Question:

July 24,25.26,27  Gosh, I hope you can make it.  You are going to be missing a wonderful party if you dont.  LOL

I  put it on my calendar, I have been watching the fares.  It is on a weekend so there is not too much time off.  It would be a blast  to attend one of the Midwest/East coast gimpfests.  – MZ Visit my website: http://www.mzuschlag.com

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My son rowed the Middle Fork last year and came back saying he wants to move to Idaho. He’s applied for this year too, also in June. I’ll have to call him today to see if he’s heard yet. Did you get an early enough date to be able to contiunue on down the main part of the river? That’s their strategy- I guess there’s a window of opportunity if the timing is right. Usually it is the Middlefork that has the limitation on water the first day or until you reach Indian Creek, then the flow almost doubles.  Main Salmon is always runnable.  It is a lousy water year, but I am hoping runoff will last long enough to get us through the first day or 2 after that the flows increase. I can imagine your son loved it, it is  an amazing river even after all the fires.  – MZ

Well, it’s not too late to pray for more snow! last year April was very productive I understand. All this talk–has me dreaming about kayaking the Green River again. I did that a number of years ago before I got RA.  Flat water but wonderful. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Visit my website: http://www.mzuschlag.com

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We will also try to get a permit for the Main Salmon.  If we can score a permit for the main stem Salmon it means we will do the Middlefork then float down to the put-in on the Main Salmon and do back to back trips totaling about 200 miles.

Ooops, obviously I didn’t read on down the thread before posting! too exciting! Cynthia

Response:

My son rowed the Middle Fork last year and came back saying he wants to move to Idaho. He’s applied for this year too, also in June. I’ll have to call him today to see if he’s heard yet. Did you get an early enough date to be able to contiunue on down the main part of the river? That’s their strategy- I guess there’s a window of opportunity if the timing is right.

Usually it is the Middlefork that has the limitation on water the first day or until you reach Indian Creek, then the flow almost doubles.  Main Salmon is always runnable.  It is a lousy water year, but I am hoping runoff will last long enough to get us through the first day or 2 after that the flows increase. I can imagine your son loved it, it is  an amazing river even after all the fires.  – MZ Visit my website: http://www.mzuschlag.com

Response:

Thank you for the compliment.  I hope we have a good flow in June for you. It is beautiful.  I packed back into Big Creek, a tributary of the Salmon, on horses when I was 18.  Dad and Unc were after goats and sheep.  They filled both.  It was literally an experience of a lifetime.  I am now 56 and Dad and Unc are 83 and 79.  Wish we had more pictures. I wish you the best and I can imagine how excited you are.

You have a beautiful State and the Middlefork is really magical, it is one of my most favorite rivers (and I have done a fair number of rivers).  I put it in the top 3 right next to the Grand Canyon. You can’t compare the Grand and Middlefork they are apples and oranges.  I always try to read the history when I go.  I have read about the Sheepeaters and the wars.  If we get a Main Salmon permit we go right past the Polly Beamis homestead.  I love reading river lore.  I read the book Thousand Pieces of Gold about Polly Beamis when I ran the Salmon.  On the Rogue I enjoy reading Hathaway Jones stories out loud; everyone gets into hysterics, they are tall tales.  Fun to dig out the history.   If you have any good book suggestions for that area let me know. Visit my website: http://www.mzuschlag.com

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What a blast we will be launching in June!

Hmmmmm.  Does that free you up for Gimpfest in July? Char "Remember, I’m pulling for ya’.  We’re all in this together."  Red Green

Response:

What a blast we will be launching in June! Hmmmmm.  Does that free you up for Gimpfest in July? Char "Remember, I’m pulling for ya’. We’re all in this together."  Red Green

When is the Gimpfest?  I have a request  in Travelocity to watch for good fares to Des Moines.  We will be gone until early July,  a bit longer if the Main Sa;lmon permit is obtained. — MZ Visit my website: http://www.mzuschlag.com

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July 24-27 http://www.fadedjeans.com/iowa/ Duckie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – What a blast we will be launching in June! Hmmmmm.  Does that free you up for Gimpfest in July? Char "Remember, I’m pulling for ya’. We’re all in this together."  Red Green When is the Gimpfest?  I have a request  in Travelocity to watch for good fares to Des Moines.  We will be gone until early July,  a bit longer if the Main Sa;lmon permit is obtained. — MZ Visit my website: http://www.mzuschlag.com

–   _(‘  (_<_)           _   _(‘< -quack  (_<_)     _    __(‘< *QUACK!* <_{__)   _(‘< "|,,|_"  (_<_)

Response:

July 24,25.26,27  Gosh, I hope you can make it.  You are going to be missing a wonderful party if you dont.  LOL Char "Remember, I’m pulling for ya’.  We’re all in this together."  Red Green

Response:

I just got the word one of my boating buddies drew a permit for the Idaho’s Middlefork of the Salmon!   I love rowing the Middlefork it is one of my all time favorite rivers and an extremely difficult permit to get.  What a blast we will be launching in June!  Sorry I know this is way OTP but this is really exciting news. — MZ

Lucky You! My son rowed the Middle Fork last year and came back saying he wants to move to Idaho. He’s applied for this year too, also in June. I’ll have to call him today to see if he’s heard yet. Did you get an early enough date to be able to contiunue on down the main part of the river? That’s their strategy- I guess there’s a window of opportunity if the timing is right. Cynthia

Response:

Have you ever examined the info on the Sheepeater Indians?  They populated the area and that is where the petroglyphs came from.  You can still see depressions in some of the banks that were where they camped. — Val in Boise

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – We will also try to get a permit for the Main Salmon.  If we can score a permit for the main stem Salmon it means we will do the Middlefork then float down to the put-in on the Main Salmon and do back to back trips totaling about 200 miles.  We did the Middlefork last in 1997 managed to pick-up a canceled permit for the Main Salmon 2 days before we departed for the trip.  It is awesome crystal clear water, canyons, mountains, hot springs, elk, big horn, petroglyphs, and the best fly fishing you will find anywhere.  First day of the Middlefork is non-stop rapids, not overwhelming but you have to pay attention. Our party usually breaks at least 1 oar in that stretch because it is shallow. Picking up a canceled permits mean we have to call almost every day starting in late March. This is one of the classic western river trips.  I have been bouncing off the walls all day.  – MZ Visit my website: http://www.mzuschlag.com

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Thank you for the compliment.  I hope we have a good flow in June for you. It is beautiful.  I packed back into Big Creek, a tributary of the Salmon, on horses when I was 18.  Dad and Unc were after goats and sheep.  They filled both.  It was literally an experience of a lifetime.  I am now 56 and Dad and Unc are 83 and 79.  Wish we had more pictures. I wish you the best and I can imagine how excited you are. — Val in Boise

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I just got the word one of my boating buddies drew a permit for the Idaho’s Middlefork of the Salmon!   I love rowing the Middlefork it is one of my all time favorite rivers and an extremely difficult permit to get.  What a blast we will be launching in June!  Sorry I know this is way OTP but this is really exciting news. — MZ Visit my website: http://www.mzuschlag.com

Response:

I just got the word one of my boating buddies drew a permit for the Idaho’s Middlefork of the Salmon!   I love rowing the Middlefork it is one of my all time favorite rivers and an extremely difficult permit to get.  What a blast we will be launching in June!  Sorry I know this is way OTP but this is really exciting news. — MZ Visit my website: http://www.mzuschlag.com

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Sent this along to John. You just never know. Duckie I just got the word one of my boating buddies drew a permit for the Idaho’s Middlefork of the Salmon!   I love rowing the Middlefork it is one of my all time favorite rivers and an extremely difficult permit to get.  What a blast we will be launching in June!  Sorry I know this is way OTP but this is really exciting news. — MZ Visit my website: http://www.mzuschlag.com

–   _(‘  (_<_)           _   _(‘< -quack  (_<_)     _    __(‘< *QUACK!* <_{__)   _(‘< "|,,|_"  (_<_)

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I just got the word one of my boating buddies drew a permit for the Idaho’s Middlefork of the Salmon!   I love rowing the Middlefork it is one of my all time favorite rivers and an extremely difficult permit to get.  What a blast we will be launching in June!  Sorry I know this is way OTP but this is really exciting news. — MZ Visit my website: http://www.mzuschlag.com

Wonderful!  How are you gonna stand the wait until June? — Nann remove the Gator cheer to email me "To array a man’s will against his sickness is the supreme art of medicine." …Henry Ward Beecher

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Welll as usual, I will expect a vicarious thrill.  Congrats M

Response:

We will also try to get a permit for the Main Salmon.  If we can score a permit for the main stem Salmon it means we will do the Middlefork then float down to the put-in on the Main Salmon and do back to back trips totaling about 200 miles.  We did the Middlefork last in 1997 managed to pick-up a canceled permit for the Main Salmon 2 days before we departed for the trip.  It is awesome crystal clear water, canyons, mountains, hot springs, elk, big horn, petroglyphs, and the best fly fishing you will find anywhere.  First day of the Middlefork is non-stop rapids, not overwhelming but you have to pay attention. Our party usually breaks at least 1 oar in that stretch because it is shallow. Picking up a canceled permits mean we have to call almost every day starting in late March. This is one of the classic western river trips.  I have been bouncing off the walls all day.  – MZ Visit my website: http://www.mzuschlag.com

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Question:

Can anyone tell me about fishing oportunities on Whidbey Island in Washington state? My daughter is moving up there in September, and when I visit I’d like to do some fly fishing. I realize there are not any steams on the Island, but how about Sea run Cutts??

Response:

There is a group www.waflyfishers.com Get on the mailing list and they send fishing reports and you can ask questions etc. I am just guessing but I would say about 80% of the salmon that go into Puget Sound go past Whidby Island and the Salmon fishing is just heating up. September and October are good months also. HTH Dave —

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Can anyone tell me about fishing oportunities on Whidbey Island in Washington state? My daughter is moving up there in September, and when I visit I’d like to do some fly fishing. I realize there are not any steams on the Island, but how about Sea run Cutts??

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Can anyone tell me about fishing oportunities on Whidbey Island in Washington state? My daughter is moving up there in September, and when I visit I’d like to do some fly fishing. I realize there are not any steams on the Island, but how about Sea run Cutts??

Sea-run cutts and steelhead usually can be found along the southern and eastern shore of the island.   If you are going to be a fairly frequent visitor, you should consider getting a float tube and leaving it there.  Pass Lake, just east of Deception Pass (up at the north end of the island) has excellent fishing, mainly by float tube or non-motorized boat. At certain times of year (mostly the Fall), it also would be well worth the drive to the Stilliguamish River (plenty of cutts in the Fall).  The Stilly is between Everett and Mt. Vernon on the mainland.  You can get there either by driving north across the Deception Pass bridge, and then into Mt. Vernon and south to the river or you can drive to the south end of the island (to Clinton), take the ferry, then drive north to the river (the former route takes less time).

Response:

The best place I found for Sea-Runs on the north end of the Island was by the old ice house on the NAS Whidbey Sea Plane base (Which is an open base so access is not a problem). Fish flashy flies on a falling tide on the gravel banks which can easily be done from shore. Pass lake is good and the best fishing is usually Damsels and Chironomids, although it’s tough to go wrong with the bugger family. On Anacortes as well is Whistle Lake up under Mt Erie. It’s an uphill walk in of about a mile but very remote feeling and a mixed fishery of warm and cold water species. Don’t leave anything in your car that you expect to be there when you get back. fair warning from experience. Not a whole lot on the south end of the isalnd that I was aware of but since I lived in Anacortes it wasn’t really worth the trip. If you head up Highway 20 towards Concrete there are numerous small streams but please treat the fish with care as many you catch will not be trout but immature Steelies. I do recommend the milkshakes at the place with the fiberglass cow out in front of it, particularly the Boysenberry. I of course, am deeply envious I would love to be back out there. Cheers, Allen Epps Catonsville MD – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Can anyone tell me about fishing oportunities on Whidbey Island in Washington state? My daughter is moving up there in September, and when I visit I’d like to do some fly fishing. I realize there are not any steams on the Island, but how about Sea run Cutts?? Sea-run cutts and steelhead usually can be found along the southern and eastern shore of the island. If you are going to be a fairly frequent visitor, you should consider getting a float tube and leaving it there.  Pass Lake, just east of Deception Pass (up at the north end of the island) has excellent fishing, mainly by float tube or non-motorized boat. At certain times of year (mostly the Fall), it also would be well worth the drive to the Stilliguamish River (plenty of cutts in the Fall).  The Stilly is between Everett and Mt. Vernon on the mainland.  You can get there either by driving north across the Deception Pass bridge, and then into Mt. Vernon and south to the river or you can drive to the south end of the island (to Clinton), take the ferry, then drive north to the river (the former route takes less time).

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Question:

The Fly Fisherman is a true FF shop they can accomidate you for fresh and saltwater, they also have a store in Titusville (you can FF for redfish in the indian river and mosquito lagoon area). Dominic Pruitt Cary, NC (Relatives in Orlando area)

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Dear Joseph                 There are two excellent fishing shops Jumbo Sports and The Fly Fisherman, they are both in the yellow pages. I visitedthem while i was on holiday. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have received a very interesting job offer in the Orlando area (zip 32750)… but I’m trying to check some things out before I commit myself. I know the fishing is good down there… but what’s the flt-fishing presence like? Any good shops in the area? Any tying supplies for freshwater? I may be headed down for an interview shortly… any place I should scope out while I’m there? Thanks! — Joe Ellis         o/~ The Synthetic Filker o/~ |   TesserAct Studios  ()X  Darwin (;        Now on the Web at      |  Cincinnati, OH 45240  //~~~LL~~~~LL~  http://shell.idt.net/~ellis69 | New Dimensions In Filk!   If you race a train to the crossing and the train gets there first,      the train wins. If you get there first, the train STILL wins.

Response:

I have received a very interesting job offer in the Orlando area (zip 32750)… but I’m trying to check some things out before I commit myself. I know the fishing is good down there… but what’s the flt-fishing presence like? Any good shops in the area? Any tying supplies for freshwater? I may be headed down for an interview shortly… any place I should scope out while I’m there? Thanks! — Joe Ellis         o/~ The Synthetic Filker o/~ |   TesserAct Studios  ()X  Darwin (;        Now on the Web at      |  Cincinnati, OH 45240  //~~~LL~~~~LL~  http://shell.idt.net/~ellis69 | New Dimensions In Filk!   If you race a train to the crossing and the train gets there first,      the train wins. If you get there first, the train STILL wins.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have received a very interesting job offer in the Orlando area (zip 32750)… but I’m trying to check some things out before I commit myself. I know the fishing is good down there… but what’s the flt-fishing presence like? Any good shops in the area? Any tying supplies for freshwater? I may be headed down for an interview shortly… any place I should scope out while I’m there? Thanks! — Joe Ellis         o/~ The Synthetic Filker o/~ |   TesserAct Studios  ()X  Darwin (;        Now on the Web at      |  Cincinnati, OH 45240  //~~~LL~~~~LL~  http://shell.idt.net/~ellis69 | New Dimensions In Filk!   If you race a train to the crossing and the train gets there first,      the train wins. If you get there first, the train STILL wins.

       One thing you’ll learn is that Orlado is just one area, there are many cities in the area and all are back to back so to speak. Check the phone book and don’t be put off by the city names. There is an Orvis shop in Winter Park, 2 Bitters shops, all kinds of mall shops, KMart sells fly fishing poppers, flys and some low level gear as does WallMart. Fern Park, Altamonte Springs, Winter Park are some of the towns heading north on either I-4 or 17/92 all really close together. There are numerous bait and tackle shops all over the place and Titusville, Cape Canaveral is also close. as to bait and tackle "The big Bass hole is about 6 blocks from my house in Sanford. It’s on lake Monrow (the St.John’s runs through it.) What you’ll need is an 8wt at least for bass and small saltwater possibly a 3wt for bream and a short 5wt for general streamside among trees etc. There are so many shops and sporting goods stores that I can’t begin to tell you about all of them.                                                             John Popp                                                          in Sanford Fl.

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Question:

I have a business meeting in Pullman, Washington June 28 – 21.  Are there any trout streams in the area (3 – 4 hour radius) which won’t be flooded out during that time with reasonable access to wading. Thanks for any advice. Brent Buckley

Response:

: I have a business meeting in Pullman, Washington June 28 – 21.  Are : there : any trout streams in the area (3 – 4 hour radius) which won’t be flooded : out during that time with reasonable access to wading. Sure, take a look through the entire N. Idaho region.  St. Joe, Lochsa, Selway, St. Maries, Marble Creek, Clearwater (all forks), …etc. All will be very high water.  I would guess the St. Joe might be the best option by end of June. — Rick T. Rick Fletcher   –   http://www.chem.uidaho.edu/~fletcher/ Associate professor of chemistry  |  That’s Idaho, not Iowa.    | ad hominem University of Idaho               |  Upper Left Hand Corner.    | ad hominem Moscow, ID 83844-2343             |  No, I don’t grow potatoes. | ad hominem

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   Newsgroups: rec.outdoors.fishing.fly    : I have a business meeting in Pullman, Washington June 28 – 21.  Are    : there    : any trout streams in the area (3 – 4 hour radius) which won’t be flooded    : out during that time with reasonable access to wading.    Sure, take a look through the entire N. Idaho region.  St. Joe, Lochsa,    Selway, St. Maries, Marble Creek, Clearwater (all forks), …etc. But don’t neglect the Washington side of the Clearwater and lakes such as Lenore, Lenice, Amber to the west.  There are some pleasant small lakes around Lewiston, too.   — Laboratory for Applied Logic    Dept. of Computer Science University of Idaho             http://www.cs.uidaho.edu/~foster pgp key available at: ftp://ftp.cs.uidaho.edu/pub/foster/pgp-key.asc

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Question:

After reading this group for a couple of years it has become clear that a lot of people either have much more disposable income than I do, or that my priorities are skewed somehow.  At any rate, I’m looking for a new rod to replace the old glass Fenwick I’ve fished for 15+ years, but I don’t want to shell out $300.  Or even $200.  Less than $100 would be great–

Well, Derek, there is both bad news and good news for you. Yes, there was a time long ago when it was possible to fool a trout and enjoy a "quality angling experience" (QAE to those of us in the industry) with a $100 rod, but those days are long behind us. As we approach the turn of a century, studies show that there are very few trout in today’s streams that will engage anglers who use inexpensive rods. Sure, some anglers will tell you that when it comes to rod blanks, "plastic is plastic", but someone who really knows the industry will answer "yes, but some plastics are more plastic than others". Having arrived at this dilemma, your choice becomes clear. The good news for you, Derek, is that you are unlikely to find many rods for less than $200, making it much easier for you to avoid an inexpensive flyrod by simply paying more money for an expensive one. Moreover, a knowledgeable rod merchant will surely do all he can to guide you toward the most expensive alternative to an inexpensive purchase. Spinolio

Response:

Want I want is simple, an 8.5′ 5wt rod that will cast well enough to keep me happy and won’t fall apart. The St. Croix Pro Graphite rods have gotten very good reviews, I often hear them being called the best value in fly fishing. I think cost $75 or so. St. Croix Imperials and Redington Red Start rods are also supposed to be nice, they cost between $100 and $150.

Several people have made this recommendation.  The problem is, there are no fly shops anywhere near me.  The only place in town with fly gear sells G. Loomis rods (at list) to yuppies, and little else (it’s just a sporting goods store).  Anyone know of a good mail order source?  Some place with a friendly return policy? Test cast them all and let me know how it comes out!

Can anyone recommend a fly shop (or a good sporting retailer) in Indianapolis or Louisville?  I usually wait until I’m back in Oregon/Idaho visiting family to buy anything of significance (Kaufman’s Streamborne in PDX, and Intermountain Arms in Boise). — Derek R. Larson           Indiana University       Department of History   "Eastward I go by force, but Westward I go free!"  -H. D. Thoreau

Response:

Not quite….the Legend Series St Croix is 42 million mods, while the less expensive Imperial is 32 million modulus, and is a somewhat slower action rod.

I like a slower action, and fortunately (for me) the slower rods can be less expensive (unless you get into split cane, but that’s a whole other topic).   When you’re rod shopping, one method that works pretty well is to not only test cast the rod (or rods) you’re thinking of buying, but to also test a more expensive rod, so you have something for comparison.  You may even find that the less expensive rod is more to your liking.  Find the rod that is right for you, and to hell with what you’re "supposed" to prefer.  The emperor has no clothes. CQ

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Rick Fletcher wrote to: [snip] try and build from a blank.  It’s worth the time and money saved, just like tying.

Interesting idea. How much would it cost to build my own $300 rod? How much is saved? bird

Response:

Several people have made this recommendation.  The problem is, there are no fly shops anywhere near me.  The only place in town with fly gear sells G. Loomis rods (at list) to yuppies, and little else (it’s just a sporting goods store).  Anyone know of a good mail order source?  Some place with a friendly return policy?

Ask the ownner if you can look at his gear catalogues – he is visited weekly by fishing gear salesmen who would gladly sell him anything he wanted to buy.  He probably keeps the catalogues in the back office.  Ask when the local salesman (or saleswoman) is coming through, and you can ask them about their lines.  If the guy won’t help you do this, boycott the store.

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Its my understanding that all of the St. Croix series use the same graphite.  Thus no difference in performance.

I looked over both the Pro and the Imperial.  About the only differences that I noticed were the blank and the performance.   Both were good rods, but IMHO, the Imperial was much better, and only a little bit more expensive. CQ

Response:

Yes, there was a time long ago when it was possible to fool a trout and enjoy a "quality angling experience" (QAE to those of us in the industry) with a $100 rod, but those days are long behind us. As we approach the turn of a century, studies show that there are very few trout in today’s streams that will engage anglers who use inexpensive rods.

Mr. Spinolio:  I really must disagree with your comments about the price of a rod significantly impacting on an anglers success rate.  With respect to the U.S.A., I’ll bow to your experience; but in my area of Canada, I don’t agree that this correlation applies.  Granted, we don’t get the pressure on our streams that Montana residents do; but I happily take large browns on the most heavily fished river in Ontario with both my Sage graphite, an old Algonquin "feralite" and a cane rod left to me by my father that’s older than Moses. IMHO an angler adapts his skills to his tackle.  It’s no doubt easier to fish a $5000.00 custom made bamboo than an old glass rod…but if you can’t afford the custom, buy the best you can afford and go fishing.  I’ve never known a fish to check the price tag on a rod before inhaling a nymph.    Here’s a suggestion for Derek that may allow him to buy good tackle for a fraction of the cost of new.  Go to your local fly fishing school, (there’s probably one near by…they’re popping up like mushrooms after a spring rain) and ask them if they have any rods for sale.  You’ll be amazed.  Especially if you offer cash and don’t ask for a receipt.  Then you’ll have quality, cheaply, and you can worry about your backcast as opposed to the cost of your rod.   Jim Ward Twin Willow Farm Home of good horses, fine whiskey and great wild trout.

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Want I want is simple, an 8.5′ 5wt rod that will cast well enough to keep me happy and won’t fall apart. The St. Croix Pro Graphite rods have gotten very good reviews, I often hear them being called the best value in fly fishing. I think cost $75 or so. St. Croix Imperials and Redington Red Start rods are also supposed to be nice, they cost between $100 and $150. Several people have made this recommendation.  The problem is, there are no fly shops anywhere near me.  The only place in town with fly gear sells G. Loomis rods (at list) to yuppies, and little else (it’s just a sporting goods store).  Anyone know of a good mail order source?  Some place with a friendly return policy? Test cast them all and let me know how it comes out! Can anyone recommend a fly shop (or a good sporting retailer) in Indianapolis or Louisville?  I usually wait until I’m back in Oregon/Idaho visiting family to buy anything of significance (Kaufman’s Streamborne in PDX, and Intermountain Arms in Boise). — Derek R. Larson           Indiana University       Department of History   "Eastward I go by force, but Westward I go free!"  -H. D. Thoreau

There is a recent Orvis shop up nin the Keystone area; nice folks.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – …I’m looking for a new rod to replace the old glass Fenwick I’ve fished for 15+ years, but I don’t want to shell out $300.  Or even $200.  Less than $100 would be great… Check out the St. Croix Imperial graphite.   They list for $120, which includes a rod case, and lifetime guarantee. I just bought one (a 9′ 4/5wt); cast it and a Diamondback side by side, and thought the St. Croix was better.  They also make a Pro series, that costs less, but for the performance, the Imperial is a better buy. CQ Its my understanding that all of the St. Croix series use the same graphite.  Thus no difference in performance.  But I agree, they are a great buy. Jim

Hi Jim,      Not quite….the Legend Series St Croix is 42 million mods, while the less expensive      Imperial is 32 million modulus, and is a somewhat slower action rod. I own their      4 piece 5/6 travel rod, and the little 7′ 3 wt, and believe St Croix is one of the best buys      on the market. connection with the company,      just a satisfied customer. Regards,

Response:

Derek, another suggestion:  I just recently bought a 8.5, 5 wt rod from Orvis.   It is part of a relatively new series of less-expensive rods, called the Clearwater series.  Its a good rod, similar to their more expensive rods, and you can definitely mail order it from Orvis. Steve

Response:

…I’m looking for a new rod to replace the old glass Fenwick I’ve fished for 15+ years, but I don’t want to shell out $300.  Or even $200.  Less than $100 would be great… Check out the St. Croix Imperial graphite.   They list for $120, which includes a rod case, and lifetime guarantee. I just bought one (a 9′ 4/5wt); cast it and a Diamondback side by side, and thought the St. Croix was better.  They also make a Pro series, that costs less, but for the performance, the Imperial is a better buy. CQ

Its my understanding that all of the St. Croix series use the same graphite.  Thus no difference in performance.  But I agree, they are a great buy. Jim

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: After reading this group for a couple of years it has become clear that a : lot of people either have much more disposable income than I do, or that : my priorities are skewed somehow.  At any rate, I’m looking for a new rod [snip] Sheesh Derek, you’ve been around here long enough to have heard all this before.  Are you just trying to bait a war? I suggest you try Lamiglass and Reddington.  And I strongly recommend you try and build from a blank.  It’s worth the time and money saved, just like tying. — Rick T. Rick Fletcher   –   http://www.chem.uidaho.edu/~fletcher/ Associate professor of chemistry  |  That’s Idaho, not Iowa.    | ad hominem University of Idaho               |  Upper Left Hand Corner.    | ad hominem Moscow, ID 83844-2343             |  No, I don’t grow potatoes. | ad hominem

Response:

…I’m looking for a new rod to replace the old glass Fenwick I’ve fished for 15+ years, but I don’t want to shell out $300.  Or even $200.  Less than $100 would be great… Check out the St. Croix Imperial graphite. They list for $120, which includes a rod case, and lifetime guarantee. I just bought one (a 9′ 4/5wt); cast it and a Diamondback side by side, and thought the St. Croix was better.  They also make a Pro series, that costs less, but for the performance, the Imperial is a better buy. CQ

THIS IS GOOD news to hear, for me. — George Gehrke/President Gehrke’s World’s Best Fly Fishing Products Asotin, WA 99402 509-243-4100  FAX 4644

Response:

Derek I own three Lamiglass rods that have served me well for quite a long time. Cabelas carried them as recently as last year for under $100 but I don’t see them is this year’s catalog. They may still have some if you call them. Some flyshops may have a few left as well. Also, you might consider building your own rod. You can control the parts of it that are most important to you but still keep the cost down. You don’t really need, IMHO, the expensive wrapping platforms etc. Dave

I allways thought the best inexpensive rod was the one you could afford to buy.

Response:

After reading this group for a couple of years it has become clear that a lot of people either have much more disposable income than I do, or that my priorities are skewed somehow.  At any rate, I’m looking for a new rod to replace the old glass Fenwick I’ve fished for 15+ years, -Derek

Hi Derek Most fly shops have rental equipment and often sell that equipment a the end of the season. Check with a few and see if you can’t get a bargain. — Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT http://www.flyshop.com/Expo/Specialty/BTsPdcts/index.html

Response:

Derek I own three Lamiglass rods that have served me well for quite a long time. Cabelas carried them as recently as last year for under $100 but I don’t see them is this year’s catalog. They may still have some if you call them. Some flyshops may have a few left as well. Also, you might consider building your own rod. You can control the parts of it that are most important to you but still keep the cost down. You don’t really need, IMHO, the expensive wrapping platforms etc. Dave

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Derek, I am in the same boat as you financially. The kids, house, dogs, make it tough to shell out $300 on a rod. I have a post on this board about the Cabela’s Fish Eagle Traditional rod, 8′6" 6wt for $96. We’ll see what the response is. There’s a brand out there called Hi-Tech (HT) that are supposed to be good rods at great prices, but I can’t find any retail outlets that stock them.  

You can afford a dog!?!?!?  You lucky so and so.  Had to eat ours last year!  This year we had to rent a used turkey for christmas!  Bloody luxury. Mike

Response:

Want I want is simple, an 8.5′ 5wt rod that will cast well enough to keep me happy and won’t fall apart.

The St. Croix Pro Graphite rods have gotten very good reviews, I often hear them being called the best value in fly fishing. I think cost $75 or so. St. Croix Imperials and Redington Red Start rods are also supposed to be nice, they cost between $100 and $150. Test cast them all and let me know how it comes out! Tight lines, Tom Chandler Tom Chandler   "When in doubt, have two guys come through the door with guns."                                               –Raymond Chandler

Response:

…I’m looking for a new rod to replace the old glass Fenwick I’ve fished for 15+ years, but I don’t want to shell out $300.  Or even $200.  Less than $100 would be great…

Check out the St. Croix Imperial graphite.   They list for $120, which includes a rod case, and lifetime guarantee. I just bought one (a 9′ 4/5wt); cast it and a Diamondback side by side, and thought the St. Croix was better.  They also make a Pro series, that costs less, but for the performance, the Imperial is a better buy. CQ

Response:

Hi Derek- Have you considered buying a used rod? There are several sites on the internet that have "classified" areas where people sell used stuff at much lower prices than new. The virtual flyshop has one such area, but there are others. I recently bought a used tying vise and sold my old one in this way. You may be able to pick up a $300 rod for $100. Check it out. Good luck! Steve Rosenblum

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Want I want is simple, an 8.5′ 5wt rod that will cast well enough to keep me happy and won’t fall apart……entry-level Orvis outfit (Clearwater 865) looks okay, but is there anything else to compare in the $100 price range?  While home over the holidays I looked at some new rods "made" by an outfit called Northwest-X or somesuch in Lake Oswego, Oregon– they were at GI Joes, about $80 for a 5wt 8.5".  Didn’t cast one though.  Anyone familar with that line? Thanks for any tips– please post responses rather than email so all can comment. -Derek —

Greetings Derek:         I just started flyfishing about a year ago, so take my advice with a grain of salt.  I started out with a 2-piece 5wt, 8.5ft, that I got as a package deal from LL Bean.  I more recently purchased a 4-piece, 4wt, 7.5ft travel rod from them as well.  The 5wt ran me $200, reel and all; the 4wt, $110, reel, case and all.  Bean also sells the rod and reel set they use in teaching their classes, for a reasonable price (in the $100-150 range). They may not be the greatest rods, given other people’s comments at this site, but you can get a medium or fast-ish action rod from them, that are all lifetime guaranteed.  I have really enjoyed my two rods, and they certainly got me out and fishing with a minimum investment.  Hope this helps you out. Dan Johnson – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Derek R. Larson           Indiana University       Department of History   "Eastward I go by force, but Westward I go free!"  -H. D. Thoreau

Response:

Check out the Cabela’s catalog, their own are pretty good, as are the St Croix’s and Reddingtons, but in that 8′6" range don’t count out the inexpensive Pfluger (also in the catalog)  Call them if you don’t have the current FF catalog 1/800-237-4444 I am not related in any way to them, but at the low end of the price spectrum, where I started, they have yet to disappoint me.  All of their house brand equip and gear has served me well. jg

Response:

Derek, I am in the same boat as you financially. The kids, house, dogs, make it tough to shell out $300 on a rod. I have a post on this board about the Cabela’s Fish Eagle Traditional rod, 8′6" 6wt for $96. We’ll see what the response is. There’s a brand out there called Hi-Tech (HT) that are supposed to be good rods at great prices, but I can’t find any retail outlets that stock them.  

Response:

Want I want is simple, an 8.5′ 5wt rod that will cast well enough to keep me happy and won’t fall apart.

Under $100, consider the Cortland GRF-1000.  Under $200, consider the Sage Discovery (Model 580 DS).  Doubtless there are other good choices too.  Try to actually cast the rod before buying it, to ensure that you’ll be happy with its performance. Woods Hole, MA   USA

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After reading this group for a couple of years it has become clear that a lot of people either have much more disposable income than I do, or that my priorities are skewed somehow.  At any rate, I’m looking for a new rod to replace the old glass Fenwick I’ve fished for 15+ years, but I don’t want to shell out $300.  Or even $200.  Less than $100 would be great– I don’t get to fish nearly as much in Indiana as I did growing up in Oregon (all my steelhead gear, all my packable trout gear, etc. etc. is still out there collecting dust).   Want I want is simple, an 8.5′ 5wt rod that will cast well enough to keep me happy and won’t fall apart.  My wife has a Cabella’s rod (the Sweetwater?) that was given to her as a gift; it’s not great, but I often use it rather than the 8wt. Fenwick I brought out here with me.  The stores around here either sell junk (Eagle Claw, Pflueger) or G. Loomis, so it may have to be mail order. The entry-level Orvis outfit (Clearwater 865) looks okay, but is there anything else to compare in the $100 price range?  While home over the holidays I looked at some new rods "made" by an outfit called Northwest-X or somesuch in Lake Oswego, Oregon– they were at GI Joes, about $80 for a 5wt 8.5".  Didn’t cast one though.  Anyone familar with that line? Thanks for any tips– please post responses rather than email so all can comment. -Derek — Derek R. Larson           Indiana University       Department of History   "Eastward I go by force, but Westward I go free!"  -H. D. Thoreau

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Question:

of course it does, it fits the rest of the profile. TimW

Response:

I’ve been trying straighten out my subscription for months. Those people just seem clueless. Needless to say, I’ll not renew. AL – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – In the hope that someone connected with that magazine reads this….. Every year our flyfishing club has a banquet. Every year, after spending umpteen bucks on raffle tickets, I wind up with a free subscription to Fly Fishing Magazine. Every year I send in the letter, and every year I don’t get squat! Well after 3 years of this I sent a letter to the magazine’s subscription dept. Guess what I got? A subscription to Horse and Rider! I know you’re laughing…..hey cut it out, I’m pissed off. I guess I’m saying, think twice before you subscribe to this magazine. Who knows if they’ll ever get it right.

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In the hope that someone connected with that magazine reads this….. Every year our flyfishing club has a banquet. Every year, after spending umpteen bucks on raffle tickets, I wind up with a free subscription to Fly Fishing Magazine. Every year I send in the letter, and every year I don’t get squat! Well after 3 years of this I sent a letter to the magazine’s subscription dept. Guess what I got? A subscription to Horse and Rider! I know you’re laughing…..hey cut it out, I’m pissed off. I guess I’m saying, think twice before you subscribe to this magazine. Who knows if they’ll ever get it right.

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Question:

What is the best line size for small mouth fishing?

Response:

What is the best line size for small mouth fishing?

Since smallies rarely get over 6lbs in our neck of the woods, I use 6lb Maxima (or 4lb if I want to be really subtle) on my spinning gear. I use 10-12lbs test on my baitcaster for crank baits where finesse is not a requirement. And unlike largemouth you don’t often have to horse smallies out of heavy cover so anything over 10lbs is probably overkill. David E. Malone All opinions expressed are my own.

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I have used a 7wt rod/line combo. When fishing in the shallows I look for a shorter leader, say a six footer with an eighteen inch tippet. This setup also works well in windy conditions. In deeper water like around rocks in the middle of a lake where there might be a dropoff I use a sinktip line with as long a leader as possible usually around ten feet. This is all subject to change if there is a lot of wind. Then I usually stay home and fly a kite!   Hope this is some help. A guy who knows one heck of a lot more than I do set me up this way and it seems to work.                                                         Best of luck,                                  J.Christian Decker,  Danville, NH

Response:

What is the best line size for small mouth fishing?

Largest flies needed for SMB are #4 streamers tied sparse, which a #7 fly line can carry to maximum range.  (If not, go one fly size smaller or one fly line size heavier.) — |  Donald Phillipson, 4180 Boundary Road, Carlsbad Springs,  | |        Ontario, Canada, K0A 1K0, tel. 613 822 0734         |

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I thought this group was for fly-fishermen, not Bass Masters.  I normally use a six weight line for streamers (sink tip) and an eight weight wf floating for poppers etc…

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I use anywhere from an eight weight down to a five. It depends on the stream and the fly that I want to fish with. My tippets will be from a 6x all the way to a 1x for the big ones! Jon Porter

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Question:

This is supposed to be the best permit fishing of the year and it’s going to go down to 57 tonight.  Needless to say we didn’t fish today (25-knot northwest wind), and may not tomorrow.  We’re a little depressed. Marshall Cutchin

sheeeee-it…it got upto 50 here today…folkes runnin’ the river. TW

Response:

This is supposed to be the best permit fishing of the year and it’s going to go down to 57 tonight.  Needless to say we didn’t fish today (25-knot northwest wind), and may not tomorrow.  We’re a little depressed. Marshall Cutchin

Response:

it’s going to go down to 57 tonight.  Needless to say we didn’t fish today (25-knot northwest wind), and may not tomorrow.  We’re a little depressed. Marshall Cutchin

sheeeee-it…it got upto 50 here today…folkes runnin’ the river. TW Right On Tim !!         The eyes on my rod kept freezing solid yesterday and snow was blowing up the river in my face, I managed to land 9 rainbows before I realized I should be depressed and home in front of the fireplace. Maybe Southern people eat too much quiche ? Grant Ferris    

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – it’s going to go down to 57 tonight.  Needless to say we didn’t fish today (25-knot northwest wind), and may not tomorrow.  We’re a little depressed. Marshall Cutchin sheeeee-it…it got upto 50 here today…folkes runnin’ the river. TW Right On Tim !!    The eyes on my rod kept freezing solid yesterday and snow was blowing up the river in my face, I managed to land 9 rainbows before I realized I should be depressed and home in front of the fireplace. Maybe Southern people eat too much quiche ? Grant Ferris        

I find that the biggest problem we southern guides have is a tendency to wimp out when the going gets tough.  I shudder when I hear of a forecast of below 70, and I’m not sure I could handle more than ten minutes of 50-degree weather.  However, I have stood in a river in the blowing snow at 5 degrees and watched fish rising everywhere and wondered what I was doing with  a 12-gauge shotgun frozen to the palm of my hand.  I admit that at that moment I wished I was holding the cork grip of a flyrod.  Then I remembered that I had some quiche in my pocket and felt that everything was going to be all right after all. Marshall Cutchin

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: : This is supposed to be the best permit fishing of the year and it’s : going to go down to 57 tonight.  Needless to say we didn’t fish today : (25-knot northwest wind), and may not tomorrow.  We’re a little : depressed. : : Marshall Cutchin : sheeeee-it…it got upto 50 here today…folkes runnin’ the river. : TW Up here in Calgary, we’re hoping it stays above 0F tonight!  A foot of ice on the river is making dry-fly fishing difficult, but floatant is not necessary.  A 20-weight rod casting a 4 lbs wooly bugger is necessary to break through the upper crust of ice. Natural movement of the fly is somewhat compromised, but at least it gets *down*. Pete

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Question:

Like everyone else, I’ve used plenty of variations for the tried and true GRHE.  These days I use ginger hen hackle for tails.  Deer hair can be a bad bet, mainly because it’s so brittle.  Like Gary Borger says, "Get the color right if you can, but just make sure it’s the right bulk and length."  Or at least I think he says that.

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Fereira) writes: I was talking to someone a week or so ago and picked up some #24 trico emergers tied with the fur from snow-shoe rabbits.  He claimed that the oils in the fur on their feet made them naturally water resistant.  Has anyone seen fur from one of these creatures?

Yes, was a big thing a couple of years ago.  Stuff floats forever.  The most famous fly to use it is called "The Usual". You can get snowshoe rabbit from Orvis stores or through their fly tying catalog.  Price is around $5.

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I’ve been sitting at the vice for the last few days re-stocking. I was working in some hairs ears and just was not satisfied with the way the tails look. Does anyone have a varaition on the stnd. tail? I have been useing deer hair and find that it either ends up to thin or flairs out to much.   What material do you like to use?   Thanks in advance. You are talking about a hare’s ear *nymph*, no? I usually use pheasant tail fibers. You can also try a few barbs of mottled hen. The "standard" tie calls for hare’s mask guard hairs, doesn’t it?

That’s they way I learned how to tie one.  When I first started tying I found that with a turkey feather, some gold tinsel, and a hares ear mask I could tie all the GRHE’s I wanted and since I knew that was probably one of the best nymph patterns going those were the first materials I ever bought.   I was talking to someone a week or so ago and picked up some #24 trico emergers tied with the fur from snow-shoe rabbits.  He claimed that the oils in the fur on their feet made them naturally water resistant.  Has anyone seen fur from one of these creatures? One final thing.  There are a few flyfishers that I’ve corresponded with from the central NY area and I’ve started to put your names in a file for a local mailing list.  If there is anyone else, or you’re not sure if you might not be on my list send me some email.   John — John Fereira Isis Distributed Systems  Ithaca, NY

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I’ve been sitting at the vice for the last few days re-stocking. I was working in some hairs ears and just was not satisfied with the way the tails look. Does anyone have a varaition on the stnd. tail? I have been useing deer hair and find that it either ends up to thin or flairs out to much.   What material do you like to use?   Thanks in advance.

Ummm… It _is_ called a "Hare’s Ear"… Have you tried a bunch of Hare Hair <<grin off of the mask? That’s the dressing _I’M_ familiar with! … And it doesn’t flare! — Joe Ellis         o/~ The Synthetic Filker o/~ |    TesserAct Studios

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I’ve been sitting at the vice for the last few days re-stocking. I was working in some hairs ears and just was not satisfied with the way the tails look. Does anyone have a varaition on the stnd. tail? I have been useing deer hair and find that it either ends up to thin or flairs out to much.   What material do you like to use?   Thanks in advance.

I am wondering a little bit about your efforts. Do you really mean the hears ear? This pattern calls for a tail made from the guard = hairs (longer and stronger hairs with light coloured tips) from the center of the hairs mask. The center hairs should be cut very ti= ghtly to the skin and then you can put out all the underfur. This can sometimes be a pain, depending on the mask you got. On the one=  I have the center guard hairs are strongly curled, so that I wasn’t very satisfied with my hares ear’s neither. I used woodcuck ins= tead, worked well for me and makes nearly the same clour. You shouldn’t use deer hair. The stuff you usually get is winter deer hair=  which is hollow. Because it spreads so well poeple use it for caddis and comparaduns. Elk hair doesn’t spread so easily so it seems=  much better for this purpose. Some dry fly pattern call for moose mane, which is very good for tails because it doesn’t spread at a= ll. The disadvantage is that it doesn’t match the colour requirements for the hairs ears. If you still want to use deer hair this li= ttle trick might help. Tie in the deer hair  1 or 2 mm closer to the ear than it is required with 2 or 3 tight wraps. The hair will = spread. Now you catch the spread hairs with some loose wraps exactly at the original tie in position (at the end of the shank, behin= d -that means towards the shank- the tight wraps you made). Then dub the body (Maybe you should try coastal deer hair, it doesn’t sp= read so good. You should also compare differend deer hairs, you can find nearly every colour and quality you can imagine. If you don= ‘t have a good source, call Kaufmann streamborne, they have an excellent selection.). That technique also works for bucktail streamers, if the wing spreads to much. I hope that helps.      Good luck                    Thomas

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I’ve been sitting at the vice for the last few days re-stocking. I was working in some hairs ears and just was not satisfied with the way the tails look. Does anyone have a varaition on the stnd. tail? I have been useing deer hair and find that it either ends up to thin or flairs out to much.   What material do you like to use?   Thanks in advance.

Any short quill will work.  I like to use red or brown on my #20 Hare’s ears.

Response:

I’ve been sitting at the vice for the last few days re-stocking. I was working in some hairs ears and just was not satisfied with the way the tails look. Does anyone have a varaition on the stnd. tail? I have been useing deer hair and find that it either ends up to thin or flairs out to much.    What material do you like to use?   Thanks in advance.

Response:

I’ve been sitting at the vice for the last few days re-stocking. I was working in some hairs ears and just was not satisfied with the way the tails look. Does anyone have a varaition on the stnd. tail? I have been useing deer hair and find that it either ends up to thin or flairs out to much.   What material do you like to use?   Thanks in advance.

You are talking about a hare’s ear *nymph*, no? I usually use pheasant tail fibers. You can also try a few barbs of mottled hen. The "standard" tie calls for hare’s mask guard hairs, doesn’t it? Bob Petti Endwell, NY

Response:

I’ve been sitting at the vice for the last few days re-stocking. I was working in some hairs ears and just was not satisfied with the way the tails look. Does anyone have a varaition on the stnd. tail? I have been useing deer hair and find that it either ends up to thin or flairs out to much.   What material do you like to use?   Thanks in advance.

Use the mask!! Look at a point between the eys and work you way toward the ears. Pull some fur (with the guard hairs intact) away from the hide at a 90 degree angle from the hide and snip real close to the hide with your scissors. Keep the clump intact and tie in (tips to the rear) as a tail. Further: Most folks IMHO make the tails on GRHE *too* long!! Try making them about 1/2 shank length. The type of mayfly that the GRHE is simulating (typically) has tails about this long. When you make your dry fly imitations, the rule is 1x shank length. This method of tailing is also great for legs on scuds and sowbugs. A killer scud pattern (mating gammaris imitation) is made using an orange dyed hare’s mask to simulate the mating colors of a common scud. Hook: Tiemco 2457 or equiv in both #14 and #18 Thread: Uni-thread 8/0 orange or red Weight: "Not-Lead" wire in middle of shank only (optional) Tail: From orange dyed hairs mask Rib: 4x mono, 5 evenly spaced turns Shellback: Borden’s "Scud Back" or poly bag 1/8" wide Body: Blended fur from between the eyes of the hare’s mask Even if you never heard of a scud, this is a great pattern. I use it as a searching pattern if nothing is hatching on top. If you have trouble finding Scud Back (great stuff BTW), give the guys at Fly & Field a call at 800-328-9753. They also sell a very cool tool for gathering and blending the hare’s mask, called a Ceramic Dubbing Scraper. It’s in their catalog. Todd L. McCagg – Mfr Rep of Musical Esoteria Modulus-Spector-SWR-Hughes & Kettner-Premier Fernandes-EMG-CB Labs Pocket Rock-It (husband-father-bassist-flyfisher-flytyer-homebrewer)

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The longer hairs to the side of the mask are longer, like guard hairs but softer.  I like using these because I think it gives better action.  Most of the hare’s ears I use are #10’s for steelhead fishing on the Pere Marquette in Michigan.  Great fly!!!! Donald Albrecht A bad day fishing is still better than a good day at work!  <  <

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Question:

I’m planning a trip with several friends.  We want to fly into Albuquerque.  We’ve all been to the San Juan/Navajo Dam area several times, but want to go somewhere different.  We’re thinking about staying in going to Southern Colorado (Dolores, Durango, or somewhere near the Rio Grande River).  We are planning a 4-5 day trip and may consider a day of fishing at Navajo if the logistics work out.  We like low budget but comfortable motels.  Anyone have any ideas?  Fishing holes/destinations? Sleeping quarters? Thanks, Brian Sharp

Response:

  I’m planning a trip with several friends.  We want to fly into   Albuquerque.  We’ve all been to the San Juan/Navajo Dam area several   times, but want to go somewhere different.  We’re thinking about staying   in going to Southern Colorado (Dolores, Durango, or somewhere near the Rio   Grande River).  We are planning a 4-5 day trip and may consider a day of   fishing at Navajo if the logistics work out.  We like low budget but   comfortable motels.  Anyone have any ideas?  Fishing holes/destinations?   Sleeping quarters? Also consider the Conejos River and it’s tributaries west of Antonito. Lots of different kinds of water, lots of public

access and lots of good camping spots and lodges. Denver, Colorado        ftp.rmii.com/pub2/gwgodden      

Response:

Brain,  From personal experience I would like to suggest that you stay in Durango.  It makes a great central base to start from.  The Delores is about 1 1/2 hours due west and the San Juan is about 1 hour south.  The Rio Grande might be a problem because it is about 2 – 21/2 hours away due east.   If you looking for cheap lodgings pick up a copy of the  American Automobile Association’s (AAA) tour books for the states of New Mexico and Colorado.  They list just about every motel in the Durango area or the entire state for that matter.  They list prices too.  So you can shop around. If you are looking for a guide try:  Doug Buck at Duranglers in Durango, CO                                                   (303)-385-4081 He is familiar with just about all the waters that you mentioned. Good luck.  Let us know how you did.

Response:

Call Tom Knopek at Duranglers in Durango if you’re looking for a guide. Several great places to fish.  Try the Delores below McPhee Dam north of Cortez Colorado.  Try the San Miguel near Telluride.  Last undammed river in Colo.  If you’ve got the time, Black Canyon of Gunnison river is once in a lifetime! Andy Gordon Phoenix, Arizona Andy Gordon, (602) 224-0999

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