Question:

In reference to a thread by this title a week or so back….went over to the local stream yesterday(Weds) afternoon. Decent hatch of Grannoms, size 14 or 16, and a later hatch of pale green caddis in a size 16 or 18.  Streambred trout took wets or surface emerger types for a couple of us who were fly fishing amongst a few bait fishers. Every small hole seemed to hold a brown. Fish landed ranged from 7 to 13 inches. The locals claim no big hatch of Quill Gordons(the local spring mayfly hatch) yet, which is odd, as they generally precede the little green caddis. These guys I spoke with live on the creek and are as trustworthy as anglers can be<g. On other PA streams, I would expect some Blue Quills, Hendricksons and sometimes Black Quills.  All over the state, bright yellow craneflies are out in droves, and sometimes, the fish key on them exclusively. Use a sulfur in a pinch, about a size 16 or smaller.  Better still is a parachute style, with large, sparse hackle.                                                              Tom L

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Tom Littleton’s <Tulpehocken TR snipped On other PA streams, I would expect some Blue Quills, Hendricksons and sometimes Black Quills.  All over the state, bright yellow craneflies are out in droves, and sometimes, the fish key on them exclusively. Use a sulfur in a pinch, about a size 16 or smaller.  Better still is a parachute style, with large, sparse hackle.                                                              Tom L

Tom, I can confirm that the bright yellow craneflies are out in force in Central PA, yesterday and today. Fished the ‘newly’ public water (Espy Farm’s ~1.25 miles) on the Little Juniata River yesterday (Friday)… tan caddis and bright yellow craneflies between 9am-3pm.  The ‘Espy Farm" outfitter is charging $100 per person/day to fish, unguided, this small stretch ($295 guided).  It is NOW freely accessible if you enter the river either above/below their property and traverse upon the river bed during your travels in the Espy Farm area.   Spring Creek is in pretty good shape and fishing well – midges and bright yellow craneflies.  The Little Lehigh Creek’s regulars captured a Sulphur dun today (Saturday), an early hatch? take care Dave

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Dave,   Thanks for the update……Will you be going to Penn’s/Lil J area around Memorial Day??                              Tom

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Tom – Thanks.  On Thursday the locals on the Brodhead said the Hendricksons had been coming for a week and that the Quill Gordons had gone by.  No bugs flying in the rain that day. Glenn << In reference to a thread by this title a week or so back….went over to the local stream yesterday(Weds) afternoon. Decent hatch of Grannoms, size 14 or 16, and a later hatch of pale green caddis in a size 16 or 18.  Streambred trout took wets or surface emerger types for a couple of us who were fly fishing amongst a few bait fishers. Every small hole seemed to hold a brown. Fish landed ranged from 7 to 13 inches. The locals claim no big hatch of Quill Gordons(the local spring mayfly hatch) yet, which is odd, as they generallyprecede the little green caddis. These guys I spoke with live on the creek and are as trustworthy as anglers can be<g. On other PA streams, I would expect some Blue Quills, Hendricksons and sometimes Black Quills.  All over the state, bright yellow craneflies are out in droves, and sometimes, the fish key on them exclusively. Use a sulfur in a pinch, about a size 16 or smaller.  Better still is a parachute style, with large, sparse hackle.                                                              Tom L GKT

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Dave,   Thanks for the update……Will you be going to Penn’s/Lil J area around Memorial Day??                              Tom

Tom, I am planning on fishing Penns the weekend after Memorial Day.  Its a Green Drake thing.  Sort of like a fly fisherman’s Woodstock thingey. take care Dave

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Dave,   Thanks for the update……Will you be going to Penn’s/Lil J area around Memorial Day??                              Tom Tom, I am planning on fishing Penns the weekend after Memorial Day.  Its a Green Drake thing.  Sort of like a fly fisherman’s Woodstock thingey.

I’ve never had the chance to fish a heavy, large Mayfly hatch. I’ve read that the fish get pretty satiated after a couple days and are no longer feeding very heavilly on the Duns. Is this true? Willi

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I’ve never had the chance to fish a heavy, large Mayfly hatch. I’ve read that the fish get pretty satiated after a couple days and are no longer feeding very heavilly on the Duns. Is this true?

My experience has been just the opposite, that is, the first few days of the hatch will see sparse feeding on the surface, but as the hatch progresses, the fish will rise to the duns more freely. Yesterday, I fished a massive Hendrickson hatch on the Farmington river….a hatch that was actually too good because of the overwhelming number of naturals. The trout rose steadily for two hours, but few fish were caught during that period, most being taken at the beginning and end when fewer bugs were on the water. I wound up landing nine trout from  11 to 16 inches, but the only fish I caught at the hieght of the hatch were a few salmon smolts. As a point of reference, the Hendricksons started hatching on April 15, and the fish are still avidly feeding on them. George Adams "From the rockin’ of the cradle to the rollin’ of the hearse, the goin’ up was worth the comin’ down." ___Kris Kristofferson "The Pilgrim/Chapter 33"

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Willi writes: I’ve never had the chance to fish a heavy, large Mayfly hatch. I’ve read that the fish get pretty satiated after a couple days and are no longer feeding very heavilly on the Duns.

In my experience, the fish continue to take advantage of nutrients and thus, feed through a hatch to the end. They may tend to become wary of surface items due to angling pressure as a hatch goes on. Also, feeding on duns varies with air temps and humidity, with fish rising more readily to duns when they have difficulty getting off water surface. The drake hatch, as a specific example on Penn’s, tends to be great fishing on Duns and emergers for the first couple days in any area, with wary fish by the end(6th or 7th day) of the hatch. Many times, it proves easier to take fish during the Drake hatch with other surface items, like sulfurs, caddis and spinners of Grey Foxes and March Browns.                               Tom

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Question:

Hi, I was wondering if anyone has any experience with the Cabela’s FT flyrods. I was thinking of the 9′ 9 weight for casting big pike flies and for salmon etc. I’d just like to know who the manufacturer is and whether they are really a fast action rod like they claim and what a comparable name brand would be. They claim to save you as much as $200 because they don’t sell their name. Does that mean that the $230 FT 9′ 9 weight is as good as a $430 name brand rod? Thanks James

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Hi, I was wondering if anyone has any experience with the Cabela’s FT flyrods. I was thinking of the 9′ 9 weight for casting big pike flies and for salmon etc. I’d just like to know who the manufacturer is and whether they are really a fast action rod like they claim and what a comparable name brand would be. They claim to save you as much as $200 because they don’t sell their name. Does that mean that the $230 FT 9′ 9 weight is as good as a $430 name brand rod?

Cabelas has a great return policy so I suggest buying one and trying it. Maybe you can do a side by side comparison with a pricier rod. Remember, a rod needs to suit you. Peter G. Aitken

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Does that mean that the $230 FT 9′ 9 weight is as good as a $430 name brand rod?

Lefty Kreh says any rod over $200 casts better than almost everyone buying it. Is it "as good as"?  Depends on what you mean.  For all practical purposes, if the action of the rod suits your style, it could be as good as or better than a $430 rod.  More money buys you a label, usually better fit and finish but not always, and better resale value. Regards, Jeff

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More money buys you a label, usually better fit and finish but not always, and better resale value.

Amem brother, last weekend I was looking at some pricy Orvis stuff and noticed the tip sections were all a bit warped and twisted. No way I’d pay that price for a rod that wasn’t straight and true, even if I can’t cast good enough to do the rod justice. Flyfish

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Does that mean that the $230 FT 9′ 9 weight is as good as a $430 name brand rod? Lefty Kreh says any rod over $200 casts better than almost everyone buying it. Is it "as good as"?  Depends on what you mean.  For all practical purposes, if the action of the rod suits your style, it could be as good as or better than a $430 rod.  More money buys you a label, usually better fit and finish but not always, and better resale value. Regards, Jeff

Lefty actually says any rod over $100! Peter G. Aitken

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More money buys you a label, usually better fit and finish but not always, and better resale value. Amem brother, last weekend I was looking at some pricy Orvis stuff and noticed the tip sections were all a bit warped and twisted. No way I’d pay that price for a rod that wasn’t straight and true, even if I can’t cast good enough to do the rod justice.

One thing to consider is that some rods come with a guarantee against breakage regardless of the cause. I have heard for example that if you break an L.L.Bean rod and call them, then if FedEx can find you, you will have a replacement the next day. This is a practical reason to pay a bit more for a rod, particularly if you are a klutz like me. Peter G. Aitken

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One thing to consider is that some rods come with a guarantee against breakage regardless of the cause. I have heard for example that if you break an L.L.Bean rod and call them, then if FedEx can find you, you will have a replacement the next day. This is a practical reason to pay a bit more for a rod, particularly if you are a klutz like me.

Yeah you’re right, I left that out.  That’s an important point.  A lot of the "top dollar" rods offer that and it’s nothing to sneeze at! Regards, Jeff

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The only guarantee I would ever pay extra money for, is if they guarantee that I will live a hundred years to fish with it. TL MC — "In order to achieve what is possible, one must constantly attempt the impossible" http://www.mikeconnor.de

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Lefty actually says any rod over $100!

Now that you hold me to it, I can’t remember where I read it.  What book is that from?  Thanks, Jeff Regards, Jeff

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The only guarantee I would ever pay extra money for, is if they guarantee that I will live a hundred years to fish with it.

Sure, I’ll give you that guarantee. If you die you can sue me! Peter Aitken

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It is in Advanced Fly Fishing Techniques – a terrific book, by the way, for those who have not read it. Peter Aitken

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Lefty actually says any rod over $100! Now that you hold me to it, I can’t remember where I read it.  What book is that from?  Thanks, Jeff Regards, Jeff

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I think Cabela’s uses Loomis blanks for their higher priced rods. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, I was wondering if anyone has any experience with the Cabela’s FT flyrods. I was thinking of the 9′ 9 weight for casting big pike flies and for salmon etc. I’d just like to know who the manufacturer is and whether they are really a fast action rod like they claim and what a comparable name brand would be. They claim to save you as much as $200 because they don’t sell their name. Does that mean that the $230 FT 9′ 9 weight is as good as a $430 name brand rod? Thanks James

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Cabela’s FT flyrods. I’d just like to know who the manufacturer is

Call Cabela’s and ask them!  That’s what I did.  I bought a nice 7 1/2 ft 4 wt several years ago that was made by Loomis. Sig Chicago

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Cabela’s FT flyrods. I’d just like to know who the manufacturer is Call Cabela’s and ask them!  That’s what I did.  I bought a nice 7 1/2 ft 4 wt several years ago that was made by Loomis. Sig Chicago

Some time back I did ask them.  They refused to say.  A while back they were selling a very excellent fly reel that I thought was probably made by Ross.  They wouldn’t say on that one either.  Even though I was looking for parts they couldn’t supply.

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Question:

Scott, My family and I were there in April.  Could not wait to get out of the place.  Forget any thought of an idyllic tropical paradise.  Nor can foreign nationals travel to the Nicobars.  You will have to travel away from Port Blair if you want to find anything that is clean.  When I travelled to No 7 beach on Havelock which is claimed to be amongst the most beautiful beaches in the world I was disappointed.  Other people, and particularly those from the northern hemisphere, might find that beach pretty but I am from Australia where we only have white sand beaches much of which are uninhabited.  Moreover, having travelled widely I was looking for an out-of-the-way paradise.  Andamans are no paradise and its only legacy apart from forming some lasting friendships with fellow disappointed travellers was to awaken my interest in fourth world issues. In this instance, why can India perpetuate control over foreign territory they inherited from the British. Regards Paul – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Anyone familiar with the Andaman or Nicobar Islands of India, I would appreciate any and all information.  I am very interested in unspoiled beaches and have a mission to travel the world over to find the most beautiful and pristine beaches.  I understand these are some of the Islands I need to add to my conquests. Thank you. Scott, Los Angeles

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The Andamans are a good place to travel to if you like adventure AND are able to plan & organise your own trip. It’s not hard to get to the Andamans, you only need some time to wait for the first flight or ship from the mainland to Port Blair. It’s better to take a return plane ticket, only than you can use your time to see the islands. Those who go by ship (bunk class) need some day’s to buy a return ticket ! link: http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Forest/4867/Havelock.html

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The andamans are very, very nice. but how long they stay that way is in question. Its difficult to book flighs as they go very quickley to if you plan to fly then book ahead. I went by boat which was fine. the crossing was ok, bunk class was barablr if your used to india. the only problem is that the ferry services dont run in line with your 1 month pern=mit, so i ended up having to leave 10 days early or risk an overstay and mucho hassle. there are some nice beaches and diving is possible. (i learnt to dive there and am now a dive instructoir myself). the locals are mostly banglideshi refugees so they dont really have a good understanding of island ecology. so the beaches tend to become rubish dumps and places for the locals to get pissed on away from pring eyes. there is still a traveler comunity there and plenty to keep you busy for a month. good food, nice culture, beautiful islands. try not to be a wanker and respect the fact that parts of the chain are off limits. this is for the protection of the indigenous people who would suffer greatly if they came in contact with others. (think flu epidemics wiping out a culture with no immunity and you’d be on the right track) have a good one.  (ps far too much shark fin fishing going on for my liking!!! and also palns for international hotels and airports)

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Anyone familiar with the Andaman or Nicobar Islands of India, I would appreciate any and all information.  I am very interested in unspoiled beaches and have a mission to travel the world over to find the most beautiful and pristine beaches.  I understand these are some of the Islands I need to add to my conquests. Thank you. Scott, Los Angeles

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Anyone familiar with the Andaman or Nicobar Islands of India, I would appreciate any and all information.  I am very interested in unspoiled beaches and have a mission to travel the world over to find the most beautiful and pristine beaches.  I understand these are some of the Islands I need to add to my conquests. Thank you. Scott, Los Angeles

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I was there a few years ago with my family. It’s really quite, nice people, clean. But there is not much to do there, since you are allowed to go only to a few places. The water was not so clear. George

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Question:

Our general river opener is June 1st so you need to plan. I suggest the Yakima, year round water, good range of hatches, suggest you call Patricks Fly Shop (Seattle) or Morning Hatch Flyshop in Tacoma for conditions and advise. Float it for app. $350 for two all day from Elllensburg down Canyon. Lots of bank access also and drive down canyon in spring is great. Fair access for wading in upper canyon between E-burg and Cle Elum. The Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie is also open all year, smaller river, lots of small trout. Overall best bet is to take I-90 over Snoqualmie Pass, get off about four miles West of Cle Elum if you want to eat in Roslyn, or off at Cle Elum onto State Route 10, you can access the river right away if you take right to "North Cle Elum" just as you come into town. If you pay close attention to the lay of the land you will spot the access points east of town off route 10.  Follow RT 10 on down the upper canyon. The road winds lots so be careful. Access points are to the right of highway. Thru the village of Thorp and back onto I-90 to Ellensburg. Get off onto State 97 to follow river down. First access is at Thrall (just some Potato Packing sheds) to right on Ringer Road to a State F&G boat put in and parking lot. Further down river access is generally obvious off the road down to the Rosa dam. You can definitely get to the river on foot at Ringer, Umtanum, and above Red’s Riverview campground. Watch for Desert Big Horn Sheep on slopes in Canyon. Canyon Road will take you into Selah and back end of Yakima. Can take I-82 back to I-90 and home.  I don’t want to be a weenie but I do emphasize you drive carefully on 10 and 97. The country is big and scenic and it tends to pull your eyes off the road. Lots of trucks, log and ag, ripping down road. Don’t count on all hazards to be marked or the access roads to be civilized. Ellensburg has lots of motels, expensive off I-90 exits, but cheap sportsman digs are up road in town. Its a small college town (Central Washington State). Ellensburg veal and lamb are very good, even by Nebraska standards. Some great bars in old section of town. Flys: BWOs, Cahill wets, little brown stones, small nymphs, western March Brown,  ask Patricks Out on the coast the Steelhead will close down April 30th for a month. If you planned it right you could try the Bogachiel, Sol Duc etc.. With two days I wouldn’t recommend it. Lots to see out there but be prepped for weather. If you wanted to be casual about the fish, but see a great sample of the NW, and drive your ass off try this: Go over the pass and down to Yakima like I said above, go south thru the Yakima Indian Res. to Goldendale and then down the Columbia Gorge to Vancouver/Portland and back up I-5 to Tacoma/Seattle. Overnight at Goldendale. (Double ditto on what I said on the roads for the stretch between Goldendale and the Columbia River.  You would see more of the working NW than most ever see, and the pix would be spectacular, guaranteed. Now, Im in Scottsbluff in mid April. Any recommends for NW Nebraska in mid April? Dave Snedeker – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My (flyfishing) wife and I are going to be in Tacoma, WA May 26 – 30. We will be bringing our travel rods (4 weight) with us.  We’ll have two days for fishing.  Any suggestions for rivers/streams for trout withing a two hour drive of Tacoma would be appreciated.  I’m not looking for anyone’s honey hole, just a general location where access is not too rigorous All suggestions will be appreciated (also any clues as to what flies I should tie for the trip would be a big help). Thanks. Jim Impara

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My (flyfishing) wife and I are going to be in Tacoma, WA May 26 – 30. We will be bringing our travel rods (4 weight) with us.  We’ll have two days for fishing.  Any suggestions for rivers/streams for trout withing a two hour drive of Tacoma would be appreciated.  I’m not looking for anyone’s honey hole, just a general location where access is not too rigorous All suggestions will be appreciated (also any clues as to what flies I should tie for the trip would be a big help). Thanks. Jim Impara

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Question:

I need all the info I can get for a trip to alaska…..outfitters who don’t charge an arm and a leg for a nice time there!!!! I like fishing in general but don’t know what to target while there…..any ideas would be great!!!!! Would be nice to talk with someone who has been there and done it!!! Thanks Jerry S.

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Hi Jerry, I guide on the Kenai Peninsula in the summer months and I thought you might find my site useful…. I cover most of the bases for the Kenai Peninsula area which is about the most economical place to plan a trip in Alaska as you fly right into the Anchorage area without another flight neccessary. You might find the page http:///www.piscatorialpursuits.com/akfishruns.htm particularly useful as it will give you an idea of the fisheries in the area throughout the summer months. If you have any other questions, feel free to contact me at Bob Ball Bob’s Piscatorial Pursuits Alaska and Washington Salmon, Steelhead, and Halibut Fishing http://www.piscatorialpursuits.com "If it’s wild, let it go!" – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I need all the info I can get for a trip to alaska…..outfitters who don’t charge an arm and a leg for a nice time there!!!! I like fishing in general but don’t know what to target while there…..any ideas would be great!!!!! Would be nice to talk with someone who has been there and done it!!! Thanks Jerry S.

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Question:

Always wondered if you got what you paid for?

Back in 1991, I went to Canada’s Northwest Territories on a fly-in trip.  To research it, I called the NWT tourism bureau.  They were able to give me quite a bit of valuable info on winners and losers in the fly-in fishing biz.  My choice (one of her recommendations) was great and I will go back to NWT as soon as I can afford it. Peter

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some of the people who have gone on guided trips in BC have done extremely well – limited out for Salmon, Halibut & cod as well as a big haul of shrimp and crab. Northwest Fishing Guides who have a lodge in Terrace BC take people out to the ocean or take them to freshwater fishing areas and are very successfull.  I have had very good reports on them. My pages have listings – Northwest and many other fishing guides, take a look – it won’t cost anything to look! Mo — British Columbia &  Western Canada Information at = http://www.cvnet.net/modrew/Index.htm ;o) delete "nospam" to e-mail me – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Always wondered if you got what you paid for? Back in 1991, I went to Canada’s Northwest Territories on a fly-in trip.  To research it, I called the NWT tourism bureau.  They were able to give me quite a bit of valuable info on winners and losers in the fly-in fishing biz.  My choice (one of her recommendations) was great and I will go back to NWT as soon as I can afford it. Peter

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some of the people who have gone on guided trips in BC have done extremely well – limited out for Salmon, Halibut & cod as well as a big haul of shrimp and crab.

[snip] Fly-fishing for shrimp and crab? Shouldn’t this be in the "Strange Fish On The Fly" thread? ;^)

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Always wondered if you got what you paid for?

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Always wondered if you got what you paid for?

Sometimes it’s better than you imagined it could be.  Other times you can be disappointed and once in a while, you can feel absolutely cheated.  It pays to do research and check references.

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Question:

Can someone explain what knot or other method works well for joining fly line backing to the floating fly line?  I want to make certain that 8-15 pound Steelhead will not separate them.               Hungry for NEWSGROUPS??? USE feedME.ORG                      Read and Post to 30,000 groups through feedME.ORG              FREE  FREE  FREE  http://www.feedME.ORG  FREE  FREE  FREE    

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Can someone explain what knot or other method works well for joining fly line backing to the floating fly line?  I want to make certain that 8-15 pound Steelhead will not separate them.

The nail knot is commonly used for this junction. I use it on all my lines for all species including steelhead and salmon. No problems…

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Nailknots and needle knots have good records for reliability in this application. A coating of cement to smooth over the coils is an option as well. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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Can someone explain what knot or other method works well for joining fly line backing to the floating fly line?  I want to make certain that 8-15 pound Steelhead will not separate them.

I’ve used the nail knot but with 20lb backing I can break this knot with my hands. I prefer using a loop system. I put a large Bimini twist loop in the backing. At the end of the fly line I put a small "braided butt" loop. You could use a Russ Peak or whipped loop as well. Connect the two by putting the the backing loop through the loop on the fly line, then draw the loop over the spool of fly line and draw the backing loop back down by pulling slowly on the backing until the loop snugs into the braided butt loop. I’ve been unable to break one of these. Goes through the rod guides nicely when a big fish runs into the backing. Once you’ve put the loops on you don’t have to worry about doing this part again. The connection is easily undone and re-done. the loops will last the life of the line Ralph H remove "(take_this_out)" for email reply.

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Try using a Bimini twist in the backing and then loop to loop connection to the fly line. Works fine for 150 lb. tarpon etc., plus you have the convince of easily changing fly lines without having to tie knots. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Can someone explain what knot or other method works well for joining fly line backing to the floating fly line?  I want to make certain that 8-15 pound Steelhead will not separate them. The nail knot is commonly used for this junction. I use it on all my lines for all species including steelhead and salmon. No problems…

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I have used two types of connections – loop to loop and Albright knot. For the loop to loop connections I have utilized a whipped loop in the fly line using 3/0 tying thread and a braided loop connector. My current method is the Albright knot which is easy to tie, secure and travels through the guides fairly well. — Steve Vaughn

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(feedme.org/anti-spam.html) writes: Can someone explain what knot or other method works well for joining fly line backing to the floating fly line?  I want to make certain that 8-15 pound Steelhead will not separate them.

Hi Tom, There are a number of different connections you can use to accomplish this.  Most often the nail knot is used. The trick to making a nail knot work correctly is to draw it up bit by bit, not all at once and to use the correct amount of turns.  Fewer than 4 turns will tend to pull the coating off the core of your line and more than 7 is real hard to seat correctly. l usually use 5 to 6 turns and it works well.  when you start to tighten the knot up, pull a little snug on one tag and then the other, then a little harder on the first tag and  just as hard on the other tag.  Repeat this until it is tight (usually 4 to 5 pulls).  Trim off flush.  Extra tag won’t save the knot if you screwed up and it may get stuck in a line guide on the way out.  If you did it right, the knot should be football shaped as opposed to basketball shaped.  Correctly tied you will usually cut your fingers well before you can break the line.  Not quite 100% breaking strength of the line, but darn close. By the way, never test a knot by shocking or jerking on it.  That’s exactly what a fish does to break you off and it permanently elongates and weakens the material.  Even if the knot takes the shock, you just dropped it’s breaking strength significantly.  Pull strong, hard, and smoothly to test your knots. I think the nail knot is the best choice for line weights under 10.  With 10wt. and above many people use an Albright knot.  This is also an excellent knot, but is bulkier than the nail knot and that’s why I don’t use it on lower weight lines.  It is best seated using a pair of pliers to grasp the tag ends.  I do use the Albright knot on the braided monocore lines regardless of line weight because it holds them better than the nail knot does.  The nail knot is a compression knot and the stiffer core of the braided or regular mono-core lines don’t compress as well as the regular lines do so the Albright knot is a better choice there. You can also attach the backing by making a very large perfection loop in the backing or use a bimini twist to make the loop with the greatest breaking strength.  Of course this also means you have to make a loop on or in the running line of your fly line.  If you use a braided loop connector on the back of your line I suggest you anchor it with some 10 to 12 lb. test mono nail knotted around the back end of the braid instead of using the glue-on or heat-shrink anchors that come with them.  The main advantage of loop connections is ease of  changing lines.  IMO not a big advantage with full length fly lines but a good choice for shooting heads. ONE OTHER CAVEAT – Don’t use leaders with a tippet breaking-strength close to the breaking strength of the backing.  I personally don’t use heavier than 12 lb. test tippets with 20 lb. backing.  For heavier tippets I use 30lb. backing.  If the breaking strength of the two are close and your backing gets abraided, you will lose your entire line (including your excellent knots) instead of just your tippet and fly.                                    Hope this helps,                                           Dan Dan Gracia Orvis West Coast Fly Fishing Schools

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Question:

Hi folks, After many years of letting my old fly rod sit in the closet I’ve got this urge to go out and do some fishing again. Wondering if anyone has any reccomendations for any spots to try within a couple of driving hours of the Chicago area for panfish and trout? Thanks! Mark Lakomski Hoffman Estates, IL

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: Hi folks, : After many years of letting my old fly rod sit in the closet I’ve : got this urge to go out and do some fishing again. Wondering if : anyone has any reccomendations for any spots to try within a couple : of driving hours of the Chicago area for panfish and trout? Thanks! : Mark Lakomski : Hoffman Estates, IL Well, i’d suggest checking out the site listed below. Most likely there is a lake within 15 minutes of you that you can fish for panfish.       Chicago Area Paddling/Fishing Page:  http://www.ripco.com/~jwn/

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Mark, Get a copy of American Angler July/Aug’96. The article on pg 43 is "KANKAKEE smallmouths" –  Blur-ribbon smallmouth fishing an hour from Chicago!! Good fishing Dennis

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Get a copy of American Angler July/Aug’96. The article on pg 43 is "KANKAKEE smallmouths" –  Blur-ribbon smallmouth fishing an hour from                            ^^^^ Chicago!! Good fishing

Sometimes typos are revealing.  I just moved to the Chicago area from Portland, OR.  Saw the article before I came.  Don’t think you can hit the Kankakee and start nailing them.  It’s a big river, as I soon found out.   People in flyshops here are telling me that it’s a good idea to hire a guide to find fish the first time or two, and I believe them.  (Not that I’m going to.)  I’ve decided to spend some time, instead, exploring the Fox, which is a lot closer and has fair numbers of fish.  The day I went to the Kankakee recently, it was choked with bait fisherman, and *nobody* was catching–even though the river was supposed to be fishing hot.  Maybe you can dial it in over time, and it’s supposed to have bigger fish than the Fox, but it sure as hell didn’t look like the "Shangri La" it was depicted as in the article. (I’m obviously not dealing well with my relocation…) David

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David, I’ve had the same problem on the Kankakee.  Where are you finshing on the Fox?  I’m also new to the area, so any help will be appreciated. Bob McAnulty – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Get a copy of American Angler July/Aug’96. The article on pg 43 is "KANKAKEE smallmouths" –  Blur-ribbon smallmouth fishing an hour from                            ^^^^ Chicago!! Good fishing Sometimes typos are revealing.  I just moved to the Chicago area from Portland, OR.  Saw the article before I came.  Don’t think you can hit the Kankakee and start nailing them.  It’s a big river, as I soon found out.   People in flyshops here are telling me that it’s a good idea to hire a guide to find fish the first time or two, and I believe them.  (Not that I’m going to.)  I’ve decided to spend some time, instead, exploring the Fox, which is a lot closer and has fair numbers of fish.  The day I went to the Kankakee recently, it was choked with bait fisherman, and *nobody* was catching–even though the river was supposed to be fishing hot.  Maybe you can dial it in over time, and it’s supposed to have bigger fish than the Fox, but it sure as hell didn’t look like the "Shangri La" it was depicted as in the article. (I’m obviously not dealing well with my relocation…) David

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For a change of pace grab your fly rod (or spinning rod) and try fishing some of our other offerings in the Chicagoland area. The great lakes tributaries to Lake Michigan have excellent spawning runs for the following fish Chinook (King) Salmon Brown Trout (German) Coho Salmon Skamania Trout (Steelhead) Chambers Creek Trout (Steelhead) Ganaraska Trout (Steelhead) Just to name a few. Try the following rivers all within  1-3 hours from Chicago Wisconsin: Root River Milwaukee River Oak Creek Indiana: Trail Creek Salt Creek Michigan St. Joe River Black River Kalamazoo River Muskeegon River Cedar Creek White River The best fishing is a bit further in Michigan, and some of the best water in the nation Pere Marquete Little Manistee Big Manistee Baldwin River The Platte The Betsie In my opinion, you cann’t go wrong in Michigan. Tighten ‘em up, then release them. Tom Steele

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You mention possibly switching your interests to the Fox. It is excellent for smallmouth and other species. One of the very good, and well versed, sources for information on fly fishing this stream is Riverside Sports in Geneva.  The person to contact there is Tom Cebula who is only there on the weekends.  Others can give you excellent info on the river in general but Tom fly fishes it extensively and runs their fly fishing department. It is a full line shop and nice depth on the warm water stuff as well as trout/salmon. Their number is 630-232-7047. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Get a copy of American Angler July/Aug’96. The article on pg 43 is "KANKAKEE smallmouths" –  Blur-ribbon smallmouth fishing an hour from                       ^^^^ Chicago!! Good fishing Sometimes typos are revealing.  I just moved to the Chicago area from Portland, OR.  Saw the article before I came.  Don’t think you can hit the Kankakee and start nailing them.  It’s a big river, as I soon found out.   People in flyshops here are telling me that it’s a good idea to hire a guide to find fish the first time or two, and I believe them.  (Not that I’m going to.)  I’ve decided to spend some time, instead, exploring the Fox, which is a lot closer and has fair numbers of fish.  The day I went to the Kankakee recently, it was choked with bait fisherman, and *nobody* was catching–even though the river was supposed to be fishing hot.  Maybe you can dial it in over time, and it’s supposed to have bigger fish than the Fox, but it sure as hell didn’t look like the "Shangri La" it was depicted as in the article. (I’m obviously not dealing well with my relocation…) David

         Trent Roberson            Rx F Fish  For Your Good Health, Fly Fish URL=http://www.xnet.com/~rxffish

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Question:

I am looking into buying my first drift boat and am looking for any tips or recomendations that may help me in my quest. Should I buy new or used? Approx. costs for both? Size? Aluminium,fiberglass,or wood? These are a few of the questions I could think of. Durability is my main concern as I will be going down fairly large and rough rivers.That brings me to my last questions where can I go to learn how to use the boat safely and properly? —                  *              Doug Cook                *                  *            Richmond,B.C.              *                  *                Canada                 *

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am looking into buying my first drift boat and am looking for any tips or recomendations that may help me in my quest. Should I buy new or used? Approx. costs for both? Size? Aluminium,fiberglass,or wood? These are a few of the questions I could think of. Durability is my main concern as I will be going down fairly large and rough rivers.That brings me to my last questions where can I go to learn how to use the boat safely and properly? —                  *              Doug Cook                *                  *            Richmond,B.C.              *                  *                Canada                 *

DOUG BABY!  Definately can help you here.  Look into (one example) a Don Hill Drift Boat and I believe he’s in Springfield/Eugene Oregon. Do not go below 16 feet in length as these will float shallower than 14 footers and you will need the hauling abilities and they are easier to maintain position with the oars. Always buy three oars, not just two.  When not in use, hang them off the floor on a wall dangling down in order to keep them warp-free. Do not buy aluminum drift boats as they are:         1)Cold blooded bastards on the feet.         2)Noisey         3)Grip Rocks and hang up on them unmercifully! Buy a new boat that is Gel Coated on the bottom and which is fiber glassed.  The Don Hill or Coffman (spelling?) are excellent.  Make sure your trailer-bearings are water sealed. Buy any boat you want as long as it’s fiber-glass.  More maintenance free all around and in the long-haul.  They will take a lot of punishment and bring you home alive.  Always carry an extra set of oar locks and make sure you have a good quick anchor system/release. Lastly, realize that Mackenzie Style Drift boat fishing is a two man operation overall.  One person rows and another fishes.  You can go alone but requires a good anchoring system from dragging a chain, to using a 30 pound pyramid hunk of lead, etc. Call Don Hill and tell him I said hello.  I own one of his.  Love it. Use the heck out of it.  Great Steelhead fishing platform and perfect for fly casting or dead-drifting, etc. Sincerely, George Gehrke/Mr. Gink

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I am looking into buying my first drift boat and am looking for any tips or recomendations that may help me in my quest.

I believe Lavro has a guarentee that might interest you. Steve

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Doug, I suggest….just my personal opinion that fiberglass is the most durable.  It can be patched if necessary and is more quiet than aluminum.  I use a Hyde boat and I love it….they are light, rugged, comfortable, look sharp and very responsive.  Give them a call and get a catalog ask for Bruce…tell him you spoke to me. They are a good company. 800 444 4933. Let me know if I can help…I hope I did. Cheers, James Ehlers Uncle Jammer’s Guide Service LIC#2298 Underhill, VT

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Question:

     I thought it might be fun if we could share some significant fishing experiences from childhood.  The following one is as vivid in my mind as the day it happened.      When I was about 8 years old my family was camping at Red Haw State Park near Chariton, Iowa.  I was a master at catching bluegill and bullheads by this time, but like most boys this age I wanted to catch a bass like a real man.  I had a Zebco 202 and a cheap fiberglass rod and a bullfrog pattern Heddon Lucky 13 surface lure.  I walked down the steeply sloping trail under huge overhanging oak trees to the waters edge and began making long casts out into a narrow cove of Red Haw Lake. After several casts the surface errupted around my lure.  I started cranking like mad against the drag as the fish pulled line off my reel.  Then the fish made a spectacular head shaking jump and the lure flew from his mouth.  Looking back I would guess the fish was 3-5 pounds.  I was left on the bank with my heart pounding and nothing to take back to camp but a story.   But from that day forth I was not just a fisherman.  I was a BASS FISHERMAN.     In the next couple of years I discovered the Mepps squirrel tail spinner, floating Rapala, Beetlespin, and Mister Twister grub, which were all a little easier to handle on light tackle.  I caught a lot of small bass on these, but was always hoping to hook another one like the one I lost on that Lucky 13.       What about you?  Got a story to tell?

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        [great story deleted]    What about you?  Got a story to tell?

Yep.  I was about 10 years old and a reasonably accomplished stream fisherman at the time.  We were fishing the St. Joe River in N. Idaho with my brother and his family.   All Denny could talk about was the big fish they catch in Lake Crowley (Calif) and was pretty cocky about fishing the next day. Denny is about 15 yrs. older and lived in Calif. at the time.  Early the next morning dad dropped us off to cover different stretches of the river and planned to meet later in the morning.   I had a great day catching and releasing cutthroat in the 12" to 14" range when I hooked what I thought was a monster.  I battled this fish for 20 minutes and finally landed him as the line broke.  He was spent and I was still able to get him on the bank.  The fish was a huge cutthroat that weighed about 3 lbs.  Biggest I ever saw in the St. Joe. We met later and Denny had 2 12" fish and he announced that fishing was terrible.  I held up my fish and politely disagreed.  He barely spoke to me the rest of his visit.  At least he wasn’t quite so cocky and rarely talked about the big fish in Crowley.  I remember this vividly because he usually outfishes me in any other visit I remember. Terry — Terry Turner              My body is mostly water so I fish.                   503-685-3649              by mowing the lawn. *****Opinions here are my own and not necessarily the views of Tektronix****

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   Back I guess about 1965 my brother Bob an I spent a lot of weekends fishing at my uncle’s cabin on Long lake located in northern Wisconsin. I remember one day when we were fishing from shore for bluegills when Bob decided to catch a frog and hook it thru the back and put on a big bobber. I remember watching the frog swimming and pulling this big bobber around. All of a sudden the bobber disappeared under the water, and Bob started reeling his zebco 202 like mad. This fish had his pole bent in a "u" and it seemed all he could do is hang on to it. Then his reel jammed up and he could’nt reel any more line in, so he starts backing up off the narrow shore into the woods in order to land this fish. I stayed next to the water and waited for him to get the fish to shore. After a little while he managed to pull this ~10lb northern pike into the shallows and I jumped on it pinning it down with our (small) net. I remember calling to Bob to come help and he was far enough back into the woods he couldn’t see what he had landed. I still don’t think my folks or Aunt and Uncle belived the story we told, but we had the fish to show.   8^)

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 When I was fifteen, my folks decided that we should leave Tennessee for a month and visit my grandparents in Oregon. Being a group of rabid anglers, we set off one day to fish the Williamson river during one of its famous salmon fly hatches. I had never seen a trout over 1 1/2 lbs before, but that day I hooked a 5-6 lb Rainbow on a Rooster Tail spinner. I fought him to exhaustion, lunged for him with my hands. Cradling him like a baby, I rolled onto the bank with my prize only to find myself staring at the boots of some Orvis clad goober from Californication.  He immediately  said, "Anybody can catch’em on those damn spinners; I hope you’re gonna let him go." This jackass with his misguided purism had burst the bubble of my greatest catch of all time. He has gone down in our family lore as "the preacher."  Today, I am a dedicated catch and release fly fisherman but, because of this experience I will never tell somebody else that he "ain’t fishing right." By the way, I took the fish home and boy was it tasty. Cal in troutless Indiana

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Cal in troutless Indiana

        TROUTLESS Indiana????   I just spent 8 weekends chasing         Skamania acrobats all over the Mich City area.  WOW.         THen there is the fall steel head run and the winter         steelhead run then the spring steelhead run, then the         even FROM Indiana (mostly to).

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Cal in troutless Indiana    TROUTLESS Indiana????   I just spent 8 weekends chasing    Skamania acrobats all over the Mich City area.  WOW.    THen there is the fall steel head run and the winter    steelhead run then the spring steelhead run, then the    even FROM Indiana (mostly to).

SCUSE ME, Cal in troutless Southern Indiana PS Actually I tried some winter steelie action on Trail creek but couldn’t make it work. Please drop me a line and tell me about your exploits

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As a young boy, growing up in the state of Vermont, I was fortunate enough to have a father that took me fishing with him. We often fished some of the larger rivers and lakes of the state, but more typically it was a trip to one of the local brooks to catch a limit of "brookies".  The brookies were usually caught by approaching the shallow brook on your hands and knees to avoid being spotted, by flipping your worm into the pool in the exact location to miss the alders, by watching the fish dart out from the cover of the bank to take your worm and then timing the "snap" at the right time to flip your trophy of 9 inches out of the water.  My most rememorable fish was a lunker of 13.5" that I flipped onto the shore and caught with my hands as I slid along the muddy shore of the brook face first. Today I live in an area where brook trout and most other native trout no longer exist.  It is not uncommon for people to have $25,000 worth of equipment to try to catch the biggest of the biggest fish. I love to fish and have caught fish of all sizes with all of the latest and greatest techniques and equipment.  But to this day, when asked about my most memorable fish, I will not refer to a 30 lb. Salmon, a 6 lb. Walleye, or a 5 lb. Bass.  I will refer to that brookie I caught with my dad in the hills of Vermont. — These views do not represent those of Eastman Kodak Co.

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