Question:

Wow—I’ve been reading some great trip reports here recently.  My contribution isn’t as exotic as some, but our party had a great time anyhow. As this is still my first full season of fly fishing, our annual Sierra trek was to be an opportunity to test all that I’ve learned on some of my favorite waters.  Intimidated by the topo of the Pine Creek trail, our group opted to hire a packer to get us to the pass.  As diehard backpackers, none of us had ridden before, and I have to admit that a couple of us had less-than-favorable attitudes towards pack animals.  Five hours later, though, we were deposited at a spot that would have taken us two days to reach…no more snotty attitudes towards horses! Our base camp was at a bench lake on the south side of French Canyon.  From this temporary home surrounded by 13,000 foot peaks we had access to more than a dozen lakes that hold healthy populations of golden trout.  The days were sunny but verrrry windy, and casting was often a challenge for this FF newbie.  We experimented with a variety of patterns, but the fish seemed most eager for terrestrials, at least during daylight hours.  Hoppers, ants, and attractors like stimulators and royal trudes (12 – 16) were universal hits.  The fish we caught certainly weren’t trophy size, running perhaps 9", but they were very worthy fighters.  Besides, golden trout are so beautiful that we really didn’t mind.  I must have missed three strikes for each one that I connected with, but greater skill will surely come with practice.  On two evenings we were lucky enough to witness what I believe were midge hatches that brought every fish in the lake to the surface.  An honest description of the numbers of leaping fish would never be believed…the water was simply boiling with trout.  Amazing. We hiked out on the fifth day, and I had the chance to give my 4wt a workout in Pine Creek for small rainbows to 8".  I pieced this outfit together based on what several ROFFians have said in their posts, and I absolutely love it for small creeks.  A Redington CT 3/4 (praised by Willi, I believe), on a 7′6" Cabela’s PT rod (I went to the archives for this).  The DT4 line (Mike Conner) is a cheapie Dorber (suggested by many here).  I mention this only to thank everyone for the wealth of good information that finds its way to the group.  It has been an immense help to me.  I’ll try to post a couple of pictures to ABPF when the film gets back.  Thanks for the forum! Cheers, Bill

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Wow—I’ve been reading some great trip reports here recently.  My contribution isn’t as exotic as some, but our party had a great time

anyhow. <snip Great report. Thanks, Bill. — TL, Tim

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Wow—I’ve been reading some great trip reports here recently.  My contribution isn’t as exotic as some, but our party had a great time anyhow. …. Cheers, Bill

Bill Thanks for a great report. Count me among the former purists in the matter of using pack stock. Back Country fly selection is pretty non-critical. My usual answer to what patterns to take is "Yes take flies." However when they start springing for the midges in evening hatch, something in the size 20 range can be helpful, but again just what is not critical. Mike — Michael McGuire                     Hewlett Packard Laboratories Phone: (650)-857-5491               Palo Alto, CA 94303-0971

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Question:

Some stamps came out a while ago featuring flies. Anyone know where I cn get them? Ari

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Some stamps came out a while ago featuring flies. Anyone know where I cn get them?

Um……U.S Post Office?

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I have a first day issue of these stamps.  They were released on May 31, 1991 by the US post office. If you live in the US, look in your local phone book for a stamp collector store.  They will probably have it.  I first day issue will probably cost about $10, a strip about $5.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Some stamps came out a while ago featuring flies. Anyone know where I cn get them? Ari

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Some stamps came out a while ago featuring flies. Anyone know where I can get them?

I don’t know if they are still available in the Post Office or not — occasionally I see someone offer a booklet of them on eBay at auction. Fleetwood is still selling First Day Covers and Postcards so you can get a description of the stamps by going to their web site and searching for "fishing flies" http://www.unicover.com/unisearch.htm? At the time of issue the Post Office also put out a framed print of a fly fisherman with all five stamps included.  I have one around here somewhere but couldn’t find it to provide a better description. I’m not a stamp collector myself but am trying to round up copies of all the first day stuff for the Largemouth Bass stamp. Have a great weekend, — Clyde Drury Black Bass Book Collector http://members.aol.com/BassBks/index.html

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Question:

Does anyone have info re: the upcoming fly expo in Lisle.  I know that it’s sponsored by the Dupage River Fly Tyers (DRIFT) but am wondering if there will be industry vendors present.  Or, is it a clinic featuring DRIFT members? Thanks, Dave Before you buy.

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All I know is that its at the Hyatt on Jan 15th.  I’m going because there isn’t anything for flyfishermen at the Rosemont fishing show.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Does anyone have info re: the upcoming fly expo in Lisle.  I know that it’s sponsored by the Dupage River Fly Tyers (DRIFT) but am wondering if there will be industry vendors present.  Or, is it a clinic featuring DRIFT members? Thanks, Dave Before you buy.

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I heard from two people that last year’s show at Oak Brook was a huge flop. I’m not sure if the Lisle show is replacing the Oak Brook show.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – All I know is that its at the Hyatt on Jan 15th.  I’m going because there isn’t anything for flyfishermen at the Rosemont fishing show. Is that the show that they usually have in Oak Brook? Joel Axelrad

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Here’s the url: http://www.steelheadsite.com/mwff_expo.html

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – All I know is that its at the Hyatt on Jan 15th.  I’m going because there isn’t anything for flyfishermen at the Rosemont fishing show. Is that the show that they usually have in Oak Brook? Joel Axelrad

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All I know is that its at the Hyatt on Jan 15th.  I’m going because there isn’t anything for flyfishermen at the Rosemont fishing show.

Is that the show that they usually have in Oak Brook? Joel Axelrad

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Question:

(words of great insight snipped) A toast to you, Mike, as I enjoy your literary skills over a scotch on a quiet evening in Pennsylvania.  Only on roff. Mark faulkner

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Here, here! Nice work, Mike. Steve Zimmerman Go Cougars!! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – [excellent prose snipped]

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What urgeth then a man of sense, to seek the soothing solace of a rippling stream, with complex and expensive tools ? ‘Tis surely not the gain involved, for a bag of comely fish may just as well be gleaned with simple gear, likewise by abject fools. Perhaps the contemplation then ? the peace and quiet, and sometimes awesome, even frightening, and  inspiring solitude ? the sight of glorious nature, richly clad in many shades of riotous and verdant colour, may even ban the deepest blackest mood. The stream a

Question:

I am an average fisher and I would like to know if anyone out there would know of a good pole brand to buy that is now too expensive but gets the job done

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Pole?  Oh, boy are you gonna hear about that! Just head out to your local flyfishing shop and take a beginners class.  You’ll get to use their rods and find what appeals to you.  It’ll be worth the $ in the long run.   —  markb I am an average fisher and I would like to know if anyone out there would know of a good pole brand to buy that is now too expensive but gets the job done

"Some mornings I wonder if it was worth it to gnaw through the leather straps."  – E. Philips

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I am an average fisher and I would like to know if anyone out there would know of a good pole brand to buy that is now too expensive but gets the job done

  Might I suggest the BASTARD bamboo fly pole from Grand old American George Gerkhe?   Ah, shoot, you’re probably serious aren’t you?  St.  Croix is, I think, the best of the entry-level rods.

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stacmarsh wrote I am an average fisher and I would like to know if anyone out there would know of a good pole brand to buy that is now too expensive but gets the job done

Mr. Marsh (or is it Mr. Math) Please repeat after me: This is my rod.    I called it a pole. Now the ghost of ‘ol Izaak    Has damned my soul.  ;-) A "pole" is one of those bamboo things with some kite string tied on the end … you know … like George makes As for your question, I’m not too sure how to answer until I know what you mean by "not too expensive".  For example, since high end rods (graphite) can get upwards of $400 these days, a Sage Discovery Series at around $200+ is inexpensive by comparison.  And if you are not real experienced, it will be awhile before you can appreciate the differences between a good rod, such as a Sage DS, and one of the more expensive models. I started out with a rod that was less than $50, but it really is pretty much of a dog.  If you really intend to stay in the sport, a couple of C notes is worth it for a rod that’ll keep you satisfied for several years. —                                                       -dnc-

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Question:

See "Presentation" by Borger, or LaFontaine’s "Caddis" book.  Overpower a sidearm cast, just like skipping a stone on the water. It might work, but when I try it I always feel like a pompous ass. Oh-oh.  POLITICAL CORRECTION: for the illiterate out there, I mean that to be a four-legged animal, not somebody’s butt. BB

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Thanks everyone for oyur help! I will let you know how I go… PS Got my second trout on fly yesterday…. Put up a terrific fight for the size.  I got three big runs from this fish with line stipping of at a rate of knots… I thought it was a monster but it turned out to be about 1.5 lb. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – How do you skip a fly.  I have read and heard about doing this…but I have know idea what is ment by it… Can someone help me out on this please

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(and so did charlie choc) The author is Leonard M. Wright jr, "Fishing the Dry Fly as a Living Insect," Dutton, 1972.

If, as charlie suggests, it is out of print, try the public libraries. Its a neat old book with some unorthodox solutions to some still relevant problems. The patterns he suggests and the materials he uses are not as water repellant nor as buoyant as the elk hair caddis, however, so you might want to use Wright’s technique, but stick with the EHC. brent

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Mike Here’s another method that’s worked for me.  Use a long rod, very long leader 12′ with a very light tippet and stand almost directly upstream of the fish.   As the fly approaches the end of the drag free drift, lift the rod tip up and get all of the line and leader out of the water.  The fly just lightly dances on top of the water.  I’ve had a ‘bow jump 6" out of the water to take a fly danced this way. It works best if the wind and stream currents are going the same way, but it is difficult to get right if they are in opposite directions. Cheers Visit The Streamer Page at http://www.cgocable.net/~pcharles/index.html

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Brent The author is Leonard M. Wright jr, "Fishing the Dry Fly as a Living Insect," Dutton, 1972. Dave Snedeker – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – (some good advice on technique and a probable origin for the technique) Mike: If you are looking to dig even deeper, check out "Fishing the Dry Fly as a Living Insect" by (an author I know, but whose name escapes me this early on a sunday – damn that aluminum cookware!). He describes how to tie and fish the ‘fluttering caddis’, but using hackle barbules and mink hair rather than elk hair. In any case, as Walt points out, the fish love the fly and the technique. good luck brent

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How do you skip a fly.  I have read and heard about doing this…but I have know idea what is ment by it… Can someone help me out on this please

maybe try looking at some of Lefty’s writings – also try FFM website, www.flyshop.com.  http://www.newsfeeds.com/       The Largest Usenet Servers in the World!

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(some good advice on technique and a probable origin for the technique) Mike: If you are looking to dig even deeper, check out "Fishing the Dry Fly as a Living Insect" by (an author I know, but whose name escapes me this early on a sunday – damn that aluminum cookware!). He describes how to tie and fish the ‘fluttering caddis’, but using hackle barbules and mink hair rather than elk hair. In any case, as Walt points out, the fish love the fly and the technique. good luck brent

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How do you skip a fly.  I have read and heard about doing this…but I have know idea what is ment by it…

I skip a caddis after the initial drift is completed.  Landlocked salmon love it when the fly reaches the end of the drift and swings around to be straight down stream.  A retrieve back with sudden jerks of the rod will also encourage hits. However, this only works for a certain kind of caddis, usually in June in Maine.  The same trick applied in September does not produce the same results. Dave LaCourse

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How do you skip a fly.  I have read and heard about doing this…but I have know idea what is ment by it…

There is no "right" way to do this. Experimentation is always worthwhile. I get 80%+ of my fish on a drag free drift, even on caddis. Fish feeding on Duns or emergers can be put down if there is any drag or motion to your fly, especially on heavily fished areas. I generally fish an area first using a drag free approach and then try some twitching or induced drag. Generally, just a twitch which moves the fly ever so slightly is what’s needed. However, in riffles and runs, more pronounced skips and hops followed by drag free drifts can be productive. A technique that sometimes brings up reluctant surface feeders in pocket water is a down stream technique. Wade upstream and to the side of one of the mini pools in a pocket stretch, until you are ten to fifteen feet away. In pocket water, fish are not easily spooked and a close approach is generally possible. Make a short cast to the side of the pocket you’re going to fish, raise your rod tip so that all the line and leader is off the water and hop a heavily dressed dry in and around the mini pool. With this technique, you can generally use a fly one or two sizes larger than what you would use on flatter water and a heavier tippets is also helpful. Strikes are violent. Fish will often will swipe at the fly but will hit it if your next cast is a drag free one. This is a good midsummer technique.  Especially in midsummer, these stretches of pocket water hold lots of fish including some good ones. Willi

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How do you skip a fly.  I have read and heard about doing this…but I have know idea what is ment by it… Can someone help me out on this please

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How do you skip a fly.  I have read and heard about doing this…but I have know idea what is ment by it… Can someone help me out on this please

 Mike, By twitching your rod real fast you send vibrations out your flyline/leader/tippet to the caddis. This causes the fly to "dance" on the water and it is a rare trout that can resist this flamenco. Here in the mountains of NC, there is a deceased flyfishing legend by the name of Mark Cathey. He "developed" this style back in the 20’s & 30’s on Hazel Creek and he always managed to fill his creel with the limit. Good luck with your dancing lessons, Walt —          The Blue Ridge Book Gallery      P.O. Box 5112  Banner Elk, NC 28604 http://www.abebooks.com/home/BLUEBOOKS/HOME.HTM

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Question:

I’ve got a question about trying again after the end of a 25-year marriage. (I’m a 54-year-old male dumpee).  Naturally, I plan to use the usual methods to try and find someone to share my life with, but in this day of the internet, I thought I might try something additional, and I wanted to find out what y’all thought. I have no desire to "put on a front".  I think it would be only fair to let a possible partner find out all necessary information about me, with a minimum of effort or embarrassment for all concerned. So my idea was to set up a web page, with my personal details, and if I meet someone who seems to have possibilities, direct them to the site, so they can find out all relevant information.  This way, if I’m not the type they are looking for, it would save time for all concerned. Now the idea of the web page is not to attract possible partners, as I would have no desire or expectation that a random ’surfer’ would happen upon it. The idea again is to point someone I have already met to look at the page. While surfing, I found that I apparently was not the first to come up with this idea, as I have seen pages that seem to be of this type, so the question is: Is this a good idea? Now, after the reception of my "A mountain out of molehill" post, I suppose it might be a good idea to leave out that minor detail, and fill in a possible candidate when the time seems ripe, but other that that, do you think that the idea of a web page is ridiculous , or does it have merit. Any ideas are welcome. Thank you, Simcha Gomez  (a pseudonym)

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Personally I think that life has gotten all too impersonal. It is entirely up to you how you feel about trying something like that. But true Love if there really is such a thing I am not sure you will find it that way. You may find a lot of Golddiggers if you aren’t careful, And careful is what you want to be on the internet. Can’t you go to local coffee shops or take up a new hobby and try to meet people that way? I am certainly not going to recommend a Bar or club. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve got a question about trying again after the end of a 25-year marriage. (I’m a 54-year-old male dumpee).  Naturally, I plan to use the usual methods to try and find someone to share my life with, but in this day of the internet, I thought I might try something additional, and I wanted to find out what y’all thought. I have no desire to "put on a front".  I think it would be only fair to let a possible partner find out all necessary information about me, with a minimum of effort or embarrassment for all concerned. So my idea was to set up a web page, with my personal details, and if I meet someone who seems to have possibilities, direct them to the site, so they can find out all relevant information.  This way, if I’m not the type they are looking for, it would save time for all concerned. Now the idea of the web page is not to attract possible partners, as I would have no desire or expectation that a random ’surfer’ would happen upon it. The idea again is to point someone I have already met to look at the page. While surfing, I found that I apparently was not the first to come up with this idea, as I have seen pages that seem to be of this type, so the question is: Is this a good idea? Now, after the reception of my "A mountain out of molehill" post, I suppose it might be a good idea to leave out that minor detail, and fill in a possible candidate when the time seems ripe, but other that that, do you think that the idea of a web page is ridiculous , or does it have merit. Any ideas are welcome. Thank you, Simcha Gomez  (a pseudonym)

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Yes, I think that would be a good idea, although I would be kind of leary .  I suppose if you write back and forth for a long time and send pictures it would be o.k.   Maybe the web page would give some credibility to you also, for people would be aware of what you like to do for hobbies and pictures of your family would make that person comfortable in writing you.    Oh sure go do it! )

I think it seems like a good idea, too.  But then, I’m a guy, so what do I know about what women want. It just seems like a really thorough personals ad to me.  Instead of "DWM who likes fly-fishing and Harleys seeking beautiful woman with similar interests" he could add his URL.  This way they would be able to find out that he likes fly-fishing in central Oregon and restoring antique Harley engines, as well as his height, weight, a picture, some of his favorite books, and CDs. It seems like it would really save time in weeding out the women who are looking for a rich Adonis.  I would rather be up front with a woman about who I am, what I do, and what I like, than to have to go through an evening, a week, or a month of stress dating while she finds it out, only to dump me, which can be quite painful by itself. I would think it would be a real time- and stress-saver. — Drew

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Yes, I think that would be a good idea, although I would be kind of leary .  I suppose if you write back and forth for a long time and send pictures it would be o.k.   Maybe the web page would give some credibility to you also, for people would be aware of what you like to do for hobbies and pictures of your family would make that person comfortable in writing you.    Oh sure go do it! )

Kim

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Simcha, Yes you can meet people on the internet, if you know what you’re doing. I caution you, though, it is a lot harder for men than women. But I know quite a lot of people who met this way and are happily involved, myself included… Having a web page is a nice touch, provided you don’t make it look like your dating resume and fill it with details about why you are a good catch. That stuff (and I’ve seen a lot) is a real turn-off, unless it can be done with just the right touch of self-effacing humor. If you do a home page, make it something personal that would interest anyone in your life — relatives, friends, colleagues. Instead of merely listing your hobbies and interests resume style, make one or two the centerpiece of your page. I.e., Simcha’s Fly Fishing Web Site… not Simcha’s Chick Fishing Web Site…. get the idea? I’d also recommend leaving off your photo, and sending it out only by request. You want a woman who is attracted to you for your mind, not your looks, right? Still, absolutely nothing beats the personal touch . . . the slow buildup as you reveal details about yourself via email, until finally you swap photos and then plan that first real-life meeting! Meeting over the Internet still requires the same amount of effort on your part, but I feel it has very definite advantages, especially for newly divorced people who can’t face the brutal rejection of the singles scene. It is most ideal for people who can express themselves well in writing. Good luck — and remember, just have fun with it. Dating is not a job search!.;-) jen  

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Simcha, Why don’t you send in your photo and your bio to either me or Lee, that way you will meet others that are in the same situation you are in?  Just an idea. Daisy Add variety to your sex life, use the other hand. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve got a question about trying again after the end of a 25-year marriage. (I’m a 54-year-old male dumpee).  Naturally, I plan to use the usual methods to try and find someone to share my life with, but in this day of the internet, I thought I might try something additional, and I wanted to find out what y’all thought. I have no desire to "put on a front".  I think it would be only fair to let a possible partner find out all necessary information about me, with a minimum of effort or embarrassment for all concerned. So my idea was to set up a web page, with my personal details, and if I meet someone who seems to have possibilities, direct them to the site, so they can find out all relevant information.  This way, if I’m not the type they are looking for, it would save time for all concerned. Now the idea of the web page is not to attract possible partners, as I would have no desire or expectation that a random ’surfer’ would happen upon it. The idea again is to point someone I have already met to look at the page. While surfing, I found that I apparently was not the first to come up with this idea, as I have seen pages that seem to be of this type, so the question is: Is this a good idea? Now, after the reception of my "A mountain out of molehill" post, I suppose it might be a good idea to leave out that minor detail, and fill in a possible candidate when the time seems ripe, but other that that, do you think that the idea of a web page is ridiculous , or does it have merit. Any ideas are welcome. Thank you, Simcha Gomez  (a pseudonym)

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Question:

To whomever was requesting this info, I forgot that you can contact Ray

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Check out the links to New Zealand at http://www.davisbrown.com/ffgeo.htm – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Plan to spend 3 weeks in South Island (late April – mid May). Would like some references on guides in South Island. Or alternatively, some web sites would help. Thanks Mike McGuire remove nospam to get correct e-mail address

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Plan to spend 3 weeks in South Island (late April – mid May). Would like some references on guides in South Island. Or alternatively, some web sites would help. Thanks Mike McGuire remove nospam to get correct e-mail address

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Go stay at the Lake Brunner Lodge near Greymouth.  Ray Grubb is owner/guide, etc.  Excellent fishing for big browns in tiny spring creeks, plus it’s a really nice, quaint, very atmospheric place to stay.  I loved it there.  Tell Ray I sent you.  In Queenstown there’s a guy, can’t remember his name, but he owns/runs the Naff Caff cafe.  Go there, ask for him and book him.  He’s good.     Try http://nz.com/cgi-bin/SearchCGI.pl.  It’s the Akiko Web, which is an NZ web engine. Or just go to someplace like the Mining Company and ask for New Zealand fly fishing.  You’ll get plenty of hits.

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Question:

IMHO it is worth fly fishing in any water that you think might hold fish. Jack.

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Anyone know if it is worth trying to flyfish in the upper mississippi? just wonderin’

Most definently.  The Mississippi above Minneapolis is a terrific smallmouth fishery.  In addition, throughout the entire upper sections there are plenty of fish willing to take dry and wet flies. Jon Russell FlyFish Minnesota

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Anyone know if it is worth trying to flyfish in the upper mississippi? just wonderin’

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Question:

I would like some advice on bite tippets for Blue Fish and other toothy critters – both fresh and saltwater.  I have used various wire type leaders for spin fishing but have no experience with fly fishing for northerns, blue fish etc. Thanks Jim

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For bluefish smaller than 4 pounds you can get away with 30 pound mason or similar hard mono.  Anything bigger and you will wnat singlestrand wire. Cehck out any of the good knot books (Mclane or whoever) for ways to join wire to mono. For spanish mackerel heavy mono is fine.  King macs wire.   Northern pike will let you get away with mono.  there are some who say wire is better because it is thinner.  In my experience it just scares the fish due to shine.  Use clear Mason. Do no use braided wire.  No good at all.

I would like some advice on bite tippets for Blue Fish and other toothy critters – both fresh and saltwater.  I have used various wire type leaders for spin fishing but have no experience with fly fishing for northerns, blue fish etc. Thanks Jim — Flyfish NC                                                   Gordon Churchill http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Rapids/3853                                                                    

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I would like some advice on bite tippets for Blue Fish and other toothy critters – both fresh and saltwater.  I have used various wire type leaders for spin fishing but have no experience with fly fishing for northerns, blue fish etc. Thanks Jim

Hi Jim, I think most fly fishers use wire for Barracudas, Northern Pike, Sharks and Bluefish. For Billfish, Tarpon, Snook and Jacks most use heavy/hard mono. Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY www.kiene.com

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