Question:

I’ve heard that big nocturnal browns hit mouse patterns like crazy. I’d love to try that sometime. From the waters I’ve fished, the Beaverhead looks like a good bet for that action. How do you fish a mouse? I suppose you give it a LOT of action. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

I have had a lot of success with big surface lures at night. The target was invariably sea-trout, ( anadromous browns), but a lot of native big browns get caught like this. These fish are hardly ever caught otherwise, and many do not even know of their existence. One excellent pattern is a large black muddler minnow, tied on a tube.  You don

Question:

I am going to try my hand at some Salmon fishing this year.  A friend of mine recommended that I get some running line for my reel.  He says that you can split in in half and make two running lines.  Questions:  1) Is this true?  2) What are the properties of a running line and what makes it different than other conventional fly lines? 3) Reputable brands?  Thank you in advance.

Response:

I am going to try my hand at some Salmon fishing this year.  A friend of mine recommended that I get some running line for my reel.  He says that you can split in in half and make two running lines.  Questions:  1) Is this true?  2) What are the properties of a running line and what makes it different than other conventional fly lines? 3) Reputable brands?  Thank you

Your friend may have meant to recommend backing, e.g. 30 lb. test braided dacron, to fill up the fly reel under the fly line.  This is needed for strong fish like salmon which may take out more line than the 30-35 yards of the fly line. "Running line" used to be sold by Scientific Anglers (perhaps still is) and was a thin level fly line (0.029 inches diameter) used by people who liked to splice their own tapers, e.g. with a shooting head.  (British reservoir anglers used to use heavy mono for both backing and running line.  Perhaps 20 years ago British mono curled less than American.) — |        Carlsbad Springs, Ottawa, Canada        |

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Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Only trouble, one of the two instructors with me was carrying a piece and you could see it.  He didn’t like the restaurant or its clientele.  d:0(  Although he was licensed, it did not make us very comfortable being with him. Dave L. An obviously poorly trained individual.  A visible piece is no protection and is akin to the braggart boasting of things he has never done with no witnesses to back it up.  Additionally, at ranges up to fifteen feet, a holstered weapon is no defense against an already drawn knife. Personally, in situations such as those, I distance myself from the individual in question, sashay up to the bar, delicately look at my watch while tsk tsking…….and say to the first person that asks, "Well, you can buy me a drink, but only one!"….john

ROFL.  The good counselor for the great North State will have something to say, I am sure.  Especially since it happened in his great NS.  (still laughing) Dave      —–  Posted via NewsOne.Net: Free Usenet News via the Web  —–      —–  http://newsone.net/ —  Discussions on every subject. —–    NewsOne.Net prohibits users from posting spam.  If this or other posts

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An obviously poorly trained individual.  A visible piece is no protection and is akin to the braggart boasting of things he has never done with no witnesses to back it up.  

I don’t know that I’d go so far. It is telling the robber about to walk in the door who he should shoot first, though. Additionally, at ranges up to fifteen feet, a holstered weapon is no defense against an already drawn knife.

It was 21 feet, when Sgt. Tueller first demonstrated it. According to my arrest-control instructors, it might have become even more since then. "They conferred, as against the Government, the right to be let alone — the most comprehensive of rights…" -Justice Louis Brandeis

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Only trouble, one of the two instructors with me was carrying a piece and you could see it.  He didn’t like the restaurant or its clientele.  d:0(  Although he was licensed, it did not make us very comfortable being with him. Dave L.

An obviously poorly trained individual.  A visible piece is no protection and is akin to the braggart boasting of things he has never done with no witnesses to back it up.  Additionally, at ranges up to fifteen feet, a holstered weapon is no defense against an already drawn knife. Personally, in situations such as those, I distance myself from the individual in question, sashay up to the bar, delicately look at my watch while tsk tsking…….and say to the first person that asks, "Well, you can buy me a drink, but only one!"….john

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It is pay-off time for when IJ sent my buddies and me to the gay restaurant in Wilmington. Warren Western Conclave Guru For info: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/sp_ROFF_people/wclave/wclave.html

______-  They had tube steaks? — Mr.G http://www.gink.com/  Updates http://www.gink.com/chat Flyfishing Conversations 6:00 PM PST till after midnight.

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It is pay-off time for when IJ sent my buddies and me to the gay restaurant in Wilmington.

You are baaaad.  But typical USMC – never thinking about normal heterosexual sex.  Actually, IJ’s restaurant was pretty good.  Good martinis and fairly good food.  Only trouble, one of the two instructors with me was carrying a piece and you could see it.  He didn’t like the restaurant or its clientele.  d:0(  Although he was licensed, it did not make us very comfortable being with him.   Dave L.      —–  Posted via NewsOne.Net: Free Usenet News via the Web  —–      —–  http://newsone.net/ —  Discussions on every subject. —–    NewsOne.Net prohibits users from posting spam.  If this or other posts

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[entreaties snipped] This year we will insure that Indian Joe does not win all of them like he has in the past. This I got to see. Nobody has yet demonstrated an immunity to IJ’s croc’ tears ;^) The caving of the RaffleMeister is inevitable. /daytripper (It’s not "if" – it’s "when" ;^)

No, I have found new resolve.  IJ will be lucky if he wins *any* flies. It’s his turn for an obscene hat or tie.  It is pay-off time for when IJ sent my buddies and me to the gay restaurant in Wilmington.  He can cry all he wants; I will not give in this year.  New resolve.  Yes sir. Dave L.      —–  Posted via NewsOne.Net: Free Usenet News via the Web  —–      —–  http://newsone.net/ —  Discussions on every subject. —–    NewsOne.Net prohibits users from posting spam.  If this or other posts

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Question:

I started out with a 6-wt St. Croix Legend, and it’s still one of my favorite rods.   I liked it enough that I bought a 9-wt. St. Croix the next year.   It too is great.   I’ve casted better rods, and own better rods, but the St. Croix is a fine rod for the money.   Like another poster said, it matches my ability.   I have a really fine Sage 3-wt that cries whenever I pick it up. Joe

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I know what you mean Wayne. I bought one of the entry level Cotland 4 piece 6weight rods back in the early eighties. I am glad I never got rid of that rod. I have bought a whole stack of rods since then that I don’t like as well. I have fished a couple of St. Croix rods that I liked. Try them all and buy what you like. Dale

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My wife won a 4wt Ultra in a TU fund raiser and loves it. I had had her using my Loomis GL-3,4s and even a GLX which she never liked–too stiff. I tried it and was surprised at what a wonderful rod it was for dry fly fishing. In my opinion it doesn’t have enough backbone for nymph fishing or for casting anything with any weight. Bottom line is its your preference. If you’re really into dry fly fishing however, I’d highly recommend it for light wind situations. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – OK , first of all I’ve fly fishing for years but I’m not a good caster. Was wondering how the top of the line St.Croix rods ( they’re so much more reasonable) stack up against the $500 and $600 rods from Sage, Loomis, Winston et al?? A lot of guys seem to like them . I know little about them. A hidden bargain? Or? Thanks, Gerry

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I think they are a great value for the money. Very good components that you see on much more expensive rods. Good looking rods. But the key is to cast the rods and compare.  A SP, GLX or LT might cast better but is it worth an extra $200? Michael L – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -OK , first of all I’ve fly fishing for years but I’m not a good caster. Was wondering how the top of the line St.Croix rods ( they’re so much more reasonable) stack up against the $500 and $600 rods from Sage, Loomis, Winston et al?? A lot of guys seem to like them . I know little about them. A hidden bargain? Or? Thanks, Gerry

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OK , first of all I’ve fly fishing for years but I’m not a good caster. Was wondering how the top of the line St.Croix rods ( they’re so much more reasonable) stack up against the $500 and $600 rods from Sage, Loomis, Winston et al?? A lot of guys seem to like them . I know little about them. A hidden bargain? Or? Thanks, Gerry </PRE</HTML

Yes- they are good. Not a hidden bargain.  A real bargain. Their mid line rods "Imperial" great for the $. Joel Axelrad

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St.Croix Rods do the job.  They are great folk and stand by their products. Watch out for "Tackle Gap". That is when your equipment is miles beyond your skill level.  I expect that my St.Croix rods will always be fine for my talents!  Put the extra $$  into good line – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – OK , first of all I’ve fly fishing for years but I’m not a good caster. Was wondering how the top of the line St.Croix rods ( they’re so much more reasonable) stack up against the $500 and $600 rods from Sage, Loomis, Winston et al?? A lot of guys seem to like them . I know little about them. A hidden bargain? Or? Thanks, Gerry </PRE</HTML Yes- they are good. Not a hidden bargain.  A real bargain. Their mid line rods "Imperial" great for the $. Joel Axelrad

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Gerry,     I’m sure this is going to be unpopular advice but a rod ,despite what the manufactures want you to believe, isn’t going fix what ever is wrong with your casting. I’m lucky that I get to cast a lot of rods and some of them are great and some of them I wouldn’t give you a nickel for. Are they bad rods? No.. I just like some of them better than others. In fact, I’m still fishing a Sage DS. The point is get some help with your casting and buy the rod that feels good to you. Also, their is no rule that says you have to buy the "top of the line" rod. The rod either fits  your situation or it doesn’t. After that it is a warranty and appearance issue. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – OK , first of all I’ve fly fishing for years but I’m not a good caster. Was wondering how the top of the line St.Croix rods ( they’re so much more reasonable) stack up against the $500 and $600 rods from Sage, Loomis, Winston et al?? A lot of guys seem to like them . I know little about them. A hidden bargain? Or? Thanks, Gerry

Response:

OK , first of all I’ve fly fishing for years but I’m not a good caster. Was wondering how the top of the line St.Croix rods ( they’re so much more reasonable) stack up against the $500 and $600 rods from Sage, Loomis, Winston et al?? A lot of guys seem to like them . I know little about them. A hidden bargain? Or? Thanks, Gerry

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Gerry,     I have not fly fished for years but I have done a heap of casting and fishing since I started earlier this year.  I decided about a month ago (after 3 days of casting lessons and a lot of practice) I was ready to see if better gear would make a difference for me.  I went to a fly fishing show (you can do the same at a well stocked dealer) and tried a number of different rods ( 7 or 8). I took along my reel with the line weight I would be using.  I switched it from rod to rod to make sure I was comparing apples to apples.  I tried several models from the same manufacturer and several manufacturers.  I bought the rod that FELT BEST TO ME!  I found that with my casting style, one rod stood out from the others.  It took less effort, cast further, laid out the line more smoothly, and turned over the tippet more uniformly and accurately than the others.  The difference was very noticeable.  I can’t say that manufacturer would be the best there is.  I really believe you have to try the darn things and make your decision.  My instructor had two St. Croix rods and I tried them both.  I liked my entry level Cortland much better and so did he.  You may find the St. Croix to be YOUR ROD!  Quality wise they make a decent stick. BTW: the rod I bought was just under $500 Wayne To fish is human…to release divine. OK , first of all I’ve fly fishing for years but I’m not a good caster. Was wondering how the top of the line St.Croix rods ( they’re so much more reasonable) stack up against the $500 and $600 rods from Sage, Loomis, Winston et al?? A lot of guys seem to like them . I know little about them. A hidden bargain? Or? Thanks, Gerry

to fish them almost extensively. Regarding better quality fly rods at 1/3 rd the price, you should call Lamiglass Fly Rod Company  up Woodland Washington way and talk to Dick Posey.  These are the fly rods I fish exclusively.  Why? Well, they don’t break, for one thing and they have unmatched quality and technology.  Just remember this.  Loomis used to work for Dick Posey and Dick taught Garry almost everything he knows.  Well, that isn’t right either.  Let’s just say, ‘most of what he knows.’  Loomis products are over-priced, like it or not folks.  However; they are a fair rod but not as good as Posey Fly Rods in my opinion.  I think you can get a Lamiglass, factory direct for $230  more or less.  My 9′6" #8 Steelhead Fly Rod is a Lamiglass. George

Response:

I can’t speak for their top-line model, but I own their mid-line rod and have cast their entry level rod, and I love them both. At the price, IMO they’re a great bargain, and like I said a couple of weeks ago here, they compare well with rods at twice the price. Having said that, whether its the rod for you, I’d try to find and cast one before shelling out the $$$. And if you’ve been flyfishing for years and your casting is still a problem, maybe some of the money could be spent on casting lessons? When I bought my new golf clubs, they looked damn good but didn’t make my swing better.  :) Sam – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – OK , first of all I’ve fly fishing for years but I’m not a good caster. Was wondering how the top of the line St.Croix rods ( they’re so much more reasonable) stack up against the $500 and $600 rods from Sage, Loomis, Winston et al?? A lot of guys seem to like them . I know little about them. A hidden bargain? Or? Thanks, Gerry

Response:

Gerry,     I have not fly fished for years but I have done a heap of casting and fishing since I started earlier this year.  I decided about a month ago (after 3 days of casting lessons and a lot of practice) I was ready to see if better gear would make a difference for me.  I went to a fly fishing show (you can do the same at a well stocked dealer) and tried a number of different rods ( 7 or 8). I took along my reel with the line weight I would be using.  I switched it from rod to rod to make sure I was comparing apples to apples.  I tried several models from the same manufacturer and several manufacturers.  I bought the rod that FELT BEST TO ME!  I found that with my casting style, one rod stood out from the others.  It took less effort, cast further, laid out the line more smoothly, and turned over the tippet more uniformly and accurately than the others.  The difference was very noticeable.  I can’t say that manufacturer would be the best there is.  I really believe you have to try the darn things and make your decision.  My instructor had two St. Croix rods and I tried them both.  I liked my entry level Cortland much better and so did he.  You may find the St. Croix to be YOUR ROD!  Quality wise they make a decent stick. BTW: the rod I bought was just under $500 Wayne To fish is human…to release divine. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – OK , first of all I’ve fly fishing for years but I’m not a good caster. Was wondering how the top of the line St.Croix rods ( they’re so much more reasonable) stack up against the $500 and $600 rods from Sage, Loomis, Winston et al?? A lot of guys seem to like them . I know little about them. A hidden bargain? Or? Thanks, Gerry

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Question:

I am driving from Boise ID. to Hamilton, then Butte, MT and then back to Boise in September.  I am looking for suggestions for fly fishing spots that are reasonably accessible, yet have decent action. I will be stopping in Stanley and Salmon. Thanks in advance. Mark.

Response:

I am driving from Boise ID. to Hamilton, then Butte, MT and then back to Boise in September.  I am looking for suggestions for fly fishing spots that are reasonably accessible, yet have decent action. I will be stopping in Stanley and Salmon. Thanks in advance. Mark.

If you are at all into Still water, try Henry’s lake in eastern Id. BIG Trout this year, and Sep. is when the moss goes down.

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If you drive the Skalkaho road from Hamilton,  you will cross the Rock Creek Drainage and pass by Georgetown Lake.  Both should be very good in September (weather pemitting).  The Big Hole is usually good in fall also.

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Question:

My step-dad and I are going to Weaverville on Saturday for some steelhead fishing.  Any advice from recent visitors?  Lures, places, approaches? Thanks in advance.  Dave in Anderson, CA

Response:

This is probably late advice, but I’d stay home.   The river is muddy and fishing is slow. Instead of the Trinity, I’d go over to Lewiston Lake and flyfish that area.  Or…take a drive over to the Smith River as it’s still clear enough to fish and, I understand, that the salmon and steelhead are being cooperative.  Four good updated info on the Trinity, I’d call the Eureka Fly Shop at 444-2000 or the Redding Fly Shop (I don’t have their number). Barry Brown – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My step-dad and I are going to Weaverville on Saturday for some steelhead fishing.  Any advice from recent visitors?  Lures, places, approaches? Thanks in advance.  Dave in Anderson, CA

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Question:

Is flyfishing a sport or is it recreation? How about assigning it to a ng about addictions? BobE.

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Is flyfishing a sport or is it recreation? How about assigning it to a ng about addictions? BobE.

The answer is "Yes". This is what I always considered this ng to be about…Addiction…Capital "A"… Dennis

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Question:

The shad run here in the Annapolis River of Nova Scotia is now at or near its peak peak.  The annual Shad Fishing tournament was just completed and for the second year in a row, the prize for the flyfishing catagory was determined by lot – i.e no shad were caught on the fly. Does anyone have any general advice re catching those darned things on a fly?  Sure would appreciate any help re patterns, method etc. Les

Response:

The shad run here in the Annapolis River of Nova Scotia is now at or near its peak peak.  The annual Shad Fishing tournament was just completed and for the second year in a row, the prize for the flyfishing catagory was determined by lot – i.e no shad were caught on the fly. Does anyone have any general advice re catching those darned things on a fly?  Sure would appreciate any help re patterns, method etc. Les

These shad drove me nuts on the Merrimac for years. I always fished them quartering down, expecting a hit on the drift, like most salmonid type fish. Finally started hooking them by using a Hi-D head with a weighted fly on the bottom with very slow strips. Lose a lot of flies that way, but it’s the only way I could get them to hit. They fight great, but it’s almost like bait fishing :-

Response:

It’s possible that our western experiences in flyfishing for Shad might be of some assistance.  We usually fish them in heavy water (8,000 cfs or better), and the key is finding their depth in the particular channel you are casting to.  I usually start with a Hi-D, extra fast sink shooting head, then work up.  Shad seem to travel at very specific depths on their upstream movements, and I have found they will not move very much to look at a fly.  The casting we use is a quarter upstream, then mend to give the fly a dead drift. ANY drag on the fly, and you might as well shoot again. Some strikes are very soft, so keep your index finger lightly under the shooting line to detect.  Other strikes (usually near the end of the drift) are like freight trains.  To summarize: look for proper depth, and MEND. If you’ll E-Mail me, I’ll send you by regular mail, two patterns that work very well out here.  They are bright (flourescent yellow is good) and beady-eyed.  The common crappie fly, available anywhere, works very well.

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Question:

What are your favorite instructional videos on fly-tying (beginning or advanced)?  I’ve enjoyed the discussion on favorite books for fly fishing and would like to see recommendations in this area. – John John D. Corless Institute of Optics                             (716) 275-8006 phone University of Rochester                         (716) 244-4936 fax

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 What are your favorite instructional videos on fly-tying (beginning  or advanced)?

I bought Del Mazza’s Tying Classic Flies He covers six flies, three classic  and three contemporary He does a nice job it costs $29.95 an is over two hours long                     John Dwyer     A Flytyer and a Flyfisherman       May your leaders sink, your felts hold, and your flies float high !                 Victor NY    Western gateway to the Fingerlakes

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Gary Borger’s Trout Flies Paul Jorgensoen’s(sp?) 2 volum set (name forgotten) Simon Hallett

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I’ve seen a bunch and my favorite by far are the two videos with Rene Harrop tying Mayflies and Caddis flies.  He uses CDC and ties intermediate stages as well as the normal e.g. nymph, dun, spinner.  I don’t remember the name of the producer but they had one of the Saturday morning FF shows.   It was a guy and his wife – she squeaked and giggled a lot and talked to fish.  You know the people.  Fortunately they aren’t in the videos except at the intro.

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: Gary Borger’s Trout Flies : : Paul Jorgensoen’s(sp?) 2 volum set (name forgotten) : : Simon Hallett "My Favorite Flies", VOL I-II, Poul Jorgenson B.

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Gary Lafontaine did a video on tying Caddis patterns with Mike Lawson and Jack Dennis as guests. Gary demonstrates how to tie his various sparkle patterns using antron.  These are really great patterns, especially the Emergent Sparkle Pupa, which is a fly I wouldn’t leave home without during Caddis season.  Lawson demos a couple af his favorites including the Hemingway Caddis.  Dennis demos the standard Elk Hair Caddis.   There’s also some pretty nice fishing action on the video towards the end,  which takes place on the Green River below Flaming Gorge.  My only criticism of the video is that these guys, especially Lafontaine take this a little too seriously. If he had lightened up a bit the video would have been more fun to watch, but it is very informative.

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