Question:

 Why bright orange ?   Hunters ?

Obviously, you don’t read InStyle magazine.  Get with the program. Mu

Response:

Every time I see the title of this thread I shudder, and I think, no . . . there’s no way I can comment at all on someone’s butt leak. I’m still shuddering. Memphis Jim

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve been through several pairs of various breathable waders too damn quickly …. they all developed leaks in the rear I’m sure this is because I fish from a kickboat a lot and the kicking while sitting on a fairly hard surface stresses the membrane under my rear and causes it to fail before I rush out to spend the big bucks on Sims …. will they stand up to this use?  I’ve heard enough " the very best" reports about them to believe they are the best and tough in "normal" use … but I’m not sure my lard ass kickin round the pond is normal Anyone used Sim guides for a LONG time with LOTS of kickboat time …. or should I just stick with my old neoprenes for that use? —–= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =—– http://www.newsfeeds.com – The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! —–==  Over 80,000 Newsgroups – 16 Different Servers! =—–

Response:

I fish around 60  days a year, and that will be going up ( assuming enough snow to make water to fish in) to around 100, as I am now semi-retired I am getting Sims, waiting for the G3’s.  I will use them for all wade fishing, where my kickboat isn’t a factor. But the real reason for my post was to see if the "seat crunching, material sliding on itself under pressure" deal of kickboat use ( both kicking and rowing cause this sliding)  is simply beyond "breathable" technology. If breathables can be made to last, they are ideal.  Since most of your body is out of the water, rowing or kicking, breathable is literally "cool" but when you stop to wade fish, leaks are far too cool. FWIW, I just this minute called Simms and the nice lady told me that "guide input" was a a reason the G3’s will have a greatly tougher "rear" and, implied that they have had problems with the membrane breaking down under lots of "kickboat" use ( rowing a drift boat would be the same, btw ) and felt the new design would solve the problem …but "Nothing is infallible." I have good 5mm neoprenes, but roast in them, maybe I’ll try some 3mm, or a second pair of cheaper breathables for when I drift rivers in the watermaster or fish still waters using it Then again, maybe I’ll just use the Simms and end up with a sad tale, or great product testimonial —–= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =—– http://www.newsfeeds.com – The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! —–==  Over 80,000 Newsgroups – 16 Different Servers! =—–

Response:

hehe …sorry most of the outdoorsmen I know aren’t that sensitive. I’ll be more careful in the future …. —–= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =—– http://www.newsfeeds.com – The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! —–==  Over 80,000 Newsgroups – 16 Different Servers! =—–

Response:

  If you have to hike long distances to get to your spots and you wear   your waders, you’ll eventually blow out the seams or the neoprene in the   feet. More and more, I find myself packing my waders and a pair of   lightweight boots until I get there.   That’s where most of my wear comes from. You can go through lots of felts that way. I also wear out the insides of the legs of my waders. Like you pointed out to me, I sound like a kid with new corduroys when I walk in my waders. I think I’ll continue to wear them out this way because I don’t like to fish with a pack on my back and I’m either too absent minded or get too preoccupied when fishing to remember picking up a pack when I put it down. Willi

Response:

FWIW, I just this minute called Simms and the nice lady told me that "guide input" was a a reason the G3’s will have a greatly tougher "rear" and, implied that they have had problems with the membrane breaking down under lots of "kickboat" use ( rowing a drift boat would be the same, btw ) and felt the new design would solve the problem …but "Nothing is infallible."

Blaze orange neoprene butt pads ought to be integral to every pair of waders – that is if you don;t mind looking like an orangutan in heat. Mu

Response:

This one’s easy, never eat olestra while flyfishing. Your pal, — TBone

Response:

Why bright orange ?   Hunters ? Not a bad idea. A camper got shot on the AT here in Georgia the other day. I was surprised to learn that it is even legal to shoot *from* the trail. — Charlie…

Much of the Appalachian Trail is on private property and exists there only by the grace of individual land owners.  Where this is the case, I suspect that by and large it’s use is not governed by any official regulation beyond that which applies to private land use in general.  Where one may or may not discharge a firearm legally probably varies somewhat from state to state, but here in Wisconsin hiking trails on private property are not subject to the same restrictions as say, improved roads, where one may not shoot from the road surface itself or anywhere within a certain distance from it.  I’m guessing that most states are similar in this regard. Wolfgang

Response:

Much of the Appalachian Trail is on private property and exists there only by the grace of individual land owners.  Where this is the case, I suspect that by and large it’s use is not governed by any official regulation beyond that which applies to private land use in general.  Where one may or may not discharge a firearm legally probably varies somewhat from state to state, but here in Wisconsin hiking trails on private property are not subject to the same restrictions as say, improved roads, where one may not shoot from the road surface itself or anywhere within a certain distance from it.  I’m guessing that most states are similar in this regard.

I’m sure you are correct. I said I was surprised, not shocked, simply because I hadn’t thought it through. I often fish close to the trail and had a misguided sense that I was safer there than away from it. It makes perfect sense, though, that hunters would also use the trail for access, etc. — Charlie…

Response:

 I’ve heard gunshots the last two times I was out fishing.  Made me wish that I had put some orange reflective tape  on the back of my wading jacket, as I’ve been meaning  to, for the past year

Same thing happened here last week. I forgot it was the first day of firearms season for deer. Heard three gunshots during while on the stream, and also wished I had a blaze orange hat or jacket. To top it off, this was the first time in about three years that I had fished this particular stretch of water, and I hoped the fishing had improved. It hadn’t. Bob

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Same thing happened here last week. I forgot it was the first day of firearms season for deer. Heard three gunshots during while on the stream, and also wished I had a blaze orange hat or jacket. To top it off, this was the first time in about three years that I had fished this particular stretch of water, and I hoped the fishing had improved. It hadn’t. Bob  The stretch of water Scott and I were on, according  to various and sundry Highly Reliable Witnesses we  ran into, was great fishing two weeks before, one week  before, the previous Tuesday, the previous Thursday  and hell, even the day before, and … you know the  punchline.  Remove "XYZ" from email address

But we did hear gunshots!!! — Scott Reverse first field of address to reply

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I read this and thought "Who nicked the duck?"

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Hi All, Another story: I had a custom is this fall who was going to Montana and wanted new waders for the trip. He said he had bought 3 different under $200 brands of imported waders (which I won’t mention) over the past few years and had problems with them all because he was a very active stream fly fisher. He said some of the ffing guides he has met and some of his friends bragged about the Simms Guide model Gore-Tex waders so he was going to finally move up to them ($330US for 2003). If you actually fish a lot and are young and/or strong,  you will good through most entry level products. Many ffers don’t actually get out much, so the less expensive gear works for them. Actually, you can now buy a "made in USA" breathable wader from Simms that is leak tested at their plant in Montana for $149US. This should out sell most all the sub-$200 imports. — Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento, CA, USA www.kiene.com

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve been through several pairs of various breathable waders too damn quickly …. they all developed leaks in the rear I’m sure this is because I fish from a kickboat a lot and the kicking while sitting on a fairly hard surface stresses the membrane under my rear and causes it to fail before I rush out to spend the big bucks on Sims …. will they stand up to this use?  I’ve heard enough " the very best" reports about them to believe they are the best and tough in "normal" use … but I’m not sure my lard ass kickin round the pond is normal Anyone used Sim guides for a LONG time with LOTS of kickboat time …. or should I just stick with my old neoprenes for that use? —–= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =—– http://www.newsfeeds.com – The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! —–==  Over 80,000 Newsgroups – 16 Different Servers! =—–

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi All, Another story: I had a custom is this fall who was going to Montana and wanted new waders for the trip. He said he had bought 3 different under $200 brands of imported waders (which I won’t mention) over the past few years and had problems with them all because he was a very active stream fly fisher. He said some of the ffing guides he has met and some of his friends bragged about the Simms Guide model Gore-Tex waders so he was going to finally move up to them ($330US for 2003). If you actually fish a lot and are young and/or strong,  you will good through most entry level products. Many ffers don’t actually get out much, so the less expensive gear works for them.

I find that what’s hell on waders isn’t wading — it’s hiking through lots of prickly stuff, like wild roses and blackberries, and falling on your ass (no "butt leaks" yet, however). I look for pinhole leaks about every half dozen times I fish on my homewaters. If you have to hike long distances to get to your spots and you wear your waders, you’ll eventually blow out the seams or the neoprene in the feet. More and more, I find myself packing my waders and a pair of lightweight boots until I get there.

Response:

I’ve been through several pairs of various breathable waders too damn quickly …. they all developed leaks in the rear I’m sure this is because I fish from a kickboat a lot and the kicking while sitting on a fairly hard surface stresses the membrane under my rear and causes it to fail before I rush out to spend the big bucks on Sims …. will they stand up to this use?  I’ve heard enough " the very best" reports about them to believe they are the best and tough in "normal" use … but I’m not sure my lard ass kickin round the pond is normal Anyone used Sim guides for a LONG time with LOTS of kickboat time …. or should I just stick with my old neoprenes for that use? —–= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =—– http://www.newsfeeds.com – The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! —–==  Over 80,000 Newsgroups – 16 Different Servers! =—–

Response:

<snip Anyone used Sim guides for a LONG time with LOTS of kickboat time …. or should I just stick with my old neoprenes for that use?

I have a pair of Simms Guide Weights that I’ve used a fair amount in my float tube without any leak problems in the butt area.  However, because I thought that that might be a problem for any breathables, I always wear an old worn out pair of neoprenes from which I’ve cut off most of the legs and left only enough of the top portion for the suspenders (looks like a pair of lederhosen) over the breathables. Bob Weinberger

Response:

I’ve never had a "butt leak" (an unfelicitous phrase, if ever I’ve heard one) in my Simm’s breathable waders, and I do quite a bit of float tubing. But then, I only get a about two years of use from a pair. I think my hard use trashes them before "butt leaks" ever have a chance to develop.

Response:

When you sit are they tight? You might be putting udo stress on the fabric.. john

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve been through several pairs of various breathable waders too damn quickly …. they all developed leaks in the rear I’m sure this is because I fish from a kickboat a lot and the kicking while sitting on a fairly hard surface stresses the membrane under my rear and causes it to fail before I rush out to spend the big bucks on Sims …. will they stand up to this use?  I’ve heard enough " the very best" reports about them to believe they are the best and tough in "normal" use … but I’m not sure my lard ass kickin round the pond is normal Anyone used Sim guides for a LONG time with LOTS of kickboat time …. or should I just stick with my old neoprenes for that use? —–= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =—– http://www.newsfeeds.com – The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! —–==  Over 80,000 Newsgroups – 16 Different Servers! =—–

Response:

Question:

   wtf is this?  talking in tongues?  tell your ol buddy about "the slip strike", would you? yfitons wayno (never afraid to show one’’s ignorance)

Give me a sec. gotta pull up a cushion and pour a wee dram . . . there OK, you’re stripping in a streamer and BAM, a big hit.  The tendency will be to do the South Sauty heave and yank the fly about five or ten feet away from the fish.  Instead, keep the rod tip low and just give a sharp, short yank on the line.  If you don’t feel the fish, let everything go, count to three then put in a few short strips.  Odds are, he’ll turn and take it as soon as you start to strip a second time.  The fish isn’t aiming to swallow the fly on the first hit – it’s a killing strike, where he’ll turn and then leisurely swallow the dead minnow head first.  Your second set of strips triggers the "it’s not dead and it’s escaping" response – the fly is nailed for sure on the second hit.  Executed properly, I seldom fail to get a solid hookup on the second strike. I lost two nice browns at the Blue Rock Hole – both were probably lightly hooked on the original strike as I had forgotten my own advice and did the old, "let’s fling it in the bush" strike.  If these fish had executed a stun strike, I would’ve hooked them on the outside of the mouth and lost them on the turn.  A slip strike usually doesn’t result in such a hookup – it’s slower, lighter, and moves the fly only a few inches.  If the fly is on the outside of the fish’s mouth, the odds of an external hookup are very low.  The fish isn’t spooked by the strike, rather, it’s aggression is probably heightened by the "struggles" of its "prey." Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://home.cogeco.ca/~pcharles/streamers/index.html

Response:

OK, you’re stripping in a streamer and BAM, a big hit.  The tendency will be to do the South Sauty heave and yank the fly about five or ten feet away from the fish.  Instead, keep the rod tip low and just give a sharp, short yank on the line.  If you don’t feel the fish, let everything go, count to three then put in a few short strips.  Odds are, he’ll turn and take it as soon as you start to strip a second time.  The fish isn’t aiming to swallow the fly on the first hit – it’s a killing strike, where he’ll turn and then leisurely swallow the dead minnow head first.

        good lord.  this requires far too much patience than i have to give. yfitons wayno  (somebody hand me that royal wulff…)

Response:

[a high and dirty snip] About high water and fish behaviour, my favourite high water story comes from one of the local fly shop owners.  When the Grand blew out a few years ago, he went up to check it out and found a flooded intersection with trout rising in the middle of it. I got to watch Peter use one of his streamer techniques for a very short time at the Penn’s Clave (wish that conditions had been a bit better so I could have watched some more. I also missed seeing him work a spey rod) Anyway, my half assed imitation of this technique has been working reasonably well. (Peter, what sink rate line were you using at the Blue Rock Hole? I’m fishing similar depth and current flows and don’t feel I’m getting down deep enough.) However, I continue to get nothing but short strikes on Peter’s short shanked streamers. When I put on a standard length streamer, I’m hooking a decent percentage of the fish.

I was using a type 6 line.  When I make the cross-current cast, I follow the line with the rod tip as far as I can to keep tension off the line.  During that portion of the drift, the line has the opportunity to sink.  In really fast water, I’ll add an upstream mend as the line hits the water.  Even a type 6 won’t get down if you have tension on the line right away. About the flies, it could be differences in the way the fish hit the fly.  Grand River browns hit the head of the fly to stun it.  I was getting a lot brief hookups and some foul hookups on the opposite side of the fish’s face with long shanked hooks.   However, if you’re getting hookups in the front of the lower jaw, the fish are tail chasing the prey.  If you’re getting hookups but your landing rate is poor, then you’re in the same situation as me.  When you feel a strike on a short shank fly, strip-strike, don’t lift the rod tip.  If you don’t feel the fish after, let everything go so the fly flows drag free then tighten up and put in a couple of strips.  Odds are you’ll get a hookup on the second strike.   Flows are even higher today, still reasonable visibility so? Willi

Keep at it, sounds like you’re doing great as is. BTW, keep up the TRs as, thanks to my move and the kids, I probably won’t hit the water again till mid-late August.  Gotta live vicariously. Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://home.cogeco.ca/~pcharles/streamers/index.html

Response:

About the flies, it could be differences in the way the fish hit the fly.  Grand River browns hit the head of the fly to stun it.  I was getting a lot brief hookups and some foul hookups on the opposite side of the fish’s face with long shanked hooks.   However, if you’re getting hookups in the front of the lower jaw, the fish are tail chasing the prey.  If you’re getting hookups but your landing rate is poor, then you’re in the same situation as me.  When you feel a strike on a short shank fly, strip-strike, don’t lift the rod tip.  If you don’t feel the fish after, let everything go so the fly flows drag free then tighten up and put in a couple of strips.  Odds are you’ll get a hookup on the second strike.

I was looking at some of the flies you traded me before doing some tying. I keep them as samples and tie from them. I was comparing the short shanked ones you tied to the long shanked ones. The short shanked ones are VERY short and the long shanked ones are VERY long, in relationship to the length of the wing. I had tied some up on hooks with shanks midway between the two. These worked well for me in terms of hookups. I will try the short shanked ones some more as I really like the way they look and the action they have in the water. However, I’m not sure if I can get used to doing a slip strike. Too many years doing things another way. Willi

Response:

if I can get used to doing a slip strike. Too many years doing things another way.

Boy do I know what you are talking about! I have been trying to get used to using a slip strike off and on for about 10 years now with only occasional success. I most often just raise the rod tip when fishing for trout or bluegills and try to use the slip strike for bass.The problem is that I catch a hell of a lot more trout and bluegill than I do bass and I love to see those small fish put a bend in the rod. Old habits are sure hard to break! Big Dale

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was looking at some of the flies you traded me before doing some tying. I keep them as samples and tie from them. I was comparing the short shanked ones you tied to the long shanked ones. The short shanked ones are VERY short and the long shanked ones are VERY long, in relationship to the length of the wing. I had tied some up on hooks with shanks midway between the two. These worked well for me in terms of hookups. I will try the short shanked ones some more as I really like the way they look and the action they have in the water. However, I’m not sure if I can get used to doing a slip strike. Too many years doing things another way. Willi

I also use flies with the same proportions as you described – a mid wing shank.  The nice brown hooked at Blue Rock Hole, was on a middie. They are a good compromise if the short shank flies prove to be too short.  You’re right though, the short shank flies do have better action.   The slip-stirke is fun though as you get two whacking great strikes from the fish, for the price of one.  The first time it works for you, it is magical.  The second strike seems somehow unreal after having missed the original hookup.  The fish is suddenly, THERE! The long shanked hooks are mainly used for very large species, chinook, steelhead, pike, bass, but they can work for larger resident trout.  These fish tend to engulf a fly of that size and the longer shank will usually place the tippet outside of the fish’s mouth, thereby protecting it.  I’ve kept a Rangley hook fly (rainbow smelt 1/0 8X) that was bent into a pretzel by a big buck chinook. BTW, the weamer idea seems to be working real well.  I had only one small, brown trout weamer at Penns that I lost on a rock while fooling around with the spey rod.  Moments earlier, it had hooked a very nice fish (lost, of course.)  I’ve also hooked a number of steelies with them and there’s no reason not to believe that residents won’t take a shine to them either. Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://home.cogeco.ca/~pcharles/streamers/index.html

Response:

The slip-stirke is fun though as you get two whacking great strikes from the fish, for the price of one.  The first time it works for you, it is magical.  The second strike seems somehow unreal after having missed the original hookup.  The fish is suddenly, THERE!

        wtf is this?  talking in tongues?  tell your ol buddy about "the slip strike", would you? yfitons wayno (never afraid to show one’’s ignorance)

Response:

Although it is the season of runoff with it’s very high muddy water, this season it has been runoff – runon. With the irrigation demands and the low snowpack, even during the highest flows, there has been enough clarity to catch fish. Water levels have been fluctuating from day to day and within a day, from somewhat high water to very high water. Generally, we have at least a month of unfishable water. This year although the high water makes for tough fishing, the river is fishable. In fact, the fishing has been pretty decent. The catching has been as varied as the flows. Some days, I’ll catch alot of small fish with nothing sizable. Other days, all the fish are good sized. One day I’ll throw streamers on a sinking line, the next day dries skittered across the surface and what’s working doesn’t seem to correlate with the flows. The best dry fly day I’ve had was during the highest flows. There has been a large yellow Mayfly coming off that I’ve never seen before probably because it usually comes off during unfishable runoff. I’ve been fishing an oversized yellow dry with a large florescent (for visibility) yellow soft hackle as a dropper. This has brought up the biggest fish I’ve been taking, bigger even than on streamers. I’ve been fishing it by casting to the edges of the fast water, letting it drift downstream and then dragging the pair across the current back to me with the dry bouncing on the surface. Virtually all of the fish have taken the dragging flies. Most have taken the soft hackle but I’ve gotten a number of savage takes on the dry. I usually miss the hookup but several of them took the emerger on the next few casts. What has been surprising to me is that the fish are coming up through several feet of strong current and heavily stained water for the flies. I think the motion may be an aid to them in seeing the flies. I got to watch Peter use one of his streamer techniques for a very short time at the Penn’s Clave (wish that conditions had been a bit better so I could have watched some more. I also missed seeing him work a spey rod) Anyway, my half assed imitation of this technique has been working reasonably well. (Peter, what sink rate line were you using at the Blue Rock Hole? I’m fishing similar depth and current flows and don’t feel I’m getting down deep enough.) However, I continue to get nothing but short strikes on Peter’s short shanked streamers. When I put on a standard length streamer, I’m hooking a decent percentage of the fish. Flows are even higher today, still reasonable visibility so? Willi

Response:

Question:

I am a recent arrival to the Central Valley- the Elk Grove area of Sacramento to be exact- and I’m looking for some fishing area tips. I did go out last night to the Sac River just south of the Freeport Bridge and caught cats with my neighbors, but catfishing is not my favorite pasttime. I did however learn several new tackle tips ; Magic String, Sliders" etc..  While I can tolerate bait fishing and always catch fishing using bait, it is not my favorite fishing. My former pursuits were the smallmouth bass of eastern NY rivers (Hoosick, Hudson, Mohawk) on spin and fly tackle so that may give you an idea of the kind of fishing I’m used to. I am perfectly happy fishing for bluegill  with a light fly rod and I have thoroughly enjoyed the occasional carp I’ve tied into. I know the area here has a wealth of fishing I’m just not sure where it is! I would like to start with freshwater sites for now. I do have a canoe so any smallcraft waters  directions would also be appreciated. Also any local publications I should be reading will be greatly appreciated. Also which stamps are worth the purchase on a CA fishing license? Thanks for being computer literate anglers! Phil

Response:

Get the Fish Sniffer, publisher is in Elk Grove.  Lots of fishing.  The pits next to I-5 hold bass, you can fish from shore, or canoe.  Get Tom Stienstra’s book, Fishing California, lists every bit of fishable water in the state.  The Stanislaus river is good, and canoe friendly.  Go up to Verona and shad may still be there, can fish fron the sandbar in the Feather.  Float the Sac above Colusa with the canoe.  Smallies, shad, salmon, LMB. Bill

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I am a recent arrival to the Central Valley- the Elk Grove area of Sacramento to be exact- and I’m looking for some fishing area tips. I did go out last night to the Sac River just south of the Freeport Bridge and caught cats with my neighbors, but catfishing is not my favorite pasttime. I did however learn several new tackle tips ; Magic String, Sliders" etc..  While I can tolerate bait fishing and always catch fishing using bait, it is not my favorite fishing. My former pursuits were the smallmouth bass of eastern NY rivers (Hoosick, Hudson, Mohawk) on spin and fly tackle so that may give you an idea of the kind of fishing I’m used to. I am perfectly happy fishing for bluegill  with a light fly rod and I have thoroughly enjoyed the occasional carp I’ve tied into. I know the area here has a wealth of fishing I’m just not sure where it is! I would like to start with freshwater sites for now. I do have a canoe so any smallcraft waters  directions would also be appreciated. Also any local publications I should be reading will be greatly appreciated. Also which stamps are worth the purchase on a CA fishing license? Thanks for being computer literate anglers! Phil

Response:

Question:

I’ll be going to Thompson Falls Montana within the nex t two weeks to pilot a logging helicopter.  We usually work from 5:30 am until about 3:00 PM, depending upon the winds.  This leaves me a lot of time to fly fish. Does anyone know a good place to fish for flies in and around Thompson Falls Montana? Mike

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 Does anyone know a good place to fish for flies in and around Thompson Falls Montana? Mike

just build up a good body sweat and stand in the woods just about anywhere, and you’ll catch plenty of flies.  don’t believe that old honey/vinegar story. <G jeff (lord of the flies)

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I’m heading out to SW Montana and Idaho in hopes of finding things in much better shape than the news has let on.  We’re planning on spending a few days in Yellowstone and then out to Henrys Fork.  I haven’t seen any fishing reports – anyone know how the fishing has been in that area?  Any information is appreciated. Thanks Scott

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fished the missouri today. big browns! it is open we think all is well. there were lots of fires this summer that got in the way. check out the little blackfoot. primo west throat cut throat territory. littleblackfootriverretreat.com

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Water temperatures are fine on our side of the divide (high 50’s) and the rivers are NOT closed (except maybe the Missouri, haven’t heard whether they reopened that one or not). We have had cool weather and decent rain. The governor did lift the restrictions but we are still at level IV, which means NO campfires, stoves, etc. except in developed designated campgrounds. With more rain that will get better. Fishing should be fantastic although everybody and his uncle will be out there now that we can fish again (after a month of NO FISH). Have fun. — Tight Lines! Brian D. Nelson Diamond N Outfitters, Missoula, Montana http://www.montana.com/dno/dno.htm 406-626-4022 I’m heading out to SW Montana and Idaho in hopes of finding things in much better shape than the news has let on.  We’re planning on spending a few days in Yellowstone and then out to Henrys Fork.  I haven’t seen any fishing reports – anyone know how the fishing has been in that area?  Any information is appreciated. Thanks Scott Montana opened a lot of closed land today. Some areas..Beaverhead County I believe are still closed. As for the rivers…everyone I have seen, except the Madison, are painfully low and as far as I know closed to fishing.  Even if they are open I would not fish them. We need more water, but more importantly we need cooler water temps. and that is happening…slowly.  The Madison was fishing just great last week.  Water temps. around 58-59 degrees…flow is near normal.  I heard the Beaverhead was looking good but very crowded…also heard the Henry’s Fork is fishing well.

Brian good to hear the water temps have dropped and the rivers ARE open.  A buddy of mne was doing some business out toward Superior so he checked out the river along the frontage road…he said it was boiling!  The cool weather and overcast skies sure help alot. Maybe this weekend I forget about selling trees and shrubs and head for the river!

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Water temperatures are fine on our side of the divide (high 50’s) and the rivers are NOT closed (except maybe the Missouri, haven’t heard whether they reopened that one or not). We have had cool weather and decent rain. The governor did lift the restrictions but we are still at level IV, which means NO campfires, stoves, etc. except in developed designated campgrounds. With more rain that will get better. Fishing should be fantastic although everybody and his uncle will be out there now that we can fish again (after a month of NO FISH). Have fun. — Tight Lines! Brian D. Nelson Diamond N Outfitters, Missoula, Montana http://www.montana.com/dno/dno.htm 406-626-4022

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m heading out to SW Montana and Idaho in hopes of finding things in much better shape than the news has let on.  We’re planning on spending a few days in Yellowstone and then out to Henrys Fork.  I haven’t seen any fishing reports – anyone know how the fishing has been in that area?  Any information is appreciated. Thanks Scott Montana opened a lot of closed land today. Some areas..Beaverhead County I believe are still closed. As for the rivers…everyone I have seen, except the Madison, are painfully low and as far as I know closed to fishing.  Even if they are open I would not fish them. We need more water, but more importantly we need cooler water temps. and that is happening…slowly.  The Madison was fishing just great last week.  Water temps. around 58-59 degrees…flow is near normal.  I heard the Beaverhead was looking good but very crowded…also heard the Henry’s Fork is fishing well.

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I’m heading out to SW Montana and Idaho in hopes of finding things in much better shape than the news has let on.  We’re planning on spending a few days in Yellowstone and then out to Henrys Fork.  I haven’t seen any fishing reports – anyone know how the fishing has been in that area?  Any information is appreciated. Thanks Scott

Montana opened a lot of closed land today. Some areas..Beaverhead County I believe are still closed. As for the rivers…everyone I have seen, except the Madison, are painfully low and as far as I know closed to fishing.  Even if they are open I would not fish them. We need more water, but more importantly we need cooler water temps. and that is happening…slowly.  The Madison was fishing just great last week.  Water temps. around 58-59 degrees…flow is near normal.  I heard the Beaverhead was looking good but very crowded…also heard the Henry’s Fork is fishing well.

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Question:

I currently have for sale a nice copy of "Fly Fishing Through the Midlife Crisis" by Howell Raines. A very clean softcover copy, published in 1994 by Anchor Books. The 352 page book is fresh and clean inside and out, except for a gift inscription inside the front cover. Available for $4 plus $2 postage. If regards. Dave

Response:

I currently have for sale a nice copy of "Fly Fishing Through the Midlife Crisis" by Howell Raines. A very clean softcover copy, published in 1994 by Anchor Books. The 352 page book is fresh and clean inside and out, except for a gift inscription inside the front cover. Available for $4 plus $2 postage. If regards. Dave

Interesting… Just when is "Middle Age". I’d like to be prepared… — Michael Era

Question:

Anybody here have experiance with the (made in Argentina) White River flyreels sold by Bass Proshops?  I’m interested in the largest model with disc drag and 300 yard backing capacity for some saltwater flyfishing on a budget.  They retail for $59.99.  Thanks for the input. Spy in Hawaii

Response:

Anybody here have experiance with the (made in Argentina) White River flyreels sold by Bass Proshops?  I’m interested in the largest model with disc drag and 300 yard backing capacity for some saltwater flyfishing on a budget.  They retail for $59.99.  Thanks for the input. Spy in Hawaii

Spy, I hope for your sake that you never hook a "big" fish on any $59.99 "Saltwater reel". I suspect it will melt on your rod like m&m’s in your mouth. However, I admit I’m not familiar with the brand, so I could be completely wrong….been there a few times. I’d shop around. You always get what you pay for. Walt —          The Blue Ridge Book Gallery      P.O. Box 5112  Banner Elk, NC 28604 http://www.abebooks.com/home/BLUEBOOKS/HOME.HTM

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Question:

Hi all, Just thought I’d let everyone know that I caught my first trout ever on a fly rod yesterday. Man, what a thrill. Although I’m basically a "live-bait on a spin reel person", I’ve messed around with my "fly outfit" the last couple of years. Never had much success until yesterday though. Not a bad sized rainbow either. Around 11". Oh well, I’m sure this is no big deal to most of you but I just had to tell someone. Everyone in my family has no clue as to what it’s like. I figure you all do. See ya on the streams!!!!! Tom

Congratulations on the first trout on a fly! Got mine last summer.  Went t some state parks in southeast Minnesota in mid august.  Caught my first on a #12 Wolly Bugger a 12"Rainbow. caught the rest – a total of 14 browns from 8-13 inches mostly on my own design— a kind of peacock and guinea soft hackle that looks like a small minnow when wet.  Don’t know what to call it. Biggest thrill was casting about 40 ft across the river at Forrestville, having a 12" brown jump out of the water with the fly in its mouth, run half way across the river to me and do a double flip 10 feet in front of me!  Talk about getting hooked on fly fishing!  WOW! I will be going back this year to MN or Wisconsen to repeat the fun! Good luck, Ken — Remove NO-SPAM- from return address to e-mail me. Sorry, but this is to discourage spammers and auto junk mail generators. Ken Wells "When In Doubt….Go fishing."

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi all, Just thought I’d let everyone know that I caught my first trout ever on a fly rod yesterday. Man, what a thrill. Although I’m basically a "live-bait on a spin reel person", I’ve messed around with my "fly outfit" the last couple of years. Never had much success until yesterday though. Not a bad sized rainbow either. Around 11". Oh well, I’m sure this is no big deal to most of you but I just had to tell someone. Everyone in my family has no clue as to what it’s like. I figure you all do. See ya on the streams!!!!! Tom Tom, Nice going with the first trout…I am also relatively new (<2 yrs) and enjoy hearing about people and fly fishing. Of course the next step done this road-to-ruin is fly tying….no rush, take your time, but getting your first trout on a fly you tird is also outstanding…. As you can probably tell, I’m consumed by this experience called fly fishing….if I only didn’t have to work…… — John Carney          Fly Fisher & Parrot Head (NO-SPAM in address to avoid spamming)

And I’ll bet that, just for a minute or two, while you were landing thiat first trout, you considered throwing away ALL your baitcasting and spinning gear.  Welcome to the Club!! Mac McCaskill

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Trout hit my first two casts hard, and kept hitting every type of dry fly I used aggressively all day. I missed a ton of good strikes (sure could use some advice on setting the hook correctly),

Tom; You note that you missed these aggressive strikes.  That happens because (often) an aggresively striking wild fish is hanging-out under/around some current somewhere near the bottom.  He sees your fly (food) and shoots up, slamming the fly and zips right back down to the bottom as fast as a Rattle-snake strike.  Well, unlike a natural fly, yours has a leader attached to it.  I’m sure that you have noticed how much force water can exert on your line.  This happens with the fly.  The drag of the tippet can pull the fly from the fish’s mouth, or cause him to "spit it out" before you can set the hook.  I have noticed this a lot recently while fishing emergers during the sulfur hatch.  WHACK!… nothing. Jason Beary

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Congratulations on the first trout on a fly! Got mine last summer.  Went t some state parks in southeast Minnesota in mid august.  Caught my first on a #12 Wolly Bugger a 12"Rainbow. caught the rest – a total of 14 browns from 8-13 inches mostly on my own design— a kind of peacock and guinea soft hackle that looks like a small minnow when wet.  Don’t know what to call it.

A bug. John Fereira

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[snipped] Just thought I’d let everyone know that I caught my first trout ever on a fly rod yesterday.

[snipped] Well done Tom!  Nice innitt? On a more serious note(!)  You are now in danger of becoming the best Definition: The best angler in the world = whichever angler at that given instant in time is enjoying themselves the most. richard

Response:

Congratulations Tom, I too caught my first, a 14" Brown, on Wednesday in the Clear Fork river (Ohio).    It was a store-bought fly, but that didn’t make it any less exciting.   Like you, nobody around me has any clue what its like. Bob  

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Hi, Congratulations. I had the same problem,  so I bought my fiance her own kit,  now she joins me on all the trips,  and the best is that she is not using my expensive rods. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hey Tom: <<Oh well, I’m sure this is no big deal to most of you but I just had to tell someone. Everyone in my family has no clue as to what it’s like. I figure you all do. It is a "big deal". The outdoor learning process can sometimes be frustrating when there is no father, brother, aunt or uncle to answer your questions or share your experiences. So…, thanks for taking the time and sharing with us. Congratulations! Tight lines, Joe

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Congratulations, Seems just like yesterday … so many years now. Next will be that monster brown on a fly you tied.  Nothing beats the feeling of a first anything.  I don’t know about others on ROFF but there is still nothing like splash of an eager trout or the slurp of the grandfather of all trout. That’s just a feeling that never gets old. Corey http://www.ncweb.com:80/users/crbock/

Response:

Hi all, Just thought I’d let everyone know that I caught my first trout ever on a fly rod yesterday. Man, what a thrill.

Just wanted to drop my 2 cents in, too. I fished the Great Smoky Mountain National Park last weekend, doing some very deep, hike-in mountain stream fishing, and had the best day of dry fly fishing in my short (about 1 year) career fly fishing. Trout hit my first two casts hard, and kept hitting every type of dry fly I used aggressively all day. I missed a ton of good strikes (sure could use some advice on setting the hook correctly), but I did bring in an 11-inch wild mountain rainbow. My God, what a fish this was! Never seen that kind of coloring before. These fish are naturally reproducing, wild trout (even though their ancestors were imported to the area and stocked until the 1970s). Even so, this guy fought hard, jumped at least 12 times, and left me speechless at having takien my first wild trout in such a beautiful setting. For you Midwestern FFers, I have a story on FFing in the Smokies coming up in the summer issue of Midwest Fly Fishing magazine that provides local contact numbers and other information. E-mail me off-list if you want more information. Dave McCarty

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Hey Tom:

<<Oh well, I’m sure this is no big deal to most of you but I just had to tell someone. Everyone in my family has no clue as to what it’s like. I figure you all do. It is a "big deal". The outdoor learning process can sometimes be frustrating when there is no father, brother, aunt or uncle to answer your questions or share your experiences. So…, thanks for taking the time and sharing with us. Congratulations! Tight lines, Joe

Response:

Hi all, Just thought I’d let everyone know that I caught my first trout ever on a fly rod yesterday. Man, what a thrill. Although I’m basically a "live-bait on a spin reel person", I’ve messed around with my "fly outfit" the last couple of years. Never had much success until yesterday though. Not a bad sized rainbow either. Around 11". Oh well, I’m sure this is no big deal to most of you but I just had to tell someone. Everyone in my family has no clue as to what it’s like. I figure you all do. See ya on the streams!!!!! Tom

Tom, Nice going with the first trout…I am also relatively new (<2 yrs) and enjoy hearing about people and fly fishing. Of course the next step done this road-to-ruin is fly tying….no rush, take your time, but getting your first trout on a fly you tird is also outstanding…. As you can probably tell, I’m consumed by this experience called fly fishing….if I only didn’t have to work…… — John Carney          Fly Fisher & Parrot Head (NO-SPAM in address to avoid spamming)

Response:

Hi all, Just thought I’d let everyone know that I caught my first trout ever on a fly rod yesterday. Man, what a thrill. Although I’m basically a "live-bait on a spin reel person", I’ve messed around with my "fly outfit" the last couple of years. Never had much success until yesterday though. Not a bad sized rainbow either. Around 11". Oh well, I’m sure this is no big deal to most of you but I just had to tell someone. Everyone in my family has no clue as to what it’s like. I figure you all do. See ya on the streams!!!!! Tom

Response:

Hi all, Just thought I’d let everyone know that I caught my first trout ever on a fly rod yesterday. Man, what a thrill. Although I’m basically a "live-bait on a spin reel person", I’ve messed around with my "fly outfit" the last couple of years. Never had much success until yesterday though. Not a bad sized rainbow either. Around 11". Oh well, I’m sure this is no big deal to most of you but I just had to tell someone. Everyone in my family has no clue as to what it’s like. I figure you all do. See ya on the streams!!!!! Tom

didja et it…? — TimW Halfordian Golfer

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Question:

Looking for info on the Bitterroot River. When are the flows good for fishing? Would like to fish in the months of July or August.   What kind of hatches should I expect to encounter? Thank in advance for any information. Fly Guy

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Looking for info on the Bitterroot River. When are the flows good for fishing? Would like to fish in the months of July or August. What kind of hatches should I expect to encounter? Thank in advance for any information. Fly Guy

If you plan on fishing the bitterroot, fish in late july or august.  Our snow pack is 160% of normal and run off should last through early july.  Here is a couple of Outfitters and shops that can give you more information. Fishaus Tackle 406-363-6158 Grizzly Hackle 800-297-8996 Cross Currents 406-449-2292 If you are interested we offer flyfishing software for fishing 84 rivers in Montana, the bitterroot is included in this list.  Our software has up to date information on hatches, cfs flows, fly shops, hotle & motel information plus much more.   Here is some of the hatches you will encounter: Cinnamon Sedge, Golden Stone, Hoppers, Brown Stones, PMD’s, and Trico’s. If run off is too bad you can fish the Missouri River , it is a tail water fishery and even with high run offs the clarity is good.

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Looking for info on the Bitterroot River. When are the flows good for fishing? Would like to fish in the months of July or August. What kind of hatches should I expect to encounter? Thank in advance for any information. Fly Guy If you plan on fishing the bitterroot, fish in late july or august.  Our snow pack is 160% of normal and run off should last through early july.  Here is a couple of Outfitters and shops that can give you more information. Fishaus Tackle 406-363-6158 Grizzly Hackle 800-297-8996 Cross Currents 406-449-2292 If you are interested we offer flyfishing software for fishing 84 rivers in Montana, the bitterroot is included in this list.  Our software has up to date information on hatches, cfs flows, fly shops, hotle & motel information plus much more. Here is some of the hatches you will encounter: Cinnamon Sedge, Golden Stone, Hoppers, Brown Stones, PMD’s, and Trico’s. If run off is too bad you can fish the Missouri River , it is a tail water fishery and even with high run offs the clarity is good.

It should be noted that water is being rapidly released from behind dams on the Missouri in anticipation of major run-off..so it may be having an some impact on the Missouri as a tailwater fishery….here in Missoula we are being asked to prepare for something on the level of between a 100 year and 500 year event once the snow begins to melt…

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Bitterroot is running over 1100 cfs today. Thats not bad but it ain’t great and it has been rising (from 800 cfs on saturday). The Clark Fork is already over 600 cfs and is pretty muddy. Missouri below Holter has been around 8000 cfs for awhile now in anticipation of the melt, which by the way has NOT started yet (in earnest). In fact, it is trying to spit snow outside right now! — Brian D. Nelson, Missoula, Montana Montana Flyfishing and Hunting Outfitter http://www.montana.com/dno/dno.htm http://www.montana.com/dno/hunt.htm

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Question:

please E-mail me of you are selling a float tube at a fair price I live in the Vancouver Area B.C Canada

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please E-mail me of you are selling a float tube at a fair price I live in the Vancouver Area B.C Canada

Testing testing

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Question:

Hello All; I have been flyfishing the Deschutes for the last couple of years, and am ready to try the ‘Promised Land’ of Montana.  My inlaws just moved to Red Lodge, and we are visiting in a couple of weeks.  I would appreciate any input on water, flys, flyshops and guides around the area. An insight would be greatly appreciated. Cheers Joe Madden

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: Hello All; : I have been flyfishing the Deschutes for the last couple of years, and am : ready to try the ‘Promised Land’ of Montana.  My inlaws just moved to Red : Lodge, and we are visiting in a couple of weeks.  I would appreciate any input : on water, flys, flyshops and guides around the area. To get from Oregon to Montana, all but the most relaxed traveller will pass through Idaho.  I recommend you stop and smell the trout before moving on to the "Promised Land." — Rick T. Rick Fletcher   –   http://www.chem.uidaho.edu/~fletcher/ Associate professor of chemistry  |  That’s Idaho, not Iowa.    | ad hominem University of Idaho               |  Upper Left Hand Corner.    | ad hominem Moscow, ID 83844-2343             |  No, I don’t grow potatoes. | ad hominem

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To get from Oregon to Montana, all but the most relaxed traveller will pass through Idaho.  I recommend you stop and smell the trout before moving on to the "Promised Land."

Surely this was a typo, right? Didn’t this really mean moving on "from" the promised land? :] Alan (already in the PL)

Response:

Rock Creek on the outside of town (toward the mountains) is decent, but I’d go on over the pass and hit the Clark’s Fork of the Yellowstone.  Try the canyon off the Chief Joseph Highway.  Tough to get to, but big rainbows in there. Nearly all the lakes on top have brookies.  Some have cuts and ‘bows.   Try the upper lake at Island Lake campground for larger brookies. Fishing was tough this year, mainly due to high water last spring.  I live in Silver Gate in summers and fish inside the park most of the time. It only costs $20 to fish yellowstone (was free three years ago).   Down below, The Rosebud isn’t far from REd Lodge, and the Stillwater is also close.  Stillwater has some excellent spots on loop where river turns away from road.  Lots of fast water.  They should be looking for hoppers this time of year.  If that doesn’t work, try parachute duns and Madame X.

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