Question:

8< Just wondering what other people do to search out fish. Peter

petah, i like swingin wets myself….. jeff miller uses cherry bombs. <g –walt

Response:

Just wondering what other people do to search out fish.

Soft hackles, upstream quartering at varying depths, works for me in late spring and summer.  In Winter, weighted woolly buggers dragged along the bottom usually produce. In late Summer and Autumn, a large bushy dry fly occasionally skittered over the surface is often very productive. TL MC

Response:

<< the penny dropped that swinging a caddis emerger may be a good searching method when everything else is coming up snake eyes.   << Just wondering what other people do to search out fish. Peter Soft hackles, in a size to match what ought to be hatching, or most common in the stream, if I have a clue what that might be.  Ants in Summer.  Grasshoppers in Summer near meadows.  Murray’s Helgrammite below riffles, just  because it produces a big strike once in a long while.  Ditto a crayfish imitation rolled through rocky areas. The best technique I know is to stay out of the water and watch very carefully.  If fish are feeding, eventually you’ll see some clues.  A brown flash of a side as a fish tears up the bottom; a bulge rise to something drowned near the surface; a white mouth flash in mid-water.   Good luck.  The search is the best part. Glenn GKT

Response:

Soft hackles, in a size to match what ought to be hatching, or most common in the stream, if I have a clue what that might be.  Ants in Summer.  Grasshoppers in Summer near meadows.  Murray’s Helgrammite below riffles, just  because it produces a big strike once in a long while.  Ditto a crayfish imitation rolled through rocky areas.

It’s interesting that I started with soft hackles and they always worked well but the last few years, they’ve produced less for me. Back then, I didn’t have a clue what I was doing and I caught fish on them. Now I know what I am supposed to do and I don’t get much.  There’s a lesson in there somewhere. The best technique I know is to stay out of the water and watch very carefully. If fish are feeding, eventually you’ll see some clues.  A brown flash of a side as a fish tears up the bottom; a bulge rise to something drowned near the surface; a white mouth flash in mid-water.  

About the brown flash – on the Grand, I was doing exactly what you suggest, surveying for any sign of feeding fish.  I saw a flash – then some more.  I nymphed the buggers for close to an hour before hooking an landing one – a sucker!! Good luck.  The search is the best part. Glenn GKT

Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://members.home.net/pcharles/streamers/index.html

Response:

8< Just wondering what other people do to search out fish. Peter petah, i like swingin wets myself….. jeff miller uses cherry bombs. <g –walt

wally, though it often sounds and looks like a cherry bomb exploding, it’s actually just my "delicate" presentation of a stimulator with a nymph dropper. best searching pattern i know for nc mountain streams… as you know peter, we rarely see the fish we stalk in the streams down here (except on certain delayed harvest waters maybe), and we just toss the fly into the most likely holding areas with eternal optimism and steely anticipation. the range of flies that will entice a fish is also probably smaller down here as well.. jeff

Response:

"So anti-pragmatic is he who searches for his own soul in the shadow of the far bank, where success is not in the creatures he predates upon but in the interludes with fellow stream dwellers, for an exalting dance upon the line and rod, or with reserve upon the palate." — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

Response:

"The ancients wrote of the three ages of man; I propose to write of the three ages of the fisherman.  When he wants to catch all the fish he can.  When strives to catch the largest fish.  When he studies to catch the most difficult fish he can find, requiring the greatest skill and most refined tackle, caring more for the sport than the fish." Edward R. Hewitt A Trout and Salmon Fisherman for Seventy-Five Years (1948) — Warren Findley Shut up and fish! For Yellowstone Clave info: http://www.geocities.com/troutbum_mt/YNP.html

Response:

"The ancients wrote of the three ages of man; I propose to write of the three ages of the fisherman.  When he wants to catch all the fish he can.  When strives to catch the largest fish.  When he studies to catch the most difficult fish he can find, requiring the greatest skill and most refined tackle, caring more for the sport than the fish." Edward R. Hewitt A Trout and Salmon Fisherman for Seventy-Five Years (1948)

Fly-fishing is the most fun you can have standing up.    - Arnold Gingrich, 1969 — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

Response:

Fly-fishing is the most fun you can have standing up.    - Arnold Gingrich, 1969

"….knowing a river intimately is a very large part of the joy of fly fishing." Roderick L. Haig-Brown A River Never Sleeps (1946)

Response:

"….knowing a river intimately is a very large part of the joy of fly fishing."

Deep down I’ve always known, fly fishing is to the rest of fishing what high seduction is to rape.    - Robert Traver – Trout Magic, 1974 — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

Response:

rw quoted: Deep down I’ve always known, fly fishing is to the rest of fishing what high seduction is to rape.    - Robert Traver – Trout Magic, 1974

What a bunch of snobbish hooey. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

What a bunch of snobbish hooey.

It’s just a quote. Take it up with Robert Traver. (Warning: He’s dead.) — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

Response:

 (Warning: He’s dead.)

hell, that ain’t never stopped forty in the past….. voelkerdammerung <g –waldo

Response:

Deep down I’ve always known, fly fishing is to the rest of fishing what high seduction is to rape.

"You’re being a psuedointellectual horse’s ass again. This shit is supposed to be FUN." -Heard at a party, 1998. Spoken by a drunk, probably me. "Why can’t everybody else leave everybody else alone?"                               -Hank Junior

Response:

 (Warning: He’s dead.) hell, that ain’t never stopped forty in the past….. voelkerdammerung <g –waldo

"To me heaven would be a big bull ring with me holding two barrera seats and a trout stream outside that no one else was allowed to fish in and two lovely houses in the town; one where I would have my wife and children and be monogamous and love them truly and well and the other where I would have my nine beautiful mistresses on nine different floors.    - Ernest Hemingway (1899-1961) (Note that he’s dead, too) — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

Response:

Deep down I’ve always known, fly fishing is to the rest of fishing what high seduction is to rape.    - Robert Traver – Trout Magic, 1974

"There is no substitute for fishing sense, and if a man doesn’t have it, verily, he may cast like and angel and still use his creel largely to transport sandwiches and beer." Robert Traver Trout Madness, 1960 — Warren Findley Shut up and fish! For Yellowstone Clave info: http://www.geocities.com/troutbum_mt/YNP.html

Response:

"You’re being a psuedointellectual horse’s ass again. This shit is supposed to be FUN." -Heard at a party, 1998. Spoken by a drunk, probably me.

"I waded to shore where I sat and considered the inconsistency of anglers in general and the dumbness of one in particular." Ray Bergman Trout, 1949 I think this one would have worked better Mike <g — Warren Findley Shut up and fish! For Yellowstone Clave info: http://www.geocities.com/troutbum_mt/YNP.html

Response:

"There is no substitute for fishing sense, and if a man doesn’t have it, verily, he may cast like and angel and still use his creel largely to transport sandwiches and beer."

which is a damn good reason to own a creel! –walt….. have creel, will travel.

Response:

After coming back from the Porkies and the AuSable, I spent Friday morning on the Grand.  Conditions were low, cold water, gin clear, high sun and no hatches.  I’ve always found that streamers were not productive in these conditions. Nymphing isn’t the best as high sticking puts you too close to the fish, long line nymphing is lousy for strike detection and then there’s the problem of picking the right run.   On the AuSable, the fish were rising but fussy.  I resorted to swinging a caddis emerger to the risers and ended up doing quite well. I’m sitting here doing not much of anything and the penny dropped that swinging a caddis emerger may be a good searching method when everything else is coming up snake eyes. (On the AuSable, I was swinging to rising fish and not using it as a searching method.) Just wondering what other people do to search out fish. Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://members.home.net/pcharles/streamers/index.html

Response:

Question:

I’m looking for a description of the fishing itself.  I only ask this because you said I don’t need pay $ for a guide on my first day. Additionally, I’ve never fished the Madison River.  

Might not be so bad.  The guy is providing a boat and you will get to cover a lot of water.  You can come back on your own later and fish the spots that appeal to you (unless of course access is limited). Mu

Response:

Ah, the B-52s. I miss them no matter where I am. Great rock and roll dance music!

I was talking about the shot B-52 not the music.  I’m a blue grass man.  I had no idea that there was a band called the B-52. Vern

Response:

Ah, the B-52s. I miss them no matter where I am. Great rock and roll dance music! I was talking about the shot B-52 not the music.  I’m a blue grass man.  I had no idea that there was a band called the B-52.

I knew you weren’t referring to the band, Vern ;^)

Response:

 In fact, you can have seperate quarters away from the likes of Fortenberry, Waldo, Tripper, Wayno, and Jeffy Miller.  These types will corrupt you.

        you eat one little… wayno

Response:

I did not know they had been shot ! TL MC "In order to achieve what is possible, one must constantly attempt the impossible" http://www.mikeconnor.de

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

Yeah, and they all copied their name from the famous USAF droopy-winged B-52, many motored sumbitch that could carry enough bombs to drop from here to there.  We fondly called it the BUF, ie: Big Ugly F*cker.  I’ve been retired now for *30* years and that big sucker is still flying in the AF inventory.  It’s gonna outlast me fer sure. Frank Church Elkhart, IN USAF RETIRED – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Ah, the B-52s. I miss them no matter where I am. Great rock and roll dance music! I was talking about the shot B-52 not the music.  I’m a blue grass man.  I had no idea that there was a band called the B-52. Vern

Response:

Yeah, and they all copied their name from the famous USAF droopy-winged B-52, many motored sumbitch that could carry enough bombs to drop from here to there.  We fondly called it the BUF, ie: Big Ugly F*cker.  I’ve been retired now for *30* years and that big sucker is still flying in the AF inventory.  It’s gonna outlast me fer sure.

I grew up in Wichita watching those bad boys fly around at Boeing and McConnell (my dad worked on them at Boeing). Awesome plane. — Charlie…

Response:

Frank Church writes: Yeah, and they all copied their name from the famous USAF droopy-winged B-52, many motored sumbitch that could carry enough bombs to drop from here to there.  We fondly called it the BUF, ie: Big Ugly F*cker.  I’ve been retired now for *30* years and that big sucker is still flying in the AF inventory.  It’s gonna outlast me fer sure.

Frank, I used to live within shouting distance of Westover AFB.  I can remember the B-47s taking off and landing.  But then came those bigger BUFs, the B-52 Speaking of droopy wings — the U-2 wasn’t exactly a stubby winged aircraft. One scared the hell out of me in Japan, landing without power, gliding about 100 feet off the ground, as I walked to work.  All I saw was a giant shadow whisking over me.  It was going into Atsugi Naval Air Station on the other side of the rice paddies. OBROFF:  There is probably still room for the Maine Clave next September. Great fishing, great food, great friends.  Consider it.  Fourteen attending so far. Dave L.

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I grew up in Wichita watching those bad boys fly around at Boeing and McConnell (my dad worked on them at Boeing). Awesome plane.

B-52’s flew in and out of Hanscom Field in the town I grew up in, to get outfitted with the latest black boxes that the Charles Stark Draper and Mitre Labs folks cooked up over there. Flight path to the only runway that’d take those big mf’s went right over our house, but that wasn’t close enough for me and my friends, so we’d ride our bikes out to the perimeter fence at the end of the safety zone and watch them big bastids swoop in and out. Awesome. It’s a miracle I can still hear anything… /daytripper

Response:

of the safety zone and watch them big bastids swoop in and out. Awesome.

I saw one take off back in the 70s that must have been using water injectors and the whole deal; I don’t know what his angle of climb was but I was looking for the CONELRAD station on my dial<g. — Charlie…

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Awesome.

"…fryin’ chickens in the barnyard!" General "Buck" Turgidson

Response:

<Snipped tribute to B-52’s & U-2’s.

Dave Years ago I used to work in the Oklahoma Panhandle which is pretty sparsely populated.  Unknown to me was the fact that there was a flyway for low altitude bombing runs that ran from Clayton, NM to somewhere in western OK.  I was driving down some dirt road trying to find a farmhouse when about 10 B-52’s flew over about 1,000 feet or less off the ground and at full bore.  These guys came one right after the other and just after you lost your  hearing , you could still feel to car and ground vibrate.  The F-111’s that came after them sounded like learjets.  This was when I started carrying toilet paper in my car.  You never know. DP

Response:

I did not know they had been shot !

The planes? They were shot _at_, but they got out unscathed. Opt out == cop-out. What’s so hard to understand?

Response:

 I was driving down some dirt road trying to find a farmhouse when about 10 B-52’s flew over about 1,000 feet or less off the ground and at full bore.  

The early B52’s had the tail gunner actually in the tail. When they modified the plane for low altitude operations they had to move the position to the flight deck after they almost killed one or two in test flights. — Charlie…

Response:

Yesterday I was searching the Internet for a guide in Ennis, Montana for the western conclave.  I thought it would be fun to pay for a day with a guide to familiarize me with the area before doing it alone.  I couldn’t find any in the Ennis area.  Yea, a few in Montana just not in the Ennis area. While in the middle of searching and getting discouraged the man in the brown truck knocked on my door. Remember the fly rod that had the tip snapped off in the car door?  Some suggested I contact the company and see if they would replace it.  I followed your suggestion and sent it off.  The UPS man brought it back yesterday.  Well, I thought he brought it back.  However, when I opened the box it was a completely different rod.  It was a nice and new rod without the river slime on the cork handle.  Cool! The UPS man asked me what it was and I told him the story.  I also told him that I’m going to Montana in July for a fly-fishing conclave.  I also told him that I was searching the Internet for a guide for a guide but couldn’t find one. He replied, "I don’t know what part of Montana your going.  But, if it’s near Ennis, my father in-law is a guide." I almost started laughing.  "Ennis!  That’s where were going," I said. He then informed me that his father in-law is currently in Las Vegas on vacation. What are the odds? To make a long story a little shorter, I talked to his father in-law.  His name is Bob Cleverley.  He’s currently retired but used to be a HS football coach.  He’s been a guide on the Madison River for over 15 years.  I think he said 17 years but not certain.  He has owned a fly shop in the past. However, running the shop, his guide service, and teaching at the local HS was to much for him so he got rid of the fly shop.  Now he’s retired.  How nice for him. Now back to the guide service, it’s a flat fee of $275 which includes transportation, a full day of fly-fishing, over 20 miles floating on the Madison in a 17 foot fiberglass drift-boat, food for the day, and all the local information a local lifetime fly-fisherman can provide.  The price is a flat fee per boat regardless of how many go.  However, only two fly-fisherman per boat.  He has three boats.  He also has other friends that provide guide service. I was hoping another ROFFian could split the price with me.  What I was thinking $150 each.  That would pay for the $275 fee and a $25 tip.  If the fishing is good I could tip him even more. I believe the western conclave is scheduled for July 21-31 in spite George’s desire for it to be around the 4th of July.  I will be taking 9 days off work.  Although, I’m driving and allowing 2 days up and 2 days back.  I have 2 options for my days off, the July18-26 or the July 25- Aug. 2.  That translates into my conclave days either July 21-24 or July 27-31.  I have to make that decision on the day my fly-fishing partner can take the guide service. Here it is, either a guide service on July 21 or July 27.  If you are interested on sharing a trip with me post it or send me an e-mail. Additionally, let me know what day is best for you.  I will schedule the trip.  I don’t have to put a deposit down at this point.  However, after the first of July if I need to cancel there is a $100 cancellation fee. Again, Bob Cleverley has three boats and can get more if needed.  The more ROFFians the better. Vern

Response:

Vern writes:

(lil snip) Since I’ve never been to a conclave before I don’t really know what goes on other than breakfast preparation in one’s BVDs, midnight fishing trips while hanging onto a wooden love, sleeping-in while others post to ROFF on their notebooks, lots of drinking and a lot more drinking, rowdy conversations, and really good fishing.  Can you please provide a standard description of a ROFF conclave so I know what to expect?  Warren’s not going to be the guide all ten day is he?

Vern, not to worry.  At an conclave, you can do just about as you please.  The organizers will have scouted out places to fish and will direct you to such places and perhaps even guide you seperately. There will probably be folks at the Western Clave who have fished those waters and they will help Warren in fishing assignments and guiding.  The main thing of any clave is to have fun fishing with buddies/friends, regardless how you met them.  The internet claves I have attended so far have been filled with juvenile antics, much joking, swearing, hard-assing, by a bunch of educated serious men on their way to go fly fishing. Stories about one’s bvds and night fishing etc. are bound to occur.  There will be more stories from the Western Clave and the Spring Fling for that matter. No one is forcing you to drink or smoke or stay up late. In fact, you can have seperate quarters away from the likes of Fortenberry, Waldo, Tripper, Wayno, and Jeffy Miller.  These types will corrupt you.  You could  hang around with Charlie Choc – go to bed early, wake up late, go fishing.  <g As I understand it, you would like to get to Ennis a day or so early and "scout" the place out, possibly even hire a guide for a day.  Arriving early and checking things out is ok, but I am sure Warren and the rest of the western roffians would be more than willing to help. Main thought here, Vern, is:  don’t worry about it.  You will be with friends. They may hard-ass ya, and joke with ya, but they love ya and will make sure you have a great time. I hope to fish with you.  I will have my grand-sons (15 and 16) with me. Dave L.

Response:

Since I’ve never been to a conclave before I don’t really know what goes on other than breakfast preparation in one’s BVDs, midnight fishing trips while hanging onto a wooden love, sleeping-in while others post to ROFF on their notebooks, lots of drinking and a lot more drinking, rowdy conversations, and really good fishing.  Can you please provide a standard description of a ROFF conclave so I know what to expect?

Given your opening paragraph, that’d be redundant. You nailed it! Warren’s not going to be the guide all ten day is he?

There should be at least a few people that have fished that area to allow the group to break up into smaller units. Nobody’s gonna want to fish the Madison for the entire duration – there are many other rivers to fish within 2 or 3 hours of Ennis. I should mention that I gave up alcohol and cigars around 3 to 4 years ago. I miss them at times, but I made a commitment and I can’t afford to break it.  If I do, I don’t think I could stop again.  I think I miss the cigars more than I do the B-52s, especially at the stream.

Ah, the B-52s. I miss them no matter where I am. Great rock and roll dance music! So, whatever description you provide, there’s no need to tempt me with explanations of liquid refreshment.

Normally I’d torture you by noting that you’re surely doomed to a week of depravity, moral turpitude, and Xtreme Liver Abuse. However, I’ll go easy on you and note that Le Duc Du Chocolate has escaped unscathed – repeatedly – with his facilities intact and his morals unmolested. Despite repeated attempts to torpedo same. I’m looking for a description of the fishing itself.  I only ask this because you said I don’t need pay $ for a guide on my first day. Additionally, I’ve never fished the Madison River.  I don’t know what to expect.  If others that have fished the Madison would be kind enough to describe what kind of river it is, I would be much appreciated.

The upper reaches – assuming the river below the Hebgen Lake hasn’t changed much – is a short set of small braids winding through the pucker brush. Short rod fishing works best there. These collect into a modest flow for about a mile if memory serves, then there’s a broad stretch (lake-ish) a few miles long – not really fishable on foot iirc – until you get below Rock Creek. Then you have about 10 miles of fishable water down to Kirby Ranch. From there down to Varney (about 25 miles I think) and beyond the river becomes broader and more boisterous – depending on how much water is coming down through a whole host of creeks – and the best (or at least easiest) fishing is from a drift boat. I’ve done the stretch from Kirby Ranch to the Varney bridge a few times in my life and caught some prodigiously large trout and white fish. There were lots of places to stop the boat and get out and wade gravel bars and cast to wonderful holes. The biggest trout I’ve ever hooked and lost was in the middle of that stretch. There was good fishing on foot along a lot of the river the last time I was out there – but that was before people started building goddamned houses along the banks and posting it, and of course the whirling disease has probably changed what’s in the river – so I’ll have to let others bring me up to date. But again, that’s just one river – and there are a handful of famous streams within 3 hours or so of Ennis. If this post doesn’t make much sense, it’s because I’m falling asleep after a long day.  It’s now 12:30 in Las Vegas.  So, please forgive any errors.

Wimp! It’s now 5:54 in Massachusetts and I’ve been up all night getting a newsletter published. Forget sleepin’ – it’d only make me feel even worse – so it’s direct-injected caffeine for me today! /daytripper (I’m getting too old for this shit!)

Response:

speaking of the western clave, where the hell is Warren?

He’s doing fine. I got an email from him a few days ago. Everything is on track for the Western Clave. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/ something bogus to avoid spam)

Response:

You don’t need to pay hard-earned money for guide, Vern, Warren’s the guide. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/ something bogus to avoid spam)

Response:

Since I’ve never been to a conclave before I don’t really know what goes on other than breakfast preparation in one’s BVDs, midnight fishing trips while hanging onto a wooden love, sleeping-in while others post to ROFF on their notebooks, lots of drinking and a lot more drinking, rowdy conversations, and really good fishing.  Can you please provide a standard description of a ROFF conclave so I know what to expect?  Warren’s not going to be the guide all ten day is he? I should mention that I gave up alcohol and cigars around 3 to 4 years ago. I miss them at times, but I made a commitment and I can’t afford to break it.  If I do, I don’t think I could stop again.  I think I miss the cigars more than I do the B-52s, especially at the stream.  So, whatever description you provide, there’s no need to tempt me with explanations of liquid refreshment. I’m looking for a description of the fishing itself.  I only ask this because you said I don’t need pay $ for a guide on my first day. Additionally, I’ve never fished the Madison River.  I don’t know what to expect.  If others that have fished the Madison would be kind enough to describe what kind of river it is, I would be much appreciated. If this post doesn’t make much sense, it’s because I’m falling asleep after a long day.  It’s now 12:30 in Las Vegas.  So, please forgive any errors. Vern – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – You don’t need to pay hard-earned money for guide, Vern, Warren’s the guide. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/ something bogus to avoid spam)

Response:

Probably sick of George dominating the news group. Big Dale

Response:

Probably sick of George dominating the news group. Big Dale

Big D, Have you been getting any ‘gills this winter? There’s a nice lake up here that has bass and gills in it. It also has yours and my name on it one afternoon in May. Stay loose big guy, Walt — Ezflyfish.com:  http://www.ezflyfish.com For Book & Print Auctions: http://www.amazon.com/seller/mariebooks Blue Ridge Book Gallery: http://www.bibliofind.com/cgi-bin/texis.exe/s/search/dhome.html?id=33… P.O. Box 5112, Banner Elk, NC 28604

Response:

speaking of the western clave, where the hell is Warren? — Levi Always do sober what you said you’d do drunk. That will teach you to keep your mouth shut. –Ernest Hemingway

According to Dave L. he’s been busy with hunting and his work. Darin

Response:

speaking of the western clave, where the hell is Warren? — Levi Always do sober what you said you’d do drunk. That will teach you to keep your mouth shut. –Ernest Hemingway

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Darin Minor writes: speaking of the western clave, where the hell is Warren? — Levi Always do sober what you said you’d do drunk. That will teach you to keep your mouth shut. –Ernest Hemingway According to Dave L. he’s been busy with hunting and his work. Darin

Yeah, but that was about two weeks ago that I heard from him.   Dave L.

Response:

Question:

I have seen this book get recommended countless times on this newsgroup, and since the Winter has shut me down and I am interested in finding a good read to spend my time and increase my knowledge of flyfishing, I went to amazon.com and looked this one up. At only $6+ it seems a great deal, however it is aimed towards beginners. I am a beginner myself, having only been flyfishing seriously for about 3 intense months now, but I am past the stage of how to select a fly rod, etc. I’ve read 3 or 4 beginners guides already. Would anyone still recommend this book for someone like me? The endorsements of this book make me wonder….

_______  Tons of books but I’d like to be the first to steer you to "Matching The Hatch" by Ernest Schwiebert.  After that, I don’t care what you read. Mr.G. — http://www.gink.com/chat

Response:

Was a great illustrator. I believe he’s dead. Dave – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It’s a classic. Sheridan Anderson is a magnificent illustrator and an excellent instuctor as well as being an idividualist. The book is entertaining and instuctive and it’s only 6 bucks, go for it.

Response:

Another classic is "Feather in the Breeze" Author J. Edson Leonard. Try it if you can find it. Maybe Amazon or Barns and Noble. It’s fiction with a lot of well written know how. Hugh

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Was a great illustrator. I believe he’s dead. Dave It’s a classic. Sheridan Anderson is a magnificent illustrator and an excellent instuctor as well as being an idividualist. The book is entertaining and instuctive and it’s only 6 bucks, go for it.

Response:

Pick up any book by Robert Travers,  Nick Lyons (my favorite) or John Gierach for a great existential "been there" flyfishing read. Try Mel Krieger’s book "The Essence of Flycasting" or Lefty Kreh’s most recent tome for a good "how to" book. — Randall S. Davis

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have seen this book get recommended countless times on this newsgroup, and since the Winter has shut me down and I am interested in finding a good read to spend my time and increase my knowledge of flyfishing, I went to amazon.com and looked this one up. At only $6+ it seems a great deal, however it is aimed towards beginners. I am a beginner myself, having only been flyfishing seriously for about 3 intense months now, but I am past the stage of how to select a fly rod, etc. I’ve read 3 or 4 beginners guides already. Would anyone still recommend this book for someone like me? The endorsements of this book make me wonder…. Also, I am looking for something to read, not so much for the instructional aspects of it, but for the imagery/emotion of "being there" during the read. What I’m asking here is, can anyone recommend a book based on flyfishing that is either a. Fictional, or B. An experiential, essay like text. I want something that will make me yearn to be there with the writer casting my line too! Thanks! It’s a classic. Sheridan Anderson is a magnificent illustrator and an excellent instuctor as well as being an idividualist. The book is entertaining and instuctive and it’s only 6 bucks, go for it.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have seen this book get recommended countless times on this newsgroup, and since the Winter has shut me down and I am interested in finding a good read to spend my time and increase my knowledge of flyfishing, I went to amazon.com and looked this one up. At only $6+ it seems a great deal, however it is aimed towards beginners. I am a beginner myself, having only been flyfishing seriously for about 3 intense months now, but I am past the stage of how to select a fly rod, etc. I’ve read 3 or 4 beginners guides already. Would anyone still recommend this book for someone like me? The endorsements of this book make me wonder…. Also, I am looking for something to read, not so much for the instructional aspects of it, but for the imagery/emotion of "being there" during the read. What I’m asking here is, can anyone recommend a book based on flyfishing that is either a. Fictional, or B. An experiential, essay like text. I want something that will make me yearn to be there with the writer casting my line too! Thanks!

It’s a classic. Sheridan Anderson is a magnificent illustrator and an excellent instuctor as well as being an idividualist. The book is entertaining and instuctive and it’s only 6 bucks, go for it.

Response:

Also, I am looking for something to read, not so much for the instructional aspects of it, but for the imagery/emotion of "being there" during the read. What I’m asking here is, can anyone recommend a book based on flyfishing that is either a. Fictional, or B. An experiential, essay like text. I want something that will make me yearn to be there with the writer casting my line too!

I have three recommendations for you, Mark. They may not be the best books of yearning to be there next to them, at least in terms of action, but they offer very thoughtful and well-written perspectives and reflections. * Ted Leeson – The Habit of Rivers. Very thoughtful and humorous book. Simplifying and reflecting on complex and important matters, without missing crucial elements. Very impressive! You may get a "why didn’t I think of that?"-feeling from it, combined with uncontrolled chuckles.. This guy knows how to work a pen. * W.D. Wheterell – One River More. A book that you’ll spend hours reading only to find yourself wondering where the hell all the pages went. Amazingly smooth flow of the book, and his observations and writing style really appealed to me. You might look at your own favorite river different after reading this. Different as in many-facetted with regard to contexts and perspectives, which you probably didn’t know you were missing.. * Harry Middleton – Rivers of Memory. A small book — could easily be mistaken for a pamphlet. Until it is opened and read, that is. Middleton is a genius in communicating descriptions of atmospheres and scenery the way he sees them. I’m reading this book now, and judging from the size of it, I expected spending an hour or two on it.. Not so, as I time and time again find myself re-reading paragraphs while my slow brain catches up with the true power concealed in his words. A one-word description: "Wow!" (a word of caution: English is not my mother tongue, and this probably affects my reading pace and understanding, and thus my preferences in writers, a great deal..) I don’t like Gierach much, at least not compared the books and authors listed above. Too monotonous in perspective and writing style for my taste. He does have his moments, by all means, but somehow, it just doesn’t strike that cord with me.. If you do love Gierach books, you’re in luck, because he sure writes a lot of them….. Hope this helps! — Christian Figenschou – <URL: http://figen.com

Response:

Grahm,    Read Trout Bum and View From Rat Lake.  He is a good writer and has only written one book that wasn’t excellent.  I enjoy his magazine articles too. Ernie Graham K. Jones wrote – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I would recommend anything written by John Gierach. I’ve read, just this fall, Sex, Death and Fly-Fishing, Dances with Trout, Another Lousy Day in Paradise and I am working on Standing in a River Waving a Stick when I can (not much lately). John’s writing really struck a cord with me, maybe it will for you as well. His books are a mix of the philosophy, technique, demographics and sociology of fly fishing. Graham

Response:

Grahm,    Read Trout Bum and View From Rat Lake.  He is a good writer and has only written one book that wasn’t excellent.  I enjoy his magazine articles too. Ernie

Ernie;Which one might that be? I have read everything he has written and they were all good. The only thing wrong with reading Gierach is that it might lead you to experiment with bamboo, heroin is cheaper and maybe not as addictive. John Before you buy.

Response:

Mark,  Two titles I would highly recommend:  A Flyfisher’s World by Nick Lyons and The Armchair Angler, an anthology edited by T. Brykczynski and D. Reuther.  Kerry Evans

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have seen this book get recommended countless times on this newsgroup, and since the Winter has shut me down and I am interested in finding a good read to spend my time and increase my knowledge of flyfishing, I went to amazon.com and looked this one up. At only $6+ it seems a great deal, however it is aimed towards beginners. I am a beginner myself, having only been flyfishing seriously for about 3 intense months now, but I am past the stage of how to select a fly rod, etc. I’ve read 3 or 4 beginners guides already. Would anyone still recommend this book for someone like me? The endorsements of this book make me wonder…. Also, I am looking for something to read, not so much for the instructional aspects of it, but for the imagery/emotion of "being there" during the read. What I’m asking here is, can anyone recommend a book based on flyfishing that is either a. Fictional, or B. An experiential, essay like text. I want something that will make me yearn to be there with the writer casting my line too! Thanks!

Response:

I keep it on my coffee table….granted it is a great first book but it is large format, comic book style…… If anyone asks about flyfishing the can read it over coffee while you are slicing the cake (not very long) Well, it’s not exactly on the coffee table but it is in the living room along with my giant sized , reprint of the first issue of Superman. And if you don’t get it, you’ll always wonder about it now won’t ya? P.S. at the price, is there anything related to flyfishing you can get

Response:

Hello Mark, I would recommend anything written by John Gierach. I’ve read, just this fall, Sex, Death and Fly-Fishing, Dances with Trout, Another Lousy Day in Paradise and I am working on Standing in a River Waving a Stick when I can (not much lately). John’s writing really struck a cord with me, maybe it will for you as well. His books are a mix of the philosophy, technique, demographics and sociology of fly fishing. Graham

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have seen this book get recommended countless times on this newsgroup, and since the Winter has shut me down and I am interested in finding a good read to spend my time and increase my knowledge of flyfishing, I went to amazon.com and looked this one up. At only $6+ it seems a great deal, however it is aimed towards beginners. I am a beginner myself, having only been flyfishing seriously for about 3 intense months now, but I am past the stage of how to select a fly rod, etc. I’ve read 3 or 4 beginners guides already. Would anyone still recommend this book for someone like me? The endorsements of this book make me wonder…. Also, I am looking for something to read, not so much for the instructional aspects of it, but for the imagery/emotion of "being there" during the read. What I’m asking here is, can anyone recommend a book based on flyfishing that is either a. Fictional, or B. An experiential, essay like text. I want something that will make me yearn to be there with the writer casting my line too! Thanks!

Response:

I have seen this book get recommended countless times on this newsgroup, and since the Winter has shut me down and I am interested in finding a good read to spend my time and increase my knowledge of flyfishing, I went to amazon.com and looked this one up. At only $6+ it seems a great deal, however it is aimed towards beginners. I am a beginner myself, having only been flyfishing seriously for about 3 intense months now, but I am past the stage of how to select a fly rod, etc. I’ve read 3 or 4 beginners guides already. Would anyone still recommend this book for someone like me? The endorsements of this book make me wonder…. Also, I am looking for something to read, not so much for the instructional aspects of it, but for the imagery/emotion of "being there" during the read. What I’m asking here is, can anyone recommend a book based on flyfishing that is either a. Fictional, or B. An experiential, essay like text. I want something that will make me yearn to be there with the writer casting my line too! Thanks!

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Question:

All Rounder with many extras. 10 ft.  1 or 2 people.  600 lb capacity.

Response:

 we can pic up a pail of lard for jeff to cook the eggs in,

actually, after careful study of the fly dressing thread, i’m ordering a barrel of albolene…understand it has a thousand uses… jeff

Response:

a thousand and one…

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –  we can pic up a pail of lard for jeff to cook the eggs in, actually, after careful study of the fly dressing thread, i’m ordering a barrel of albolene…understand it has a thousand uses… jeff

Response:

Mail by several of the members of that group to request that I ask you guys to stay at home. Their group has many fine ladies and gentlemen involved who like to discuss the finer points of technical points of fishing  , cigar smoking, and didigal camera without the necessity of deleting  a bunch of messages fro  a bunch of drunken rowdies planning another meeting in the woods.  I of course replied -something here inside cannot be denied- when smoke gets in your eyes.             We will have plenty of food for the  spring clave, lots of wild weeds to make Ken"s meetless lasanga,  tomatoes will be in season so Dave an juswt drop whole big ones   in his tacos, I sill have a half gallon of Wall Mart special red,  we can pic up a pail of lard for jeff to cook the eggs in, and I know Walt has a couple of jars of spaghetti sauce. God I’m getting as silly as the rest of you jackasses.  Indian Joe3 ied

Response:

Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Kenrat I go to the Smokeys every year in February.  Middle prong and the other areas are ok.  The most interesting fishing is off of Cade’s Cove.  Go to the parking lot at the far end of the Cove and you can enter the water there.  This is a limestone stream.  Be careful of the water as it can be contaminated by the cow manure from inside the Cove where cattle are grazed.  The stream is atypical for the park as it is the only limestone stream.  There is a trail that parallels the stream.  It is quite a hike. The best fishing lies at the falls on the far end of the trail or in an area called the horseshoe.  The best access according to the guys from there is not the trial, but the river.  They indicated that full chest waders were needed and that wading stafffs were a must. The sure thing by way of trout is the Cherokee Reservation.  It is stocked monthly by the tribe.  They sell their own license and the limit is double that of the park.  To fish the park you need either a Carolina or Tenn. license.  They don’t care which.  The fish in the reservation were of small to mid sized.  They hit on streamers.  I used a dry as a strike indicator and a couple of nymphs trailing.

Thanks for the information!  Will look at the reservation area a little more. Hadn’t really thought about it. Many thanks….Kenny

Response:

Am new to the fly fishing arena.  Wondering if someone can give me some general info on the national park fishing areas close to the Gatlinburg area. Wondering about access, types of flys to have in arsenal for fishing for trout, rockbass or other.  Will be there during first weekend in February.  Appreciate any assistance and info! Thanks, Kenny

Response:

Am new to the fly fishing arena.  Wondering if someone can give me some general info on the national park fishing areas close to the Gatlinburg area. Wondering about access, types of flys to have in arsenal for fishing for trout, rockbass or other.  Will be there during first weekend in February.  Appreciate any assistance and info! Thanks, Kenny

Dear Kenny!             Gatlinburg area in February can be unpredictable. If you are lucky it’s 55 degrees and sunny or it could be 32 and snow. I would try West prong of Little Pigeon right off US 441 in the park. You also have Little River and Roaring Fork easily accessible as well as Middle  prong of Little Pigeon. I would use a beadhead nymph or a streamer this time of the year. I know you can catch trout on dries in February but I have more luck with nymphs. A pheasant tail or a Hare’s ear work fine for me. I wish you could come in April or May when the real action begins but February is better than nothing. Sincerely Hans

Response:

Try calling Jesse Brown Outdoors, Charlotte, NC to start with and talk to Don, he might be able to help you out. (704) 556-0020 Jon

Response:

Sorry  to disappoint, but ignore the GSMNP until the spring when the water warms up, hatches appear, and the trout are active again. I know, I have  flyfished this area for 16 years.  Concentrate on the tailwaters of the area.  The Clinch river is great right now!!!!  Average catches inthe 30’s on scuds, and midges.  The S. holston is also very good, with some BWO, and occational Sulphur or two. For info call THE CREEL 423.588.6159 in Knoxville. By the way, what in the hell does a flyshop in Charlotte know of conditions in the Smokies anyway?  Let them clean up the Pigeon first, before they bring their a– over here! Phil B. check out this web page: http://funnelweb.utcc.utk.edu/~ldecuir/default.html

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Sorry  to disappoint, but ignore the GSMNP until the spring when the water warms up, hatches appear, and the trout are active again. I know, I have  flyfished this area for 16 years.  Concentrate on the tailwaters of the area.  The Clinch river is great right now!!!!  Average catches inthe 30’s on scuds, and midges.  The S. holston is also very good, with some BWO, and occational Sulphur or two. For info call THE CREEL 423.588.6159 in Knoxville. By the way, what in the hell does a flyshop in Charlotte know of conditions in the Smokies anyway?  Let them clean up the Pigeon first, before they bring their a– over here! Phil B. check out this web page: http://funnelweb.utcc.utk.edu/~ldecuir/default.html

Thanks for a very considerate attitude. If you read my post I said try to come in April or June didn’t I? Can you read? Also I have only fished in this area for three years and I have seen hatches in February. Maybe you should stay at the Clinch and let us have the mountains. I don’t care much about the stocked trout anyway. The less time you spend in the smokies the better for me. Hans

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Try calling Jesse Brown Outdoors, Charlotte, NC to start with and talk to Don, he might be able to help you out. (704) 556-0020 Jon

Thanks for the number and info.  Will try to get in contact with them.  Any help is appreciated!

Response:

Am new to the fly fishing arena.  Wondering if someone can give me some general info on the national park fishing areas close to the Gatlinburg area. Wondering about access, types of flys to have in arsenal for fishing for trout, rockbass or other.  Will be there during first weekend in February.  Appreciate any assistance and info! Thanks, Kenny

Kenny,         I was just in the Smokies over new years (during the snowstorm).  The fishing was very bad but the scenery was great. While I was there, I picked up a copy of a book called A Flyfishing Guide to the Smoky Mountains.  It gives good information about the seasons there and gives detailed information about each of the watersheds in the National Park.  I would recommend it.  E-mail me if you need more information about the author etc.  There are a number of other texts that have come out recently on the park and fishing.  I have not yet had time to look them over.

Response:

Kenrat I go to the Smokeys every year in February.  Middle prong and the other areas are ok.  The most interesting fishing is off of Cade’s Cove.  Go to the parking lot at the far end of the Cove and you can enter the water there.  This is a limestone stream.  Be careful of the water as it can be contaminated by the cow manure from inside the Cove where cattle are grazed.  The stream is atypical for the park as it is the only limestone stream.  There is a trail that parallels the stream.  It is quite a hike. The best fishing lies at the falls on the far end of the trail or in an area called the horseshoe.  The best access according to the guys from there is not the trial, but the river.  They indicated that full chest waders were needed and that wading stafffs were a must. The sure thing by way of trout is the Cherokee Reservation.  It is stocked monthly by the tribe.  They sell their own license and the limit is double that of the park.  To fish the park you need either a Carolina or Tenn. license.  They don’t care which.  The fish in the reservation were of small to mid sized.  They hit on streamers.  I used a dry as a strike indicator and a couple of nymphs trailing. Ron’s advice on the flies is right on. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Am new to the fly fishing arena.  Wondering if someone can give me some general info on the national park fishing areas close to the Gatlinburg area. Wondering about access, types of flys to have in arsenal for fishing for trout, rockbass or other.  Will be there during first weekend in February. Appreciate any assistance and info! Thanks, Kenny

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Smoky Mountain Questions Am new to the fly fishing arena.  Wondering if someone can give me some general info on the national park fishing areas close to the Gatlinburg area. Wondering about access, types of flys to have in arsenal for fishing for trout, rockbass or other.  Will be there during first weekend in February. Appreciate any assistance and info! Thanks, Kenny Kenny,    I was just in the Smokies over new years (during the snowstorm).  The fishing was very bad but the scenery was great. While I was there, I picked up a copy of a book called A Flyfishing Guide to the Smoky Mountains.  It gives good information about the seasons there and gives detailed information about each of the watersheds in the National Park.  I would recommend it.  E-mail me if you need more information about the author etc.  There are a number of other texts that have come out recently on the park and fishing.  I have not yet had time to look them over.

Thanks!!  Have seen the book at one of the websites.  Wondered if it was worth picking up.  Am going to try some of the bookstores around here before I look to order it. Just for anyone who is interested – Found a little 5 dollar booklet on Hatches in the Smoky Mountains.  If anyone wants any further info, let me know and I will get some.  Looked pretty helpful. Thanks….Kenny

Response:

Question:

Try http://www.four11.com. — Walter K. Prescott  100% Disabled/Retired U.S. Army Veteran "Always treat everyone the same way you wish to be treated." http://www.atlcon.net & http://www.mirabilis.com/950276 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Anyone have the phone number / address for Tom Mann’s lures? I can’t find it anywhere, even http://www.tommann.com. Darren King — BreakPoint Outdoors Web Site: http://www.netaccess.on.ca/~breakpt Hello Darren, Here’s the info you requested. Mann’s Bait Company 604 State Docks Road Eufaula, AL  36027 334-687-5716 Incidentally, there is no connection between Tom Mann and Mann’s Bait Company.  That’s why you couldn’t find any info at Tom’s site. Athough he was the founder of Mann’s Bait Company back in the 60’s, he sold his interest in the company many years ago.   Hope the info helps. Best Regards,          Trent Roberson            Rx F Fish  For Your Good Health, Fly Fish URL=http://www.xnet.com/~rxffish

Response:

Anyone have the phone number / address for Tom Mann’s lures? I can’t find it anywhere, even http://www.tommann.com. Darren King — BreakPoint Outdoors Web Site: http://www.netaccess.on.ca/~breakpt

Response:

Anyone have the phone number / address for Tom Mann’s lures? I can’t find it anywhere, even http://www.tommann.com. Darren King — BreakPoint Outdoors Web Site: http://www.netaccess.on.ca/~breakpt

Hello Darren, Here’s the info you requested. Mann’s Bait Company 604 State Docks Road Eufaula, AL  36027 334-687-5716 Incidentally, there is no connection between Tom Mann and Mann’s Bait Company.  That’s why you couldn’t find any info at Tom’s site. Athough he was the founder of Mann’s Bait Company back in the 60’s, he sold his interest in the company many years ago.   Hope the info helps. Best Regards,          Trent Roberson            Rx F Fish  For Your Good Health, Fly Fish URL=http://www.xnet.com/~rxffish

Response:

Question:

I’ll be on the San Juan River during the July 4th weekend, along with many others, I’m sure.  What is the best fly(size and color) to use then?  What part of the quality water is most productive?  What is the output of the dam?  Anybody got any good stories(?) to tell?                                 Chuck

Response:

I’ll be on the San Juan River during the July 4th weekend, along with many others, I’m sure.  What is the best fly(size and color) to use then?  

I fish the Juan at least once a year and some years are better than others.  You will need a supply of San Juan Worms, approximately 1 1/2

Question:

Just so you know, seminar fees are only $385; fishing and hunting portions of the trip are not deductible. With outfitters,lodges,speakers, materials to be paid, it is no more profitable than than any other legitimate business. Basically, it’s the same kind of deduction any business or profession can take for business-related expenses and available to just about anyone in any profession or business who qualifies. Requirements are tight -nobody is being taken advantage of.

Response:

: Just so you know, seminar fees are only $385; fishing and hunting portions : of the trip are not deductible. With outfitters,lodges,speakers, : materials to be paid, it is no more profitable than than any other : legitimate business. Basically, it’s the same kind of deduction any : business or profession can take for business-related expenses and : available to just about anyone in any profession or business who : qualifies. Requirements are tight -nobody is being taken advantage of. Don’t try and doubletalk the good folks.  Travel and accomodations are tax deductible.  Fishing and hunting guide fees are probably not deductible.   (At least that is what a tax professional told me when I asked about some work related deducaitons.)  You didn’t address the objections raised about posting here.  Many of us would prefer blatant commercial posts with no content not be posted here. — Rick T. Rick Fletcher   –   http://www.chem.uidaho.edu/~fletcher/ Assistant 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:

Don’t try and doubletalk the good folks.  Travel and accomodations are tax deductible.  Fishing and hunting guide fees are probably not deductible. (At least that is what a tax professional told me when I asked about some work related deducaitons.)  You didn’t address the objections raised about posting here.  Many of us would prefer blatant commercial posts with no content not be posted here. –Rick

I agree with you regarding the posting of this sort of commercial add.   Regarding travel and accomodations:  these expenses are deductable only if the primary purpose for which they were incurred relates to the educational seminar.  In other words, one cannot take a one day seminar in Montana, followed by 4 days of fly fishing and then write off the all of the travel and expenses.  I believe most of this topic is covered in 26 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) Sec. 1.162-5 Expenses for education. A few examples from 26 CFR Sec 1.162-5 are set forth below, enjoy:     "Example (1). A, a self-employed tax practitioner, decides to take     a 1-week course in new developments in taxation, which is offered     in City X, 500 miles away from his home.  His primary purpose in     going to X is to take the course, but he also takes a side trip to     City Y (50 miles from X) for 1 day, takes a sightseeing trip while     in X, and entertains some personal friends.  A’s transportation     expenses to City X and return to his home are deductible but his     transportation expenses to City Y are not deductible.  A’s expenses     for meals and lodging while away from home will be allocated     between his educational pursuits and his personal activities.     Those expenses which are entirely personal, such as sightseeing and     entertaining friends, are not deductible to any extent.       Example (2). The facts are the same as in example (1) except that     A’s primary purpose in going to City X is to take a vacation.  This     purpose is indicated by several factors, one of which is the fact     that he spends only 1 week attending the tax course and devotes 5     weeks entirely to personal activities.  None of A’s transportation     expenses are deductible and his expenses for meals and lodging     while away from home are not deductible to the extent attributable     to personal activities.  His expenses for meals and lodging     allocable to the week attending the tax course are, however,     deductible.       Example (3). B, a high school mathematics teacher in New York     City, in the summertime travels to a university in California in     order to take a mathematics course the expense of which is     deductible under this section.  B pursues only one-fourth of a full     course of study and the remainder of her time is devoted to     personal activities the expense of which is not deductible.  Absent     a showing by B of a substantial nonpersonal reason for taking the     course in the university in California, the trip is considered     taken primarily for personal reasons and the cost of traveling from     New York City to California and return would not be deductible.     However, one-fourth of the cost of B’s meals and lodging while     attending the university in California may be considered properly     allocable to deductible educational pursuits and, therefore, is     deductible." If you realy want to see the rest of this code section, let me know. Andy

Response:

Andy What if you "attend" a meeting for 30 minutes each day and have the rest of the day off? Each day would be a training day! DB

Caveat;  I’m no tax attorney, but I’ll give my two cents. The regs require that the primary purpose of the travel, lodging, etc. be for the educational seminar before the costs can be deducted.  Were I the IRS agent (not an enviable position), I would have to conclude that the primary purpose of a trip composed of 30 mins of educational seminar per day, followed by as many hours as one can fit in the rest of the day for fishing, would be fishing not professional education. Accordingly, travel, lodging, etc. expenses would not be deductible.  Maybe you would be allowed to prorate the expense, however.  That is, deduct expense in proportion to time spent on legit pursuits.  Well, legit according to the IRS, anyway. Exactly how much time you must spend in seminars per dya to make all expenses deductible, I don’t know.  I imagine that would be evalauted on a case-by-case basis. Andy

Response:

Question:

I fished the N. Fork Saturday and found only Smallmouth Bass. Really good ones, too, but no trout. Water was gin clear and warm.  I fished the Yankee Jim access east of Colfax.  Got buzzed by a Timber Ratltler, saw some homeless-types panning, and generally was disappointed. Am I selling this river short?  Is there beter action upriver around Mumford Bar, and if so, how is the access? It seems like it could be a good resource and I know a portion of the river has Wild Trout status. Any info would be greatly appreciated. John Wallace

Response:

Hi John- The N.Fork American is a neat river. As you found out, there are some nice smallies out of Colfax. In the fall and early summer you’ll find rainbows and browns up and down the system as far as Lake Clementine. As the water warms the trout move upstream, into the springs, or into the deeper waters of the lake.      To get into consistant (small but plentiful) summer trout you’ll have to hike in at one of the trails near Royal Gorge or get permission to access the river at The Cedars just south of Donner Summit (drive down the dirt rd past Serene Lakes and ask at one of the cabins.    The timber rattle snake you saw is really a north pacific rattler. They do bite but generally go out of their way to avoid you. Don’t bother ‘em, they belong here (the browns and smallmouth don’t!).    Wild waters, Ralph Cutter —

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Question:

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Hi.  I am new to fishing but just purchased a rod and spin outfit to take on a backpacking/rock climbing trip to the Big Sandy area in the southern Wind River Mountains in Wyoming.  The lakes where we’ll be (Clear Lake and Deep Lake near Mt. Haystack, most likely) are supposedly full of brook trout, and we hope to catch some for a couple of nice dinners (I’ll get my partner to pack in the wine by marking it "fuel", I suppose!).  I have been told that any fly resembling a mosquito (Irresistible Adams was suggested as a first choice, as well as Wooly Worms and Wooly Buggers) would work well, though I don’t know what hook size would be appropriate. I really don’t know mcuh about catching a fish.  Some of the questions I have are: Is this information in a FAQ I haven’t found? Which would work best? How does one use a spin outfit to cast with flies?   Can I just put on a bubble or a piece of shot and cast like that? Would I be better off just using a small spinner or jig? The last few days here in New Haven, Connecticut have been beautiful.  We spent yesterday rock climbing at the Shawangunks, New York.  I hope the days are fine in your neck of the woods! Thanks for any help.  Please email any responses since I don’t get to check newsgroups too often. Much obliged, Rene’ Renteria

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