Question:

Any recommendations for trout streams/fly shops near Steep Falls, ME in Late June? Thanks, Sam

Response:

Any recommendations for trout streams/fly shops near Steep Falls, ME in Late June? Thanks, Sam

Saco river would be good. Not sure about pond fishing but you might want to check a map and the regs and look for someplace. If the hex hatch starts early on one of those ponds, you cannot beat the action. Flyfish

Response:

Question:

John, I am headin’ down to Graham County in the morn to do some recon.  I plan to fish as well.  I may camp over night, and will most certainly look for some campgrounds close to the streams!  

There’s a real nice one on Santeetlah, Tom Brown has the map coordinates, and the junction on Snowbird is good too – the porta potties had been nicely ventilated by shotguns last time I was there. <g — Charlie…

Response:

My most sincere apologies Wolfgang.  I figured since you would be ridin’ into Graham County with me that you would be able to find our campsite without too much trouble?  However, I had forgotten that you would be trippin’ all over yourself in that strapless evening gown of Satan. Op

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – John, I am headin’ down to Graham County in the morn to do some recon. I plan to fish as well.  I may camp over night, and will most certainly look for some campgrounds close to the streams!  I will let you know as soon as I return. Sure, you just go ahead and tell John!  I think maybe I’ll just sleep in the middle of the road or something……that’s o.k.       Wolfgang cup…….

Response:

There’s a real nice one on Santeetlah, Tom Brown has the map coordinates, and the junction on Snowbird is good too – the porta potties had been nicely ventilated by shotguns last time I was there. <g — Charlie…

I’m glad to here that the *outhouse* has already been ventilated, as I have already given decent gun owners a bad name, and don’t want to have to unload a clip on a defenseless shithouse.  These campsites that you speak of, these are the one where the RealMen stay, right?  Wolfgang will be accompanying me and he is easily frightened by things that go bump in the night. Consequently, I may have to sew some straps on to his evening gown, trip hazard and all that ya know (he ain’t got no breastys to hold up the gown). BTW, folks might want to bring along some blaze orange, as huntin’ season is in full swing in that neck of the woods.  Sure hope I don’t give them bow hunters a bad name, when I show up with my bows and arrow? Op

Response:

These campsites that you speak of, these are the one where the RealMen stay, right?  

The one on Santeetlah is ‘primitive’ – no outhouses nearby. It is really nice though, basically a small clearing maybe 10 yards off the road next to the stream. It looked like it has been used as a hunting camp, so it may be occupied – but I think it was early October when Tom and I first spotted it and there was nobody there (or even in the vicinity) then. — Charlie…

Response:

I know this may sound a little weird but how about a float tube anchored just outside of the "thermal boundary" line in your photo?  Can you float down from above the fish and anchor before the "Upstream access point (or that rock sticking up from the stream)? I know this is a secret place and I’m not asking the exact location but is this pool on the Westfield?  It looks familiar.  I lived in MA for most of my life and fished the Deerfield, Westfield (main and west branches), and Millers and Swift quite a bit but haven’t been to any in the last year (I moved to NJ last year and some of my favorite Penna streams are now closer). Bill

Response:

I know this may sound a little weird but how about a float tube anchored just outside of the "thermal boundary" line in your photo?  Can you float down from above the fish and anchor before the "Upstream access point (or that rock sticking up from the stream)? I know this is a secret place and I’m not asking the exact location but is this pool on the Westfield?  It looks familiar.  I lived in MA for most of my life and fished the Deerfield, Westfield (main and west branches), and Millers and Swift quite a bit but haven’t been to any in the last year (I moved to NJ last year and some of my favorite Penna streams are now closer). Bill

Response:

My most sincere apologies Wolfgang.  I figured since you would be ridin’ into Graham County with me that you would be able to find our campsite without too much trouble?  

Huh?  Oh.  Yeah……I knew that!  Tell me again about the rabbits! However, I had forgotten that you would be trippin’ all over yourself in that strapless evening gown of Satan.

Sure, YOU try wading in pumps some time!    :( Wolfgang please don’t squeeze the charmeuse

Response:

My most sincere apologies Wolfgang.  I figured since you would be ridin’ into Graham County with me that you would be able to find our campsite without too much trouble? Huh?  Oh.  Yeah……I knew that!  Tell me again about the rabbits!

Rabbits?  Well, they are really big critters with huge ears and long trunks. They are very afraid of mice also! However, I had forgotten that you would be trippin’ all over yourself in that strapless evening gown of Satan. Sure, YOU try wading in pumps some time!    :(

Pumps!  You sissy-boy.  Pumps aren’t for RealMen.  RealMen wade in high-heels.  Studded of course. Op – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Wolfgang please don’t squeeze the charmeuse

Response:

To summarize then: 1. Shallow water 2. Complex current 3. No easy presentation 4. Tough wading What is the mend/cast combination best suited to these fish? I would restrict this to dry fly/emerger fishing, i.e. the challenge is to get the best float. No nymphs or streamers. I have a marked up picture here of the actual spot from Spring this year: http://www.rockypond.com/image.jpg

This is probably the coolest question that’s been posted here in a long time! p.s.  Sorry, can’t help you  Streamers/woolly buggers are always worth a try in tough currents, since fish are used to seeing bigger things like that move under their own power against currents.

Response:

Here’s what I would do….. Now you said (facing downstream) that to the right is a soft muddy bottom? Well, tie on a cone head wooly bugger. Cast down stream to the right of the rock that is showing…just as far as you can….mend to put your line to the left of the rock. Let the current carry your line and as much backing as needed downstream. Hauling back on your line, the current will straighten your line out and swing the bugger over to the left along the brush side..You may wish to wait a minute or two..to rest the water a bit. Then you can fish, retrieving your line in small strips, bouncing that rascal right along the bottom. I like a bugger with a dark  green and rust colored tail with a dash of flash, rust medium chenille wrapped three times to give it body, ribbed with black hackle. Tungsten cone head on a long shanked hook….imitates a crayfish/crawdad very nicely. john

Response:

a kayak. john

Response:

John, I am headin’ down to Graham County in the morn to do some recon.  I plan to fish as well.  I may camp over night, and will most certainly look for some campgrounds close to the streams!  I will let you know as soon as I return. Op

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – a kayak. john

Response:

Actually not really a poser, but perhaps a request for opinions. This is a problem that has been bothering me for a while and I guess I need a distraction this evening. On this Massachussets stream, which some here might know, there is this particular pool.

Remainder snipped How about a float tube? — Bob Weinberger – La Grande, OR

Response:

I’ve fished water like this anchored from a raft, but you’ve excluded that option.  So getting into the sticks is really the only way to go if wading is out.  Bow and arrow roll casts into slow water work. Up to you to place enough line out so the drift is right.  If fish cruise, spend 90% of your time watching and 10% (or even less) casting and with the fly on the water.  Looking down the gob of 4lb+ fish that has just taken something at your feet is almost more fun than catching it. Looking at the photo, there’s a lot of scrub around, you might like to try the ’splat’ of a terrestrial – a beetle is more than likely to worl in that spot. BTW: You didn’t exclude traditional wets/spiders  … Enjoy your secret spot, Steve

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Actually not really a poser, but perhaps a request for opinions. This is a problem that has been bothering me for a while and I guess I need a distraction this evening. On this Massachussets stream, which some here might know, there is this particular pool. This river warms up very quickly in late spring and summer and holds nice smallmouth bass. However, a secret, as far as I can tell as I am the only one I ever see fish there, is that there are huge browns and rainbows that holdover. The trout concentrate in one section of the river. This is due to a feeder stream that provides thermal relief. Moreover, the trout can be seen feeding sideways or perpendicular to the river’s *overall* direction of flow. To fish from below is difficult because the bottom is muddy and unsafe, leaving the angler with a straight upstream cast. From upstream the bottom is better but the water is deep for wading and there is not much of a back cast/steeple cast. Straight down-and-in is just about do-able, but in general this spooks the fish. Roll cast is possible but the water is a slackish back eddy i.e. mending is difficult. A canoe or something would do it, allowing a large mend upstream, but none of the river beyond here is floatable, so let’s leave that out, just for shits. I confess that I have caught these fish, but only at dusk and only when there was enough garbage in the substrate to keep the fish interested and more forgiving…. my best was a 24" rainbow which is amazing for a Mass stream. To summarize then: 1. Shallow water 2. Complex current 3. No easy presentation 4. Tough wading What is the mend/cast combination best suited to these fish? I would restrict this to dry fly/emerger fishing, i.e. the challenge is to get the best float. No nymphs or streamers. From what I gather from your picture, the current in this area is like a

whirlpool.  These areas are hard to get a good drift through them no matter how you approach them. Given your scenerio, I would go with a straight upstream cast using a reach to place the flyline to the right and out of the current. You could even place or mend the flyline onto the bank leaving the leader and tippet in the "zone". Using a long tippet would help give you a reasonable drift. Like you found, reduced light and tinted water makes the whole things easier. There are areas like this all around the Country. I call them transition zones: places where the the water conditions are changing from a cold water river to a warm water one. These areas will hold the largest trout in the entire river system because of the increased fertility and warmer temps.  There are usually fewer trout, sometimes very few, but they are often very large. In many places these areas are ignored because they don’t look like trout rivers. Willi

Response:

John, I am headin’ down to Graham County in the morn to do some recon.  I plan to fish as well.  I may camp over night, and will most certainly look for some campgrounds close to the streams!  I will let you know as soon as I return.

Sure, you just go ahead and tell John!  I think maybe I’ll just sleep in the middle of the road or something……that’s o.k.       Wolfgang cup…….

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – To summarize then: 1. Shallow water 2. Complex current 3. No easy presentation 4. Tough wading What is the mend/cast combination best suited to these fish? I would restrict this to dry fly/emerger fishing, i.e. the challenge is to get the best float. No nymphs or streamers. I have a marked up picture here of the actual spot from Spring this year: http://www.rockypond.com/image.jpg

Interesting photo. Maybe try dapping with a REALLY long rod? — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

Response:

Actually not really a poser, but perhaps a request for opinions. This is a problem that has been bothering me for a while and I guess I need a distraction this evening. On this Massachussets stream, which some here might know, there is this particular pool. This river warms up very quickly in late spring and summer and holds nice smallmouth bass. However, a secret, as far as I can tell as I am the only one I ever see fish there, is that there are huge browns and rainbows that holdover. The trout concentrate in one section of the river. This is due to a feeder stream that provides thermal relief. Moreover, the trout can be seen feeding sideways or perpendicular to the river’s *overall* direction of flow. To fish from below is difficult because the bottom is muddy and unsafe, leaving the angler with a straight upstream cast. From upstream the bottom is better but the water is deep for wading and there is not much of a back cast/steeple cast. Straight down-and-in is just about do-able, but in general this spooks the fish. Roll cast is possible but the water is a slackish back eddy i.e. mending is difficult. A canoe or something would do it, allowing a large mend upstream, but none of the river beyond here is floatable, so let’s leave that out, just for shits. I confess that I have caught these fish, but only at dusk and only when there was enough garbage in the substrate to keep the fish interested and more forgiving…. my best was a 24" rainbow which is amazing for a Mass stream. To summarize then: 1. Shallow water 2. Complex current 3. No easy presentation 4. Tough wading What is the mend/cast combination best suited to these fish? I would restrict this to dry fly/emerger fishing, i.e. the challenge is to get the best float. No nymphs or streamers. I have a marked up picture here of the actual spot from Spring this year: http://www.rockypond.com/image.jpg — Gary (Email address is munged with x’s)

Response:

Question:

…..weights and ways, which would overload  an ass….

On our trip to the Rockies last summer, I proved to my own satisfaction (and Becky’s) that I STILL know how to overload an ass.         Wolfgang happy new year to one and all

Response:

Hours and days, and weeks and months, and even years, go drifting by, suddenly one is old, and knows not when or how it happened, or even why. The hopes and dreams of youth have faded, replaced by practical considerations, some things are less easy than they were, must be left to younger generations. Wisdom, and some circumspection, have hopefully replaced blind action, one now looks, before one leaps, unless one wants to land in traction. Heart and muscles, once untiring, and seemingly eternal in reliance, warn now and then, that this was only temporary, punish now defiance. Knees and backs, once subject to weights and ways, which would overload  an ass, when asked to do so now, protest oft mightily, and one is forced at last to pass. The ten foot rod, once fished all day, with heavy flies and lines,  in heavy water, stands mostly unused in the corner now, perhaps to be passed on, to son or daughter. Tiny flies, once fished with confidence, and eyesight, which would have shamed a hawk, ousted now by flies on larger hooks, thicker lines, which sometimes cause a fish to baulk, Once perfect vision, coupled well with youthful drive,  and perfect hand coordination, now replaced by skill and long experience, which suffices yet,  in nearly every situation. How long though? Should one perhaps sit long and hard, and tie a multitude of flies? afraid that soon, some things will not be possible, with old and tired and rheumy eyes? Chest waders, hanging in their rightful place, mostly now  unused upon the cellar wall, aggressive wading is no longer quite the thing to do, it would be dangerous to fall. Many seasons, many fish,  blur at last, to strings of often fading, but still happy recollection, red letter days stand out of course, of special fish, and special flies, from ones collection. Watching enviously, as some spry youth then springs from rock to rock, or leaps the stream, things one did without a second thought, but of which one now, can only reminisce or dream. Wasted?  Oh I think not, for what would one have, to recall with such enduring pleasure, had one not fished at all, and had some other thing instead to spend ones leisure? Perhaps tis true, that youth is wasted on the young, and after all, life often is unfair, still and all, despite enough regrets, I would not change it, it was beyond compare. Friends, met on various waters through the years, some gone now, some still living, gentlemen and anglers, great and small, all enriched ones life, were great at giving, experience, advice, flies and leaders, and a multitude of other things, given with joy, no thought of selfishness within them, generous and kind, that others might enjoy. Some years yet, I hope I may still fish, grant that God, or providence, fulfil my dreams, wander still, enchanted lands, through woodlands, mountains, rivers, lakes, and streams. Meet new friends, tie flies, drink toasts, catch fish, perhaps at last invent the perfect fly? Sorrows? Yes some, but few of them to do with fishing, I will be happy, when at last I die. Hopefully some anglers will then think as well of me, and so ensure that I am not forgotten, that I may take my place among the cavalcade of sportsmen, like Walton, Skues or Cotton, mistake me not, I wish not for fame or recognition, perchance a thought, perhaps a prayer. that I may rest in peace, an honest angler, and an honest man, who, to men and fish, was fair. TL MC — "Where fishing is concerned, most anglers are basically manic excessives" http://www.mikeconnor.de

Response:

Question:

For any of you who haven’t read the book it is a fun read.  Nice way to spend a couple of those cold winter nights.  Here is part of my entry from "Books of the Black Bass. "Author says he was "raised in the Redneck Way of Fishing."  What he was saying is that numbers and size of fish caught became more important than anything else, thus turning his hobby into work.  Raines grew up in Alabama fishing for Bass, bluegill, crappie, etc.  There is some fly fishing for trout in this book but there is more about the Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass than any other fish.  As you wander through the book you find stories on ex-presidents of the United States, fly fishing legends such as Wulff, Marinaro, McClane, Fox, Kreh, and some Bass world notables such as Ray Scott and Rick Clunn.  Author relates a couple of instances where Scott suffered from foot in the mouth disease as he tried to help his friend, President George Bush, get re-elected.  Raines fished for Bass with Bush although throughout the book he is critical of Hoover, Reagan and other republican presidents.  Time is spent with all the fishing presidents from Hoover and Cleveland down to George Bush and Jimmy Carter.  He speaks out on everyone he writes about and is not afraid to take on the bureaucrats, all in all, an enjoyable read." Clyde Black Bass Book Collector http://members.aol.com/BassBks/index.html

Response:

I currently have for sale a nice copy of "Fly Fishing Through the Midlife Crisis" by Howell Raines. A very clean softcover copy, published in 1994 by Anchor Books. The 352 page book is fresh and clean inside and out, except for a gift inscription inside the front cover. Available for to reserve. Thanks, and best regards. Dave    http://www.newsfeeds.com       The Largest Usenet Servers in the World!

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Question:

Jungle Cock fethers , Where to buy them?? S.R.L.

Go to Chinatown in San Francisco.  You can get anything there. Tiger bones, bear gall bladders, wolf snouts, gorilla hands, jungle cock feathers — you name it, they’ll get it, if you have the do-re-mi. Just try not to look like a Fish and Game dude.         Steve Barnard

Response:

Jungle Cock fethers , Where to buy them?? S.R.L.

Response:

You should be able to find artificial jungle cock from some of the mail order houses. Jeff – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Jungle Cock fethers , Where to buy them?? S.R.L. Go to Chinatown in San Francisco.  You can get anything there. Tiger bones, bear gall bladders, wolf snouts, gorilla hands, jungle cock feathers — you name it, they’ll get it, if you have the do-re-mi. Just try not to look like a Fish and Game dude.    Steve Barnard

Response:

Jungle Cock fethers , Where to buy them?? S.R.L.

Hi S.R.L. We carry them in small packages in sizes and in whole necks from time to time. The necks are from domestically raised birds. Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY www.kiene.com

Response:

Two words – ill  legal. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Jungle Cock fethers , Where to buy them?? S.R.L.

Response:

Two words ill eagle – sick bird. — Ernie Harrison Remove NOSPAM to send E-mail GO TO http://users.ccnet.com/~emh FOR TRAVEL TIE BOX PLANS – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Two words – ill  legal. Jungle Cock fethers , Where to buy them?? S.R.L.

Response:

Two words – ill  legal.

I don’t believe that’s true anymore, as they are being raised domestically, as Bill Kiene pointed out.  Fly Fishing Only in Fairfield, Maine carries them.

Response:

Hardly.  Domestically raised Jungle Cock is available from a variety of sources. Two words – ill  legal. Jungle Cock fethers , Where to buy them?? S.R.L.

– Mike in PDX "When the trout are lost, smash the state."                          Tom McGuane

Response:

Hi there,is it true in some states in USA jungle cock is ill legal?Here in ICELAND jungle cock it

Question:

Fly-fishing is for faggits.

Response:

Fly-fishing is for faggits.

Well, there are ’some around’ I’m sure that will be glad to talk to you about any kind of fly fishing you have in mind. Mr. Gink

Response:

Fly-fishing is for faggits. Well, there are ’some around’ I’m sure that will be glad to talk to you about any kind of fly fishing you have in mind. Mr. Gink

Mr. Tiger didn’t join the military because he didn’t want to leave his brother’s behind. —        * * *  Some days I’d rather just give up and go fishing * * * Doug Freeman

Response:

Fly-fishing is for faggits.

That’s right, so you better keep that cute little rump of yours away from my drift… TimW

Response:

Fly-fishing is for faggits.

– And LSU is for the spelling disabled!!!! jg

Response:

…college men from LSU     went in dumb, come out dumb too! R. Neuman,"Rednecks" 1974

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: : Fly-fishing is for faggits. : Someone once told me two things about LSU. First, the entrance requirements are so low that some can get in with nothing more than an expired driver’s license. Second, most LSU grads go to Mississippi and by doing so raise the I.Q. of both states. It appears from tiger’s post that at least the former is true. Kind regards, Steve Kernosky

Response:

u know what ‘faggots’ were before they became ‘faggots’?….bait fishermen

Response:

Fly-fishing is for faggits.

That’s probably why you chose LSU, Tiger. You can spell that correctly!

Response:

Fly-fishing is for faggits.

                                                ^^^^-nice spelling and bait fishing is for CRETINS. Hopefully you will never flyfish, because all we need is one more Heathen on our rivers. Oh by the way, do you want to go out and do a little snagging??? Eat my fly pal.

Response:

Fly-fishing is for faggits.

jvermil !  Thanks, very much.   You are absolutely correct !!! Thanks for pointing it out, we owe you one ! Just look at *all* the FAGGIT terms in the Flyfishing vocabulary… "Drag" "Rod Action" "Line Lubricant" "Leader Butt" "Sperm Flies" "Vise" (I have to stop, it’s grossing me out…) Yup, the whole sport is a cover-up for closet benuches.   No doubt about it.   Thanks for pointing it out.   ..and I still think you have a really nice rump. Your fantasy net lover, TimW

Response:

Fly-fishing is for faggits.

Yes, Shall we meet. I’m 215 lbs 6 ft tall and horny.   Do  "YOU" squeal like a  pig? Woof  woof  Arrp!! R

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Question:

I am looking for someone who will provide first-time instruction to a fly fishing beginner in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of New Mexico.  Please

Response:

There is at least one shop in Santa Fe that offers a guide service. Look them up in the yellow pages at your local library. (Yep, paper still works to transmit information!) — Ken Clark Ft. Lupton, CO

Response:

There is at least one shop in Santa Fe that offers a guide service. Look them up in the yellow pages at your local library.

Try: Santa Fe Flyfishing School & Guide Service (505) 986-3913 Bill Schudlich Santa Fe, NM

Response:

Question:

                     Thank you for stopping to read this       Hi, my name is Ash and I am currently doing reserch on the pschology of fly fishing. Through my reserch I found Abraham Maslow’s "hierarchy of needs" It is a pyramid which outlines our needs as humans. It states the following with physioloical needs being at the base. HIERARCHY OF NEEDS 1) Self-actualization needs     to find self- fulfillment amd realize one’s potential 2) Aesthetic  needs     symmetry, order, and beauty 3) Cognitive needs     to know, understand, and explore 4)  Esteem needs      to achieve, be competent, and gain approval and recognition 5)  Belongingness and love needs      to affiliate with others, be accepted, and belong 6)  Safety needs      feel secure and safe, out of danger 7)  Physiological needs      hunger, thirst, and so forth If you could please explain in detail how fly fishing meets these needs and if not why ?  What needs are being met by fly fishing. Thanks a lot for being apart of this. Once completed I will post my results on ths board so you may all see the results.

Response:

Sorry pal, I’m to busy fly fishing and meeting my needs. Guess you’ll have to do the owrk yourself. Gone Fishing Lolo Mt

Response:

7)  Physiological needs

In fly fishing, the difference between "want" and "need" is irrelevant.                                                 Randy Lutz

Response:

Question:

I heard that the Lil’ Red and the White River are good trout rivers.   I’m looking for some information on how and where to go, are they wadable and is there any decent camping on the rivers or nearby.  I would also love a good appraisal from anyone familiar with river.  Any info would be greatly appreciated.  

I’m not all that familiar with the Little Red, but I’ve been fishing the White and North Fork rivers for 20 years or more.  They are world-class trout streams, and as of 1/1/95 boast lengthy sections of catch and release water. Wading is *very* tricky, and since they are tailwaters, you must play the "water-game."  Your best bet is to contact Blue Ribbon Fly Shop in Mountain Home, Arkansas for the latest water conditions.  Beware they have been running a great deal of water lately, so fishing conditions have been poor. –Jeff

Response:

In response to: I heard that the Lil’ Red and the White River are good trout rivers. The Little Red is not a good trout river. It is a great trout river.

I’ve heard the same about the White but haven’t fished it. The Little Red is best during winter. Nov.-January. There are good camping facilities. Try an area called "Cow Shoals". It is wadable, but dependant upon Corps of Engineers and the water releases from the dam.

Response:

There is a good campground near the bridge in Cotter, Arkansas. I have worked with several men who were serious fly fishermen and that was their favorite place. I have been there and you can rent canoes and go down the White River at your leisure, fly fishing as you go. Cotter, Arkansas is dubbed the "Trout Capital of the World." Of course there are probably other cities that call themselves the same. I think there is an old hotel in Cotter, and eating places as well as antique shops, etc. It is a neat place. When I was there years ago, the Corps of Engrs would open up the locks at the dam, and it was unbelievalbe how fast and high the water would rise and how furiously it rampaged. They sound an alarm before they open the dam gates, and usually it was in the evening after dark. In the daytime the water was crystal clear, ice cold, and shallow (wadeable) in a lot of places. Cotter is a beautiful area in the Arkansas mountains.

Response:

Question:

 Ok guys and gals, time to see how good this information highway really is. I live in the UP (of MI) and my fish is steelhead. I want to know more about the fish and its habits. Give me info about your steelhead experiences. Don’t tell me about what some author wrote in some book. I can read for myself. Tell me what your favorite s.h. fly is. Please don’t say whater the fish wants at the time. This may be true but it will not help me on the stream. What is the best time to go for s.h.   don’t say dates but rather include what the season is like. For example tell me if the trees were turning color, if there were no leaves, if there was lot’s of snow on the ground. Where do this fish prefer to spend time in the stream? If you fish in the UP give me some stream names or at least some clues. I will be wating for your answers with a cold nose, cold fingertips waist deep in the cold UP streams.                   Thanks                   Jake "I can’t get enough steelhead" Tulius

Response:

writes: OK Jake here it goes.  During the fall when the salmon are spawning or just after they are finished I prefer egg imitation patterns such as a glo-bugs, nuclear glo-bugs and estes flies.  My best color has always been chartreuse and chart. and blue mix.  I have always thought that most people tie egg imitation to large, instead I have an assortment of small (#12) to large flies (#6).  During the winter glow bugs and dark colored nymphs (#14 -#10) work well.  Fishing is usually best for me during the first two hours after sunrise, until the water temp. dips below about 40 F.  During cold water I have yet to find any specific time that fish hit best, it seems to depend more on weather conditions than on time.           PS I landed a nine pounder today!!!!!                                                   Good Luck,                                                    Mark Arrigo

Response:

writes: I live in the Portland OR. area so I don’t know if it is the same in your area. I use a fly that I tie myself. It’s a very simple red and black yarn, you start from the back and wrap up to the middle with the red and leave a little extra hanging off. Then finish wrapping to the eye with the black. I use this fly year round and do very well. Another thing that I do is fish smaller streams and spot the fish in the riffles. I use a piece of split shot about 18 inches above the fly and get it right down to the fish. My biggest fish so far with this method was a 15lb bright steelhead that had me running up and down the bank to land it. Just remember the fly has very little to do with it. The key is to spot the fishing and to get the fly right down to it.

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jake I have alot of steelhead experience… Ilove the fish escpecially when they are fresh out of the lake(lake erie in my case)  yesterday, the creeks were high and a whole new batch of them came up the creek.  I managed to hook 8 and only landed 4.  I use my 5wt. 8.5 foot sage.   use a 3x to 5x leader, and right now my fave is to use a #14 to #12 pink sucker spawn.  These look tantalizing  to the fish when they get wet. I weight them and use an indicator about 2 feet up. steelhead are most aggressive in the morning when the creeks are high and very colored.   That is the best time to go.   Yesterday I got my first fish right away and she was 29 inches, with a 17 inch girth.   went right into backing in about 5 seconds.   I use 2x strong #14 nymph hooks, and she bent the hell out of it.   stretches that old mono tippet righ out.  friggin exciting man. later…..

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –  Ok guys and gals, time to see how good this information highway really is. I live in the UP (of MI) and my fish is steelhead. I want to know more about the fish and its habits. Give me info about your steelhead experiences. Don’t tell me about what some author wrote in some book. I can read for myself. Tell me what your favorite s.h. fly is. Please don’t say whater the fish wants at the time. This may be true but it will not help me on the stream. What is the best time to go for s.h.   don’t say dates but rather include what the season is like. For example tell me if the trees were turning color, if there were no leaves, if there was lot’s of snow on the ground. Where do this fish prefer to spend time in the stream? If you fish in the UP give me some stream names or at least some clues. I will be wating for your answers with a cold nose, cold fingertips waist deep in the cold UP streams.                   Thanks                   Jake "I can’t get enough steelhead" Tulius

        I’ve only landed 1 steel head.  That was last November on the PM on a #8 green but skunk.  I dredged it out of the back of a deep hole in a bend in the river.  Those that I see out in the open are usually spooked before I can do anything about it.  I have tried brights and naturals, and I think I get more hits on the naturals.           Good luck in your quest, and maybe we’ll meet up on the river sometime. . Lenny Bloksberg . .

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