Question:

Bruiser wrote… I forgot to thank Joe Fleischman for the great gifts.  The book went to Charlie who may venture to Northern NM once in a while, and the necks went to Warren, the other birthday guy and a prolific fly tier.

Speaking of which, I owe a thanks to Joe.  The funny thing is that I needed those for my fly swap flies so you will probably be seeing them again soon Joe, in a different form of course. — Warren Henry’s Fork Clave info and Bozeman, MT fishing info www.geocities.com/troutbum_mt

Response:

Of course, no offense to the Penn’s Clave.  Let me amend by saying: Henry’s Fork will be the mother of all Western Claves. We’re sending our DH to Penns bruce h

Response:

  Personally, the best thing about claving is that now when I read your posts, I can hear your voices. Mu

…and there it is.  summed up nicely mu.  course, a few more and you’ll be hearing their footsteps too <g. jeff

Response:

Jeff,  I’m not sure what brand the Tequila was, but it was good, a Reposado. It came in a brown ceramic bottle with a white picket fence molded into the front.

You seem to have found one I don’t know of.  I’ll look for it on my trip west  I coudn’t read the label with double vision!  You should see the flies I tied though.

Oh, I’ve seen ‘em, and they’re too small to see.

Response:

Wayne Harrison wrote…    ah, the stuff of legends!  it reads wonderfully, and makes us all dream of the fabled henry’s fork, where i will plant the bonnie blue flag of the old north state, come this september.

Every couple of weeks I am going to repost this Wayno.  I am holding you to your pledge of attendance.  I would consider it both an honor and a privilege to fish with you and eagerly look forward to the day.  It would finally ease the disappointment I felt in Ennis. — Warren Henry’s Fork Clave info and Bozeman, MT fishing info www.geocities.com/troutbum_mt

Response:

Jeff,  I’m not sure what brand the Tequila was, but it was good, a Reposado. It came in a brown ceramic bottle with a white picket fence molded into the front.  I coudn’t read the label with double vision!  You should see the flies I tied though. Tripper,  Last night it started snowing and it’s let up a little but it hasn’t stopped.  We must have been living right because the storm held off for a couple of days. Wayne,  see you at the Henry’s Fork.  I better bring my Nuevo Mexico flag. bruce h I forgot to thank Joe Fleischman for the great gifts.  The book went to Charlie who may venture to Northern NM once in a while, and the necks went to Warren, the other birthday guy and a prolific fly tier. bruce h

Response:

If you ever get the chance and haven’t done so, attend a clave.  I have met lots of great friends this way.  Ain’t the net great?

        ah, the stuff of legends!  it reads wonderfully, and makes us all dream of the fabled henry’s fork, where i will plant the bonnie blue flag of the old north state, come this september. your friend in carolina wayno

Response:

 Personally, the best thing about claving is that now when I read your posts, I can hear your voices.

Ah, now THAT captures it perfectly.  Perfectly. JR

Response:

If you ever get the chance and haven’t done so, attend a clave.  I have met lots of great friends this way.  Ain’t the net great?

It is indeed. Well, we’ll get some pictures posted somewhere soon.

Definitely! Maybe rw’s got some room? We think the Henry’s Fork will be the Mother of All Claves.

Well, maybe the daughter: I’d say the Penn’s shindig has some scary numbers behind it… Thanks for visiting, everyone, I had a blast.

Very cool, thanks for the TR. It sounds like the water clarity wasn’t much of an issue. And you didn’t mention the weather – did George’s snowstorm give the valley a miss? /daytripper (Glad you all had a good trip!)

Response:

If you ever get the chance and haven’t done so, attend a clave.  I have met lots of great friends this way.  Ain’t the net great?

Yes, my friend, it surely is. Everyone has slow days, days when you are obviously catching fewer fish than your friends.

That only happens to me on the rare days that I go fishing. Thanks to everyone for the nice gifts.  Danl brought me a cool bottle of high quality tequila…

What kind was it?

Response:

If you ever get the chance and haven’t done so, attend a clave.  I have met lots of great friends this way.  Ain’t the net great?

No doubt about it (irrespective of Gwen Stefani’s anatomy) Hate to tell you, Mu and Bill, but Monday was the best day.

First time I ever heard *shoulda been here tomorrow* As if in a dream, that fish opened his mouth, the fly slid in, and amazingly was hooked.  In all my days there, that’s never happened for me like that before. Mu CAN throw the whole line with little or no effort.

<g What you might not have noticed from where you were watching is that half the time I was chucking a Teeny 130 – that’s why it looked so easy to make the long casts.  I don’t think I’ve ever thrown a whole floating line. Thanks for visiting, everyone, I had a blast.

Sure was a blast.  I learned quite a bit.  I’ve never fished such small flies.  I saw fish being caught in some water that often I would have overlooked.  I overheard Bruiser talking to Charlie about looking for fish in some shallow spots and that help me pick up a very nice fish one morning while casting towards shore while everyone else near me was casting to the deep water.  Watching people’s individual fishing styles was pretty cool too.  Personally, the best thing about claving is that now when I read your posts, I can hear your voices. Mu

Response:

If you ever get the chance and haven’t done so, attend a clave.  I have met lots of great friends this way.  Ain’t the net great? Everyone has slow days, days when you are obviously catching fewer fish than your friends.  Days like those are particularly noticeable at the San Juan, where the fish are everywhere and so are the fly fishers.  Everyone had at least one day of fewer fish, including me, the host.  Imagine that. There was one exception and anyone who reads ROFF knows who that person is. Willi’s unreal.  We keep wondering when he’ll just get blanked, and in the several days I’ve been lucky enough to fish with him it’s never even been close.  Different rivers, different bugs, different conditions, same result. Willi’s letting go of another fish in that familiar fashion – he leans over, quickly grabs the hook, and releases the fish without touching it.  It’s not really all that amazing that he can nimbly release a three pound fish from a size 24 hook in that manner.  Any one of us would be as good if we’d have practiced it 10,000 times  Steve and I were talking one evening after another mini party in an Abe’s room and when we started talking about all the fish we’ve seen Willi catch we started laughing and continued for quite some time.  His skill is uncanny.  Hopefully I’m not embarassing Willi – he’s a very modest guy. Thanks to everyone for the nice gifts.  Danl brought me a cool bottle of high quality tequila that lasted until my friend Arnie arrived.  He’s the western answer to Pamlico Jim.  Charlie gave me one of those cool Fishpond tippet dispensers, Bob another shirt to replace the one he gave me last year.  Mu brought me some French flies.  Yes, I typed that right.  RW paid for my  accomodations and we had a blast fishing together all over the river.  Warren brought a ton of flies for everyone and two tons of materials.  Sorry if anyone was left out, but I still feel like a zombie. We had two or three dinners at the Sportsman (big burgers).  They have dollar bills, decorated with patron’s grafitti, covering the walls.  Last year in December (actually December 2000) I gave the waitress a dollar with the inscription:  ROFF 2000.  In at least fifteen subsequent visits I’ve failed to spot the dollar on any of the walls – my guess was it got pocketed after the unfortunate situation with our tab last year (which we made good on).  On the first night there, we were waiting for a table, and there it was, on the wall, next to the front door.  Cool. The next morning, as we were leaving the breakfast table, a guy at another table asked me if I was Bruiser and if we were ROFF.  Turns out he’s a lurker from Colorado and that we’ve known each other vaguely for years. Wow.  They were in the room across from us at Abe’s and paid our party a visit later that night, contributing heavily to Warren and Arnie’s hangovers the next day.  Something about Martini’s not mixing well with whiskey, beer, and tequila but the details aren’t important.  They are nice guys and it was fun to meet up with them at the clave. The fishing was a little tougher than usual, especially on Saturday and Sunday, when there were more people and fewer risers.  Hate to tell you, Mu and Bill, but Monday was the best day.  Even on the worst days on that river you can sneak up on a big rainbow and watch it pick adult midges off the surface – deliberately, slowly, selectively.  Bob and I cast to one of these guys without a look.  The fish continued eating real bugs,  undeterred by our artificials.  At one point the fish took a midge from *between* the two dries that Bob drifted over him.  On sunday there was a fish feeding in a similar fashion and indulged me by continuing to feed as I drifted three dry patterns over his head.  First, a tiny griffith’s.  He looked at it, but only came to within an inch and didn’t open his mouth.  Next, I tried a single adult midge parachute pattern.  The fish examined it real close, but again, didn’t open it’s mouth.  Then I remembered a fly that I’d had success with before in a similar situation.  It’s a tiny Adams with no wing, just hackle, given to me by a guide a couple years ago.  As if in a dream, that fish opened his mouth, the fly slid in, and amazingly was hooked.  In all my days there, that’s never happened for me like that before. Everyone seemed to have the spot they really liked.  Charlie’s spot is the slack water at the bottom of the cable hole,  slow current and very selective risers.  That’s also RW’s favorite.   Bob and I like to fish emergers in the Upper Flats.  Willi fishes for risers near the dam with dry flies (or a two inch strip of chamois).  Warren liked the channels between the dam and cable hole.  Danl, as well as Mu and Bill, fished everywhere and with big smiles always.  I’ve never met Mu before and he’s very cool, energetic and friendly.  It’s been said about flyrods on ROFF before, but Mu CAN throw the whole line with little or no effort. Well, we’ll get some pictures posted somewhere soon. We think the Henry’s Fork will be the Mother of All Claves. Thanks for visiting, everyone, I had a blast. bruce h

Response:

Question:

Hi Ed and all you other ROFFers, I too enjoy fly fishing from a float tube, canoe or small boat (pram). Have not tried the kayaks but looks great. The hottest float tube for us is the v-boat. Outcast makes the ‘top of the line’ "Super Fat Cat". This is great for still water where you need portability. We see more pontoon boats on still water too. They are just a little more to pack around than a float tube. A canoe is the favorite of Chico Fernandez, Flip Pallot and others in Florida for sneaking back into the shallow jungle of the Everglades. They like the Merrimack "Souhegen16 "(sp) or the Narrvaro " Otter 16". These are great for fly fishing because they are 36" wide, flat bottom with a keel. Chico and his friends use a 12′ pole for poling in water less than 4′ in the Everglades for snook, tarpon and bass. Not all canoes are good for fly casting. He said that there are shorter models that are wider, but they don’t perform too well. Here in Nor Cal, we have used 8′, 10′ & 12′ pram made from aluminum or fiberglass for car-topping. These boats are very flat and wider than average boats this length. Valco boat company still makes  8′, 10′ and 12′ aluminum prams that is very wide. Most small prams (Jon boats) are 36" at the rear & bottom of the boat. These are 44" which makes them very good for standing and fly casting in lakes and tide water of small rivers for steelhead and salmon. There are many other good pram made but you just have to look for them. Don’t buy anything that is too narrow. An 8 footer is for mostly one person. The 10 footer is for one or two. The 12 footer is for 2 to 3 anglers. We use long oars(most are too short), electric motors(12v/50#tiller) and/or small outboards to propel these little boats. You have to watch the total weight you put in these boats or they will not work too well. Columbia Fiberglass makes the ‘Olympia’ fiberglass boats that come in many sizes too. They come in 7′ to 14′ and are very good for fly fishing. PS: If you have any questions about small boats & motors (8′ to 16′) for fly fishing let me know. — Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop http://www.kiene.com 800/4000FLY USA toll free

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Here in Texas we have plenty of small ponds, larger lakes and I have been looking for some help in selecting a method to float this type of still warmwater…any suggestions on pros/cons of Float tubes, Cats, canoes and fishing kayaks? Thanks Ed

Response:

Here in Texas we have plenty of small ponds, larger lakes and I have been looking for some help in selecting a method to float this type of still warmwater…any suggestions on pros/cons of Float tubes, Cats, canoes and fishing kayaks? Thanks Ed

I use a 15′ canoe for fishing area lakes and ponds, it also serves as my duck hunting boat.  Canoes can be very stable platforms for pursuing sporting endeavors if they have the proper qualities.  I would look for: 1. Flat to nearly flat bottom 2. a good wide, full length keel 3. at least a 36" beam The model I have fits the bill for me.  It’s light enough for me to easily carry and cartop alone (around 60lbs) and if desired can be outfitted with an electric trolling motor. I can stand and cast with no trouble, although it does take a while to get your sea legs, so to speak.  Mad River, Old Towne and Great Canadian all make models that will serve you well.  I’m sure there are many others but these come to mind first. Good luck and enjoy whatever you decide to get. Natty

Response:

Ed, I fish out of a Keowee  here’s the link.. http://www.asudoit.com/RetailKayakAquPix.html and would love to buy another one for the Mrs. Durable, light, works up to class three rapids..(rated at two but class three is a real roller coaster in it..) there are one or two or three other varities out there but there are two musts….. Adjustable foot rests…(ask your back why) A folding seat back (storage space) Some yaks have a small watertight compartment that is good for wallets and keys and such, I just have a dry bag…okay make a dry bag a must. You can check locally, a lot of kayak clubs have an introductory course you can sign up for…of course they will be into high thrills whitewater but most of the basic info and safety considerations are the same. For fishing, short, broad beam and big cockpit are the keys… gimme an e-mail if i can answer any questions john

Response:

Here in Texas we have plenty of small ponds, larger lakes and I have been looking for some help in selecting a method to float this type of still warmwater…any suggestions on pros/cons of Float tubes, Cats, canoes and fishing kayaks? Thanks Ed

Response:

Here in Texas we have plenty of small ponds, larger lakes and I have been looking for some help in selecting a method to float this type of still warmwater…any suggestions on pros/cons of Float tubes, Cats, canoes and fishing kayaks?

I like sit-on-top kayaks for this kind of fishing. Wilderness Systems Ride is my favorite. — Charlie…

Response:

Same thing here in Georgia, Ed. I ended up getting an aluminum boat and a trailer. I’ve got a 50 pound trolling motor on it. Buying it the way I did, bare bones, I didn’t spend that much, and, hopefully, have a boat that will last many years. Also, if I get a wild hair, I can tow it just about anyplace I would want to go. Also, if I ever get a friend, I have room for two… — Michael Collier Citizen Fisherman – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Here in Texas we have plenty of small ponds, larger lakes and I have been looking for some help in selecting a method to float this type of still warmwater…any suggestions on pros/cons of Float tubes, Cats, canoes and fishing kayaks? Thanks Ed

Response:

Question:

Our Sir Louie goes by many handles but he just acquied a new one today – "Captain Carp."  We *were*supposed to be steelhead fishing but carp proved to be a bigger attraction. He caught him on a #12 stonefly at the base of the dam in Caledonia. Peter

Response:

Yes and Joe F. caught a small mouth by the tail while salmon fishing on friday, Opppps oh no it’s a sucker ( 12" sucker ) Vern

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Our Sir Louie goes by many handles but he just acquied a new one today – "Captain Carp."  We *were*supposed to be steelhead fishing but carp proved to be a bigger attraction. He caught him on a #12 stonefly at the base of the dam in Caledonia. Peter

Response:

Yes and Joe F. caught a small mouth by the tail while salmon fishing on friday, Opppps oh no it’s a sucker ( 12" sucker )

Yep, it’s true.   Not that I could deny it, since I caught it just updtream of the bridge in front of a dozen witnesses.  (Just don’t start calling me "Captain Sucker".)   Joe F. (Good, now I can leave that out of my trip report.)

Response:

the bridge in front of a dozen witnesses.  (Just don’t start calling me "Captain Sucker".)   Joe F. (Good, now I can leave that out of my trip report.)

Since this won’t be part of the trip report we just hafta ask the questions here! What kinda fly were you using while sucker fishing? Were you sucker fishing down and across, upstream-dead-drift, downstream with a twitching retrieve? What’s a sucker fishing license cost in NY?  Where are the best waters to sucker fish?!  Do you know America’s best sucker fishing rivers? And, lastly, for those who are sure to ask.  What weight sucker fishing rod were you using?  What is the best sucker fishing line? What reel do you recommend for sucker fishing? — Wayne (just helping you to keep it all in one bucket, Joe!) To fish is human….To release Divine! Before you buy.

Response:

Question:

Just read an article in my local paper about the NY DEC stocker trucks dumping their annual loads of browns and bows into the local rivers. 8" one year olds and up to 16" two year olds. i welcome a discussion on this program. i’ve heard a lot of pros and cons on this issue. one point is that is provides a lot of fun (if you like to catch dumb stockers), and that fishing pressure neccesitates the stocking program. the counterpoint (which i agree with), is that the inferior stocker fish dilute the gene pool and compete with wild fish for food. the solution seems to be more no kill zones on rivers so the population is not deleted in a single season. i’ve seen this work on rivers in the west where i used to live, and the result was a healthy population of wild fish that were a little harder to catch, but worth the result. in the state of washington where i used to live, the state’s policy is put and take, and they spend millions of dollars and employ thousands of state workers to dump gujillions of fish into the state’s waters. in more enlightened states (MT for example), its been shown that reasonable management of wild fish can result in a plentiful and healthy population. personally i’m not crazy about catching trout with raw noses from living in such tight quarters in the breeding tanks. the wild fish are much healthier and prettier. comments and complaints please. stephen in ny

Response:

As a fellow New Yorker, I pretty much concur with Stephen.  With the vast financial resources of NY State, I think the fishery can do a much better job. While I’m strongly in favor of better stream/river management–a la "no kill/artificial only" to help build healthier and more ‘wild’ trout bases, I also believe that keeping some ‘Put and Take’ spots is critical.  NY should continue to heavily stock parts of streams/rivers near significant population bases where young kids can still have an opportunity to catch fish with worms and bring ‘em home for dinner.   This is what gets kids interested in the outdoors.  Sooner or later they appreciate the ’sport’ of fly fishing, just like the rest of us did, and don’t have a need to keep everything.   For example, I live in the Albany area.  There’s a ton of chatter about state of the Battenkill.  I think the DEC should stock the stream with healthy browns, and then restrict the ENTIRE river in NY to catch and release/artificial only.  Over the next few years, assuming people don’t keep anything, this river ought to bounce back.  Most of the Battenkill winds through very rural areas, so there isn’t a huge population base thats really affected by the change in policy. At the same time, the DED should continue stocking the Kaydeross and Geyser Creeks, understanding that ninety percent of those fish are going to be fried for dinner. The Battenkill becomes the classic trout tream it once was, and the Kaydeross is the stream we all grew up with… My two cents, but NY, has large opportunities for improvement. Pete

Response:

Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello! Just one warning from disappointed customer! I had an accident in last august and i broke my Orvis rod. Of course my rod has so called no questions asked quarantee for 25 years since i’m the original owner. So i left my rod in local dealer which send it to local importer – This all happened in during august last year and now it is the beginning of the fishing season and the rod is still in repair!! Nice work Orvis – it is the last of your rods that i’m going to buy! I would be even willing to pay for a decent repair time but this is ridiculous. May this Orvis 25year quarantee means that i have to now wait for 23 years to get my rod repaired… Disappointed customer -Timo ps. IMHO No questions asked quarantees are not good for fly fishing – i’m afraid that smaller rod makers will suffer eventually since the amount of broken rods will increase when the rods gets older…

Same with me Timo, I had similar problem with Orvis in the Netherlands. Their unconditional waranty works great in USA, but outside you will have to wait about a full year to get your repair done or your rod replaced. I changed to Sage and my local dealer replaces every broken (if ever) Sage immediately and gets his from Sage within a few weeks. Ger.

Response:

I disagree, Dave. Having broken my PM-10 9′0" 8 wgt rod two years ago, I did some inquiries and found significant turnaround time between going thru the dealer and mailing it back directly to Orvis. My shipping costs were bearable given the fact that it was the height of saltwater season, and it took only 3 weeks to get it back.  Time is money, and when it comes to my fishing time, it’s worth $1000 an hour…. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Any Orvis dealer will take care of it for you.  Or you could ship directly to Orvis in Manchester, VT, but you’d pay the shipping charge.  Let your closest Orvis dealer do it.   Dave LaCourse

Response:

<<I disagree, Dave. Having broken my PM-10 9′0" 8 wgt rod two years ago, I did some inquiries and found significant turnaround time between going thru the dealer and mailing it back directly to Orvis. My shipping costs were bearable given the fact that it was the height of saltwater season, and it took only 3 weeks to get it back. First time I broke a rod (tip in a door – dumb), it took 4 weeks — through the dealer.  Second time (butt – fell on it — dumb) it took two weeks.  We’re about even.   Dave L.

Response:

When I needed my PM-10 9-wt replaced (I bought the rod for $145, on "clearance"), I walked into the Orvis Manchester, VT store, and the clerk walked into the back room and came out with a new rod.  I’d have to say it took about 30-40 seconds. Bob Scott Orvis fan

Response:

well that’s still better than a Reddington which is worth nothing – – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -What do you expect them to do after you paid eight times what the rod cost to build? — Ernie Harrison Remove NOSPAM to send E-mail I had great success with the Orvis guarantee.  I bought a trident in early 1997 that was a 1996 model discounted by about $100.00.  I broke the rod in the Summer of 1997 and returned it to my Orvis dealer here in Houston to get it repaired under the guarantee. The manager of the Houston store, Dave Haywood,  loaned me a replacement rod, a brand new Trident, and took my broken rod and sent it to Orvis in VT.  I didn’t even pay shipping charges.  Three weeks later Orvis sent me a brand new trident,  worth over $100.00 more than I had invested in the original rod.  I returned the loaner and have yet to spend a penny or to be inconvenienced much because of the broken rod.  When I think I could have been out a $400.00 rod I become ever more appreciative of the manner in which the whole affair was handled. I am not some crony of the store manager.  I met him when I bought the rod.  He had no reason to treat me any different than anyone else so I have to assume this is standard policy, at least here in the Houston area. It sounds like the troubles experienced with the guarantee are a function of the dealer.  I would bet a direct contact with the Orvis customer service people would get you the action you deserve. Tom

Ralph H note spurious hyperbole, insults and ‘personal attacks’ made by the author are meant to honour "the Soul of Cicero" and are not intended as personal slights. Please don’t take offense as none is intended. remove "(take_this_out)" for email reply.

Response:

Yes, I suppose the Reddington won’t be worth much either since Orvis bought them. — Ernie Harrison Remove NOSPAM to send E-mail GO TO http://users.ccnet.com/~emh FOR TRAVEL TIE BOX PLANS

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – well that’s still better than a Reddington which is worth nothing – What do you expect them to do after you paid eight times what the rod cost to build? — Ernie Harrison Remove NOSPAM to send E-mail I had great success with the Orvis guarantee.  I bought a trident in early 1997 that was a 1996 model discounted by about $100.00.  I broke the rod in the Summer of 1997 and returned it to my Orvis dealer here in Houston to get it repaired under the guarantee. The manager of the Houston store, Dave Haywood,  loaned me a replacement rod, a brand new Trident, and took my broken rod and sent it to Orvis in VT. I didn’t even pay shipping charges.  Three weeks later Orvis sent me a brand new trident,  worth over $100.00 more than I had invested in the original rod.  I returned the loaner and have yet to spend a penny or to be inconvenienced much because of the broken rod.  When I think I could have been out a $400.00 rod I become ever more appreciative of the manner in which the whole affair was handled. I am not some crony of the store manager.  I met him when I bought the rod.  He had no reason to treat me any different than anyone else so I have to assume this is standard policy, at least here in the Houston area. It sounds like the troubles experienced with the guarantee are a function of the dealer.  I would bet a direct contact with the Orvis customer service people would get you the action you deserve. Tom Ralph H note spurious hyperbole, insults and ‘personal attacks’ made by the author are meant to honour "the Soul of Cicero" and are not intended as personal slights. Please don’t take offense as none is intended. remove "(take_this_out)" for email reply.

Response:

Finally, someone who understands the truth behind these "Guarantees". – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -What do you expect them to do after you paid eight times what the rod cost to build? — Ernie Harrison Remove NOSPAM to send E-mail I had great success with the Orvis guarantee.  I bought a trident in early 1997 that was a 1996 model discounted by about $100.00.  I broke the rod in the Summer of 1997 and returned it to my Orvis dealer here in Houston to get it repaired under the guarantee. The manager of the Houston store, Dave Haywood,  loaned me a replacement rod, a brand new Trident, and took my broken rod and sent it to Orvis in VT.  I didn’t even pay shipping charges.  Three weeks later Orvis sent me a brand new trident,  worth over $100.00 more than I had invested in the original rod.  I returned the loaner and have yet to spend a penny or to be inconvenienced much because of the broken rod.  When I think I could have been out a $400.00 rod I become ever more appreciative of the manner in which the whole affair was handled. I am not some crony of the store manager.  I met him when I bought the rod.  He had no reason to treat me any different than anyone else so I have to assume this is standard policy, at least here in the Houston area. It sounds like the troubles experienced with the guarantee are a function of the dealer.  I would bet a direct contact with the Orvis customer service people would get you the action you deserve. Tom

Response:

What do you expect them to do after you paid eight times what the rod cost to build? — Ernie Harrison Remove NOSPAM to send E-mail – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I had great success with the Orvis guarantee.  I bought a trident in early 1997 that was a 1996 model discounted by about $100.00.  I broke the rod in the Summer of 1997 and returned it to my Orvis dealer here in Houston to get it repaired under the guarantee. The manager of the Houston store, Dave Haywood,  loaned me a replacement rod, a brand new Trident, and took my broken rod and sent it to Orvis in VT.  I didn’t even pay shipping charges.  Three weeks later Orvis sent me a brand new trident,  worth over $100.00 more than I had invested in the original rod.  I returned the loaner and have yet to spend a penny or to be inconvenienced much because of the broken rod.  When I think I could have been out a $400.00 rod I become ever more appreciative of the manner in which the whole affair was handled. I am not some crony of the store manager.  I met him when I bought the rod.  He had no reason to treat me any different than anyone else so I have to assume this is standard policy, at least here in the Houston area. It sounds like the troubles experienced with the guarantee are a function of the dealer.  I would bet a direct contact with the Orvis customer service people would get you the action you deserve. Tom

Response:

  I had an accident in last august and i broke my Orvis rod.   Of course my rod has so called no questions asked quarantee   for 25 years since i’m the original owner. So i left my rod in   local dealer which send it to local importer – This all happened   in during august last year and now it is the beginning of the   fishing season and the rod is still in repair!! Nice work Orvis –   it is the last of your rods that i’m going to buy! I would be even   willing to pay for a decent repair time but this is ridiculous.

I’ve had no problem with them at all – nor has anyone I’ve ever talked to.  They are prompt and courteous.  Even so, I’d never leave a rod and not do anything about it for months.  I always keep close tabs on my repairs, and have never had problems with _any_ company’s guarantee.  Things occasionally get lost or misplaced. What you didn’t tell us is what you have actually done to rectify the situation.  A simple call to Orvis would handle this without problem – something you should have done about 6 months ago.  It would be a hell of a lot more productive than taking time to rant on this newsgroup. Also, if you feel so strongly that these guarantees are bad for flyfishing, then 1) why did you not buy a rod from someone who doesn’t offer one and 2) why did you send your rod in for warrantee work?  If you actually feel this way, both of those actions are more than a little hypocritical. -tgades — Tony Gades. Seattle, WA.  USA http://weber.u.washington.edu/~tgades http://weber.u.washington.edu/~tgades/Fishing/fish_page.html NOTICE: DO NOT ADD MY NAME TO _ANY_ MAILING LISTS.  

Response:

Dave, thanks for the info. I was hoping I could do this. I still have the card that was attached to the registration card (which was already sent in) and it talks about shipping to their Vermont site. My problem was just trying to figure out how to get a box that it would fit in. Thanks again. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Bob Bently writes: <<With regards to the Orvis guarantee, can I take a rod to any Orvis dealer and have him ship it back for repair/replacement, or do I have to take it to the dealer I bought it from? Any Orvis dealer will take care of it for you.  Or you could ship directly to Orvis in Manchester, VT, but you’d pay the shipping charge.  Let your closest Orvis dealer do it. Dave LaCourse

Response:

Bob Bently writes:

<<With regards to the Orvis guarantee, can I take a rod to any Orvis dealer and have him ship it back for repair/replacement, or do I have to take it to the dealer I bought it from? Any Orvis dealer will take care of it for you.  Or you could ship directly to Orvis in Manchester, VT, but you’d pay the shipping charge.  Let your closest Orvis dealer do it.   Dave LaCourse

Response:

I had great success with the Orvis guarantee.  I bought a trident in early 1997 that was a 1996 model discounted by about $100.00.  I broke the rod in the Summer of 1997 and returned it to my Orvis dealer here in Houston to get it repaired under the guarantee. The manager of the Houston store, Dave Haywood,  loaned me a replacement rod, a brand new Trident, and took my broken rod and sent it to Orvis in VT.  I didn’t even pay shipping charges.  Three weeks later Orvis sent me a brand new trident,  worth over $100.00 more than I had invested in the original rod.  I returned the loaner and have yet to spend a penny or to be inconvenienced much because of the broken rod.  When I think I could have been out a $400.00 rod I become ever more appreciative of the manner in which the whole affair was handled. I am not some crony of the store manager.  I met him when I bought the rod.  He had no reason to treat me any different than anyone else so I have to assume this is standard policy, at least here in the Houston area. It sounds like the troubles experienced with the guarantee are a function of the dealer.  I would bet a direct contact with the Orvis customer service people would get you the action you deserve. Tom

Response:

With regards to the Orvis guarantee, can I take a rod to any Orvis dealer and have him ship it back for repair/replacement, or do I have to take it to the dealer I bought it from? I ask, because I broke my new Silver Label 8wt of the weekend. There is a dealer nearby, but I bought it from another dealer which is 3.5 hours away? Thanks for any info. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I had great success with the Orvis guarantee.  I bought a trident in early 1997 that was a 1996 model discounted by about $100.00.  I broke the rod in the Summer of 1997 and returned it to my Orvis dealer here in Houston to get it repaired under the guarantee. The manager of the Houston store, Dave Haywood,  loaned me a replacement rod, a brand new Trident, and took my broken rod and sent it to Orvis in VT.  I didn’t even pay shipping charges.  Three weeks later Orvis sent me a brand new trident,  worth over $100.00 more than I had invested in the original rod.  I returned the loaner and have yet to spend a penny or to be inconvenienced much because of the broken rod.  When I think I could have been out a $400.00 rod I become ever more appreciative of the manner in which the whole affair was handled. I am not some crony of the store manager.  I met him when I bought the rod.  He had no reason to treat me any different than anyone else so I have to assume this is standard policy, at least here in the Houston area. It sounds like the troubles experienced with the guarantee are a function of the dealer.  I would bet a direct contact with the Orvis customer service people would get you the action you deserve. Tom

Response:

Timo Harjunen writes:

<<I had an accident in last august and i broke my Orvis rod. Of course my rod has so called no questions asked quarantee for 25 years since i’m the original owner. So i left my rod in local dealer which send it to local importer – This all happened in during august last year and now it is the beginning of the fishing season and the rod is still in repair!! Nice work Orvis – it is the last of your rods that i’m going to buy! I would be even willing to pay for a decent repair time but this is ridiculous. It may be your local dealer that is the trouble, Timo.  I accidently broke two Orvis rods (at different times over the years) and they were "in the shop" four weeks (the longest period).  You should write to Orvis in Manchester, Vermont, USA, and ask them about it.   Do not expect your dealer to work for you on this.   I suspect you are in Finland — good Finnish names — so the mail may also be the culprit in all of this. Dave LaCourse

Response:

Hello! Just one warning from disappointed customer! I had an accident in last august and i broke my Orvis rod. Of course my rod has so called no questions asked quarantee for 25 years since i’m the original owner. So i left my rod in local dealer which send it to local importer – This all happened in during august last year and now it is the beginning of the fishing season and the rod is still in repair!! Nice work Orvis – it is the last of your rods that i’m going to buy! I would be even willing to pay for a decent repair time but this is ridiculous. May this Orvis 25year quarantee means that i have to now wait for 23 years to get my rod repaired… Disappointed customer -Timo ps. IMHO No questions asked quarantees are not good for fly fishing – i’m afraid that smaller rod makers will suffer eventually since the amount of broken rods will increase when the rods gets older…

Response:

Question:

        I recently posted an ad for some Orvis gear I have for sale. In the ad, I  blasted some of the company’s corporate people…pretty strongly, I guess,  judging from the response….         In retrospect, I realize that my feelings towards them probably should not  have been posted in a public, albeit small, forum. I believe, therefore, that  I should make the following apologies…..         1. To the members of the group…I apologize.         2. To those few (damn few) at the company who were upfront…I apologize.         3. Finally, to M_ _ _ at Orvis, who apparently took exception to my reference  of "ratdick corporate suckups". So much so, in fact, that he took time out  from his busy schedule (of signing up guides who use live bait on their ‘fly  poles’), to call me at home and threaten to ‘kick my ass’ the next time he is  in Louisiana. My sincerest apologies to rats everywhere for any feelings of  inadequacy my comparison may have caused. Trust me, fellas, you got nothing to  worry about….. By the way, thanks to all of you who wrote expressing support and similar  stories…. Calm Seas…. Capt. Briant Smith

Response:

CaptBriant has a point.  Look what’s happening to our sport.  Before the MOVIE came out, the industry was looking for talented people, preferably college graduates, who could proficiently instruct persons in the art of fly fishing.  Folks like CaptBriant were considered the next Lefty Kreh. Along comes the MOVIE, and just about every joker who thinks he can fly cast goes out soliciting to make a name for himself.  Suddenly, the companies get this great idea: rather than deal with intellectuals like CaptBriant who think independently and want us to compensate THEM – let’s take a bunch of these baitchunking, fly fish "wannabes" put logos on their shirts like BASS pros, and have them compensate us in some form or fashion.  Or better yet, make them do as we command!   Problem is that a lot of these yahoos could care less about the aesthetics of our sport, the art, the literature, the need for conservation, the importance of passing ideals and morals that we learn from fishing on to our young people.  As a result, the "art" of fly fishing has become almost all sport. Granted there are still more good guides and instructors under these programs than bad ones, but I’m concerned.   More and more, I find myself having to reteach some of my students out of the bad habits and incorrect methods they learn from such yahoos. Go on, CaptBriant, and preach the word.  The multitudes hear your voice and it speaks the truth!

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – CaptBriant has a point.  Look what’s happening to our sport.  Before the MOVIE came out, the industry was looking for talented people, preferably college graduates, who could proficiently instruct persons in the art of fly fishing.  Folks like CaptBriant were considered the next Lefty Kreh. Along comes the MOVIE, and just about every joker who thinks he can fly cast goes out soliciting to make a name for himself.  Suddenly, the companies get this great idea: rather than deal with intellectuals like CaptBriant who think independently and want us to compensate THEM – let’s take a bunch of these baitchunking, fly fish "wannabes" put logos on their shirts like BASS pros, and have them compensate us in some form or fashion.  Or better yet, make them do as we command! Problem is that a lot of these yahoos could care less about the aesthetics of our sport, the art, the literature, the need for conservation, the importance of passing ideals and morals that we learn from fishing on to our young people.  As a result, the "art" of fly fishing has become almost all sport. Granted there are still more good guides and instructors under these programs than bad ones, but I’m concerned.   More and more, I find myself having to reteach some of my students out of the bad habits and incorrect methods they learn from such yahoos. Go on, CaptBriant, and preach the word.  The multitudes hear your voice and it speaks the truth!

  Good post. I agree completely. Willi

Response:

What MOVIE are we talking about??  If you’re talking about A River Runs Trough it, I agree and disagree.  You made some good points in this post.  However, so what if a beautiful movie comes along and glorifies our sport, and gets more people into flyfishing (for a little while anyhow).  While you may think it’s a bummer to see more people fishing your favorite pools and runs, I think it’s great that some medium has influenced people to get outdoors, have fun, and respect the planet. It’s like saying, "damn that man on the moon airing!! Now every Tom, Dick, and Harry wants to be an astronaut and study more in science class!"  Just my two cents. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – CaptBriant has a point.  Look what’s happening to our sport.  Before the MOVIE came out, the industry was looking for talented people, preferably college graduates, who could proficiently instruct persons in the art of fly fishing.  Folks like CaptBriant were considered the next Lefty Kreh. Along comes the MOVIE, and just about every joker who thinks he can fly cast goes out soliciting to make a name for himself.  Suddenly, the companies get this great idea: rather than deal with intellectuals like CaptBriant who think independently and want us to compensate THEM – let’s take a bunch of these baitchunking, fly fish "wannabes" put logos on their shirts like BASS pros, and have them compensate us in some form or fashion.  Or better yet, make them do as we command! Problem is that a lot of these yahoos could care less about the aesthetics of our sport, the art, the literature, the need for conservation, the importance of passing ideals and morals that we learn from fishing on to our young people.  As a result, the "art" of fly fishing has become almost all sport. Granted there are still more good guides and instructors under these programs than bad ones, but I’m concerned.   More and more, I find myself having to reteach some of my students out of the bad habits and incorrect methods they learn from such yahoos. Go on, CaptBriant, and preach the word.  The multitudes hear your voice and it speaks the truth!

Response:

Question:

… A good caster can get a good presentation with any good rod.

I’ll second that thought!  At $10/hour that extra $200 could have been spent fishing for 3 days.  This has the side benefit that after three days of fishing they would probably be a better caster. MikeH

Response:

Anne,         I feel more of a difference (which is to say so little that I think it’ just because I know the rod is a multi-piece rather than a 2 piece)between 2piece rods than 3,4, or 6 piece rods.  Also, in my experience that a rod tube of about 36" in length or shorter, straps very easily to the side of my backpack and I only notice it when I sit down or bushwhack with the pack on. Bob – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Do any of you find a great difference in action between the 3 piece and 4 piece? I hope to be buying my first rod soon and would like other opinions on this rather than just the salesman’s.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Anne, I feel more of a difference (which is to say so little that I think it’ just because I know the rod is a multi-piece rather than a 2 piece)between 2piece rods than 3,4, or 6 piece rods.  Also, in my experience that a rod tube of about 36" in length or shorter, straps very easily to the side of my backpack and I only notice it when I sit down or bushwhack with the pack on. Do any of you find a great difference in action between the 3 piece and 4 piece? I hope to be buying my first rod soon and would like other opinions on this rather than just the salesman’s. I never had a problem with a 2-piece rod strapped to the side of my backpack. And I trekked it all over the Sierras.  Of course that’s pretty easy hiking.

If you’ve a nice open trail, I would agree, but I’ve taken my 2-piece and 4-piece backpacking.  The 4-piece is about the same size as the pack, therefore if it doesn’t hit your pack, it doesn’t hit your rod.  The two piece tends to stick out like a flagpole.  Go under anything and you can be sure you’ll bang into it.  After nearly taking a tumble into the Gorge (I would have hit I-84 first I won’t backpack with anything less than a 4-piece. My $0.02,      - Ken — Ken Janik Oregon State University Dept of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Response:

Our customers in Sacramento, CA have been buying more 3, 4 and now 5 piece rods every year. The multi piece rods cast some much better today than they did 20 to 30 years ago. Nine foot, three piece rods are the hottest thing going in northern California. We have around a hundred different 3, 4 and 5 piece rods to choose from in our store. We do stock about 200 different two piece fly rods as they are still very popular. Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Our customers in Sacramento, CA have been buying more 3, 4 and now 5 piece rods every year. The multi piece rods cast some much better today than they did 20 to 30 years ago. Nine foot, three piece rods are the hottest thing going in northern California. We have around a hundred different 3, 4 and 5 piece rods to choose from in our store. We do stock about 200 different two piece fly rods as they are still very popular. Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY

I think what Bill wants to say that there is basically no difference in performance between good 2 piece vs 3/4/5 piece rods. They might feel slightly different but I think that’s mor because you know it than you really feel it. I see *NO* reason to but a 2 piece today, the convenience and safety when packing, driving, flying, hiking etc. is unbeatable. Thomas — Thomas Urbig

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Anne, I feel more of a difference (which is to say so little that I think it’ just because I know the rod is a multi-piece rather than a 2 piece)between 2piece rods than 3,4, or 6 piece rods.  Also, in my experience that a rod tube of about 36" in length or shorter, straps very easily to the side of my backpack and I only notice it when I sit down or bushwhack with the pack on. Do any of you find a great difference in action between the 3 piece and 4 piece? I hope to be buying my first rod soon and would like other opinions on this rather than just the salesman’s. I never had a problem with a 2-piece rod strapped to the side of my backpack. And I trekked it all over the Sierras.  Of course that’s pretty easy hiking.

Having also done quite a bit of hiking in the Sierra with a flyrod I have found that a sturdy flyrod tube also makes a decent walking staff.  I’ve found that I would generally prefer to carry the rod in a tube by hand instead of of strapping to a pack.  There have been a couple of occasions where I’ve slipped on some shale or a slick section along a streambed and I’ve just tossed the rod somewhere "safe" as I was going down. John Fereira

Response:

There is a much wider choice of 4-piece than 3-piece. I have tried Loomis IMX 4-t. in 2- and 4-piece. Tremendous difference in feeling(4-piece feels much heavier) but casting length did not differ much. Then I tried Scott STS. It was practically impossible to distinguish between 2-piece and 4-piece. I do not think there is a general answer to your question. It depends on brand an model. You  m u s t  try before you buy! Regards Jan Erik Frithjofsen – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Let us not forget that a four piece rod can be broken down into two equal lengths for a quick bush walk to the next hole. Do any of you find a great difference in action between the 3 piece and 4 piece? I hope to be buying my first rod soon and would like other opinions on this rather than just the salesman’s.

Response:

Let us not forget that a four piece rod can be broken down into two equal lengths for a quick bush walk to the next hole.

Do any of you find a great difference in action between the 3 piece and 4 piece? I hope to be buying my first rod soon and would like other opinions on this rather than just the salesman’s.

Response:

Let us not forget that a four piece rod can be broken down into two equal lengths for a quick bush walk to the next hole. Do any of you find a great difference in action between the 3 piece and 4 piece? I hope to be buying my first rod soon and would like other opinions on this rather than just the salesman’s.

I use  two piece rods in a rod case stiff enough to double as a walking stick. I’ve never been in a situation where I needed to break a rod down into shorter pieces. . . Maybe if you’re hiking over the course of a week or so, and getting into desolate country where you just don’t want to be carrying a rod in hand. But I’ve always been fine with carrying a rod to go fishing. . . two pieces have a much nicer action than three or four. I suggest a mid priced rod –in the $90 – $100 range until you can explain to the salesperson what it is you need and why. For trout, a medium fast action, nine feet, in a five or six weight. A good basic rod –in two pieces. BTW I have an eight foot in 3 – 4 wt. a nine foot in 6 wt. for trout, and a nine in 8 wt. for steelhead. All good quality graphite, all about $100. And I’ve been doing this fly fishing stuff for about three decades now, love pulling the fish out of the holding area just thrashed by the guy with the $300 Sage without a single rise. A good caster can get a good presentation with any good rod. A good rod won’t help a poor caster make a good presentation.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I never had a problem with a 2-piece rod strapped to the side of my backpack. And I trekked it all over the Sierras.  Of course that’s pretty easy hiking. If you’ve a nice open trail, I would agree, but I’ve taken my 2-piece and 4-piece backpacking.  The 4-piece is about the same size as the pack, therefore if it doesn’t hit your pack, it doesn’t hit your rod.  The two piece tends to stick out like a flagpole.  Go under anything and you can be sure you’ll bang into it.  

That’s what I meant by easy hiking.  Open trails and scaling rock walls, no ducking under things.  But yeah, it is like a flagpole.  But a nice place to hang a sweaty bandana. -Burton — L. Burton Hawley           2330 NW Hummingbird Corvallis, OR

Response:

Let us not forget that a four piece rod can be broken down into two equal lengths for a quick bush walk to the next hole.

Response:

Anne, I feel more of a difference (which is to say so little that I think it’ just because I know the rod is a multi-piece rather than a 2 piece)between 2piece rods than 3,4, or 6 piece rods.  Also, in my experience that a rod tube of about 36" in length or shorter, straps very easily to the side of my backpack and I only notice it when I sit down or bushwhack with the pack on. Do any of you find a great difference in action between the 3 piece and 4 piece? I hope to be buying my first rod soon and would like other opinions on this rather than just the salesman’s.

I never had a problem with a 2-piece rod strapped to the side of my backpack. And I trekked it all over the Sierras.  Of course that’s pretty easy hiking. -Burton — L. Burton Hawley         2330 NW Hummingbird Corvallis, OR

Response:

Having being bitten by the rod building bug this winter (3 down so far), I’ve decided to put together a pack rod.  What I’m wondering is whether for airplane luggage a 3 piece 9 footer (36 inch sections) is allowed in overhead, or whether I have to drop to a 4 piece (27 inch sections) to be able to carry it on.  I’d prefer a 3 piece because my blank of choice right now is a Scott Alpha (very nice for the money, at least for the 2 piece ones I’ve built with it!), but will do a four piece if I have to. Opinions? Troy

        Most overheads will take up to 48" . So most three piece rods will fit.                  Harv

Response:

Having being bitten by the rod building bug this winter (3 down so far), I’ve decided to put together a pack rod.  What I’m wondering is whether for airplane luggage a 3 piece 9 footer (36 inch sections) is allowed in overhead, or whether I have to drop to a 4 piece (27 inch sections) to be able to carry it on.  I’d prefer a 3 piece because my blank of choice right now is a Scott Alpha (very nice for the money, at least for the 2 piece ones I’ve built with it!), but will do a four piece if I have to. Opinions? Troy

I have a 3 and a 4 pc. and both will fit in overheads. However the 4 pc. will fit inside most of my luggage, whereas the 3 pc. will not, and I don’t feel like buying new luggage. So when I fly I bring the 4 pc., while I stow the 3 pc. on the boat.                                                                 jc

Response:

Having being bitten by the rod building bug this winter (3 down so far), I’ve decided to put together a pack rod.  What I’m wondering is whether for airplane luggage a 3 piece 9 footer (36 inch sections) is allowed in overhead, or whether I have to drop to a 4 piece (27 inch sections) to be able to carry it on.  I’d prefer a 3 piece because my blank of choice right now is a Scott Alpha (very nice for the money, at least for the 2 piece ones I’ve built with it!), but will do a four piece if I have to. Opinions? Troy

Response:

Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Going to fish the Bighorn in September.  Any suggestions regarding guides, flies, gear, best spots, etc.???  Any information you can share is appreciated. Hi Black caddis (#18 – #20), tan caddis (#14) and Trico’s (#20) are the main hatches at that time of the year.  You need to call the different shops in Fort Smith to schedule a guide OR you can rent a boat and do your own trip.  Usually people fish the first 13 miles of the Big Horn below Yellowtail Dam.  There are three fishing access locations 1. After Bay at Fort Smith, 2. Three Mile, and 3. Big Horn (13 mile).  Usually people float from either After Bay or Three Mile to Big Horn access.  There are many places along the way to stop and wade fish. I’m not sure what the stream flows will be in September but last week the river was fairly high and moving right along.  There was still great fishing.  To monitor the stream flows for the Big Horn AND the rest of Montana check out the Current Stream Flow report on the net at http://wwwdmthln.cr.usgs.gov/www/rt/rt_table.html Good luck and Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (96 catalog)

A good place to stay on the Big Horn is the Cottonwood Camp.  They are located below Ft. Smith near Three Mile. There units are small campers or converted camper bus.  Shower and store facilities at the site.  Cost was $10.00 per person per night.  Couldn’t beat the cost or the hospitality.  Enjoy!!

Response:

Al, I’m going to be in Bozeman next weekend, Friday thru Monday, (August 1-4).  Can you recommend a guide for nearby waters?  How about flies for this time of year? Thanks, Bob McAnulty PS:  Will you also forward address, phone number, hours info on your shop? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Going to fish the Bighorn in September.  Any suggestions regarding guides, flies, gear, best spots, etc.???  Any information you can share is appreciated. Hi Black caddis (#18 – #20), tan caddis (#14) and Trico’s (#20) are the main hatches at that time of the year.  You need to call the different shops in Fort Smith to schedule a guide OR you can rent a boat and do your own trip.  Usually people fish the first 13 miles of the Big Horn below Yellowtail Dam.  There are three fishing access locations 1. After Bay at Fort Smith, 2. Three Mile, and 3. Big Horn (13 mile).  Usually people float from either After Bay or Three Mile to Big Horn access.  There are many places along the way to stop and wade fish. I’m not sure what the stream flows will be in September but last week the river was fairly high and moving right along.  There was still great fishing.  To monitor the stream flows for the Big Horn AND the rest of Montana check out the Current Stream Flow report on the net at http://wwwdmthln.cr.usgs.gov/www/rt/rt_table.html Good luck and Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (96 catalog)

Response:

Going to fish the Bighorn in September.  Any suggestions regarding guides, flies, gear, best spots, etc.???  Any information you can share is appreciated. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

Going to fish the Bighorn in September.  Any suggestions regarding guides, flies, gear, best spots, etc.???  Any information you can share is appreciated.

Hi Black caddis (#18 – #20), tan caddis (#14) and Trico’s (#20) are the main hatches at that time of the year.  You need to call the different shops in Fort Smith to schedule a guide OR you can rent a boat and do your own trip.  Usually people fish the first 13 miles of the Big Horn below Yellowtail Dam.  There are three fishing access locations 1. After Bay at Fort Smith, 2. Three Mile, and 3. Big Horn (13 mile).  Usually people float from either After Bay or Three Mile to Big Horn access.  There are many places along the way to stop and wade fish. I’m not sure what the stream flows will be in September but last week the river was fairly high and moving right along.  There was still great fishing.  To monitor the stream flows for the Big Horn AND the rest of Montana check out the Current Stream Flow report on the net at http://wwwdmthln.cr.usgs.gov/www/rt/rt_table.html Good luck and Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (96 catalog)

Response:

Question:

I think I’ve seen a guy at some of the FF shows who sells antique old style hooks for fly tying.  I want to do some tying for displays and would like to use good reproduction hooks.  I’m mostly looking for wet fly hooks with the squared off bend.  Can anyone suggest a source for these?  Thanks in advance.  E-mail or post response. Dave Wood Catch and release

Response:

writes:  I’m mostly looking for wet fly hooks with the squared off bend.  Can anyone suggest a source for these?

This type of bend is called a sneck bend.  It is the weakest type of bend and was originally done to help hide the point of the hook under the body of the fly.  I believe you can still get these from Partridge and possibly from Daiichi.                                                      Dan Dan Gracia                                                               Orvis West Coast Fly Fishing Schools If you kill that big fish you can’t catch ‘em again.  So what if they eat other fish?  If you kill the big ones there will only be little ones left (funny how that works!).

Response:

Question:

Ron,   Try a bright light green, cream, orange, or hot pink glo bug and sink the fly so it drifts drag free across the bottom. Also try some bright colored western spey flies and steelhead flies. There is a person named Helvie that wrote a book on steelhead flies, look through that also . —

Response:

  On the Puyallup river in Washington State I have seen several people    I have only seen one fly fisherman on this river and wonder   why?                                          Thanks Ron

    Ron – You don’t see many trying to flyfish the Puyallup River because, by the time the steelhead arrive in the Summer or Fall, the river is floured (like coffee with cream).  Once the snow melt on the glaciers is done and we start getting ice melt, only stink baits really work well on this glacier-fed river. The glaciers have volcanic ash in them that "flour" the water.                         – Jewelee                           Puyallup, WA

Response:

On the Puyallup river in Washington State I have seen several people using spincasting gear with spinners to catch Steelhead.  I am new to fly fishing and am hooked.  I know I will never be a worm fisherman again!!!!  I would think that a fly rod would do a awsome job on this river.  I have only seen one fly fisherman on this river and wonder why?  I am going to try this weekend and would like any suggestions on types of flies and patterns to use?  The spinners that I have seen people use have had bright orange on them.                                        Thanks Ron

Response:

Ron,    I have not fished the Puyallup yet, but I tie a wooly bugger pattern with black marabou and flashabou, and an orange marabou that are more successful overall than the classic Skykomish Sunrise, etc. An advantage for me is that they are easy to tie and when I lose one, it’s not like losing an art treasure. email me about your success. I could send you some flies in exchange for good wading locations. good luck!    Jack – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – On the Puyallup river in Washington State I have seen several people using spincasting gear with spinners to catch Steelhead.  I am new to fly fishing and am hooked.  I know I will never be a worm fisherman again!!!!  I would think that a fly rod would do a awsome job on this river.  I have only seen one fly fisherman on this river and wonder why?  I am going to try this weekend and would like any suggestions on types of flies and patterns to use?  The spinners that I have seen people use have had bright orange on them.                                        Thanks Ron

Response: