Question:

I’m going to be in Portland for a couple of days but will probably only be able to fish one full day. Can anybody recommend a good Steelhead river and hopefully a guide within a 2-3 hour drive of Portland Oregon. Either Oregon or Washington destinations are fine althought I was, for whatever reason, leaning towards Washington rivers. TIA, Randy

Response:

I’m going to be in Portland for a couple of days but will probably only be able to fish one full day.

go to www.ifish.net and read the latest reports. There are a number of guides listed there and all have good reputations. I can personally speak to the fact that Dave Johnson is one of the finest people, as well as being a guide, that you will ever have the pleasure of fishing with. Cos

Response:

Give Kaufmann’s a try… www.kman.com Clark

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m going to be in Portland for a couple of days but will probably only be able to fish one full day. Can anybody recommend a good Steelhead river and hopefully a guide within a 2-3 hour drive of Portland Oregon. Either Oregon or Washington destinations are fine althought I was, for whatever reason, leaning towards Washington rivers. TIA, Randy

Response:

I’d go to the lower  Deschutes or The Klickitat.  I knew people who were catching fish in the Lewis river last week but access to it is not easy. The Wilson is a short drive but "fair" at the moment.  It could change any time with rain.   There’s supposed to be fish (samon and steelhead )in Eagle Creek just east of Portland, bring your own rock to stand on.  When you get to town call Kauffmans, Rivercity flyshop or Fishermans Marine Supply.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m going to be in Portland for a couple of days but will probably only be able to fish one full day. Can anybody recommend a good Steelhead river and hopefully a guide within a 2-3 hour drive of Portland Oregon. Either Oregon or Washington destinations are fine althought I was, for whatever reason, leaning towards Washington rivers. TIA, Randy

Response:

If you plan to fish the Deschuttes, Sandy, Salmon or Clackamas you could contact either Kaufmann’s Streamborn in Tigard or The FlyFishing Shop in Welches. guy

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m going to be in Portland for a couple of days but will probably only be able to fish one full day. Can anybody recommend a good Steelhead river and hopefully a guide within a 2-3 hour drive of Portland Oregon. Either Oregon or Washington destinations are fine althought I was, for whatever reason, leaning towards Washington rivers. TIA, Randy

Response:

I took a river class from Mark Bachman and it was a great experience.  He has to be one of the most patient guides to teach spey casting.  Good thing I was not chewing gum at the same time.  I recommend any guide affiliated with the Welches shop.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – If you plan to fish the Deschuttes, Sandy, Salmon or Clackamas you could contact either Kaufmann’s Streamborn in Tigard or The FlyFishing Shop in Welches. guy I’m going to be in Portland for a couple of days but will probably only be able to fish one full day. Can anybody recommend a good Steelhead river and hopefully a guide within a 2-3 hour drive of Portland Oregon. Either Oregon or Washington destinations are fine althought I was, for whatever reason, leaning towards Washington rivers. TIA, Randy

Response:

I also had a great trip from the shop with Brian Silvey in July.  Caught one steelhead and many trout.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I took a river class from Mark Bachman and it was a great experience.  He has to be one of the most patient guides to teach spey casting.  Good thing I was not chewing gum at the same time.  I recommend any guide affiliated with the Welches shop. If you plan to fish the Deschuttes, Sandy, Salmon or Clackamas you could contact either Kaufmann’s Streamborn in Tigard or The FlyFishing Shop in Welches. guy I’m going to be in Portland for a couple of days but will probably only be able to fish one full day. Can anybody recommend a good Steelhead river and hopefully a guide within a 2-3 hour drive of Portland Oregon. Either Oregon or Washington destinations are fine althought I was, for whatever reason, leaning towards Washington rivers. TIA, Randy

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Question:

That sounds like a pretty good deal, however, I would opt for a 9′ fod instead of the 8.5′.  Before you spend any money, you should first have your wife try the sport to see if she will like it, maybe you have already done this.  Do you have any friends that own rods that she could try?  Good luck! Maurice Paquette

Although I do not flyfish, my wife would like to get into the sport. I am looking for a good starter set that she would not grow out of too soon.  I was wondering what folks here think about the Orvis Clearwater beginner combo described below for $165.00: Clearwater 865 8

Question:

Looking for info on FF in Ireland in the Spring. — Steven Locke, MD Harvard Pilgrim Health Care 617.859.5415 617.527.3343 fax

Response:

Dr. Locke,       I will be hosting trips (2,3 or 4 people) to County Cork in the Southwest  of Ireland this coming Spring and again in September. The water fished has an  excellent run of Salmon. However if the Salmon aren’t in the river there is a  good head of wild Brown trout.       I am billing these trips as "fly fishing vacations" as we combine,  fishing , and to the extent requested, tours of the nearby area. County Cork  is known as the food capital of Ireland and the area we fish abounds with  gourmet resturants.       The cost is $2345 each; 2-3 guests, $2145 each – 4  Price includes meals, lodging, all in country transportation (pickup at  airport0, licences, ghillies and fees. Airfare to Ireland and alcohol are not  included.      I have over 40 years fly fishing experience and own and operate an Orvis  shop in Virginias Shenandoah Valley. If you would like more information, give     Cheers,         Jim Finn                                    Jim Finn                        Mossy Creek Fly Shop                           Bridgewater, VA                              540-828-0033                 "In the heart of the Shenandoah Valley"

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is the Blackwater Lodge in County Cork. Their web page is on http://indigo.ie/~bwlodge Andrew Associate Editor, Waterlog Magazine http://www.demon.co.uk/medlarpress/

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Question:

says… Hi, I’m planning a trip to the Banff/Lake Louise area in early Sept. Any info re: hotels, guides, expected conditions and how to escape the tourists would be appreciated. Thanks in advance JT

The Bow around Banff will be clear and low – blue winged olives will be the fly to try for rainbows or browns,  or cutthroats in the upper reaches. Rocky mountain whitefish are common, and the odd bull trout (Alberta’s provincial fish) is an interesting possibility.  Lake trout will be on deep trolling only that time of year – but can be a blast with a fly rod and a streamer on a downrigger (makes the purists scream too!) Brookies mainly in the beaverponds and oxbows of the Bow River. Hotels will still be charging high season rates – about double what they are at the end of the month. There is an excellent hostel in Banff, and another one in Lake Louise – you may want to check with your local International Hostel Association for membership/rates. You are (will be) a tourist. But there’s tons of backcountry to ‘escape’ to and a good guide will help.   Try Upper Bow Valley Fly Fishing in Banff- Dan Bell at (403) 760-7668 fax 762-8263 – he a super drift boat guide, has excxellent knowledge of area lakes, or can even arrange for a helicopter trip if you’ve got the budget. My close second choice would be the Green Drake Fly Shop in Canmore (403) 678-9525 fax (403) 678-2183  They do a lot of guiding, and have an excellent little shop that while difficult to find – is worth your while. Free and friendly and specific advise to c&r fishers. Tight lines & short strings Andrew Whittick   Banff Alberta

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Hi, I’m planning a trip to the Banff/Lake Louise area in early Sept. Any info re: hotels, guides, expected conditions and how to escape the tourists would be appreciated. Thanks in advance JT

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says… Hi, I’m planning a trip to the Banff/Lake Louise area in early Sept. Any info re: hotels, guides, expected conditions and how to escape the tourists would be appreciated. Thanks in advance JT

ps – almost forgot when fishing in Canada’s Mountain National Parks – you may not use lead weighted flys or lead weights less than 50 grams. No such restrictions outside of the parks though.  Floating the Bow River from Banff to Canmore will require a National Parl fishing license, and an Alberta license. Both are quite inexepensive (under $20 CDN) Andrew Whittick   Banff Alberta

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Question:

Just bought a 17′ Boston Whaler, plan to do alot of Striper Fishing with it (Fly Fishing) in the Chesapeake Bay. What do I want in a Fish/Depth Finder? I’m open for suggestions; I’ve researched Humminbird, Eagle, Bottom Line, Apelco. Whats the best buy? Nick DelleDonne

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I’ve been very happy with my Apelco 530 with optional GPS receiver.  I purchased it with the thru-hull transducer and have good performance up to 20 MPH.  I have metered Rockcod down to 500 ft (slower speeds) and can see the bottom down to 1000 ft.  My only complaint is that at 3500 RPM I get a hydraulic sound from the transducer.  This maybe because I didn’t get it mounted straight with the boat, but it does not bother enough to try messing around with it.  The GPS works great too.  The unit is totally water proof but I have not verified this since it is mounted in a radio box. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Just bought a 17′ Boston Whaler, plan to do alot of Striper Fishing with it (Fly Fishing) in the Chesapeake Bay. What do I want in a Fish/Depth Finder? I’m open for suggestions; I’ve researched Humminbird, Eagle, Bottom Line, Apelco. Whats the best buy? Nick DelleDonne

Response:

- I’ve been very happy with my Apelco 530 with optional GPS receiver. – I purchased it with the thru-hull transducer and have good – performance up to 20 MPH.  I have metered Rockcod down to 500 ft – (slower speeds) and can see What happens after 20 MPH? ajc

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve been very happy with my Apelco 530 with optional GPS receiver.  I purchased it with the thru-hull transducer and have good performance up to 20 MPH.  I have metered Rockcod down to 500 ft (slower speeds) and can see the bottom down to 1000 ft.  My only complaint is that at 3500 RPM I get a hydraulic sound from the transducer.  This maybe because I didn’t get it mounted straight with the boat, but it does not bother enough to try messing around with it.  The GPS works great too.  The unit is totally water proof but I have not verified this since it is mounted in a radio box. Just bought a 17′ Boston Whaler, plan to do alot of Striper Fishing with it (Fly Fishing) in the Chesapeake Bay. What do I want in a Fish/Depth Finder? I’m open for suggestions; I’ve researched Humminbird, Eagle, Bottom Line, Apelco. Whats the best buy? Nick DelleDonne Hook directly to the battery.  

Happy fishing!

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I have a Bottom Line with sidefinder and find when I an fly fishing I can locate fish to the side of my boat out to 120 ft. not under the boat( I have yet to find a way to cast a fly 20 ft under the stern).

Response:

I have a Bottom Line with sidefinder and find when I an fly fishing I can locate fish to the side of my boat out to 120 ft. not under the boat( I have yet to find a way to cast a fly 20 ft under the stern).

I’ve been thinking about buying that one. Is the coverage of the Bottomline’s beam (less than 10 degrees, I’m told) enough to tell you what’s out there 30 to 100 feet from your boat? Does it do a good job telling you what’s in fairly shallow water — less than 10 feet deep, and 10 to 20 feet deep, for example? I wonder how it compares with the Eagle, say, with the side-viewing transducers. —

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Question:

Hi Mike, Although I live in the East Bay, I’ve been to a shop fairly close to you in San Bruno.  I think the name is Ultimate fly shop on San Mateo Ave.  Low key but good service.   Within in 2.5 hours there is good fishing on the Yuba, Feather,Putah Creek,and Stanislaus rivers.  Also Sea pearch, stripers etc. are close by.  Never done salt water, but here it’s very good. Welcome, Mike

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(Mike Lynch) writes: I moved to the SF Bay area about 6 mos. ago and I thought I left my fly-fishing days behind me in Utah (where I’m from).  Anyway, I’ve actually heard there’s some good fishing around SF (I live in San Mateo). Any suggestions on where to fish, when to fish, good shops, what to fish for, etc. would be greatly appreciated.  Also, what about saltwater flyfishing – I’ve never done it – popular around here?

Hi Mike and welcome to the neighborhood. As far as shops go there are a bunch: the Midge shop in Los Altos, The Caddis (somewhere in Belmont), the Ultimate in San Bruno, and of course Orvis in San Francisco (where I can be found when I’m not teaching schools), – also Fly Fishing Outfitters around the corner from Orvis. There are only a few places that are day trips out of SF to fish.  Putah Creek coming out of Lake Berryessa is about 1 1/2 hr. from San Mateo (I live in San Mateo).  The Stanislaus River below Goodwin Dam and the Mokulumne River below Comanche Dam are a little over two hours away.  Both the Stanislaus and the Mokulumne are closed now to allow the salmon a chance to spawn unmolested, but will re-open on Jan 1st.   Through Nov. 15th you can drive 5 to 6 hours north and fish the Upper Sac, the McCloud, Hat Creek, the Pit River, and Fall River.  About 4 1/2 hrs to the upper part of the Trinity.  Lots of other small streams and lakes in this Shasta area. You can drive about 4 to 4 1/2 hrs. east and fish the Tahoe area in the Sierra – Truckee, Little Truckee, and numerous small streams and lakes. As long as Tioga Pass through Yosemite is open, the Eastern Sierra is about a 5 1/2 hr. trip.  Lots of great fishing around the Mammoth Lakes area to the south of the pass and the Bridgeport/Twin Lakes area to the North of the pass.  Most of this area closes October 31st, so be sure to check the regs. If you plan on fishing the Sierra, pick up a copy of Ralph Cutter’s book "Sierra Trout Guide".  It is invaluable to get you started in the Sierra and to help you plan trips for years to come. Since you live in San Mateo, you should take Hwy. 92 west to Half Moon Bay.  You can fish up and down the coast from there for Surf Perch and Rockfish.  Pick up a copy of Ken Hanley’s book "Afoot in the Surf Zone" for specifics on beaches, times, and quarry.  Don’t attempt this during the Pumpkin Festival as you could probably drive to Tahoe in the time it takes to travel the 20 or so miles to HMB during the festival.  Normally it’s a pretty quick trip – 1/2 hr. or so.   During June and July you can sometimes catch stripers in the surf at the beaches around the golden gate.  Fairly consistent striper fishing can be had in the delta, though you need a boat to do so.   If you drive down to Sant Cruz or Monterey you can rent a boat and go fish the kelp bed for Kelp Bass. And then of course, there’s the steelhead fishing on the north coast that is just starting.                              Good Fishing,                                   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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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – (Mike Lynch) writes: I moved to the SF Bay area about 6 mos. ago and I thought I left my fly-fishing days behind me in Utah (where I’m from).  Anyway, I’ve actually heard there’s some good fishing around SF (I live in San Mateo). Any suggestions on where to fish, when to fish, good shops, what to fish for, etc. would be greatly appreciated.  Also, what about saltwater flyfishing – I’ve never done it – popular around here? Hi Mike and welcome to the neighborhood. As far as shops go there are a bunch: the Midge shop in Los Altos, The Caddis (somewhere in Belmont), the Ultimate in San Bruno, and of course Orvis in San Francisco (where I can be found when I’m not teaching schools), – also Fly Fishing Outfitters around the corner from Orvis. There are only a few places that are day trips out of SF to fish.  Putah Creek coming out of Lake Berryessa is about 1 1/2 hr. from San Mateo (I live in San Mateo).  The Stanislaus River below Goodwin Dam and the Mokulumne River below Comanche Dam are a little over two hours away.  Both the Stanislaus and the Mokulumne are closed now to allow the salmon a chance to spawn unmolested, but will re-open on Jan 1st.   Through Nov. 15th you can drive 5 to 6 hours north and fish the Upper Sac, the McCloud, Hat Creek, the Pit River, and Fall River.  About 4 1/2 hrs to the upper part of the Trinity.  Lots of other small streams and lakes in this Shasta area. You can drive about 4 to 4 1/2 hrs. east and fish the Tahoe area in the Sierra – Truckee, Little Truckee, and numerous small streams and lakes. As long as Tioga Pass through Yosemite is open, the Eastern Sierra is about a 5 1/2 hr. trip.  Lots of great fishing around the Mammoth Lakes area to the south of the pass and the Bridgeport/Twin Lakes area to the North of the pass.  Most of this area closes October 31st, so be sure to check the regs. If you plan on fishing the Sierra, pick up a copy of Ralph Cutter’s book "Sierra Trout Guide".  It is invaluable to get you started in the Sierra and to help you plan trips for years to come. Since you live in San Mateo, you should take Hwy. 92 west to Half Moon Bay.  You can fish up and down the coast from there for Surf Perch and Rockfish.  Pick up a copy of Ken Hanley’s book "Afoot in the Surf Zone" for specifics on beaches, times, and quarry.  Don’t attempt this during the Pumpkin Festival as you could probably drive to Tahoe in the time it takes to travel the 20 or so miles to HMB during the festival.  Normally it’s a pretty quick trip – 1/2 hr. or so.   During June and July you can sometimes catch stripers in the surf at the beaches around the golden gate.  Fairly consistent striper fishing can be had in the delta, though you need a boat to do so.   If you drive down to Sant Cruz or Monterey you can rent a boat and go fish the kelp bed for Kelp Bass. And then of course, there’s the steelhead fishing on the north coast that is just starting.                             Good Fishing,                                  Dan Dan Gracia                                                               Orvis West Coast Fly Fishing Schools

Snip Funny, I moved ther other way… CA to UT. The fishing here is great. I just wanted to mention the Cassel Forebay near Hat Creek in northern CA. Returned there two weekends ago for my annual Columbus Day trip and thought the place is getting better all the time. I know Dick Gallands house and school are right there, but best kept secrets need to leak out once in a while                 Draper, Utah Wherever you go….. There you will be

Response:

Hi all, I moved to the SF Bay area about 6 mos. ago and I thought I left my fly-fishing days behind me in Utah (where I’m from).  Anyway, I’ve actually heard there’s some good fishing around SF (I live in San Mateo). Any suggestions on where to fish, when to fish, good shops, what to fish for, etc. would be greatly appreciated.  Also, what about saltwater flyfishing – I’ve never done it – popular around here? Thanks, Mike Lynch

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Question:

   Does anyone have any experience fly fishing for Coho salmon in streams feeding Lake Ontario? I’m looking for info on what flies to try…maybe what streams have been productive (From the Ganaraska eastward)

Fly pattern matters much less than being able (1) to locate a fish and then (2) present fly on the fish’s own level, usually at bottom.  While cruising in rivermouth lagoons they will aggressively hit any stramer: when resting on bottom, you will probably need lead to get deep enough. But locating fish remains #1 (take Polaroids and avoid disturbed water.) For flies, you need only a streamer made with genuine Polar Bear (e.g. Parma belle.), a big nymph e.g. Hexagenia, and an egg fly (or pompon.) — |  Donald Phillipson, 4180 Boundary Road, Carlsbad Springs,  | |        Ontario, Canada, K0A 1K0, tel. 613 822 0734         |

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   Does anyone have any experience fly fishing for Coho salmon in streams feeding Lake Ontario? I’m looking for info on what flies to try…maybe what streams have been productive (From the Ganaraska eastward) Thanks in advance. ttyl

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Question:

I am looking into getting a new net. I want something durable and easy on the fish.  I only catch and release.  I have seen some long narrow nets that have shallow bags.  These were listed as C&R nets but I thought the lack of depth might make it difficult to control a large fish when removing the hook. I am not interested in looks, just reliability. any ideas/comments? Thanks John Lokanis

Response:

I am looking into getting a new net. I want something durable and easy on the fish.  I only catch and release.  I have seen some long narrow nets that have shallow bags.  These were listed as C&R nets but I thought the lack of depth might make it difficult to control a large fish when removing the hook. I am not interested in looks, just reliability.

Those "C&R" nets are certainly the rage these days. They’re design is the polar opposite of the typical trout net with a bag that’s so deep you could hide Jimmy Hoffa in it. Given the choice of a conventional net with a deep bag, a conventional net with a shallow bag (which I have), or the narrow C&R net, I’d definitely go the the C&R net. I hope to find the time n this lifetime to build one of those myself ;^) If it’s large fish you’re worried about, the purpose of the long narrow hoop is to avoid folding the fish on itself – which can harm the fish and make the release a bity futile. There is just enough depth to the net to contain the fish while you quickly remove your barbless hook, and in most cases a large fish will remain fairly docile once it’s layed out on the netting (I’ve found the smaller fish will be the more wriggly)… <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< < Digital Equipment Corp.    Alpha Server Engineering  < <           "Read this and nobody gets hurt"           < <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am looking into getting a new net. I want something durable and easy on the fish.  I only catch and release.  I have seen some long narrow nets that have shallow bags.  These were listed as C&R nets but I thought the lack of depth might make it difficult to control a large fish when removing the hook. I am not interested in looks, just reliability. any ideas/comments? Thanks John Lokanis

John, L.L. Bean sells one ($50) having the following dimensions:  Net — 16" long, 7" wide, 6 1/2" deep; 23" long overall. Orvis also sells the Rocky Mountain Stretch and Release ($69) with the following dimensions:  Net — 15" long, 10" wide, 18" deep; 22" long overall.  This is probably more your speed. Best regards, Jim Davis Philadelphia, PA Temple University

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am looking into getting a new net. I want something durable and easy on the fish.  I only catch and release.  I have seen some long narrow nets that have shallow bags.  These were listed as C&R nets but I thought the lack of depth might make it difficult to control a large fish when removing the hook. I am not interested in looks, just reliability. any ideas/comments? Thanks John Lokanis John, L.L. Bean sells one ($50) having the following dimensions:  Net — 16" long, 7" wide, 6 1/2" deep; 23" long overall. Orvis also sells the Rocky Mountain Stretch and Release ($69) with the following dimensions:  Net — 15" long, 10" wide, 18" deep; 22" long overall.  This is probably more your speed. Best regards, Jim Davis Philadelphia, PA Temple University

I just got an LL Bean C&R the other day.  Nice net, but just a little large.  But, I still like it anyway.  Good quality wood too.  Keep away from those cheap imported ones ($20 or less).  I got one and it was crap!  The screw eye in the handle stripped out the third time I grabbed for it.  I bought a good net basket and replaced the cheap one it came with, put a bigger screw eye in the handle, and gave it to my 7 year old for her first net (she’ll never know).  :-) Steve   A sunny day,      a box of midges,         and a wandering stream…   Man, this MUST be heaven!   <    Steve Kulpa    <<

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I am looking into getting a new net.

I’m courious why you need a net at all.  I have been fly fishing for five years and have caught every thing from redfish in the Gulf of Mexico to salmon in British Columbia and have never needed a net (except when fishing for Spring Salmon).  If a fish is played correctly, and handled with a little care your god given hands should be good enough.  Instead, why not check out some of the new gloves that are available for handling fish.  They help avoid damage to the fish’s layer of protective slime. Just my $.02

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I have a C&R net, and I have securely landed trout up to 22" in the mesh bag. If you are worried about losing fish when removing hooks, don’t be.   The finer mesh helps keep the protective slime on the fish and the shallower bag prevents the fish from "bending," a major cause of injury.

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I am looking into getting a new net. I want something durable and easy on the fish.  I only catch and release.  I have seen some long narrow nets that have shallow bags.  These were listed as C&R nets but I thought the lack of depth might make it difficult to control a large fish when removing the hook. I am not interested in looks, just reliability. any ideas/comments? Thanks

I’ve heard good things about Bridgeport Landing Net Company. They are in Portland OR. I don’t have a net, but will soon, and from wh= at I can tell they seem to be a good deal for the money. Michael Paine – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -John Lokanis

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Hi Michael, I’m struggling with my newsreader, so I’m not sure if this response will get posted to the newsgroup, but here goes.  If my previous one got posted, please ignore… I see some of the other responses suggested various models, but for me, I really advise using the hand. Although it takes some getting used to, rolling the trout on it’s back usually quites them down – or – holding them upright with gentle pressure applied just forward of the ventral fins will also.   Compared to the struggle of getting teeth, gills, and hook untangled from the net always seems more traumatic and time consuming to me.  Bag the net – they’re more bother than they are worth, and bringing to hand is more satisfying.  Besides, the trout I’m into won’t fit into any net small enough to carry

Response:

I am looking into getting a new net. I want something durable and easy on the fish.  I only catch and release.  I have seen some long narrow nets that have shallow bags.  These were listed as C&R nets but I thought the lack of depth might make it difficult to control a large fish when removing the hook. I am not interested in looks, just reliability. any ideas/comments? Thanks

I just bought the Orvis Stretch and Release net. I’ve landed about a dozen fish over 17 inches with it, with no problems. It is without a doubt the best net I’ve ever owned, I would highly recommend it. Also take a look at their magnetic net attachment gizmo, I love that thing.

Response:

Given the choice of a conventional net with a deep bag, a conventional net with a shallow bag (which I have), or the narrow C&R net, I’d definitely go the the C&R net. I hope to find the time n this lifetime to build one of those myself ;^)

I presume you will make one from a kit. Where can you buy a kit for a net? Richard Warren Raleigh, NC

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TO:   hi there      re: your  net inquiry…I know it’s the fashion to bash Orvis products these days, but I am going to go out on a limb here and recommend the Orvis "Catch and Release" net. I have had one two years and they are very easy on the fish. The mesh is soft and tightly woven. Yes they are shallow, but if you buy the large one, I doubt you will stick many trout that you cant handle with it. Three weeks ago I caught 4 trout between 20 and 21 inches on the Bighorn R. and had no problem handling the fish. A year ago I caught my largest fish ever on a fly..a bruiser brown 26"..in North Carolina of all places. I landed him with this same net and was able to control him and gently release him with no harm done. I am not an Orvis junkie, but this is the best net I’ve ever owned.  I fish alot, and in two years the net, including the mesh, is still in fine shape. My only hope is that someday soon you catch a trout that really is too big for this net to handle! Dale Owens

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Question:

I would like you to take note of my new e-address <My old one has expired and I guess I was on a demo period

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For those who couldn’t discern our location-CFS is a San Francisco Bay Area (reputed to have the largest concentration of whitewater boaters in the galaxy)

Hmmm…I wonder where they all are when I’m visiting my family in Berkeley and environs?  Mine is the only whitewater boat I ever see on top of a car or next to a house in any of my family members’ and friends’ neighborhoods…which is fine by me.  Who wants to boat in a crowd anyway? — Chris

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(Robert Mault) writes: For those who couldn’t discern our location-CFS is a San Francisco Bay Area (reputed to have the largest concentration of whitewater boaters in the galaxy) Hmmm…I wonder where they all are when I’m visiting my family in Berkeley and environs?  Mine is the only whitewater boat I ever see on top of a car or next to a house in any of my family members’ and friends’ neighborhoods…which is fine by me.  Who wants to boat in a crowd anyway? — Chris

Ya’ see, we keep our boats inside mosta’ tha time ’cause a all that great Cal sunshine! Ain’t ta’ good for the plastic and glass. I remember livin’ in Charlotte and it wasn’t nothin’ like here. Hey wait, I just saw a boat out in downtown San Jose! He was paddlin’ main street!  ’Kay, sometimes we get a bit a rain… Later, Aaron — "Nothing more is needed to destroy a man, than the conviction that his life’s work is useless."  -Antonin Artaud

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For those who couldn’t discern our location-CFS is a San Francisco Bay Area (reputed to have the largest concentration of whitewater boaters in the galaxy) based organization with a POB & Voice Mail in Marin County and meetings at the University of California on Parnassus Ave. in San Francisco. More Info: (415) 435-7936 and/or read above message. "Go w/the flow"-"Z".

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For those who couldn’t discern our location-CFS is a San Francisco Bay Area (reputed to have the largest concentration of whitewater boaters in the galaxy)

Funny…every diversion that I’m into seems to have the most interest base in the bay area. Flyfishing, Astronomy, and Kayaking all have more participants in the bay area than anywhere else in the country (as a group). Too bad it costs so damn much to live there. Kai

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Question:

| PS.  If anyone can find a source on the AR/"A River" connection, please post. | It might have been a couple of years ago in "Trout" but I don’t keep my old | issues. | | There was a detailed description in, I think, the (London) Sunday Times, | if your library has copies of that paper.   | | I got the correct publishing town, wrong paper.  Correct reference for a | nice article by David Profumo (presumably the famous David Profumo?) is | the (London) Weekend Telegraph, February 13, 93, Outdoors section, page III. | | Denbigh How do you mean the famous David Profumo? This one is the son of John, the Minister of war who resigned in the great scamndal of 1963, and the author of two novels (the first good the second reportedly very pretentious). He also edited a couple of anthologies of fishing literature, one called "the magic wheel". — Religious Affairs Correspondent | phone +44-71-253-1222 xt 1682 | London, England                 | I’m not paid to have opinions |

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – | etc. I didn’t see the movie, so I can’t claim to be an expert, but the info I had was that AR was, and is, really down on fly fishing and especially barbless C&R.  BTW, I didn’t avoid the movie because of this, but rather because I’d hate to see the world’s best book ruined by a Redfordesque movie (cf. "The Natural" and "Milagro Beanfield Wars").  Nope, when I annually read "A River" I won’t have visions, however spectacular, of someone else’s interpretation of the book. Brent PS.  If anyone can find a source on the AR/"A River" connection, please post. It might have been a couple of years ago in "Trout" but I don’t keep my old issues.

There was a detailed description in, I think, the (London) Sunday Times, if your library has copies of that paper.  I’ll see if I can still find a reference somehow, and post if I do.  There is a book on the making of the film, but it isn’t helpful on this. I recommend that you see the film – it reinforced my feelings for the book, and didn’t give any inconsistent interpretations.  I read the book again after seeing the film, and still loved the book.  Redford really did very well. Denbigh

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Well, somebody killed the big trout one of the guys caught toward the end of the movie. Must’ve come from a meat market. (I’ve only seen the movie three times–with no sound, though–while flying cross country :- ) There’s a far-from-realistic attempt at a jumping trout: this huge trout corpse is projected straight out from beneath the water … no kicking or twisting … dead as a door knocker. Why didn’t they just get one (or a few … might need a backup) from a hatchery/fish farm and do it up right? Either way the fish ends up on someone’s table. —

The story takes place around Missoula and the film shot around Bozeman. The word around Missoula is that an unnamed taxidermist in the Bitteroot Valley made a large rainbow model to be used in the movie. If this is true, than that slab you’re referring to may have been just that; a slab. Maybe someday we’ll all go to Universal studios and this trout in the water next to the Jaws model! David Prager                                    (W)206-487-5837 Motorola                                        (H)206-485-4397 Mobile Data Division 19807 Northcreek Parkway                

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – | etc. I didn’t see the movie, so I can’t claim to be an expert, but the info I had was that AR was, and is, really down on fly fishing and especially barbless C&R.  BTW, I didn’t avoid the movie because of this, but rather because I’d hate to see the world’s best book ruined by a Redfordesque movie (cf. "The Natural" and "Milagro Beanfield Wars").  Nope, when I annually read "A River" I won’t have visions, however spectacular, of someone else’s interpretation of the book. Brent PS.  If anyone can find a source on the AR/"A River" connection, please post. It might have been a couple of years ago in "Trout" but I don’t keep my old issues. There was a detailed description in, I think, the (London) Sunday Times, if your library has copies of that paper.  I’ll see if I can still find a reference somehow, and post if I do.  There is a book on the making of the film, but it isn’t helpful on this. I recommend that you see the film – it reinforced my feelings for the book, and didn’t give any inconsistent interpretations.  I read the book again after seeing the film, and still loved the book.  Redford really did very well.

Before we start getting too down on Redford I heard that a large portion of the proceeds from the movie went towards a restoration project for a river in Montana.  Anyone that has concern for maintaining our trout streams, and backs it up with cash, is OK in my book. — John Fereira

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Some technical things in the movie were done beautifully.  Powell made bamboo shaped graphite rods to look like the originals,  and even matched all of the rod decorations, windings, etc., and the special lines that would show up on film were spectacular.  

I’ve heard about these rods elsewhere and actually asked about them here once before.  I’ve seen articles for them in fly fishing magazine so apparently they are for sale to the general public.  Has anyone ever tried one?  Powell is actually reasonably close to me.  If I get a chance, I’m going to try to stop by there manufacturing facility on my next trip to the Tahoe area.  I’ve heard nothing but good about the Powell rods. — John Fereira

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The movie is beautiful and no fish are eaten during the film.  Redford did do a lot of work I think to keep the animal rights people happy.  It is a wonderfully filmed movie, great scenery and alot of fly fishing.  Enjoy.

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… Powell made bamboo shaped graphite rods … … apparently they are for sale to the general public …

Shops that carry Powell rods seem to have the bamboo-like versions in stock also.  I last touched one at the HomeWaters Fly Shop in Eugene Oregon. The appearance is impressive, but I didn’t bother to cast it outside.  Seemed a bit heavy (expected), and certainly slower action than a SAGE III (no surprise). BTW – My brother Tim lucked out while working for the Forest Service in Bozeman last year – he was working at the same site where the fishing scenes were filmed.   I forget all the details he mentioned, but I do recall him saying that the actors wore waders underneath their regular clothes. Thomas Gilg

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Before we start getting too down on Redford I heard that a large portion of the proceeds from the movie went towards a restoration project for a river in Montana.

In fact, I think the proceeds were directed toward restoration of the Big Blackfoot River itself, which was the river the Mclean’s considered their "family river" in the story… Fred —         Fred L. Templin

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Practice selective harvest, don’t eat the breeders.

How do you define "breeder?" — -Wayne Trzyna

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Redford had the Humane Society with him at all times when filming fishing scenes, and they seem to have made an excessive effort to avoid "harming" any fish. The main fighting scenes were done with a load of rocks in a plastic bottle tied to the end of the line.  The jumping fish was mechanical.  The "dead fish" in the creel were made of plaster.  When they had a fish on the line for a landing, they had leaders through their mouths, so that no hooks were applied.  Once landed, they were put into highly aerated tanks for recovery.

Ironic, isn’t it, that they went to all this trouble to protect the few trout involved in the making of a film which has probably encouraged thousands of poeple to take up the sport of fishing.  I doubt those thousands are fishing for mechanical fish and or plastic bottles filled with rocks! Of course, the real tradgedy of the film is that thousands of yuppies are buying up land in Montana and building vacation homes.  There goes the habitat.  There goes the neighborhood. — -Wayne Trzyna

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – | | "A River Runs Through It" will be available on videocassette nationwide on | Wednesday May 19. | I have heard from friends who saw it in the theatre that you | never see anyone actually eating a fish in the movie and there is | a disclaimer at the end that states fish were not killed in the | making of the film. | I think Robert Redford went a bit overboard being sensitive to | the animal rightists but I’ll rent it anyways. The cinematography | is supposed to be quite beautiful. Well, somebody killed the big trout one of the guys caught toward the end of the movie. Must’ve come from a meat market. (I’ve only seen the movie three times–with no sound, though–while flying cross country :- ) There’s a far-from-realistic attempt at a jumping trout: this huge trout corpse is projected straight out from beneath the water … no kicking or twisting … dead as a door knocker. Why didn’t they just get one (or a few … might need a backup) from a hatchery/fish farm and do it up right? Either way the fish ends up on someone’s table. Mark Myers                               | phone : 703 758-2725

Redford had the Humane Society with him at all times when filming fishing scenes, and they seem to have made an excessive effort to avoid "harming" any fish. The main fighting scenes were done with a load of rocks in a plastic bottle tied to the end of the line.  The jumping fish was mechanical.  The "dead fish" in the creel were made of plaster.  When they had a fish on the line for a landing, they had leaders through their mouths, so that no hooks were applied.  Once landed, they were put into highly aerated tanks for recovery. It is unclear to me whether the humane society were there by demand or at Redford’s request. Some technical things in the movie were done beautifully.  Powell made bamboo shaped graphite rods to look like the originals,  and even matched all of the rod decorations, windings, etc., and the special lines that would show up on film were spectacular.  The filming of some of the casts, particularly the one long roll cast across the Gallatin, certainly deserved the Oscar that was won for cinematography. I’m probably biased by my love for the local rivers and scenery that became such an important part of the film, but I highly recommend it, particularly for those who fly fish or for those who wonder why others fly fish. Meanwhile, the Mother’s Day caddis hatch was better this year on the Yellowstone River than I’ve ever seen.  It is intimidating to see a large river with trout rising everywhere.  I had one of the best two dry fly fishing evenings that I have ever had (I once caught the peak of the stone- fly hatch on the Gardner).  Heavy rains have screwed up our rivers for the last couple of weeks, and the Gallatin is expected to flood tonight. The early runoff means that the rivers should be in good shape for the stonefly hatch this year. Denbigh

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Ironic, isn’t it, that they went to all this trouble to protect the few trout involved in the making of a film which has probably encouraged thousands of poeple to take up the sport of fishing.  I doubt those thousands are fishing for mechanical fish and or plastic bottles filled with rocks! Of course, the real tradgedy of the film is that thousands of yuppies are buying up land in Montana and building vacation homes.  There goes the habitat.  There goes the neighborhood. -Wayne Trzyna

I think Wayne has  a good point and I think you only need to look as far back as the 80’s to see the damage done by greed and yuppies.   We have seen the damage from overdevelopment and marketing of our natural resources and yet the developers keep on coming to the "new" sites.  They will infiltrate your vast meadows and peaceful land because people have nowhere else to go.  They are also driven by the fact that you can buy some peaceful property, build on it, save taxes on your vacation home, and sell it for a decent profit in the future.  I think this will continue in the future because it is those people who made the money in the 80’s that can afford such moves to the "wilderness." I think there is little optimism for preserving our natural resources when every lake near a major urban area becomes privatized or rotten with stench from powerboaters and water rats.   Conservation is not pushed and is not observed by the mainstream, I just thank God that there are some out there who are champions for nature.  Without them, we would end up like Brazil. Kevin "lost in Illinois"

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I would have to agree that the movie is one of the better book-to-screen adaptations I have seen. Sure, it’s a bit sloppy on the sentimentality in parts were the book was just poetical, but…well, it’s a pretty good film. I have re-read the book twice since seeing the film with no ill effects. BlackBearBrownBear        San Francisco, California Typesetting, Writing, Design, & Computer Graphics

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Actually, his didn’t happen because of the film; in fact, it’s been going on at least 10 or 15 years.  And I wouldn’t consider some of those millionaire estates as the vacation spots of a simple yuppy (Whatever the heck a yuppy is).  Land prices on the Rt 93 corridor north and south of Missoula are phenomenal compared to those of a huge urban center such as Denver… how do local people afford it?

I can tell you from personal experience that they simply don’t do it. You move away for however long it takes to go back home and start over.                                         an expatriate David Prager                                    (W)206-487-5837 Motorola                                        (H)206-485-4397 Mobile Data Division 19807 Northcreek Parkway                

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PS.  If anyone can find a source on the AR/"A River" connection, please post. It might have been a couple of years ago in "Trout" but I don’t keep my old issues. There was a detailed description in, I think, the (London) Sunday Times, if your library has copies of that paper.  

I got the correct publishing town, wrong paper.  Correct reference for a nice article by David Profumo (presumably the famous David Profumo?) is the (London) Weekend Telegraph, February 13, 93, Outdoors section, page III. Denbigh

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                                        …collections of 20 to 40 arce lots, fortified with buck or barbed wire fences, posted, and each with a tinker-toy factory log cabin in the center.

You’ve just seen the future – and it sucks. And does anyone think these people are really concerned with protecting the river and it’s surrounds, or just their petty little chunk? The practice of "fencing out" (vs "fencing in") is rapidly destroying what was once the primary allure of the west- wide open spaces. Even fence haters have been forced to close off their property by litigation paranoia – it’s just too risky from a liability standpoint to let people roam freely over your property. I was asked recently to leave a farm pond I’ve been fishing off an on for over 30 years. The owner was pressured by his insurance carrier into closing it off. We need major reform in the fencing laws. Barbred wire is for keeping cattle in – not for keeping people out.

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Wayne Trzyna writes: Of course, the real tradgedy of the film is that thousands of yuppies are buying up land in Montana and building vacation homes.  There goes the habitat.  There goes the neighborhood.

Actually, his didn’t happen because of the film; in fact, it’s been going on at least 10 or 15 years.  And I wouldn’t consider some of those millionaire estates as the vacation spots of a simple yuppy (Whatever the heck a yuppy is).  Land prices on the Rt 93 corridor north and south of Missoula are phenomenal compared to those of a huge urban center such as Denver… how do local people afford it?

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Redford had the Humane Society with him at all times when filming fishing scenes, and they seem to have made an excessive effort to avoid "harming" any fish. The main fighting scenes were done with a load of rocks in a plastic bottle tied to the end of the line.  The jumping fish was mechanical.  The "dead fish" in the creel were made of plaster.  When they had a fish on the line for a landing, they had leaders through their mouths, so that no hooks were applied.  Once landed, they were put into highly aerated tanks for recovery. Ironic, isn’t it, that they went to all this trouble to protect the few trout involved in the making of a film which has probably encouraged thousands of poeple to take up the sport of fishing.  I doubt those thousands are fishing for mechanical fish and or plastic bottles filled with rocks! Of course, the real tradgedy of the film is that thousands of yuppies are buying up land in Montana and building vacation homes.  There goes the habitat.  There goes the neighborhood. -Wayne Trzyna

Sorry, I see it differently.  I believe that the more people who learn to fly fish only increases the pool of people who will join the battle to protect the waters and land through which they flow.  I don’t share your cynicism.  Perhaps I’m just an optimist (a naive cynic).  As for houses, I don’t automatically think it is a bad idea.  Given the pervasive "not in my backyard" mentality, perhaps people will pay attention to what happens to our dwindling frontiers.  If people had vacation homes near Yucca Mtn, do you think that there would be proposals for nuclear storage there?  I doubt it.  I know if I bought a house in Montana (whether it is my primary residence or a vacation home) I sure as hell would pay more attention to planning boards and zoning restrictions that would adversely affect the area near my home.  I would work to protect and improve the quality of the area that made it such a beautiful movie to watch. I am not saying that all development is good and all new fishers are going to protect trout quality water but I think your assertions are a tad on the pessimistic side     + Steve — Steve Hammond                            * ^ // * /     Scientific Computing Division             /* /  _][     National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, CO     ____

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Of course, the real tradgedy of the film is that thousands of yuppies are buying up land in Montana and building vacation homes.  There goes the habitat.  There goes the neighborhood.

I returned to the Big Hole region of Montana last year and was horrified at the number of new vacation homes built in the last 4 years.  Ditto several other areas in Montana. Trying to reach several creeks I knew of, I ran into various locked gates and "keep out" signs.   Many places I went, collections of 20 to 40 arce lots, fortified with buck or barbed wire fences, posted, and each with a tinker-toy factory log cabin in the center.   In many cases, negotiating the maze of ownership to reach public land was difficult. To make matters worse, some seek to "improve" their holdings.  Though not as bad in Montana, here in Oregon, people aren’t content to have just an immaculate house, but they have to sanitize the surrounding environment, plant lawns that run into the riverside, etc.  The McKenzie and North Santiam Rivers are good examples – float by house after house, looking at massive living room windows, often catching the glare of landowners who feel like you’re invading their world. Thomas Gilg

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"A River Runs Through It" will be available on videocassette nationwide on Wednesday May 19. A representative from Blockbuster Video said that it will be available for rental or purchase when the outlets open for business on Wednesday May 19. The purchase price will start at somewhere close to $100.00.  They explained that after 4 to 6 months, the retail purchase price will drop to a standard $29.95 or less.   Frank

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – "A River Runs Through It" will be available on videocassette nationwide on Wednesday May 19. I have heard from friends who saw it in the theatre that you never see anyone actually eating a fish in the movie and there is a disclaimer at the end that states fish were not killed in the making of the film. I think Robert Redford went a bit overboard being sensitive to the animal rightists but I’ll rent it anyways. The cinematography is supposed to be quite beautiful. — /  Academic Computing Services      / VOICE:    (403)220-7937 /  University of Calgary            / MESSAGE:  (403)220-6201 /  Calgary, Alberta CANADA  T2N 1N4 / FAX:      (403)282-9199

It is likely that the sensitivity was not to animal rights types but to fly fisherfolk, many of whom practice C&R, not in deference to animal rights but to resource conservation.   Practice selective harvest, don’t eat the breeders. Remember:  Fishing is NOT a matter of life and death.               It is much more important than that! Bryan Call (719)590-5772  |All opinions expressed here are mine & mine alone. Hewlett-Packard Co.       |  But then, I’ve never let that stop me before.     P.O. BOX 2197             |    Many men go fishing all their lives without Colorado Springs, Co 80901|    knowing that it is not fish they are after.

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| | "A River Runs Through It" will be available on videocassette nationwide on | Wednesday May 19. | | I have heard from friends who saw it in the theatre that you | never see anyone actually eating a fish in the movie and there is | a disclaimer at the end that states fish were not killed in the | making of the film. | | I think Robert Redford went a bit overboard being sensitive to | the animal rightists but I’ll rent it anyways. The cinematography | is supposed to be quite beautiful. | | — | /  Academic Computing Services      / VOICE:    (403)220-7937 | /  University of Calgary            / MESSAGE:  (403)220-6201 | /  Calgary, Alberta CANADA  T2N 1N4 / FAX:      (403)282-9199 Well, somebody killed the big trout one of the guys caught toward the end of the movie. Must’ve come from a meat market. (I’ve only seen the movie three times–with no sound, though–while flying cross country :- ) There’s a far-from-realistic attempt at a jumping trout: this huge trout corpse is projected straight out from beneath the water … no kicking or twisting … dead as a door knocker. Why didn’t they just get one (or a few … might need a backup) from a hatchery/fish farm and do it up right? Either way the fish ends up on someone’s table. — Mark Myers                               | phone : 703 758-2725 Visix Software Inc.                   | fax   : 703 758 0233 Reston, VA  22091                    |

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Well, somebody killed the big trout one of the guys caught toward

the end of the movie. Must’ve come from a meat market. (I’ve only seen the movie three times–with no sound, though–while flying cross country :- ) There’s a

far-from-realistic attempt at a jumping trout: this huge trout corpse is projected straight

out from beneath the water … no kicking or twisting … dead as a door knocker. Why

didn’t they just get one (or a few … might need a backup) from a hatchery/fish farm and do

it up right? Either way the fish ends up on someone’s table.

Someone might correct me on this, but I think I heard/read that they used a mechanical trout for the shots where they wanted a moving fish. They must have done a good job if they could deceive us fishermen?

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – | | "A River Runs Through It" will be available on videocassette nationwide on | Wednesday May 19. | | I have heard from friends who saw it in the theatre that you | never see anyone actually eating a fish in the movie and there is | a disclaimer at the end that states fish were not killed in the | making of the film. | | I think Robert Redford went a bit overboard being sensitive to | the animal rightists but I’ll rent it anyways. The cinematography | is supposed to be quite beautiful. | Well, somebody killed the big trout one of the guys caught toward the end of the movie. Must’ve come from a meat market. (I’ve only seen the movie three times–with no sound, though–while flying cross country :- ) There’s a far-from-realistic attempt at a jumping trout: this huge trout corpse is projected straight out from beneath the water … no kicking or twisting … dead as a door knocker. Why didn’t they just get one (or a few … might need a backup) from a hatchery/fish farm and do it up right? Either way the fish ends up on someone’s table. —

Mark, I’m pretty sure that if this trout didn’t look alive, it was because it never was.  There was some discussion of the making of this movie in a TU publication I believe.  The AR folks (of which Redfield may be one) didn’t want any live fish in the movie, so there they made a mechanical one ala "Jaws" and faked it.   I didn’t see the movie, so I can’t claim to be an expert, but the info I had was that AR was, and is, really down on fly fishing and especially barbless C&R.  BTW, I didn’t avoid the movie because of this, but rather because I’d hate to see the world’s best book ruined by a Redfordesque movie (cf. "The Natural" and "Milagro Beanfield Wars").  Nope, when I annually read "A River" I won’t have visions, however spectacular, of someone else’s interpretation of the book. Brent PS.  If anyone can find a source on the AR/"A River" connection, please post. It might have been a couple of years ago in "Trout" but I don’t keep my old issues. — Brent J. Danielson                                  Iowa State University                                                       Ames, IA 50011-3221                                                              515-294-5248

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