Question:

After a long cold spell, the temps hit sixty yesterday. As a respite for the 14 hour days I work during Christmas Break, I decided to get out for a couple of hours and enjoy the weather. My home river had been well frozen but since early December the flows have been good. When I got to the river, I noticed it had opened up some and it carried a slight amount of color from the melting snow and ice. I walked along enjoying the warm sun and checking the most promising areas for midging fish. I walked down to the river and dipped in my hand to check the water temp. The water was/seemed even colder than it was during the colder weather. I’ve read that thawing ice and melting snow from warmer weather can actually lower stream temps. My experience echoes this. It usually takes a couple of warmer days in the middle of the Winter to get the fish stirring. The first warm day seems to result in fewer feeding fish. Anyway, the usual Winter midging areas were devoid of fish and I saw very few midges out. The trail rises high above the the upper flats area, a major feeding area for a large, deep pool downstream, and fish spotting is good. I saw no fish in this quarter mile stretch. I continued to walk for awhile watching the ducks and the other birds and enjoying the day. Seeing no fish, I turned around and headed back to my van. I decided to check out one more spot before calling it quits. I sat down on a rock and watched the river for awhile. There, at the end of a current tongue was a small dimple or was it my imagination?  A couple of minutes later, the fish sipped another midge. Fish rising very occasionally like this one are often very difficult to rise to a fly because they are either mainly feeding underwater or are not earnestly feeding. Since, it was the only feeding fish I spotted, I gave it a try. Using a size 22 emerger midge, I made a series of casts to the general area of the rising fish with no results, when I spotted a dimple in a different area. Either the fish was cruising or there was more than one fish out. I stopped fishing for minute and watched for the next rise.  A fish sipped a midge closer in and I covered the rise with several casts, then had a solid take. The fish was surprising lively, given the cold water, and leapt out of the water several times. I slid the the fish onto an ice shelve and admired the bright coloration the Rainbows seems to take on during the Winter. I removed the hook, slid it into the water, sat down and watched the river again for spell.  The fish was either the only one feeding, or more likely, the others were put down by its aerobatics because I saw no other feeders. I packed up and headed home. Today, the temps will again be in the upper 50’s and maybe they’ll be a few more fish! Willi

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…..Usual good reportage snipped… Thanks for the report, Willi. Just goes to show how a one-fish-trip can be a great trip. Danl Who would walk out to his "home water" cept for the 6 hour drive.

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    (captivating report snipped) damn, man, i love getting these reports.  you have a terrific, direct prose style.  paradise painted with a few strong colors. wayno

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After about a week of training some extra summer help, I finally found time to get away yesterday. Runoff has really been moderate this year. Although the river was fairly high, it was only slightly discolored and carried some mud. I fished midday and there were numerous hatches going on, small Mays and a variety of caddis. The fish were very active and had moved into aggressive feeding stations in the few small pockets of calm water they found in the shallow runs and rapids. I got a number of strikes and landed a couple fish on a skittered dry, but didn’t really get into the fish until I started using nymphs. The fish I was targeting were in the areas of shallow, but heavy water. They were in the slower water lies at the edges of the stream and behind every substantial obstruction that provided protection from the current. Fishing was easy.  The fish were totally unselective and were feeding aggressively enough that they would come out of their lies and chase down the nymphs instead of waiting for the food to be drifting to them. The fights were spirited and aerobatic in the heavy flows. Fun, non fussy fishing. Willi

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(pleasant report snipped) The fish were totally unselective and were feeding aggressively enough that they would come out of their lies and chase down the nymphs instead of waiting for the food to be drifting to them. The fights were spirited and aerobatic in the heavy flows. Fun, non fussy fishing. Willi

    willi, i think you have more pleasant trips astream than all the rest of us combined.  thanks for the report, and congratulations on a charmed piscatorial life. wayno

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I live five minutes away from an urban river, as do over 100,000 other people, but very few other people fish it for a variety of reasons. I’m self employed and I try to get out, even if it’s only for an hour, as often as possible.  Much better for your soul than watching the tube. Every where I’ve lived, with the exception of Chicago, I’ve managed to find some fishing close by that was ignored by other people. Not always trout sometimes a stream with smallmouth and rockbass, a farm pond with bluegills and bass, or a muddy creek with catfish. People tend to drive past lots of good water to get to some far off place that is somehow better. Willi – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – (pleasant report snipped) The fish were totally unselective and were feeding aggressively enough that they would come out of their lies and chase down the nymphs instead of waiting for the food to be drifting to them. The fights were spirited and aerobatic in the heavy flows. Fun, non fussy fishing. Willi     willi, i think you have more pleasant trips astream than all the rest of us combined.  thanks for the report, and congratulations on a charmed piscatorial life. wayno

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Question:

/daytripper (*feeling* Over 80 but actually much younger)

Much?  Oh Lordy!  Let’s go for another walk on Upper!    :)

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How about magazines for the younger folks here?

It took me a minute to get that one  There are some great articles in there: – Easy access ramps on wilderness rivers near you! – Geritol makes a great leader greaser – Clip-on flies: do they spook fish? – The "granny" knot – new research shows it’s not as weak as you thought – The new generation automatic reels – are they strong enough to reel in fish over 12" for you? — Regards, Jeff Before you buy.

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Over 80 Fly Fishing Magazines on ebay at: http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=331586733

How about magazines for the younger folks here? /daytripper (*feeling* Over 80 but actually much younger)

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Over 80 Fly Fishing Magazines on ebay at: http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=331586733

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OK, got my bid in….one of the photos showed a walker with built in rod holder…..hot damn!! Frank (crip) Church – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Over 80 Fly Fishing Magazines on ebay at: http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=331586733 How about magazines for the younger folks here? /daytripper (*feeling* Over 80 but actually much younger)

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Question:

Does any one know when the spring releases begin on the San Juan in New Mexico? JK

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From a post on the Compuserve Fly Fishing Forum: This is the latest flow information for the San Juan received yesterday from the Bureau of Reclamation Through March – 500cfs Through April – 690cfs Through May – 1370cfs June through December 500cfs These flow plans are based on the current low snow packs in the higher elevations and are subject to change. Will let you know of any changes. Bill Wayne

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Does any one know when the spring releases begin on the San Juan in New Mexico? JK

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<snipped I think in May. bc. — ROFF is like a herd of performing elephants with diarrhea — massive, difficult to redirect, awe-inspiring, entertaining, and a source of mind-boggling amounts of excrement when you least expect it."

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Question:

Hi Paint Island, Bordentown? That’s almost next door to me (Perrineville).  How can I get to your place from I-195? Are you going to be at Paddlesport ‘99 in Somerset? re:where to put the fish – I was thinking in the compartment in the back of the yak… Roger D.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Greetings from Paint Island Canoe & Kayak in Bordentown, NJ. Depending upon the size of the fish you may catch may also play a roll in what boat you chose. It also brings to mind a story in a seakayaker magazine about 2 years ago where a northwest coast paddler hooked a fish that pulled him for miles before the yaker gained control. In that case, or if you ever see this as a possibility, I would lean towards the bigger boat just in case you wind up further away from anywhere. You certainly will not go wrong with the Current Designs boats. Where will you put the fish you catch? Ron Paint Island Canoe & Kayak http://www.riversport.com/paintisland/

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Greetings from Paint Island Canoe & Kayak in Bordentown, NJ. Depending upon the size of the fish you may catch may also play a roll in what boat you chose. It also brings to mind a story in a seakayaker magazine about 2 years ago where a northwest coast paddler hooked a fish that pulled him for miles before the yaker gained control. In that case, or if you ever see this as a possibility, I would lean towards the bigger boat just in case you wind up further away from anywhere. You certainly will not go wrong with the Current Designs boats. Where will you put the fish you catch? Ron Paint Island Canoe & Kayak http://www.riversport.com/paintisland/

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Greetings from Paint Island Canoe & Kayak in Bordentown, NJ. Depending upon the size of the fish you may catch may also play a roll in what boat you chose. It also brings to mind a story in a seakayaker magazine about 2 years ago where a northwest coast paddler hooked a fish that pulled him for miles before the yaker gained control. In that case, or if you ever see this as a possibility, I would lean towards the bigger boat just in case you wind up further away from anywhere.

About a block or so from where I live is one of the major tributaries to Cayuga lake.  Ever late spring some really large carp come up into it to spawn (there are also some large rainbow, lake trout, brown trout, and landlock salmon that come up other times of the year).  I’ve got a little Aquaterra Caspia that I put in there with my flyrod.  Along with my regular paddle I bring a small hand paddle for manoevering about.  I’ve hooked several fish that have pulled me several hundred feet up and down the river, a couple of which I had on for over 20 minutes before they broke off.  I saw a fish there in the fall that was over 3′ long and easily 25 pounds. You certainly will not go wrong with the Current Designs boats. Where will you put the fish you catch?

Good question.  Although Current Designs makes some really nice boats I can’t think of any of the models that would be good for fishing out of. One of the nice things about the Caspia is that it has a large cockpit and when I fish from it I don’t use a spray skirt.  Something like an Old Town Loon 138 would also be good for kayak fishing because of the large cockpit and good initial stability. When someone comes here asking about a good kayak for fishing I see two different types of conditions.  There is the "getting from point A to point B" and then getting out to fish, and there are situations where one would want to fish while sitting in the boat.  For the latter type of fishing, a wide, stable kayak would be the best choice.  For the former, a kayak which will cover distance a little quicker might be better.  Most of the CD boats would be good for getting from point to point B, but not so good to actually fish from. John Fereira Stop Unsolicited Commercial Email – Join CAUCE (http://www.cauce.org) Support HR 1748, the anti-spam bill.

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O.K., tough choice.  I’m moving from a sit-on-top to a sit-inside. I want a kayak for fishing up to 2 miles off the (East) coast & back-bays.  Yes, I know there will be a transition, but I’m looking for a long term solution that I’ll ‘mature’ into.   Any suggestions are welcome?

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O.K., tough choice.  I’m moving from a sit-on-top to a sit-inside. I want a kayak for fishing up to 2 miles off the (East) coast & back-bays.  Yes, I know there will be a transition, but I’m looking for a long term solution that I’ll ‘mature’ into.   Any suggestions are welcome?

There is quite a bit of a difference between the Current Designs Pachena and the Solstice GT.   You didn’t mention what kind of SOT boat that you are paddling now but the transition between that and the Solstice GT is likely going to be difficult.  I’ve done a bit of fishing (fly) out of a kayak and I can’t imagine trying to do it out of a Solstice.  It’s initial stability is pretty low and for fishing, you’ll want something that you don’t have to even think about maintaining upright.   The Pachena would likely be a much better choice for your needs.  Something like the Seda Viking at 16′6" and 24" wide would probably also be a good choice in a fiberglass boat. John Fereira Stop Unsolicited Commercial Email – Join CAUCE (http://www.cauce.org) Support HR 1748, the anti-spam bill.

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Question:

Does anyone have the number to Cabela’s Fly Fishing Catalog (the special one they make that has mostly fly-fishing stuff in it)? Thanks in Advance. -Robert | Robert Cid | Department of Applied Science | University of California, Davis | -!Andale Aggies!-

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Does anyone have the number to Cabela’s Fly Fishing Catalog (the special one they make that has mostly fly-fishing stuff in it)? Thanks in Advance.

Robert, 1-800-237-4444 you have to specify that you want the fly fishing catalog. Steve

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Does anyone have the number to Cabela’s Fly Fishing Catalog (the special one they make that has mostly fly-fishing stuff in it)?

The one I have (Fly Fishing 1998) says Catalog TX-1509 on the address label. — Charlie…

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Question:

i will be near the home of orvis next weekend and don’t have much of a clue. whats a good way to get started ? instructions? or just wing it?   P.S. what flies should I use if i wing it?

Mark, Good questions.  How quickly do you learn? quick….then you can probably just wing it…if not then maybe lessons are not a bad idea.  Most folks benefit from a lesson….reading a book like the LL Bean Fly Fishing Handbook by Whitlock would help. If you are more visually inclined then maybe the Jack Dennis video is better for you. Flies to use now include the elk hair caddis, prince nymphs, white millers, beadhead nymphs, and Adams dries.  This is just the tip of the iceberg so to speak.  I am happy to answer any questions that may arise for you.  Best of luck. James Ehlers Underhill, Vermont Uncle Jammer’s Guide Service Vermont Fly Fishing, Hunting, River and Woodland Outings http://pobox.com/~uncle

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i will be near the home of orvis next weekend and don’t have much of a clue. whats a good way to get started ? instructions? or just wing it?    P.S. what flies should I use if i wing it?

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Question:

Thomas and Thomas makes an 11′ 6/7 wt with an in between length handle.

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I use the 13.5′ 7/8.  A small fish’s effort applied at the tip of this long lever arm applies more torque to my arms than the same fish on a smaller rod.  Large trout over 20" feel good and sprightly on it and can put a good bend in it. SNIP About that $560 – I think the blank is only about $250 for a build it yourself cost around $325.

Thanks for the info Mark.  Sounds like you enjoy the rod, and would… ahem… one day will.  Where I would use it there are simultaneous runs of Half Pounders and Adults to 9 lbs, the half pounders outnumbering the big boys about 12 to 1 (in my fishing log anyway).  I’ve tried building rods.  They come out fine, but the cost is always way more than what you stated (Okay!  I confess, I bought the components in my fly shop, not from a catalogue!), and took so much time for me to get it the way I wanted that it just wasn’t worth it to me.  Plus on a super light spey rod I’d be concerned about Warranty.  I agree that Car Door warranties are going too far, but if in the middle of a big single spey (within the limits of performance), if the Mid Section implodes for no reason other than the cast, I want a replacement! Phil

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have fished beside a few folks with the long, two handed rods and the only problem that I see is that they really overpower an 8-10 lb steelhead…the rods seem much better suited to a 20 lb salmon. Depends on the spey rod…  For some applications, like I use the 13.5′ 7/8.  A small fish’s effort applied at the tip of this long lever arm applies more torque to my arms than the same fish on a smaller rod.  Large trout over 20" feel good and sprightly on it and can put a good bend in it. I haven’t caught 8-10 pounders on it but a 12 and a 20 lber both took all it had to move them.  The long rod goves a big advantage in the end game as you can turn the fish back and forth and the rod will absorb any abrupt actions, but I would say that this rod overpowers them any more than another 8 weight. To me any eight weight overpowers trout under 20". This 7/8 wt.is just light enough for me to cast one handed with great

I my book anything over 4 wt. is too much for trout under 20"! Just my 0.02 cents, -Burton — L. Burton Hawley           2330 NW Hummingbird Dr. Corvallis, OR

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I have fished beside a few folks with the long, two handed rods and the only problem that I see is that they really overpower an 8-10 lb steelhead…the rods seem much better suited to a 20 lb salmon.   Depends on the spey rod…  For some applications, like half-pounders though that 7/8 would be a ton of fun!  Would love one for summer and fall steelhead, and fall browns, but at $560 bucks it ain’t gonna’ happen…

I use the 13.5′ 7/8.  A small fish’s effort applied at the tip of this long lever arm applies more torque to my arms than the same fish on a smaller rod.  Large trout over 20" feel good and sprightly on it and can put a good bend in it. I haven’t caught 8-10 pounders on it but a 12 and a 20 lber both took all it had to move them.  The long rod goves a big advantage in the end game as you can turn the fish back and forth and the rod will absorb any abrupt actions, but I would say that this rod overpowers them any more than another 8 weight. To me any eight weight overpowers trout under 20". This 7/8 wt.is just light enough for me to cast one handed with great effort.   I would be curious to find a six weight, not necessarily with the big two handed handle but longer than 10′ and tapered for spey casting. Something you could use two or one handed but mostly for spey casting. The rhythm and grace and line control and the easier two hand motion would be desireable in a lighter rod too. Once you know spey casts you’ll want better spey abilities in a trout rod, but I don’t think this is compatible with delicate casting action. That would really be a hoot for the juvenile delinquent half pounders. I’ll try some experiments with just the upper three sections and see how it works. If any rod builders want to build one I’d test it very well for you. About that $560 – I think the blank is only about $250 for a build it yourself cost around $325.   Mark VInsel — http://www.lanminds.com/local/vinnie/gallery.html

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I have fished beside a few folks with the long, two handed rods and the only problem that I see is that they really overpower an 8-10 lb steelhead…the rods seem much better suited to a 20 lb salmon.  Yet I know it is best to play and release quickly….so it seem the question is between having a little fun by having to really play the fish, or getting them in in a hurry and thereby helping the fish.  I guess I don’t really see an answer to this "problem."  Any help? Fred Rickson

A good spey rod is *really* soft, and they used to say you should have time to light up and smoke a pipe while you were making the cast. In these terms, most modern sticks that call themselves spey rods are too stiff and these do cut down playing times on fish weighing less than ten pounds. I guess it is like the difference between landing a salmon on a Sage RPL and on a 4 weight bamboo – you’ll get the fish in eventually with the bamboo, but you’ll bank it in five minutes with the Sage. I have about thirty rods, because I have no sense of self-control, and I use them all! I tend to use spey rods on rivers where I can’t make a long backcast because of banks or trees or whatever, or on big rivers where I would have to double-haul into the future. I am not the world’s best distance caster with a shooting head, although I am working on it. I also find that the longer rod gives greater line control, letting me mend a double taper almost down to the fly at thirty yards. I guess it boils down to what your aims are in fishing. I have caught (and released) two big steelhead, one on the Bulckley (hope I spelled that OK) and the other on the Kispiox. The Kispiox fish I hooked on a nine foot Sage, and took me twenty five minutes. The Bulckely fish I hooked, after a double spey in a tight corner, on a fifteen foot rod, and I banked it in fifteen minutes. Both the fish were pretty fit afterwards, although I wasn’t too keen to catch another one too soon after the Kispiox fish! I got talking to one of the guides, and we used a spring balance to check the maximum pull the rods could exert on a fish. The fifteen foot rod actually pulled half a pound less than the Sage with the rods vertical, near as we could judge. So why did the long rod bank a fish faster? Probably because you have more line out of the water and can pull the fish’s head *up* more of the time – I don’t know. Of course, this doesn’t apply to salt water, where using a long rod on a big fish would be pretty stupid! So, if it is any help, I’d use a long rod where you can’t use a short one, or where it would help to be able to mend the line on a larger river, or when you just feel it would be a pleasant thing to do. The other thing you have to watch in some places is the politics! There is something about spey rods which gives some fishermen a problem, why I have no idea. I once got pursued by a guy for three days who had his head up his ass about catching fish with a rod longer than nine feet. In the end I pulled out my midge rod and fished that for the remainder of the week – all the while wingeing about grown men like him using rods twice as long as mine to catch salmon (man, you should have seen me generating line speed with that one.) Rods are just rods, they aren’t worth losing sleep over! Andrew (-:

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Spey rods are best. Single handed rods are jokes! (as is this don’t bother to reply – fake email address) DH

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Spey rods are best. Single handed rods are jokes! (as is this don’t bother to reply – fake email address) DH

OK, we know that. If you have more experience than that tell us all about it. (if you like even by email). Just got my first Spey rod and am eager to hear more. Thomas — Thomas Urbig

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Spey rods are best. Single handed rods are jokes!

I guess you mean two-handed rods when saying Spey rod. (Spey rod are two handed rods specially designed for Spey casts) Two-handed rods are certainly superior to single handed rods in many situations. But I wouldn’t count 1-handed out… It’s a matter of how large the river is, how heavy flies you are casting, if regular overhead casts are possible or not etc… I fish with both, depending on the situation and I’m happy with that.  - Tord

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Spey rods are best. Single handed rods are jokes!

I sometimes fish 6 ft wide, fast running freestone streams, targeting wild trout of about 8 inches.  I fish with a 7.6 2#.  I will admit that I have never tried it, but I think that a spey rod may just not be the optimal rod for this situation. Bruce….

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Spey rods are best. Single handed rods are jokes! I sometimes fish 6 ft wide, fast running freestone streams, targeting wild trout of about 8 inches.  I fish with a 7.6 2#.  I will admit that I have never tried it, but I think that a spey rod may just not be the optimal rod for this situation. Bruce….

you’re little trout would be transformed into might flying fish when you set up… — TimW Halfordian Golfer

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Spey rods are best. Single handed rods are jokes! (as is this don’t bother to reply – fake email address) DH

I have to say that over the years I have discovered that my fifteen foot double-hander, while great fun for salmon, is not quite the optimal weapon for dry fly fishing on our local beck. Andrew

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I have fished beside a few folks with the long, two handed rods and the only problem that I see is that they really overpower an 8-10 lb steelhead…the rods seem much better suited to a 20 lb salmon.  Yet I know it is best to play and release quickly….so it seem the question is between having a little fun by having to really play the fish, or getting them in in a hurry and thereby helping the fish.  I guess I don’t really see an answer to this "problem."  Any help? Fred Rickson

Response:

I have fished beside a few folks with the long, two handed rods and the only problem that I see is that they really overpower an 8-10 lb steelhead…the rods seem much better suited to a 20 lb salmon.  

Depends on the spey rod.  I have the Sage 14 foot four piece for 9/10. It only weighs seven ounces, and one look at the grip tells you it ain’t the telephone pole you might expect it to be.  Very light, very sensitive.  I can cast it one handed up to 45 feet (I’m 6′ 4", 250), and can feel when I pick up a small leaf on my fly on the swing.  Picked up a seven pound (29" by 14.5") steelhead last wednesday and it was great fun.   Sage now makes a 15 foot four piece 8/9 (that sounds like it would be a hoot!) to go along with their 13.5 foot 7/8 model (also softer than you’d think).  Personally, I wouldn’t trade my 9140-4 for the 7/8 model, because my ability to throw a line with interchangeable heads (up to a type six 10 wt!  No not Rio),  is why I catch winter steelhead while others practice casting.  For some applications, like half-pounders though that 7/8 would be a ton of fun!  Would love one for summer and fall steelhead, and fall browns, but at $560 bucks it ain’t gonna’ happen while I still own my 8 year old 10 foot seven one hander. Haven’t seen or tried the new 15 foot 8/9 yet.  The moral of the story is No two companies spey rods are alike, and you have to find one that is designed for the size and type of fish you want to catch.  I can’t recommend the Sage 4 piece rods highly enough.  Wouldn’t touch the three piecers if you paid me. Phil

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Question:

Previous posts on breathable waders have mentioned their durability and some problems that have developed. I wondered if there was more personal experience out there on this topic. How durable have the different breathable wader brands been in your experience (Simms microfibers, Hodgmann wadelite, LL Bean Gore-Tex, Orvis Gore-Tex and any others you know of)?

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Previous posts on breathable waders have mentioned their durability and some problems that have developed. I wondered if there was more personal experience out there on this topic. How durable have the different breathable wader brands been in your experience (Simms microfibers, Hodgmann wadelite, LL Bean Gore-Tex, Orvis Gore-Tex and any others you know of)?

Hi Jonathan, I guided 83 trips and several personal trips as well in my Simms and they worked very well. I developed one pin hole leak after charging through some wild roses but the leak was very easy to repair. Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (96 catalog)

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Question:

Let me add another positive story.  I received a Shimano Citica for Christmas in 1992.  In late 1994, I began having problems with it not casting a reasonable distance.  I sent it to the closest "authorized service facitily" in early 1995 (OVER two years after purchase).  They informed me that the manufacturer had identified a problem with a spring mechanism.  It took about two months (that was the service facility, not the manufacturer), but I received a new, 1995 model reel. I was pretty impressed.  When I look at new reels, I always consider a Shimano. Suzanne  

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Given that we all have used this forum to post problems we have had with one or another manufacturer, I felt it was only fair to post a nice experience I had when I managed to break my 4 month old Quantum Graphite Flippin Stick.  I had luckily saved my receipt and packaged it up along with the broken rod on February 20 to send back to Zebco.   They received it on the 23rd and shipped me out a new one with no questions asked on the same day.   I received a new rod on the 27th.  This kind of fast turnaround and no-hassle policy is what will keep me buying Quantum/Zebco products in the future.                                               –  Alan Derrick

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It might not hurt to notify Zebco directly of your satisfaction if you haven’t already done so.  In fact, they are on line at http://www.zebco.com/ and you can E-Mail from their page.   Since they’re very accustomed to the usual flame message from customers that are dissatisified, your note along with comments about having posted to a news group on the Web might help boost their attitudes to maintaining good will via this medium.   It will also send them a message about the importance of having a pesence on the WWW and the clout that it represents.  Too many of the fishing and fly tackle manufacturers still have their heads in the sand on this one.  In the long range, a lack of presence on the WWW will not be beneficial to them. Best Regards Trent Roberson Rx F Fish – - "For Your Good Health, Fly Fish" URL=http://www.xnet.com/~rxffish Given that we all have used this forum to post problems we have had with one or another manufacturer, I felt it was only fair to post a nice experience I had when I managed to break my 4 month old Quantum Graphite Flippin Stick.  I had luckily saved my receipt and packaged it up along with the broken rod on February 20 to send back to Zebco.   They received it on the 23rd and shipped me out a new one with no questions asked on the same day.   I received a new rod on the 27th.  This kind of fast turnaround and no-hassle policy is what will keep me buying Quantum/Zebco products in the future.                                              -  Alan Derrick

         Rx F Fish "For Your Good Health, Fly Fish" URL=http://www.xnet.com/~rxffish

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Question:

My Michigan Editor, Tom Huggler’s a bit late out of the gate with his material.  He’s written at least six books on fishing Michigan and you’ll find he’s got excellent coverage on trout and steelhead.  Add salmon and you’ve some dandy chances.   We’ve some postings on Michigan now, and will have a lot more by the first of the year. I’m interested in going flyfishing for trout this coming columbus day, (federal holiday).  Being new to this hobby, I’m not very familiar with the streams in michigan yet.  My question is, what streams, if any, exist within 1-2 hours of metro detroit that contain trout.  I know the trout season ends by then for streams not designated extended-season, but any responses I get will be usefull if not now, then next season. — Bill Kempisty                |                    |^^^| U.S. Army Corps of Engineers |   Ohhhh Noooo      |o.o|

** Louis Bignami, Publisher         http://www.finefishing.com Fine Fishing Internet Magazine                "largest fishing mag on the Net" **

Response:

Most of the better waters are about 3hrs north of DEE-troit and beyond. There is Paint Creek, near Rochester. It’s a small stream, and rather difficult to fish because of this, and because it generally runs very clear. There are 18 inch browns in it, but anything over 10" is really quite unusual. This is quite a gem of a stream, especially when you realize just how close (the DEE-troit ‘burbs) it is to the metro–naturally reproducing trout on the outer donut of one of the worlds biggest industrial complexes. The Clinton Valley Chapter of TU has done alot of work on it (I’m a member, but started after most of this work was done, so I take no credit), and the best places to fish are around these sites. Email me your fax # and I’ll send you a map. Better yet, stop by Paint Creek Outfitters in Rochester and buy one for 2 or 3 bucks (the club gets the lions share of the $). Have at it, My Friend…

Response:

I’m interested in going flyfishing for trout this coming columbus day, (federal holiday).  Being new to this hobby, I’m not very familiar with the streams in michigan yet.  My question is, what streams, if any, exist within 1-2 hours of metro detroit that contain trout.  I know the trout season ends by then for streams not designated extended-season, but any responses I get will be usefull if not now, then next season. — Bill Kempisty                |                    |^^^| U.S. Army Corps of Engineers |   Ohhhh Noooo      |o.o|

Response: