Question:

Our family just exchanged a few gifts early. My daughter helps run a local zoo (great source for peacock feathers) and has to go in early Christmas morning to make sure all the animals are okay, so we won’t have our usual early AM gift swap. My youngest son gave me an organizer for my tying stuff that is *awesome* and wasn’t even on my list. It’s about 1/4 the size of Frank Reid’s box, so it is HUGE. Now I just have to go out and buy some more stuff to fill it. Looks like I’ll have to wrangle some more $$ by the time the fly fishing show comes to town. Back to bonding with the family and drinking a little toast to them – single malt, of course. I’ll tip my glass to you all as well. I’ve said it before, and at the risk of going maudlin I’ll say it again: I’ve gotten a great amount of information from this group over the past few years that has vastly improved my on-stream enjoyment and performance, and I appreciate every bit of it. I’ve also met some people I’d never have met without ROFF, and would have been a poorer man for not meeting them. — TL, Tim

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. I’ll tip my glass to you all as well. I’ve said it before, and at the risk of going maudlin I’ll say it again: I’ve gotten a great amount of information from this group over the past few years that has vastly improved my on-stream enjoyment and performance, and I appreciate every bit of it. I’ve also met some people I’d never have met without ROFF, and would have been a poorer man for not meeting them. — TL, Tim

    well, maudlin is a word for people who can’t feel what you have just expressed.  of course, that is just an opinion from yfitons wayno – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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Question:

Had a long trip to the back of beyond.Davis creek in the Yukon-Koyukuk Alaska region.The only artificials I took were DuPont spinners.Mining is such a bore compared to fly fishing.But the 4th was memorable.I shot down about 1000 yds3 of secondary and tertiary gravels for the guys to ash.( someone has to get the gold to plate hooks with )

Thank god you are back.  Finally these environuts will get off the timber industry and start in on the mining. <g   Welcome back to a working man’s hell. Warren X#-[

Trout Dwellers Unite! Western Conclave Guru For info: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/sp_ROFF_people/wclave/wclave.html

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 Had a long trip to the back of beyond.Davis creek in the Yukon-Koyukuk Alaska region.The only artificials I took were DuPont spinners.Mining is such a bore compared to fly fishing.But the 4th was memorable.I shot down about 1000 yds3 of secondary and tertiary gravels for the guys to ash.( someone has to get the gold to plate hooks with ) —  Don Thompson  Zoomie(BushBug)  ACA#3460  TLCB#335  Any Time, Any Place  Pull the chocks, lets get this kite in the air.

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Question:

What do you not like about fly fishing today? Today? Well, it was a bitch to get a good soft drop over the cube walls, steeple casts are bitch with a 10 foot ceiling, and I kept foul-hooking our group secretary. /daytripper (I need a 4 foot rod for "office fishing", I think…)

I got one you can try.  Shall I bring it to the Spring Fling?

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What do you not like about fly fishing today?

Mostly that it didn’t happen today.

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Yes, I too fear those menacing gun-toting steaks.

Yeah, but they’re pretty rare.

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Yes, I too fear those menacing gun-toting steaks. Yeah, but they’re pretty rare.

LMAO!

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What do you not like about fly fishing today?

Stupid questions.      - Ken — "During my service in the United States Congress, I took the  initiative in creating the Internet."  - Al Gore

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What do you not like about fly fishing today?

It’s too cold out; most of the ponds are still frozen. And don’t get me started about the high country. I’m not too crazy about the gun-toting snakes either. — Rusty Hook Laramie, Wyo Before you buy.

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What do you not like about fly fishing today?

all the damn people in my way as i try to shoot 150 yards over/under/through endangered rhododendron on quismeahss creek…. pisses me off !!! another pisser…. uhmm…. dumb queries. waldo

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Yes, I too fear those menacing gun-toting steaks. Opie in NC – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – What do you not like about fly fishing today? It’s too cold out; most of the ponds are still frozen. And don’t get me started about the high country. I’m not too crazy about the gun-toting snakes either. — Rusty Hook Laramie, Wyo Before you buy.

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You should see the English ones !  Drive you mad they can ! TL MC — "In order to achieve what is possible, one must constantly attempt the impossible" http://www.mikeconnor.de

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Yes, I too fear those menacing gun-toting steaks. Yeah, but they’re pretty rare.

Mostly.  But there’s one TBone that tends to be over done.

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What do you not like about fly fishing today?

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What do you not like about fly fishing today?

Today? Well, it was a bitch to get a good soft drop over the cube walls, steeple casts are bitch with a 10 foot ceiling, and I kept foul-hooking our group secretary. /daytripper (I need a 4 foot rod for "office fishing", I think…)

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Question:

Hi, Is there a good flyfishing spot for trouts, salmon or steelhead near Portland, Oregon?  I will be visiting Portland at the end of October. Thanks in advance. Kang

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Is there a good flyfishing spot for trouts, salmon or steelhead near Portland, Oregon?  I will be visiting Portland at the end of October.

Closest would be the Clackamas and Sandy, both of which run through the metro area. Closest for world class fly fishing would be the North Santiam, about an hour south of PDX

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Hi, Is there a good flyfishing spot for trouts, salmon or steelhead near Portland, Oregon?  I will be visiting Portland at the end of October. Thanks in advance. Kang

Go to the Deschutes river.   You’ll have a chance to catch trout and steelhead.   Check at a couple of the fly shops in Portland.   One other fishery that will be going on is the Tillomook bay/river.  You can go for the BIG chinook in the Trask or Wilson rivers.   There are other rivers on the coast that have this same fall chinook run going on.  When you get into town call Fisherman’s Outdoor at 503-283-8310 or Great American Tackle at 503-650-2662 they can direct you in the right direction. Sharp Hooks, Pat Holdzit Fishing Products Inc. http://www.holdzit.com Before you buy.

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Wow, I surely wouldn’t call the N. Santiam a "world class flyfishing river." I floated it yesterday and saw lots of big October Caddis flys hatching, but nary a rise. My vote would be for the Deschutes/ – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Is there a good flyfishing spot for trouts, salmon or steelhead near Portland, Oregon?  I will be visiting Portland at the end of October. Closest would be the Clackamas and Sandy, both of which run through the metro area. Closest for world class fly fishing would be the North Santiam, about an hour south of PDX

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Wow, I surely wouldn’t call the N. Santiam a "world class flyfishing river." I floated it yesterday and saw lots of big October Caddis flys hatching, but nary a rise. My vote would be for the Deschutes/

Guess that just goes to show you…. I floated the section around Mill City/Lyons last weekend. Caught and released well over 30 fish in 4 hours. Waded one bar and caught at least 10 in 20 minutes. Most in the 10"-12" range, a few dinks and one truly huge cut. Maybe the river isn’t the problem….

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Well, good for you! I didn’t have my flyrod along on Sunday, but was keeping a watchful eye for rising fish, and saw none. Guess we have different opinions on what constitutes a "World Class river." I like the N. Santiam, but have never seen it given that kind of status. Also, never have seen it listed in any "top rivers" articles. I didn’t see my experience as a "problem" as I wasn’t fishing. If I was and I heard about your success the prior day, I would readily admit that it was my problem! Good luck. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Wow, I surely wouldn’t call the N. Santiam a "world class flyfishing river." I floated it yesterday and saw lots of big October Caddis flys hatching, but nary a rise. My vote would be for the Deschutes/ Guess that just goes to show you…. I floated the section around Mill City/Lyons last weekend. Caught and released well over 30 fish in 4 hours. Waded one bar and caught at least 10 in 20 minutes. Most in the 10"-12" range, a few dinks and one truly huge cut. Maybe the river isn’t the problem….

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Wow, I surely wouldn’t call the N. Santiam a "world class flyfishing

river." Someone responsed: Caught and released well over 30 fish in 4 hours.

The North Santiam can be excellent for trout and steelhead until they start dumping lots of water out of Detroit Reservoir.  For bank fishers I would rank it behind the Deschutes, but for float fishers, there are some outstanding areas. Thomas Gilg

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Question:

I am selling an old bamboo fly rod, which was most likely made in occupied Japan.  I bought it about 8 months ago or so, and have fished with it 3 times since.  The rod is 9′ and 3 pieces with an extra tip.  I would refer to the rod’s condition as very good; fishable if you have alot of arm strength. I am no bamboo expert, so here are a few more details; all wraps intact, both tips same length, all ferrules seat well, varnish discolored but intact, rod passes the "twist test" without producing any cracking sounds, grip dirty, but intact.  Both tips have some set, one is worse than the other. The rod has one decal on it, it is red and reads "Water Riffle". As people told me, the rod is very heavy compared to modern bamboo, and wears the arm out after twenty minutes of casting.  I considered refinishing it and turning it into a 6′ banty, but have decided instead to part with it in order to buy a new reel for the three weight I am building.  My wife has severely degraded my fly fishing gear budget, as I went overboard last year. I don’t want the new rod to go without a reel, so this rod is the first thing to sacrifice.. I have a few .jpg pictures I can send as attachments privately to anyone interested in the rod. I can also privately mail you my asking price if you message me privately.  I will not post asking price or the pictures to the group, so if you are interested, mail me at one of the addresses listed below please. — Matt Blickensderfer * A Grouchy German is a Sour Kraut! *

Response:

I am selling an old bamboo fly rod, which was most likely made in occupied Japan.  I bought it about 8 months ago or so, and have fished with it 3 times since.  The rod is 9′ and 3 pieces with an extra tip.  I would refer to the rod’s condition as very good; fishable if you have alot of arm strength. . . I will not post asking price or the pictures to the group, so if you are interested, mail me at one of the addresses listed

MB should be advised this sounds like the bamboo rods mass-produced in Japan for the US market approx. 1970 which sold for about $25. (They were good value overall.  Two out of three were junk, but one in three fished very nicely.  I could show you to within 6 inches where I caught my first trout on a fly on such an outfit….) — |  Donald Phillipson, 4180 Boundary Road, Carlsbad Springs,  | |        Ontario, Canada, K0A 1K0, tel. 613 822 0734         |

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Question:

Im looking for 3 patterns:  Bitch Creek, Yuk Bug, and a North Platte Special.  Any info would be greatly appreciated as I am fairly new to tying my own flies.  You can respond to the e-mail listed below: Again thanks for your help!

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I’d suggest you spring for the Umpaqua Fly Pattern book, it has at least the first two. Not sure about the NP special. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Im looking for 3 patterns:  Bitch Creek, Yuk Bug, and a North Platte Special.  Any info would be greatly appreciated as I am fairly new to tying my own flies.  You can respond to the e-mail listed below: Again thanks for your help!

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Im looking for 3 patterns:  Bitch Creek, Yuk Bug, and a North Platte Special.  Any info would be greatly appreciated as I am fairly new to tying my own flies.  You can respond to the e-mail listed below: Again thanks for your help!

That’s what fly fishing catalogues are for!  Between Kaufmann’s, Orvis, and LLBean (ugly flies in that one!) you can find a whole bunch of flies to copy

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Question:

I’m building an 8 ft, 6 weight, 3 piece fly rod. I haven’t been able to find any guild spacing charts that cover this variety. Anyone have any experience with this? I’m also interested in the component types and sizes that you use.

Call the company that made the blank, and speak to one of their rod builders.  They will tell you the spacing for that rod, and it will be more accurate than any generalized formula.  Then, if you want to be really sure, tape the guides on and test before you do any wrapping. CQ

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m building an 8 ft, 6 weight, 3 piece fly rod. I haven’t been able to find any guild spacing charts that cover this variety. Anyone have any experience with this? I’m also interested in the component types and sizes that you use. Thanks, Don All MEASUREMENTS are in INCHES from the tip down. This example is for 1 stripping and 8 snake guides. TIP 4 8 14 21 29 37 45 and a half 54 65 (stripping) You might also consider picking up a book on rod making, this will ensure that you tune your rod for the best performance. In addition, don’t be afraid to add 1 or 2 snake guides, this will give you better line control, and increase your distance on your cast. You Also find that, mending your line on the water is alot better too.For components, I would probably use standard snake guides and ceramic stripping guides, and a chrome tip top. Talk to a fly shop for these components, or tackle dealer. They can set you up with the right ones that you need. One warning though, some of SCSI, or fuji guides are expensive…….O.K  Neil

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Last time I had trouble with the guide spacing the guide was me and I floated into a sweeper tree and replaced everybody’s hat with a large, pissed-off water spider. Dave

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Contact Blue Ridge Rod Company at (410) 224-4072. Their catalog has a guide psacing chart for rods from 6′6" to 10". Good source of info in general. Good wrapping! Tom – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m building an 8 ft, 6 weight, 3 piece fly rod. I haven’t been able to find any guild spacing charts that cover this variety. Anyone have any experience with this? I’m also interested in the component types and sizes that you use. Thanks, Don

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I’m building an 8 ft, 6 weight, 3 piece fly rod. I haven’t been able to find any guild spacing charts that cover this variety. Anyone have any experience with this? I’m also interested in the component types and sizes that you use. Thanks, Don

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Don:      The guide spacing charts are okay for starters, but you really want to try the "fit" before you actually wrap them. I use masking tape to hold them in place and then actually cast the rod to see how it sets up. When flexed, you don’t want too much of an angle between the guides, and conversely, you also do not want too many guides, as they will slow the line down. Also, an oversized stripping guide may improve the line flow when casting. Try it first, and then do your wrapping. Good luck! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m building an 8 ft, 6 weight, 3 piece fly rod. I haven’t been able to find any guild spacing charts that cover this variety. Anyone have any experience with this? I’m also interested in the component types and sizes that you use. Thanks, Don

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I’m building an 8 ft, 6 weight, 3 piece fly rod. I haven’t been able to find any guild spacing charts that cover this variety. Anyone have any experience with this? I’m also interested in the component types and sizes that you use. Thanks, Don

Don: The Dale Clemens book on rod building has formulas which will get you close to the correct spacing.  You could also take a tape measure into a local flyshop to get measurements off a factory rod.  Initially, you will want to tape the guides on, then string the rod up to give it a ’stress test’ ( i.e. anchor the butt against a wall or have someone hold it while you bend the rod with the line as if a fish were on ).  Adjust the guide positions to minimize the distance between the line and the rod.  You may find that an extra guide is needed, especially near the tip.  ( This test is a good idea even if you have the factory recommended spacing for your blank. ) Also, while the guides are taped on, take the rod out and cast it to see how it feels.  At this point you can experiment with the position of the stripping guide by putting it as far up the rod as it will go before you start getting ‘line slap’.  The higher up it is, the less drag you’ll have. As far as component size goes, consider using guides a little larger than normal as suggested by LA Garcia.  This is especially important with the stripping guide.  Your rod may not look as sleek as factory rods, but you’ll cut down on drag through the guides when you’re casting. Good luck! Dave Welch

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Don, According to a guide spacing and sizing chart I received from Powell Rod Co. you would need  two 1/0, three 1, one 2, one 3, one #8, and one #10. Spacing is by inches from the tip top to the toe of the rear foot of each guide. 5", 10", 16", 23 1/8", 30 1/2", 38 1/4, 46 1/2", 55 1/2", 66 1/4". If this spacing doesn’t work out for you, usually the rod blank manufacturer can supply you with a spacing chart. Good luck to you. Shad Sterzick Gulpers Fly Fishing Outfitters http://www.xmission.com/~gulpers – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m building an 8 ft, 6 weight, 3 piece fly rod. I haven’t been able to find any guild spacing charts that cover this variety. Anyone have any experience with this? I’m also interested in the component types and sizes that you use. Thanks, Don

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Question:

I’m going to be visiting Door County, Wisconsin in mid-August.  We’d like to spend a couple days inland doing some fly fishing.  Can anyone recommend a good stream not too far (2-3 hours) from Green Bay, with some decent beginner water and preferably a good (not too wild) campground nearby?  I’ve read in a guide book of the Wolf River.  Any comments? TIA Greg

You might want to check out the Wisconsin Flyfishing page at http://www.dwave.net/~patrick/ for some useful info. Don’t forget about Green Bay itself, especially if you like to eat (and catch) walleye! — Richard W. (Dick) Lander; sportsman, Macintosh devotee, proponent of personal liberty. *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *   Another day…another chance something will be found hazardous to my health…

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I’m going to be visiting Door County, Wisconsin in mid-August.  We’d like to spend a couple days inland doing some fly fishing.  Can anyone recommend a good stream not too far (2-3 hours) from Green Bay, with some decent beginner water and preferably a good (not too wild) campground nearby?  I’ve read in a guide book of the Wolf River.  Any comments?   TIA Greg

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Wolf River gets pretty warm this time of year.  I’d try the four P’s just northwest of Green Bay…The Pike, Popple, Pine and Peshtigo.  Plenty of camping and BIG trout in those streams with plenty of access.  The Peshtigo gets pretty warm in the summer too though. TO WET LINES AND FULL TUMMYS, Chris Willman La Crosse, Wisconsin

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Question:

Steve, There is the San Mateo Sportsman’s show that used to be held in March and will be held in Jan or Feb. this coming year (96).  This is a consumer show with all the big guns represented whereas the Fly Tackle Dealer Show is a dealer show not a consumer show.  If you like fly fishing, and live in the Bay Area, don’t miss it.                                                    Dan Dan Gracia Schools Coordinator Orvis West Coast Fly Fishing Schools If you kill that big fish you can’t catch ‘em again.  So what if they eat other fish?  If you kill the big ones there will only be little ones left (funny how that works!).

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I’ll be attending the The Fly Tackle Dealers’ Show in Denver next month. Anyone wishing information on new products (particularly rod blanks and components) exhibited at the show, feel free to post e-mail. I’ll be returning on approx. Sept. 25 and I’ll have a chance to respond at that time. You can also receive a free copy of our current catalogue with custom rods, blanks, componments, fly tying material and accessories by sending your name and snail mail address via e-mail. Phil Koenig Manhattan Custom Tackle    

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Question:

Perry) writes:

<Move up from a $40 rod: advantages, disadvantages? John– It’s like everything else. While a $40 rod will catch fish, the more you get involved with the sport of fly fishing, the more you appreciate a higher level of performance from your equipment. There’s a maxim that has been around the fly fishing circuit since I started 20 years ago, buy the best you can afford. It still holds ture. The rods in the $300-$400 range are extremely good… Loomis (4 piece and 2 piece IMX, GLX), Sage, and T&T are excellent. If you need to cast a full line, do curve casts, or just want to become the best caster you can be, you’ll need a great (expensive) rod. Low and mid-priced rods will never get you there. Hope this helps. Cordially, Bob Elliott, Rochester, NY

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I’m thinking of moving up to a nicer rod.  So far I’ve been fishing on a $40 graphite.  Is there any advantage/disadvantage to having more or less sections in a rod?  What I mean is, does a 4 piece rod fish as good as a 3, as a 2, etc.?

   The only problem I’ve had or seen with 4 piece rods is a tendency for one or more sections to work loose while you are casting.  I’ve seen and had the end section come off during a cast, although usually its a lower joint and you can feel it before it comes completely off.  Despite this, I have only 4-piece rods now because they can travel as carry-on luggage. — Lloyd Fortney —Opinions, just opinions—

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I have a few rods – one of which is a 4 piece pack rod.  I find the pack rod casts very nicely and wasn’t terribly expensive (St. Croix 8ft. for 4- 5wt lines, $105.00).  If you want a lower cost alternative to the $300-$400 rods and need their line throwing performance, consider building your own.  A little patience and a decent book (I used Skip Morris’s) and you can make a wonderful rod. Good luck, Kris Kristoferson Seattle, WA

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I’m thinking of moving up to a nicer rod.  So far I’ve been fishing on a $40 graphite.  Is there any advantage/disadvantage to having more or less sections in a rod?  What I mean is, does a 4 piece rod fish as good as a 3, as a 2, etc.? Thanks, John P.

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