Question:

All, A man I knew for the last 25 years as a dear friend and a fly fisherman passed away last night at the age of 68. This man survived the Korean War flying some of our best jets of that time and continued flying until medical problems grounded him. His main interest in life was fly fishing and fly tying.  When he could not find the materials he wanted for tying or fishing, he made them. He even defied the odds and manufactured his own fly rods and produced some of the finest rods I’ve ever had the privilege to cast. I know that many on this list were his friend and will also miss him. This list will miss his quips and comments. Whether you agreed with him or not, he did made you think. George, we will all miss you. In memory of George Gehrke, Karl Snyder — a friend

Response:

In memory of George Gehrke, Karl Snyder — a friend

Friend or foe, from all I’ve heard, he was an excellent angler.  Tight lines George. — Frank Reid Reverse email to reply

Response:

In memory of George Gehrke,

It’s good he was able to make it to the Henrys Fork Clave, and probably why he strived to get there. He obviously enjoyed himself there, and (for better or worse) enjoyed frequenting roff. My thoughts are with his friends and family. — TL, George. Tim

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – All, A man I knew for the last 25 years as a dear friend and a fly fisherman passed away last night at the age of 68. This man survived the Korean War flying some of our best jets of that time and continued flying until medical problems grounded him. His main interest in life was fly fishing and fly tying.  When he could not find the materials he wanted for tying or fishing, he made them. He even defied the odds and manufactured his own fly rods and produced some of the finest rods I’ve ever had the privilege to cast. I know that many on this list were his friend and will also miss him. This list will miss his quips and comments. Whether you agreed with him or not, he did made you think. George, we will all miss you. In memory of George Gehrke, Karl Snyder — a friend

Very sorry to hear that, Karl. No matter if the people on this list were his friends or not, I think that we all will miss his posts, for sure I will. Even if I didn

Question:

Hello everyone! I’ve really enjoyed a couple of fish documentaries I’ve seen on TV lately. I thought I’d prepare for the cabin fever by getting a couple of such documentaries (or just general fishing stories) on DVD, if I could find some good ones. Anyone seen any good river/fish documentaries or fishing programs on DVD? — Jarmo Hurri address or apply rot13 to header email address.

Response:

Hello everyone! I’ve really enjoyed a couple of fish documentaries I’ve seen on TV lately. I thought I’d prepare for the cabin fever by getting a couple of such documentaries (or just general fishing stories) on DVD, if I could find some good ones. Anyone seen any good river/fish documentaries or fishing programs on DVD?

Fly Fishing Yellowstone Hatches, w/ Craig Mathews

Response:

Anyone seen any good river/fish documentaries or fishing programs on DVD?

Jeff Fly Fishing Yellowstone Hatches, w/ Craig Mathews Looks pretty interesting, thanks. — Jarmo Hurri address or apply rot13 to header email address.

Response:

Question:

You guys (meant respectfully, plurally, and either gender) were great when I asked about your candidates for the best vise going. Now, if you will take me out of my misery again, this time… please … Which wader. Are breathables as good as neoprene in cold weather, if you wear longjohns (or whatever) under them? In very cold weather? I fish Oregon rivers and will be going to Wyoming at the end of October. Yellowstone, etc. Are breathables okay in very warm weather? I know from previous posts that many of you swear by Orvis, while others — at least one among you — swore by Simms. I lean toward Simms but wonder if they are worth the money. There is quite a price spread. I’m inclined to spring for the difference if justified because my nylons are beginning to look they came out of a glue pot. And, thinking of another recent thread, does anyone selling Simms blink on the price. Larry R (About the thread on vises: I wanted to check out the Darnica, or Danica, but couldn’t find it anywhere. Someone said Orvis sells it under a different name, but I couldn’t tell because their vises all seem to have recognizable brands.)

Response:

I too am an Oregonian and began using Neoprenes with the old James Scott unlined ones….great smell to them after a couple of outings, sort of like the Chicago stockyards on a hot August day.  With the advent of breathables I’d never wear another Neoprene wader, winter or summer…breathables all the way, in the summer a pair of light weight capilene long johns to keep the moisture off the skin and prevent a case of rosy red ass from cropping up on the 3d or 4th day of a trip. When it is really cold (like the Sandy in January, Idaho in October ) Patagonia Expedition weight long johns or lt. long johns under a lt. wt capilene pant is the ticket for me. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – You guys (meant respectfully, plurally, and either gender) were great when I asked about your candidates for the best vise going. Now, if you will take me out of my misery again, this time… please … Which wader. Are breathables as good as neoprene in cold weather, if you wear longjohns (or whatever) under them? In very cold weather? I fish Oregon rivers and will be going to Wyoming at the end of October. Yellowstone, etc. Are breathables okay in very warm weather? I know from previous posts that many of you swear by Orvis, while others — at least one among you — swore by Simms. I lean toward Simms but wonder if they are worth the money. There is quite a price spread. I’m inclined to spring for the difference if justified because my nylons are beginning to look they came out of a glue pot. And, thinking of another recent thread, does anyone selling Simms blink on the price. Larry R (About the thread on vises: I wanted to check out the Darnica, or Danica, but couldn’t find it anywhere. Someone said Orvis sells it under a different name, but I couldn’t tell because their vises all seem to have recognizable brands.)

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

Response:

Which wader.

I haven’t tried the breathables yet, I think the jury is still out on those, some seem to like them some don’t. Last year I decided that my old Hodgeman neo’s had shrunk enough (:-)) and that I needed a larger size. I had a LL Bean gift certificate that was a Christmas present so I went down to Freeport and got fitted for a nice pair of waders. Compared to my old Hodgeman’s these things are fantastic. Guess I’m a neoprene guy, but then I float tube in some pretty darn cold water and I can’t imagine using a pair of breathables for that purpose. Under the neo’s I wear a pair of polypro johhnies that I got on sale at the Fly shop in Greenville Maine…this has turned out to be the best setup I’ve had yet. Flyfish

Response:

Are breathables as good as neoprene in cold weather…

I tested the Simms Goretex on 2 trips to Alaska this year. When wading in knee-deep darn-cold water, and while hiking, they were far better than neoprene.  When in waist-deep darn-cold water, even with 300 polartec pants and wool socks, I started to chill quickly.  When sitting in a semi-cold wet raft, those portions of the waders that were in contact with the raft or other objects lost their functionality, and it seemed like wet-spots were forming on the inside of the waders and there was zero heat retention. During one day of rafting I was on the verge of hypothermia in the Simms Goretex whereas I’m 100% sure I would have been warm in neoprene. My overall take is this.  All breathable waders are good *if and only if* they get a change to breath and vent off any moisture buildup which would otherwise wick warmth away from the body. Time-extended or deep wading, or sitting or leaning on surfaces causes moisture buildup followed by rapid heat loss.  Neoprene on the other hand might get damp inside from sweat, but its a "warm damp". As I resume winter steelheading, I’ll be back in the neoprene. Thomas Gilg

Response:

I have the 3.5 mil neoprene waders, and find them to be uncomfortably warm most of the time in Oregon.  If I was getting out often enough to justify the price, I’d get a set of lightweight breathable ones and a pair of fleece pants to wear underneath in colder conditions. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Are breathables as good as neoprene in cold weather, if you wear longjohns (or whatever) under them? In very cold weather? I fish Oregon rivers and will be going to Wyoming at the end of October. Yellowstone, etc. Are breathables okay in very warm weather?

Response:

When Neoprenes are too hot, why not wade wet? Willi – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have the 3.5 mil neoprene waders, and find them to be uncomfortably warm most of the time in Oregon.  If I was getting out often enough to justify the price, I’d get a set of lightweight breathable ones and a pair of fleece pants to wear underneath in colder conditions. Are breathables as good as neoprene in cold weather, if you wear longjohns (or whatever) under them? In very cold weather? I fish Oregon rivers and will be going to Wyoming at the end of October. Yellowstone, etc. Are breathables okay in very warm weather?

Response:

I used to wade wet in the summer, but the snow melt in the Sierras can be very cold, so I started using lightweight stocking foot hip waders and never get too warm or too cold. Ernie Harrison See Ernie’s Fly-Fishing Stuff:   http://home.pacbell.net/ernie2

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -When Neoprenes are too hot, why not wade wet? Willi I have the 3.5 mil neoprene waders, and find them to be uncomfortably warm most of the time in Oregon.  If I was getting out often enough to justify the price, I’d get a set of lightweight breathable ones and a pair of fleece pants to wear underneath in colder conditions.

Response:

re breathables as good as neoprene in cold weather, if you wear longjohns (or whatever) under them? In very cold weather? I fish Oregon rivers and will be going to Wyoming at the end of October. Yellowstone, etc.

I believe the breathables are as good or better than neoprenes in the winter provided the appropiate undergarments are worn. I usually wear a pair of long underwear and depending upon the weather and mood, flannel lined jeans or fleece pants and good socks (wool usually). Are breathables okay in very warm weather?

Yes as long as your in the water. They may breathe but on a hot day, waders are still waders when walking back out. I know from previous posts that many of you swear by Orvis, while others — at least one among you — swore by Simms. I lean toward Simms but wonder if they are worth the money. There is quite a price spread. I’m inclined to spring for the difference if justified because my nylons are beginning to look they came out of a glue pot.

I swear by Simms. and as far as I’m concerned, comparing them to other *cheaper* breathable waders I’ve seen, there is no comparison.  But there are other good brands coming out or are out (Patagonia, LL Bean, Ronny, etc). I think you first need to decide Gore Tex or not. Simms is gore tex, Orvis is not. Not saying that one is better than the other, but the gore tex stuff often carries a premium. Wayne Knight (remove nospam to respond via mail) Expert in the creation of  wind knots and tailing loops.

Response:

I wear my breathables only in the summer and ony for wading. Not for belly boating. I ran into a pair of old guys (70s) who were wearing breathables with long johns and several other layers in the dead of winter. I were 3mm in the early fall and 5 mm in the winter and in the spring belly boating with more or less layers underneath. Breathables are much more comfortable and I’d wear them all the time if I didn’t suffer urinary types of distress when I cold soak my ah…crotch. I’ve got the LL Bean bullet proof breathables with Kevlar since I do lots of bushwhacking through stuff that rips up normal breathables or neoprenes. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – You guys (meant respectfully, plurally, and either gender) were great when I asked about your candidates for the best vise going. Now, if you will take me out of my misery again, this time… please … Which wader. Are breathables as good as neoprene in cold weather, if you wear longjohns (or whatever) under them? In very cold weather? I fish Oregon rivers and will be going to Wyoming at the end of October. Yellowstone, etc. Are breathables okay in very warm weather? I know from previous posts that many of you swear by Orvis, while others — at least one among you — swore by Simms. I lean toward Simms but wonder if they are worth the money. There is quite a price spread. I’m inclined to spring for the difference if justified because my nylons are beginning to look they came out of a glue pot. And, thinking of another recent thread, does anyone selling Simms blink on the price. Larry R (About the thread on vises: I wanted to check out the Darnica, or Danica, but couldn’t find it anywhere. Someone said Orvis sells it under a different name, but I couldn’t tell because their vises all seem to have recognizable brands.)

Response:

<tale of woe snipped Sounds like a case of bad layering techniques.  Try wearing something that will keep you dry and allow the moisture to escape.  Wearing materials that absorb and keep water is not something one would consider appropriate for wearing under breathables. I have found wearing fleece to be most comfortable.  I know the winters here in Montana don’t get as cold as Alaska, but it does get colder than a witches tit in a brass bra here.  On extremely cold days I still slip into my neoprenes, but for the most part I wear my breathables and just layer myself underneath. With proper layering you will stay warm and dry and not have any sad tales to tell. Here is an example of what I wear: 2  sets of long johns 1 set of fleece bibs 1 pair of sweats pants 2 pair of heavy wool socks 1 sweatshirt 1 fleece jacket 1 Gore-Tex jacket to stop wind / keep dry With this setup I am comfortable on those really cold days.  Other times I don’t need as much and find myself shedding an upper layer or two. The key is wearing materials that don’t absorb and hold water close to the skin. Hope this helps.  Stay warm. Warren

Response:

Agree with most of your post except the part about sweat pants and sweatshirt. Most of these are made of cotton and cotton loses its ability to insulate after it gets wet. So if the moisture is wicked by the fleece layer to the cotton, you have a soggy layer that’s providing no heat retention. Wool, however, does retain its insulating properties when wet but gets soggy nonetheless. Polypropylene fleece is the best all around in my opinion for wicking and maintaining its insulating properties. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – <tale of woe snipped Sounds like a case of bad layering techniques.  Try wearing something that will keep you dry and allow the moisture to escape.  Wearing materials that absorb and keep water is not something one would consider appropriate for wearing under breathables. I have found wearing fleece to be most comfortable.  I know the winters here in Montana don’t get as cold as Alaska, but it does get colder than a witches tit in a brass bra here.  On extremely cold days I still slip into my neoprenes, but for the most part I wear my breathables and just layer myself underneath. With proper layering you will stay warm and dry and not have any sad tales to tell. Here is an example of what I wear: 2  sets of long johns 1 set of fleece bibs 1 pair of sweats pants 2 pair of heavy wool socks 1 sweatshirt 1 fleece jacket 1 Gore-Tex jacket to stop wind / keep dry With this setup I am comfortable on those really cold days.  Other times I don’t need as much and find myself shedding an upper layer or two. The key is wearing materials that don’t absorb and hold water close to the skin. Hope this helps.  Stay warm. Warren

Response:

Two sets of long johns, fleece bibs, and a pair of sweat pants? Judas, man, how the hell do you walk with all that around your gams? Must be hell when you gotta pee.

Actually it isn’t.  The bibs have a zipper at the bottom of the fly as well as the top.  The long johns are the old fashioned "union suits" that have buttons all down the front and a trap door in the rear.  The sweats are elastic at the waist.  I leave the long johns unbuttoned at the last button so it is easily accessable.   Walking isn’t a problem because I buy my waders a little large so it all fits. It is really only slightly more bulky than neoprenes. Warren

Response:

Two sets of long johns, fleece bibs, and a pair of sweat pants? Judas, man, how the hell do you walk with all that around your gams? Must be hell when you gotta pee. -wf – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – <tale of woe snipped Sounds like a case of bad layering techniques.  Try wearing something that will keep you dry and allow the moisture to escape.  Wearing materials that absorb and keep water is not something one would consider appropriate for wearing under breathables. I have found wearing fleece to be most comfortable.  I know the winters here in Montana don’t get as cold as Alaska, but it does get colder than a witches tit in a brass bra here.  On extremely cold days I still slip into my neoprenes, but for the most part I wear my breathables and just layer myself underneath. With proper layering you will stay warm and dry and not have any sad tales to tell. Here is an example of what I wear: 2  sets of long johns 1 set of fleece bibs 1 pair of sweats pants 2 pair of heavy wool socks 1 sweatshirt 1 fleece jacket 1 Gore-Tex jacket to stop wind / keep dry With this setup I am comfortable on those really cold days.  Other times I don’t need as much and find myself shedding an upper layer or two. The key is wearing materials that don’t absorb and hold water close to the skin. Hope this helps.  Stay warm. Warren

Response:

When Neoprenes are too hot, why not wade wet? Willi

Because the air temp may be warm, but the water cold as hell after the snow melts. Warren

Response:

0] : … : (About the thread on vises: I wanted to check out the Darnica, or : Danica, but couldn’t find it anywhere. Someone said Orvis sells it under : a different name, but I couldn’t tell because their vises all seem to : have recognizable brands.) See Al Beatty’s web page http://www.btsflyfishing.com  He sells the Danica vise and is a real straight shooter. You won’t go wrong dealing with him. Mike — Michael McGuire                     Hewlett Packard Laboratories  (remove x’s from email if not      Palo Alto, CA 94303-0971   a spammer) Phone: (650)-857-5491              

Response:

Question:

This summer I’m interested in fishing the flats in SW Florida (Ft Meyers area and south in to the Everglades).  Does anyone have recommendations for good guides?  Thanks

Response:

If they are booked up they will find you a guide in the area. — <*))))< Paul Phillips Director of Operations Fintastic Fish Mounts http://www.fintastic.com/ – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This summer I’m interested in fishing the flats in SW Florida (Ft Meyers area and south in to the Everglades).  Does anyone have recommendations for good guides?  Thanks

Response:

Check with Capt. Andrew Bostick 941-394-3010 Tell him Capt. Tommy Robinson sent you http://www.floridaredfish.com – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This summer I’m interested in fishing the flats in SW Florida (Ft Meyers area and south in to the Everglades).  Does anyone have recommendations for good guides?  Thanks

Response:

Try Capt. Chris Asaro. He has a site at <http://www.sightfish.net/ . – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This summer I’m interested in fishing the flats in SW Florida (Ft Meyers area and south in to the Everglades).  Does anyone have recommendations for good guides?  Thanks

Response:

Question:

I can beat that one – I caught a fly that I lost two weeks prior on the Salmon River in upstate NY right in the eye!! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I once caught a dead raccoon on a nymph…someone had set a steel-jawed trap which got the raccoon by the creek and it had drowned. Strange catches I’ve had, A Swallow who took my dry fly off the surface of the water. This was very interesting, Them little birds put up a pretty good fight. And yes it was catch and release for this critter. On another outing, I caught a Mud Hen, simular to a duck, but with a pointed beak. Caught this critter on the foot on a streamer. Guess we got snagged up together while he was swimming under water. Thought I had hooked into a record fish before the bird came jumping out of the water with my streamer tangled in its feet. Took me right down to the backing and then some before breaking the #5 tippet.

Response:

I once caught a dead raccoon on a nymph…someone had set a steel-jawed trap which got the raccoon by the creek and it had drowned. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Strange catches I’ve had, A Swallow who took my dry fly off the surface of the water. This was very interesting, Them little birds put up a pretty good fight. And yes it was catch and release for this critter. On another outing, I caught a Mud Hen, simular to a duck, but with a pointed beak. Caught this critter on the foot on a streamer. Guess we got snagged up together while he was swimming under water. Thought I had hooked into a record fish before the bird came jumping out of the water with my streamer tangled in its feet. Took me right down to the backing and then some before breaking the #5 tippet.

Response:

I caught a bat on a dry fly after he picked it up off the water.

I, too, hooked a bat on a dry fly – on my back cast. It crash landed under a huge overhanging Sycamore next to a cutbank, and was immediately grabbed by a huge brown trout. This was on the East Branch of the Delaware below Shinhopple. I was about 12 years old at the time. I’m 53 now, and still trying to come up with a recipe for a "batfly" I can actually cast. Regards, Dennis Loveland, CO

Response:

My strangest catch happened when I technically wasn’t even fishing. Years ago, my friend Walt and I and our wives were camping at a high sierra lake and he and I were fishing from a boat. We quit fishing when it got dark and headed back toward camp, and in the total darkness were following the snowbanks visible on shore as reference points. Being this dark, I was being cautious (and cold) and had the motor at a real low speed. As we were slowly moving along, we suddenly heard a thump as something  landed in the boat and began thrashing around. We turned on the flashlight only to find a 10" rainbow had attempted to commit suicide by jumping into the boat. We were both stunned and began laughing and asked each other if we could believe what we just saw happen. Of course, our wives didn’t believe a word of it and accused us of working overtime on a good "fishing tale". To this day Walt and I crack up whenever we talk about it. FS – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My strangest catch is actually my wife’s. We were bait-fishing for bluegill in Wisconsin twelve years ago (before I learned fly fishing).  She was using a little 3 foot  kid’s rod with a Zebco 202 Jr. reel. She hooked a little bait stealer bluegill about 2 inches long.  as she brought it over the side of the row boat, I saw something out of the corner of my eye flying over the side of the boat, in pursuit of the little bluegill.  It was long and thin with a very large mouth filled with teeth. It landed in between us…right on top of my open tackle box (there is a lesson in that)  and thrashed around. Thinking it a snake, I almost jumped out of the boat!  But it turned out to be a 25 1/2 inch Northern Pike!  Since we caught it "on the fly"  I guess you could call it "fly" fishing. Tight lines…… Ken Wells Saturday when I went fishing, I managed to wrap my leader around a dragon fly while it was going by. I was so astounded I just stood there and watched the dragon fly go around in circles. Finally the dragon fly landed in the stream, and when it did a bass tried to jump on it, but I guess that helped untangle the dragon fly and both bass and dragon fly went on their way. I did catch a lot of nice small mouth bass and panfish too. I know this sounds like a fish story, but it is true.

Response:

I had a similar experience yesterday.  I was casting a wooly bugger to a decent largemouth I had spotted hiding under a tallish bridge.  On my second or third sidearm cast, a swallow went zipping by just in time to have my tippet about 4 inches up from my fly land across its back.  He took my fly 6-7 feet off course before slipping out from under my leader. Come to think of it, that may have been the best fight I had all day. : Saturday when I went fishing, I managed to wrap my leader around a : dragon fly while it was going by. I was so astounded I just stood there : and watched the dragon fly go around in circles. Finally the dragon : fly landed in the stream, and when it did a bass tried to jump on it, : but I guess that helped untangle the dragon fly and both bass and dragon : fly went on their way. : I did catch a lot of nice small mouth bass and panfish too. : I know this sounds like a fish story, but it is true. —                        http://members.tripod.com/~trunculo/index

Response:

Strange catches I’ve had, A Swallow who took my dry fly off the surface of the water. This was very interesting, Them little birds put up a pretty good fight. And yes it was catch and release for this critter. On another outing, I caught a Mud Hen, simular to a duck, but with a pointed beak. Caught this critter on the foot on a streamer. Guess we got snagged up together while he was swimming under water. Thought I had hooked into a record fish before the bird came jumping out of the water with my streamer tangled in its feet. Took me right down to the backing and then some before breaking the #5 tippet.

Response:

Saturday when I went fishing, I managed to wrap my leader around a dragon fly while it was going by. I was so astounded I just stood there and watched the dragon fly go around in circles. Finally the dragon fly landed in the stream, and when it did a bass tried to jump on it, but I guess that helped untangle the dragon fly and both bass and dragon fly went on their way. I did catch a lot of nice small mouth bass and panfish too. I know this sounds like a fish story, but it is true.

John I was fishing off of Bronte pier, chuck clios on a spinning rig.  I was tossing out as far as I could, which produced a big belly of mono in the air.  A seagull flew into the belly and got himself all wrapped up.  I actually had to play him like a fish and land him where a few spectators and I, could cut him loose. I’ve also had seagulls pick up surface plugs, then drop them when I yanked real hard.  Once I also beaned a seagull unintentionally with a red devil, when I was a kid. The seagull problem has drpped off now that I flyfish only, but I’m still waiting for a swallow or bat to pick off my Henryville on the backcast. Peter

Response:

Strange catches I’ve had, A Swallow who took my dry fly off the surface of the water. This was very interesting, Them little birds put up a pretty good fight. And yes it was catch and release for this critter. On another outing, I caught a Mud Hen, simular to a duck, but with a pointed beak. Caught this critter on the foot on a streamer. Guess we got snagged up together while he was swimming under water. Thought I had hooked into a record fish before the bird came jumping out of the water with my streamer tangled in its feet. Took me right down to the backing and then some before breaking the #5 tippet.

I have caught a cormorant (large black sea bird) on a herring cutplug, and a seagull the same way. I have also caught a river otter on a Squamish Poacher pattern on an eight weight. You want to see a good fight! unbelievable! The tough part was trying to get the hook(barbless) out of his nose without getting bit. I couldn’t do it. Fortunately the hook was only caught in a bit of skin on top of his nose and eventually pulled out. He had a sore nose but I don’t think he was any worse for it. I think he’ll have a closer look at any big shrimp in the Thompson river before biting though. I also caught a bat on a Tom Thumb, but thats a different story.

Response:

Saturday when I went fishing, I managed to wrap my leader around a dragon fly while it was going by. I was so astounded I just stood there          <<snip I was fishing off of Bronte pier, chuck clios on a spinning rig.  I was tossing out as far as I could, which produced a big belly of mono in the air.  A seagull flew into the belly and got himself all wrapped up.

       <<snip The seagull problem has drpped off now that I flyfish only, but I’m still waiting for a swallow or bat to pick off my Henryville on the backcast. Peter

I believe I hve related this tale to ROFF before, but two years ago while on the Northwest Branch of the Potomac, I had a bat take a White Wulff on the backcast.  I unknowingly set the hook as I started the rod forward. thinking that I had snagged some vegetation, at first, I was surprised…no alarmed to see this bat suddenly take off out of the water trailing my line.  This certainly got my heart rate up.  Not wanting to drown the poor beast, I made my way to shore and slowly pulled the bat in. It was of course all in a panic, and finally got the line tangled in some low brush, and fell to the ground.  It was a little thing, not much bigger than a golf ball with wings.  Now, I didn’t want the creature to spend have to live with a yard of mono trailing behind, but I didn’t want to get bit either (visions of rabies or some other horrid infection flashed through my mind).  Another fisherman on the scene covered the bat with his net, I clipped and untangled the line, he gently shook the animal out of the net, and we sprinted about 10 yards away.  In a minute or two the bat flew away, and I called it a day. Paul Price, Ph.D. Postdoctoral Fellow Dept. Microbiology and Immunology School of Medicine University of Maryland at Baltimore

Response:

My strangest catch is actually my wife’s. We were bait-fishing for bluegill in Wisconsin twelve years ago (before I learned fly fishing).  She was using a little 3 foot  kid’s rod with a Zebco 202 Jr. reel. She hooked a little bait stealer bluegill about 2 inches long.  as she brought it over the side of the row boat, I saw something out of the corner of my eye flying over the side of the boat, in pursuit of the little bluegill.  It was long and thin with a very large mouth filled with teeth. It landed in between us…right on top of my open tackle box (there is a lesson in that)  and thrashed around. Thinking it a snake, I almost jumped out of the boat!  But it turned out to be a 25 1/2 inch Northern Pike!  Since we caught it "on the fly"  I guess you could call it "fly" fishing. Tight lines…… Ken Wells – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Saturday when I went fishing, I managed to wrap my leader around a dragon fly while it was going by. I was so astounded I just stood there and watched the dragon fly go around in circles. Finally the dragon fly landed in the stream, and when it did a bass tried to jump on it, but I guess that helped untangle the dragon fly and both bass and dragon fly went on their way. I did catch a lot of nice small mouth bass and panfish too. I know this sounds like a fish story, but it is true.

Response:

Saturday when I went fishing, I managed to wrap my leader around a dragon fly while it was going by. I was so astounded I just stood there and watched the dragon fly go around in circles. Finally the dragon fly landed in the stream, and when it did a bass tried to jump on it, but I guess that helped untangle the dragon fly and both bass and dragon fly went on their way. I did catch a lot of nice small mouth bass and panfish too. I know this sounds like a fish story, but it is true.

Never lassoed a dragonfly, but did catch a bat while fishing at night for bass. he didn’t care much for the net when I landed him. dewayne

Response:

I caught a bat on a dry fly after he picked it up off the water.  Wasn’t as nice or brave as the other folks who have posted here.  I cut the thing loose with about 4 feet of line still attached.  I’m pretty sure it drown.  I also nailed a bat with my rod on my forward cast.  THWACK! Scared the heck out of me.  He ended up in the water about 20 feet away. I don’t think he made it either. Brian

Response:

Is this bait fishing ?!!!

 I don’t know – it could be proxy fishing. You were flyfishing when you cast, and you pulled out a fish hooked up on you’re fly. What happened in between casting and landing was entirely up to the fish. To the charge of bait fishing…..Not guilty:-) Regards, — Bill

Response:

writes       Mr. Endicott was clearly flyfishing, and shall be absolved of guilt.        The <bluegill, on the other hand, is in real trouble.

I believe the bluegill was guilty of soliciting! — Bill

Response:

Now, I didn’t want the creature to spend have to live with a yard of mono trailing behind, but I didn’t want to get bit either (visions of rabies or some other horrid infection flashed through my mind).   Paul Price, Ph.D. Postdoctoral Fellow Dept. Microbiology and Immunology School of Medicine University of Maryland at Baltimore

A little knowledge can be a dangerous thing! A lot of knowledge can be terrifying! — Bill

Response:

Never lassoed a dragonfly, but did catch a bat while fishing at night for bass. he didn’t care much for the net when I landed him.

I was talking to some fisher friend in Mid Wales, and one related a tale about fishing for salmon using a bunch of worms.  The tippet was joined to the cast by a large loop to loop and the whole set up was dunked up and down in a deep pool.  On the change of direction from up to down, the loops opened up and a salmon got "lassoed" in one of the loops. You may ask was *that* bait fishing! — Bill

Response:

The seagull problem has drpped off now that I flyfish only, but I’m still waiting for a swallow or bat to pick off my Henryville on the backcast.

 Do you think the seagulls have learned that you spell trouble?…:-) I’ve had bats dive after a small Mepp spinner while evening fishing, but thankfully never hooked one. — Bill

Response:

William Endicott writes:

That story brings about a question: While fishing the local Park pond I hooked a 2 inch Bluegill by mistake. That Bluegill was immediately swallowed by a 6 pound Bass. This has happened previously with the Bass spitting the Bluegill out on the first jump.  However, on this occasion the fly disconnected from the Bluegill and hooked the Bass !!!  I then proceeded to catch the Bass on my 7′ 3wt bluegill rod. Is this bait fishing ?!!! Answer:         Mr. Endicott was clearly flyfishing, and shall be absolved of guilt.           The <bluegill, on the other hand, is in real trouble.

Response:

Sounds like a fish story to me. —                                     Jeff Olsen If you don"t know your rights,                                            you have none. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – William Endicott writes: That story brings about a question: While fishing the local Park pond I hooked a 2 inch Bluegill by mistake. That Bluegill was immediately swallowed by a 6 pound Bass. This has happened previously with the Bass spitting the Bluegill out on the first jump.  However, on this occasion the fly disconnected from the Bluegill and hooked the Bass !!!  I then proceeded to catch the Bass on my 7′ 3wt bluegill rod. Is this bait fishing ?!!! Answer:    Mr. Endicott was clearly flyfishing, and shall be absolved of guilt.      The <bluegill, on the other hand, is in real trouble.

Response:

I have had gar and catfish chase small sunfish I caught.  Haven’t been lucky enough to have a bass chase it. Runt d:P – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – That story brings about a question: While fishing the local Park pond I hooked a 2 inch Bluegill by mistake. That Bluegill was immediately swallowed by a 6 pound Bass. This has happened previously with the Bass spitting the Bluegill out on the first jump.  However, on this occasion the fly disconnected from the Bluegill and hooked the Bass !!!  I then proceeded to catch the Bass on my 7′ 3wt bluegill rod. Is this bait fishing ?!!! Bill — William Endicott Saturday when I went fishing, I managed to wrap my leader around a dragon fly while it was going by. I was so astounded I just stood there and watched the dragon fly go around in circles. Finally the dragon fly landed in the stream, and when it did a bass tried to jump on it, but I guess that helped untangle the dragon fly and both bass and dragon fly went on their way. I did catch a lot of nice small mouth bass and panfish too. I know this sounds like a fish story, but it is true.

Response:

That story brings about a question: While fishing the local Park pond I hooked a 2 inch Bluegill by mistake. That Bluegill was immediately swallowed by a 6 pound Bass. This has happened previously with the Bass spitting the Bluegill out on the first jump.  However, on this occasion the fly disconnected from the Bluegill and hooked the Bass !!!  I then proceeded to catch the Bass on my 7′ 3wt bluegill rod. Is this bait fishing ?!!! Bill — William Endicott – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Saturday when I went fishing, I managed to wrap my leader around a dragon fly while it was going by. I was so astounded I just stood there and watched the dragon fly go around in circles. Finally the dragon fly landed in the stream, and when it did a bass tried to jump on it, but I guess that helped untangle the dragon fly and both bass and dragon fly went on their way. I did catch a lot of nice small mouth bass and panfish too. I know this sounds like a fish story, but it is true.

Response:

That story brings about a question: While fishing the local Park pond I hooked a 2 inch Bluegill by mistake. That Bluegill was immediately swallowed by a 6 pound Bass. This has happened previously with the Bass spitting the Bluegill out on the first jump.  However, on this occasion the fly disconnected from the Bluegill and hooked the Bass !!!  I then proceeded to catch the Bass on my 7′ 3wt bluegill rod. Is this bait fishing ?!!! Bill

Bill:   Of course it’s bait fishing, and you are hereby and herewith summarily dismissed from FFF, TU and all other alphabetized organizations.  By the way, that 2 inch bluegill is right up there with my normal catches.                      Mark Faulkner

Response:

<<That story brings about a question: While fishing the local Park pond I hooked a 2 inch Bluegill by mistake. That Bluegill was immediately swallowed by a 6 pound Bass. This has happened previously with the Bass spitting the Bluegill out on the first jump.  However, on this occasion the fly disconnected from the Bluegill and hooked the Bass !!!  I then proceeded to catch the Bass on my 7′ 3wt bluegill rod. Is this bait fishing ?!!! Bill — William Endicott I had a similar experience on my favorite trout river in British Columbia a few years back.  A thunder storm was rapidly rolling in.  Just before all heck broke loose, the fish started rising like crazy.  I was casting a million miles an hour trying to catch that last fish before I ran for cover.  A little 3 inch trout took the fly and as I was reeling it in, a huge rainbow came out of the water and dove down on it.  He missed the fish but continued to chase it.  I was so mesmerized by the whole event, I didn’t even think to stop reeling and let him take the little fish.  Finally, the big fish turned away about 5 feet from me.   Mike

Response:

That story brings about a question: While fishing the local Park pond I hooked a 2 inch Bluegill by mistake. That Bluegill was immediately swallowed by a 6 pound Bass. This has happened previously with the Bass spitting the Bluegill out on the first jump.  However, on this occasion the fly disconnected from the Bluegill and hooked the Bass !!!  I then proceeded to catch the Bass on my 7′ 3wt bluegill rod. Is this bait fishing ?!!! Bill

Yup.  You’re busted.  Turn in all your FF’ing gear.   Send it to me and I’ll send you a trotline and a good doughball recipe. Bob Scott

Response:

I know this sounds like a fish story, but it is true.

You know the difference between a Fairy Tale and a Fish Story?  Well, the Fairy Tale begins, "Once upon a time", and the Fish Story begins, (holding hands at least two feet apart) "Now this is no shit"! Yippee Tie One On! AuSable1

Response:

Question:

I remember an old Charlie Brown cartoon that suggested all babies be issued a banjo at birth. It’s close to impossible to play sad music on a banjo.

B

Question:

I am looking for a graden hoe that is shaped like a diamond and the diamond part sits on the ground and you just push and pull it along the ground to get rid of the weeds . I think its called a Japanese weeding hoe.

Response:

I am looking for a graden hoe that is shaped like a diamond and the diamond part sits on the ground and you just push and pull it along the ground to get rid of the weeds . I think its called a Japanese weeding hoe.

  There’s a similar (and I think better) product knows as a swoe whose head looks a bit like a flattened golf club.  It was originally marketed (25 years ago) by Wilkinson Sword in an elegant one piece stainless steel version that I still have, but I havn’t seen that form in over a decade. A few years back I bought a friend a heavier and less elegant version from one of the mail order catalogs.  It’s meant to slide back and forth under the soil like what you describe, but the one sided design is less likely to lop off the wrong plant. — Lloyd Fortney http://www.phy.duke.edu/~fortney/ has links to my garden, flower, flyfishing, and travel JPEG images as well as teaching, research, and stuff like that

Response:

Question:

We were in this area last September and camped with a small pop-up camper in the Conejos Campground which was lovely.  There were only a few other folks camped at the time ( mid-week).  Spectacle Lake right nearby is nice also, and the others we passed going east on 17 also looked nice.  We did not drive up to the Lake Fork or Mix Lake campgrounds as they were posted as closed, if I recall (maybe because of the time of year). Unfortunately, however, my husband who was flyfishing caught nothing (we were there only one night and part of 2 days) and says he did not even see a fish (but that was then, and this is now). Nancy Wilson  

Response:

Does anyone have info (or experience) on camping in the Rio Grande National forest in Conejos County CO. I’m taking a pop-up and plan on fly fishing the entire ten days I’ll be there. Thanks in advance Mark Wiebelhaus

Response:

Question:

No man can lose what he never had.           Chap. v. The Compleate Angler – Izaak Walton. 1593-1683. I guess that’s why its called fishing and not catching Tight lines Julian

Response:

Bad news….16 inches isn’t a monster.  It’s a nice fish, but not worth  crying over.  Hope this makes you feel better.

I beg to differ…it was probably a speck (brook trout), in which case 16 inches is DEFINITELY worth crying over. The biggest brookie I’ve caught so far was only 10 inches. "Oh, once in a while you’ll tie into a big one, say seven or eight inches long, but you’ll need to use live bait and Ford Fenders for one of those." – Jeff Ohman, Fear of Fly fishing. My condolences, Pierre…but look on the bright side…you saw it, you felt it. You may run into it again, in which case say hello from me. — K.G. (Kat) Cruickshank – fish enthusiast – Toronto, Ontario, Canada see my illustrations at http://www.mackerel.com/fish/home.html

Response:

16" may be a big brookie on some small stream, but on large lakes and rivers in northern Ontario, and especially Quebec, a 16" brookie doesn’t even entitle you to braggin rights.  IMHO.  Tight lines.  

Response:

Yesterday, I was fishing near my home in Quebec with my girlfriend’s father I was using a little green Muddler. After I had caught 10 trouts, some have 11 inches long, I saw this MONSTER at the end of my line. It was at least 16 inches. But I just can’t bring it on the ground I had no net and I lost it. Since yesterday I can’t stop tinking about this fish. Help me

Congratulate yourself on effecting a humane and brilliantly executed long distance release, tie another muddler and get on with your life.

Response:

Yesterday, I was fishing near my home in Quebec with my girlfriend’s father I was using a little green Muddler. After I had caught 10 trouts, some have 11 inches long, I saw this MONSTER at the end of my line. It was at least 16 inches. But I just can’t bring it on the ground I had no net and I lost it. Since yesterday I can’t stop tinking about this fish. Help me

it was the spirits of 10 fishies haunting you.   you must cleanse yourself by UPS’ing me all of your fishing stuff. it is the only way. TimW

Response:

Yesterday, I was fishing near my home in Quebec with my girlfriend’s father I was using a little green Muddler. After I had caught 10 trouts, some have 11 inches long, I saw this MONSTER at the end of my line. It was at least 16 inches. But I just can’t bring it on the ground I had no net and I lost it. Since yesterday I can’t stop tinking about this fish. Help me

Pierre,  Congratulations!! You haven’t "lost" your monster trout, you have successfully completed one of the most difficult type of humane releases a Catch and Release Fly Fisher can accomplish — The Long Distance – No Hands Release. What you experienced is not a failure but a magnificent success. Non, mon ami you don’t need therapy —  YOU NEED A NET!!!!!! jg

Response:

You need more than a net.  You need to re-define "big" trout. A big trout is 5 lbs or better IMHO. 16" trout are a dime a dozen.  Great fighters at that size, though.

Response:

Bad news….16 inches isn’t a monster.  It’s a nice fish, but not worth crying over.  Hope this makes you feel better.

Response:

IMHO, the size of a "great" trout depends on the river or watershed and your experience catching and releasing that fish.  In a number of fisheries a 16" fish may represent the best that that ecosystem is capable of producing and sustaining. Dave Donahue

Response:

Since yesterday I can’t stop tinking about this fish. Help me

Pierre, this is a malady that effects us all.  The demons of the deep (sometimes shallow) will continue to haunt us all for as long as we fish and then some.  I myself have a similiar re-occuring nightmare where I lost a 28in, 6-6 1/2 lb brown on a size 22 nymph when the knot came loose.  I have dreamed about that fish at least once a month for the last two years.  But a wise man once said, "It is better to have fished and lost than never to have fished before!"  Keep on trying and remember "Love ‘em and Leave ‘em."

Response:

Yesterday, I was fishing near my home in Quebec with my girlfriend’s father I was using a little green Muddler. After I had caught 10 trouts, some have 11 inches long, I saw this MONSTER at the end of my line. It was at least 16 inches. But I just can’t bring it on the ground I had no net and I lost it. Since yesterday I can’t stop tinking about this fish. Help me

Response:

Question:

This subject is getting a lot of press with the identification of the disease in the Madison, so there is (finally) some information out there. The disease has been in Colorado for some time now and is getting worse. The culprit is almost certainly illegal stocking or (apparently in the case of Colorado) knowingly stocking with diseased fish.  There is evidence that the disease can be spread to other rivers via boots and other fishing equipment, but (at least according to Dick Vincent at the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Department) it is not spread by wildfowl. Brook trout and salmon are also affected. I suspect now that a river as important as the Madison has been affected, we will see a lot more about this and other threatening diseases.

Response:

I would be interested in seeing the Washington Post article and the article mentioned in December from the Bozeman Gazette.  The posts I have been reading here about Whirling disease have really been upsetting.  My fishing buddies and I are trying to figure out what the best course of action for us would be.  Certainly no good plans have come from the "experts" as of yet (this would seem to be especially true in Colorado). Why hasn’t there been much yet in the fly fishing ‘literature’?  I haven’t read a thing in FR&R or Flyfisherman.  It would seem that research into why Browns and other unaffected species are immune would be the way to get this disease out of fish populations.  Does anyone involved in Fisheries Management or Biology at Montana State or at CU know anything about any research into the molecular biology/pathogenesis of this disease?  Please post!

Response:

If this thing is protozoan and can potentially be spread by our wading boots, does anyone have any suggestions or know what we should be doing with our waders after fishing any of the potentially affected waters?  How long can the protozoa live out of water?  I often fish the Madison for a day or two, then go to the spring creeks in the Paradise Valley.  I would hate to be contributing to the spread of this disease into those waters, or any other for that matter!

Response:

:   What about cutthroats? From what I have heard–in both Montana : and Colorado (and perhaps the Truckee too)–the brown trout are OK! : Does anybody know anything about Whirling disease and cutthroats? The Washington Post article mentioned that cutts are susceptible to the disease. Rick — T. Rick Fletcher   –   http://www.chem.uidaho.edu/~fletcher Assistant professor of chemistry  |  That’s Idaho, not Iowa.    |  These University of Idaho               |  Upper Left Hand Corner.    |  opinions Moscow, ID 83844-2343             |  No, I don’t grow potatoes. |  are mine.  

Response:

as u have pointed out whirling disease has made its way inot the wild population and indeed this is bad news.  as i have had it described to me this disease effects the delicate bone structure in juvinelle fish so when frightened/starteled they swim in small fast concentric circles instead of going for cover.  in addition, i have also heard that it is usually the result of the close confines of hatcherys that spread it, as u may also have heard the state of colorado fish & game department is releasing hatchery fish with this disease into some of their blue ribbon water, for what reason god alone knows and god aint speakin on this subject.  anyway i hope that the local TU chapters get involed in this an can help Mr. Vincent out.  from all reports he is a pretty good guy and knows a thing or two about how to maintain a wild trout population.  any news on this unhappy event is most welcome

Response:

disease has been discovered in the wild rainbow populations of Montana’s upper Madison. None of us here knows anything more than that just yet. But it continues to look bad. The outfitters haven’t really caught on, because the spring/winter fishing is good at this very moment. But whirling disease, apparently, only effects the tiddlers. In a few more seasons, once the current crop of bigger rainbows has died off from old age, there may be no more little fish to replace them. I wish I knew more about what’s going on. I’ve heard that Whirling disease made its way into wild rainbow populations in Colorado some time ago. Who down there in Colorado knows something about this? Which Colorado river systems are effected? How long has this been going on, etc?  Is the Colorado problem stable in any way, or is it getting worse? —

Response:

: some time ago. Who down there in Colorado knows something about this? : Which Colorado river systems are effected? How long has this been RE: Whirling Disease I met with some guides here in the shop over Christmas and this was the issue at hand. It looks very grim and much worse then originally speculated.  The guides are accusing the Colorado DOW of a MAJOR cover up.  They have SCREWED up big time and since fishing is such a huge economical thing…noone will come straight.  The local guides are going to try to take matters into their own hands and we are in the process of recommending a wierd but hopefully effective idea to the DOW for the 96-98 regs…the idea is to close off feeder streams to all fishing during the rainbow spawn. The idea is to try to get some of these genetically farked up fish to produce (naturally) fish that are genetically immune to the disease.  It is a long shot, but better then no shot.   Apparently noone is talking but the rumour is that all year classes are missing in some of the major drainages (i.e. NO/0/nada/zip baby fishes) and that the spore (?) is present throughtout the state and that it originated in a hatchery in Utah. All colorado fishermen should pressure anybody and everybody they know for more information ans to support this closed rainbow spawning fishing season in the feeders… Tim Walker

Response:

RE: Whirling Disease Apparently noone is talking but the rumour is that all year classes are missing in some of the major drainages (i.e. NO/0/nada/zip baby fishes) and that the spore (?) is present throughtout the state and that it originated in a hatchery in Utah. Tim Walker

  What about cutthroats? From what I have heard–in both Montana and Colorado (and perhaps the Truckee too)–the brown trout are OK! Does anybody know anything about Whirling disease and cutthroats? —

Response:

I understand that there was an article in the Washington Post today (1/4) on the whirling disease in the Madison.  I have not seen it, but would like to get a copy if anyone has one.

Response:

:   What about cutthroats? From what I have heard–in both Montana : and Colorado (and perhaps the Truckee too)–the brown trout are OK! : Does anybody know anything about Whirling disease and cutthroats? My understanding is that the cutts aren’t affected, allthough I haven’t conducted too many fry surveys and the misinformation in general does scare me.   Damned hatcheries indeed.  If only the folkes could to see fit to spend their tax monies on stream improvements and accept a greatly reduced general catch limit while the wild stocks rebound… Population estimates for colorado are around 5 million by the year 2000.  The state is just too fragile for this many people.  No, I don’t begrudge folkes for wanting to live here. Nor do I have any answers.   It frightens me to the core. Tim Walker

Response:

: Hey, I may be stupid, but can anyone explain what Whirling disease is? It is a disease that affects the spine of rainbow trout fry that first showed up in the state hatcheries.  Now the dept of wildlife has introduced it into the waters and it is affecting the wild stock.   It is very, very serious and some think we are on the brink of a disaster of major proportions.  I really hope that some biologist in the know (Bob Golder…what’re you up to today) would really fill in the blanks. Tim Walker

Response:

Hey, I may be stupid, but can anyone explain what Whirling disease is? Paul

Whirling disease is caused by a protozoan parasite that invades the cartilage of the skull, gill arches and spine.  It affects only trout and salmon.  Rainbow trout are the most seriously affected, browns (which probably coevolved with the parasite in Europe) are somewhat, but not totally resistant. The parasite goes through a complex life cycle which involves spores which may persist in the bottom sediments for many years, hence it is here to stay in the Madison. It may make infected fish swim in a circle  (whirling) or die, but more frequently cause deformities or make the fish more susceptible to predation or environmental episodes. It was discovered in Colorado in the late ’80s, Utah in ‘91 and now in Montana. Utah initiated a strong program to try to eradicate it when it was first discovered.  Later findings showed it had been spread, perhaps intentionally, to other parts of the state.  Current efforts are directed to try to protect wild native cutthroat from the disease.  Montana has a good program and  has been trying to prevent it from coming into the state.

Response:

Hey, I may be stupid, but can anyone explain what Whirling disease is? Paul

Response:

Whirling disease…..not good.  Up to 90% of the rainbows have died.  I got this from a guy at Lakestream Fly Shop in Whitefish last week.  It doesn’t seem to be affecting the brown trout population that badly.  Yet…another distrubing note.  They are not sure how the disease is spreading.  I am going to ask a fishery pathologist i know, on what he knows what is going on.  I will post the info that evening.  I will try to do it on Monday. If anyone around here knows what is going on…he will.  Yet the info coming my way on the impact of the disease is NOT GOOD!.  Just pray I guess. Peter

Response:

Last night’s Bozeman Daily Chronicle ran the headline "Madison River Rainbows Diseased," or something like that. The story identified Whirling disease as the culprit, and quoted Montana Fish and Game Biologist Dick Vincent, who said upper Madison rainbow populations had plummeted from 3300 to 300 fish/mile in a single season. Brown trout, so far, seem unafected.    Whirling disease has traditionally been associated with hatchery fish in the past. How this disease has made its way into a wild population remains a mystery. But Dick Vincent did mention scattered reports of hatchery rainbows mysteriously appearing in the upper Madison in late 1980’s. What this means is anyone’s guess. Montana hasn’t stocked rainbows in the Madison for decades.    What happens next? There are rumors. But nothing definite yet. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a complete fishing closure on the upper Madison for a few years. It’s not clear that a slimy Elk Hair Caddis–heavily used Monday evening on the Madison–couldn’t transmit Whirling disease to Big Hole or Yellowstone rainbows on Tuesday morning. It would be a real tragedy if the lower Yellowstone’s (now) recovering native Cutthroat populations were to become effected (decimated?) too. This could be really bad news. —

Response:

Last night’s Bozeman Daily Chronicle ran the headline "Madison River Rainbows Diseased," or something like that. The story identified Whirling disease as the culprit, and quoted Montana Fish and Game Biologist Dick Vincent, who said upper Madison rainbow populations had plummeted from 3300 to 300 fish/mile in a single season. Brown trout, so far, seem unafected. <snip   What happens next? There are rumors. But nothing definite yet. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a complete fishing closure on the upper Madison for a few years. It’s not clear that a slimy Elk <snip again

There are a lot of rumors bouncing around Bozeman today. The main one that I have heard is that FW&P will attempt a total rainbow kill on the Upper Madison, although how they would do this without taking out the browns is anyone’s guess.  Suggestions that I have heard include changing the regs to require people fishing to kill all rainbows and release all browns.  I can’t believe that this would get all of the rainbows – we just don’t fish that well. Another problem will be what to do if they can take out the rainbows completely.  Options would presumably include (a) leaving this stretch of river as a trophy wild brown river, (b) restocking the rainbows from hatchery fish, which would really degrade the fishery for several years, and (c) relocating wild rainbows from other parts of the river. On the less bad news side, it is my understanding that this is limited to the river between Quake lake and Ennis dam.  I never thought that I would be grateful for that stupid dam.  I.e., unless they lose it there is no immediate danger of this getting into the lower Madison and hence into the Missouri, Gallatin, etc.  At the other end, the Madison in Yellowstone National Park, and hence the Gibbon and Firehole, are not currently in danger. Unfortunately I haven’t heard that this will kill off the whitefish. The stretch of river affected by this disease is often claimed to be the best piece of wild trout water in the continental US, so this is already a disaster, and if the disease does get into the browns as well it will probably be 10-20 years before they can fully restore the fishery.  Not a good Christmas present for the people who read this group. Denbigh http://www.cs.montana.edu/~starkey http://www.cs.montana.edu/~starkey/fishing.html 406-994-4780 (work), 406-586-7614 (home)

Response: