Question:

This reel seems to have left the market. Anyone have any info about what, where and how I could find another?

Response:

This reel seems to have left the market. Anyone have any info about what, where and how I could find another?

Todd Vivian at Lamiglas is a good guy.  Drop him a line, he might know of someone who still has some in stock.  His email address is: Ian Scott http://www.about-flyfishing.com/

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Question:

Would appreciate info on traveling to and in Belize. We love Costa Rica, but would like to do something different. Thanks. G&G

Response:

Hi G&G, I know a lot about fishing the coast of Belize from our fly fishing travel service for the last 16 years, but for some of the best info on Belize if you are not into salt water fly fishing, email Margie Perez at the International Airport just out of Belize City. She has a travel agency right at the airport and can tell you everything about Belize and help arrange your trip. She use to work for one of the Belizean airlines and really knows the entire country well. Many companies like ours and the big Orvis Company use Margie for help with their groups going to Belize. — Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Fishing Travel & Fly Shop Sacramento, CA, USA www.kiene.com 800/4000FLY

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Would appreciate info on traveling to and in Belize. We love Costa Rica, but would like to do something different. Thanks. G&G

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Question:

Well I headed up to one of my favorite hex ponds yesterday to do some dry fly hexing. We arrived at the pond with high winds. So I headed down the pond in my old indian brand fiberglass canoe, semi basket case but light and good to fish from. It’s been heavily repaired with fiberglass to make it seaworty but it is so much stealtier than my aluminum.  There were a few hex’s starting to pop up here and there and a few fish rising to them so I prayed for a respite from the howling Maine winds. It was not to be. First thing, on my third cast I broke my "new" HI Lucky ace off at the top ferrule on the mid section, somebody (me) apparently did a piss poor replacement job. Not to be discouraged I paddled all the way back to the landing to get a replacement. Whereon I discovered that the owner of one of the two camps on the pond bragging about how he had coerced the State into stocking Splake ( a bastard hybred of a brookie and a lake trout) to "control" the smelt population. Great, this dub is trying to kill off the feed that makes this pond grow mega slab sided brookies, seemed like a duh to me. Now we’ve got camp owners playing at fisheries management…of course he’s happy to troll up a few splake and claims there are no big schools of smelt anymore on his fish finder…I’m happy for him….rather than argue the topic I just paddled back down the pond to fish. Anyway I managed a couple of 12-14" brookies on my hex pattern when I heard this awful cracking and moaning coming from the seat of my canoe. the %$^#* seat was splitting in half – time for a diet I decided anyway the darn thing sank an inch or two but didn’t part the way completely. Finally as dark came on the wind picked up even more so I beached the canoe for the night. Then it began to rain, and rain, and rain you get the idea. this morning the wind was still howling so we drove down to the West Branch of the Penoboscot river to fish for salmon. the rubber hatch was on (rafters) and the water was high and colored, at least some of it from the heavy overnight rains. I had one hit nymphing and managed to yank the fly out of the fishes mouth and into the tree behind me where I ended up leaving it. Hit another good pool downstream in time to watch another angler manage a decent landlock, caught a freaking chub and went back to camp for lunch. My pond was now covered in 2-3 foot white caps so I bagged it and came home instead of praying to the ghods of calm sunsets. Driving out we got pounded by a mega thunderstorm so the decision to leave was probably ok. On the way out I saw a large black bear, and the usual assortment of moose, a bald eagle, a couple of red tailed hawks, a ton of rabbits and some partridge, good wildlife viewing trip anyway. Tierd and weary, 6 hours later, I arrived home to find my latest ebay treasure, a shakespear 1305B in 9 foot in a gigantic plano plastic case (destined to go into the yard sale pile). It’s missing an eye and while dubbing with it the reel seat came apart because the pin is missing…sometimes I should stay home, go to the dump and mow the lawn…naw that’s no fun… so anyway kids the hex’s are on up in Baxter country but the weather was not conducive to the frenzied evening rise to same…at least for me this weekend. Flyfish — dave’s homepage madness http://www.ctel.net/~brooktrout flyfishing in Maine and more

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Thanks for the nice report anyway. These reports make one wish one was fishing, remind one of the mishaps which inevitably occur, sometimes leaving fond memories, and sometimes swollen feet or similar, but they are all extremely interesting. TL MC — "In order to know what is possible one must constantly attempt the impossible" http://www.mikeconnor.de

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well I headed up to one of my favorite hex ponds yesterday to do some dry

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Question:

Taking a little jaunt to these areas.  Got any favorite campground for us tenters about Libby, and Rock Creek?  Any better guide services around Dillon or Wise River?    How’s Rock Creek and Yaak fishing?     Thanks. Schuh-fly

Response:

We went to Dillon 2 weeks ago for a few days.  The upper section of the Big Hole is closed to fishingnow, when we were there we were surprised at how low the Beaverhead and Big Hole were.  The water levels in the rivers and creeks are extremely low.  I live in Helena and work at a sporting good store, the reports that we’re getting from custormers is that Rock Creek fishing is poor due to low water.  Fishing has been great on the Missouri where the water level is low, but not low enough to cause concern yet.

Taking a little jaunt to these areas.  Got any favorite campground for us tenters about Libby, and Rock Creek?  Any better guide services around Dillon or Wise River?    How’s Rock Creek and Yaak fishing?     Thanks. Schuh-fly

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Taking a little jaunt to these areas.  Got any favorite campground for us tenters about Libby, and Rock Creek?  Any better guide services around Dillon or Wise River?    How’s Rock Creek and Yaak fishing?     Thanks. Schuh-fly

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Question:

Today, I took Ron for his first Jet Boat Ride in the World’s Best Flats Boat ever built. (Not a humble opening, I agree) As we roared down river to the Blue Bridge (the idea was to blow all that dust out of that great Ford Redline Marine Engine into the atmosphere) at about 26 mph (gps perfect) I slowed down to show Ron some Big Horn Sheep and finally shut the engine down that was purring quietly so everything was in mutual agreement.  The river flowed along like quiet glass, a hawk screeched just once, and one of the baby lambs bayed.  Finally, a red winged black bird sang its short song off a willow as some of its limbs traced the surface of the river. I looked at the river, clean and pure and I explained to Ron how I was going to get some smart mouthed remarks about explaining how pollution free this jet boat, called "The Professional Guide Jet Boat" was in water.  He listen to my words thoughtfully while a trickling sound finally ceased. Ron zipped up and turned with a grin.  "Yep.  I know what you mean.  Too bad you and I aren’t as perfect as this boat." I roared in laughter, started the motor, and slowly applied power. ; ) god!  I love this place. — Mr. G. "Gink Keeps It Up" http://www.gink.com

Question:

I went to a small creek nearby my home in central PA a couple of nights ago to continue my on the water "education" of fly fishing.  I had been to this same creek a couple of times recently and had success catching a few 10-12 inch brook trout (when I actually got my fly to go where I wanted it to!). I found a nice deep pool in this very small stream where a tree had fallen across the creek and caused a natural dam.  I could see several trout feeding there and hitting something on top so I started casting with a dry fly (Elk Hair Caddis, I think it’s called) and hooked a nice brook trout on my second or third cast. Being that the weather has been warm and the water level pretty low, I tried to bring the fish to hand as quickly as possible and don’t think I over played the trout at all.  I kept it mostly in the water to unhook it but it was a barbed hook and the trout was bleeding slightly from its lower jaw.  I got the hook out fairly quickly and made sure the trout was revived before letting it swim away…or so I thought. I kept fishing the hole for another ten or fifteen minutes and caught one more much smaller trout and released it.  Then I started to walk upstream to find another pool and I saw a shining gleam from the edge of the deep pool and realized that the first fish I caught was turned upside down in the hole and caught up on some debris and was in fact dying.  I didn’t have a net with me so I tried to get it with a stick to take it home but could not get it and stirred up so much muck that I lost sight of it. I move on but kept trying to figure out what must have gone wrong or what "rookie" mistake did I do to cause it to die. Is there a point where the water conditions just will not allow a trout to live if caught?  I don’t know what the water temp. was but I’m sure it was fairly warm (I am going to buy a stream thermometer but have not gotten one yet). Also, do most fly fisherman carry a creel just in case one dies during C&R? Please let me know if there is anything more I could have done to revive the trout.  BTW I am going to debarb my hooks from now on also. Tim

Response:

I went to a small creek nearby my home in central PA a couple of nights ago

Tom – central PA has been hot and dry this spring.  Streams are low and warm. My educated guess would be water temperature – which lowers the oxygen content and on a stressed fish could well be fatal.    by the way, 10-12 inch brookies are good size for around here, so there are some nice fish in that stream. Mark Faulkner

Response:

Hi Tim, There are several possibilities here. The first one is that it was just too warm, and the fish died because of combined stress and heat. It is best not to fish above certain temperatures, if you wish to release the fish, as the fish suffers  too much stress and often dies. Overplaying a fish will kill it as well. The other possibility is that it bled to death. Even a small hole in a fish which bleeds for a while will kill the fish fairly quickly. Fish do not have coagulating agents in their blood like mammals, and can not afford to lose much blood anyway. I have seen quite a few large Seatrout bleed to death quite quickly ( much less than half an hour in several cases ), after being released apparently unharmed. The probable cause of death was given as "blood depletion resulting in oxygen transfer  failure" by a laboratory which examined a couple of the dead fish.  In all the cases mentioned ( only two of the fish mentioned were actually examined by a professional lab), the hole left by the hook was fairly small, but obviously of a position and size sufficient to cause fatal blood loss. Several fish showed signs of distress fairly quickly, and only slight water staining ( blood ) was apparent from the mouth region when they were released. The fish mentioned were found fairly quickly at the pool outlets, and their gills were already looking a very unhealthy whitish pink colour, instead of the normal bright red. If a fish bleeds very much at all then you can write it off usually, it will not survive long. Surprisingly enough fish will often survive fairly major bodily injuries, like gashes from nets, or seals etc, especially in salt water, as long as they do not bleed too much. If they bleed however they are usually doomed. We catch quite a few fish which have been "stabbed" by herons, and they often survive this as long as they do not bleed from the gash, or are attacked by fungal or other parasites. Every year where I used to live in England we also had quite a few fish damaged by fungus etc, after being hooked and released. UDN was prevalent at the time, but this seemed to be a different sort of fungus, often originating at a hole caused by a hook, especially in the sides of the lower jaw, and also in many cases obviously by anglers handling fish with hot dry hands, the imprints left from this could be clearly seen on occasion. Has nothing to do with your problem of course, but I thought I would mention it anyway.  If you are going to handle fish, do so only with cool wet hands, and if possible avoid touching them at all, even slight damage to the protective slime will leave the fish open to disease etc. Rough dry nets are just as bad, knotted nylon being among the worst. If you fish catch and release it is easier to release fish if you use barbless hooks. Hope this helps. Tight lines ! Mike Connor

Response:

Tim,   It’s possible you caught a fish that had be caught and released earlier that day or previous night. Lot’s of really good flyfishers are working those streams in the Central PA area.   If you’re new to the sport, check out Flyfishers’ Paradise in State College. They provided me with alot of great advice, and I bought alot of first rate equipment and supplies from them. Good Luck

Response:

Tim, If you saw any blood at all, the fish probably died from blood loss. I’m sure the high water temp didn’t help either. You need to get a stream thermometer. Personally, I won’t fish water above 70 deg if I don’t intend to keep what I catch, and if I notice any bleeding from a fish, I will kill it unless the reg’s prohibit it. George Adams

Response:

Just like anyone else in this group that practices Catch and Release it is really bad to see something like that that.  That fish will not just float and rot away.  That fish will make an excellent meal for others in its food chain.  Wether it be another fish, a fox, Racoon, Bear, otter, ect.  That fish will not go to waste.  I am not saying when you fish not to use extreme care when practicing Catch and Release but sometimes a problem like such can and does happen. Tight Lines and Warm Barrels. Jeremiah Weed

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Tim, There are several possibilities here. The first one is that it was just too warm, and the fish died because of combined stress and heat. It is best not to fish above certain temperatures, if you wish to release the fish, as the fish suffers  too much stress and often dies. Overplaying a fish will kill it as well. The other possibility is that it bled to death. Even a small hole in a fish which bleeds for a while will kill the fish fairly quickly. Fish do not have coagulating agents in their blood like mammals, and can not afford to lose much blood anyway. I have seen quite a few large Seatrout bleed to death quite quickly ( much less than half an hour in several cases ), after being released apparently unharmed. The probable cause of death was given as "blood depletion resulting in oxygen transfer  failure" by a laboratory which examined a couple of the dead fish.  In all the cases mentioned ( only two of the fish mentioned were actually examined by a professional lab), the hole left by the hook was fairly small, but obviously of a position and size sufficient to cause fatal blood loss. Several fish showed signs of distress fairly quickly, and only slight water staining ( blood ) was apparent from the mouth region when they were released. The fish mentioned were found fairly quickly at the pool outlets, and their gills were already looking a very unhealthy whitish pink colour, instead of the normal bright red. If a fish bleeds very much at all then you can write it off usually, it will not survive long. Surprisingly enough fish will often survive fairly major bodily injuries, like gashes from nets, or seals etc, especially in salt water, as long as they do not bleed too much. If they bleed however they are usually doomed. We catch quite a few fish which have been "stabbed" by herons, and they often survive this as long as they do not bleed from the gash, or are attacked by fungal or other parasites. Every year where I used to live in England we also had quite a few fish damaged by fungus etc, after being hooked and released. UDN was prevalent at the time, but this seemed to be a different sort of fungus, often originating at a hole caused by a hook, especially in the sides of the lower jaw, and also in many cases obviously by anglers handling fish with hot dry hands, the imprints left from this could be clearly seen on occasion. Has nothing to do with your problem of course, but I thought I would mention it anyway.  If you are going to handle fish, do so only with cool wet hands, and if possible avoid touching them at all, even slight damage to the protective slime will leave the fish open to disease etc. Rough dry nets are just as bad, knotted nylon being among the worst. If you fish catch and release it is easier to release fish if you use barbless hooks. Hope this helps. Tight lines ! Mike Connor

Response:

One thing I have learned over the years is that if you hook a trout in the gills it will bleed to death so you might as well have it for dinner. Ernie Harrison Like to make fly-fishing stuff?  See: http://users.ccnet.com/~emh/

Response:

The other possibility is that it bled to death. Even a small hole in a fish which bleeds for a while will kill the fish fairly quickly. Fish do not have coagulating agents in their blood like mammals, and can not afford to lose much blood anyway.

I agree with Mike on this one. In my experience, a bleeding fish ends up a dead fish. Nowadays, if a fish I catch bleeds, I don’t mess around: it gets whacked straight away. Tight Lines, Tony Deacon

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Question:

The laws should be changed about land owners owning the stream and the government should begin purchasing a 100′ strip of property along all streams. This would prevent property owners from dumping unwanted substances into our waters and polluting them.  It is time we started treating our streams like the valuable resource they are.

        that was taken from Ernie’s Post and somehow i dont read PUBLIC land into that snip. I read private land.  if you read it you will find 100′ strip  on ALL streams.  Im taking the post as its said. and im aware of BLM leasing to ranches. and yes i feel that the those public streams need help but Ernie states ALL streams.         I can get into seizure of private land but this isnt a place for that discussion.   – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Ernie was referring to PUBLIC lands. Out West large tracts of public lands are leased to ranches for very small fees.  I also think that these leasees should be be required to care for OUR land.  On a number of these leases that I’m personally aware of, these leasees try to illegally keep the public off these public lands by posting No Trespassing signs. Some leasees routinely place many more animals on the leased land than the lease allows. Imposing & enforcing regulations on this group is very difficult.  In many areas of the West, they are a large group with alot of political clout. There have been articles in Audubon Magazine about these abuses. I also agree with you concerning land owners rights. Many of our rights as land owners are being threatened. The vast majority of land owners care for the own land far better than the public does for our public land. I’m in favor of tax incentives, grants etc. given to landowners to encourage good conservation practices, like you suggested. Willi

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Dan, and others…. I am not a member of the game commission, but do know the policies of the DGIF of Virginia on these matters …. am past president of one of the chapters of Trout Unlimited and have had discussions with the DGIF and some of their board members on this topic…. So it is the policy of DGIF to discontinue stocking on sections of streams as they become posted…..   Will still stock above and below if not posted. The right of peaceful passage on any stream that will support boat traffic (canoes) is always available.   In case of land owner ship, but state stocked waters and the land owner owns both pieces… especially if a Land Grant dating from 1759 from King George you may not fish, anchor, step on the stream bottom or do anything but pass.   In cases where the land is owned but not a land grant you may stay in the stream and fish, but not get on the bank…  We have just had a big case resolved here in Virginia over this issue…..   so if someone tells you this is land grant property….. don’t argue… just say excuse me and move on… Best case is to take a gift to the land owner and ask permission…. works everytime. I don’t have any problem with any landowner posting property that had been stocked in the past and the state then discontinuing stocking… Alan E. Hoover Anglers’ Rest Powhatan, Va        *the trout teach many, lessons*I haven’t heard for a while, but it used to be in Pennsylvania that to be

allowed to wade legally, the waterway had to be classified as a "navigatible waterway". This meaning that the body of water was open to larger boat traffic, such as tugs, barges, etc.  This also included legally passing over on any type of boat as well as wading. These smaller waterways are owned to the middle of the river or creek, unless both sides are owned by the same person. I have never heard of this being changed.                                       Jim

Response:

<snipAll streams should be fenced 100′ back from the edge to prevent cattle and sheep  from destroying them.

Where would the cattle and sheep drink? <snip Human access should be provided at convenient intervals in the form of  domestic animal proof gates.

My experience has been that the gate would be left open frequently, allowing the livestock to enter anyway. <snip It is time we started treating our streams like the valuable resource they are.

True, but we need to remember that there are more issues than fish. Unless we all forsake meat forever, livestock must be raised somewhere. The American west is a source of a rich heritage to many of us. I was born a cowboy, but I chose to become a fly fisher. There are many facets to the issues being discussed here, and the commments that you have made here overlooks most of them. Jeff Runner

Response:

Canoe access would probably be fine on streams and rivers.  The question usually arises on lakes and ponds, which Maine is full of, including hundreds which support only trout.  Many of these are wild populations, but many with silty bottoms require stocking.  The public is guaranteed access to a "great pond" over 10 acres in size, but that doesn’t mean you can even walk down a road to get there.  The whole issue has never been seriously challenged in court.  I believe any pond with vehicular access which is not granted to the public would not be stocked under the present policy.  I’ve strayed off the subject a bit, but access is sure to become a hot issue in Maine in the coming decades. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – well does access mean total public access or does canoe/boat put in count? just curious In Maine, the Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife has a clear policy that they will not stock fish where public access is not allowed.

Response:

Where would the cattle and sheep drink?

Access to water would be provided at controlled points. My experience has been that the gate would be left open frequently, allowing the livestock to enter anyway.

There is animal proof access such as turnstiles. Unless we all forsake meat forever, livestock must be raised somewhere. The American west is a source of a rich heritage to many of us. I was born a cowboy, but I chose to become a fly fisher. There are many facets to the issues being discussed here, and the commments that you have made here overlooks most of them. Jeff Runner

I am not suggesting that we don’t raise cattle, only suggesting that we don’t let them continue to destroy the environment.   – Remove NOSPAM to send E-mail Ernie Harrison

Response:

you should just post it (poem) and who cares about rhyming and for the hisroty lesson on Kings Land Grants thanks it was interesting. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -If you want my poem on the subject, called "King’s Grant," e-mail back.  It doesn’t rhyme. Dave

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi fellow FF, I’m glad we don’t have the same problem here, as You have in the US, accessing our favorite lakes and streams. In Norway people have had for ages the right to peaceful passage over land and water, whoever owns it. There is a set of laws which regulates this right. But in general everybody can walk, ski, paddle and camp wherever they want in the nature (not fields and gardens). In summer -96, my wife and I, took a trip to Montana to fish in the legendary rivers there. It was a little different for us, driving around looking for spots marked with small fishes (=fishing access) on the roadmaps. Back home we’re used to park the car, then walk straight to where we want to fish …. But don’t get me wrong, we loved the place, despite all the "No Trespassing" signs. Great fishing and the scenery was awesome. We will come back to Montana (or maybe Idaho ..) as soon as we can. regards, ON

Hi, Same with us here in Nova Scotia, we are allowed "on or across" any property with the intent to fish. Now, if everyone would shut the cattle gates after they get in, we’d all be happy ! Bill

Response:

… We will come back to Montana (or maybe Idaho ..) as soon as we can.

Welcome (back) if and when you come to Idaho! Very little land here is posted as private, and we have what many states dream of: Wild Trout! Why all the fuss over lack of access to "stocked" trout? I find this utterly puzzling. Stocked trout are not Wild Trout! "Stocking" trout points to misplaced priorities, especially with regards to riparian zone and habitat. But that’s just my opinion. Now, stocking ducks that can’t fly (with notches in their wings); that’s okay, because I’m not a hunter…  ;-)                            - jqt –

Response:

part II: Well why dont you start convincing land owners about a conservation easement… thats better than a mandatory fencing… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -My 2 cents on this subject is stop stocking those poor lazy, diseased hatchery trout with their fins chewed off and start using the money to protect and restore habitat.  All streams should be fenced 100′ back from the edge to prevent cattle and sheep  from destroying them.  I had not realized the damage done by allowing animals to graze up to and in the streams until I saw what fencing did for Yellow Creek in Northern California.  The stream changed from a barren shallow overgrazed area to one where the grass and flowers were waist high and the stream became a deep trout laden joy to fish.  I think the fees paid by people who rent this grazing land should be used to construct these fences and failure to maintain them by the people who rent the land should result in termination of their contract and removal of their animals.  Human access should be provided at convenient intervals in the form of  domestic animal proof gates.  This would improve habitat, reduce erosion and improve water quality.  The laws should be changed about land owners owning the stream and the government should begin purchasing a 100′ strip of property along all streams. This would prevent property owners from dumping unwanted substances into our waters and polluting them.  It is time we started treating our streams like the valuable resource they are. Ernie Harrison Remove NOSPAM to send E-mail

Response:

Hi fellow FF, I’m glad we don’t have the same problem here, as You have in the US, accessing our favorite lakes and streams. In Norway people have had for ages the right to peaceful passage over land and water, whoever owns it. There is a set of laws which regulates this right. But in general everybody can walk, ski, paddle and camp wherever they want in the nature (not fields and gardens). In summer -96, my wife and I, took a trip to Montana to fish in the legendary rivers there. It was a little different for us, driving around looking for spots marked with small fishes (=fishing access) on the roadmaps. Back home we’re used to park the car, then walk straight to where we want to fish …. But don’t get me wrong, we loved the place, despite all the "No Trespassing" signs. Great fishing and the scenery was awesome. We will come back to Montana (or maybe Idaho ..) as soon as we can. regards, ON

Response:

Well i’ll have to disagree with you there. Private owner ship is what made america I dont want some King owning MY land.  and as for dumping.  I see more people dumping on public water/land than I do private. I know more private land owners who respect the property than dont respect their land . They pay the bank and pay taxes on THEIR land.  I see more citizens abusing Public land. Id be more worried about your local company than some farmer sick and tired of people trespassing on HIS land.

Ernie was referring to PUBLIC lands. Out West large tracts of public lands are leased to ranches for very small fees.  I also think that these leasees should be be required to care for OUR land.  On a number of these leases that I’m personally aware of, these leasees try to illegally keep the public off these public lands by posting No Trespassing signs. Some leasees routinely place many more animals on the leased land than the lease allows. Imposing & enforcing regulations on this group is very difficult.  In many areas of the West, they are a large group with alot of political clout. There have been articles in Audubon Magazine about these abuses. I also agree with you concerning land owners rights. Many of our rights as land owners are being threatened. The vast majority of land owners care for the own land far better than the public does for our public land. I’m in favor of tax incentives, grants etc. given to landowners to encourage good conservation practices, like you suggested. Willi

Response:

My opinion: They probably have a politician in their pocket. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was out brookie fishing in the Shenandoah NP in Virginia this weekend, and ran across something I never really thought about before.  Driving back, I passed by a long stretch of state-stocked trout water.  Not all of it was posted, but over half had clear signs saying NO TRESPASSING, HUNTING OR FISHING.  Just exactly how can property owners do this?  I am simply questioning the legality of restricting access to a publicly funded stocking site.  How are the regulations written to allow for this.  It seems to be a bit odd.  Anyone who can explain this or offer some more information would be appreciated. As I understand it, if a land owner owns on one side, they technically can control to the middle of the stream. If they own BOTH sides, they can control access to the entire stream. You would be trespassing, simply. My question would more likely be, if landowners have these controls(and they should) why is the area stocked by state/federal funds? This is what I would like explained. Regards, J. Webb Atlanta Mac User Group

Response:

I was out brookie fishing in the Shenandoah NP in Virginia this weekend, and ran across something I never really thought about before.  Driving back, I passed by a long stretch of state-stocked trout water.  Not all of it was posted, but over half had clear signs saying NO TRESPASSING, HUNTING OR FISHING.  Just exactly how can property owners do this?  I am simply As I understand it, if a land owner owns on one side, they technically can control to the middle of the stream. If they own BOTH sides, they can control access to the entire stream. You would be trespassing, simply. My question would more likely be, if landowners have these controls(and they should) why is the area stocked by state/federal funds? This is what I would like explained.

We often find (1) property and trespass laws vary between states, (2) they may be affected differently in each state when private water is stocked by the taxpayer.  I’ve been told, in New York State, posted water may be waded or boated if stocked by the state, so long as the visitor enters from public access or across private land where he has permission for access. — |  Donald Phillipson, 4180 Boundary Road, Carlsbad Springs,  | |        Ontario, Canada, K0A 1K0, tel. 613 822 0734         |

Response:

In Maine, the Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife has a clear policy that they will not stock fish where public access is not allowed. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -back, I passed by a long stretch of state-stocked trout water.  Not all of it was posted, but over half had clear signs saying NO TRESPASSING, HUNTING OR FISHING.  Just exactly how can property owners do this?  I am simply questioning the legality of restricting access to a publicly funded stocking site.

Response:

well does access mean total public access or does canoe/boat put in count? just curious – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -In Maine, the Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife has a clear policy that they will not stock fish where public access is not allowed. back, I passed by a long stretch of state-stocked trout water.  Not all of it was posted, but over half had clear signs saying NO TRESPASSING, HUNTING OR FISHING.  Just exactly how can property owners do this?  I am simply questioning the legality of restricting access to a publicly funded stocking site.

Response:

Private property. Just the sound of those two words conjures up day dreams of monster fish that have never seen a fly.  While I may not get too many invitations to fish on private property, I am sure thankful when I do. If all the private property were made public than these dreams would disappear forever. That is how I view it than.    Private property is simply where the caretakers of my dreams live.

My only concern with this is that the ‘private property’ may continue to grow so that unless you do know someone, you just read about fishing here and watch it on the cable stations(while this can be interesting, it does not compare). I have seen some waters along Forest Service roads bought and now posted. It used to be stocked regularly and was a great place to take kids from the youth organization I worked at. We often find (1) property and trespass laws vary between states, (2) they may be affected differently in each state when private water is stocked by the taxpayer.  I’ve been told, in New York State, posted water may be waded or boated if stocked by the state, so long as the visitor enters from public access or across private land where he has permission for access.

I neglected to add that those are the rules for Georgia. I try to remember that this is read over the whole planet. I am sure there are some vast differences in the laws. As I said, those are the laws in Georgia. It is not that it is a real problem but I guess it caught my attention due to seeing some fisheries long available become posted. It is certainly a dilemma. I might add that the reasoning for some individuals posting property was discovered to have nothing to do with creating or preserving a fishery nor even animal rights issues. The stream I mentioned was closed due to the exposure to liability if someone were to be injured on the owner’s property. This likely means that they would not push the issue in most cases but you would be fishing illegaly. Not a good idea to get into this situation. I am not sure how other areas are growing, but at least in N. Georgia growth has not brought larger numbers of trout anglers. Good and bad. Though there is no crowding(save opening day) more support would provide the impetus for Ga. DNR to do more in maintaining the populations. Though good streams exist, many are just put and take. Great responses to the original posters questions. Thanks for the input. Regards, J. Webb Atlanta Mac User Group

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Dan, and others…. I am not a member of the game commission, but do know the policies of the DGIF of Virginia on these matters …. am past president of one of the chapters of Trout Unlimited and have had discussions with the DGIF and some of their board members on this topic…. So it is the policy of DGIF to discontinue stocking on sections of streams as they become posted…..   Will still stock above and below if not posted. The right of peaceful passage on any stream that will support boat traffic (canoes) is always available.   In case of land owner ship, but state stocked waters and the land owner owns both pieces… especially if a Land Grant dating from 1759 from King George you may not fish, anchor, step on the stream bottom or do anything but pass.   In cases where the land is owned but not a land grant you may stay in the stream and fish, but not get on the bank…  We have just had a big case resolved here in Virginia over this issue…..   so if someone tells you this is land grant property….. don’t argue… just say excuse me and move on… Best case is to take a gift to the land owner and ask permission…. works everytime. I don’t have any problem with any landowner posting property that had been stocked in the past and the state then discontinuing stocking… Alan E. Hoover Anglers’ Rest Powhatan, Va        *the trout teach many, lessons*

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My 2 cents on this subject is stop stocking those poor lazy, diseased hatchery trout with their fins chewed off and start using the money to protect and restore habitat.  All streams should be fenced 100′ back from the edge to prevent cattle and sheep  from destroying them.  I had not realized the damage done by allowing animals to graze up to and in the streams until I saw what fencing did for Yellow Creek in Northern California.  The stream changed from a barren shallow overgrazed area to one where the grass and flowers were waist high and the stream became a deep trout laden joy to fish.  I think the fees paid by people who rent this grazing land should be used to construct these fences and failure to maintain them by the people who rent the land should result in termination of their contract and removal of their animals.  Human access should be provided at convenient intervals in the form of  domestic animal proof gates.  This would improve habitat, reduce erosion and improve water quality.  The laws should be changed about land owners owning the stream and the government should begin purchasing a 100′ strip of property along all streams. This would prevent property owners from dumping unwanted substances into our waters and polluting them.  It is time we started treating our streams like the valuable resource they are. Ernie Harrison Remove NOSPAM to send E-mail

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Well i’ll have to disagree with you there. Private owner ship is what made america I dont want some King owning MY land.  and as for dumping.  I see more people dumping on public water/land than I do private.   I know more private land owners who respect the property than dont respect their land . They pay the bank and pay taxes on THEIR land.  I see more citizens abusing Public land. Id be more worried about your local company than some farmer sick and tired of people trespassing on HIS land. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -The laws should be changed about land owners owning the stream and the government should begin purchasing a 100′ strip of property along all streams. This would prevent property owners from dumping unwanted substances into our waters and polluting them. Ernie Harrison Remove NOSPAM to send E-mail

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Hello all:         I was out brookie fishing in the Shenandoah NP in Virginia this weekend, and ran across something I never really thought about before.  Driving back, I passed by a long stretch of state-stocked trout water.  Not all of it was posted, but over half had clear signs saying NO TRESPASSING, HUNTING OR FISHING.  Just exactly how can property owners do this?  I am simply questioning the legality of restricting access to a publicly funded stocking site.  How are the regulations written to allow for this.  It seems to be a bit odd.  Anyone who can explain this or offer some more information would be appreciated. Dan Johnson

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Well the land owner can restrict people on his/her property. After all they own it, they pay taxes on the land.  Im sure if you were to float through and not get out of the canoe/jon boat youd be fine. Just because a state stocks a river doesnt mean every tom dick harry and jane can trespass on private land.   Or you could go to the county courthouse/county tax record find out who owns the land and ask permission.   My guess is the landowner got sick and tired of haing people tromping over his land, liter his property he payes taxes on, and finally decided to post.   Wildlife is owned by the "state" but the land may not be. My suggestion get a canoe, cover lots more ground. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hello all:    I was out brookie fishing in the Shenandoah NP in Virginia this weekend, and ran across something I never really thought about before.  Driving back, I passed by a long stretch of state-stocked trout water.  Not all of it was posted, but over half had clear signs saying NO TRESPASSING, HUNTING OR FISHING.  Just exactly how can property owners do this?  I am simply questioning the legality of restricting access to a publicly funded stocking site.  How are the regulations written to allow for this.  It seems to be a bit odd.  Anyone who can explain this or offer some more information would be appreciated. Dan Johnson

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I was out brookie fishing in the Shenandoah NP in Virginia this weekend, and ran across something I never really thought about before.  Driving back, I passed by a long stretch of state-stocked trout water.  Not all of it was posted, but over half had clear signs saying NO TRESPASSING, HUNTING OR FISHING.  Just exactly how can property owners do this?  I am simply questioning the legality of restricting access to a publicly funded stocking site.  How are the regulations written to allow for this.  It seems to be a bit odd.  Anyone who can explain this or offer some more information would be appreciated.

As I understand it, if a land owner owns on one side, they technically can control to the middle of the stream. If they own BOTH sides, they can control access to the entire stream. You would be trespassing, simply. My question would more likely be, if landowners have these controls(and they should) why is the area stocked by state/federal funds? This is what I would like explained. Regards, J. Webb Atlanta Mac User Group

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Well if parts of the river are controlled by state/federal entities, the river might be flowing out of the NP, stocking would filter down to the landowners.  Somehow i doubt they drive down this chap’s land and stock the fish right there.   Also they might be stocked since access points along the river might be a govt operation. that way one couldfloat down the river catching stocked fish – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – As I understand it, if a land owner owns on one side, they technically can control to the middle of the stream. If they own BOTH sides, they can control access to the entire stream. You would be trespassing, simply. My question would more likely be, if landowners have these controls(and they should) why is the area stocked by state/federal funds? This is what I would like explained. Regards, J. Webb Atlanta Mac User Group

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Private property. Just the sound of those two words conjures up day dreams of monster fish that have never seen a fly.  While I may not get too many invitations to fish on private property, I am sure thankful when I do. If all the private property were made public than these dreams would disappear forever. That is how I view it than.    Private property is simply where the caretakers of my dreams live. Than, of course, there is "wilderness".   The word "wilderness" conjures up as much mystery and daydreaming as do the words "private property". And therein lies the secret, I believe, if you are willing to sort it all out. — TimW Halfordian Golfer

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Unfortunately there are people who have no respect for someone’s property. They litter, break down fences, open gates and don’t close them, shoot holes in signs, even shoot livestock.  These are the reasons why land owners post their property.  This trend is increasing, all you have to do is look at the  stuff scattered along our highways.   — Remove NOSPAM to send E-mail Ernie Harrison – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello all:    I was out brookie fishing in the Shenandoah NP in Virginia this weekend, and ran across something I never really thought about before.  Driving back, I passed by a long stretch of state-stocked trout water.  Not all of it was posted, but over half had clear signs saying NO TRESPASSING, HUNTING OR FISHING.  Just exactly how can property owners do this?  I am simply questioning the legality of restricting access to a publicly funded stocking site.  How are the regulations written to allow for this.  It seems to be a bit odd.  Anyone who can explain this or offer some more information would be appreciated. Dan Johnson

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Question:

I have time available for a one day & camping overnight stay in the Lake Placid area of up state New York. I intend to fly fish the whole day and camp that night.  Can anyone help we with the following: 1 – Where to fish on the Ausable since it sounds like that is the place of choice.  If not, other locations to fish but they must be relatively close to Lake Placid.   2.  Where to get and how much a one day license will cost. 3.  Where I may be able to find a primative campsite location – preferably near where I would be fishing.. Thank you in advance – I’ll let you know how I did! — David A. Laatz Information Systems Counsulting Group, Inc. 704 S. Wenonah ave. Oak Park, Il 60304-1034 Phone – 708.445.0396

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I have time available for a one day & camping overnight stay in the Lake Placid area of up state New York. I intend to fly fish the whole day and camp that night.  Can anyone help we with the following: 1 – Where to fish on the Ausable since it sounds like that is the place of choice.  If not, other locations to fish but they must be relatively close to Lake Placid.   3.  Where I may be able to find a primative campsite location – preferably

Head for Wilmington (actually on the river, 10 or 12 miles from Lake Placid.)  The Wilmington Notch state campsite may still be open (but there is frost at night by now) — "primitive" meaning cold water.  Camping is allowed only at organized and plumbed campsites.  Information can be got at Fran Betters fly shop on Hwy. 86 at the west end of Wilmington or Jones’ Outfitters on Main St., Lake Placid. — |  Donald Phillipson, 4180 Boundary Road, Carlsbad Springs,  | |        Ontario, Canada, K0A 1K0, tel. 613 822 0734         |

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Question:

Someone asked me to finish this story <snip

You have some imagination there Mr. G., I bet your wife is waiting for the season to open…*G* Great job, I enjoyed it……

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Someone asked me to finish this story <snip You have some imagination there Mr. G., I bet your wife is waiting for the season to open…*G* Great job, I enjoyed it……

THIS BASICALLY IS A STORY BASED ON A TRUE EVENT.  Only the size of the Fish has been exaggerated. Mr. G And I am so pleased you enjoyed it Mr Busted. again,

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Someone asked me to finish this story I wrote a few months ago.  So here it is, finished.  He was smart enough to ‘ask the question’  The answer is in this dear, wonderful, almost completely true, story that took place in the Bitterroot Valley in Montana.  I hope everyone enjoys it. A TROUBLED MORNING  or (Duckling Advice) So, there we all were, gathered around for our early morning donuts and coffee.  John lived out South of Hamilton going towards Darby.  He had this neat little spread and a pond that was fed by the Bitterroot River . . . and the pond had ducks on it.  One of the Mallard females had little, yellow baby ducklings.  "They

Question:

anyone have current conditions on knights ferry area of stanislaus thanks in advance

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Hey Ken , are you out there…? You should try Ken Lindsay at flyfishing online.  He will surely be able to help you out. I can’t find his address or # right now but he should be listed. Cheers — gp

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(Carlton Fung) writes: anyone have current conditions on knights ferry area of stanislaus thanks in advance

Yes,  it’s closed right now.  Opens back up the first of the year.  That section of the river is closed between Oct. 15th and Jan. 1st each year to allow the salmon to make their spawning run.  I believe the upper part of the Stan around Big Trees is still open, but you need to check the reg’s to be sure.

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check the regs – I believe the Stanislaus is closed until the end of the   year for the salmon to spawn.         gr

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I beleive the upper part of the Stan closes November 15.–Crashjibe

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Will be in L.A. last two weeks in January.  Would greatly appreciate any and all information and recommendations on good fishing within a one day range of LA. city limits

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writes: Will be in L.A. last two weeks in January.  Would greatly appreciate any and all information and recommendations on good fishing within a one day range of LA. city limits

Ocean or freshwater. Fly fishing only?

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