Question:

<snip Nice report, Roger. I watched a UK fishing show about a guy who rented and floated a large river in Sweden on a raft. He fished for whitefish and trout. Ever heard of this? — Gary M

Response:

Nice report, Roger. Keep catching those big, fat grayling, and keep the reports coming. — Jarmo Hurri address or apply rot13 to header email address.

Response:

Hi! Had planned to stop working 2 pm. As usual something came up and I wasn’t on my way until 4 pm. Driving the 85 km to my intended fishing spot downstream the Village of Myrheden, I passed a local thunderstorm headed for the coast. However, on arrival at the river the weather was sunny and approx 23 degrees Celsius. River Byske is one of Swedens most famous salmon rivers, but also hold grayling and trout. Earlier in the history of the river it was used to float timber to the coast. As a consequence there were long arms of stone built to concentrate the flow of water to a smaller area and as such deepening the river. Listening to my grandfather talk about the fishing in these days it is obvious that fish benefitted from the timber floating. A huge amount of timber in the first half of the summer meant an enormous food supply for the fish as a variety of insects fell into the water with the timber. Grayling up to lb 4 were caught every summer and brown trout up to lb 10. Today the care takers of this fishing area has started to restore the river to its "natural" state by digging these stone arms back into the river using excavators. Fish biologists have pointed out that this work must be done so that alternating deeper and shallower parts of the river are created (obvious) but the care takers look at money first and as a consequence the cheapest contractor gets the job. What happens? Well, this contractor often knows nothing about restoring the river bed and the result is just as often dissapointing. The tragic part of all this is that the restorations are made with the salmon’s best interest in mind. So in failing improvements for salmon, which after all are migratory fish, the care takers have failed catastrophically with the stationary fish which is only a remnant of what it once was. Enough of this crap, back to the report. Since this was the first trip, this year, to this area, I went straight for the hot spots that have emerged during 26 years of fly fishing in this river. There’s a square meter of the river that every year gets my first attention and this year was no different. Kind of silly isn’t it? to go to the exact same spot year after year, especially since the river is something like 150 km long. But to me it’s like visiting an old friend and being there makes me content if nothing else. The first thing I noticed was that the river was low, more so than usual this time of year. The second was that, probably due to a surprisingly early summer with above average temperatures for over three weeks in a row, the insect life was in full activity. There were two different mayflies swarming and also a number of caddis flies with a medium sized grey variant in majority. One of the mayfly species (don’t know its latin name) was a bright yellow and fairly large mayfly, these mayflies, with the grace of a butterfly, are beautiful to watch. To reach the spot I had to do some wading and whilst doing so I saw a rise just where I had expected it to be. It looked like a fairly large grayling. The spot is located on the neck of a stream with an underwater rock just upstream. By this time my expectations were high and my first cast a bit short in the eager to reach the fish. The second cast I hooked a 15.5 inch grayling weighing slightly below lb1.5 . I usually catch one fish for eating, but this one was too big so I released it. All in all I caught 18 grayling and kept two for breakfast, one for me and one for my 80 year old grandfather who still fly fish but due to a bad knee mostly in lakes. I fished until 4 am with a short break for cooking coffee at midnight. As always this time of the year the presence of the sun was visible as a redish light in the horizon even at 1 am. End of story. P.S. I just got off the phone as a friend of mine called to tell me about a visit to a small river "Mal

Question:

Two places in paradise. Does anyone have any tips for flyfihing the Animas River around Durango. We are vacationing in the area the 2nd week in June. My plans also include a day on the San Juan but my concern is that the water will be high with spring run-off and extra water released for irrigation. Any input appreciated. guy

Response:

Yes.  My tip of the day is stop in the Durango Fly Shop. George Gehrke

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Two places in paradise. Does anyone have any tips for flyfihing the Animas River around Durango. We are vacationing in the area the 2nd week in June. My plans also include a day on the San Juan but my concern is that the water will be high with spring run-off and extra water released for irrigation. Any input appreciated. guy

Response:

Two places in paradise. Does anyone have any tips for flyfihing the Animas River around Durango. We are vacationing in the area the 2nd week in June. My plans also include a day on the San Juan but my concern is that the water will be high with spring run-off and extra water released for irrigation. Any input appreciated. guy

There will be no runoff in that part of Colorado. There is VERY little snow or no snow left in the southern mountains. They are predicting major fish kills in southern Colorado this year because of lack of snowpack. Things might be OK in mid June, but things will get bad soon after. Willi

Response:

I’d go to Duranglers, right on Main St. http://www.duranglers.com bruce h

Response:

Two places in paradise. Does anyone have any tips for fly fishing the Animas River around Durango. We are vacationing in the area the 2nd week in June. My plans also include a day on the San Juan but my concern is that the water will be high with spring run-off and extra water released for irrigation. Any input appreciated. guy

IMHO: Be prepared with alternatives close by such as Delores, etc.  I have found that the Animas is a 50/50 if there is a lot of rain at the time you want to fish.  It gets rather roiled and can be a tough nut to crack if there is a lot of rain.  Same with the San Miguel. SJ should be good, but watch the flows, again a lot depends on good old CO getting some badly needed rain. K

Response:

Thanks all! (The upper Delores is on my list also. Did pretty good there last year on caddis and terrestrials. Lower Delores skunked me – tough river in the summer). guy

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Two places in paradise. Does anyone have any tips for fly fishing the Animas River around Durango. We are vacationing in the area the 2nd week in June. My plans also include a day on the San Juan but my concern is that the water will be high with spring run-off and extra water released for irrigation. Any input appreciated. guy IMHO: Be prepared with alternatives close by such as Delores, etc.  I have found that the Animas is a 50/50 if there is a lot of rain at the time you want to fish.  It gets rather roiled and can be a tough nut to crack if there is a lot of rain.  Same with the San Miguel. SJ should be good, but watch the flows, again a lot depends on good old CO getting some badly needed rain. K

Response:

Your ace in the hole is the San Juan River.  If you can afford it, hire out a guide and go there for a couple of days with or without one.  This is tail water and there is enough talent always fishing it that you can talk too. It’s a shame if you don’t plan enough time to stay in the area long enough to smell the roses. George Gehrke

Response:

George, Don’t worry about the roses. I will be smelling plenty of them with the family there. I will have 3 days to fish, possibly 4 if I beg. The smell of trout water – kinda like heaven – is much preferred over roses. (We are splitting our 9 days between Telluride and Durango). guy

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Your ace in the hole is the San Juan River.  If you can afford it, hire out a guide and go there for a couple of days with or without one.  This is tail water and there is enough talent always fishing it that you can talk too. It’s a shame if you don’t plan enough time to stay in the area long enough to smell the roses. George Gehrke

Response:

Thanks all! (The upper Delores is on my list also. Did pretty good there last year on caddis and terrestrials. Lower Delores skunked me – tough river in the summer).

The DOW is predicting a "total" fish kill on the Delores this summer. Willi

Response:

George, Don’t worry about the roses. I will be smelling plenty of them with the family there. I will have 3 days to fish, possibly 4 if I beg. The smell of trout water – kinda like heaven – is much preferred over roses. (We are splitting our 9 days between Telluride and Durango).

Telluride is too high and it’s mostly "upper water" and actually hard to breath there.  It takes 30 days just to acclimate.  Durango is almost like going for the bull’s-eye.  That Gunnison Black Canyon is, "interesting". Well, you know what you’re doing. George

Response:

Telluride is too high and it’s mostly "upper water" and actually hard to breath there.  It takes 30 days just to acclimate…..

Two years ago Becky and I went on a little trip.  We drove from our home in Milwaukee (the highest point in Milwaukee is 816 feet above sea level) to a parking lot on the western edge of Rocky Mountain National Park.  From there, we commenced a six day backpacking trip (her first ever) in the Never Summer Wilderness which took us to over 12,000 feet on the third day…..we started at 9,000 and reached 11,200 on the first day.  It was a tough first day, and the third wasn’t much better, but we "acclimated" within twenty-four hours or so. As always, George is entirely full of shit and absolutely incapable of rendering an opinion on ANYTHING without a boatload of factual errors, and worse.  There is more to be said with regard to this matter, but I am content to let it rest here for the moment unless anyone who hasn’t been here long enough to get to know him would like a bit of background……or unless George insists. Wolfgang your move shithead.

Response:

The DOW is predicting a "total" fish kill on the Delores this summer.

What about any of the other rivers in the region?  I’m really concerned about a number of SWern Colorado trout streams and rivers.  I spent quite a bit of time in the region last year and it was in pretty bad shape.  That was in a year where they had above average snowfall, but still experiencing the effects of drought conditions from previous years.  My favorite high mountain stream might become a nice little sand creek…. — remove all x and y’s for reply email. To worry is folly so let us be jolly.

Response:

Question:

Thanx Ari Dave

Response:

Thanks Ari, Joel Axelrad Joel Axelrad **DFD**

Response:

Err, In case that didn’t come through clearly, I’m on the side of the USA.

I don’t think anybody was worried. TL and stay safe. — "Armchair warriors often fail, and we’ve been  poisoned by these fairy tales" -Don Henley

Response:

Err, In case that didn’t come through clearly, I’m on the side of the USA. Ari – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -A bit late but I’m just back from Mozambique and I just wanna give every body involved (and even those not) in the last weeks terrible disaster my sincere condolences. Hang in there, guys. It’ll all get sorted out. Ari Ari Bert                                    Gaelle Bert +27 (0) 83 232 9903                         +27 (0) 83 236 5308 Flyfishing Corner +27 (0) 11 447 7230                         Shop 94, Admirals Court +27 (0) 11 882 8537 (fax)                   Cnr Craddock & Tyrwhitt www.troutfishing.co.za                            Street, Rosebank P.O.Box 79067 Senderwood 2145 South Africa

Ari Bert                                        Gaelle Bert +27 (0) 83 232 9903                             +27 (0) 83 236 5308 Flyfishing Corner +27 (0) 11 447 7230                             Shop 94, Admirals Court +27 (0) 11 882 8537 (fax)                       Cnr Craddock & Tyrwhitt www.troutfishing.co.za                                Street, Rosebank P.O.Box 79067 Senderwood 2145 South Africa

Response:

A bit late but I’m just back from Mozambique and I just wanna give every body involved (and even those not) in the last weeks terrible disaster my sincere condolences. Hang in there, guys. It’ll all get sorted out. Ari Ari Bert                                        Gaelle Bert +27 (0) 83 232 9903                             +27 (0) 83 236 5308 Flyfishing Corner +27 (0) 11 447 7230                             Shop 94, Admirals Court +27 (0) 11 882 8537 (fax)                       Cnr Craddock & Tyrwhitt www.troutfishing.co.za                                Street, Rosebank P.O.Box 79067 Senderwood 2145 South Africa

Response:

Question:

Ken Fortenberry: You’re about the last one I’d expect to entertain ROFF with jingoistic melodrama. After watching the Whidby Naval Air reunion, let me be the first to say, Ken, bleed out your ears *and* eyes.  God Bless America, the U.S. Navy and our brave men and women who enable you to be such an insufferable intolerant little prick.

of course, you don’t live in washington state and have to watch the local s(news)…. this is all we’ve been hearing about and what we’ll be hearing about til the next disaster <G. i’m glad they’re back…. but i’d like to see the media give them a little bit of a break so they can have some real private time with their families and loved ones. chris

Response:

Dave, not trying to judge your age here, but by any chance were you one of those guys that got out of the draft during vietnam? I only say this because you seem to have such disdain for the military. I think I understand your disgust with the overdramatization in which military people attribute to their jobs….I did a 6 year stint in the Navy myself, and enjoyed it, but I find that too often fellow vets are just too quick to point out the fact that they served. It’s almost like they’re rubbing it in others’ faces. I have followed the plight of the aircrew held in China with some interest. I feel that the government/military is making way too big a deal of this, for publicity’s sake, than should be. All that said…I do respect the simple fact that being hel captive in a foreign communist country, no matter what the accomodations (in this case very plush) and treatment, would be a scary and dangerous situation to be in (history tells us this). For that, sure, let’s have a parade and welcome these folks home (especially if they were able to destroy any sensitive equipment on that plane before it went down).

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Ken Fortenberry: You’re about the last one I’d expect to entertain ROFF with jingoistic melodrama. After watching the Whidby Naval Air reunion, let me be the first to say, Ken, bleed out your ears *and* eyes.  God Bless America, the U.S. Navy and our brave men and women who enable you to be such an insufferable intolerant little prick. Dave Dave

Response:

Dave, not trying to judge your age here, but by any chance were you one of those guys that got out of the draft during vietnam?

Uhh, Mark,  Dave is a retired Navy Chief, a career military man who is justifiably proud of his service. Ken is the one who wrote the anti military diatribe. You really need to follow these threads a little more carefully before replying, or else get some asbestos skivvies to protect you from the flames.  Just a little friendly advice. George Adams "From the rockin’ of the cradle to the rollin’ of the hearse, the goin’ up was worth the comin’ down." ___Kris Kristofferson "The Pilgrim/Chapter 33"

Response:

Ahhh…my apologies for my mistaken left-click, especially to Dave.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Dave, not trying to judge your age here, but by any chance were you one of those guys that got out of the draft during vietnam? Uhh, Mark,  Dave is a retired Navy Chief, a career military man who is justifiably proud of his service. Ken is the one who wrote the anti military diatribe. You really need to follow these threads a little more carefully before replying, or else get some asbestos skivvies to protect you from the flames.  Just a little friendly advice. George Adams "From the rockin’ of the cradle to the rollin’ of the hearse, the goin’ up was worth the comin’ down." ___Kris Kristofferson "The Pilgrim/Chapter 33"

Response:

Dave, not trying to judge your age here, but by any chance were you one of those guys that got out of the draft during vietnam? I only say this because you seem to have such disdain for the military.

Wow, whatever you are smokin is worth every damn nickel you paid! Wolfgang and doubtless dave would love to share it      :)

Response:

… This is a welcome home for a group of Americans …

And much ado about nothing in my book.  … He, like many of us, were expressing a collective sigh of relief, that these men and women returned home to the ruffles and flourishes of the National Anthem and not the saddening strains of Taps.          Frank Reid, MSgt, USAF (Ret)

He and many of you can express your collective sighs elsewhere as far as I’m concerned, Frank. And I’m not impressed by alphabet soup after a man’s name. My younger brother was in the Marine Corps for twenty years, I’m not completely unfamiliar with things military. The military is a necessary evil not a sacred cow and I’m far more impressed with the guy who teaches inner city kids to read than I am with the guy flying spy planes off the coast of China. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

Ken,     How ’bout teaching English and math to kids inter-battle zone in Bosnia, where there is a cleared path in the minefield to get to the old warehouse to teach?  How ’bout doing this for free?     How ’bout whole National Guard units that volunteer as a group to drop their jobs and run off to Central America to spend their days humpin sacks of flour to help hurricane victims?     How ’bout spending four nights a week and all day Saturday teaching English, math and biology to Korean orphans who are ostracized because they don’t have parents?  The tutors won’t help, the city won’t help, their own teachers won’t help.  Again, done free, for a year, gratis.  Person’s boss didn’t even know about it.     These are anecdotal.  They are all true. They are all military members. The U.S. military is second only to firefighters in time spent doing volunteer work.  In a lot of towns, those firefighters are military.  You profess to understand the military.  I won’t gainsay that.  Why do you join an organization of computer proffesionals?  Could it be that you identify with those who share your understanding of nibbles and bytes?  We, those former military members, identify with the sacrifices that those currently in the military endure.  The funny thing about military folks is that they often blend in with the scenery.  The are members of ACM, ROFF, but they still identify with their common core of experience in the military.  MSgt Ret is alphabet soup.  However, I only used it since you used ACM. Glass houses my friend.     You, as computer professional, should understand that the U.S. military is not a necessary evil.  It is also not a sacred cow.  It is not that one-dimensional.  However, to trivialize 2.6 million folks to the status of necessary evil is, in and of itself, pretty one dimensional.  It is a group of folks as important as your local fire and police department.  Wherever they go, they try to do some good.  It’s their nature.  They, as a group, will all tell you that they abhor the combat side of their jobs, because, to them, if they have to fight, they’ve failed at peace keeping.     I tell you what, take a group of military folks and ask them to raise their hands if they’ve ever fired a weapon in combat.   Very few hands.  Now ask them if they’ve done 10 or more hours of volunteer work in the last 2 months.  Now ask your computer professional friends if they’ve done 10 or more hours of volunteer work in the last two months.  Hey, it takes a village.  Some of us, i.e. the military have lived in that village all our lives, where others are wandering around screaming that some one should build them one.       Frank Reid – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – He and many of you can express your collective sighs elsewhere as far as I’m concerned, Frank. And I’m not impressed by alphabet soup after a man’s name. My younger brother was in the Marine Corps for twenty years, I’m not completely unfamiliar with things military. The military is a necessary evil not a sacred cow and I’m far more impressed with the guy who teaches inner city kids to read than I am with the guy flying spy planes off the coast of China. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

…     These are anecdotal.  They are all true. They are all military members.

And two members of the US military raped a 12 year old Japanese schoolgirl. Pretty useless to trade these examples, I’ll concede that there are both really nice folks and some of the scum of the earth serving in the military. …  MSgt Ret is alphabet soup.  However, I only used it since you used ACM. Glass houses my friend.

include their email address in their .sig, but if you find it untoward Please remember that this is an international forum and excessive chest thumping by the military regardless of nationality is most unseemly. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

Ken,      All’s I’m trying to say is that military members are a group of human beings, like educators, like computer professionals.  That’s not chest thumping.  As you said, there are good and bad in every group.  I don’t trivialize any group of people.  To do so is to trivialize all.  To denigrate the work of a group of folks because they are in the military is very small minded.     Oh, by the way, the U.S. is not the only country that has a military. And, oh, by the way, in many countries, the military is a highly respected profession.  Unfortunately, it is mostly in those industrialized nations that have the freedom and wherewithal to be able to afford the time and the money to sit at computers or fly fish.  Wonder if there is a connection there?  Yes, this is an international forum, maybe over the years, you will expand your narrow views to match it.  Now thats chest thumping.     I may not change your mind, but I can try to change your perspective.         Frank

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – …     These are anecdotal.  They are all true. They are all military members. And two members of the US military raped a 12 year old Japanese schoolgirl. Pretty useless to trade these examples, I’ll concede that there are both really nice folks and some of the scum of the earth serving in the military. …  MSgt Ret is alphabet soup.  However, I only used it since you used ACM. Glass houses my friend. include their email address in their .sig, but if you find it untoward Please remember that this is an international forum and excessive chest thumping by the military regardless of nationality is most unseemly. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

…  I don’t trivialize any group of people.  

To call the military a necessary evil is not to trivialize it, by definition necessary is not trivial.     Oh, by the way, the U.S. is not the only country that has a military.

Exactly the point, Frank. To hear some tell it all US actions are noble, honorable and professional and all US military personnel heroes while the only human being to have actually died in this regrettable incident is a "hotdog" who deserved to die. Now that’s jingoism. … Yes, this is an international forum, maybe over the years, you will expand your narrow views to match it.  Now thats chest thumping.     I may not change your mind, but I can try to change your perspective.

Thump away, my friend, but I think my perspective is just fine and the chances of you changing it are nil. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

Ken Fortenberry writes: To hear some tell it all US actions are noble, honorable and professional and all US military personnel heroes while the only human being to have actually died in this regrettable incident is a "hotdog" who deserved to die. Now that’s jingoism.

If you saw film of previous flights by Chicoms harassing *legal* flights, you would ulnderstand why the Chicom died.  He "deserved" to die simply because he was harassing another aircraft in international waters when he should not have.  No jingoism or chauvinism involved.  Poor judgement, poor driving skills, lack of common sense, and unnecessary aggression caused his death, and damn near cause the death of *our* aircremen.   As far as this not belonging on roff:  well, it seems like you and only you get to pick roffs contents?  Like "native American" crap and "squaw" crap and other politically correct crap.  As long as the religious and patriotic intolerant Fortenberry says so, it must be so!  Bullshit!  See my hat.  And, MY brother was in the marines too.  What does *that* have to do with anything? Dave

Response:

Ken Whats the fucking big deal? They are American Navy people. They were being held by a foreign power. They got to survive and come home. The West Sound is very Navy. People here care a lot about these things. So they threw a big Welcome home party. The Pacific is a big Ocean – 6 hours from the HI, so when they were 40 minutes out I posted that. Now maybe the desire to celebrate this small victory locally is partly to counter the many recent unfortunate happenings in WA like the Earthquake, the loss of a large fishing crew in the Bering sea last week, Boeing, etc etc. But I think people were genuine in their appreciation for these young people. As for the politics of it – you know that my politics are relatively progressive for this forum. No one would ever mistake me for a conservative. But you also know that I save my strongest disdain for ideology and ideologues right and left. And all know that I loath Bush, still support McCain, think Rumsfeld is dangerous, and am thankful that Powell is there to moderate things, and because of his caution borne of his combat experience. You feeling anti-war? Got anything to say about the Israeli Army abuse of Arab civilians? How about dual citizenship "Americans" called up as IDF reservists for a few weeks of fun in Gaza? Feel like a crusade? I understand there is a boatload of child slaves missing off Benin. Or maybe a little looksee at the status of foreign household domestics in Chambama might be needed. Teaching reading in the inner city? You do not know that probably the largest inner city volunteer tutoring programs are operated by the military. Most ships have such programs. The military is also far ahead of the rest of the country on affirmative action, family involvement and responsibility in the schools, family leave and support, universal medical coverage, equal opportunity, environmental stewardship and a few others. Like my rightwing nemesis, you assume too much. My point being that pissing on a Welcome Home party for some GIs in WA, doesn’t fulfill the monthly dues assignment for even our most peripatetic Naderite. Lighten up. You get the last word if you want it. Dave

Response:

Ken, Is your life a piece of shit? I don’t believe it is. Do you? I believe you are a precious and utterly unique thing, and so am I, along with everybody else. Bottom line: My personal understanding is that people died so I could sit here at this keyboard and type whatever I want. I am grateful for those who have died, and to those who put themselves at risk for this country. I’m happy to see these kids come home and proud of the way they handled their situation. If that’s chest thumping, I’m going to thump my chest every chance I get. You can call it unseemly, call it any fucking thing you want. But ingratitude is worse than unseemly, it’s dishonorable. LR

Response:

…  He "deserved" to die simply because he was harassing another aircraft in international waters when he should not have.

He was no doubt under orders to harass the spy plane just as an American "hotdog" would be under orders to harass a Chinese spy plane in international waters off the coast of California. I doubt you’d be so cavalier about the death of an American aviator. As far as this not belonging on roff:  well, it seems like you and only you get to pick roffs contents?  

I don’t pick contents, but if I see something that makes this place an uncomfortable place for me or for others who want to discuss flyfishing I’ll either ignore it or bitch about it as I see fit. I suggest you do the same. … And, MY brother was in the marines too.  What does *that* have to do with anything?

Only that I’m not totally unsympathetic to career military. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

Ken Whats the fucking big deal? They are American Navy people. …

No big deal, I’m just tired of all the hoop-de-la and the bloodlust was just starting to taper off on ROFF when you had to go and bring the damn thing up again. And believe it or not, not every flyfisherman in the world gives a flying fuck about the American Navy. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

… But ingratitude is worse than unseemly, it’s dishonorable.

Worship the military if that’s your wont, but calling folks dishonorable is no way find a fishing partner. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

Take it any way you want. I didn’t call you dishonorable, but your behavior is. Enough dishonorable behavior and I may eventually judge you as dishonorable, but it’ll take a long time for me to feel that way about you. Since I took you to task publicly, I apologize in public for doing so. I should have emailed you.

Response:

… Since I took you to task publicly, I apologize in public for doing so. I should have emailed you.

No problem, Lennie. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Ken,    According to Websters, a jingo is a person who boasts of his patriotism and favors an aggressive, threatening, warlike foreign policy.  You are totally missing the point.  This is a welcome home for a group of Americans that was held captive after making an emergency landing at a foreign airfield.  Would we have accepted this kind of treatment if this had been an airliner full of civilians, held by a foreign power after such an emergency landing?  Because they are military, should we not welcome them home?    It is not "jingoistic" to feel proud of a group of people who have been through a difficult ordeal, handled it with professionalism and returned home with honor.  Their job?  Ensuring that we are not suprised by an unforseen hostile act.  If we can find out about what is going on, then mayhaps we can PREVENT an aggressive, threatening, warlike foreign policy.    Neither is it jingoistic to be saddened by the deaths of American and Vietnamese service men in Vietnam, years after the end of the war.  Their job?  Bringing closure to the families who lost love ones in that war.    I’ve watched both of these incidents unfold over the last few days. They hit home.  I was an Air Force linguist and intelligence analyst. These are some of the brightest and hardest working folks in the military.  Their IQs average in the top 10 percent.  It takes over 1 1/2 years in school, 8 hours a day with six hours of homework to even sit in the seat.  Then there is another year and a half of qualification on-the-job.  The washout rate is as high as 60%.    It is a very tight knit community. They are called "purple suiters" (the color of blue, green, and black uniforms combined) as they are the most "joint" job in the military. The mix of this crew is indicative of this "jointness."  They do their wartime job day in and out with life and death decisions in their hands.  99% boredom, 1% stark raving terror.  For this they make about $20,000 a year.    I was at the Defense Language Institute at the same time as one of those guys on the MI-8.  One of my coworkers was his roommate.  We are heartened and glad that the EP-3 incident did not end in the same way.  We are relieved that they’ve returned home.  We are welcoming them home as a nation, as you would welcome an old friend into your home for Thanksgiving.    Ken, Dave was not expressing "jingoistic melodrama."  He, like many of us, were expressing a collective sigh of relief, that these men and women returned home to the ruffles and flourishes of the National Anthem and not the saddening strains of Taps.         Frank Reid, MSgt, USAF (Ret)

Well said Frank, I think only those of us who have known the military as "family" for a goodly portion of our lives can really appreciate what the Whidbey Island folks felt today, it is a special bond that is still with me 31 yrs after retirement from the USAF.  I also believe that *most* Americans celebrate with us. Frank Church, TSgt, USAF (Ret)

Response:

Ken,     According to Websters, a jingo is a person who boasts of his patriotism and favors an aggressive, threatening, warlike foreign policy.  You are totally missing the point.  This is a welcome home for a group of Americans that was held captive after making an emergency landing at a foreign airfield.  Would we have accepted this kind of treatment if this had been an airliner full of civilians, held by a foreign power after such an emergency landing?  Because they are military, should we not welcome them home?     It is not "jingoistic" to feel proud of a group of people who have been through a difficult ordeal, handled it with professionalism and returned home with honor.  Their job?  Ensuring that we are not suprised by an unforseen hostile act.  If we can find out about what is going on, then mayhaps we can PREVENT an aggressive, threatening, warlike foreign policy.     Neither is it jingoistic to be saddened by the deaths of American and Vietnamese service men in Vietnam, years after the end of the war.  Their job?  Bringing closure to the families who lost love ones in that war.     I’ve watched both of these incidents unfold over the last few days. They hit home.  I was an Air Force linguist and intelligence analyst.  These are some of the brightest and hardest working folks in the military.  Their IQs average in the top 10 percent.  It takes over 1 1/2 years in school, 8 hours a day with six hours of homework to even sit in the seat.  Then there is another year and a half of qualification on-the-job.  The washout rate is as high as 60%.     It is a very tight knit community. They are called "purple suiters" (the color of blue, green, and black uniforms combined) as they are the most "joint" job in the military. The mix of this crew is indicative of this "jointness."  They do their wartime job day in and out with life and death decisions in their hands.  99% boredom, 1% stark raving terror.  For this they make about $20,000 a year.     I was at the Defense Language Institute at the same time as one of those guys on the MI-8.  One of my coworkers was his roommate.  We are heartened and glad that the EP-3 incident did not end in the same way.  We are relieved that they’ve returned home.  We are welcoming them home as a nation, as you would welcome an old friend into your home for Thanksgiving.     Ken, Dave was not expressing "jingoistic melodrama."  He, like many of us, were expressing a collective sigh of relief, that these men and women returned home to the ruffles and flourishes of the National Anthem and not the saddening strains of Taps.          Frank Reid, MSgt, USAF (Ret) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – They are about 40 minutes from touchdown at Whidby NAS. You’re about the last one I’d expect to entertain ROFF with jingoistic melodrama. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

Ken Fortenberry: You’re about the last one I’d expect to entertain ROFF with jingoistic melodrama. After watching the Whidby Naval Air reunion, let me be the first to say, Ken, bleed out your ears *and* eyes.  God Bless America, the U.S. Navy and our brave men and women who enable you to be such an insufferable intolerant little prick.

I can be insufferable without any help whatsoever from the United States Navy, thank you very much. Glad you enjoyed the TV show, Louie, now let’s hip-hip, hup-hup and go kill some Commies for the Gipper. Sheesh, take this crap somewhere where the coarser elements of our society gather to wallow in their ignorance, it has no place on ROFF. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

They are about 40 minutes from touchdown at Whidby NAS. dave

Response:

They are about 40 minutes from touchdown at Whidby NAS.

You’re about the last one I’d expect to entertain ROFF with jingoistic melodrama. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

Ken Fortenberry: You’re about the last one I’d expect to entertain ROFF with jingoistic melodrama.

After watching the Whidby Naval Air reunion, let me be the first to say, Ken, bleed out your ears *and* eyes.  God Bless America, the U.S. Navy and our brave men and women who enable you to be such an insufferable intolerant little prick. Dave Dave

Response:

Ken Fortenberry: You’re about the last one I’d expect to entertain ROFF with jingoistic melodrama. After watching the Whidby Naval Air reunion, let me be the first to say, Ken, bleed out your ears *and* eyes.  God Bless America, the U.S. Navy and our brave men and women who enable you to be such an insufferable intolerant little prick. Dave

AMEN! — Tight Lines! Brian D. Nelson Diamond N Outfitters, Missoula, Montana http://www.montana.com/dno 406-626-4022

Response:

Question:

I am looking for a web site that has salt water fly tying. I am going to Key West in June and I would like to tie some flies before I go. Any ideas?

Response:

Try http://www.mindspring.com jim – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am looking for a web site that has salt water fly tying. I am going to Key West in June and I would like to tie some flies before I go. Any ideas?

Response:

I apologize my previous post was a bum address try  http://www.mindspring.com/~joeb3   Jim – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am looking for a web site that has salt water fly tying. I am going to Key West in June and I would like to tie some flies before I go. Any ideas?

Response:

Thanks! This is exactly what I was looking for. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I apologize my previous post was a bum address try  http://www.mindspring.com/~joeb3  Jim I am looking for a web site that has salt water fly tying. I am going to Key West in June and I would like to tie some flies before I go. Any ideas?

Response:

Try http://www.reel-time.com/ – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am looking for a web site that has salt water fly tying. I am going to Key West in June and I would like to tie some flies before I go. Any ideas?

Response:

Try Joe Branham’s page www.mindspring.com/~joeb3

Response:

I am looking for a web site that has salt water fly tying. I am going to Key West in June and I would like to tie some flies before I go. Any ideas?

Hi JG, I try to get some sample patterns from someone who fishes the area. I would order some samples of the patterns for the fish that you are after. There are lots of things going on in FL in April/May/June. Example: If you are not renting a boat or going with a guide, you won’t need any tarpon flies, so why tie any? On foot, the most popular thing to fly fish for are bonefish. Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop www.kiene.com

Response:

Question:

Hi, Just wondered if anyone out there owns and fishes off a JonBoat..  I’ve considered buying one for the winter season to do a lot of shallow water fishing down here in South Florida.  I’m favoring a small sized boat 12′ or under, and i was hoping someone could give me there views on how these boats performed for flats/bay fishing, or just getting around for fun..   Also, if anyone has a 3Hp motor any make or model, how do u feel that performs.  I know many of them hold only like a quart of fuel, just wondered how long u can run on a quart during ideal conditions(weather).   Please email any comments, thanks!  pr

Response:

I’ve been fishing an 11 1/2′ aluminum jon boat for years on the bonefish and redfish flats of Florida, and I love it.  I use the same boat summers up here in Maryland on the Potomac for smallmouth bass.  It’s indestructible and floats in about 5 inches of water.  With one person on board, it’s plenty stable.  I carpeted the bottom to cut down on noise and to keep the fly line from catching on the slats and ribs on the bottom. For a motor (when I use one), I prefer an electric motor (35lb thrust), which moves it along pretty well.  Most of the time I pole or row.  To be honest, I use it to get myself to the flat and then wade if possible (except up north near JAX, where the bottom is too mushy), but all in all it’s a great fishing platform. Regards, Doug

Response:

Hi, I think a small john boat is great for spur of the moment fishing. Have used one off and on for over 30 years. Enen tho’ I now have a 17 ft. bass boat and a salt water boat I still use the jon boat once in awhile. Mine has a 6 horse Johnson and before thsat I used a 5 horse. It’s great for crabbing, floundering as well as fishing. Good Luck PresG

Response:

Hi, Just wondered if anyone out there owns and fishes off a JonBoat..  I’ve considered buying one for the winter season to do a lot of shallow water fishing down here in South Florida.  I’m favoring a small sized boat 12′ or under, and i was hoping someone could give me there views on how these boats performed for flats/bay fishing, or just getting around for fun.. Also, if anyone has a 3Hp motor any make or model, how do u feel that performs.  I know many of them hold only like a quart of fuel, just wondered how long u can run on a quart during ideal conditions(weather). Please email any comments, thanks!  pr

Have a 3 horse Yamaha on an Old Town 13 foot Discovery Sport Boat. Yamaha has given me no trouble for 4 years. Holds about a quart of pre-mix 100 to 1 ( yes, 100 to 1 ) gas and oil and runs for about 3 hours at trolling speed. Have used this rig from CT lakes all the way up to the Grand Lakes of Maine. Car tops, and is great for river launch. Boat weighs 80 pounds, motor 32 pounds . In my opinion, I’d can the jon boat and take a hard look at this combination. Neil

Response:

Question:

This should be another good year for the American Shad.  They migrate up the rivers in the spring, along with the Stripers,  to spawn.  They were imported from the east coast in the late 1800’s, along with the Striped Bass.  Both species really took off and became major fisheries in the North West.  The Sacramento river and it tributaries, the American, Feather and Yuba rivers, have good runs if they have adequate water flows.  The mouth of the American river and the mouth of the Feather river are good early( April/May ) spots ( from a boat )for shad and stripers. As the season progresses ( May/June ), they move up the rivers, were you can wade and fly fish for them quite successfully.  They hold in tight schools like salmon, and average 2 to 3 pounds with tops around  7 pounds. If you want to do something new and exciting,  I recommend getting a guide with a boat and go have a ball.  Try these year-round, full-time, independent guides: 916/331-2001. William Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA

Response:

How about the Sacramento or Klamath for Shad? What time of year would you recommend? Thanks

Response:

How about the Sacramento or Klamath for Shad? What time of year would you recommend? Thanks

   The Sacramento drainage will start to kick in in a few weeks. Look for the article on Sacramento shad in the upcoming issue of Flyfishing the West magazine. Start calling Keine’s Fly shop or Fly Fishing Specialties in a couple of weeks, they’re usually on top of whats going on in the valley.    Ralph —

Response:

If you want to do something new and exciting,  I recommend getting a guide with a boat and go have a ball.  Try these year-round, full-time, independent guides: @ 916/331-2001.

I can personally recommend Bob Sparre.  He runs the Yuba mostly, and knows it well.  Offers raft trips for 4-6 fishermen.  Raft is for access only. Shad fishing is wading gravel bars.  Price is reasonable, about $80 a head for a full day I think.   John Woodling Sacramento, CA

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This should be another good year for the American Shad.  They migrate up the rivers in the spring, along with the Stripers,  to spawn.  They were imported from the east coast in the late 1800’s, along with the Striped Bass.  Both species really took off and became major fisheries in the North West.  The Sacramento river and it tributaries, the American, Feather and Yuba rivers, have good runs if they have adequate water flows.  The mouth of the American river and the mouth of the Feather river are good early( April/May ) spots ( from a boat )for shad and stripers. As the season progresses ( May/June ), they move up the rivers, were you can wade and fly fish for them quite successfully.  They hold in tight schools like salmon, and average 2 to 3 pounds with tops around  7 pounds. If you want to do something new and exciting,  I recommend getting a guide with a boat and go have a ball.  Try these year-round, full-time, independent guides: 916/331-2001. William Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA

   You might also check out the article "California Shad" in the newest issue of Flyfishing the West magazine (I think it’ll be on the shelves within a week).    -Ralph —

Response:

Question:

I am looking at boat for coastal fishing for stripers.  It has a Force 50HP outboard engine that is about four years old and seems to be in mint condition.  Does anyone have any experience with Force? Thanks in advance JK

Response:

I am looking at boat for coastal fishing for stripers.  It has a Force 50HP outboard engine that is about four years old and seems to be in mint condition.  Does anyone have any experience with Force?

If you don’t mind dealing with pre-mix, then a Force is a decent enough engine for "in shore" flyfishing. The Force engine line was an older Chrysler design which is now made by Mercury, so the dealer support should be as available as "true" Merc’s… If you’re looking for opinions, I’d look for an engine with VRO (variable rate oiler) so you can avoid the pre-mix and cut down on fouled plugs (a dead engine while snuggling up to cast to a breakwater can be *very* exciting ;^) but that does come with a higher price tag… Cheers! /dave <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< < Digital Equipment Corp.    Alpha Server Engineering  < <         "Read this and nobody gets hurt ;^)"         < <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Response:

I am looking at boat for coastal fishing for stripers.  It has a Force 50HP outboard engine that is about four years old and seems to be in mint condition.  Does anyone have any experience with Force? Thanks in advance JK

Reply. I have a Force 1985, 85 hp. on my 16 foot bass boat. It works great and hasen’t cost much money. It doesn’t like to run for long periods at high speed, other than that, no problem. I understand Mercury has bought the company out and is supplying service ?????

Response:

I have a Force 1985, 85 hp. on my 16 foot bass boat. It works great and hasen’t cost much money. It doesn’t like to run for long periods at high speed, other than that, no problem. I understand Mercury has bought the company out and is supplying service ?????

Dennis: Using the standard premix ratio (I think it’s probably 50:1?) is probably insufficient for extended high-speed operation of that engine. I can’t say for certain if it’s mentioned in the operator’s manual (but it should be) that for that kind of use the oil should be increased (to 25:1 or so). Otherwise you’re likely to overheat the engine which might explain it’s reluctance to carry on for you at full-blast/long period operation… This is one of the niceties of a good VRO (not to mention that you don’t have to muck around with premix in the first place)… Cheers! /dave <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< < Digital Equipment Corp.    Alpha Server Engineering  < <         "Read this and nobody gets hurt ;^)"         < <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Response:

I am looking at boat for coastal fishing for stripers.  It has a Force 50HP outboard engine that is about four years old and seems to be in mint condition.  Does anyone have any experience with Force? Thanks in advance JK

I would avoid Force like the plague.  Every year in Canada someones motor breaks down and it’s ALWAYS a Force.  Have yet to see one make it thru a hard week of fishing. Just what I’ve seen. Vince

Response:

Question:

: On this, I’ve a buddy with a vest that’s got more pockets than : a billard hall and he can’t ever, not once, find anything. Louis,         Don’t ‘dis’ my hobby.  Some folks fish, some tie flies.  I spend hours filling and emptying the pockets of my vest.  Sometimes, I find things in there that I didn’t even remember I owned!  It is a truely fascination hobby! :^) Charley : — : ** : Louis Bignami, Publisher         http://www.finefishing.com : Fine Fishing Internet Magazine   :              "largest fishing mag on the Net" : **

Response:

: On this, I’ve a buddy with a vest that’s got more pockets than : a billard hall and he can’t ever, not once, find anything. Louis,    Don’t ‘dis’ my hobby.  Some folks fish, some tie flies.  I spend hours filling and emptying the pockets of my vest.  Sometimes, I find things in there that I didn’t even remember I owned!  It is a truely fascination hobby! :^) Charley

I can relate to that.  I got a fly vest (Colombia I think) with so many pockets that I tend to stuff in so many things and the darn thing weigh so heavy that after 3 hours of fishing my back just could not handle the vest any more.  So I did what all married would do, I let my wife wear it.  ;-)) Steve – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – : — : ** : Louis Bignami, Publisher         http://www.finefishing.com : Fine Fishing Internet Magazine   :              "largest fishing mag on the Net" : **

Response:

In the spirit of fly tying and rod building, I would like to sew my own fisng vest (shortie).  Does anyone have experience with this?  How about a source for patterns? Thanks, Steve

I did this when I was a student trying to save money on my new hobby of FFing. I ripped the sleaves off an old shirt and sewed pockets made from pieces of old trousers onto it.  I still use it, and it works fine.  Buy some of that sew on velcro for pocket closures.  Get some large (saltwater size) snap swivels and sew them on for clips for stuff (remember to re-inforce the point where you sew them on if you don’t want them to pull through).  Good luck. . Lenny Bloksberg . .

Response:

In the spirit of fly tying and rod building, I would like to sew my own fisng vest (shortie).  Does anyone have experience with this?  How about a source for patterns? Thanks, Steve

Response:

Last time I wrote an article on kit garments, Frostline had a vest kit.  Since I don’t think adults should stash fish in their clothing, and I’m too stupid to remember what’s in what pocket, I’ve switched to cloth tackle creels and tote a mesh bag to stash the odd fish when I luck into one. If you insist on sewing your own you might take apart old vests.  I’m big on Velcro fasteners and a smaller number of pockets than usual.  I also fall down or in a lot, so favor a simple Stearns soft foam life vest. On this, I’ve a buddy with a vest that’s got more pockets than a billard hall and he can’t ever, not once, find anything. — ** Louis Bignami, Publisher         http://www.finefishing.com Fine Fishing Internet Magazine                "largest fishing mag on the Net" **

Response:

Question:

: Most people laugh when they see my "go to" fly, but it : has worked when nothing else has. It’s what I call a : Royal Gnat. It looks like a Griffith’s Gnat, but it Stuff deleted : fly fishing. I have caught 19 brown trout in 2 1/2 hours : with this fly (largest one was 14 in.).                                  ^^^^^^ Boy, that’s one big fly! : Darryl Charley

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Re: Dry flies.
My favorite patterns are similar – elk hair caddis, lt cahill, griffin gnat
renegade, adams.  But, and I am a bit ashamed to admit this — I have caught more trout and larger trout on a #16 royal wulff than any other.  There, I said
it.  This fly has seemed to go out of favor, and I wonder why.  Am I the only
one that ties this on when nothing is working???
–
MGC Top Down Design Support

Most people laugh when they see my "go to" fly, but it has worked when nothing else has. It’s what I call a Royal Gnat. It looks like a Griffith’s Gnat, but it has a floss mid-section just like a Royal Coachman. Red floss works well, but I have caught quite a few on green and yellow also. Sizes from 16 to 20. It’s been my experience that even when the fish aren’t rising, that if you drift one of these through a riffle around a dozen times, (if there are any fish) they start coming to the surface to take a look. I know I’m going to get a lot of disbelief on this, thats why I have hesitated writing, but the last time out with a buddy, I gave him a few and told him how to fish them, and he had the best day he ever had fly fishing. I have caught 19 brown trout in 2 1/2 hours with this fly (largest one was 14 in.). Darryl

Response:

Lets see who has caught lots of fish on what flies and where? My most productive rivertrout fly is the #14 Elk hair Caddis, and the #14 Light Cahill. The biggest fish I have caught on a dry in my one and a half years of fishing is a 16 in Rainbow on HAt creek in CA. How about all of you guys. I want poeple to talk about fishing not yuppies, Thanks.

Response:

Lets see who has caught lots of fish on what flies and where? My most productive rivertrout fly is the #14 Elk hair Caddis, and the #14 Light Cahill. The biggest fish I have caught on a dry in my one and a half years of fishing is a 16 in Rainbow on HAt creek in CA. How about all of you

The most productive pattern over the last two years has been the Micro Worm (a variation on the San Juan worm). Most satisfying experience was last year when we took out a young fellow new to the sport. It was slow fishing but he hooked the first fish of the day, and the last. The last was a twenty five inch Brown. The huge grin that he was sporting is not something that will be soon forgotten. Sort of puts it all back in perspective. Flyfishing is supposed to be fun for all involved. Jim

Response:

A list of favorite patterns would have to include the Tom Thumb, pheasant tail nymph, serendipity(?), comparadun, Werners nymph. I have by best luck on the BlackWater River in B.C. and on the Deschutes in Oregon.

Response:

: Lets see who has caught lots of fish on what flies and where? My most : productive rivertrout fly is the #14 Elk hair Caddis, and the #14 Light : Cahill. The biggest fish I have caught on a dry in my one and a half years : of fishing is a 16 in Rainbow on HAt creek in CA. How about all of you : guys. I want poeple to talk about fishing not yuppies, Thanks. My best luck on dry flies comes with a #22 griffith’s gnat, #20 light cahill (both on the swift river), and #16-18 elk hair or poly wing caddis of the appropriate color (on the deerfield river).  The adams can’t be beat for a standard search pattern or as a reasonable facsimile of most hatches.

Response:

For both here in Upper Michigan and Alaska, I like the Humpy.  Great floatability in the fast waters I fish.  I went through no less than forty of them here in the U.P. last year.  My second favorite is the elk hair caddis.      Steve Kernosky   *         Accept me for what I am, Michigan Tech. Univ.  *         completely unacceptable.

Response:

Lets see who has caught lots of fish on what flies and where? My most productive rivertrout fly is the #14 Elk hair Caddis, and the #14 Light Cahill. The biggest fish I have caught on a dry in my one and a half years of fishing is a 16 in Rainbow on HAt creek in CA. How about all of you guys. I want poeple to talk about fishing not yuppies, Thanks.

My favorite pattern, the one I find myself digging for again and again is a #20-22 blond elk-hair caddis.  Caught the most on these boys. (central and southern Missouri) My biggist fish (20 1/2"  #4 3/4 Brown) was on a #6 McSalmon on the Madison. Kevin Franden                                   Informix Software, Inc.                                                 16011 College Blvd uunet!infmx!kevinf #include <patchlevel.h fprintf(DISCLAIMER,"I said what I said.n");       You only live once but if you do it right, once is enough                               Carpe Diem

Response:

Lets see who has caught lots of fish on what flies and where? My most productive rivertrout fly is the #14 Elk hair Caddis, and the #14 Light Cahill. The biggest fish I have caught on a dry in my one and a half years of fishing is a 16 in Rainbow on HAt creek in CA. How about all of you guys. I want poeple to talk about fishing not yuppies, Thanks.

I carry lots of  flys but give me a Pheasant Tail Nymph, a Prince Nymph, and an assortment of  Elk Hair caddis and Para-duns and  I’ll be happy 90% of  the time. Here are my favorite patterns Nymphs & wet flys: Pheasant Tail Nymph ( Al Troth version)   Prince Nymph Zug Bug           Jay’s Stone ( my own ) March Brown Spider   Mini Leech                 Wooly Bugger               Dry Flys: Elk Hair Caddis Para-Dun Mac Salmon Dave’s Hopper Black Ant Griffiths Gnat Humpy Old Standbys: Adams Black Gnat Light Cahill Royal Wulff Muddler Minnow Ive done most of my fly fishing in Oregon and I have had the best fishing in these streams and some high lakes: Lower Deschutes Crooked River Metolius Wood Williamson Klamath

Response:

My favorite has to be the Humpie. It’s produced many memorable days. Second is the Parachute Adams or  a similiar fly tied in brown. Biggest was a 24"  Rainbow( really) on a floating foam chrionomid. Bead head hairs ears are the favorite nymph- while maybe the Prince should be number one.

Response:

Re: Dry flies. My favorite patterns are similar – elk hair caddis, lt cahill, griffin gnat renegade, adams.  But, and I am a bit ashamed to admit this — I have caught more trout and larger trout on a #16 royal wulff than any other.  There, I said it.  This fly has seemed to go out of favor, and I wonder why.  Am I the only one that ties this on when nothing is working??? — MGC Top Down Design Support

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Re: Dry flies. My favorite patterns are similar – elk hair caddis, lt cahill, griffin gnat renegade, adams.  But, and I am a bit ashamed to admit this — I have caught more trout and larger trout on a #16 royal wulff than any other.  There, I said it.  This fly has seemed to go out of favor, and I wonder why.  Am I the only one that ties this on when nothing is working??? — MGC Top Down Design Support Most people laugh when they see my "go to" fly, but it has worked when nothing else has. It’s what I call a Royal Gnat. It looks like a Griffith’s Gnat, but it has a floss mid-section just like a Royal Coachman. Red floss works well, but I have caught quite a few on green and yellow also. Sizes from 16 to 20.

This sounds a lot like a "Sierra Bright Dot". It has grizzly hackle at the head and butt of the fly and *bright* orange floss in the middle.  I’ve done real well with them on some high country Sierra Nevada lakes. — John Fereira   "Guru of Miscellany" Pleasanton, CA Viacom Cable Division

Response: