tail them. I don’t want to exaust them. So I tend to force the issue as quickly as possible and try to beach them as soon as possible. Most of the time I have been successful in doing so although I have lost a few feisty ones that seemed to hate to touch the beach. I don’t mind losing some; I let all of them go any way afterwards. However, I wonder if beaching them might hurt them. Does anyone have any factual information regarding beaching and health of relatively large fish? Could anyone give me lessons about how to tail them? As much as I love to hook them, I would like to release them safely. Shinji on the Sky

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – well, i don’t think it’s good for a big fish to flop around on rocks and sand, you really want to keep the fish in the water and not have the rocks and sand remove the fish’s slime layer or scales.  i haven’t seen any studies on it, but i believe all info on releasing fish recommends not bringing the fish out of water. what i do is make sure i have some loose line off the reel so that once i tail the fish i can illeviate the line pressure so i don’t break the rod.  i haven’t found that it takes much more time to tire a steelhead out to tail it than to beach it.  if it’s a problem with your hands, i think there are some tailing devices out there… most seem to be fairly long handled, but i’m sure you could cut back the handle.  i know cabelas sells them.  you could also make sure to fish with someone else, who can tail your fish and vice-versa, but that’ll probably decrease fishing days if you must have a partner.  look into some sort of tailing device if you can’t use your hands, because it is better for the fish you plan on releasing. chris

Thanks. Reading your posting, I realize what a fool I was. Why do I have to worry about losing fish while trying to tail them? After all, I am tailing them in order to release them! Shinji on the Sky

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – well, i don’t think it’s good for a big fish to flop around on rocks and sand, you really want to keep the fish in the water and not have the rocks and sand remove the fish’s slime layer or scales.  i haven’t seen any studies on it, but i believe all info on releasing fish recommends not bringing the fish out of water. what i do is make sure i have some loose line off the reel so that once i tail the fish i can illeviate the line pressure so i don’t break the rod.  i haven’t found that it takes much more time to tire a steelhead out to tail it than to beach it.  if it’s a problem with your hands, i think there are some tailing devices out there… most seem to be fairly long handled, but i’m sure you could cut back the handle.  i know cabelas sells them.  you could also make sure to fish with someone else, who can tail your fish and vice-versa, but that’ll probably decrease fishing days if you must have a partner.  look into some sort of tailing device if you can’t use your hands, because it is better for the fish you plan on releasing. chris Thanks. Reading your posting, I realize what a fool I was. Why do I have to worry about losing fish while trying to tail them? After all, I am tailing them in order to release them! Shinji on the Sky

for all my advice, you should have seen me in practice this morning <G.  had a difficult time tailing a fish and when i finally did, it broke me off right there and shot away.  the way things go sometimes. i agree that it’s not that big of a deal to lose a fish once you’ve touched the leader or made a grab for the tail… but it truly is nice to get ahold of a steelhead every once in awhile just to get a real good look at one and technically land a steelhead <G. chris

Response:

Question:

Mike K&K Flyfishers                  Rainbow Fly 8643 Grant                         17201 E 40 Hwy Overland Park Ks               Independence Mo 913-341-8118                      816-373-2283 See if this works for you it does for me. Tight Loops Bo – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – —–BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE—– I’m not much of a tier yet. Does anybody know of any good fly shops in the Kansas City/Topeka area? I need some lures for spring, before I get driven to true desperation (using Berkeley plastic crawdads on a fly rod). d Try alt.fishing. — 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:

—–BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE—– I’m not much of a tier yet. Does anybody know of any good fly shops in the Kansas City/Topeka area? I need some lures for spring, before I get driven to true desperation (using Berkeley plastic crawdads on a fly rod). Even better…if you know of a fly shop in that general area that also does a good casting lesson, well, god only knows I need the help. I can usually chuck a fly about 50′, but only if there’s no obstructions and no wind. I’d also take an online fly shop or fly tier, if you know of any. —–BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE—– Version: 2.6.2 iQEVAwUBNsPyXJdiUzdLFqlpAQFARAf+JaW83oC4hAMAoQCQRVZyxFv/a5urF1cU SQaOpNteU8Z6etNM388F3CYvAniwa+dwmdCGCMT/SOQHEHBuHczj9/hrhXk+28+b M7goNl5kgIhd+zMR9LdsHt/NbW42PATuYNdsWV0Wf1tHfKGKGc98hdyF5w0/lJak xQU44Yt/PY5440MIn64YeAOtChSn4lPXYP3xyXB0a1oy221zZ6mWJkWaJb/yOHO1 Oo3Gv1kfGpgrBV8OQhx8WK/cGq+lulrQH3Dvpmn9UxXXrmr9azCPf5TJ0A0vnQrV zqwf/uEMbEnHJe6KIG8flAhLn51N65ysIr9LRGtXqYzuFltj9MmuxA== =Waa4 —–END PGP SIGNATURE—– Mike S. Medintz, http://www.grapevine.net/~medintz "Can’t keep my eyes from the circling skies,  Tongue-tied and twisted, just an earthbound misfit, I" -Pink Floyd

Response:

—–BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE—– I’m not much of a tier yet. Does anybody know of any good fly shops in the Kansas City/Topeka area? I need some lures for spring, before I get driven to true desperation (using Berkeley plastic crawdads on a fly rod). d

Try alt.fishing. — 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:

Question:

Estimates of the survivability of game fish that are caught and then released back into the water range from 10% to as high as 50%.  With mortality rates this high, I feel that the practice of catch and release should be outlawed. The simple fact of the matter is that a catch and keep sportfisherman, who obeys laws concerning catch limits and possession limits causes the demise of far fewer fish than the catch and release fisherman. The person who catches fish only for the fun of it without regard to there value as a food source is not unlike the big game hunter who kills a bull

If you had been flyfishing twenty, well thirty years ago…believe me… you would have second thought about your position.  It seemed ok to keep your whole catch then simply because there weren’t so many fishermen, plus you now unfortunately HAVE to add in the factor of habitat degradation. I look at the whole spectrum and figure on even just a small percentage of the trout caught…being those that have been caught several times, thus saving many trout from being caught that first time. tight_lines, steve d.

Response:

giorgio writes:    Catch and release is technique… Survival is in the very high 90% (I’ll bet I get 100%!!)

That’s right, it’s all those other people, who aren’t as clever as I am, that kill fish.  I can catch fish all day, and never kill even one.  They seem to enjoy being caught.  As I was saying to my wife… Morgan Fairchild, yeah, that’s the ticket…. CQ

Response:

Estimates of the survivability of game fish that are caught and then released back into the water range from 10% to as high as 50%.  With mortality rates this high, I feel that the practice of catch and release should be outlawed. The simple fact of the matter is that a catch and keep sportfisherman, who obeys laws concerning catch limits and possession limits causes the demise of far fewer fish than the catch and release fisherman. The person who catches fish only for the fun of it without regard to there value as a food source is not unlike the big game hunter who kills a bull elk only for the fun of it(or perhaps a set of horns over the mantle.)

Where the heck did you get your numbers? This "estimate" (Defined as an educated guess) is way out of line with data gathered from actual research, which shows mortality on released fish to be lower than 3% with barbless flys, and never even near this 50% even with multi-point, barbed and baited hooks. The "Simple fact" is that those who ignorantly condemn certain practices based on false conjecture serve only to harm the resource they intend to protect, if that is even their true motive. And how, then, would you explain why certain fish can be fooled and released over and over year after year, in the same place? And those beautiful wild Deschutes red-band rainbows that (sadly) have several hook-holes in their jaws a couple of weeks into the famous salmon fly hatch? They would never reach their 14" to 20" typical size even at a 10% mortality rate! Get your facts straight before you start throwing words like "outlaw" around OK? The last thing we (or the fish) need is more misguided legislation!

Response:

Ever notice how people who post messages like this don’t use their name? Hey Mike: I never really though about it, logflyer is my E-mail account name.  But for your information my name is Mike Golden, I live in Idaho and if there is anything else youd like to know about me please dont hesitate ot E-mail me.

I think, Mike Golden (if that is your real name), that where fishing is concerned I already know as much about you as I ever want to. — "…but no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States." Article VI, US Constitution

Response:

giorgio writes:       Catch and release is technique… Survival is in the very high 90% (I’ll bet I get 100%!!) That’s right, it’s all those other people, who aren’t as clever as I am, that kill fish.  I can catch fish all day, and never kill even one.  They seem to enjoy being caught.  As I was saying to my wife… Morgan Fairchild, yeah, that’s the ticket…. CQ

I’ve had fish die in my hand or after release so I’d never claim 100% though I’m sure I do far better than 50 oh yeah despite rumours to the contrary I am not married to Nicole Kidman –  my wife sort of looks like her (she smarter too!) 8^) Ralph H "…      the sabbath rang slowly      in the pebbles of the holy streams!" Dylan Thomas, "Fern Hill"

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 Hey Mike: I never really though about it, logflyer is my E-mail account name.  But for your information my name is Mike Golden, I live in Idaho and if there is anything else youd like to know about me please dont hesitate ot E-mail me.

Thanks Mike. Maybe it’s just psychological but I like to think that there is a real person at the other end of a post. When someone doesn’t use a name it seems like they just want to stir the pot, stand back and watch the results. Some people get their kicks from this kind of activity. I share some of your concerns for catch & release fishing but I don’t agree with many of your statements. I practise catch & release regularily, but will I always keep the fish when I have a doubt as to whether it will survive (when legal to do so). I have observed fishermen do not because the fish was "too small" or it means the end of their fishing day or just simply through ignorance. Perhaps some sort of training should be mandatory to obtain a fishing license? (Maybe just a quiz that you must pass?) Any thoughts on this folks? Should we fish a lake or stream that is catch & release because of conservation reasons? Maybe not, but fishers are some of our most active conservationists. Fishing keeps people in touch with aquatic ecosystems and I feel this benefit can outweigh the disadvantages. — Mike Robinson

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -logflyer writes: Estimates of the survivability of game fish that are caught and then released back into the water range from 10% to as high as 50%.  With mortality rates this high, I feel that the practice of catch and release should be outlawed.   Those figures are probably correct if you’re talking about marlin, or if you’re talking about salmonids that are played to total exhaustion, or kept out of the water long enough for a carefully posed picture (arrrgh!).  If you’re fishing for salmonids, bringing them in green, not taking them out of the water, and you’re reviving them correctly, studies have shown that survivability is above 90%, unless water temps are high. A 10% mortality rate is a good, conservative rule of thumb to use when you’re deciding when it’s time to stop for the day. The simple fact of the matter is that a catch and keep sportfisherman, who obeys laws concerning catch limits and possession limits causes the demise of far fewer fish than the catch and release fisherman. Absolutely, if the c&r angler doesn’t limit his catch, but it doesn’t have to be that way.  It’s more relaxing (for me, anyway) to take breaks and enjoy the area than it is to work like hell to see how many dozen fish you can catch in a day, anyway. A modest proposal: C&R shouldn’t exempt you from the ethic of limiting your kill. If the limit is 6 trout, and you’re releasing all the fish you catch, assume that as many as 10% die after release, and limit yourself to a half-limit of fish killed (3 fish), since they are being left behind uneaten (by you, anyway).   This still permits you to land as many as 30 fish in a day.   Another, even more conservative method would be to stop when you’ve released a limit of "keepers."  Landing six nice fish (or whatever the limit would allow) in a day is still nothing to complain about! The person who catches fish only for the fun of it without regard to there value as a food source is not unlike the big game hunter who kills a bull elk only for the fun of it(or perhaps a set of horns over the mantle.) I don’t know if I’d describe fishing as fun; fulfilling would be more accurate. I get something good from the fish I harvest, something equally good from the fish I release, and something else (equally good) from the fish that I can’t (or choose not to) catch. I’d agree that (at least for some) there is an element of trophy hunting, and even gluttony, in catch-and-release.  I no longer photograph live fish, as the time out of water decreases their chance of survival, and always limit my catch, whether I’m keeping fish or not. (BTW, all of the elk hunters I know around here hunt mainly for the freezerful of meat that comes with those horns.) CQ

Charlie ; you’re a blessing to the group! Ralph H " … the sabbath rang in the pebbles of the holy streams!" Dylan Thomas, "Fern Hill" " One man free to love his minute   in the realms of flesh and sun   breaks down more pain than ages   of humane law or lawyers can." Leonard Cohen, " Crying, Come Back, Hero"

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logflyer writes: Estimates of the survivability of game fish that are caught and then released back into the water range from 10% to as high as 50%.  With mortality rates this high, I feel that the practice of catch and release should be outlawed.  

Those figures are probably correct if you’re talking about marlin, or if you’re talking about salmonids that are played to total exhaustion, or kept out of the water long enough for a carefully posed picture (arrrgh!).  If you’re fishing for salmonids, bringing them in green, not taking them out of the water, and you’re reviving them correctly, studies have shown that survivability is above 90%, unless water temps are high. A 10% mortality rate is a good, conservative rule of thumb to use when you’re deciding when it’s time to stop for the day. The simple fact of the matter is that a catch and keep sportfisherman, who obeys laws concerning catch limits and possession limits causes the demise of far fewer fish than the catch and release fisherman.

Absolutely, if the c&r angler doesn’t limit his catch, but it doesn’t have to be that way.  It’s more relaxing (for me, anyway) to take breaks and enjoy the area than it is to work like hell to see how many dozen fish you can catch in a day, anyway. A modest proposal: C&R shouldn’t exempt you from the ethic of limiting your kill. If the limit is 6 trout, and you’re releasing all the fish you catch, assume that as many as 10% die after release, and limit yourself to a half-limit of fish killed (3 fish), since they are being left behind uneaten (by you, anyway).   This still permits you to land as many as 30 fish in a day.   Another, even more conservative method would be to stop when you’ve released a limit of "keepers."  Landing six nice fish (or whatever the limit would allow) in a day is still nothing to complain about! The person who catches fish only for the fun of it without regard to there value as a food source is not unlike the big game hunter who kills a bull elk only for the fun of it(or perhaps a set of horns over the mantle.)

I don’t know if I’d describe fishing as fun; fulfilling would be more accurate. I get something good from the fish I harvest, something equally good from the fish I release, and something else (equally good) from the fish that I can’t (or choose not to) catch. I’d agree that (at least for some) there is an element of trophy hunting, and even gluttony, in catch-and-release.  I no longer photograph live fish, as the time out of water decreases their chance of survival, and always limit my catch, whether I’m keeping fish or not. (BTW, all of the elk hunters I know around here hunt mainly for the freezerful of meat that comes with those horns.) CQ

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Estimates of the survivability of game fish that are caught and then released back into the water range from 10% to as high as 50%.  With mortality rates this high, I feel that the practice of catch and release should be outlawed. The simple fact of the matter is that a catch and keep sportfisherman, who obeys laws concerning catch limits and possession limits causes the demise of far fewer fish than the catch and release fisherman. The person who catches fish only for the fun of it without regard to there value as a food source is not unlike the big game hunter who kills a bull elk only for the fun of it(or perhaps a set of horns over the mantle.) Estimates of the survivability of game fish that are caught and then released back into the water range from 10% to as high as 50%.  With mortality rates this high, I feel that the practice of catch and release should be outlawed. The simple fact of the matter is that a catch and keep sportfisherman, who obeys laws concerning catch limits and possession limits causes the demise of far fewer fish than the catch and release fisherman. The person who catches fish only for the fun of it without regard to there value as a food source is not unlike the big game hunter who kills a bull elk only for the fun of it(or perhaps a set of horns over the mantle.)

Where the heck did you get your numbers? This "estimate" (Defined as an educated guess) is way out of line with data gathered from actual research, which shows mortality on released fish to be lower than 3% with barbless flys, and never even near this 50% even with multi-point, barbed and baited hooks. The "Simple fact" is that those who ignorantly condemn certain practices based on false conjecture serve only to harm the resource they intend to protect, if that is even their true motive. And how, then, would you explain why certain fish can be fooled and released over and over year after year, in the same place? And those beautiful wild Deschutes red-band rainbows that (sadly) have several hook-holes in their jaws a couple of weeks into the famous salmon fly hatch? They would never reach their 14" to 20" typical size even at a 10% mortality rate! Get your facts straight before you start throwing words like "outlaw" around OK? The last thing we (or the fish) need is more misguided legislation!

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Ever notice how people who post messages like this don’t use their name?

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Estimates of the survivability of game fish that are caught and then released back into the water range from 10% to as high as 50%.  With mortality rates this high, I feel that the practice of catch and release should be outlawed. The simple fact of the matter is that a catch and keep sportfisherman, who obeys laws concerning catch limits and possession limits causes the demise of far fewer fish than the catch and release fisherman. The person who catches fish only for the fun of it without regard to there value as a food source is not unlike the big game hunter who kills a bull elk only for the fun of it(or perhaps a set of horns over the mantle.)OR POSTS indefensible trip such as this. If this is your actual thought,

you really and truly should contact any qualified biologist that has monitored catch and release lakes. I think you would have to rethink your position.         Further, If I catch 10 keepers and release them, even with your high mortality rates-which are very suspect-I am hundreds of percentage points ahead of the surviavability rates of those that end up in your fry pan.           I don’t begrudge someone their meal of legally caught and kept fish, and there is a balance to be kept in mind on that point, but  for you or anyone else to begrudge my releasing fish that you might end up having for dinner next week is ludicrous. Enjoy the fishing; return the fish. Jeff O’Donnell

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Where did you get your numbers? The studies that I have read list the survival rate of a fish caught and released on a fly at about 99%. With a spinner, it drops to 90 to 95%. The lowest is with bait because the fish has the opprotunity to take the hook deep in the vital areas. With bait it drops to about 75%. I spend alot of time fishing in the South Platt River, you would be hard pressed to find a harder fished river and much of it is C&R. It is full of some large and very smart rainbow and brown trout, I reciently caught a 24 inch rainbow. If your numbers were correct, there would be no fish in the river.Amen! Further, thos of us that fish the same small waters can track some

fish over a period of two to four years. Enjoy the fishing;return the fish Jeff O’Donnell

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Ever notice how people who post messages like this don’t use their name? Hey Mike:

I never really though about it, logflyer is my E-mail account name.  But for your information my name is Mike Golden, I live in Idaho and if there is anything else youd like to know about me please dont hesitate ot E-mail me.

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Estimates of the survivability of game fish that are caught and then released back into the water range from 10% to as high as 50%.  With mortality rates this high, I feel that the practice of catch and release should be outlawed. The simple fact of the matter is that a catch and keep sportfisherman, who obeys laws concerning catch limits and possession limits causes the demise of far fewer fish than the catch and release fisherman. The person who catches fish only for the fun of it without regard to there value as a food source is not unlike the big game hunter who kills a bull elk only for the fun of it(or perhaps a set of horns over the mantle.)OR POSTS indefensible trip such as this. If this is your actual thought, you really and truly should contact any qualified biologist that has monitored catch and release lakes. I think you would have to rethink your position.    Further, If I catch 10 keepers and release them, even with your high mortality rates-which are very suspect-I am hundreds of percentage points ahead of the surviavability rates of those that end up in your fry pan.      I don’t begrudge someone their meal of legally caught and kept fish, and there is a balance to be kept in mind on that point, but  for you or anyone else to begrudge my releasing fish that you might end up having for dinner next week is ludicrous. Enjoy the fishing; return the fish. Jeff O’Donnell

        If you’re ripping the swallowed #4 hook from the guts of the fish while squeezing hard with a dry hand. . . then yes you will kill the fish.         Catch and release is technique: barbless hooks, set in the jaw, released without touching or lifting the fish from the water. And don’t play them ’til they’re "dead in the water" . . . These fish sustain insignificant wounds to the jaw and swim away unharmed. Survival is in the very high 90% (I’ll bet I get 100%!!)

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What species of fish are you talking about? Is this just salmonoids or are you applying your rules to tarpon, bonefish, fresh water catfish, etc? Just curious. Charlie…

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Estimates of the survivability of game fish that are caught and then released back into the water range from 10% to as high as 50%.  With mortality rates this high, I feel that the practice of catch and release should be outlawed.   The simple fact of the matter is that a catch and keep sportfisherman, who obeys laws concerning catch limits and possession limits causes the demise of far fewer fish than the catch and release fisherman. The person who catches fish only for the fun of it without regard to there value as a food source is not unlike the big game hunter who kills a bull elk only for the fun of it(or perhaps a set of horns over the mantle.)

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Where did you get your numbers? The studies that I have read list the survival rate of a fish caught and released on a fly at about 99%. With a spinner, it drops to 90 to 95%. The lowest is with bait because the fish has the opprotunity to take the hook deep in the vital areas. With bait it drops to about 75%. I spend alot of time fishing in the South Platt River, you would be hard pressed to find a harder fished river and much of it is C&R. It is full of some large and very smart rainbow and brown trout, I reciently caught a 24 inch rainbow. If your numbers were correct, there would be no fish in the river.

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survivability of game fish that are caught and then released back into the water range from 10% to as high as 50%.  With mortality rates this high, I feel that the practice of catch and release should be outlawed.<< If that were in fact the case I’d agree with you. Fortunately there was a good study in MI two years ago or so that indicated that if fish were properly handled and released then mortality rates in the very low single digits could be expected. After this study was published Paul Burgess at Airflo in the UK sponsored a study that had similar results. If I’m not mistaken a PA study also showed similar results. Methinks the bottom line is that if a fish is brought in as soon as possible rather than being played to death, is kept in the water, handled gently with wet hands and properly revived, then released, mortality can be very low. I keep lots of panfish and the occasional trout for the skillet, but C&R has been proven effective as a tool for better management of a declining resource in a time of increased fishing pressure. All this chest thumping by those opposed to C&R was entertaining for a while, and hopefully gets the attention of those who would force C&R as a religion down the throats of everyone. Just the same the entertainment factor has worn off, the chest thumping of those who want to stick their heads in the sand and pretend C&R is not a good management tool is just so much schlock, and the debate now sounds like what you get listening to both sides of either the abortion or gun debates in the U.S. with everyone talking, but no one really paying much attention. Fair winds and following seas, Pat in Pawtucket  RI

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Estimates of the survivability of game fish that are caught and then released back into the water range from 10% to as high as 50%.  With mortality rates this high, I feel that the practice of catch and release should be outlawed.   The simple fact of the matter is that a catch and keep sportfisherman, who obeys laws concerning catch limits and possession limits causes the demise of far fewer fish than the catch and release fisherman. The person who catches fish only for the fun of it without regard to there value as a food source is not unlike the big game hunter who kills a bull elk only for the fun of it(or perhaps a set of horns over the mantle.)

Logflyer,     Where did you get those stats, they are much lower than those reported in the literature ? I have ( read) numbers for flyfishing in the 90 – 99 % range.     I do think you are being unfair about the C & R / gamehunter analogy. Most fisherman I think practice C  & R to selfishly conserve the resource so they (we) can go back and catch them again, quite unlike the Big-game hunter. If your stats are correct, and it is a reputable scientific study then we should rethink C & R because we are fooling ourselves. But  "gamefish" is a rather large generic. Does your info break out fish species, angling methods, etc. with an                                                                                           Jody – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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Estimates of the survivability of game fish that are caught and then released back into the water range from 10% to as high as 50%.  With mortality rates this high, I feel that the practice of catch and release should be outlawed.  

virtually all published studies indicate that release mortalities with artificial lures range from less than 4% (BC STEELHEADS) to no more than 10 or 12 %. Bait produces mortality of 15 % or higher on some salmonids. Experience with many catch and release fisheries including those under very heavy fishing pressure is that fish populations stay high or increase What studies or information are you using? What terminal tackle choices are you inferring are being used? DH

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logflyer, For some reason your logic isn’t fiting for me.  As much as I fish here in Montana and kept all the fish I caught during the season and all my freind did it also  100% of the fish would be gone and we all’d be eating Trout everyday to keep possesion limits legal. If I kill 50% of the fish I land that’s better than 100% taken. My freind like that, expecially if it’s a big spawner. If my logic has flaws please explain more I’m always open to new logic. Lar’s – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Estimates of the survivability of game fish that are caught and then released back into the water range from 10% to as high as 50%.  With mortality rates this high, I feel that the practice of catch and release should be outlawed.   The simple fact of the matter is that a catch and keep sportfisherman, who obeys laws concerning catch limits and possession limits causes the demise of far fewer fish than the catch and release fisherman. The person who catches fish only for the fun of it without regard to there value as a food source is not unlike the big game hunter who kills a bull elk only for the fun of it(or perhaps a set of horns over the mantle.)

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Question:

I am a beginning commercial fly tyer.  I have been at it for about a year and I find that one of the slowest aspects of my production tying is that of hair stacking (particularly calf tail/body). Does anyone know of any tools/methods that would serve to make this process more automated when tying large orders?  Any other hints on speed/production tying would be appreciated.

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I am a beginning commercial fly tyer.  I have been at it for about a year and I find that one of the slowest aspects of my production tying is that of hair stacking (particularly calf tail/body). Does anyone know of any tools/methods that would serve to make this process more automated when tying large orders?  Any other hints on speed/production tying would be appreciated.

Hi Mike I’ve been a commercial tiers for 39 years, the last 28 I’ve tied hair wing flies. When I started tying hair wings I purchased 24 hair stackers. When they are loaded I have the makings for a dozen wings and tails and thus a dozen hair wing flies. It really save a lot of time over constantly picking up and laying down the hair as you tie each pattern. It also helps in keeping track of the number of flies completed and only takes about 5 minutes to load them. You should be able to buy the stackers wholesale. If you have trouble finding a source let me know, I can get Griffins hair stackers for you for wholesale prices ($3.30 per each). Good Luck and if you need any additional info. let me know. Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (96 catalog)

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I built a hair stacker for a dozen flies. It is simply a board with flat bottom holes bored about 1/2 into the board ( a cabinet shop will be able to do this). I then inserted a collar of copper tubing into the bottom of the whole. The collar allows the stacked end of hair to extend beyond the end of the tube. The tube itself is copper tubing and flared at the end just like a regular hairstacker. The board can be loaded fairly rapidly and all the stacks can be evened by tapping the board on the counter top. I beveled one edge of the board so it can be stood on edge and the tubes are slanted. This allows for easy removal. As Al stated, it also helps keep track of the dozens tied. This is the pits when you are in the middle of 50 dozen size 12 Elk Hair Caddis ** Vic Brockett     <<< I fish therefore I am  ** ** Vic’s Fly-By-Night <<< Read "The River Why" **

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I am a beginning commercial fly tyer.  I have been at it for about a year and I find that one of the slowest aspects of my production tying is that of hair stacking (particularly calf tail/body). Does anyone know of any tools/methods that would serve to make this process more automated when tying large orders?  Any other hints on speed/production tying would be appreciated.

Skip Morris suggests stacking a whole bunch at once, and attaching the tip ends to a piece of masking tape, fold the tape over, then hold the whole deal together with a bulldog clip. Scott Univ. of Rochester Med. Ctr.            Phone(716)275-6399 Dept. of Neurology, Box 605               Fax(716)244-4617 Rochester, NY  14642

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Question:

I’m relatively new both to fly fishing and the Seattle area. Would anyone out there have any suggestions on places to fish around here to fish, THAT ARE LEGAL.  I’m from Florida, and I’ve never seen so many closed and restricted areas in my life. Thanks, Bill Adams

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 I’m relatively new both to fly fishing and the Seattle area.  Would anyone out there have any suggestions on places to fish  around here to fish, THAT ARE LEGAL.  I’m from Florida, and  I’ve never seen so many closed and restricted areas in my life.

Get yourself a copy of _Washington_State_Fishing_Guide_by Stan Jones. It came out recently in it’s seventh edition.   Not only does it tell you how to get to every puddle or trickle in the state, it tells you what swims there as well.  As to what’s open when, if the regs don’t state otherwise, the lakes are open year round. The rivers all vary – you’ll need to check each river of interest in the regs.  There are a number of flyfishing only lakes and rivers and even more single barbless hook venues. Have fun!                       – Jewelee

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Question:

Anyone know of a mail-order source for 8 millimeter diameter pom-poms to use in making egg pattern flies?  (I believe 5 are smaller and 10 larger than the real thing – a king salmon egg.) Also – what are favorite colors for these things?   Thanks.

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I’ve bought white 8mm pom poms at a fabric store called Jo-Ann Fabrics. I’ve used RIT dyes to get colors such as chartreuse and Orgeon Cheese (be sure to use a vinegar bath after dying to make it colorfast).  These two colors have been the most effective for me on the Salmon River in NY.  I then insert the hook through the pom pom, making sure it enters perpendicular to the inner thread.  A small bit of thread wrap in front of and behind the pom pom holds it in place.  A hot glue gun will do the same, but it gets a bit messy.  Good luck.

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Anyone know of a mail-order source for 8 millimeter diameter pom-poms to use in making egg pattern flies?  (I believe 5 are smaller and 10 larger than the real thing – a king salmon egg.) Also – what are favorite colors for these things?  

Hi- Ben Franklin’s craft stores carry pom poms and will mail order. Get the white ones and dye them to your specs. Purple, lime, flame and peach will round out your selection. Don’t ask why steelhead and trout like these colors . . . just remember they do not percieve colors as humans do (they see UV and IR as well as the colors we see). 3mm is perfect trout and kokanee size roe. I’d guess 8mm is king salmon size but honestly don’t know and I doubt if the fish care.    Tight lines, Ralph —

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Just to let you know – those seemingly fancy eggs with protruding mylar tags are available in most of the craft stores way up here in Canada, but I have only seen them in 10mm. Being something of a beginner, I first purchased these lettle gems from a tackle shop, and could have bought an equivilant weight of gold for the same price. In the craft shop they are 5cents each and available in all sorts of colours – which means that if you are slow off the mark, purple will be the only colour remaining. Good Luck – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Anyone know of a mail-order source for 8 millimeter diameter pom-poms to use in making egg pattern flies?  (I believe 5 are smaller and 10 larger than the real thing – a king salmon egg.) Also – what are favorite colors for these things?   Orange and peach.  Those hand-tied from glow-bug yarn have a nicer, translucent look than those made from pom-poms. — -Wayne Trzyna I’d be <amazed if chinooks were selective enough to hesitate to take a 10mm pompom because it was 2 mm larger than the real thing.  Go with the 10’s if that’s what you can find.  Be sure you check the local craft and fabric stores.  If they have them, you’ll save a bundle.  At least you would here in Oregon, where you’re fishing egg flies strictly along the bottom, and catching rocks a lot.  What I haven’t seen, other than in fly shops, though, are the pompoms with the tiny bits of protruding mylar. If that’s what you really want, I’m afraid I have nothing to offer. Tight lines, Greg Metcalfe

– << Allan Hyggen   << <<          <<

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Just to let you know – those seemingly fancy eggs with protruding mylar tags are available in most of the craft stores way up here in Canada, but

Note:  I conducted an off-the-cuff study one day, with some Alaskan Rainbows feeding behind spawning chum salmon.  The rainbows would approach the "fancy protruding mylar" egg patterns, scope ‘em out, then turn away. But they would readily take similar pom-poms without the protruding mylar. I think the protruding mylar catches more fishermen than fish. — -Wayne Trzyna

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Note:  I conducted an off-the-cuff study one day, with some Alaskan Rainbows feeding behind spawning chum salmon.  The rainbows would approach the "fancy protruding mylar" egg patterns, scope ‘em out, then turn away. But they would readily take similar pom-poms without the protruding mylar.

…and they would take eggs hand-tied from glow-bug yarn more readily than either type of pom-pom. — -Wayne Trzyna

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Question:

  I want to know if there are any good flyfishing at good prices in Montana, Idaho, Orgen, and my state Washington.

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HI. i was just going to leave a message to the whole newsgroug about Montana Fly  Fishing at my Dude Ranch Hawley Mountain  near McLeod, Mt on the Boulder River. You can call 406-932-5791 or E-Mail me your address and I ll send you a Brochure. See my Message under GONE FISHING TO MONTANA. BBlewett

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Question:

Would like to know some effective patterns for Northern Pike.  Will be fishing Gods Lake in Manatoba Canada in mid August.

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There is an excellent book on the subject that also discusses multiple patterns.  "PIKE on the FLY" by Barry Reynolds and John Berryman.  If your local fly shop doesn’t carry it Wilderness Adventures Sporting Books does carry them at $16.00.  1-800-925-3339 or P.O. Box 1410, Bozeman, M.T. 59771, that is where I got Mine.  My favorite pattern is Bunny Bug a 3/0 Mustad #34007 with a 25-pound hard mono weed guard, Black thread, tail-4" long black rabbit strip topped with a few strands of black Krystal Flash, butt-White or Yellow marabou, body-Black rabbit strip 6" long palmered to 1/4 " of the eye.  Decievers in Red/White or Black/White are also great.  I use Orvis wire leaders on the above.   The book shop above also has an  great video by Berry Reynolds that makes you want to catch a plane up to Northern Sask!  Good Luck

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Jason Chartrand here, fly-fishing for pike is the BEST (I wish to say only, but it isn’t) way to go. Some really fun flies to try are anything that floats (fur mice, poppers, etc . . . ).  Actually seeing the hit is really exciting.  But honestly, I don’t get much success this way. Nearly any concoction that you can dream up could work, but my favorite is tied like this:         1/0 (2/0) short shank salt water hook         gold tinsel ribbing, or silver         Krystal flash: yellow, green, orange, mixed together, tied in at the         head in buck tail fashion.         Heavy black thread This sounds too simple, but it works great!!  

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: Would like to know some effective patterns for Northern Pike.  

Try a RoadKill Streamer!  Thread a regular-length-hook  (of suitable size) several times through the rear end of a  4" – 8" strip of fox or rabbit fur. Then tie on a 20lb test  shock tippet, to the eye of the hook. Make an overhand knot  (with the shock tippet) around the front end of the fur,  and then make a perfection loop in the shock tippet. Put split  shot on the tippet, at the front end of the fly. That’s it,  although you can knot some Flashabou or whatever in the  overhand knot, as you make it. Other variations include  a second hook at the front, which allows lashing the  front end of the fur (with fly tying thread) to the front hook.  Smaller versions of this fly make good brown trout flies  during fall spawning. Friends of mine have used RoadKills with  good success for Pike and Smallmouth bass in Quebec.     —

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