Question:

Frank Reid writes: 2nd week of June for me too.

Are you going to drive up, Frank? Dave

Response:

Don’t know.  Was thinking of taking the fast train to Boston and a bus to the stop near your house.  That would save me 11 hours on the road. — Frank Reid Reverse email to reply. .

Response:

2nd week of June for me too. — Frank Reid Reverse email to reply.

Response:

Peter Charles writes: I’ll give her a ring tomorrow.  2nd week of June sounds right for us – will Jo be there then?

Well, we planned on her going the first week.  We have Angler’s cabin (by the water).  So, if you could make it then, so much the better. Some days that woman knows how to twist the knife.  

Hey, she’s   taken some lessons from the Pirate, dontchaknow? Dave

Response:

[sounds like a bit of tough sledding but even so – it’s Lakewood so who cares, eh? For all you folks planning on going to Lakewood in June:  I have made reservations for the first, second, and fourth weeks.  There was some talk about having a non-clave gathering – Peter, wayno, Jeff, et al.  If youse guys are serious about it, better call Maureen at 207-243-2959.   You’ll need to send her a deposit.  Also, Frank Reid – pick a time.  How about 3rd week?  Or, whenever. Gotta go fix dinner.  What a drag……. Dave

I’ll give her a ring tomorrow.  2nd week of June sounds right for us – will Jo be there then? Suzie labouriously looked through her datebook to see if she was ‘otherwise occupied"  then with a whoop, she announced that she was free those weeks because *she* was retired!!  Some days that woman knows how to twist the knife.   Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://www.mountaincable.net/~pcharles/streamers/index.html

Response:

I’m glad your friend liked my rod, Dave.  I am fixing to build one for myself that is a copy of yours, I liked how that taper cast so much. I took a terrific vacation with a couple friends in Alberta and British Columbia a couple weeks ago.  The fishing and the scenery was how you would imagine it being in Heaven.  I fished bamboo almost exclusively the whole while I was out there, using an 8 1/2 foot 6 weight I made for a friend who kindly let me use the rod on that trip.  One of our guides eyed the rod as we loaded up the drift boat in the morning.  He made a vary tactful but mistrustful remark about it, saying,"You know, there are bull trout in here envisioned cane splinters flying should I hang a hog.  I assured him that the rod – against my pleading – had been used to land chinook salmon by its owner, so I din’t forsee any problems on this trip.  I was happy with the 6 weight’s performance.  We had a good dose of that western wind I have read so much about.  I did fine by waiting in between gusts and firing a cast out there.  I landed a 2 foot long bull trout on that drift.  It was considered small by the locals, but the thrill of getting my first bull wasn’t small. It looked and acted like a giant brook trout while I reeled it in. It will be a long wait until we all get to go back there next year, I’m telling you! Pete

Response:

Thanks for the report, Dave.  Sounds like a nice time.  How many folks are out there on the river this time of year? Pete Collin

Response:

Peter Collin writes: How many folks are out there on the river this time of year?

Lots.  There were 11 Lakewood guests fishing (and about 12 kids/wives who weren’t), plus some folks boated in on Sat and Sun. BTW, I let my friend try the rod.  He fell for it.  His wife wants to buy him a boo rod for Christmas/birthday, but he’s always said no.  But after trying your’s, he is sold on it. He was surprised when he found out that it was not as slow as he thought bamboo would be.  <g Dave

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Got in this afternoon after four days at Lakewood.  River was running at 800 cfs, ideal for wading and fishing.   First thing I did was to find out the river temps.  Down-stream it was 74 at 2nd Current, and a very warm 75 at Lower Dam.  I checked out Upper and found it to be 71 at 6 a.m., and it worked up to 74 around noon.  So, it was fishing early and up-river.  My friend Bob McDonald and I hit the dam and immediately got into some small (10-12 inch) salmon.  We were both fishing the same pattern – LaFontaine Caddis Emerger.  Bob was fishing it dry and I fished it as a nymph.  They weren’t fussy – they liked it either way.  We both caught some nice 14+ inch salmon, feisty as hell.  We played them short because of the temps. I called Dave Bottom Saturday night and told him about the noon/afternoon water temps down-river, and we agreed it best if he not make the trip and the walk-in.  We’ll meet up in October and fish the Kennebec at East Outlet. Both Sunday and Monday were the same – warm, humid, and the fish hitting consistantly only on the LaFontain pattern.  I hate to tie that pattern, and since I was running short, I tried other patterns.  No deal!  They wanted only the emerger pattern.  Bob left after lunch on Sunday and knowing I was running short of that fly graciously gave me five from his box – he’s a better tier than I.   Monday night/early Tuesday morning a much needed rain came through. I love it when it rains at Lakewood; the cabin is warm (if you’ve made a fire!), and you can hear every drop on the roof.  Wonderful sleeping.   When I awoke at 5:30, it was cool with just a sprinkle coming down.  After a quick cup of coffee from my thermos and letting Henry out to take a leak, I hit the dam.  Absolutely beautiful in the mist of early morning.  I took up station at Zimmerman’s Run, so named because roff’s very own Steve Zimmerman fished it for three straight days without taking a leak, dump, or eating/sleeping.  <G  First cast produced a small salmon, but it got better with the next fish, a respectable 14 incher. I returned after a great breakfast, and fished this run and two or three other feeding lines accessable from the rocks.  I continued to catch some nice landlocks and a 15 inch brookie.  When the sun came out at 10 a.m., fishing ceased!  I took one more salmon before returning to camp for lunch.  I don’t know what put them down. The sun?  It was bright from Sat – Mon.   After a terrific lunch and a much needed nap, I returned to the dam around 4 p.m. and fished until 6.  Fishing was great, but the catching was scarce.   I spoke to some camp guests who had been fishing down-stream both Mon and Tues, and the only thing they caught were *bass* and yellow perch at both the 2nd Current and Lower Dam.  They killed them per posted instructions from Maine F & G.   The lake level is down 4 feet from full.  Input from Upper Dam is 220 cfs (their minimum flow), while Middle Dam is 800 cfs.  It doesn’t take a math major to see that the lake will be empty come September if they don’t get rain or change the flows. For all you folks planning on going to Lakewood in June:  I have made reservations for the first, second, and fourth weeks.  There was some talk about having a non-clave gathering – Peter, wayno, Jeff, et al.  If youse guys are serious about it, better call Maureen at 207-243-2959.   You’ll need to send her a deposit.  Also, Frank Reid – pick a time.  How about 3rd week?  Or, whenever. Gotta go fix dinner.  What a drag……. Dave .  

Response:

Question:

Any opinions on what will be hatching this Thursday, with 90 degree weather last week, snow today, and low water?   On the river I’ll be fishing, on 4/25 I would expect the end of the Quill Gordons, some Blue Quills, the beginning of the Hendricksons, maybe some Shad Fly caddis.  But, with the odd weather, heaven knows what’s happening and I’d appreciate some opinions, founded in current observation or not. Thanks in advance. Glenn GKT

Response:

Any opinions on what will be hatching this Thursday, with 90 degree weather last week, snow today, and low water?   On the river I’ll be fishing, on 4/25 I would expect the end of the Quill Gordons, some Blue Quills, the beginning of the Hendricksons, maybe some Shad Fly caddis.  But, with the odd weather, heaven knows what’s happening and I’d appreciate some opinions, founded in current observation or not.

How are the water temps compared to what they would normally be?  IMO, that is a very important, if not THE most important, part of the "equation." — Warren change addy to yahoo for email Henry’s Fork Clave info and Bozeman, MT fishing info http://www.geocities.com/troutbum_mt3/HFclave.html

Response:

I think you’re right but I won’t know the exact temperature for that stream until I get there.  They are probably near normal now, most likely following a small spike during the four hot days. GlennHow are the water temps compared to what they would normally be?  IMO, that is a very important, if not THE most important, part of the "equation." — Warren change addy to yahoo for email Henry’s Fork Clave info and Bozeman, MT fishing info http://www.geocities.com/troutbum_mt3/HFclave.html

GKT

Response:

I think you’re right but I won’t know the exact temperature for that stream until I get there.  They are probably near normal now, most likely following a small spike during the four hot days.

Sometimes you can get water temps from the USGS Streamflow reports.  Look around http://mt.waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/help/?redirect=rt_www_redirect — Warren change addy to yahoo for email Henry’s Fork Clave info and Bozeman, MT fishing info http://www.geocities.com/troutbum_mt3/HFclave.html

Response:

Question:

I’ve taken some time off to work finish my thesis (obviously not working on it right now) and I took a few minutes to watch the steelhead at Grindstone Creek.  This stretch of water is a fish sanctuary and it provides a superb view for migrating steelies.

Being able to find an area like this where you can easilly observe the fish’s behavior is very interesting and valuable, at least to me. Like you reported, it teaches you things about the fish that you wouldn’t have discovered. Willi

Response:

I’ve taken some time off to work finish my thesis

heard that one before, fishing or thesis? fishing or… thesis? fishing … or … fishing?  fishing?  Fishing! BTW, the local fly shop recently decided to sell off all their fishng videos for $3 a piece so I picked up the SciAng Jim Teeny Steelhead video. There is one pool shown in that video where 20 fish are milling about all pointed in various directions.  The surface is flat and Teeny is pitching a nymph at the end of a 5ft sink tip with a long leader. Mu

Response:

I’ve taken some time off to work finish my thesis heard that one before, fishing or thesis? fishing or… thesis? fishing … or … fishing?  fishing?  Fishing! BTW, the local fly shop recently decided to sell off all their fishng videos for $3 a piece so I picked up the SciAng Jim Teeny Steelhead video. There is one pool shown in that video where 20 fish are milling about all pointed in various directions……

Weird, wasn’t it?  When I saw it, I wondered just how many rocks he’d tossed in at that point. JR

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve taken some time off to work finish my thesis heard that one before, fishing or thesis? fishing or… thesis? fishing … or … fishing?  fishing?  Fishing! BTW, the local fly shop recently decided to sell off all their fishng videos for $3 a piece so I picked up the SciAng Jim Teeny Steelhead video. There is one pool shown in that video where 20 fish are milling about all pointed in various directions…… Weird, wasn’t it?  When I saw it, I wondered just how many rocks he’d tossed in at that point.

I have that video. The rock tossing works, BTW. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

Response:

I have that video. The rock tossing works, BTW.

You fish molester. But seriously, I think if I tried that rock trick on any of the streams that I used to fish in michigan, the fish would have headed about 100 yards downstream. Mu

Response:

I’ve taken some time off to work finish my thesis (obviously not working on it right now)

  Me either What’s your field? interesting obs. snipped.

Thats the beauty of putting up the stick for awhile, and having an optic.  As a more general comment on trouty lies, some of the angles fish lie at in front of,  behind and under structure are quite surprising.   In some of the little streams we find fish sitting at right angles to the current fairly regularly, we even have some pet rocks that seem to attract this sort of behaviour. There is a horse, that sits in behind a log in tailout.  The log is probably 45 degrees to the current and immediatley below is a 2-3 foot waterfall. The bank is a mere 3 feet away and a good deal of the current is forced between the log and the bank.  Depending on the the flow, the fish will be found more or less hard up to the log – but never straight up and down stream.   With the angle he lies at and the height above downstream water he can see any movement on the banks both up and down stream, has a bit of a funnel feeding him food and a relatively good oxygen supply. The force is strong with that one … Steve

Response:

I’ve taken some time off to work finish my thesis (obviously not working on it right now)  Me either What’s your field?

MA, Cultural Anthropology – specialty – development NGOs interesting obs. snipped. Thats the beauty of putting up the stick for awhile, and having an optic.  

I should do more of this – I just get to the water too horny to spend the time. There is a horse, that sits in behind a log in tailout.  The log is probably 45 degrees to the current and immediatley below is a 2-3 foot waterfall. The bank is a mere 3 feet away and a good deal of the current is forced between the log and the bank.  Depending on the the flow, the fish will be found more or less hard up to the log – but never straight up and down stream.  

That’s why she’s a horse, eh?  My son fished to one like that in PA. the fish had put herself in an almost perfect spot.  He got in a lucky cast, the fish took and then broke him off in a twinkle. With the angle he lies at and the height above downstream water he can see any movement on the banks both up and down stream, has a bit of a funnel feeding him food and a relatively good oxygen supply. The force is strong with that one … Steve

Those are the ones that keep us coming back. Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://home.cogeco.ca/~pcharles/streamers/index.html

Response:

MA, Cultural Anthropology – specialty – development NGOs

Cripes – a mouthful, that will look impressive on your business cards. NGO – Non-Government Org? Hope the writeup goes as well as it can … I’m almost there with mine, another month or 6 (shudder). I should do more of this – I just get to the water too horny to spend the time.

  Had that happen the other day, left home 2.5 hours late – primary destination was a mess – warm water algae low flows – poor fish. Arrived at secondary at least 3 hours later than usual – fished the first hour like a complete maniac i.e. badly … trouble with trees, leader stopper failing, companion was (seemingly) in my pocket – bad.  After about the 10th spooked fish I realised what the hell was going on slowed down, and started to enjoy myself … it began with a little stalking of fish for my companion.  We still did that usually 6 hour fish/walk, in three and a half hours – time enoguh left for some new water to be explored but that first section was ‘orrible. That’s why she’s a horse, eh?  My son fished to one like that in PA. the fish had put herself in an almost perfect spot.  He got in a lucky cast, the fish took and then broke him off in a twinkle.

  My nymph came unhitched from the horse almost immediately … Those are the ones that keep us coming back.

Oh yeah. Though now summer has set in fully I expect the lie will change as the water is getting uncomfortably warm. Steve (back to my Contusion)

Response:

Steve (back to my Contusion)

you neglected to add, "Which one." – now that I’ve admitted to my feeble attempt to added to academic trivia – it’s your turn. Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://home.cogeco.ca/~pcharles/streamers/index.html

Response:

Steve (back to my Contusion) you neglected to add, "Which one." – now that I’ve admitted to my feeble attempt to added to academic trivia – it’s your turn.

  If your academic research is half as good as your fishing research appears to be you’ll knock the socks off …anyway its the journey … the journey …that matters …  8^) Heading for PhD in Computer Science (or a complete NBD) – topic last I looked was Synthetic Images in particular mucking about with morphing. I know one thing … I took up flyfishing a year or two before starting the undergrad thing … it has definately kept me more or less sane over the intervening 9 years.  Fishing, thinking about it, recollections, and even the scribblings here from the more sentient beings that inhabit roff all help. Though I look forward to finishing, my mid-week forays into the forests of "Nophishe Valley" and "Watchemecrawlalong ck" will be severely curtailed by a return to full-time work … back to the evening rise and weekend fishing (which I haven’t done for probably 3-4 years!)  On the other hand I will have more shekels for trips and gear Steve

Response:

Weird, wasn’t it?  When I saw it, I wondered just how many rocks he’d tossed in at that point. I have that video. The rock tossing works, BTW.

Yes it does.  Teeny gets a lot of flack from a lot of folks, but he’s a hell of a steelhead fisherman.  I rarely sight fish to steelhead in the rivers around here, but if I were unable to move a fish I could see and cast well to, I’d probably toss a rock or two myself. JR

Response:

I’ve taken some time off to work finish my thesis (obviously not working on it right now) and I took a few minutes to watch the steelhead at Grindstone Creek.  This stretch of water is a fish sanctuary and it provides a superb view for migrating steelies. There is a small plunge pool downstream from a small rock face/chute of about 3′ high.  The water rushes through the chute into the pool, creating a white water plume about 20′ long and 5′ wide.  Unlike most days, the water was gin clear and afford an unobstructed view of the fish. Surprise No.1 – the holding fish were lying approximately 90 to 120 degrees off the current, under the plume.  Obviously, the plume creates eddies along the bottom and these fish had their heads pointed into the eddy current direction.  Most of the fish were angled slightly downstream.  One pair were snuggled up to the base of the rock wall, holding side-by-side, perpendicular to the rushing plume above their heads. Surprise No. 2 – well not really a surprise, just a confirmation – many of the fish were madly dashing about chasing each other at high speed.  Obviously not the slow metabolism, frozen fish syndrome we keep hearing about.  A fast presentation would have probably been effective on these fish. One other observation, some of the fish held just outside of the plume but none would venture very far from its cover.  Now this could be attributed to my presence but as I approached, I could see the fish clearly and the closest didn’t spook until I got very close.  I stood very still and within a minute or two, the fish ignored me and went back to their previous positions.  None of the fish were holding more than 3′ from the plume and even when they dash about, they rarely left its cover. These observations will certainly influence my next steelhead trip as I don’t think I’ll look at this type of water the same way again.  I had always been told that steelhead won’t hold in back eddies but these fish put the lie to that theory.  From now one, I’ll try to visualize the fish pointing in different directions depending on the current and not just the head-upstream we always assume. One effective nymphing presentation, anywhere eddies rotate from the rear of the plume to the front, would be to cast a nymph into the tailout and allow the nymph to be brought into the head of the plume by the eddie, plunge down the plume, then repeat.  I’ve caught carp here using this method when the regs permitted but never thought to use it for steelhead – that thing about steelies not holding pointing downstream.  Next time . . . No reason this wouldn’t be true for residents either. Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://home.cogeco.ca/~pcharles/streamers/index.html

Response:

Question:

Done that for bass.  Clear lake in norther California has vast fields of tulies and that is about the only way to fish them. We would use the same tackle we used for  Poke Poling – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am looking for the name of a form of warm water fly fishing that I saw described in some magazine several years ago.   A short line was tied directly to the tip of a long cane pole which was armed with a popping bug which was then dabbled about on the water around lily pads and brush piles.   I believe that this was used in places where brush prevented traditional fly casting. Can anybody help? Thanks in advance. Buff This technique is known as "Doodel Socking",  or simply "Doodeling". For more info have a look at http://www.flyanglersonline.com/features/oldflies/part11.html TL MC

Response:

abcpicts wrote I am looking for the name of a form of warm water fly fishing that I saw described in some magazine several years ago.  …..

Funny you should mention this.  Our club speaker this month was an interesting ol’ character named Harry Smith who uses a very similar technique to illicit frenzied response from bass. His fly is a hookless bird pattern about the size of a baby bird.  He simply ties the birdfly to a short (3-4") spring loaded leader that is tied directly to the rod tip….No reel!.  Harry gets into the weeds and begins dabbling the little birdie here and there until he gets the attention of one or more bass and then the fun begins. The video footage he presented is absolutely amazing!  The fish grab the fly, take it down, eventually let it go….then come back for more.  Harry claims several hundred strikes in an hour.  It’s amazing that the fish keep after the pattern in spite of their lack of success in acquiring any protein from the effort. —                                                       -dnc-

Response:

I am looking for the name of a form of warm water fly fishing that I saw described in some magazine several years ago.   A short line was tied directly to the tip of a long cane pole which was armed with a popping bug which was then dabbled about on the water around lily pads and brush piles.   I believe that this was used in places where brush prevented traditional fly casting. Can anybody help? Thanks in advance. Buff

Response:

There is a version of fly fishing practised in the UK called "dapping". It involves the use of a long rod, a light line and a fine leader. The rod is fished down wind from a boat and the wind bounces the fly from wave to wave. This sounds  like the word you need. Although, your description does not sound like fly fishing in the traditional sense.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am looking for the name of a form of warm water fly fishing that I saw described in some magazine several years ago.   A short line was tied directly to the tip of a long cane pole which was armed with a popping bug which was then dabbled about on the water around lily pads and brush piles.   I believe that this was used in places where brush prevented traditional fly casting. Can anybody help? Thanks in advance. Buff

Response:

bug-dunkin — Don Thompson Another Thompson Scion

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am looking for the name of a form of warm water fly fishing that I saw described in some magazine several years ago.   A short line was tied directly to the tip of a long cane pole which was armed with a popping bug which was then dabbled about on the water around lily pads and brush piles.   I believe that this was used in places where brush prevented traditional fly casting. Can anybody help? Thanks in advance. Buff

Response:

I am looking for the name of a form of warm water fly fishing that I saw described in some magazine several years ago.   A short line was tied directly to the tip of a long cane pole which was armed with a popping bug which was then dabbled about on the water around lily pads and brush piles.   I believe that this was used in places where brush prevented traditional fly casting. Can anybody help? Thanks in advance. Buff

This technique is known as "Doodel Socking",  or simply "Doodeling". For more info have a look at http://www.flyanglersonline.com/features/oldflies/part11.html TL MC

Response:

There is a version of fly fishing practised in the UK called "dapping". It involves the use of a long rod, a light line and a fine leader.

My understanding is that dapping isn’t usually done with a fine tippet. After all, the tippet isn’t supposed to get into the water. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

Response:

<SNIP My understanding is that dapping isn’t usually done with a fine tippet. After all, the tippet isn’t supposed to get into the water.

Your understanding is correct. Using too fine a leader is a serious mistake when dapping. I have never used anything less than eight pound mono. Dapping tends to attract large fish. http://www.fishandfly.co.uk/jbedit0699.html http://www.fishandfly.co.uk/jbedit0900.html http://www.amazingoutdoors.com/0,2010,S74-P166-A7436-TA,00.html http://www.masterflyfishing.com/tactics/nymphs/page4.htm http://www.actravel.co.uk/shannon.html http://www.irishfieldsports.com/newpage64.htm You might find these interesting as well; http://www.flymail.com/graphcat/dapping.html TL MC

Response:

Doodling is indeed the word. Large crank baits are used for bass and flies for bream and warmouth. Fish are not lifted from the water but retrieved hand over hand. a cane pole works well. — John Popp in Sanford Fl.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am looking for the name of a form of warm water fly fishing that I saw described in some magazine several years ago.   A short line was tied directly to the tip of a long cane pole which was armed with a popping bug which was then dabbled about on the water around lily pads and brush piles.   I believe that this was used in places where brush prevented traditional fly casting. Can anybody help? Thanks in advance. Buff This technique is known as "Doodel Socking",  or simply "Doodeling". For more info have a look at http://www.flyanglersonline.com/features/oldflies/part11.html TL MC

Response:

After checking one of my old American books, I found another name for the technique you describe.  It is called "Jiggerpoling".  Much the same as "Doodling" but a plug, bacon rind, frog, etc or similar is used.  A search on "jiggerpoling" turned up these; http://www.gcomag.com/052k/jiggerpole.htm http://www.edersfishing.com/fresh/publication/2000/june/Jiggerploes/d…. cfm Very interesting. TL MC

Response:

Question:

…[I] would like to be able to lie about my exploits with at least a grain of truth.  This is an admirable start to a fly fishing life.  When you learn to lie without the slightest speck of truth you will have arrived as an "expert."

        right as rain, jeff.  it is an  undertaking which can take decades to perfect.  however, one can seize a considerable advantage by attending a good law school.         wayno         l.l.b., unc ‘69

Response:

I love flyfishing. I’ve been out 6 or 7 times as there are not many trout steams in North Texas.

No kidding! I’ve taken lessons on casting but have a very difficult time reading the stream and presenting the fly. I do plan to retain a guide late this summer

… Good idea. When you are shoppng for a guide, be sure to tell the guide or outfitter that you want to learn how to read a stream and present a fly. Their response should indicate that they are able to focus the trip on your interest in learning those things in particular. You will get a lot more from your guide when your objectives are clear. If they don’t want to tailor the trip to your needs, keep shopping. And don’t worry about the "truth in lying" issue. In the first place, they aren’t going to believe you anyway so it doesn’t matter what you tell them. <g In the second place, a good story is generally more entertaining than the truth. Regards, Ken Clark Ft. Lupton, CO

Response:

I love flyfishing. I’ve been out 6 or 7 times as there are not many trout steams in North Texas. I am not obsessed with catching fish, but I would like to experience the fight a little more often than I have. (I’ve caught 2 small rainbows and released them) I’ve taken lessons on casting but have a very difficult time reading the stream and presenting the fly. any recommendations on videos, books or other resources I might benefit from. I do plan to retain a guide late this summer in Colorado, but I have an opportunity to do some fishing in northern Arkansas in two weeks and would like to be able to lie about my exploits with at least a grain of truth. thanks,

Response:

I do plan to retain a guide late this summer in Colorado, but I have an opportunity to do some fishing in northern Arkansas in two weeks and would like to be able to lie about my exploits with at least a grain of truth.

The guide is a great idea, but you’re gonna have to loosen up on the lying. I realize you’re relatively new to the sport but grains of truth are not expected, assumed or even desired. As far as north Arkansas, fly fisherman are the minority. Most use eggs, corn kernels etc. with spinning rigs. My recommendation would be to skip the White and go straight for the Norfolk. Better, safer wading and more fly fisherman, most of whom are more than willing to share advice (but remember what I said about loosening up). You’ll want sow bugs, 12, 14 & 16 and sculpins 4, 6 & 8. Hardly ever anything on the surface, unfortunately. There’s a great fly shop in Mountain Home, stop in, spend a buck or two and ask questions. Reading water takes time, lots of it. That’s why most of us enjoy this sport so. Always something to learn, to be in tune with, to be surprised by. Good luck ! — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

…[I] would like to be able to lie about my exploits with at least a grain of truth.

  This is an admirable start to a fly fishing life.  When you learn to lie without the slightest speck of truth you will have arrived as an "expert."

Response:

TMac wrote I love flyfishing. I’ve been out 6 or 7 times as there are not many trout steams in North Texas. I am not obsessed with catching fish, but I would like to experience the fight a little more often than I have. (I’ve caught 2 small rainbows and released them) I’ve taken lessons … [snip]

Try searching for a fly fishing club in your area.  Even if trout aren’t too plentiful in your neck of the woods, there still might be a fishing club  (I live in San Diego where stream trout are few, but we have a good size club where I’ve learned a hell of a lot), and such clubs are generally very supportive of neophytes.  Good luck. —                                                       -dnc-

Response:

I’ve taken lessons on casting but have a very difficult time reading the stream and presenting the fly. any recommendations on videos, books or other resources I might benefit from.

I read Tom Rosenbauer’s "Reading Trout Streams", and found it very helpful early on. Michael

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I love flyfishing. I’ve been out 6 or 7 times as there are not many trout steams in North Texas. I am not obsessed with catching fish, but I would like to experience the fight a little more often than I have. (I’ve caught 2 small rainbows and released them) I’ve taken lessons on casting but have a very difficult time reading the stream and presenting the fly. any recommendations on videos, books or other resources I might benefit from. I do plan to retain a guide late this summer in Colorado, but I have an opportunity to do some fishing in northern Arkansas in two weeks and would like to be able to lie about my exploits with at least a grain of truth. thanks,

Start with panfish!!!! then bass!!!, Poppers(small) wooly buggers, streamers, cricket(flys), crawdad(flys). You’ll have stories to tell.                                                          John Popp                                                      in Sanford Fl.

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Dan – years ago, Orvis had a 3 piece 8′ for 6wt Traveler graphite rod – back in the mid ’70’s tl – les

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Hi there, I do believe that all of the graphite fly rods produced by Orvis are 2 or 4

piece. There are currently two 3 pc. rods available from Orvis in the US.  One is the PM-10 8614-3 (8 1/2 ft. 14 wt. 3 pc.)and the other is a Silver Label 10ft. 7wt. 3pc.  Otherwise the current Orvis rods ar all either 2 or 4 piece.    There may be some 3 pc. rods currently in production for the UK market as there are a number of different rods that Orvis makes specifically for that market that are not sold here.  Most of them are much longer than 8 ft. though. There was a 3 piece 6 wt. available a number of years ago called "The Osprey" but it was 9 1/2 ft. long if I remember correctly.                           Dan Dan Gracia Orvis West Coast Fly Fishing Schools

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WANTED: LOOKING FOR A 3 PIECE-8FT. 6WT. ORVIS

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WANTED: LOOKING FOR A 3 PIECE-8FT. 6WT. ORVIS

Call John Valk at Grindstone Angling at (905) 689-0880.  I know he has an old Orvis three piece something or other.  It may be a 6 wt.  I don’t remember. Peter

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WANTED: LOOKING FOR A 3 PIECE-8FT. 6WT. ORVIS

Hi there, I do believe that all of the graphite fly rods produced by Orvis are 2 or 4 piece. Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY

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I’m looking for a quiet weekend spot to camp that preferably isn’t in a campground, is relatively easily accessible by novice hikers and within a few hours drive from Boston or Providence (anywhere in RI, CT, western MA, southern NH, VT, or ME).  Any suggestions would be appreciated.  Please mail

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I’m looking for a quiet weekend spot to camp that preferably isn’t in a campground, is relatively easily accessible by novice hikers and within a few hours drive from Boston or Providence

Jay, On my homepage click on "resources" and you will find a link to all of Vermont’s state parks. Good luck. James Ehlers Underhill, Vermont Uncle Jammer’s Guide Service Vermont Fly Fishing, Hunting, River and Woodland Outings http://pobox.com/~uncle

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Will, Find a phone book when you get there, Call the nearest flyshop and ask where the fall run chinook are on the Rogue or Where it is open on the Umpqua (North and Main Stream). — Bob Crossley – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m gonna be in Roseburg for a few weeks (the rest of this month thru the first week of Oct.). Any info on flyfishng in that area or on the coast would be appreciated. Will

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Will, Find a phone book when you get there, Call the nearest flyshop and ask where the fall run chinook are on the Rogue or Where it is open on the Umpqua (North and Main Stream). — Bob Crossley I’m gonna be in Roseburg for a few weeks (the rest of this month thru the first week of Oct.). Any info on flyfishng in that area or on the coast would be appreciated. Will

Fall run Chinook…or Spring run or any run Chinook don’t readily take to flies.  (And when they do, you don’t want to mess with a forty pound fish spawning salmon who’s flesh is melting off right in front your eyes.  If you don’t break your rod, you’ll go into shock when you see what an ugly mess you’ve hauled in.) Steelhead, on the other hand, that’s a different story. The Umpqua is a wonderful Steelhead river with 30 miles of flyfishing only water.  That said, you should find a guide the first day or two. Steamboat Inn has guides, or try Joe Howell’s Fly shop in Idylwild. Good luck, Kevin

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I’m gonna be in Roseburg for a few weeks (the rest of this month thru the first week of Oct.). Any info on flyfishng in that area or on the coast would be appreciated. Will

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Man, you guys over there in the good ole US of A don’t know what you’re missin’ out on!! Seriously though some excellent fly-fishing is to be had in Tassie. My favourite moments are those when the fish is poking around in 4 inchs of water, spotted back and dorsals breaking the surface. The fish’s window of vision is so small the fly needs to land right in the fish’s path. Too close and the fish is spooked, too far and the fish won’t even notice the fly. I’ve spent up to two hours on a single fish until finally setting the hook. If you fancy a bit of polaroiding then Tassie’s sandy bottom lakes will make you happy (although their not all sandy bottomed!!!!). Large fish up to around 8 pounds cruise around in these crystal clear waters, some tarns are not bigger than an average family’s block of land. If you don’t mind inching your way around on your stomach trying to fool a brown, then Tassie is place for your next visit. Just remember Got any questions about Tassie then read a book! or ask ME..I live in Melbourne which just across bass strait for those of you not familiar. Tassie’s nice but I wouldn’t live there. By the way I am looking for female fly-fishing penfriends….leave a message and I’ll get back. Mark

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Man, you guys over there in the good ole US of A don’t know what you’re missin’ out on!! Seriously though some excellent fly-fishing is to be had in Tassie. Got any questions about Tassie then read a book! or ask ME..I live in Melbourne which just across bass strait for those of you not familiar. Mark

Or you con contact me. I live in the US but my Father in Law is in Tazzie and is Currently the President of Fly Fish Australia. Malcom (his name) and I are in the planning stage of arranging holiday packages for the fly fisherman who would like to try some of the BEST fishing in the world, Anyone interested should contact me, as he is not yet on the net, but we’re working on it. Thanks.

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The best advice for the Beartooth is to be prepared for EVERYTHING and know where you are going.  It can and will snow up there at any time and will likely get down to the 40s at night (if not lower).  There are a couple of good sporting good stores in Red Lodge who will answer questions. P.S. If you ski — bring them as it is year round if you don’t mind hiking back up.  Have fun.

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Hello my name is Michael mitchell I currently attend Michigan State University and work in Yellowstone Nat. Park.  Some of the best Fishing for cutts can be found in the North east portion of the park.  just 15 min. from cook city Montana Ps. good food at Beartooth Cafe. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m doing a hike into the Bear Tooth range in Montana to do some fishing this august.. I’ve always wanted to hike into the high country and fish some of the alpine lakes.. i’ve heard this region is great.. I would appreciate any advice or talk on the area.. I don’t know what to expect for weather.. I was told that the region we’re going to is void of insect life except crickets.. keg

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