Question:

Someone was kind enough to inform me that they thought that my site was commercial. I am not selling any rods, and the forum is for others to use. I am sorry if violated the ROFB charter. I will not post again to the group. Clark

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have updated my site designed around collecting, fishing, and repair of bamboo and fiberglass fly rods. I have new articles, stories, photos, and information. The forum is a good source of information about the above topics, and there is a board to get a free appraisal as well as a board to list classic tackle that you have for sale or you wish to buy, which is also free. You can visit the site at  http://www.clarksrods.com Hope you enjoy the site. Regards Clark

Response:

I have updated my site designed around collecting, fishing, and repair of bamboo and fiberglass fly rods. I have new articles, stories, photos, and information. The forum is a good source of information about the above topics, and there is a board to get a free appraisal as well as a board to list classic tackle that you have for sale or you wish to buy, which is also free. You can visit the site at  http://www.clarksrods.com Hope you enjoy the site. Regards Clark

Response:

And your site is a commercial site, all ads are prohibited according to the r.o.f.b. charter — ~~~~ The RodMaker (aka) The Shadow

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have updated my site designed around collecting, fishing, and repair of bamboo and fiberglass fly rods. I have new articles, stories, photos, and information. The forum is a good source of information about the above topics, and there is a board to get a free appraisal as well as a board to list classic tackle that you have for sale or you wish to buy, which is also free. You can visit the site at  http://www.clarksrods.com Hope you enjoy the site. Regards Clark

Response:

Question:

Warren Findley: Other question.  Where do you find those colored beads at?

Spirit River makes them and I get them from Hunter’s.  You don’t have to tie the grw with them — it’s just an experiment and it seems to work (i.e., I caught fish with them).  Gold and copper work just as well. Dave LaCourse

Response:

The shops I go to only has black, brass, silver, copper and gold.  Is there a place to mail order these or something?  I really like those colored beads.

Some of those strange colored beads are available from Orvis, and knowing Dave I suspect that is where he got his. If you want to mail order some very cool ones check out the plastic ones from Mike Hogue at MWFlytying.com. He has two types of colored plastic beads available, one type sinks and the other type float. Once he bought his Sage 0 weight for bluegill fishing he found that it was too light to be able to use normal metal beadhead flies, so he developed a couple of sources for different plastic beads. Also check out his pattern pages as he has some pretty cool flies on there as well. I think you will enjoy doing business with him. I have been a happy customer for several years now. When he goes to conclaves his mother and father help man his booth. You will have a chance to meet him During the FFF Conclave in August as he is teaching a class there. He knows his stuff and if he is doing a program on warmwater fly fishing you should try to attend if possible. Usual disclaimers, I am just a happy customer.He carries unusual materials at very good prices. I know I always seem to drop another hundred bucks on tying materials each time I order or see him at the Southern Conclave each year.   Big Dale

Response:

Bid D. writes: Some of those strange colored beads are available from Orvis, and knowing Dave I suspect that is where he got his. If you want to mail order some very cool ones check out the plastic ones from Mike Hogue at MWFlytying.com. He has two types of colored plastic beads available, one type sinks and the other type float. Once he bought his Sage 0 weight for bluegill fishing he found that it was too light to be able to use normal metal beadhead flies, so he developed a couple of sources for different plastic beads.

I’ve never seen colored beads at Orvis.  Of course I only go there to buy doggie beds, maple syrup, silk shirts and lamps.  <g  The Spirit River beads are metal, probably alluminum.  The colors are baked on enamel (or so the package says).  I’ve seen and used the plastic ones.  I believe I  also bought them at Hunter’s. Dave LaCourse

Response:

Compliments of Google: http://www.westfly.com/patterns/wet/greenrockworm.htm

You can also tie it without the beadhead.  Just dub the head a dark brown and pull out some on the bottom for legs.

Does anyone know why that LaFontaine tie has such long hackle sticking out for legs?  I don’t get it. — Regards, Jeff Before you buy.

Response:

This is starting to sound a lot like a green-bodied GRHE.   The pattern on westfly.com has legs.   No legs on the LaPlac version? Joe F.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The LaFontaine version is a pretty good fly.  However, THE Green Rock Worm is as follows: Hook:  TMC 2487, size 12 – 16 Bead Head:  Gold, copper, green, black. Body:  V-rib or Larva Lace in the brightest green you can find (almost chartreause). Thorax:  Peacock herl. I sometimes build up the body with thread, making it narrow near the bend and wider near the thorax.  I then coat it with a sparkle polish.  This can be seen between the wraps of the Larva Lace and gives it some flash., Another  variation: Ribbing:  fine gold or copper wire. Body:  Bright green dubbing. You can also tie it without the beadhead.  Just dub the head a dark brown and pull out some on the bottom for legs. Dave LaCourse

Response:

Charlie writes: I think that’s all LaPlac uses<g, I’m sure he’ll post his version. At the first clave I believe he gave away a set of what he said were the various ‘phases’ of the GRW, but I expect they were really just the same pattern tied over the course of a bottle of Stoli<g. — Charlie…

Not really.  Found three new patterns this spring, and they all worked as well. The flies I gave at the clave were all variations of caddis worms/larva/pupa, but not necessarily just the rock worm.  If I remember correctly, there was a grw, a couple of emergers, and a cased caddis.  The grw is a net builder, not a case builder. Dave LaCourse

Response:

Joe F. This is starting to sound a lot like a green-bodied GRHE.   The pattern on westfly.com has legs.   No legs on the LaPlac version?

Normally, no.  But, the worm does have some legs up front, so without the bead head, pull out some of the dubbing to make it bushy.  Works for me……. Dave LaCourse

Response:

Not really.  

I was just kidding. IIRC you included a sheet with some facts about each tie. Very nice. — Charlie…

Response:

Peter Charles (Charlie’s understudy) writes: (snipped hilarity) Also look up GGW, "Green Grenade Warm"  and GTNTW "Green Dynamite Worm" for related ties. Recipe related to me by that famous practionner of the GRW, Louie LaPlac.

ROFL.  Wait until you see the Henry’s Ear (variation of the Hares Ear), the Black Rock Worm, and Henry’s Tail (variation of a PT).   Bring some streamer tying materials to the clave, Peter.  A fellow roffian gifted me with a book on Carrie Stevens and I would like to tie some streamers.  Great book, BTW. Hunter’s Angling has promised a copy for the Maine Clave raffle. Dave LaCourse

Response:

The LaFontaine version is a pretty good fly.  However, THE Green Rock Worm is as follows:

One more question on this one.   You’re using white or light colored thread, yes?   I tied one with black thread & it sure didn’t look like much (duh).    Haven’t found chartreuse Larva Lace locally yet; I’m working with V-rib until I put in an order with H&H. (Maybe I’ll just wait and pick some up in Freeport, then tie ‘em up lakeside by lantern light.   Ah, the romance.) Joe F.

Response:

Joe Fleischman writes: One more question on this one.   You’re using white or light colored thread, yes?   I tied one with black thread & it sure didn’t look like much (duh).   Haven’t found chartreuse Larva Lace locally yet; I’m working with V-rib until I put in an order with H&H. (Maybe I’ll just wait and pick some up in Freeport, then tie ‘em up lakeside by lantern light.   Ah, the romance.) Joe F.

I usually use green thread, but white or whatever should work, *except* black or any other dark color. When are you leaving for Moosehead?  I have your address, so I could send you some along with some larva lace.  No problem. Dave LaCourse

Response:

Should have added, Joe:  Try tying it with dubbing and gold ribbing, with peacock herl at the thorax.  It actually works as well as the v-rib.  V-rib is easier to tie.   Let me know when you are leaving and I will get a CARE package off to you, including some dubbing. Dave LaCourse

Response:

Should have added, Joe:  Try tying it with dubbing and gold ribbing, with peacock herl at the thorax.  It actually works as well as the v-rib.  V-rib is easier to tie.   Let me know when you are leaving and I will get a CARE package off to you, including some dubbing.

Actually, you offered that variation in a previous post.   I think I’m well covered for most of the ingredients except the larva lace.   I have beads in various sizes & colors, dubbing, gold thread, peacock herl, & hooks.   I didn’t spend $200, but I made a respectable dent in a C-note.  :-)   I picked up some Antron dubbing in a sparkle chartreuse that looks neat for the GRW, but I haven’t tied anything with it yet. Joe F.

Response:

Joe, package is ready and will be in the mail tomorrow morning.  I’ve included a couple of different ties, plus two size 20 midges that I *hope* will float vertically.  At least that is the way I tied them to fload.  I have seen these small midges caught in the foam on the Rapid and have tied them from memory — but, I *am* an old geezer, so can’t say they’ll work.  Give ‘em a try and let me know.  Don’t cast them — dab them down-stream in small gentle riffle/current. Dave LaCourse

Response:

One more question on this one.   You’re using white or light colored thread, yes?   I tied one with black thread & it sure didn’t look like much (duh).   Haven’t found chartreuse Larva Lace locally yet; I’m working with V-rib until I put in an order with H&H.

Couldn’t you use clear Larva Lace wrapped over chartreuse floss? Regards, Jeff

Response:

jeff c. Yep.  But it doesn’t look very much like the natural.  The bright green larva lace or the dubbing ribbed mimics the natural. Dave LaCourse

Response:

Should have added, Joe:  Try tying it with dubbing and gold ribbing, with peacock herl at the thorax.  It actually works as well as the v-rib.  V-rib is easier to tie.   Let me know when you are leaving and I will get a CARE package off to you, including some dubbing. Dave LaCourse

I’ve tied the BHGRW three different ways: using the bright green lace wo/rib, using a bright green floss under clear lace again sans rib, and using the same floss with a gold wire rib. Always a bead (sometimes brass, sometimes tungsten) and always peacock herl. daytripper (It’s all good! ;^)

Response:

Joe, package is ready and will be in the mail tomorrow morning.  I’ve included a couple of different ties, plus two size 20 midges that I *hope* will float vertically.  At least that is the way I tied them to fload.  I have seen these small midges caught in the foam on the Rapid and have tied them from memory — but, I *am* an old geezer, so can’t say they’ll work.  Give ‘em a try and let me know.  Don’t cast them — dab them down-stream in small gentle riffle/current.

Thanks.   I’ll wait with much anticipation.   Joe F. (Just downloaded new newsgroup software & have no idea if this will appear correctly; but if so, I’ll finally be able to read ROFF at home.)

Response:

Thanks.   I’ll wait with much anticipation.

I apologize for my roffian Grandpa Joe.  "fload" should be "float."  He may not be able to type worth a crap, but I’ll be damned if he can’t drive a car like all hell.  Just wish that lead foot would have found its way out to the clave. Actually I am replying because I really do have a question.  I tied up a dozen of these bad boys today and they didn’t exactly turn out quite like I hoped, but they are pretty damn neat.  My first problem was the I got the medium larva lace instead of small because it looked small enough. Second was that it is too light in color.  I mean this s.o.b. looks like some kind of radioactive glow stick!  Might work well like that, but my question is would changing to a more olive thread help tone it down a bit? Other question.  Where do you find those colored beads at?  The shops I go to only has black, brass, silver, copper and gold.  Is there a place to mail order these or something?  I really like those colored beads. The caddis is out and about over here so I plan on using a bunch of these during the clave.  I devoted this weekend to tying caddis and quit and moved on to other things out of boredom already.  I have been at the vise all day.  I did the caddis Herman tied, Dave’s GRW, X-caddis, Goddard caddis, and EHCs. Got a little bored so I moved on to humpies and now am at stimulators in size 12-16.  Just going crazy over here.  Even tied up a bunch of those tiny little things Willi tied for the fly swap.  Those were pretty fun and not all that difficult once you get used to the material.  The main problem with those is actually seeing them.  Thank god for that magnifier light I have and I even have 20/20+ vision! <g BTW, Joe you made it out of the fly shop easier than I did today.  I fell between you and Dave.  Nearly broke myself and the clave still hasn’t started. Oh well, bills can wait another month <g Warren X#-[

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

Response:

Thanks to Dave L’s reminder, I began looking through Deja News for intructions on tying the GRW (I’d have sworn it was posted here once before).   Couldn’t find it.   How do I tie this?   Or do you have to kill me if you tell me?  :-) Joe F.

Response:

Thanks to Dave L’s reminder, I began looking through Deja News for intructions on tying the GRW (I’d have sworn it was posted here once before).   Couldn’t find it.   How do I tie this?   Or do you have to kill me if you tell me?  :-)

Compliments of Google: http://www.westfly.com/patterns/wet/greenrockworm.htm — Charlie…

Response:

Compliments of Google: http://www.westfly.com/patterns/wet/greenrockworm.htm

Yep, thanks.   I found that one as well as a few more, none of which seem to agree on any component material except maybe their color.   If there’s a "ROFF standard" version, tested and sworn to success by our numerous and talented field staff, I’d love to hear it.  :-) Joe F.

Response:

If there’s a "ROFF standard" version, tested and sworn to success by our numerous and talented field staff, I’d love to hear it.  :-)

I think that’s all LaPlac uses<g, I’m sure he’ll post his version. At the first clave I believe he gave away a set of what he said were the various ‘phases’ of the GRW, but I expect they were really just the same pattern tied over the course of a bottle of Stoli<g. — Charlie…

Response:

Joe F. writes: Compliments of Google: http://www.westfly.com/patterns/wet/greenrockworm.htm Yep, thanks.   I found that one as well as a few more, none of which seem to agree on any component material except maybe their color.   If there’s a "ROFF standard" version, tested and sworn to success by our numerous and talented field staff, I’d love to hear it.  :-) Joe F.

The LaFontaine version is a pretty good fly.  However, THE Green Rock Worm is as follows: Hook:  TMC 2487, size 12 – 16 Bead Head:  Gold, copper, green, black. Body:  V-rib or Larva Lace in the brightest green you can find (almost chartreause). Thorax:  Peacock herl. I sometimes build up the body with thread, making it narrow near the bend and wider near the thorax.  I then coat it with a sparkle polish.  This can be seen between the wraps of the Larva Lace and gives it some flash., Another  variation: Ribbing:  fine gold or copper wire. Body:  Bright green dubbing. You can also tie it without the beadhead.  Just dub the head a dark brown and pull out some on the bottom for legs. Dave LaCourse

Response:

Yep, thanks.   I found that one as well as a few more, none of which seem to agree on any component material except maybe their color.   If there’s a "ROFF standard" version, tested and sworn to success by our numerous and talented field staff, I’d love to hear it.  :-) Joe F.

ROFF standard GRW. 3 lb. rock mashed up worm green paint XINK Take three or four big juicy worms, place them in a bowl, empty the contents of the XINK bottle into a bowl then mash worms and mix thoroughly.  Take a nice smooth rock, spray with flourescent green paint then when dry, spread the XINK soaked mashed worm all over it. Keep refridgerated. Instructions on use: Locate salmonid Throw rock at it. Stand by with net to scoop salmonid. If the rock misses the salmonid, remain vigilant as within a few moments, the toxic chemicals in XINK will undoutedly result in the demise of the salmonid.  Do not dispense with the the mashed worm as it aids in the distribution of the XINK.  The green paint allows the fisherman to locate his rock should he ever put it down amongst other rocks. Also look up GGW, "Green Grenade Warm"  and GTNTW "Green Dynamite Worm" for related ties. Recipe related to me by that famous practionner of the GRW, Louie LaPlac. Cheers Visit The Streamer Page at http://members.home.net/pcharles/streamers/index.html

Response:

Question:

You might want to fish Cliff and Wade lake from that float tube. Schuh-fly

Response:

Brian Nelson writes:

(snip good info) With closer inspection, one will find the seams and riffles just like any other freestone, only on a larger, more subtle, scale.

Thank you, Brian.  You have confirmed what I thought they might be like.  I am sure there are raging rivers out there, especially during run-off.  Thanks again. Dave LaCourse

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve been scanning through some books I have on the following rivers: Madison, Clark Fork, Henry’s Fork, Big Hole, and others.  I have noticed one thing about them –  they all seem to be slow moving rivers, ranging from small to large.   The absence of rapids is obvious.  In fact, in most of the pix, the water looks like it could be a pond or lake. Now, I am sure there is a current, otherwise it wouldn’t be a river <g.  But I get the impression that they are slow moving. Western Montana topography is characterized by what is called the Broad Valley Rockies. These glacially-carved u-shaped valleys are actually fairly easy gradient (not too steep). This results in rivers which typically are not raging torrents as some people may envision the northern Rockies. The Clark Fork (the largest of the rivers) and the Big Hole, with exceptions, are fairly ‘flat’ rivers. They are still freestone and

subsequently do flood and get scary during runoff, but during the low flow times, are great rivers for getting LONG drifts with a fly. The water is moving at 3 to 5 miles an hour but it is deceiving when it is a flat stretch. With closer inspection, one will find the seams and riffles just like any other

freestone, only on a larger, more subtle, scale. — Tight Lines! Brian D. Nelson Diamond N Outfitters, Missoula, Montana http://www.montana.com/dno/dno.htm 406-626-4022

Any time you want to floattube rivers just remember how much of you is underwater!! * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

Response:

The absolute, definitive, conclusive answer is, "It depends."  I have fished all of the rivers that you mentioned (not that it makes me an expert or anything), and I have to say that it depends on where you look and when you look there.  Henry’s Fork is a big open flat down on the Railroad Ranch section, but is whitewater a few miles upstream in Box Canyon.  Similarly, the Big Hole is pretty easy to wade in August, but is a raging torrent in June.  I fished the Stillwater last August, and it was a pretty gentle river at the time, but has a reputation for killing even expert whitewater kayakers during higher water. This is a broad generalization, but seems to be true for most of the rivers that I fish:  The downstream section is big, flat, and slow;  flows through a wide flat valley with a major highway running nearby, produces the biggest fish, and attracts the most fishermen, and is featured regularly in the flyfishing magazines.  The land is mostly privately owned, but there is usually good public access. The upper section is steeper, faster, and has more whitewater.  It is probably on Forest Service land, but it may be tricky finding a public access point. The fish are smaller and easier to catch, and you have to drive on some bad gravel road and possibly do some hiking to get to the river, so not as many fisherman (or photographers) get there. So anyway, if whitewater is what you like, you can find it on most of the rivers if you know where to look. Kevin – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve been scanning through some books I have on the following rivers: Madison, Clark Fork, Henry’s Fork, Big Hole, and others.  I have noticed one thing about them –  they all seem to be slow moving rivers, ranging from small to large.   The absence of rapids is obvious.  In fact, in most of the pix, the water looks like it could be a pond or lake.  Now, I am sure there is a current, otherwise it wouldn’t be a river <g.  But I get the impression that they are slow moving.  You can even float tube some of them.  If you float tubed the Rapid River in Maine, site of this year’s roff Maine Clave, you probably would die!  <g  On much  of the Rapid, a drag free drift will last but a few seconds, but on some of this Montana water, it *looks* like you can get a big long drift.  The difference is even greater when you consider a nymph drift.  Some of the pix show riffles and moderate "fast water", but nothing like I am used to. Now, I don’t mean to start a fight — this ain’t no flame baited post.  I would like to hear from you folks that fish these waters.  I will be at the Western Clave and will probably have my youngest grandson.  I am planning on fishing all of this water, and more if we can fit it in. Dave LaCourse

Response:

I’ve been scanning through some books I have on the following rivers: Madison, Clark Fork, Henry’s Fork, Big Hole, and others.  I have noticed one thing about them –  they all seem to be slow moving rivers, ranging from small to large.  

Dave, The only one I can talk about is the Henry’s Fork a.k.a. the North Fork (of the Snake).  It is a widely varying river.  It is true that there are places with slow moving water, such as on the Railroad Ranch section and much of the water upstream to Last Chance.  Above this, in Box Canyon, the water is considerably faster.  The water below Ashton Dam is not fast, but is very braided with little foam bubbles that are hard to distinguish from a white post on a parachute Adams <g.  In between these two locations you have Upper and Lower Mesa Falls, which are definitely fast!  They also provide an outstanding view, well worth the drive to see them.  There is a scenic loop off the highway between Island Park and Last Chance which will take you to the falls. I know this isn’t a definitive "fast"or "slow" answer, but the nature of the river changes frequently, depending mostly on the elevation gradient.  Much of the Henry’s Fork is wadeable, unlike the South Fork of the Snake which is a big, deep river.  If you come down to Island Park, Take a side trip to Big Springs, which is the headwaters of the Henry’s Fork.  You can drive to where the water bubbles out of the ground.  There are usually some very large trout there that you can throw worms to (no fishing allowed).  If you have any questions I can answer, let me know. Jeff

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Dave,    After the rivers in Montana leave the mountains the gradient is fairly low as they flow east  Many of the rivers in Idaho have cut such deep canyons with sheer walls it scares the hell out of you when you drive over an old wooden bridge and look down. Ernie

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I’ve been scanning through some books I have on the following rivers: Madison, Clark Fork, Henry’s Fork, Big Hole, and others.  I have noticed one thing about them –  they all seem to be slow moving rivers, ranging from small to large.   The absence of rapids is obvious.  In fact, in most of the pix, the water looks like it could be a pond or lake.  Now, I am sure there is a current, otherwise it wouldn’t be a river <g.  But I get the impression that they are slow moving.  You can even float tube some of them.  If you float tubed the Rapid River in Maine, site of this year’s roff Maine Clave, you probably would die!  <g  On much  of the Rapid, a drag free drift will last but a few seconds, but on some of this Montana water, it *looks* like you can get a big long drift.  The difference is even greater when you consider a nymph drift.  Some of the pix show riffles and moderate "fast water", but nothing like I am used to. Now, I don’t mean to start a fight — this ain’t no flame baited post.  I would like to hear from you folks that fish these waters.  I will be at the Western Clave and will probably have my youngest grandson.  I am planning on fishing all of this water, and more if we can fit it in. Dave LaCourse

Response:

I’ve been scanning through some books I have on the following rivers: Madison, Clark Fork, Henry’s Fork, Big Hole, and others.  I have noticed one thing about them –  they all seem to be slow moving rivers, ranging from small to large.   The absence of rapids is obvious.  In fact, in most of the pix, the water looks like it could be a pond or lake.  Now, I am sure there is a current, otherwise it wouldn’t be a river <g.  But I get the impression that they are slow moving.  You can even float tube some of them.  If you float tubed the Rapid River in Maine, site of this year’s roff Maine Clave, you probably would die!  <g  On much  of the Rapid, a drag free drift will last but a few seconds, but on some of this Montana water, it *looks* like you can get a big long drift.  The difference is even greater when you consider a nymph drift.  Some of the pix show riffles and moderate "fast water", but nothing like I am used to. Now, I don’t mean to start a fight — this ain’t no flame baited post.  I would like to hear from you folks that fish these waters.  I will be at the Western Clave and will probably have my youngest grandson.  I am planning on fishing all of this water, and more if we can fit it in. Dave LaCourse

Response:

Jeff Shriver writes:

(good descriptions deletes for brev) If you have any questions I can answer, let me know.

Thanks, Jeff.  I am facinated by what I am seeing in these books.  I’ve had them for years and never really looked at them.  Again, thanks.   Dave LaCourse

Response:

I’ve been scanning through some books I have on the following rivers: Madison, Clark Fork, Henry’s Fork, Big Hole, and others.  I have noticed one thing about them –  they all seem to be slow moving rivers, ranging from small to large.

You’ve already got the right response on the Henry’s Fork from other postings.  The Madison River below Quake Lake is known as the "50 mile riffle."   It is very swift and can be difficult to wade.   The Clark Fork is a free stone river, too.  I’d say keep the float tube in the car, except for Quake Lake and Henry’s Lake.

Response:

I’ve been scanning through some books I have on the following rivers: Madison, Clark Fork, Henry’s Fork, Big Hole, and others.  I have noticed one thing about them –  they all seem to be slow moving rivers, ranging from small to large. You’ve already got the right response on the Henry’s Fork from other postings. The Madison River below Quake Lake is known as the "50 mile riffle."   It is very swift and can be difficult to wade.

I was about to post the same. I’ve fished the Madison a few times, always well past any sort of seasonal runoff, and once you get past the campground down to around Rt87 and the old Stagger Ranch section, there’s miles of bubbly stuff that can make drifting a fly a challenge. Trying to think of a section of the Rapid to compare it to…the closest I can think of is the water directly below Lower Dam up to the turn at the Summer House (and not the chub water along the north bank – I mean the roily stuff along the south bank). btw: If you don’t have one of those SOSuspenders Dave, I’d think seriously about investing in the larger one before you try wading the Madison… /daytripper

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I’ve been scanning through some books I have on the following rivers: Madison, Clark Fork, Henry’s Fork, Big Hole, and others.  I have noticed one thing about them –  they all seem to be slow moving rivers …You can even float tube some of them.

Montana rivers are slow moving? Well maybe.   Dangerously fast white water is seldom good trout habitat. But that doesn’t mean drifting or float tubing Montana rivers is is safe for beginners. Nearly every river on your list does have dangerous stretches you need to know about. Log jams and irrigation dams kill more amateur floaters than white water. Note too that drifting a river is often more dangerous at low water that at high water because you have so little room to maneuver when drifting past tangles of cottonwood logs. I see more inexperienced, fool-hardy floaters every year. During the salmon fly hatch on the Big Hole in 1979 close to 20 driftboats where sunk and bashed to shreds at Brown’s Bridge alone. — /* Sandy Pittendrigh                  –oO0  * http://montana-riverboats.com  */

Response:

writes: Montana rivers are slow moving? Well maybe.   Dangerously fast white water is seldom good trout habitat.

Uh, where did I say it WAS good trout habitat.  From what I have seen in the River Journal books, the water IS slow moving, meadering thru meadows without very many rapids.   But that doesn’t mean drifting or float tubing Montana rivers is is safe for beginners.

Never said it was, Sandy. Never even said I was going to float tube.  If I bring my float tubes, I will used them on ponds/lakes.  What I did say was that the books show float tubers in very placid water.  Three are shown on the Clark Fork in what looks like a pond, not a raging river. Nearly every river on your list does have dangerous stretches you need to know about.

That’s why I have Warren.  <g Log jams and irrigation dams kill more amateur floaters than white water. Note too that drifting a river is often more dangerous at low water that at high water because you have so little room to maneuver when drifting past tangles of cottonwood logs. I see more inexperienced, fool-hardy floaters every year. During the salmon fly hatch on the Big Hole in 1979 close to 20 driftboats where sunk and bashed to shreds at Brown’s Bridge alone.

Dave L.  (not planning on floating anything except a home-tie)      —–  Posted via NewsOne.Net: Free Usenet News via the Web  —–      —–  http://newsone.net/ —  Discussions on every subject. —–    NewsOne.Net prohibits users from posting spam.  If this or other posts

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I’ve been scanning through some books I have on the following rivers: Madison, Clark Fork, Henry’s Fork, Big Hole, and others.  I have noticed one thing about them –  they all seem to be slow moving rivers, ranging from small to large.   The absence of rapids is obvious.  In fact, in most of the pix, the water looks like it could be a pond or lake.  Now, I am sure there is a current, otherwise it wouldn’t be a river <g.  But I get the impression that they are slow moving.

Western Montana topography is characterized by what is called the Broad Valley Rockies. These glacially-carved u-shaped valleys are actually fairly easy gradient (not too steep). This results in rivers which typically are not raging torrents as some people may envision the northern Rockies. The Clark Fork (the largest of the rivers) and the Big Hole, with exceptions, are fairly ‘flat’ rivers. They are still freestone and subsequently do flood and get scary during runoff, but during the low flow times, are great rivers for getting LONG drifts with a fly. The water is moving at 3 to 5 miles an hour but it is deceiving when it is a flat stretch. With closer inspection, one will find the seams and riffles just like any other freestone, only on a larger, more subtle, scale. — Tight Lines! Brian D. Nelson Diamond N Outfitters, Missoula, Montana http://www.montana.com/dno/dno.htm 406-626-4022

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Question:

A friend will be in the St Petersburg, FLA,  area next week and he would like to try his hand at what the local saltwater scene may have to offer for fly fishing opportunities. He only has 2 days and he doesn’t want to spend it on a wild goose chase. Any information you might be able to offer about the area would be greatly appreciated. He really can’t afford a professional guide. If someone has a day available next weekend and would like to play guide, he would gladly reciprocate and offer his services as a free guide if you ever make it to Maine and you are interested in learning about what our area has to offer. He’s a great guy and an excellent all around fly fisherman/tyer. Thanks in advance…Joel

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Tell him to go to Floridasportsman.com They have great info and marked maps available, as well as info on local tackle shops.

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Question:

Gruezi! Anybody out there have recommendations on decent streams in Switzerland for flyfishing? I am particularly interested in streams around Zurich, but would love to hear any other recommendations you might have. TIA, Sid

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Eine sch

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I’ll be taking a trip to Los Angeles next week.  Anyone know of places near LA/SD for saltwater fly fishing?    Mu Young Lee         Ann Arbor,MI  o             oooo                          o   o   o o   o o o  o

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King harbour, Redondo Beach, renown for 1/2 bonita on the fly.  See "inside Angler"

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Question:

Can anyone give any advice for fishing the Waterbury/Stowe area of northern Vt? Places, patterns, etc.

Try the Little River below the Little River State Park in Waterbury and The Waterbury River above the park (resevoir).  Still very little surface activity, I mean there are some hatches but no surface feeding yet, at least not that I’ve seen.  I’d fish nymphs, dead drift and deep.  The Winooski River will likely be too high for flyfishing this weekend.  Good luck.

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 Hi Can anyone give any advice for fishing the Waterbury/Stowe area of northern Vt? Places, patterns, etc. I will be visiting this weekend from CA. Thanks for any help you can give. Steve

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Question:

We tried to fish the Key West backcountry today

        oh god:  i can’t stand the rest of this post.  just another day in paradise.         thanks for the picture, anyway.                 a. wayne harrison

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We tried to fish the Key West backcountry today but had a 33-knot north wind at 2 AM that really silted up the water.  So we took a long ride out east and then back west to find some clear water on the incoming.  We fished the gulfside flats again because there were so many fish there yesterday. I shut down and started to pole and a permit was on top of us before Carlos could get his rod out.  Finally he made a sitting down cast with about eight feet of line out and the fish tailed just behind the fly, about 15 feet from the boat.  Hmm…good sign, even if he didn’t eat the fly. We poled about four miles west and had maybe eight shots, then got to a flat where there tend to be large fish and had a few really good shots at a fish that was over 30 lbs.  Somehow the casting or the fly didn’t seem to impress this fish, who we found by hearing his explosive tailing way off to our right. We ran back down the flat to fish the lower water section and decided to have lunch before getting into the good part of the flat.  We ate, Lola fell into the water, and after she dried out started down the flat.   About 200 yards into it we saw a good permit parallelling us about 300 ft away.  I poled over, Carlos made a great cast, the permit tailed on the fly and Carlos stripped tight. We caught and weighed him at 24 lbs., took some photos and sent him swimming.   After that we went a few miles west to fish for smaller permit on a hard edge on the low outgoing, we saw a lot of fish, but it was extremely bright and we couldn’t get close to them.  We ran to three more spots, two on the oceanside and saw only one fish in two hours.   Finally we decided to look for tarpon because the wind had dropped.  I ran to a large basin that holds laid-up fish and tarpon were everywhere.  We got three eats on a yellow fly  and one of those fish–about 90 lbs.– jumped about 15 ft. from the boat coming at us. He landed just before hitting the gunwhale, soaking Carlos. Marshall Cutchin  

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Question:

I fished at Lee’s Ferry last year in early May and it was pretty fun. All the action was under the water (Wooly Buggers worked for me). I fished with a Bill McBurney (local guide) and had a good day. The scenary is beautiful and quite unique.  The movie Broken Arrow was filmed in and around Marble Canyon fyi.–Kevin

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I’m planning a golf vacation in Scottsdale, Arizona in late March / early April and I wanted to take a few days and drive up near the Grand Canyon to do some fly fishing.  I understand that Lee’s Ferry is a great river and that it’s only 4-5 hours from Scottsdale. Check out Dave Foster’s Lee’s Ferry report on the Arizona Fishing Page on the Net.  email me if you can’t find it and I’ll send you the url.  Dave’s

www.primenet.com/anglers/ . Unfortunately your timing to the area couldn’t be worse as there is a spike flow scheduled for a week or so starting the last week of March. Will likely be unfishable during this time. Sorry. The above mentioned web site gives more info on this. Joel McMillin

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I’m planning a golf vacation in Scottsdale, Arizona in late March / early April and I wanted to take a few days and drive up near the Grand Canyon to do some fly fishing.  I understand that Lee’s Ferry is a great river and that it’s only 4-5 hours from Scottsdale. How’s the river been fishing?  Do you recommend a guide to get acquainted?  What would expect the weather to be like?  Are they accomodations, food, etc..  Also, are there fly shops with flies and other necessary gear? What’s the easiest way to get there?  I assume just by driving straight north of Scottsdale by car. Thank you very much.  

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I’m planning a golf vacation in Scottsdale, Arizona in late March / early April and I wanted to take a few days and drive up near the Grand Canyon to do some fly fishing.  I understand that Lee’s Ferry is a great river and that it’s only 4-5 hours from Scottsdale. How’s the river been fishing?  Do you recommend a guide to get acquainted?  What would expect the weather to be like?  Are they accomodations, food, etc..  Also, are there fly shops with flies and other necessary gear? What’s the easiest way to get there?  I assume just by driving straight north of Scottsdale by car.

Check out Dave Foster’s Lee’s Ferry report on the Arizona Fishing Page on the Net.  email me if you can’t find it and I’ll send you the url.  Dave’s chance to catch 10-20 16-20" fish in a day.  Unfortunately there is only a small section of the river that can be fished without a boat, the boat being needed to get up stream to wade the gravel bars where most of the good fishing occurs.  There are 2 good lodges with decent restaurants at very reasonable rates, Lee’s Ferry  Lodge and Marble Canyon Lodge.  There is a good fly shop at Lee’s Ferry Lodge. Good luck.

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Question:

Am planning a business trip in late Oct. in the Seattle and Vancouver area.  Is there any flyfishing to be had in that region during this part of the year.  Either fresh or salt water? Would appreciate any advice. Thanks Thom

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(ThomSmith1) writes:

Thom, if you have time you might consider the Yakima River about two hours east of Seattle. It is a catch and release river that usually provides better than average fishing. If it fits in your plans, feel free to e-mail me for additional information. Rand Elliott

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