Question:

Can you convert a fly rod to a TN handle spinning rod. I thought you could do it by changing the eyes and an adjustment to the handle.. I have a fishing situation that requires th use of a noodle type spinning rod. Thanks

Response:

I am sure you will get very good advise , this NG has 2 excellent rod builders..

Response:

Question:

My only experiece with spawners has involved brookies. I have , for many years, observed them spawning. Many fall fishing trips have turned into fish watching expeditions. One thing I have noriced, is that anything that drifts into the redd will be challenged, usually by the Alpha male. Many times the offending object is picked up and spit out by the fish. When the Alpha male leaves the redd, a bunch of smaller males will rush in and attempt to fertilize the eggs, only to be violently chased out when the big guy returns. Other fish on the redd will also go after foriegn objects if the Alpha male doesn’t respond. Brookies will occassionally "take a break" from the redd, and feed for a while in the adjacent area. This "break" can last from a few minutes to over an hour. Brookies do not always form redds from scratch, but will utilize a gravel area that is kept clean by streamflow. Don’t know if this adds anything to the discussion, but thought I’d throw it in. George Adams "From the rockin’ of the cradle to the rollin’ of the hearse, the goin’ up was worth the comin’ down." ___Kris Kristofferson "The Pilgrim/Chapter 33"

Response:

Fishing on the redds, eh? There’s a lady over in rec.outdoors.fishing.saltwater looking for info on Christmas Island. Isn’t that what they call a non sequitur?

Not if the little old lady is Marge Shott. FiddleAway

Response:

My only experiece with spawners has involved brookies. I have , for many years, observed them spawning. Many fall fishing trips have turned into fish watching expeditions. One thing I have noriced, is that anything that drifts into the redd will be challenged, usually by the Alpha male. Many times the offending object is picked up and spit out by the fish. When the Alpha male leaves the redd, a bunch of smaller males will rush in and attempt to fertilize the eggs, only to be violently chased out when the big guy returns. Other fish on the redd will also go after foriegn objects if the Alpha male doesn’t respond.

Geez. All this time I thought I was the only unethical SOB on ROFF who fished on redds.

Response:

One thing I have noriced, is that anything that drifts into the redd will be challenged, usually by the Alpha male. Many times the offending object is picked up and spit out by the fish. Other fish on the redd will also go after foriegn objects if the Alpha male doesn’t respond.

The same is very true of salmon apparently and as a result, that is exactly the behavior the guide was targeting with the ultra-light, ultra-small natural approach.  The trick is to learn the feel of the fly being sucked in and responding with a very quick, but relatively light hook set (the guide referred to it as a "pre-set"), before the fish spits it out again.  Once you get that feel dialed it is amazingly repetitive.  We were disproportionately successful to those fishing nearby for two days by nearly 4 or 5 to one.  That seemed to hold true for others we encountered in the fly shops and around town, as well.  What others were describing as slow days on the river were some of the most successful days of fishing in my life. I am now a firm convert to this method, where applicable. TL Zippy

Response:

Geez. All this time I thought I was the only unethical SOB on ROFF who fished on redds.

Never said I fished ‘em…only observed.{:-) Actually, I used to fish redds, but gave it up after It finally dawned on me that the fish would take just about anything, and were damn near impossible to spook. They’d scatter, but be back on the redd within minutes. Haven’t been able to spy on the little buggers this fall as the prime viewing area has been placed off limits due to the threat of terrorist activity. George Adams "From the rockin’ of the cradle to the rollin’ of the hearse, the goin’ up was worth the comin’ down." ___Kris Kristofferson "The Pilgrim/Chapter 33"

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The only thing I can think of was that it drifted into her   redd. Any other  ideas? I’ve been trying to find time to put together a trip report on the Salmon River for a month now, but it involved a local guide teaching me a new way (new to me, at least) of targeting salmon.  It centered around small…very small…seemingly improbably small….naturals on frightfully light tippets.  It was outstandingly successful…so much so, that under similar circumstances, I would be hard pressed not to use his method as the "go to" approach. Anyhow, his theory centered around not only a "housekeeping" attitude, but a general territorial defense response, especially for competing males. Got to find a few minutes to cobble that TR together for contribution…. TL, Zippy

Id be very interested to hear this approach as  I fish  Pulaski often and would prefer a method that didn t involve, lots of luck or  outright snaggin MT

Response:

There’s a lady over in rec.outdoors.fishing.saltwater looking for info on Christmas Island. Isn’t that what they call a non sequitur?

christmas island is a non sequi-tour?  how much does it cost? jeff (who’s taken too many sequi-tours)

Response:

Id be very interested to hear this approach as  I fish  Pulaski often and would prefer a method that didn t involve, lots of luck or  outright snaggin MT

I’ll get on about writing the TR this weekend, Mark.  I’ll try to give a better description of the setup and approach.  Still managed to tail snag about 4 of ‘em that trip, but for the first time salmon fishing, I didn’t feel like I was relying entirely on luck, so I know the feeling well. TL, Zippy

Response:

Id be very interested to hear this approach as  I fish  Pulaski often and would prefer a method that didn t involve, lots of luck or  outright snaggin MT I’ll get on about writing the TR this weekend, Mark.  I’ll try to give a better description of the setup and approach.  Still managed to tail snag about 4 of ‘em that trip, but for the first time salmon fishing, I didn’t feel like I was relying entirely on luck, so I know the feeling well. TL, Zippy

Will look forward to it. My  arm gets real tired of trying to drag a salmon hooked in the top fin sideways thru fast water <G  MT

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Id be very interested to hear this approach as  I fish  Pulaski often and would prefer a method that didn t involve, lots of luck or outright snaggin MT I’ll get on about writing the TR this weekend, Mark.  I’ll try to give a better description of the setup and approach.  Still managed to tail snag about 4 of ‘em that trip, but for the first time salmon fishing, I didn’t feel like I was relying entirely on luck, so I know the feeling well. TL, Zippy Will look forward to it. My  arm gets real tired of trying to drag a salmon hooked in the top fin sideways thru fast water <G  MT

the best solution for large foul hooked fish is to simply point the rod at the fish and break it off.  my opinion is that a fly stuck on a fish causes less stress than the longer landing time required for foul hooked fish (especially those hooked on the back or the tail).  since in most places one must release any foul hooked fish, this is my preference with the accidental foul hooked fish. chris

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Id be very interested to hear this approach as  I fish  Pulaski often and would prefer a method that didn t involve, lots of luck or outright snaggin MT I’ll get on about writing the TR this weekend, Mark.  I’ll try to give a better description of the setup and approach.  Still managed to tail snag about 4 of ‘em that trip, but for the first time salmon fishing, I didn’t feel like I was relying entirely on luck, so I know the feeling well. TL, Zippy Will look forward to it. My  arm gets real tired of trying to drag a salmon hooked in the top fin sideways thru fast water <G  MT the best solution for large foul hooked fish is to simply point the rod at the fish and break it off.  my opinion is that a fly stuck on a fish causes less stress than the longer landing time required for foul hooked fish (especially those hooked on the back or the tail).  since in most places one must release any foul hooked fish, this is my preference with the accidental foul hooked fish. chris

Hi Chris  I  do  folow this practice, tho sometimes it s 10 mins into the fight and about 100 yards  down river…..  MT

Response:

Fishing on the redds, eh? There’s a lady over in rec.outdoors.fishing.saltwater looking for info on Christmas Island.

Isn’t that what they call a non sequitur? Tell here there are no redds at Christmas Island.

Response:

Fishing on the redds, eh?

There’s a lady over in rec.outdoors.fishing.saltwater looking for info on Christmas Island. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

The only thing I can think of was that it drifted into her   redd. Any other  ideas?

I’ve been trying to find time to put together a trip report on the Salmon River for a month now, but it involved a local guide teaching me a new way (new to me, at least) of targeting salmon.  It centered around small…very small…seemingly improbably small….naturals on frightfully light tippets.  It was outstandingly successful…so much so, that under similar circumstances, I would be hard pressed not to use his method as the "go to" approach. Anyhow, his theory centered around not only a "housekeeping" attitude, but a general territorial defense response, especially for competing males. Got to find a few minutes to cobble that TR together for contribution…. TL, Zippy

Response:

  I was fishing in Oswego  for trout  coming in  from the lake. Some nice  rainbows, steel head and Browns  had been taken that day. Most of the  fisherman were using  egg patterns or egg sacks. Deciding something different might work I tried  a  Size 8 stone fly nymph.  The line came to a stop, I  set the hook  and about 10 minutes later landed  a female King that was ready to spawn. Why would she have taken a nymph? The only thing I can think of was that it drifted into her   redd. Any other  ideas?  MT

Response:

  I was fishing in Oswego  for trout  coming in  from the lake. Some nice  rainbows, steel head and Browns  had been taken that day. Most of the  fisherman were using  egg patterns or egg sacks. Deciding something different might work I tried  a  Size 8 stone fly nymph.  The line came to a stop, I  set the hook  and about 10 minutes later landed  a female King that was ready to spawn. Why would she have taken a nymph? The only thing I can think of was that it drifted into her redd. Any other  ideas?

    Being a pregnant female, she probably mistook it for chocolate.

Response:

… landed  a female King that was ready to spawn. Why would she have taken a nymph? The only thing I can think of was that it drifted into her redd. Any other  ideas?

Housekeeping. I caught Muskegon steelhead the same way. They don’t eat, of course, but they will clear insects out of their redds. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

… landed  a female King that was ready to spawn. Why would she have taken a nymph? The only thing I can think of was that it drifted into her redd. Any other  ideas? Housekeeping. I caught Muskegon steelhead the same way. They don’t eat, of course, but they will clear insects out of their redds.

Fishing on the redds, eh?

Response:

 The line came to a stop, I  set the hook  and about 10 minutes later landed  a female King that was ready to spawn. Why would she have taken a nymph? The only thing I can think of was that it drifted into her redd. Any other  ideas?

I dunno, but up there I really try to avoid egg patterns unless I’m desperate.   Lots of nymph patterns work well, & I saw a guy last year catch about a 20-pounder on a GR Hare’s Ear.  FWIW Joe F.

Response:

Question:

I am not certain when the next clave is and where it is, but I wanted to offer the extra flies (I have about 4 to 5 good sets of 30 flies I could put together in fly boxes) from this last Fly Swap as raffle prizes, if you guys think that would be OK? —— Padishar Creel

Response:

An excellent and generous idea Chris. I am sure it will meet with general approval. Thanks once again for organising and running the swap. Hope you have an excellent Christmas as well. TL MC — "Where fishing is concerned, most anglers are basically manic excessives" http://www.mikeconnor.de – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am not certain when the next clave is and where it is, but I wanted to offer the extra flies (I have about 4 to 5 good sets of 30 flies I could put together in fly boxes) from this last Fly Swap as raffle prizes, if you guys think that would be OK? —— Padishar Creel

Response:

I am not certain when the next clave is and where it is, but I wanted to offer the extra flies (I have about 4 to 5 good sets of 30 flies I could put together in fly boxes) from this last Fly Swap as raffle prizes, if you guys think that would be OK?

Pretty much guarantees ol’ Indian Joe will show up…

Response:

Padishar, I believe the next clave is the Michigan Micro-Clave at the end of April….I believe Wolfgang is the clavemiester. Luckyboy

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am not certain when the next clave is and where it is, but I wanted to offer the extra flies (I have about 4 to 5 good sets of 30 flies I could put together in fly boxes) from this last Fly Swap as raffle prizes, if you guys think that would be OK? Pretty much guarantees ol’ Indian Joe will show up…

Response:

Padishar, I believe the next clave is the Michigan Micro-Clave at the end of April….I believe Wolfgang is the clavemiester.

That would be the "landlocked rainbow trout" clave, right? — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

Response:

Padishar, I believe the next clave is the Michigan Micro-Clave at the end of April….I believe Wolfgang is the clavemiester.

Technically true, but I fear the additional weight of 150 or so flies might prove burdensome to the three intrepid backpackers thus far committed to this venture.     Wolfgang now accepting applications for the positions of chief and subordinate porters

Response:

Padishar, I believe the next clave is the Michigan Micro-Clave at the end of April….I believe Wolfgang is the clavemiester. Technically true, but I fear the additional weight of 150 or so flies might prove burdensome to the three intrepid backpackers thus far committed to this venture.    

Well, I will be in Germany fishing with Mike in March, so *technically*, not only is that earlier, it is more micro too<g. — Charlie…

Response:

Padishar, I believe the next clave is the Michigan Micro-Clave at the end of April….I believe Wolfgang is the clavemiester. That would be the "landlocked rainbow trout" clave, right?

‘Fraid not Steve.  As everyone here knows, rainbows are an anadromous (read sea running) species.  There are no fish in this region that migrate to and or from the sea, ergo these cannot be rainbows. Wolfgang

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Padishar, I believe the next clave is the Michigan Micro-Clave at the end of April….I believe Wolfgang is the clavemiester. That would be the "landlocked rainbow trout" clave, right? ‘Fraid not Steve.  As everyone here knows, rainbows are an anadromous (read sea running) species.  There are no fish in this region that migrate to and or from the sea, ergo these cannot be rainbows. Wolfgang

I’m sure you know I’m just kidding, Wolfgang. I hope you guys catch lots of those faux steelhead. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

Response:

I’m sure you know I’m just kidding, Wolfgang. I hope you guys catch lots of those faux steelhead.

Yep, knew that.  I hope we catch a bunch too.  And at least one of us intends to supplement the groceries carried in with fresh fish.  Last time we did this, we had a rookie backpacker with us (heh, heh).  We had a memorable feast of fresh (5 minutes out of the stream) trout, dredged in egg and cornmeal, and then deep fried in honest to god lard!!    :) Wolfgang here newbie…..here newbie….hold this…..follow me….

Response:

"Wolfgang" wrote Technically true, but I fear the additional weight of 150 or so flies might prove burdensome to the three intrepid backpackers thus far committed to this venture.     Wolfgang

Wolfie, Not if Bruce H. ties them on his size #64 hooks.  :-)

Response:

Technically true, but I fear the additional weight of 150 or so flies might prove burdensome to the three intrepid backpackers thus far committed to this venture.     Well, I will be in Germany fishing with Mike in March, so *technically*, not only is that earlier, it is more micro too<g.

Earlier, yes.  More micro?  Well, maybe so, and maybe no. Wolfgang who has spent more than one day holed up in a cabin in inclement weather reflecting pass the chianti

Response:

Well, I will be in Germany fishing with Mike in March, so *technically*, not only is that earlier, it is more micro too<g.

    then vulfy respondeth: Earlier, yes.  More micro?  Well, maybe so, and maybe no.

    ah jus wanna, ah say, ah jus want you two rookie wannabe clavemeisters to know that there is a 10 person lower limit before the event chairperson becomes an honest-to-god clavemeister, thus becoming entitled to learn the ultra-secret clavemeister handshake and further unspeakably impressive credentials.     wayno…or is that "meaningless credentials"; i never could get that straight…

Response:

   ah jus wanna, ah say, ah jus want you two rookie wannabe clavemeisters to know that there is a 10 person lower limit before the event chairperson becomes an honest-to-god clavemeister,

No worries there, I’ve *seen* what clavemeisters look and act like, we will be sure there are well below 9 (leaving a margin of error for ‘loading’)… <g — Charlie…

Response:

Padishar, I believe the next clave is the Michigan Micro-Clave at the end of April….I believe Wolfgang is the clavemiester.

Allow me add this insight, Padishar. Sending the flies the the Micro-Clave is a great idea, but do NOT under any circumstances consider actually attending said Clave. With Wolfgang, KenF and asadi in primitive conditions with only a limited supply of alcohol, I think after a few hours you’d have more fun getting mauled by a bear –Steve (absolutely despondent over not being able to attend, BTW)

Response:

….With Wolfgang, KenF and asadi in primitive conditions with only a limited supply of alcohol, I think after a few hours you’d have more fun getting mauled by a bear

Fortunately, the Porcupine Mountains are a particularly good place to put that proposition to the test.      :) Wolfgang oh, we’re gonna have a rippin good time!

Response:

Mr Creel    if you want to send me the extra boxes of flies I will present half of them to the Penn Clave and half of them to the Maine Clave as raffle prizes.  { and hope to win one box of each for my own use.]  Indian Joe McIntosh  8828 Olympic Lane  Wilmington N.C. 28411

Response:

Indian Joe writes: Mr Creel    if you want to send me the extra boxes of flies I will present half of them to the Penn Clave and half of them to the Maine Clave as raffle prizes. { and hope to win one box of each for my own use

Are you volunteering, IJ, to be the raffle meister at the Maine Clave?  <g Dave L.

Response:

Dave asks? Are you volunteering, IJ, to be the raffle meister at the Maine Clave?  <g

on top of apparently doing the same for Penn’s<g!!!                            Tom L

Response:

Surprisingly, this sounds remarkably fair.  I don’t think there will be a raffle at the Susquehanna Hackers Into Tackling Shad clave.  At the end of April – first week of May.        Frank Mr Creel    if you want to send me the extra boxes of flies I will present half of them to the Penn Clave and half of them to the Maine Clave as raffle prizes.  { and hope to win one box of each for my own use.]  Indian Joe McIntosh  8828 Olympic Lane  Wilmington N.C. 28411

Response:

Dave LaCourse asks: Are you volunteering, IJ, to be the raffle meister at the Maine Clave?  <g on top of apparently doing the same for Penn’s<g!!!

My first reaction was "Oh, no!! IJ will rig the raffle!" But on second thought, I’m convinced it’s a good idea. After all, IJ always manages to whine his way into the prize he wants anyhow so there’s nothing to lose. Besides, his cries of foul play would be directed solely at himself! –Steve (just kidding IJ)

Response:

Question:

But Ken, who makes those blanks? — ~~~~ The RodMaker (aka) The Shadow

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –      if you had a chance to have a custom rod made, whos blank would you chose?     light spinning rod , 6 to 6 1/2 foot I don’t have experience with their spinning rod blanks, but in flyrods I’m impressed with Angler’s Workshop IM6 blanks, for the money. http://www.anglersworkshop.com — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

But Ken, who makes those blanks?

Does it matter ? It’s quality IM6 graphite, or at least their flyrods are, for a good price. I suppose if you were to tell me that they’re manufactured by starving slaves in a third world hovel and marketed by profiteering commies using the proceeds to finance the violent overthrow of the US government, I would probably expect them to be a lot cheaper , but I’ve done business with Angler’s Workshop in the past and have been quite happy. Of course, this assumes that the original poster can buy whatever blank he wants. Most custom builders that I know of insist on using their own blanks or charge a premium to build a rod on the customer’s blank. I use Angler’s Workshop ’cause I roll my own. YMMV — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

Do you continue to pay retail prices for these blanks you buy? — ~~~~ The RodMaker (aka) The Shadow

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – But Ken, who makes those blanks? Does it matter ? It’s quality IM6 graphite, or at least their flyrods are, for a good price. I suppose if you were to tell me that they’re manufactured by starving slaves in a third world hovel and marketed by profiteering commies using the proceeds to finance the violent overthrow of the US government, I would probably expect them to be a lot cheaper , but I’ve done business with Angler’s Workshop in the past and have been quite happy. Of course, this assumes that the original poster can buy whatever blank he wants. Most custom builders that I know of insist on using their own blanks or charge a premium to build a rod on the customer’s blank. I use Angler’s Workshop ’cause I roll my own. YMMV — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

Do you continue to pay retail prices for these blanks you buy?

Sure. I’m just a do-it-yourselfer who buys blanks for personal use and the occasional birthday gift/Christmas present. I wouldn’t expect a quantity discount or a professional discount. I assume when you find a blank that you like that you buy several of the same blank at a time. I buy ‘em one at a time as I need them,and I hardly ever buy the same blank twice. Apples & oranges, RodMaker, you’re a pro who deserves his discount, I’m just an amateur hobbyist. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

Ok, One thing I should have made more clear concerning the Lamiglass (Perigee) series. What I meant was that Lamiglass designed these blanks for custom builders(already stated that) but what I forgot to mention was that Lamiglass themselves will not use these blanks to build rods for resale! Have you tried their fly rod blanks yet? — ~~~~ The RodMaker (aka) The Shadow

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Do you continue to pay retail prices for these blanks you buy? Sure. I’m just a do-it-yourselfer who buys blanks for personal use and the occasional birthday gift/Christmas present. I wouldn’t expect a quantity discount or a professional discount. I assume when you find a blank that you like that you buy several of the same blank at a time. I buy ‘em one at a time as I need them,and I hardly ever buy the same blank twice. Apples & oranges, RodMaker, you’re a pro who deserves his discount, I’m just an amateur hobbyist. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

… Have you tried their fly rod blanks yet?

No, I haven’t. Lamiglas doesn’t make a 10′ 7wt. blank. The next flyrod I build for bassin’ will be a 10′ 7wt. I like the 10′ length because I sit so close to the water in my canoe. I like a slow action flyrod, that’s why I’m so partial to IM6, and my current 10′ 7wt. is sloooooow. But while a slow action rod is great for some things, bassin’ ain’t one of them, I’d like a faster action for bassin’. I’ll probably build the new one on a Sage 71003SP, it’s a lot faster than my current rod but still slow enough to be comfortable for me. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

The next flyrod I build for bassin’ will be a 10′ 7wt. I like the 10′ length because I sit so close to the water in my canoe. I like a slow action flyrod, that’s why I’m so partial to IM6, and my current 10′ 7wt. is sloooooow. But while a slow action rod is great for some things, bassin’ ain’t one of them, I’d like a faster action for bassin’. I’ll probably build the new one on a Sage 71003SP, it’s a lot faster than my current rod but still slow enough to be comfortable for me. — Ken Fortenberry

Hey Ken, It’s been a while since I built a new rod and I’m getting the fever.  I never thought of using a 10 footer or a 7 weight, but reading your post makes me want to hear more from you on the idea.  What conditions do you fish in?  What bugs do you throw?  Etc? I do some fly fishing from kickboats and tubes.  I don’t generally make long casts because it’s so easy to simply position my craft so that I’m the right distance from what ever target I choose.  My current fly rod is a 20-year-old Cabela’s 9 foot 8 weight.  The reason I use this particular rod is that it is the rod I happen to own and carry in my truck.   Now I’m starting to fish more from a sit-on-top kayak which is much better suited for covering distances of water than either a tube or a kickboat.  But it’s not as easy to position and is far more susceptible to the wind.  For those times when it’s hard to hold a position near the shoreline, I can see the advantage of a longer rod, but I don’t understand the advantage of a slower rod, or of the 7 weight.  (As I write this, it just occurred to me that if you add a foot in length, your wrist and arm will very likely be tireder at the end of the day and that a lighter rod might well be a blessing — is that it?)  At any rate, I’d like to hear more about the advantages of a slow rod vs. a faster rod, etc. etc.   —– Family, Friends, Fishing Rob Storm http://www.stormsrestaurants.com

Response:

Hey Ken, It’s been a while since I built a new rod and I’m getting the fever.  I never thought of using a 10 footer or a 7 weight, but reading your post makes me want to hear more from you on the idea.  What conditions do you fish in?  What bugs do you throw?  Etc?

Hi Rob, My "home water" is a collection of reclaimed strip mine ponds and the tributaries of the Vermillion River in east central Illinois. http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?lat=40.106&lon=-87.7429&size=s&s=50 Conditions here on the prairie are usually windy and I fish out of a canoe. I’ll throw everything in the box at ‘em, poppers, Dahlberg divers, Clouser minnows, bunny leeches, wooly buggers, deer hair frogs etc., everything but crayfish flies, I don’t like fishin’ down on the bottom and losing 6 flies an hour. The difference between 7 & 8 wt is personal preference, the 8wt is the classic weight for a bass flyrod but a 7wt has enough backbone. The 10′ length gets the rod tip up a bit off the water, which is an advantage when you’re sitting low in the water like in a canoe (or a kayak). It’s also an advantage on a stream for mending and rollcasting. … I’d like to hear more about the advantages of a slow rod vs. a faster rod, etc. etc.

To oversimplify and generalize, slow action rods are preferred for delicate presentation (dry flies), and chucking a lot of weight (split shot to get nymphs down). Fast action rods are preferred for powering through the wind and for tossing big wind eating flies like deer hair and bigger poppers. So for bass fishin’ most folks prefer a faster action flyrod. My current 10′ 7wt is a Thomas & Thomas XL, a slow action rod that’s ideal for steelhead but not so for bassin’. A slow 7/8 wt rod can double as a steelhead rod and a pike/carp rod while a fast 7/8 wt rod can double as a bass rod and a bonefish rod. That’s why I’d like to build another 10′ 7wt on a faster blank. Take care, — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

Hi Ken, Thanks for the info.  I think the last slow fly rod I had was an old glass Herter rod I built in the early ’60s.  Maybe it’s time to try another.   I agree with you about fishing on the bottom.  It never appealed to me even though I know that with a sinking line and a floating bug you can show the fish a presentation they don’t often see.  When I fish a fly rod, I like the action to be right in front of me.  Flies or plugs, I like my lure to be on the surface whenever possible. You mention pike and carp.  I’ve caught the odd carp while casting small streamers for white bass, but I’ve never had the pleasure of fighting a pike on a fly rod.  Am planning a trip to Andrew Lake in Alberta for June 2001.  I ‘ll probably take along a 5 weight for grayling, but after reading your post, I might want to pack the 8 weight as well.   Thanks again for the info. —– Family, Friends, Fishing Rob Storm http://www.stormsrestaurants.com

Response:

     if you had a chance to have a custom rod made, whos blank would you chose?     light spinning rod , 6 to 6 1/2 foot

Response:

     if you had a chance to have a custom rod made, whos blank would you chose?     light spinning rod , 6 to 6 1/2 foot

Personally I would go with whatever RodMaker here in this group told me to. Good fishing, Richard L. LaFay  | (248) 753-6940 (work) 2887 Pontiac Court  | (248) 373-6865 (home) Auburn Hills, Michigan   48326 Ranger Boats, Lowrance Electronics, Berkley Trilene, Rippler, Bill Norman Lures, and Aqua-Vu underwater cameras. I use them because I think they’re the best!

Response:

     if you had a chance to have a custom rod made, whos blank would you chose?     light spinning rod , 6 to 6 1/2 foot

I don’t have experience with their spinning rod blanks, but in flyrods I’m impressed with Angler’s Workshop IM6 blanks, for the money. http://www.anglersworkshop.com — Ken Fortenberry

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Question:

Let’s see, got up feeling cranky ’cause I didn’t get much sleep. Took twice as long to shave since the stubble was two day’s worth.  Took SWMBO out for breakfast at Russell Williams restaurant, then we went for a long ride.  Got gas for the truck – prices still too high. First day this year wearing shorts instead of jeans.  Got the house painted yesterday and SWMBO thinks the painters did a shitty job. Somebody feel free to jump in any time. Peter the bored

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I just got in from painting the new garden shed. I’m about to make some lunch and take my son to his baseball game. After that I’m taking my canoe and hitting a local lake with my son to catch the evening midge hatch. Paul

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Let’s see, got up feeling cranky ’cause I didn’t get much sleep. Took twice as long to shave since the stubble was two day’s worth.  Took SWMBO out for breakfast at Russell Williams restaurant, then we went for a long ride.  Got gas for the truck – prices still too high. First day this year wearing shorts instead of jeans.  Got the house painted yesterday and SWMBO thinks the painters did a shitty job. Somebody feel free to jump in any time. Peter the bored

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I just got in from painting the new garden shed. I’m about to make some lunch and take my son to his baseball game. After that I’m taking my canoe and hitting a local lake with my son to catch the evening midge hatch.

We’re in runoff here and my local warm water ponds aren’t warm enough yet, so I’ve been doing lots of Spring repairs, tying and watching hockey. Go Avs! Might try out a local pond tonight. Willi

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Somebody feel free to jump in any time.

Just returned from the annual cleanup (removal of trash dumped over the banking by locals) at our Vermont camp. Fished Friday PM…..nothing. Got on the wrong side of the jet stream yesterday, rain and cold all PM, water high and discolored, didn’t fish. Back home now, ait temps in the mid 80’s. Might try a local stream this evening, but the fishing in this area has been slow. George Adams "From the rockin’ of the cradle to the rollin’ of the hearse, the goin’ up was worth the comin’ down." ___Kris Kristofferson "The Pilgrim/Chapter 33"

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As opposed to some, I’m finishing up projects the evil professors have given me.  So a 20 minute presentation encompassing all that is involved in Info Security is due tomorrow.  Need an auctioneer to present it.  Mowed the lawn, washed the dog (glad I didn’t mix those two up), watered (used the dog), did dishes (used the dog), took a nap, dreamt about getting hammered on Jim Beam, fly fishing and eating a burro (dog gone).                     Frank Reid

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We’re in runoff here and my local warm water ponds aren’t warm enough yet, so I’ve been doing lots of Spring repairs, tying and watching hockey. Go Avs! Might try out a local pond tonight. Willi

Gorgeous weather out here in Vancouver, WA.  Unfortunately the streams aren’t open yet, and I’m getting stir-crazy.  There are some heavily stocked local 2500ft, is probably too high, cold, and maybe snowed in.  So I performed some minor honey-do’s, watched some NBA (Blazers smoked Utah), tied some zonkers and buggers, and practiced golf.  Beautiful and peaceful on the golf course.  After 6pm I had the course basically to myself. Spring is soon to be in full bloom and flyfishing should just get better.  Hang in there. Pat K

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Let’s see, got up feeling cranky ’cause I didn’t get much sleep. Took twice as long to shave since the stubble was two day’s worth.  Took SWMBO out for breakfast at Russell Williams restaurant, then we went for a long ride.  Got gas for the truck – prices still too high. First day this year wearing shorts instead of jeans.  Got the house painted yesterday and SWMBO thinks the painters did a shitty job. Somebody feel free to jump in any time.

He He.   I just survived the busy weekend from hell.   Sat a.m., three hours in the morning heat for son’s baseball game (first ever base hit, 2 rbi’s.). Full speed transition to inlaws afternoon gathering, then even faster (90 mph) exit to drop off kids at parents, then to the make the evening curtain at the opera (now *that* was a culture shift.).   (First time, La Boheme, loved it BTW.)   Home at midnight. Sun a.m., cook breakfast for sister-in-law’s family, then off to Md. Sheep & Wool Festival.   Home at 6, try to cut grass, mover won’t run.   Aw shit. Start weed whacker; won’t run.   Double shit.   Make pizza, watch "Galaxy Quest" (great "Star Trek" spoof).   Go to sleep. Glad to be back at work so I can relax.   Clavin’ tomorrow. Just in time for my planned "express" drive to the Clave, I hear the state police in MD & VA have started a crackdown on aggressive drivers this week. I might need that bail money before I even get there. Joe F.

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Let’s see, got up feeling cranky ’cause I didn’t get much sleep. Took twice as long to shave since the stubble was two day’s worth.  Took SWMBO out for breakfast at Russell Williams restaurant, then we went for a long ride.  Got gas for the truck – prices still too high. First day this year wearing shorts instead of jeans.  Got the house painted yesterday and SWMBO thinks the painters did a shitty job. Somebody feel free to jump in any time. Peter the bored

Went to my local triple secret, never fail, always hoppin’, mayfly factory section of river. Not a damn thing coming off. Caught a piddling handful of dinks. Got home and saw the grass has shot up 4 inches and the snow blower is still mounted on my lawn machine. Big thunderstorms today so it will get longer and probably clump like hell when I finally do mow it. Week of work looms ahead. Ahh! The only bright spot is we hammered the blue gills on Sat.- limits all around. <G Damn the clave! Jon (whining and not in NC (sniff))

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As opposed to some, I’m finishing up projects the evil professors have given me.  So a 20 minute presentation encompassing all that is involved in Info Security is due tomorrow.  Need an auctioneer to present it.  Mowed the lawn, washed the dog (glad I didn’t mix those two up), watered (used the dog), did dishes (used the dog), took a nap, dreamt about getting hammered on Jim Beam, fly fishing and eating a burro (dog gone).                    Frank Reid

Frank, Ya should’ve been at Chatsworth this past weekend (and Zwolle, in Holland, the weekend before). All the old miscreants and n’er-do-wells …plus a few new ones. Saw some very good fly tying and some awesome casting. Watch out: Vikings and Swampy incoming! The latest things from Scandinavia are fly rods in sky blue and banana yellow, because (the man explained), ‘fly fishing is supposed to be fun’. I’ve spent two weekends in the company of an old friend and a most interesting man. In Japan, they would have had him stuffed and put in a museum as a ‘national treasure’. On Saturday evening I dined with the best blank maker and rod builder in Britain and that was but a fraction of the good fun and interest I’ve been having this past ten days. Dead air? Nix! Suddenly, it’s all become exciting again. Tight Lines, Tony Deacon

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Let’s see, got up feeling cranky ’cause I didn’t get much sleep. Took twice as long to shave since the stubble was two day’s worth.

LOL, got trapped into going to the ‘big’ mall, an hour away. So down we go and the paintings she wanted were gone….oh well what the hell, got a bottle of Birchwood Casey TruOil finish anyway. Tied a bunch of dries, small black stones, some wullfs etc. Was my first experience with my Whiting Gold grizzley saddle, tied 6 #14 Wulffs with one damn feather, good bye Metz necks! Received my ‘new’ South Bend #346 9′ bamboo and case today, some of the varnish is alligatored so I’m putting about trying to figure out where to get a polish to clean that up without having to refinish it. Took it out to the back yard and put my Ocean City Sport King rod with the level D silk line on it and casted for a bit. Rose several cats but failed to get a conclusive hookup, I realize they are not a mainstream prey species, but they are good fighters when you can keep them on the line. Checking ebay for some other bamboo rods, getting quite a jones for these since getting my first H-I just a few weeks ago. Got silk thread inbound so I can re-wrap both my H-I’s. For the first time ever, I really wish I had planned to attend a clave, I guess the fall ball in Maine, so close to me, will become a "must attend" event. Supposed to rain the rest of this week here, sigh, so the rivers go back UP again….sigh….going to have to take the canoe to a pond someplace instead. Flyfish

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Chattsworth!  Excuse me while I curl up in a corner and go catatonic.  Man I miss that.                 Frank Reid

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – As opposed to some, I’m finishing up projects the evil professors have given me.  So a 20 minute presentation encompassing all that is involved in Info Security is due tomorrow.  Need an auctioneer to present it.  Mowed the lawn, washed the dog (glad I didn’t mix those two up), watered (used the dog), did dishes (used the dog), took a nap, dreamt about getting hammered on Jim Beam, fly fishing and eating a burro (dog gone).                    Frank Reid Frank, Ya should’ve been at Chatsworth this past weekend (and Zwolle, in Holland, the weekend before). All the old miscreants and n’er-do-wells …plus a few new ones. Saw some very good fly tying and some awesome casting. Watch out: Vikings and Swampy incoming! The latest things from Scandinavia are fly rods in sky blue and banana yellow, because (the man explained), ‘fly fishing is supposed to be fun’. I’ve spent two weekends in the company of an old friend and a most interesting man. In Japan, they would have had him stuffed and put in a museum as a ‘national treasure’. On Saturday evening I dined with the best blank maker and rod builder in Britain and that was but a fraction of the good fun and interest I’ve been having this past ten days. Dead air? Nix! Suddenly, it’s all become exciting again. Tight Lines, Tony Deacon

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Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I have only been flyfishing for a few months, most of my trips have been in the Townsend area of the Smokies.  I have fished the Tremont (Middle Prong of Little River)  area several times with limited success.  I have the opportunity this weekend to fish Deep Creek (Bryson City, NC) and I have decided to swallow my pride and ask for advice here so I hopefully won’t get "blanked" and ruin my vacation!  For Tremont, I have used 6X tippets and patterns of caddis, adams, black gnats, beadhead phesant tail nymph. My specific questions:  What time of day should be the most successful in either of these areas (Tremont or Deep Creek)?  What patterns are most effective for Deep Creek?  Any advice on presentation to these skittish mountain trout?  Any particular areas of Deep Creek that anyone has had experience fishing before? Thanks very much, Dan Please reply to group

Dan, This time of the year you want to fish very early or very late in the day….most trout I know take long siestas when the water warms up during the day. The patterns you are using are fine…I might add a black ant and a yellow sally to your arsenal. Good luck…. –Walt

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have very good luck with elk hair caddis. I fish Tremont usually in the afternoon but not always. And don’t forget those wooly buggers! Bryce I have only been flyfishing for a few months, most of my trips have been in the Townsend area of the Smokies.  I have fished the Tremont (Middle Prong of Little River)  area several times with limited success.  I have the opportunity this weekend to fish Deep Creek (Bryson City, NC) and I have decided to swallow my pride and ask for advice here so I hopefully won’t get "blanked" and ruin my vacation!  For Tremont, I have used 6X tippets and patterns of caddis, adams, black gnats, beadhead phesant tail nymph. My specific questions:  What time of day should be the most successful in either of these areas (Tremont or Deep Creek)?  What patterns are most effective for Deep Creek?  Any advice on presentation to these skittish mountain trout?  Any particular areas of Deep Creek that anyone has had experience fishing before?

Hi! Tremont should be good early in the morning or late at night. I stay away from the lower portion of Deep Creek this time of the year, due to all  the tourists and tubers. Go above Indian creek. Also try West prong of Little River while you are over in that area. Go backcountry away from Laurel creek rd. Try a Thunderhead dry, it’s a NC pattern that’s very similar to an Adams Wulff. Hans

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have very good luck with elk hair caddis. I fish Tremont usually in the afternoon but not always. And don’t forget those wooly buggers! Bryce I have only been flyfishing for a few months, most of my trips have been in the Townsend area of the Smokies.  I have fished the Tremont (Middle Prong of Little River)  area several times with limited success.  I have the opportunity this weekend to fish Deep Creek (Bryson City, NC) and I have decided to swallow my pride and ask for advice here so I hopefully won’t get "blanked" and ruin my vacation!  For Tremont, I have used 6X tippets and patterns of caddis, adams, black gnats, beadhead phesant tail nymph. My specific questions:  What time of day should be the most successful in either of these areas (Tremont or Deep Creek)?  What patterns are most effective for Deep Creek?  Any advice on presentation to these skittish mountain trout?  Any particular areas of Deep Creek that anyone has had experience fishing before? Hi! Tremont should be good early in the morning or late at night. I stay away from the lower portion of Deep Creek this time of the year, due to all  the tourists and tubers. Go above Indian creek. Also try West prong of Little River while you are over in that area. Go backcountry away from Laurel creek rd. Try a Thunderhead dry, it’s a NC pattern that’s very similar to an Adams Wulff. Hans

I fished Deep Creek a coupla years ago and ran across a native of the area who was having great luck on a parachute Adams morning and late afternoon.  I might add that he was quite stealthy and could read water very well.

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I have very good luck with elk hair caddis. I fish Tremont usually in the afternoon but not always. And don’t forget those wooly buggers! Bryce – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I have only been flyfishing for a few months, most of my trips have been in the Townsend area of the Smokies.  I have fished the Tremont (Middle Prong of Little River)  area several times with limited success.  I have the opportunity this weekend to fish Deep Creek (Bryson City, NC) and I have decided to swallow my pride and ask for advice here so I hopefully won’t get "blanked" and ruin my vacation!  For Tremont, I have used 6X tippets and patterns of caddis, adams, black gnats, beadhead phesant tail nymph. My specific questions:  What time of day should be the most successful in either of these areas (Tremont or Deep Creek)?  What patterns are most effective for Deep Creek?  Any advice on presentation to these skittish mountain trout?  Any particular areas of Deep Creek that anyone has had experience fishing before?

Response:

Thanks to all who replied to my original post.  Your advice will be very helpful.  I plan to spend the next couple of days on Deep Creek, so I will try to give you a report (to the group) next week.   Thanks again, Dan – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have very good luck with elk hair caddis. I fish Tremont usually in the afternoon but not always. And don’t forget those wooly buggers! Bryce I have only been flyfishing for a few months, most of my trips have been in the Townsend area of the Smokies.  I have fished the Tremont (Middle Prong of Little River)  area several times with limited success.  I have the opportunity this weekend to fish Deep Creek (Bryson City, NC) and I have decided to swallow my pride and ask for advice here so I hopefully won’t get "blanked" and ruin my vacation!  For Tremont, I have used 6X tippets and patterns of caddis, adams, black gnats, beadhead phesant tail nymph. My specific questions:  What time of day should be the most successful in either of these areas (Tremont or Deep Creek)?  What patterns are most effective for Deep Creek?  Any advice on presentation to these skittish mountain trout?  Any particular areas of Deep Creek that anyone has had experience fishing before? Hi! Tremont should be good early in the morning or late at night. I stay away from the lower portion of Deep Creek this time of the year, due to all  the tourists and tubers. Go above Indian creek. Also try West prong of Little River while you are over in that area. Go backcountry away from Laurel creek rd. Try a Thunderhead dry, it’s a NC pattern that’s very similar to an Adams Wulff. Hans I fished Deep Creek a coupla years ago and ran across a native of the area who was having great luck on a parachute Adams morning and late afternoon.  I might add that he was quite stealthy and could read water very well.

Response:

I have only been flyfishing for a few months, most of my trips have been in the Townsend area of the Smokies.  I have fished the Tremont (Middle Prong of Little River)  area several times with limited success.  I have the opportunity this weekend to fish Deep Creek (Bryson City, NC) and I have decided to swallow my pride and ask for advice here so I hopefully won’t get "blanked" and ruin my vacation!  For Tremont, I have used 6X tippets and patterns of caddis, adams, black gnats, beadhead phesant tail nymph. My specific questions:  What time of day should be the most successful in either of these areas (Tremont or Deep Creek)?  What patterns are most effective for Deep Creek?  Any advice on presentation to these skittish mountain trout?  Any particular areas of Deep Creek that anyone has had experience fishing before? Thanks very much, Dan Please reply to group

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Question:

I am just getting started in FF and I don’t know the best method for affixing my flyline to the reel.  Also, how do I attach the leader to the line?

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Benjamin, You can tie the backing to the reel, the backing to the fly line than the flyline to the leader/tippet. Reel to backing: Two simple overhand knots. Tag end of backing around spool 2 times and tie an overhand knot in the end. Than a second overhand knot around the standing line. Snug up the second knot. Than pull the standing line tight. The knots should slip down to the spool hub. Fly line to backing and leader to fly line to leader/tippet can both be done with a nail knot. Most books on basic fishing will have a picture of this knot. If you purchased all your tackle from a fly shop, take it back to the shop and ask them to show you how to do it. Most will be happy to do it for you. If you got your tackle mail order, go to your local fly shop and purchase about $100  worth of additional tackle and than ask them to help you. There are are other knots you can use, but I find these knots east to tie. Good luck & Good fishing, — Dennis C. Aron Independent Representative #13921 Champion Fishing Co., Ltd – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am just getting started in FF and I don’t know the best method for affixing my flyline to the reel.  Also, how do I attach the leader to the line?

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Benjamin,         Your local shop will do most of it for you and the other posts suggest the best knots for it but I just wanted to add that from your fly line, the first bit of mono is called the butt section and it’s the thickest diameter part of your leader.           It was suggested to me to have a short butt section from my line to my leader and have a loop at the end of it.  This way I can make the same loop on my leaders and change leaders forever without having to retie the nail knot at the end of the flyline.           Whoever at your local shop will probably be hip to the entire set up. Don’t ever be intimidated into NOT asking questions of these people, I’ve learned a lot from them. Good Luck, Bob – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Also, how do I attach the leader to the line?

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I am just getting started in FF and I don’t know the best method for affixing my flyline to the reel.  Also, how do I attach the leader to the line?

Ben, Spend some money on a good beginner fly fishing book. Try to find a copy of Dave Hughes "Fly Fishing Basics" for $12.95 (US$) – I happen to think it’s quite good. ISBN 0-8117-2439-5. Also, you don’t attach your fly line to the reel, you attach it to backing line which is attached to the reel. Backing goes around the reel spindle twice and is tied with a simple overhand knot and a second overhand knot at the end of the tag end. Pull this tight and the tag end overhand knot will catch in the first overhand knot that is tied around the backing line. Hard to write – easy to tie. NOTE: make sure you wrap the line onto the reel in the correct direction too. Adjust the drag pawls too. Use a nail-knot at the backing line /fly line point. If you are using a wt. forward fly line – make sure the correct end is attached to the backing material.Should be okay if left on the original spool until attaching it to the backing. (A DT line is double-ended so no mistake possible) Use a braided loop on the end of your fly line and form a loop in the end of your leader(s). A loop-to-loop connection allows leader change out quickly. Add some extra tippet material to the "fly" end of your leader and save buying lot’s of expensive leaders. Tight Lines, Don Burns Wishful collector of Gillums and Dickersons – owner of Montague, H-I and Heddons

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Question:

 I am interested in fishing the Grande Ronde (S.E. Wash.),has anyone out there have info ? Thanks L.H.

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I am interested in fishing the Grande Ronde (S.E. Wash.),has anyone out there have info ? Thanks L.H.

My friend, Chris Pasley fishes it every year. He fishes October and March.  He uses #8 October Caddis dries in the fall.  In the spring he uses bright attractor flies. William Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA

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Question:

I am fishing a small lake for brookies in Hawkes Bay in the next week. The only information that I have is that they are there, and in patches. No one seems to fish there much. Does anyone have any ideas that work in small lakes elsewhere in the world? Simon

Brookies attempt spawn in the fall.  Fish the shallows or if the lake has inlet stream at mouth.  Bright flies work well as well as black leaches. Don’t be afraid to try blood worm or chironomid larva imitations as the blood worm migrates from shallows to deeper water in the fall.  At Henry’s lake bright crystal buggers and sparce crystal bodied flies do great.  

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My experience with brookies in lakes generally varies with lake location and time of year.   When fishing the Cypress Hills lakes in southeastern Alberta, I have the most luck fishing deep (right off the bottom) and slow using a black or very dark green nymph pattern.  I generally use a dragonfly pattern in a size 8 to 10 hook. I have often seen these insects in shallow water along the shore. From a belly boat, I can slowly troll my line from shallow to the deepest water. My luck increases if I regularly twitch the line with my fingers.  When I connect, the fish strike hard and put up an amazingly good fight.  Trout sizes generally range from 10 to sixteen inches in length. I generally have very poor luck trying to take the brookies off the surface of the lake with a dry fly. Hope this helps. — David J. Wormsbecker, Regina, Saskatchewan Ph/Fax: (306) 789-4024

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Question:

A while back I saw some info on the TMA on the Housatonic in Northern CT. including a phone number for latest info.  I hope to have a chance to fish there Sept. 10 and 11.  Any info and that phone number would be appreciated. Thanks. Tom G.

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To answer a previous inquiry, for information about fly fishing in the trout management area of the Housatonic River in northwestern Connecticut, try calling the Housatonic Meadows Fly Shop in Cornwall, Connecticut at 203-672-6064.  Good luck! Mark Melnick Stamford, Connecticut, USA

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To answer a previous inquiry, for information about fly fishing in the trout management area of the Housatonic River in northwestern Connecticut, try calling the Housatonic Meadows Fly Shop in Cornwall, Connecticut at 203-672-6064.  Good luck! Mark Melnick Stamford, Connecticut, USA

The owner of the HMFS is Phil .. Phil pointed out a nice spot for us this spring, and we ended up the day with a few nice smallmouth and a 16" rainbow, plus watched others get some nice ones. you can also look at the CT fishing page http://metro.turnpike.net/J/jfagan/index.html

Response:

A while back I saw some info on the TMA on the Housatonic in Northern CT. including a phone number for latest info.  I hope to have a chance to fish there Sept. 10 and 11.  Any info and that phone number would be appreciated.

The best source is the Housatonic Fly Fishermen’s Association’s recording at 203 248-8616.  However, unless we get some good rain in the next week, you really should stay off the Housie:  water levels are too low and the water temperature is too hot, with the result that the fish get overstressed when caught and have a poor likelihood of survival even with the most caring resuscitation.  

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(203) 248-8616

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Haven’t been to river but my guess is it’s unfishable due to drought.Fish move to mouths of cold feeder creeks which are closed to fishing. Anyway, info number is 203 248 8616. Better bet is Farmington River from Riverton downstream to New Hartford. Water remains cold ’cause it’s dam-fed. Info number 860  738 7327. Brian Matthews

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Haven’t been to river but my guess is it’s unfishable due to drought.

I drove down Rte 7 along the TMA today, Saturday, 9/3, and stopped at a few places to look at the water.  I have never seen it so low; barely a trickle. Rocks I’d never seen before were fully exposed.  A couple of jerks were ffing in the Church Pool, but there seemed little risk that they’d catch anything.  Otherwise I think I would have jumped in and splashed around just to put down any trout that might have been thinking of lunch. This river should not be fished until after we’ve had some rain and cooler weather.

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