Question:

If a person were to find themselves in Puerto Vallarta for a week, how, and where would one go about arranging to fly fish?  What equipment would you be able (or should) take with you?  What does a charter cost?  etc. Thanks, Steve

Response:

I’d take a 10 or 9 wt.  Prefer at 10.  Take a sinking line and a floater and a basket.  Take flies surf fishermen use in california and big poppers.  You may not be able to find an experienced fly guide but you can catch fish. Possibilities should include Roosters, and Dorado,  Robalo (Snook),  Corvina (like a Red but in the surf and tricker.)  You may have to guide the guide but you should be able to find a Panga and a guia who can find fish.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – If a person were to find themselves in Puerto Vallarta for a week, how, and where would one go about arranging to fly fish?  What equipment would you be able (or should) take with you?  What does a charter cost?  etc. Thanks, Steve

Response:

MR  Neeley  There are a number of charter boats at PV . You  will truely be in a fishing paradise . PLEASE take advantage of every moment .,  I have seen little kids go out on dugout like  canoes and catch 20 pound dolphin , on hand lines . The other pratice it for the locals to go out in their long boats with nets streches inbetween the boats . they can   vacumm a bay in a matter of hours . the bottom there is rocky , with the shore line with small pebbles . and some sand thrown in too . In addition to a fly rod i would bring a nice  light tackle spin outfit …and a good  a medium action bait reel.. i use the penn 965 . For Fly fishing i would  go to a  a surfing hot spot north of town called Punta de Mita .  there is a little bay right at the point . .  Wade out like 100 yards , on the rocky  bottom , and climb on top on one of the many bolders in the surf . In the incoming tide you can cast 360 degrees above and out of the water . It is unlimited what you can catch there in about 4 feet of water , but it includes , rock bass , little tuna , dolphin , and tarpon . I have seen sharks there also . The wave will come in and the water will be 6 feet deep , and as it passes  the water level will drop 2 feet. I have had the most luck in a incoming tide . In fact it is like a light switch .  Plug fishing is really great too .I like the small two gang  hook mirrorlures . The bottom is rocky , you have to have a very tough leader . Also , it is a long walk out , be sure to talk everything you need , cause it takes a while to walk back inshore .  Also just north of town , where  the ferry docks are , there is a great jetty , which is good for typical jetty fishig .   The boats there are , or have been quite old , all wood , look like they were made in the 30’s . BUT  this is slowly getting better. But their fishing gear on the boat is all very heavy duty . They are great guys , and will fish the way you want if you want to tease a fish and cast a fly at it . The marlin are only a few miles off shore .  This is a paradise , research it , and make the most out of your trip . Hale Savannah

Response:

Question:

Jim Benenson wrote How about the worst fly fishing abuse in this forum?

Back in ‘78 I visited Wisconsin and a guy there introduced me to using a 9ft. flyrod to worm fish for brookies.  Ironically, when you’re fishing in streams with lots of canopy and brush, the long flexible rod is the ideal weapon for gently dropping the worm right in the little eddy or undercut. If you were flyfishing one of these streams, you’d probably be using no more than a 7ft or less. —                                                       -dnc-

Response:

I was part of a discussion on a coffee newsgroup about the worst coffee ever made.  How about the worst fly fishing abuse in this forum?  I once trolled for pickerel in Connecticut with a Daredevil spoon and my Orvis 8 wt. bamboo rod.  Caught some too! How about you?

I was fishing the Gunpowder River north of Baltimore last July, right below Prettyboy Dam. The state was in the middle of the worst drought and heat spell in years, but the water authorities were dumping water from the Prettyboy Reservoir at maximum rate, presumably to water the partched lawns in Baltimore. Anyway, I wasn’t doing much good with my Woolly Buggers, and no one was around (on this artificial-only water), so I turned over some boards and logs, found some nice, juicy worms, and just cleaned up on the brown trout. One cast, one trout. Repeat. I justified it to myself by rationalizing that I was trying to get the monster carp I saw hanging below the dropoff. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/ something bogus to avoid spam)

Response:

A ten foot six four weight with a nice small free running centrepin takes an awful lot of beating. Upstream worming is rapidly becoming a lost art.  lthough a not inconsiderable measure of excitement is also possible with a number six hook, a can of sweetcorn, and a nice clear, peaceful still-water, where carp of ten pounds and upwards are known to abound.  Even more satisfying, when one of the club members reports you to the comittee for "fly-fishing" on the lake reserved for coarse anglers. ( Or was that coarse fish ? ). Whatever, excellent sport, and not a whit less exciting than any  other method. Oh how hard it must be to forego the pleasures of diversity. Oh and I object to the word "abuse" in this context. TL MC — "In order to achieve what is possible, one must constantly attempt the impossible" http://www.mikeconnor.de

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Jim Benenson wrote How about the worst fly fishing abuse in this forum?

Response:

Honesty is good for the soul, confession even more so, but I defy even the most honorable angler to remain so in the face of nonchalant five pound browns ignoring every fly in the box. And the moral is, where there

Question:

What is the relationship between flyline weight and weight carrying capacity (eg, lbs)?

Response:

Jtfunai: <<What is the relationship between flyline weight and weight carrying capacity (eg, lbs)? None, although a 1 wt line might be easier to "break" than an 8 wt. I have never heard of anyone breaking their line on *anything*. The tippet is the first thing to break. Dave L.

Response:

What is the relationship between flyline weight and weight carrying capacity (eg, lbs)?

There basically is no real relationship. The breaking strain of the fly-line core is the main criterion here, and this is far higher than is likely ever to be broken by a fish, assuming it is not damaged.  The weight of a fly-line is primarily determined by its coating, irrespective of the core diameter, which is basically a plastic full of glass bubbles in the case of a floater, and with lead or other powder in the case of a sinker.  The core of the line is invariably a synthetic such as Terylene or similar, and may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, as does the coating.  The "breaking strain" of a fly-line is basically irrelevant, and is seldom given by the manufacturer.  I remember seeing a level floating  line some years ago where the B.S. was given, as 60 lbs, but have not seen any such data recently. TL MC

Response:

Thanks Dave. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Jtfunai: <<What is the relationship between flyline weight and weight carrying capacity (eg, lbs)? None, although a 1 wt line might be easier to "break" than an 8 wt. I have never heard of anyone breaking their line on *anything*. The tippet is the first thing to break. Dave L.

Response:

Thanks Mike. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – What is the relationship between flyline weight and weight carrying capacity (eg, lbs)? There basically is no real relationship. The breaking strain of the fly-line core is the main criterion here, and this is far higher than is likely ever to be broken by a fish, assuming it is not damaged.  The weight of a fly-line is primarily determined by its coating, irrespective of the core diameter, which is basically a plastic full of glass bubbles in the case of a floater, and with lead or other powder in the case of a sinker.  The core of the line is invariably a synthetic such as Terylene or similar, and may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, as does the coating.  The "breaking strain" of a fly-line is basically irrelevant, and is seldom given by the manufacturer.  I remember seeing a level floating  line some years ago where the B.S. was given, as 60 lbs, but have not seen any such data recently. TL MC

Response:

I agree with the other two posts with regards to weight of quarry and breaking strength of the line.  There are to many factors that would determine the breaking strength of the line while being fished.  Such as the rod and tippet being used.  The tippet will usually break before the rod and the rod before the line.  With the shock absorbing capabilities of the rod and the leader or tippet it is hard to imagine the line ever breaking on a fish unless it had been cut on something. I however just broke a Rio 9/10/11 Spey line on a snag in the Thompson River.  I was never able to see what it was snagged on but it must have been sharp.  Line weight really has no correlation with the weight of fish.  Although you would not want to use a small diameter line such as a one weight for Tarpon! Before you buy.

Response:

I agree with the other two posts with regards to weight of quarry and breaking strength of the line.  There are to many factors that would determine the breaking strength of the line while being fished.  Such as the rod and tippet being used.  The tippet will usually break before the rod and the rod before the line.  With the shock absorbing capabilities of the rod and the leader or tippet it is hard to imagine the line ever breaking on a fish unless it had been cut on something. I however just broke a Rio 9/10/11 Spey line on a snag in the Thompson River.  I was never able to see what it was snagged on but it must have been sharp.  Line weight really has no correlation with the weight of fish.  Although you would not want to use a small diameter line such as a one weight for Tarpon! Before you buy.

Response:

There is no relationship as far as I know. Traditional fly lines have a dacron core of only 20-35lb breaking strain (light lines with the thinner dacron) – of course this is plenty for normal fishing conditions. If the lines are old and cracked the dacron can deteriorate reducing the breaking strain. I know a couple of people who have broken the line when using 10kg tippet on tuna – one was a heavily used old Cortland, the other an Airflo (when they were at their worst). I broke a 3M wet cell IV once in Fiji after snagging it on the reef – it seemed like 80lb!! Some of the newest lines with braided monofilament may be stronger. Cheers John Knight Sydney FlyRodders’

Response:

What is the relationship between flyline weight and weight carrying capacity (eg, lbs)?

Hi JF, I think that lines #4, 5, 6 and 7 are built up on a 20# braided dacron core. #8 and larger are built on a 30# braided dacron core. I guess the new #0, 1 and 2 lines are on something smaller in diameter than 20#? This is real evident when you are trying to pull 30# backing or cheap 20# backing up inside the core of a #6 line to make a needle nail knot.

Response:

Question:

Yes, I too find myself fishing for ‘gills and crappies quite often. Whenever I take children fishing, which is pretty often in the summer, the almost constant action keeps them really excited. Besides pan fish are a lot more tasty than any other freshwater fish…..IMHO Dear Readers         Are there any of you-all out there, besides me, that are into fishing for them? I’m always interested in trading lure and live bait tips, locales, recipes, and such.  So, if anybody is interested, please reply to this board or EMail, Thanks BradLaGrange

<snip — Remove the "NoSpam" to e-mail me

Response:

haven’t fish for ‘em much, but I heard of a killer tip:  in the fall, after the 2nd or 3rd good cold front, go fish the absolute deepest part of the lake (reservoir) with crickets – fish on the bottom,this is where the monster ‘gills are……. — ‘92 Dak CC 2wd 318 3.55 ‘84 GoldWing Interstate – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Dear Readers        Are there any of you-all out there, besides me, that are into fishing for them? I’m always interested in trading lure and live bait tips, locales, recipes, and such.  So, if anybody is interested, please reply to this board or EMail, Thanks BradLaGrange PS-Sorry for my crude typing, my hands are really stiff from the splitting wood in the cold.

Response:

Yeah I like to fish for"we call’em bluegill" out here in Oregon. Right now it is pretty cold for them. Ialso like to go fishing for perch. My son & I have agood spot to fish for perch & bluegil. My son lives up in Washington state & we always get enough for a good fish dinner.I also

Response:

       Are there any of you-all out there, besides me, that are into fishing for them? I’m always interested in trading lure and live bait tips, locales, recipes, and such.  So, if anybody is interested, please reply to this board or EMail,

Brad Count me in – on the water, or on the ice, if they will bite, I’ll fish for them. Wild rice beds in August is where I’ve had the best sucess – in about 5-6′ of water, using about .5-.75" section of leach, with about a #8 or #10 hook and a balsa wood pencil type bobber. Combine that w/ an ultra light and 4 or 6# test line and I’m a happy camper. And just to keep it interesting – look out for the occasional LM Bass or Northern. No better eating fish either. Later Jim

Response:

Dear Readers         Are there any of you-all out there, besides me, that are into fishing for them? I’m always interested in trading lure and live bait tips, locales, recipes, and such.  So, if anybody is interested, please reply to this board or EMail, Thanks BradLaGrange PS-Sorry for my crude typing, my hands are really stiff from the splitting wood in the cold.

   You’ll find that most fly fishermen in the deep south pursue panfish and other warm water species (aint a lotta trout in Fl.) myself included. Some trout flies work well such as the wooly bugger and all the terestrials. Crawfish imitations are also productive as are grass shrimp. small poppers in various colors also put food on the table. I use the 7.5′(because of brush) 3 piece 3wt Cabela’s three forks rod for panfish. It’s a great little rod though a bit soft feeling to cast but has plenty of backbone. Use 7x tippets. It’s a real lark netting a 1lb panfish and to my way of thinking is the ultimate fishing experience.                                                           John Popp                                                         in Sanford Fl.

Response:

I dig um’ Tim Apple " Always one step closer to going Postal! " – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Dear Readers         Are there any of you-all out there, besides me, that are into fishing for them? I’m always interested in trading lure and live bait tips, locales, recipes, and such.  So, if anybody is interested, please reply to this board or EMail, Thanks BradLaGrange PS-Sorry for my crude typing, my hands are really stiff from the splitting wood in the cold.   You’ll find that most fly fishermen in the deep south pursue panfish and other warm water species (aint a lotta trout in Fl.) myself included. Some trout flies work well such as the wooly bugger and all the terestrials. Crawfish imitations are also productive as are grass shrimp. small poppers in various colors also put food on the table. I use the 7.5′(because of brush) 3 piece 3wt Cabela’s three forks rod for panfish. It’s a great little rod though a bit soft feeling to cast but has plenty of backbone. Use 7x tippets. It’s a real lark netting a 1lb panfish and to my way of thinking is the ultimate fishing experience.                                                          John Popp                                                        in Sanford Fl.

Response:

Dear Readers         Are there any of you-all out there, besides me, that are into fishing for them? I’m always interested in trading lure and live bait tips, locales, recipes, and such.  So, if anybody is interested, please reply to this board or EMail, Thanks BradLaGrange PS-Sorry for my crude typing, my hands are really stiff from the splitting wood in the cold.

Response:

Dear Readers         Are there any of you-all out there, besides me, that are into fishing for them?

YES!  Down here in AL I have access to a pond that is loaded with big black-headed, thick bream.  I love that "side to side" action and screaming microlight drag when I hook into one.  Besides that, they taste better than a bass any day!  I’m always interested in trading lure and live bait tips, locales, recipes, and such.  So, if anybody is interested, please reply to this board or EMail, Thanks BradLaGrange PS-Sorry for my crude typing, my hands are really stiff from the splitting wood in the cold.

*                                                               * *  ENTOMOLOGIST    ANTIQUE TACKLE COLLECTOR    ALL-AROUND NUT   *

Response:

Oh Yes! Two of my all time favorites is the Red Ear and the Pumpkinseed. People don’t know what fun these little guys can be. Here in SW MO there are a couple of small lakes full of Panfish. Down in this area the best bait is a small squirrel tail jig + wax worms. The largest Red Ear taken from on of the lakes was a little over 12". !0" fish a common around here which in turn, takes less to make a tasty meal. Kevin Way – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Dear Readers        Are there any of you-all out there, besides me, that are into fishing for them? I’m always interested in trading lure and live bait tips, locales, recipes, and such.  So, if anybody is interested, please reply to this board or EMail, Thanks BradLaGrange PS-Sorry for my crude typing, my hands are really stiff from the splitting wood in the cold.

Response:

Question:

Considering all of the self promoting, childish in fighting that has developed recently in this newsgroup, I propose that this newsgroup change its name to Pompous. Ass. Fishing. Fly.  I also propose that all members of PAFF are required to own and drive either an Orvis Jeep or one of the Lexus/Mercedes SUV’s.  In addition, streamside attire must include the bandana tied around the neck, the pastel colored fishing shirt and the standard Aussie outback hat with chin strap included.  And of course the PAFF membership patch must be proudly worn on the seat of your waders. <grin Mike Wilson Fishing!! What else is there?

Response:

[deleted] I propose that this newsgroup change its name to Pompous. Ass. Fishing.

Fly. [deleted] Yeah…but that would be redundant. — TimW, Halfordian Golfer "Guilt replaced the creel…"

Response:

okay but only if I get to wear love beads and a peace sign…. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Considering all of the self promoting, childish in fighting that has developed recently in this newsgroup, I propose that this newsgroup change its name to Pompous. Ass. Fishing. Fly.  I also propose that all members of PAFF are required to own and drive either an Orvis Jeep or one of the Lexus/Mercedes SUV’s.  In addition, streamside attire must include the bandana tied around the neck, the pastel colored fishing shirt and the standard Aussie outback hat with chin strap included.  And of course the PAFF membership patch must be proudly worn on the seat of your waders. <grin Mike Wilson Fishing!! What else is there?

Response:

<snip I propose that this newsgroup change its name to Pompous. Ass. Fishing. Fly.  <snip  And of course the PAFF membership patch must be proudly worn on the seat of your waders. <grin Mike Wilson Fishing!! What else is there?

OR….. How ’bout RONG  rec.outdoors.no.gink  ;-)                                                                 =8=

Response:

<<OR….. How ’bout RONG  rec.outdoors.no.gink  ;-) Or RONA — and you wouldn’t be able to belong.  d;0) Dave LaCourse

Response:

<<OR….. How ’bout RONG  rec.outdoors.no.gink  ;-) Or RONA — and you wouldn’t be able to belong.  d;0) Dave LaCourse

Don’t take it personal Gink.   8~)

Response:

<<OR….. How ’bout RONG  rec.outdoors.no.gink  ;-) Or RONA — and you wouldn’t be able to belong.  d;0) Dave LaCourse Don’t take it personal Gink.   8~)

; )

Response:

George: << Don’t take it personal Gink.   8~) I didn’t write that, George.  The very adult "spiderman" did. DL

Response:

This is only a test. Do not adjust your set.

Response:

Question:

I’m new to the group but has anyone ever posted pictures of flies to this NG?  Plus what was the feedback from the College Park, MD FF Show last Weekend?

Response:

no pics in this group but maybe rec.outdoors.fishing.fly.tying — Jan Geert Meents, Munich, Germany | I’m new to the group but has anyone ever posted pictures of flies to this | NG?  Plus what was the feedback from the College Park, MD FF Show last | Weekend? | |

Response:

I’m new to the group but has anyone ever posted pictures of flies to this NG?  Plus what was the feedback from the College Park, MD FF Show last Weekend?

don’t do it.   post to alt.binaries.pictures.fishing see you there ! TimW

Response:

Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Going to fish the Bighorn in September.  Any suggestions regarding guides, flies, gear, best spots, etc.???  Any information you can share is appreciated. Hi Black caddis (#18 – #20), tan caddis (#14) and Trico’s (#20) are the main hatches at that time of the year.  You need to call the different shops in Fort Smith to schedule a guide OR you can rent a boat and do your own trip.  Usually people fish the first 13 miles of the Big Horn below Yellowtail Dam.  There are three fishing access locations 1. After Bay at Fort Smith, 2. Three Mile, and 3. Big Horn (13 mile).  Usually people float from either After Bay or Three Mile to Big Horn access.  There are many places along the way to stop and wade fish. I’m not sure what the stream flows will be in September but last week the river was fairly high and moving right along.  There was still great fishing.  To monitor the stream flows for the Big Horn AND the rest of Montana check out the Current Stream Flow report on the net at http://wwwdmthln.cr.usgs.gov/www/rt/rt_table.html Good luck and Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (96 catalog)

A good place to stay on the Big Horn is the Cottonwood Camp.  They are located below Ft. Smith near Three Mile. There units are small campers or converted camper bus.  Shower and store facilities at the site.  Cost was $10.00 per person per night.  Couldn’t beat the cost or the hospitality.  Enjoy!!

Response:

Al, I’m going to be in Bozeman next weekend, Friday thru Monday, (August 1-4).  Can you recommend a guide for nearby waters?  How about flies for this time of year? Thanks, Bob McAnulty PS:  Will you also forward address, phone number, hours info on your shop? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Going to fish the Bighorn in September.  Any suggestions regarding guides, flies, gear, best spots, etc.???  Any information you can share is appreciated. Hi Black caddis (#18 – #20), tan caddis (#14) and Trico’s (#20) are the main hatches at that time of the year.  You need to call the different shops in Fort Smith to schedule a guide OR you can rent a boat and do your own trip.  Usually people fish the first 13 miles of the Big Horn below Yellowtail Dam.  There are three fishing access locations 1. After Bay at Fort Smith, 2. Three Mile, and 3. Big Horn (13 mile).  Usually people float from either After Bay or Three Mile to Big Horn access.  There are many places along the way to stop and wade fish. I’m not sure what the stream flows will be in September but last week the river was fairly high and moving right along.  There was still great fishing.  To monitor the stream flows for the Big Horn AND the rest of Montana check out the Current Stream Flow report on the net at http://wwwdmthln.cr.usgs.gov/www/rt/rt_table.html Good luck and Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (96 catalog)

Response:

Going to fish the Bighorn in September.  Any suggestions regarding guides, flies, gear, best spots, etc.???  Any information you can share is appreciated. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

Going to fish the Bighorn in September.  Any suggestions regarding guides, flies, gear, best spots, etc.???  Any information you can share is appreciated.

Hi Black caddis (#18 – #20), tan caddis (#14) and Trico’s (#20) are the main hatches at that time of the year.  You need to call the different shops in Fort Smith to schedule a guide OR you can rent a boat and do your own trip.  Usually people fish the first 13 miles of the Big Horn below Yellowtail Dam.  There are three fishing access locations 1. After Bay at Fort Smith, 2. Three Mile, and 3. Big Horn (13 mile).  Usually people float from either After Bay or Three Mile to Big Horn access.  There are many places along the way to stop and wade fish. I’m not sure what the stream flows will be in September but last week the river was fairly high and moving right along.  There was still great fishing.  To monitor the stream flows for the Big Horn AND the rest of Montana check out the Current Stream Flow report on the net at http://wwwdmthln.cr.usgs.gov/www/rt/rt_table.html Good luck and Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (96 catalog)

Response:

Question:

1. What significance does water color/clarity have for fishing strategy?   Also, is water level important on a particular stream?

Changes in colour/clarity may be more important than default colour/clarity.  Usual folklore is that FF success declines when a spate river is growing muddy and improves as it gets clearer.  But fish are adapted to the default environment (and can live all the time in permanently clouded water, as you find in clay/limestone regions.) Similarly, rising or falling water levels probably matter more than default levels.  The changes are important since they enlarge or reduce living space for both fish and their prey. The simplest tactic is to fish upstream as far as possible, to reduce the chances of the trout’s seeing you first. — |  Donald Phillipson, 4180 Boundary Road, Carlsbad Springs,  | |        Ontario, Canada, K0A 1K0, tel. 613 822 0734         |

Response:

Dear Anglers: I’m a newbie to the sport and I have enjoyed it very much so far.  Haven’t caught anything yet, but my casting is improving tremendously with regular practice (though I have to admit that it’s a hell of a lot more fun practicing on the water than in the grass at the park like everyone recommends).  Now, I have a couple of questions for the experts: 1. What significance does water color/clarity have for fishing strategy?   Also, is water level important on a particular stream?

Hi Anthony Usually water clarity & level does affect fishing.  What you need to decide is what the norm is and go from there.  Water that is dirty after a storm may put the fishing off.  On the other hand if the fish have been suffering from water that is shallow and too warm, raising off colored water may very well improve fishing. Another very important consideration is water temperature in relation to the species of fish you are interested in.  Trout like cooler water than bass as an example. 2. I’ve read of fly fishers using Clouser minnows or streamers in the riffles, and other dry flies and such in slow moving/calm water.  Do you change your fly every few minutes as you are fishing your way down a stream or do you hit the riffles and then come back for the eddys and slow spots?

I do not change my fly every few minutes but instead decide what I want to fish — streamer, dry, or nymph — and do so.  I base my decision on what seems to be happening on the water at any given time.  If the fish are actively feeding I determine what they are eating and try to match that.  I often fish two flies when fish are feeding on or near the surface — a dry and an emerger of whatever species is hatching.   If nothing is happening on the water I usually fish nymphs or a nymph/streamer combination.  To fish the combo I tie a nymph on my tippet,then tie an additional piece of tippet to the bend of the nymph’s hook and tie on a streamer.  This rig will look like a small fish chasing a nymph and can be real effective.  Cast it quartering up-stream and let it dead drift as long as the current will allow.  Then let it swing accross current until it is downstream from you. Then repeat the process. Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (96 catalog)

Response:

I’m a newbie to the sport … 1. What significance does water color/clarity have for fishing strategy? Also, is water level important on a particular stream?

Colour/clarity is siginificant, as is water level.  The impact and degree of these varies widely.  A normally clear stream which is suddenly high and muddy after a big rain will be mostly unfishable, until it starts to clear.  It can still be FFed, though with a big weighted nymph or wet fly.  (The fish still need to eat.) 2. I’ve read of fly fishers using Clouser minnows or streamers in the riffles, and other dry flies and such in slow moving/calm water.  Do you change your fly every few minutes as you are fishing your way down a stream or do you hit the riffles and then come back for the eddys and slow spots?

Basically, NO.  That is, don’t complicate things.  If you want to use a dry fly, then use a dry fly.  If you want to use a streamer (such as Clouser minnow), then do that.  For starters, use a big nymph, or maybe an attractor wet fly.  Cast across and let the fly swing downstream.  When it gets straight down below you, strip in line, a few inches at a time, and repeat.  The areas that you want to concentrate on are the seams (where the fast water makes a noticable line against the slower stuff) and around visible structure like rocks.  You can do the same with an attractor dry fly.  I know it’s BIG HERESY, but you can cast across, and let the fly swing down in the current.  Try to minimize, and eventually eliminate drag (the wake produced by the fly being pulled across the water by the line/leader).  Again, concentrate on the seams and visible structure. Don’t worry about big long casts.  Unless you fish some huge river like the Missouri, most of your casts will probably be less than 30 or 40 feet.  Focus on not slapping the line, not dropping your backcast too low, and such. When you get comfortable with this basic stuff, then you might try "strategies" like fishing nymphs downstream, and working your way down the river for several hundred yards, then coming back up with a dry, this time casting in the "proper" upstream method. Then there’s matching the hatch and all that, which will eventually come. To answer your basic question, most of us DO NOT do as you pictured: dry fly this yard and a half of water, wet fly that, nymph another couple of feet, streamer across there, back to a dry, then another streamer.  We pretty much focus on one strategy/concept/idea/dream and K.I.S.S. Hope that helps, see you OUT THERE. — Bob Lundy IWFFC Mississauga, ON, Canada **new**     http://home.ican.net/~rlundy/

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[rip !] 1. What significance does water color/clarity have for fishing strategy? Also, is water level important on a particular stream?

I love it when the water goes off color.   I whip out my big flies and my 3X.  I am a bit of a heretic because I relish the highest, muddiest part of runoff.  No people and I nail big trout my friend.  I do not seek perfect conditions ever in my fishing, I simply try to see that perfection which is always there.   2. I’ve read of fly fishers using Clouser minnows or streamers in the riffles, and other dry flies and such in slow moving/calm water.  Do you change your fly every few minutes as you are fishing your way down a stream or do you hit the riffles and then come back for the eddys and slow spots?

Good question.  The answer is, only if one or the other is not producing.   If you’re catchin’ ‘em in the tail outs or riffles, you ain’t be movin’ down to the pockets, will ya ? TimW

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Dear Anglers: I’m a newbie to the sport and I have enjoyed it very much so far.  Haven’t caught anything yet, but my casting is improving tremendously with regular practice (though I have to admit that it’s a hell of a lot more fun practicing on the water than in the grass at the park like everyone recommends).  Now, I have a couple of questions for the experts: 1. What significance does water color/clarity have for fishing strategy?   Also, is water level important on a particular stream? 2. I’ve read of fly fishers using Clouser minnows or streamers in the riffles, and other dry flies and such in slow moving/calm water.  Do you change your fly every few minutes as you are fishing your way down a stream or do you hit the riffles and then come back for the eddys and slow spots? Thanks in advance, — Anthony J. Petrella University of Pittsburgh Department of Mechanical Engineering

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: runoff.  No people and I nail big trout my friend.  I do not seek : perfect conditions ever in my fishing, I simply try to see that perfection : which is always there.   Tim Walker, demonstrating that he is actually the roff Buddha. — 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

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*SNIP* The worst caster in the world is going to catch more fish then (boy, is this going to cause a rumpus) an olympic gold medal caster (if there was one) if they can make their fly float more naturally while it’s on the water.

Only true if the worst caster in the world can get it to land delicately on target.  If you can’t get your fly to the target, everything else is a moot point.   But, you’re right, it doesn’t have to look pretty it just has to work. The thing you  may find out is that it’s a lot easier to consistently put the fly on the  target if your casting is good. I agree totally with your comment on drift.  In real estate it’s "location, location, location"  IMO in fly fishing it’s "presentation, presentation, presentation".                                                            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!).

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I’m no expert, but have caught a few trout over the years, so I can only tell you what I’m most comfortable with and what works for me. And, I’ll just be addressing dry flies. 1- if the water is very high fast and dirty I don’t bother. If it’s high fast and clear, well…. I’ll get to that in a sec. 2- I fish mostly attractors, and, worry about matching a hatch only if we’re in the middle of a major hatch period. Of course I’ll give a hopper or some such a chance later in the season. 3- I fish and travel UP and cross stream, fishing ahead of myself and letting the fly float down past me. 4- a good cast is all very well and good, and looks impressive as hell to somebody watching from the shore, but, the fish could care less about a cast as long as the fly dosn’t slam down on the water and you don’t lay your line right over the fish. The worst caster in the world is going to catch more fish then (boy, is this going to cause a rumpus) an olympic gold medal caster (if there was one) if they can make their fly float more naturally while it’s on the water. Lolo Mt.

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Question:

There is a fly tying cd (perhaps 2) available in both Mac and PC-compatible format (but not necessarily the same cd). Anyway, has anyone know of or have seen a reputable mail order firm that offers these at a discount? — dept of math/cs ut martin

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There is a fly tying cd (perhaps 2) available in both Mac and PC-compatible format (but not necessarily the same cd). Anyway, has anyone know of or have seen a reputable mail order firm that offers these at a discount?

Hi Jim I think the CD you are looking for is Tying Flies for Trout by Dick Stewart and Farrow Allen.  It’s available through Bob Mariotts at 800-535-6633 (orders) or 800-367-2299 (fax orders).  Also get his catalog, it’s the most incredible catalog/information source you’ll ever see. Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (96 catalog)

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Question:

I will be in Yellowstone NP in middle through late July. I am taking my family and will have limited time to fish. I have read all of the standard publications (e.g. Brooks). I am looking for some local advice with respect to the streams and patterns for area. I have fished here several times in the distant past and am an experienced Flyfisherman. This will be my son’s first trip. Thanks in advance.

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I will be in Yellowstone NP in middle through late July. I am taking my family and will have limited time to fish. I have read all of the standard publications (e.g. Brooks). I am looking for some local advice with respect to the streams and patterns for area. I have fished here several times in the distant past and am an experienced Flyfisherman. This will be my son’s first trip. Thanks in advance.

Hi Bill When you arrive be sure to check with one of the local shops like Bob Jacklin’s Fly Shop (406-646-7336).  They can provide up-to-the minute pattern information.  Good general patterns are Wooly Buggers, Muddlers, Hare’s Ears, small Soft Hackles, Grass Hoppers, Humpies, Royal Wulffs, H&L Variants, Renegades, and Compara or Sparkle Duns. Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (96 catalog)

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I will be in Yellowstone NP in middle through late July. I am taking my family and will have limited time to fish.

Hi Bill, There are great family opportunities in YNP. My favorite is Yellowstone Lake. I was just at the lake over the weekend and fishing was the best I have ever experienced there. Water levels are at record highs, concentrating the fish in the shoreline shallows. Woolly buggers in any style were producing well, sink tip lines, erratic retrieves. "Fish on" no less than once every ten casts, with the cutts ranging from 15" – 19". Best areas right now are around the West Thumb, although I heard of decent, but not excellent fishing around Bridge Bay. Great place to take a kid. Also, the upper Yellowstone River will be open July 15, and if you can manage to find places to fish (i.e., beat the crowds), the Buffalo Ford Picnic Area on the Yellowstone River is a great place to catch nice cutthroats, with not "too" much challenge (does not apply into August-September, however, when the fish can be somewhat difficult to catch!). The water should be clear by then. It was fishable but slightly cloudy this weekend. For the more experienced and patient, the Firehole and Madison are both fishing very well right now, and shouldn’t change for a few weeks, unless park thunderstorms wreak havoc on those drainages. In late July and August, however, my favorite kids picks are the small creeks. They provide a tremendous learning environment, the fish eat #8 Royal Wulffs, and there are plenty creeks to go around without being crowded. There are so many of these that contain great populations of small brookies and cutthroats that I can’t begin to name them. My recommendation is to consult the book, "Fly Fishing Yellowstone National Park" (or "Guide to Fishing YNP" or something like that, a little paperback, 125 pages or so, gives a summary of park waters by "sections"). For fly selections, take Buggers and Leeches if you hit Yellowstone Lake (tied beadhead style or with a little flash), Wulffs, Trudes, Humpies, or Elk Hair Caddis for the small creeks (size 14 typical), Fluttering Caddis, Partridge Caddis, Thorax Duns, Parachute Duns, Sparkle Duns (i.e., slow water/flat water style flies) for the Yellowstone, Madison, or Firehole Rivers to match darker mayflies (olive size 16-18, brown size 14) and lighter mayflies (pale yellow size 14-16), tan/brown caddis (#12-14), gray caddis (#16), and black caddis (#18-20). For emergers/nymphs in these rivers, my picks include pheasant tails (#14-18), Lawson- or Harrop-style cripple duns (#16-18), and Z-Caddis or LaFontaine caddis emergers. Good Luck! Ryan Jordan

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