Question:

Howdy folks!!! What:           Free Presentation on Flyfishing the Arkansas River during the Mother’s Day Caddis Hatch Who:            Matt and Chris Brown of Browner’s Guide Service in Salida, Colorado. Where:          The Trout Unlimited/Wild Trout Chapter’s April                 meeting at the Best Western Landmark Inn,                         455 S. Colorado Blvd. (Colorado Blvd.                         & North Cherry Creek Drive) When:           Wednesday, April 22nd at 6:30 pm Come here Matt and Chris tell us how, when and where to catch the big ones. Then hang around to swap stories and tips with other local anglers. at 832-4600.

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Greetings TU members from Wisconsin.  Just saying hi!  Our fishing opener starts tomorrow. Larry Seiler http://cwinc.net/larryseiler 1998 Wis Inland Trout Stamp Design Competition winner – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Howdy folks!!! What:      Free Presentation on Flyfishing the Arkansas River during the Mother’s Day Caddis Hatch Who:       Matt and Chris Brown of Browner’s Guide Service in Salida, Colorado. Where:     The Trout Unlimited/Wild Trout Chapter’s April                    meeting at the Best Western Landmark Inn,                    455 S. Colorado Blvd. (Colorado Blvd.                    & North Cherry Creek Drive) When:              Wednesday, April 22nd at 6:30 pm Come here Matt and Chris tell us how, when and where to catch the big ones. Then hang around to swap stories and tips with other local anglers. Lopez at 832-4600.

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Question:

I will be in Salida Co next week for a day or two.  Iam interested in fishing a bit. Any suggestions would be appreciated;  best locations, flys to try, local contacts.  Thanks in advance for your help.  james mahan

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I will be in Salida Co next week for a day or two.  Iam interested in fishing a bit. Any suggestions would be appreciated;  best locations, flys to try, local contacts.  Thanks in advance for your help. james mahan

I would suggest the South Platte near Deckers.  It’s less than an hour from there and is supposedly fishing great.  I haven’t fished there in a while, but that would be my favorite place near Salida.  There is a fly shop in Deckers that can probably let you know what the fish are taking.  Wildcat

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Question:

Several fly fishing books for sale from my collection.  All by famous authors; new and pre-owned books.  E-Mail me for list of books and prices. JWTrout

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Several fly fishing books for sale from my collection.  All by famous authors; new and pre-owned books.  E-Mail me for list of books and prices. JWTrout

Hi John Please email me the list. Thanks. — Tight Lines ….. Al Beatty Whiting Farms (Hoffman Hackle)

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Question:

Would appreciate any info on estimating weight of fish.eg:brook trout    18in long – 5in width =  lbs ?

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Hi Stephen-    You need to measure the girth of the fish at its thickest part. I’m taking a stab and guessing your "5in width" is about a 12" girth. An 18 inch trout with a 12 inch girth is a 4.9 pound fish.    Feel free to download our girth/length/weight table. Put some contact paper on it to keep it dry and stuff it in your vest.     Go to http://www.flyline.com. Scroll down two thirds of the page and select "tips and techniques". From there select "flyfishing tips". Scroll through the tips untils you find "weighing your catch with a tape".    Tight lines, Ralph Would appreciate any info on estimating weight of fish.eg:brook trout    18in long – 5in width =  lbs ?

Ralph Cutter, California School of Flyfishing. http://www.flyline.com

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Stephen writes: Would appreciate any info on estimating weight of fish.eg:brook trout

   18in long – 5in width =  lbs ? Stephen: Estimating the weight of a salmonid, I have used the following with some success: weight in lbs = length in inches x girth in inches squared all divided by 800.    an 18 inch brook trout with a 11 inch girth would be 18×11x11/800 = 2.72 pounds.  since you did not give the girth…. can’t tell about your particular fish… an 18 inch brook trout would be hugh in Virginia…. cheers, Alan E. Hoover Anglers’ Rest Powhatan, Va        *the trout teach many, lessons*

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Would appreciate any info on estimating weight of fish.eg:brook trout    18in long – 5in width =  lbs ?

Sounds like a lucy to me. You need the girth, the measurement around the fish at the widest point. This formula was posted here a few years ago by a fellow from BC who says the biologists there use it.  Length x (girth in inches squared) divided by 800=weight in pounds. i.e.  20 inch trout with 10 inch girth would figure out to 2000/ 800=2 1/2 pounds and so on. If you tell me where you caught it I’ll help you with the math. MV — http://www.lanminds.com/local/vinnie/gallery.html

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Would appreciate any info on estimating weight of fish.

Why estimate? If you’re keeping the fish, just weigh it directly.   If you’re going to release it, carry a small scale (hanging type) in your vest.  Once you’ve netted the fish, hook the scale into the net. Subtract the net weight to get the weight of the fish.   It’s easy, more accurate than an estimation formula, and is easier on the fish than taking a girth measurement, since you’re handling it less, and reviving/releasing it sooner. CQ

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Would appreciate any info on estimating weight of fish.

always carry with you a dead fish of known weight and then hold the fish you are weighing in one hand and the dead fish of known weight in the other hand and stand there with a thoughtful expression on you face as you estimate the weight of the unknown fish and look just like the scales of justice lady… — TimW Halfordian Golfer

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Would appreciate any info on estimating weight of fish. always carry with you a dead fish of known weight and then hold the fish you are weighing in one hand and the dead fish of known weight in the other hand and stand there with a thoughtful expression on you face as you estimate the weight of the unknown fish and look just like the scales of justice lady… — TimW Halfordian Golfer

You forgot to mention the calculation to allow for the growth mould and scale loss.. — Colin J. McPherson B.Eng. Design and Structures Group, School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Bath,Bath,U.K.

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Would appreciate any info on estimating weight of fish. always carry with you a dead fish of known weight and then hold the fish you are weighing in one hand and the dead fish of known weight in the other hand and stand there with a thoughtful expression on you face as you estimate the weight of the unknown fish and look just like the scales of justice lady… — TimW Halfordian Golfer You forgot to mention the calculation to allow for the growth mould and scale loss..

Thank you for mentioning this.  You are quite correct, except that in the case of fishermen the rounding up error more then compensates for mould and scale loss. — TimW Halfordian Golfer

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you can estimate the weight with this formula.It seems to be right on.You measure the girth then multiply it by itself.then multiply that figure with the length.then divide by 800.example: a striper with a 22 1/2 girth and a length of 38 inches comes out to about 24.04 lbs.   22.5  x  22.5 =506.25 then multiply 506.25 by the lenght 38=19237.5 then divide by 800=24.04

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Question:

I am trying to make my own float tube this winter. If anyone has any plans or knows where to get plans to make one any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Joe

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I am trying to make my own float tube this winter. If anyone has any plans or knows where to get plans to make one any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Joe

Got a little free time on your hands this winter Joe?

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I am trying to make my own float tube this winter. If anyone has any plans or knows where to get plans to make one any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Joe

Make your own float tube? Hell, I’m making my own spring creek this winter! Really though, it’s not so much the plans I’d wonder about as the materials. It has often been the case, when I got a notion to make something, that I discovered it would be cheaper to buy it after I factored in the costs of material. Unfortunately, one guy doesn’t get the economies of scale a large mfg. does. This is not to say I don’t understand the appeal of do-it-yourself. That’s why I tie flies. I don’t tie enough of any particular pattern at one time to produce flies for $.10/per. Then I go buy more materials to learn a new pattern. I’m probably still losing money on the deal, but I’m gaining something else. I just wonder where the line is and if perhaps making your own float tube doesn’t cross that line. Roger

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am trying to make my own float tube this winter. If anyone has any plans or knows where to get plans to make one any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Joe Make your own float tube? Hell, I’m making my own spring creek this winter! Really though, it’s not so much the plans I’d wonder about as the materials. It has often been the case, when I got a notion to make something, that I discovered it would be cheaper to buy it after I factored in the costs of material. Unfortunately, one guy doesn’t get the economies of scale a large mfg. does. This is not to say I don’t understand the appeal of do-it-yourself. That’s why I tie flies. I don’t tie enough of any particular pattern at one time to produce flies for $.10/per. Then I go buy more materials to learn a new pattern. I’m probably still losing money on the deal, but I’m gaining something else. I just wonder where the line is and if perhaps making your own float tube doesn’t cross that line. Roger

YOU are talking about a very dangerous thing to do.  Something that can kill you.  If the stitching isn’t correct, the material wrong, etc. Whatever you do, please, please wear a life vest when trying it out. There is more engineering involved than meets the eye.  Understand this. Mr. G. — MZ

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This is not to say I don’t understand the appeal of do-it-yourself. That’s why I tie flies. I don’t tie enough of any particular pattern at one time to produce flies for $.10/per. Then I go buy more materials to learn a new pattern. I’m probably still losing money on the deal, but I’m gaining something else. I just wonder where the line is and if perhaps making your own float tube doesn’t cross that line. Roger

Roger,         Of course it crosses the line!  Didn’t you know we’re ALL over the line. Tight Line Crossings, Charley

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This is not to say I don’t understand the appeal of do-it-yourself. That’s why I tie flies. I don’t tie enough of any particular pattern at one time to produce flies for $.10/per. Then I go buy more materials to learn a new pattern. I’m probably still losing money on the deal, but I’m gaining something else. I just wonder where the line is and if perhaps making your own float tube doesn’t cross that line. Roger Roger,         Of course it crosses the line!  Didn’t you know we’re ALL over the line. Tight Line Crossings, Charley

DEAR CHARLIE:  The real profit is in the high quality improvements you obtain by tying your own flies.  Better success equates into lower overhead in the time it takes to get into your next fish. etc. — George Gehrke/President Gehrke’s World’s Best Fly Fishing Products Asotin, WA 99402 509-243-4100  FAX 4644

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Question:

    My son and I will be going horsepacking and fly fishing just east of Yellowstone in August. Two other fathers and sons are going also. I have committed to tie all the flies for the trip. I have never fished this area before–closest I’ve come is the Bighorn. Living in Tennessee I have no local knowledge. Rivers we could be fishing include the Elk’s Fork, the Boulder/Greybull and the Southfork/Yellowstone. Any ideas on fly patterns we will need that time of year. Thanks in advance for any info.

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   My son and I will be going horsepacking and fly fishing just east of Yellowstone in August. Two other fathers and sons are going also. I have committed to tie all the flies for the trip. I have never fished this area before–closest I’ve come is the Bighorn. Living in Tennessee I have no local knowledge. Rivers we could be fishing include the Elk’s Fork, the Boulder/Greybull and the Southfork/Yellowstone. Any ideas on fly patterns we will need that time of year. Thanks in advance for any info.

Hi Terry, You will need a good selection of Adams Parachute, Humpies, Wulffs, EHC, Bead Heads, Stimulators, and many, many Grass Hoppers. #6 or 8 on the hoppers and #12 and smaller on the others.  Also be sure to have a pattern to immitate PMD’s and BWO’s. Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (96 catalog)

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I bought "Fly Pattens of Yellowstoe " by Craig Mathews and John Juracek last year. This is execellent fly pattern book for Yellowstone National Park area. Kiyo Shirataki

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Question:

Does anyone on this newsgroup have current information on saltwater flyfishing at Christmas (Kiribati) Island?  In 1979 I spent some time on the island doing anthropological research and found the bonefishing fantastic.  They were interested at that time in promoting the sportfishing, especially the saltwater flyfishing from the reef.  There have been a couple of articles on the sportfishing in the mid ’80s but I haven’t seen anything recently. — Los Angeles Maritime Museum                                               NETCOM, the West Coast’s Leading Internet Service Provider.      (408) 554-8649

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I have been twice in 1988 and dec. 1994. It is the best bone fishing i have found for numbers of fish. I was there in Sept. of 88 and Dec. of 94. Largest of the two trips was 30 inches. Most weigh about 2-3 pounds. Good food and native guides are fine. I would suggest u hire an extra guide for yourself or for you and a friend if anyone goes with you. A young guide, NAREAU is the best I have used. MOANNA the most famous is now into the bottle pretty heavy and on our last trip he was quite undependable. If you need any other suggestions let me know. I would only book through FRONTIERS in Medford, Penna. good luck. Jack.

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Does anyone on this newsgroup have current information on saltwater flyfishing at Christmas (Kiribati) Island?  In 1979 I spent some time on the island doing anthropological research and found the bonefishing fantastic.  They were interested at that time in promoting the sportfishing, especially the saltwater flyfishing from the reef.  There have been a couple of articles on the sportfishing in the mid ’80s but I haven’t seen anything recently. —

Los Angeles Maritime Museum                                               NETCOM, the West Coast’s Leading Internet Service Provider.      (408)

554-8649 Regarding bone fishing on Christmas Island:  my husband and several of the other members of the Santa Cruz Fly Fishermen fished there last January. They booked their trip through a group called Fishabout, located in Los Gatos.  They have a P.O. Box:  1679, Los Gatos, CA 95031.  Contact either Howard McKinney or Kay Mitsyoshi, at 1-800-409-2000.  The group flew to Honolulu, then transferred to Air Nahru to Kiribati.  Their accomodations were in a small hotel, and their guides took them by boat out to the flats, where they fished, accompanied by the guide.  Everyone reported fine fishing and were satisfied with the package, so Kiribati is having some success promoting their bonefishing. Yours, Pat Steele

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Give any of the destination fly shops a call.  Christmas Island is a very popular bone destination these days.  I would reccomend The Fly Shop in Redding,  CA.  Ask for Mike, the owner… Good Luck, Mad Dog

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Kaufmann’s Streamborn has a lot of good information and experience with Christmas Island.  They have a great color catalog that you can full color photos of lots of travel destinations including Christmas Island.  They’ve got a new web page at http://www.teleport.com/~kman  You can also call them at 800/442-4359, and ask for Jerry.   – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Does anyone on this newsgroup have current information on saltwater flyfishing at Christmas (Kiribati) Island?  In 1979 I spent some time on the island doing anthropological research and found the bonefishing fantastic.  They were interested at that time in promoting the sportfishing, especially the saltwater flyfishing from the reef.  There have been a couple of articles on the sportfishing in the mid ’80s but I haven’t seen anything recently. — Los Angeles Maritime Museum                                               NETCOM, the West Coast’s Leading Internet Service Provider.      (408) 554-8649

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Question:

Is there such a thing?  I’d love to drive into the mountains, meet a bunch of other homebrewers at about 10000′ (ASL), pitch a tent, stoke a fire, and swap homebrew, fly fish, lie about our SO’s, and forget about work for 48 hours.  Who’s in?  I’d suggest late-June to mid-July just because it’s going to take time to get this thing going.   email me.   — | 12459 W. Atlantic Ave | 303/763-8118 (Home) | 4725 Independence Street | | Lakewood, CO 80228    | 303/467-8352 (Work) | Wheat Ridge,  CO 80033   |

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Are you seriously opposed to bait fishermen?  I might be in.

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Question:

I’ve read that nylon pantyhose makes a great shuck imitation.   -Clyde

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I’ve read that nylon pantyhose makes a great shuck imitation.  

And, its great fun to watch them get taken off!

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I’m a lover of spring creek midge fishing.  While I’m doing well on my pupae, I still can’t find a dry pattern that will consistently (or even semi-regularly) fool the surface sippers..  The thing I’m looking for is a

Check Gary LaFoine’s book "The Dry Fly", in it he has a pattern called the Buzz Ball that is suppose to imitated a midge cluster on the surface like one would see on some back water on the San Juan or similar river. good luck Mark Powers Boston

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I’m a lover of spring creek midge fishing.  While I’m doing well on my pupae, I still can’t find a dry pattern that will consistently (or even semi-regularly) fool the surface sippers..  The thing I’m looking for is a pattern that imitates  the midge during those few seconds that it sits dry on the surface, but is still attached to the shuck…apparently the moment of greatest vulnerability.  Both the midge and the shuck or on the surface (shuck may be in the film). Anyone had good luck with a pattern of this type?

I am wondering if a double tippet could be made to the midge a few inches from the shuck?   Put a hook in both if the trout cannot make up its mind.  Be interesting to see if the shuck or the midge get hit on most often. here a change to come up with a new pattern.  And we wonder where did they all come from.  :-)   Happy new year!

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The thing I’m looking for is a pattern that imitates  the midge during those

 few seconds that it sits dry on the surface, but is still attached to the shuck… I use your typical Griffith’s Gnat tied w/ a small plume of grey CDC feathers as a tail to imitate the trailing shuck.

Yours virtually, Gary W. Godden Denver, Colorado

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m a lover of spring creek midge fishing.  While I’m doing well on my pupae, I still can’t find a dry pattern that will consistently (or even semi-regularly) fool the surface sippers..  The thing I’m looking for is a pattern that imitates  the midge during those few seconds that it sits dry on the surface, but is still attached to the shuck…apparently the moment of greatest vulnerability.  Both the midge and the shuck or on the surface (shuck may be in the film). Anyone had good luck with a pattern of this type? I am wondering if a double tippet could be made to the midge a few inches from the shuck?   Put a hook in both if the trout cannot make up its mind.  Be interesting to see if the shuck or the midge get hit on most often. here a change to come up with a new pattern.  And we wonder where did they all come from.  :-)   Happy new year!

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Out here in Colorado we use something called a Stuck-In -Shuck midge.  It’s a good slow-water fly on the South Platte where winter trout seem to sometimes prefer emerging midges over full adults. The dressing is simple.  The tail, or "shuck" is a few strands of brown antron, or Z-lon. the body is thread, or peacock.  A few strands of white antron, Z-lon, or poly are tied in at the butt, and pulled over the body. This should be a little on the loose side, creating a kind of bubble.  Some people put a couple wraps of grizzly hackle, trimmed top, and bottom in front for better floatation.  This fly should be dressed to let the fly float in the film. I don’t know who dreamt this fly up, but I think it’s a pretty good one! Chaz — Chaz Clover Fly Tier, Fly Design, Riverkeeper.

I fish the tiny spring creeks in WI and the best surface/film pattern that I have tried is nothing radical: Griffith’s Gnat. I tie it on a size 22 wide gap 1XF hook. Peacock Body (short flue, taken from near the butt rather than the eye) and Top Quality (Hoffman) Grizzly also short (no longer than to point). Fished on 6X tippet with silicon paste applied on 3 inches about 6 inches from the fly. this: a. keeps it on top, b. if you position yourself just right it acts a an indicator, and c. allows the fly to move naturally. I don’t apply floatant to the fly as it makes it ride too high causing for short hits. Quarter it upstream and dead drift. Good Luck.

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: I’m a lover of spring creek midge fishing.  While I’m doing well on my : pupae, I still can’t find a dry pattern that will consistently (or even : semi-regularly) fool the surface sippers..  The thing I’m looking for is a : pattern that imitates  the midge during those few seconds that it sits dry : on the surface, but is still attached to the shuck…apparently the moment : of greatest vulnerability.  Both the midge and the shuck or on the surface : (shuck may be in the film). : Anyone had good luck with a pattern of this type? I do quite a bit of midge fishing, especially late in the season as it gets colder.  I’ve found that a #26 or 28 works very well for the large (but oh so rare) browns here in VT.  I don’t use a trailing shuck pattern, however.  I use a simple black or red thread body (no tail) with a grizzly, black, or cream hackle.  The red body is easy to spot, and it seems to work!  I rarely get refused with this pattern, and it’s very simple to tie.  In addition, it feeds my growing opinion that the presentation is (slightly?) more important than the fly choice (please, no flame wars on this one, both are important!)   I don’t usually fish this one blind, and not at long distances (usually about 20-25′).  I find that 7 or 8X tippets make sense, as well as a challenge for a big fish. Hans

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I’m a lover of spring creek midge fishing.  While I’m doing well on my pupae, I still can’t find a dry pattern that will consistently (or even semi-regularly) fool the surface sippers..  The thing I’m looking for is a pattern that imitates  the midge during those few seconds that it sits dry on the surface, but is still attached to the shuck…apparently the moment of greatest vulnerability.  Both the midge and the shuck or on the surface (shuck may be in the film). Anyone had good luck with a pattern of this type?

Response:

Out here in Colorado we use something called a Stuck-In -Shuck midge.  It’s a good slow-water fly on the South Platte where winter trout seem to sometimes prefer emerging midges over full adults. The dressing is simple.  The tail, or "shuck" is a few strands of brown antron, or Z-lon. the body is thread, or peacock.  A few strands of white antron, Z-lon, or poly are tied in at the butt, and pulled over the body. This should be a little on the loose side, creating a kind of bubble.  Some people put a couple wraps of grizzly hackle, trimmed top, and bottom in front for better floatation.  This fly should be dressed to let the fly float in the film. I don’t know who dreamt this fly up, but I think it’s a pretty good one! Chaz — Chaz Clover Fly Tier, Fly Design, Riverkeeper.

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Question:

I’ll try to remain calm… I just heard about a guy here in Glenwood Springs that is attempting to get a patent for a new Green Drake pattern that he ‘invented’. I am (almost) physically ill at the thought of this. When we walk down to the stream (or lake or salt or…) to flyfish we are carrying with us the knowledge, spirit and soul of hundreds of years of tradition.  We can design flies,  but our basis is that of every fisher who ever wet a line. I can think of nothing more arrogant. Tim Walker

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ll try to remain calm… I just heard about a guy here in Glenwood Springs that is attempting to get a patent for a new Green Drake pattern that he ‘invented’. I am (almost) physically ill at the thought of this. When we walk down to the stream (or lake or salt or…) to flyfish we are carrying with us the knowledge, spirit and soul of hundreds of years of tradition.  We can design flies,  but our basis is that of every fisher who ever wet a line. I can think of nothing more arrogant. Tim Walker

I’ll agree in principal, but practicaly it wishful thinking.  Some people seek a living from the sport, and a patent can serve to protect their interest.  Pott Mite flies still carry a patent.  Parachute flies were patented at one time, and called "gyros".  Mike Tucker has a patented scud pattern (it’s excellent).  Many people today trademark the name of their patterns.  You may not like the idea, and I must say that a patent is perhaps going a bit too far, but only because it’s so easy to get around it by switching materials, or process.  If someone wants to, I’d be the last person to object, but I sure wouldn’t waste my time by doing it. —  Have a marvelous time, and be sure to get a lot of roughage in your Diet! Chaz ;-

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: I’ll try to remain calm…   … as will I … : I just heard about a guy here in Glenwood Springs that is attempting to : get a patent for a new Green Drake pattern that he ‘invented’. : I am (almost) physically ill at the thought of this. : When we walk down to the stream (or lake or salt or…) to flyfish we : are carrying with us the knowledge, spirit and soul of hundreds of : years of tradition.  We can design flies,  but our basis is that of : every fisher who ever wet a line.   This man may fly-fish but he certainly doesn’t fit my definition of a   fly-fisherman. : I can think of nothing more arrogant.   Nor I : Tim Walker   Izaak Walton had a little to say about "rich men" being a sad lot because   they become " vexatious " and ‘invent’ ways to hold on to their money .   This guy sounds like he’s inventing other things besides fly-patterns.   For crying out loud, who does he think he is, what tyer/fisher hasn’t   developed a pattern that works for him/her and is his favourite when a   a hatch of "so and so’s" is on … and I bet there’ll be a guy a mile or   so upstream using a similar pattern that he ‘invented’. In the interests of sharing patterns here’s one I ‘invented’ (given the constraint listed above) for use as a general search pattern on a small river that I fish quite often. This river has a population of freshwater crayfish, which are royal blue and black with a large white claw and white spots on the carapace nodules ( the spiny bits on the shell). The best part is the young also look like this and can be represented quite nicely on a size 10 long shank hook. Large black mayfly numphs also thrive here, with the distinguishing feature of these blokes is a white under belly …. So this Is what I came up with ….         hook: 10ls, 12, 14           tail: black cock (1/2 body length – good bunch)     body: black – antron, seals fur, dyed carpet underlay (cow hair) all work.         rib : fine dark blue tinsel 3-4 turns depending on size.         thorax: same as body material – just a bit of a hump not execessive.     wingcase: pale electric/iridescent blue feather from the wing of one of               our local Australian parrots (Rosella – Ithink – I pick the                           feathers up in the yard – the advantages of living in the hills         throat hackle: guinea fowl (natural)         NOTES:                 General nymph shaped body.             Weight for heavy water.         Fishing: Large (10) – fished down and across with little crayfishy jerks     in the slower sections.         Smaller – just like a normal nymph – upstream under a dry for an indicator.         It works well in grubby water as well as clear … well down here at least.         I would be pleased to hear about about any similar patterns  that anyone     knows of. steve Melbourne, Australia

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I’ll try to remain calm… I just heard about a guy here in Glenwood Springs that is attempting to get a patent for a new Green Drake pattern that he ‘invented’. I am (almost) physically ill at the thought of this….

The practice of patenting a fly, or patenting the design/materials/methods used in tying one, is not new.  There were British and American patents granted decades ago, and for all I know it has been done under the patent laws of other countries.  I doubt that anyone would begrudge a rodmaker patenting an improved ferrule, or a reel designer patenting a unique drag system.  But there is something about the art, or at least the craft, of fly design that causes us to resist the idea of patents being granted in this area.  You may at least take solace in the fact that fly patents are never likely to have much impact on the market.  If the fly is not effective, the fly fisher will not buy it and the patent holder will not benefit.  If the patented fly is successful (the McMurray Ant comes to mind), its success will likely be due to a design principle that cannot be easily constrained under patent law.  The balsawood-and-monofilament McMurray design really catches fish, but the principle was easily mimicked by closed cell foam-bodied ants, which have the added benefit of being more durable. Woods Hole, MA   USA

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   I think this patent thing is a great idea.  Just think of all the opportunities it will afford thousands of people across America.  I myself can’t wait until its in full scale across the country.  I want to be one of the firt to sign up for "fly patrol".  Just think of it.  I’ll get to travel across the country to its finest streams and rivers and check the fly boxes of each angler I see.  I can see it now.  "Excuse me, sir. Do you have the proper licencing for that Green Drake pattern?" Jason

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Parachute flies were patented at one time, and called "gyros".

Yes indeed!  I have a set of four of these flies, tied on #16 hooks; each has a ginger hackle and a partridge body feather tied in parachute-style. They date from the 1930’s and were sold by Alex. Martin, Ltd. of Scotland. One of the flies has a tiny piece of paper attached to the hook, reading: "Parachute" Reg’d. Trade Mark – Alex. Martin’s Patent 379343. Woods Hole, MA   USA

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        Sounds like the guy has an attitude problem.  I cna’t ever imagine a true flyfisher not wanting to share in his experiences and knowledge.                 Tom <:?

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Just to add to the list of patent fly patterns: I seem to remember that the Teeny Nymph was/is a patented fly, even though I’ve seen tying instructions (dead easy, really) all over the place. — Blair Sharpe Ottawa, ON, Canada

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I’ll try to remain calm… I just heard about a guy here in Glenwood Springs that is attempting to get a patent for a new Green Drake pattern that he ‘invented’. I am (almost) physically ill at the thought of this. I can think of nothing more arrogant.

Unless he’s really got something _outrageous_, the only patent protection available would be a Design Patent.  That means if he got it, he could bring suit to stop someone producing the fly.  In practical terms, read producing it _commercially_.  You, of course, and thousands of others, could be equally arrogant, tie his fly for your own use, and say, "So sue me for infringing your patent."  Getting a patent is a _lot_ easier than enforcing it. This is not legal advice, merely the reality of patents. — John Taylor    (W3ZID)     |  "The opinions expressed are those of the

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