Question:

if there’s one extra person we could have there, bar none, it’d be you.  and if it helps, we’re all jealous of you 100% of the time.  let me quote (loosely) the great jimmy buffett: you got your pickup washed and you just got paid, with any luck at all you might even get laid, rockin and a rollin on a livingston saturday night. there’s that, the yellowstone, madison, gallatin, bighorn, and bridger bowl and big sky also. bruce h

        i’ll be damned if i don’t think i see some tar heel in you goddam cowboys!  good thinkin, and good talkin, bruce! your friend in the old north state wayno

Response:

<snipped I’ll get tying some up for us. bc. — Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy. -Benjamin Franklin

Response:

It is working again.

thanks warren, i thought i’d done something miraculous when the treads started coming up readable again. Wish I was able to make it.  I am getting really jealous right now.

if there’s one extra person we could have there, bar none, it’d be you.  and if it helps, we’re all jealous of you 100% of the time.  let me quote (loosely) the great jimmy buffett: you got your pickup washed and you just got paid, with any luck at all you might even get laid, rockin and a rollin on a livingston saturday night. there’s that, the yellowstone, madison, gallatin, bighorn, and bridger bowl and big sky also. bruce h — bare your soul let your spirit burn out along the road to no return – r.e. keen Before you buy.

Response:

Let me know what size the grey ones are, and I’ll tie some up.

i’m not sure but i think they’re slightly larger.  use a tiemco 2488 size 24 and grey thread.  black thread for the rib and a crystal flash emerger wing.  black thread head. i bet we just see continued hatches of those tiny black midges, but who knows. bruce h — bare your soul let your spirit burn out along the road to no return – r.e. keen Before you buy.

Response:

I didn’t get your original post on my news server, I had to go to Deja to read it.

   I can’t get anything on the web today, just e-mail and newsgroups. Do you think Al Gore got so mad he turned off the internet?

Response:

yes, absolutely.  100% tiny black midges as far as i could tell.  with that black midge, the hatch goes quickly and the fish don’t take emergers for very long.

I have some black midges that I tied for the Green earlier this year. I’ll remember to bring them for this trip. the other midge i see a lot is grey with a black rib.  when those bugs hatch it seems like the hatch lasts longer and that the fish really get going on emergers.  just a theory though.

Almost sounds like a Grey RS2.  What size? and i’m told there are many other common midge hatches up there, it just seems like i either see black ones or grey ones with the black rib.

Let me know what size the grey ones are, and I’ll tie some up. bc. — Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy. -Benjamin Franklin

Response:

Are they the tiny little black midges?

yes, absolutely.  100% tiny black midges as far as i could tell.  with that black midge, the hatch goes quickly and the fish don’t take emergers for very long. the other midge i see a lot is grey with a black rib.  when those bugs hatch it seems like the hatch lasts longer and that the fish really get going on emergers.  just a theory though. and i’m told there are many other common midge hatches up there, it just seems like i either see black ones or grey ones with the black rib. bruce h — bare your soul let your spirit burn out along the road to no return – r.e. keen Before you buy.

Response:

<excellent scouting report snipped

Bruce, Thanks for the report. I didn’t get your original post on my news server, I had to go to Deja to read it. I’m hoping this spell of good weather we’re having lasts for the Juan get together. Willi

Response:

Willi, I did not get the original post either.   Bruce, Awesome report. Thanks for the selfless act of doing some recon for our benefit. I am sure the other fellow clavers thank you as well. You said people were using dry flies.  Are they the tiny little black midges? bc. — Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy. -Benjamin Franklin

Response:

<excellent scouting report snipped 1.  I can’t get email right now, and i’m actually having trouble with deja.com – when i get into the newsgroup the posts aren’t grouped into threads and the latest posts are from 11/21.  If anyone can help me here, i’d appreciate it.  In the meantime, if you need to reach me, call me at work 800-776-5973.  (bruce hopper’s my full name).

It is working again.  They were doing some maintenence on Deja and that was why it pulled up the weird format for the newsgroups.  When it puts a ‘*’ in the search section it means they are doing some work on the system. always wears breathables, but i switched to neoprenes at lunch and i was much more comfy after that, except when i stepped in a little deep and felt that awful feeling of water inside the waders.

There is a product called Simmseal (sp?) that works wonders for leaky neoprenes.  It is a liquid neoprene and you just pour a drop on the leak, spread it around a little and let it set.  Very easy fix once you find the leak. Wish I was able to make it.  I am getting really jealous right now. — Warren Before you buy.

Response:

I made it up to the SJ saturday to try to figure out where the fish are before everyone shows up.  Here’s a list of mostly unrelated observations: 1.  I can’t get email right now, and i’m actually having trouble with deja.com – when i get into the newsgroup the posts aren’t grouped into threads and the latest posts are from 11/21.  If anyone can help me here, i’d appreciate it.  In the meantime, if you need to reach me, call me at work 800-776-5973.  (bruce hopper’s my full name). 2.  It’s certainly tougher to see into the water with the sun so low, but when the fish are making rise forms, either taking emergers or dries, they’re easy to see.  I used several tricks to spot fish holding deeper, because sight fishing with nymphs is one of the most productive methods for me up there.  I stood on the bank, varied my angle, squinted, etc.  Early in the day, you can see into the water well from the north side of the river.  The rest of the day it help to face north and get the sun at your back. 3.  There was maybe 2.5 hrs during the day where the fish were taking dries.  I saw lots of fish on dries out in the current about 200 yards below texas hole – also a good place to get some water to yourself.  I caught fish by just putting emergers on the surface.  When i actually picked out a single fish and used a few different dry fly/tippet combos, all i got was refusals.  Tough customers. 4.  Knowing where the fish are is so important now, so i scouted the area right below the dam where the fish are known to be plentiful, large, and very selective.  They mostly take the tiny midge patterns close to the dam, although lots of folks fish leeches, worms, and eggs up there also.  I picked up only two fish there after lots of work. Both on size 24 red larva.  All day i landed 10 fish and that counts two smaller ones. 5.  Overall it was a bit of a frustrating day.  Ten fish isn’t bad, but i caught about 4 in the last half hour, nymphing deep in the main channel, blind casting where i knew there were fish.  It was cold all day and i dropped 4 or 5 flies before tying them on.  When you drop a size 24 ufo, don’t bother looking for it.  I’m one of those guys who always wears breathables, but i switched to neoprenes at lunch and i was much more comfy after that, except when i stepped in a little deep and felt that awful feeling of water inside the waders. 6.  I fish there a lot and i’ve got all the patterns and equipment, etc, but getting advice from me is a lot different than fishing with a guide.  For some reason they’ve just got it dialed in, and I think it’s mostly knowing where the fish are holding at that particular time. I’ve only fished with a guide four times up there, and each time i’ve caught far more fish than i would’ve on my own.  If anyone wants a guide for a day, i’d recommend Chris Guikema http://www.sanjuanworm.com – he is friendly and an excellent guide.  Craig at Float n Fish said he’d guide for this group (he knows we’re coming) and fishing with him would be a treat also.  Float n Fish has no website, but they can be reached at 505-632-5385 – Craig or Ray will usually answer the phone. 7.  The water was still clear, lake turnover hasn’t started yet.  Every day that goes by clear increases our chances of encountering cloudy water 8.  Something i’ve noticed lately:  Lots of guys enter the river carrying two rods, one set up for dries, one for nymphs.  At first i thought "give me a break" but when i think about it it makes some sense.  Lots of times i see fish surfacing so i quickly pull the yarn out of my leader and pop the indicator knot out and switch to emergers or a dry and by the time i’ve made the change, maybe three minutes, the fish aren’t rising any more.  So, i switch back to a deep rig and re rig and indicator (5 min) only to find the fish surfacing again. Either i’m real dumb (very likely) or these "two rod" guys have a good idea. I’m really looking forward to seeing/meeting everyone. bruce h — bare your soul let your spirit burn out along the road to no return – r.e. keen Before you buy.

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Question:

Hello all, This is my third year fly fishing and I am gearing up for another great season. I live in NH which I feel fortunate for because we have some fine fishing up here. My question…I’m wondering what the lifespan of my line is? I have scientific angler on my reel and it has served me well for the last two years I keep it clean and it casts smooth but is it time to retire it and re-line my reel? Upon examination the line seems to have many little kinks in it, I mean very small kinks, but it doesn’t seem to affect the cast. I need the proverbial collective wisdom. Keith

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Is your line cracked? If it has many tiny cracks–it’s time to get a new one. I fish every day in the summer–and I’m very lucky to get one entire season out of a flyline.

Response:

Hello all, This is my third year fly fishing and I am gearing up for another great season. I live in NH which I feel fortunate for because we have some fine fishing up here. My question…I’m wondering what the lifespan of my line is? I have scientific angler on my reel and it has served me well for the last two years I keep it clean and it casts smooth but is it time to retire it and re-line my reel? Upon examination the line seems to have many little kinks in it, I mean very small kinks, but it doesn’t seem to affect the cast. I need the proverbial collective wisdom. Keith

Cleaner and Dressing, Gehrke’s PZ.  It will return the plasticizers back into it.  Naturally, it is the only product in the world that can/will do that Keith.  If your fly line isn’t cracked yet, which is the next thing it will do if you start casting and stretching it in this condition (before PZ repairing it) you should get a new fly line even if for just a back up. Keep them in the fridge in the off season in zip lock bags.  This keeps the plasticizers from evaporating.  Fly lines DO HAVE a short shelf life.  They hate light, sun light, heat, and especially water but definitely, soap and water is worse still.  This statement trashes all the wives tales on how to best clean fly lines.  Do not use soap and water unless you have PZ Fly Line Dressing and Cleaner immediately at hand Keith.  Finally, if the cost of a fly line is of concern, trot down to Wal-Mart and get a Cortland fly line for only $11.57.  These are all I fish excepting of course Lee Wulff Triangle Taper Fly Lines. Hope this information is of help to you buddy. Mr. G. — Visit: http://www.gink.com        http://www.xink.com        http://www.rodbuilding.com        http://www.rodbuilder.com All Writings & Rights Reserved

Question:

This is a good idea.  We need an eight lined ‘Angler’s Toast’.  Maybe we need three or four of them? Mike Connor, you have been challenged to supply the first entry. Possibly, we should have an "Angler’s Toast Contest?"  for the Conclave?! shush!  quiet everyone.  There is a click of glasses and Wayne Harrison stands up to give a toast – "- ah?

Response:

Georg G: <<….shush!  quiet everyone.  There is a click of glasses and Wayne Harrison stands up to give a toast – "- ah? "Row tiddly row Defecate or bust Never let your testes Dangle in the dust." Hey, it worked in Japan 40+ years ago! Dave L.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Georg G: <<….shush!  quiet everyone.  There is a click of glasses and Wayne Harrison stands up to give a toast – "- ah? "Row tiddly row Defecate or bust Never let your testes Dangle in the dust." Hey, it worked in Japan 40+ years ago! Dave L.

— Mr. G. All Writings

Question:

What would the best ff be within easy reach of Vancouver in April?  Have to make a business trip to Asia and thought it might be worth doing a stopover — if it’s not too early in the season.  Steelhead?  Sea-run cutthroats?  Thanks for any info. George

Response:

: What would the best ff be within easy reach of Vancouver in April?  Have : to make a business trip to Asia and thought it might be worth doing a : stopover — if it’s not too early in the season.  Steelhead?  Sea-run : cutthroats?  Thanks for any info. If you’re early enough in April, there might still be some late-winter steelhead available in the Capilano (from downtown Van, take Georgia through Stanley Park and across the Lions Gate Bridge and you’re there; the Cap forms the boundary between North Van and West Van). That’s probably the closest; other options at that time of year include the Squamish and the Vedder, both of which are an hour or two away. Hopefully, the guys who live in Vancouver year-round can give more details; in the time I lived there, I was always a student, meaning that April started with final exams and ended with heading out of town to my summer jobs 3798 Woodland Drive     voice: (250) 368-9315 Trail, BC               data:  (250) 368-9341

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Vedder River steelies would probably be your best bet, if the river’s in shape.

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Suggest you look into fishing the Harrison River for Sea Run cutt’s. this can be a great time when the chum salmon fry move downstream and cutt’s cut through the dense schooles of fry. Kelly Davidson of Babcok Fly and tackle in Coquitlam BC. is A-1 one on knwoledge on this fishery; he guides as well. Squamish River has large steelhead and beautifull scenery. Arpil is prime time but runs have been low. Vedder amy be alrightfor FF at that time but it isn’t the best for FF steelhead.

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Question:

Hi, I just wanted to relate a good experience I’ve recently had with Orvis. I bought my first Orvis rod back in 1982 and built about a dozen rods from Orvis blanks for myself and others during the 80’s and early 90’s. Back in the early 80’s, when graphite was just beginning to emerge as the dominant rod blank material, Orvis basically had a stronghold on the market and concepts like lifetime guarantees on flyrods were pretty much unheard of. But today, there is fierce competition for the flyfishing tackle dollar and most vendors offer lifetime guarantees on both pre-built rods *and* blanks. Since Orvis does not offer guarantees on blanks, however, most of the rods I’ve built lately have been from other vendors’ components. So, when my Orvis PM-10 8wt rod snapped during a cast a couple of months ago, I basically said to myself: "Well, it looks like I’m going have to buy a new 8wt blank – and it’s *not* going to be an Orvis!" Instead of just giving up, however, I had the San Francisco Orvis shop send the rod back to the factory in Manchester, VT for "evaluation" (which I assumed meant they would soon be sending me a bill for repairs) and in the meantime I started making plans to buy a GLoomis IMX blank at a good sale price to replace it. But, to my suprise, the people in Manchester came through and replaced the blank free of charge after evaluating the blank as being defective – which seemed only reasonable, since the rod had snapped in a segment which was not related to any of my rodbuilding work. So, just when I had all but written Orvis off as being out of step with companies like GLoomis, Redington, Sage, etc. they came through for me in a big way even though there was no formal guarantee requiring them to do so. Anyway, I don’t intend this as an unfettered endorsement of Orvis over other vendors (I’ll certainly continue to buy my blanks from a wide cross section of vendors). But, I just felt I should give a little credit where credit was due. Regards, Fred

Response:

 IMX blank at a good sale price to replace it. But, to my suprise, the people in Manchester came through and replaced the blank free of charge after evaluating the blank as being defective – which seemed only reasonable, since the rod had snapped in a segment which was not related to any of my rodbuilding work. So, just when I had all but written Orvis off as being out of step with companies like GLoomis, Redington, Sage, etc. they came through for me in a big way even though there was no formal guarantee requiring them to do so.

Hi Fred, I know some of the people on this group are not happy with Orvis but I’ve always found them to be a good company to do business with.  Maybe in the future I’ll change my mind but nothing has happened yet to encourage that. – Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (97 catalog) http://www.flyshop.com/Expo/Specialty/BTsPdcts/index.html

Response:

I ordered a pair of hippers from Orvis.  I was not happy with the fabric (I wanted canvas not nylon/rubber).   I returned them immediately to Orvis for a full refund.   A month later I received a notice of recall for the hippers.  There was a defect in the waders which caused them to rub on your leg.  Included in the letter was a prepaid mailing label.  I had already mailed mine back so the label did not help me. BUT, the letter also mentioned that a $125.00 gift certificate (for my time and effort) would be issued as soon as the waders were returned.  I immediatly called Orvis with my explaination and I received the gift certificate a few days later. Now thats CUSTOMER SERVICE. David Clemmons

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I ordered a pair of hippers from Orvis.  I was not happy with the fabric (I wanted canvas not nylon/rubber).   I returned them immediately to Orvis for a full refund. A month later I received a notice of recall for the hippers.  There was a defect in the waders which caused them to rub on your leg.  Included in the letter was a prepaid mailing label.  I had already mailed mine back so the label did not help me. BUT, the letter also mentioned that a $125.00 gift certificate (for my time and effort) would be issued as soon as the waders were returned.  I immediatly called Orvis with my explaination and I received the gift certificate a few days later. Now thats CUSTOMER SERVICE. David Clemmons

I’ve also had great luck with them regarding returns. I’m sure this note will be followed by endless sob stories, but last year I had a long thorn streamside tear my waders. I took them back, and although they were more than 12 months old, they were replaced at no cost to me. Dittos! Keith in Waterford, VA

Response:

I also recently had an incredibly great experience with Orvis Customer Service.  While in Yellowstone in mid-September, one of my fishing partners broke the butt section of my little HLS 4 wt One-Ouncer.  I knew I had a 25-year guarantee, but I wondered what Orvis would do since they no longer make that rod.  I’ve tried their other one ounce rods and I don’t like them nearly as much as that old model. I returned the rod to the shop in Montana where I purchased it.  Since I carry my rods in a travel case while on the road, I didn’t have the case or sleeve. Low-and behold, 8 days after I dropped the rod off with the dealer, I got a big FedEx overnight package from Orvis.  It was a brand-new One Ouncer, complete with new case, and sleeve.  I was hoping I’d get a new butt section, but to get a whole new setup, and in such a short period of time was very impressive.  Needless to say, I’m extremely happy with their customer service. Bruce Jones

Response:

Question:

i am still always amazed when i see farm raised goldens for consumption at safeway… TimW

Response:

(AdFirmOne) writes: As you probably know, Goldens live above the 10,500 foot range.  I’ve fished for them quite a bit in the eastern Sierra.

<SNIP Not necessarily so, last year caught a nice 14" golden at a lake whose elevation was at 8200 ft.  Tough to find goldens in the Sierra below 10,000 ft., but they are there.  Check out Ralph Cutter’s Sierra Trout Guide.  It has all the fishable waters in the Sierra listed by county and whether a lake or a stream.  The listing not only includes what type of trout are in evidence there, but also what elevation and which topographical map it it can be found on.                                  Dan Dan Gracia                                                               Orvis West Coast Fly Fishing Schools If you kill that big fish you can’t catch ‘em again.  So what if they eat other fish?  If you kill the big ones there will only be little ones left (funny how that works!).

Response:

I agree that altitude is not the govering factor.  I know a lake in the norther sierra’s with goldens.  The lake is at roughly 7000′. No I won’t tell where.  It gets too much fishing preasure as it is. | |…… Seek harmony and balance in the mountains, find harmony and balance within…..

Response:

: I agree that altitude is not the govering factor.  I know a lake in : the norther sierra’s with goldens.  The lake is at roughly 7000′. I saw a mess of Goldens for sale in my local grocery store.  I couldn’t believe it!  I thought these fish were fairly rare? — Rick T. Rick Fletcher   –   http://www.chem.uidaho.edu/~fletcher/ Associate professor of chemistry  |  That’s Idaho, not Iowa.    | ad hominem University of Idaho               |  Upper Left Hand Corner.    | ad hominem Moscow, ID 83844-2343             |  No, I don’t grow potatoes. | ad hominem

Response:

: I agree that altitude is not the govering factor.  I know a lake in : the norther sierra’s with goldens.  The lake is at roughly 7000′. I saw a mess of Goldens for sale in my local grocery store.  I couldn’t believe it!  I thought these fish were fairly rare?

Those aren’t the same "goldens" that are often sought after here.  They’re farm grown fish with almost a solid gold color the bares no resemblance to the Volcano Creek or Little Kern Golden trout.  I’ve seen some pictures of "golden" trout that have been introduced in some of the high country lakes in Wyoming and they also bare little resemblance to the High Sierra natives.  They’re complete devoid of par marks and don’t have the red fins of the V.C. or L.K. golden.   — John Fereira Isis Distributed Systems – Ithaca, NY

Response:

I’ve seen some pictures of "golden" trout that have been introduced in some of the high country lakes in Wyoming and they also bare little resemblance to the High Sierra natives.  They’re complete devoid of par marks and don’t have the red fins of the V.C. or L.K. golden.  

That’s because they’ve grown to larger size.  I’ve caught small Goldens in Wyoming and Montana that fit your description.  The size of these smaller Wyoming trout matches the bigger California trout, and so does their coloration. Both rainbows and goldens loose their par marks as they get bigger. — -Wayne Trzyna

Response:

Both rainbows and goldens loose their par marks as they get bigger.

Not so.  California (e.g. Kern) goldens keep the par marks through life. Matt Carey – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – — -Wayne Trzyna

Response:

(AdFirmOne) writes: As you probably know, Goldens live above the 10,500 foot range.  I’ve fished for them quite a bit in the eastern Sierra. All the trips required at least a 8 hour hike in to get beyond the rainbows and brookies.  A short trip like yours doesn’t promise much when searching out these beautiful fish. Good luck tho. As I said, I know of one lake that contains goldens that can be reach by vehicle with sufficient ground clearance.  I also know of several others that require no more then an hour hike.  None of these are going to be high producers.  I would guess that none of these lakes are higher then 10,500′ in elevation either.  I’m not so sure that 10.5K or even 10K is some sort of magic number for Sierra Goldens.

Hi    Golden Trout were rainbow trout less than 50,000 years ago.  They evolved into goldens in the Kern River system as low as 7,000 ft. They are considered a high elevation fish largely because that was where we planted them in the mid 1800s and early 1900’s.  They have the ability to live in most waters that can support bows.    There are about a dozen roadside golden trout waters and many less than an hour from the car (don’t ask). You’ll need to do some sleuthing, but that’s half the fun!    Tight lines, Ralph —

Response:

Hello, I tried to post something like this already, but it doesn’t seem to have made it. My family is going on a weekend trip camping and fishing.  We are looking for possible sites to find some golden trout, but with the tight constraints–we are on a 2-day weekend trip.  This limits how far we can pack in and how far from LA (where the rest of my family lives) we can go. Any information would be helpful and appreciated. Thanks, Matt Carey

Response:

Matt      It has been a few years but about 30-40  miles north of Bishop is a lake called convict lake. It’s fising used to be outstanding. Hike above this lake they say about 3 miles and you come to some very high mountain lakes that used to have golden trout. I tried this hike once with may not so good leg and never reached these lakes but am told they are there and seen them on the maps.      I think Convict lake’s resort used to have an internet site. Look for it at any web search engine (webcrawler, altavista, infoseek, etc.). This used to be one of my favorite fishing spots. Watch the weather reports for the storms come upon this area VERY quickly. HTH Tom – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, I tried to post something like this already, but it doesn’t seem to have made it. My family is going on a weekend trip camping and fishing.  We are looking for possible sites to find some golden trout, but with the tight constraints–we are on a 2-day weekend trip.  This limits how far we can pack in and how far from LA (where the rest of my family lives) we can go. Any information would be helpful and appreciated. Thanks, Matt Carey

Response:

In ‘89 I did a trip up to Lake Mildred (or Martha, not sure of the name)…it’s the first lake in the chain above Convict. That lake produced many fish, but no goldens…Convict Lake was terribly crowded and I’m sure it hasn’t gotten any better…. I’ll be fishing in the Lone Pine/Whiteny area the 4th of July weekend…hoping to get up to some of the higher lakes in that area…I’ll let you all know what happens.

Response:

As you probably know, Goldens live above the 10,500 foot range.  I’ve fished for them quite a bit in the eastern Sierra. All the trips required at least a 8 hour hike in to get beyond the rainbows and brookies.  A short trip like yours doesn’t promise much when searching out these beautiful fish. Good luck tho.

Response:

There are a few places that do not require 8 hour hikes. More like 15 minutes or less. (These places should be held dear, but they do not hold large goldens-if there are such a thing). Some of these are roads approaching the Kern River drainage and some of the Sierra mountain pass roads. Mail me directly and I can give you a little more info. -Don M.

Response:

Matt     It has been a few years but about 30-40  miles north of Bishop is a lake called convict lake. It’s fising used to be outstanding. Hike above this lake they say about 3 miles and you come to some very high mountain lakes that used to have golden trout. I tried this hike once with may not so good leg and never reached these lakes but am told they are there and seen them on the maps.

There are quite a few lakes in this area along the eastern slope of the Sierra that are about the same distance from a lake that you can drive to.  Go up over Piute pass (out of Rock Creek) and you’ll get into some good Golden Trout country as well.  In the June Lake area Gibbs and Kidney lake are about the same distance *up* as the lake above Convict lake.  There are some golden trout lakes in the Mammoth Lakes and 20 Lakes Basin (near Saddlebag Lake). I even know of a lake that you can drive to that is a bit further north that has Golden trout in it. I’m a bit reluctant to provide a lot of details about a lot of these places however.  I wouldn’t have hesitated about 3-4 years ago but with the commercialization of the net I’m afraid that I’d see a pay-per-view web site or a 1-900 number with all the Golden trout lakes for anyone (and everyone) to use to find these spots.   — John Fereira Isis Distributed Systems – Ithaca, NY

Response:

As you probably know, Goldens live above the 10,500 foot range.  I’ve fished for them quite a bit in the eastern Sierra. All the trips required at least a 8 hour hike in to get beyond the rainbows and brookies.  A short trip like yours doesn’t promise much when searching out these beautiful fish. Good luck tho.

As I said, I know of one lake that contains goldens that can be reach by vehicle with sufficient ground clearance.  I also know of several others that require no more then an hour hike.  None of these are going to be high producers.  I would guess that none of these lakes are higher then 10,500′ in elevation either.  I’m not so sure that 10.5K or even 10K is some sort of magic number for Sierra Goldens. — John Fereira Isis Distributed Systems – Ithaca, NY

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Stuff Deleted… As I said, I know of one lake that contains goldens that can be reach by vehicle with sufficient ground clearance.  I also know of several others that require no more then an hour hike.  None of these are going to be high producers.  I would guess that none of these lakes are higher then 10,500′ in elevation either.  I’m not so sure that 10.5K or even 10K is some sort of magic number for Sierra Goldens. — John Fereira Isis Distributed Systems – Ithaca, NY

Elevation isn’t the determining factor, as you have said. It’s the temp. and cleanness of the water. It’s just that you tend to find both at higher elevations. It also seems that you are fishing the same places I am. Please don’t post the locations. It took me years of hiking and searching to find these places. I would hate to see them become the next hot spot to go fly fishing. Darryl Hayashida

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AdFirmOne sandbags: : As you probably know, Goldens live above the 10,500 foot range.  I’ve : fished for them quite a bit in the eastern Sierra. All the trips required : at least a 8 hour hike in to get beyond the rainbows and brookies.  A : short trip like yours doesn’t promise much when searching out these : beautiful fish. Good luck tho. Nice try- Do you think the Kern is at 10.5K?  More like 6,000.  Basically, Goldens live in clean, cold water and are very sensitive to environmental impact.  There really is no altitude limit, as evidenced by their presence in many lakes and streams throughout the easter sierras.  Sure, you can hike to lakes at 9,000-10,000 ft. and catch goldens.  In fact, the DFG uses some remote lakes around cottonwood pass for hatcheries (*DO NOT* fish at these lakes- it’s illegal).  However, this does not mean that goldens aren’t found at lower elevations.  Many streams are within a few hours hike, and some lakes have parking lots a few miles from the shore- both contain goldens. Get a topo, and call some fly shops in the bishop area. Best regards, Hans — "The worst monotonous drone coming from a lectern or the most eye-splitting textbook written in turgid English is nothing in comparison to the psychological Sahara that starts right in your bedroom and spurns the horizon."         -Joseph Brodsky, from "In praise of Boredom"          delivered as a commencement address at Dartmouth College. Hans T.H. Beernink, Department of Biochemistry, University of Vermont

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Question:

I am thinking of moving to Phoenix, but I want o know if there is anywhere to flyfish out there.  If anyone could help me I would appreciate it.

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I am thinking of moving to Phoenix, but I want o know if there is anywhere to flyfish out there.  If anyone could help me I would appreciate it.

By out there, I assume you mean Arizona in general. There are at least a dozen bass lakes within 1-2 hours of Phoenix, most of which support largemouth, smallmouth, crappies, panfish, whitebass, etc. Within 2-3 hours you can reach the Flagstaff Area which is surrounded by one of the largest Ponderosa Pine forests in the U.S. (7000+ ft elevation). There are a variety of lakes with rainbows, browns, walleye, northern pike and a few streams (rainbows/browns) in the area. Then 3-4 hours will bring you to the White Mountains/Apache Indian Reservation and some of the best fishing in the state. There are many lakes/streams/creeks in the area which support browns, rainbows, grayling, and native species such as the Apache and Gila trout. Recent fishing reports have mentioned quite a few 3-5 pound rainbows being caught (and hopefully released) at some of the White Mountain lakes. I shouldn’t fail to mention Lee’s Ferry on the Colorado River, 4-5 hours from Phoenix, a definite Blue-Ribbon tailwater fishery (barbless hooks, fly/artifical lure only, and slot limits). Of course, 6-10 hours will get you to quite a few places in Utah, New Mexico, and Colorado including San Juan, Animas, Boulder Mountain, etc. And don’t forget, AZ is close to Mexico and saltwater flyfishing If you want some more specific information you can contact the folks at Canyon Creek Anglers (a flyshop in Phoenix) at 602-277-8195.

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Question:

From an avid fly-fisher living in the worst fly-fishing area in the world: HELP! Living in eastern Kansas, (having come from western Montana), the only trout I have heard about in this area are lake trout in Lake Shawnee near Topeka, KS. My question is:  Is there a way to fly-fish for lake Trout?  Won’t they more  than likely be bottom feeding?  How do I get down to them without having to (gag) bring out my spinning reel?  Am I just out of luck?                         BK Devlin

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You’re not going to like this but you can only do well on lakers when the water temps near optimum up top.  Unless you use uranium core sinking lines.  It’s switch to carp.  They hit Italian dry flies — cubes of bread — nicely and fight like freshwater bonefish.   It’s only a couple of days to Idaho. — ** Louis Bignami, Publisher         http://www.finefishing.com Fine Fishing Internet Magazine                "largest fishing mag on the Net" **

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Question:

writes:  Can someone give me a guide to estimating the weight of trout in  the 12-24 inch range. Just a guestimate chart would do. I know  there are a lot of variables. Many thanks.  –  Scott Branyan  Rogers, AR

<grin NZ limits restrict us to fish over 13" down here, so I ain’t gonna be of much assistance I am afraid. One of the more important factors down here is taken by a Condition factor variable, taking into account weight, length and girth. So most *Serious* kiwi anglers don’t like to take those fish below anything less than say 4-5lb. We have an extremely active conservation movement in most areas considered "Trophy" catchments, whereby one can donate the fish for hatchery purposes when exceeding Condition factors of in excess 80-85. This is achieved by way of permanent nets suspended below rubber tyre tubes anchored near the more popular spots, that or the many hatchery traps found a short distance upstream from a lake outlet. The movement towards catch and release in NZ has found great support in recent years, with only the minimum being taken for domestic purposes. You may be interested to know, that it is illegal to sell, buy or market Trout in NZ, other than by specific virtue of the Internal Affairs department, mainly for Tourism purposes. Back to your question however, ummmmm … no sorry <grin Just thought you might be interested in a different perspective . <smile. Regards .. Tim.D Wellington, New Zealand.

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 <<Can someone give me a guide to estimating the weight of trout in the 12-24 inch range. … Hi Scott- I have a chart that will figure the weight of any trout you’ll ever catch. *it’s free for the asking* On the back it has a lot of equally cool info. We include it in our student handouts…. *don’t be bashful, I encourage you to use them (rather than weigh the fish till its dead)*

I just guesstimate the length of the fish (relative to a mark on the rod) then (length in inches)cubed/1870 ~ pounds…. crude but works ok for typical stream/river trout this puts 12" at 1lb and 24inch at 7lb (perhaps high unless the fishery is rich and the trout are heavy- )    If you have a club and want a bunch just ask! (don’t worry. it’s free and we won’t put you on our perpetual mailing list of fly fishing junk mail unless you specifically request it!)    Tight Lines, Ralph —

our page at http://www.insideout.com/current/s_fish.htm) BTW Ralph, I really like your book! Mike

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Kumlien) writes: I have been told by fisheries biologists that the following formula works well for computing weight of any species of fish.  I once met British Columbia steelhead biologist who told me they use this formula for weight estimates for biological work.  I have tried it a lot, and it seems pretty reliable.  Here it is.  Lenght x (girth squared) divided by 800=weight in pounds.  i.e.  20 inch trout with 10 inch girth would figure out to 2000/ 800=2 1/2 pounds and so on.  Try it out.  Dave That’s great for streamside, but when hearing about it from the angler, you must reduce it .167823% for each oz. of alcohol consumed prior to the recounting of the catch.

And what about a nice formula to calculate with the Metric system: Meter, Kilo etc. (so it becomes a global tool). == The Flyfishing Dutchman ==

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<<Can someone give me a guide to estimating the weight of trout in the 12-24 inch range. Just a guestimate chart would do. I know there are a lot of variables. Many thanks.

Hi Scott- I have a chart that will figure the weight of any trout you’ll ever catch. *it’s free for the asking* On the back it has a lot of equally cool info. We include it in our student handouts.    If you (or anyone else out there) would like one, send me your snail mail address and I’ll be happy to get it to you. *don’t be bashful, I encourage you to use them (rather than weigh the fish till its dead)*    If you have a club and want a bunch just ask! (don’t worry. it’s free and we won’t put you on our perpetual mailing list of fly fishing junk mail unless you specifically request it!)    Tight Lines, Ralph —

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Kumlien) writes: I have been told by fisheries biologists that the following formula works well for computing weight of any species of fish.  I once met British Columbia steelhead biologist who told me they use this formula for weight estimates for biological work.  I have tried it a lot, and it seems pretty reliable.  Here it is.  Lenght x (girth squared) divided by 800=weight in pounds.  i.e.  20 inch trout with 10 inch girth would figure out to 2000/ 800=2 1/2 pounds and so on.  Try it out.  Dave

That’s great for streamside, but when hearing about it from the angler, you must reduce it .167823% for each oz. of alcohol consumed prior to the recounting of the catch.

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Can someone give me a guide to estimating the weight of trout in the 12-24 inch range. Just a guestimate chart would do. I know there are a lot of variables. Many thanks. — Scott Branyan Rogers, AR

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I have been told by fisheries biologists that the following formula works well for computing weight of any species of fish.  I once met British Columbia steelhead biologist who told me they use this formula for weight estimates for biological work.  I have tried it a lot, and it seems pretty reliable.  Here it is.  Lenght x (girth squared) divided by 800=weight in pounds.  i.e.  20 inch trout with 10 inch girth would figure out to 2000/ 800=2 1/2 pounds and so on.  Try it out.  Dave

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Question:

thanks for your leader info. Thanks for your information. I worked this out a little better since i last posted. I have a 12 wght also, and a beefy battenkill reel that has yet to sing. I took the mono off the front of the s-head, and left a foot long butt of mono on it with a perfection loop. I practiced delivering 3/0 deceivers on a commercial Scientific A’s tapered leader. A 9′ 12 lb test worked great. Now I think I am going to take the mono off the back of the 30 s-head and go with some floating or intermediate line that won’t tangle in my dish bucket If the dish bucket hoses again with real line……I will glue in "finger"s in the bottom of the bucket. I live in northern california, but am headed back to mom’s in south jersey in 2 weeks, a 52 lber was caught in Holgate last week in the surf. What kind of strip and retrieve are you doing? Have you seen the Jeff Mancini video? Are you making your own epoxy poppers?? Steve in Santa Cruz

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writes: I live in northern california, but am headed back to mom’s in south jersey in 2 weeks, a 52 lber was caught in Holgate last week in the surf.

we’ll make arrangments to meet on the surf. That 52 lber sure got my attention quick. What kind of strip and retrieve are you doing?

I had been doing a one handed strip all the time until I got a tip from Darren Lew (see earlier post on stripping). Today I alternated with a two handed strip and found the hook setting to be much more reliable (and firm). Darren had some interesting points on the additional fly speed and retrieve control of the two handed strip. I still find, however, that a one handed strip provides unmatched jigging action on flies with lots of material to flail in the water (Tabory Snake flies, big Deceivers, rabbit hide strips, etc.). I just got some Martha’s Vinyard Squid Flies from Orvis in the mail today and can’t wait to get ‘em wet in the surf! Have you seen the Jeff Mancini video?

Yup. A buddy brought it over while we were still in the dead of winter here in NY and I’ve been hooked since ;^) I also met the guy during an outdoorsman show in Rockland county back in February. Seems nice, but we didn’t get too much time to talk (he was swarmed by too many glassy eyed folks overcome with excitement in the presence of such an international celebrity 8^). There is a post in this group with his home phone number…. Are you making your own epoxy poppers??

Since I just got started with fly fishing this year, I haven’t accumulated all the toys yet. I figured I’d get some pre-tied first so I couldn’t blame my unsuccessfull outings on bad fly tying. Now that a buddy has shown me how simple some of the saltwater flys are to tie, I’ll be picking up a vice any day now… Look forward to hearing from you! HH&TL,     Jose

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