Question:

The Sowbug Roundup is a local club event put on by The North Arkansas Fly Fishers Club of Mountain Home Arkansas and is this coming Friday and Saturday March 15 and 16. The cost of admission is only 5 bucks for both days. There will be over 100 fly tiers to watch and it is a hell of a lot of fun. If you are going to be in the area you should consider attending. The fishing is great on the White River when they are not running all eight turbines. For more information go to www.Northarkansasflyfisher.org and click on The Sowbug Roundup. I think I will tie Waldo’s version of the Yellerhammar. Big Dale

BD, I posted last night but my server doesn’t show…. anyways, the past two weekends it has performed admirably. I probably caught a few more on the BH version. –waldo

Response:

The Sowbug Roundup is a local club event put on by The North Arkansas Fly Fishers Club of Mountain Home Arkansas and is this coming Friday and Saturday March 15 and 16. The cost of admission is only 5 bucks for both days. There will be over 100 fly tiers to watch and it is a hell of a lot of fun. If you are going to be in the area you should consider attending. The fishing is great on the White River when they are not running all eight turbines. For more information go to www.Northarkansasflyfisher.org and click on The Sowbug Roundup. I think I will tie Waldo’s version of the Yellerhammar. Big Dale  

Response:

Big Dale writes:

(good info snipped) I think I will tie Waldo’s version of the Yellerhammar.

Waldo’s version of the Yellerhammar does not have a point or bend on the hook. He’s a mean bastid……. Dave

Response:

The Sowbug Roundup is a local club event put on by The North Arkansas Fly Fishers Club of Mountain Home Arkansas and is this coming Friday and Saturday March 15 and 16. The cost of admission is only 5 bucks for both days. There will be over 100 fly tiers to watch and it is a hell of a lot of fun. If you are going to be in the area you should consider attending. The fishing is great on the White River when they are not running all eight turbines. For more information go to www.Northarkansasflyfisher.org and click on The Sowbug Roundup. I think I will tie Waldo’s version of the Yellerhammar. Big Dale

BD, It’s worked great the past two weekends. I think I may have caught a few more with the bead-head version…. but who’s countin’? <g –waldo

Response:

Big Dale writes: (good info snipped) I think I will tie Waldo’s version of the Yellerhammar. Waldo’s version of the Yellerhammar does not have a point or bend on the hook. He’s a mean bastid……. Dave

cripes…. i missed a golden opportunity to get in cahoots with the ‘ole swapmeister with the copy he sent forty. shoot…. dang! –waldo

Response:

Question:

Somebody asked this question a little while ago.  I offer this story in response. Greg and I took on the Whirlpool this morning.  The Whirlpool won – again.  But the interesting bit – I was using a 300 grain Rio density compensated sinktip with a 24′ head.  It was too light for the 11 wt. Daiwa but it was all I had available.  I had lost a few flies on the bottom.  I had already learned that the 15′ 6" rod had enough backbone to snap off 13lb. test tippet as I had already lost a few flies to the bottom.  I snagged up again. I flexed the rod – nothing broke free.  So I grabbed hold on the line and started backing up, and up, and up.  Must have gone 15′ and still nothing had broken off.  I had figured I must be moving a log but no, it was the stretch in the line for when it slipped through my fingers, the recoil spun the reel so fast, I got a hell of a rap on the knuckles.  So I grabbed the spool and began backing up again.  I’m using a Marquis Salmon No. 3 and I have over 400 yards of backing on it.  I’m clamped down on the spool palming rim – it’s not turning – but the 400+ yards of backing plus fly line spun on the arbour of the spool!!!  So I clamp down on spool and line and finally cleanly broke off about four foot of the tip.  Obviously I had trapped the line under a rock. I don’t think we have any worries about a fish breaking our fly lines unless one chooses to bite through it. Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://home.cogeco.ca/~pcharles/streamers/index.html

Response:

Greg and I took on the Whirlpool this morning.  The Whirlpool won – again. … You know, Peter, I really don’t think that you have to worry about too many people fishing at the Whirlpool. We’ve had this discussion before: people aren’t going to buy this story forever.  It might be a good idea to give an honest trip report next time we go down there.

Shhhh – don’t blow it. Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://home.cogeco.ca/~pcharles/streamers/index.html

Response:

I don’t think we have any worries about a fish breaking our fly lines unless one chooses to bite through it.

I tied some old fly line to a tree one day and pulled.  I couldn’t believe how much stretch was in it.

Response:

Somebody asked this question a little while ago.  I offer this story in response. Greg and I took on the Whirlpool this morning.  The Whirlpool won – again.  But the interesting bit – I was using a 300 grain Rio density compensated sinktip with a 24′ head.  It was too light for the 11 wt. Daiwa but it was all I had available.  I had lost a few flies on the bottom.  I had already learned that the 15′ 6" rod had enough backbone to snap off 13lb. test tippet as I had already lost a few flies to the bottom.  I snagged up again.

ummm, just what are you fishing for in there, Peter?  Marlin?  that’s some heavy duty tackle for brook trout boy here. heehee. Eugene K.

Response:

Hi All, I think that standard fresh water floating fly lines have a braided nylon core. Some tropical salt water lines and some real fast sinking lines have other types of cores. I think that the lines up to a #7 are built on a 20# core.  I think the lines from #8 and larger built on a 30# core. Why I think this is that I can pull 20# Dacron baking into the core of most floating fly lines with a needle for making a needle nail knot connection but I can only pull 30# into the core of a #8 and larger floating fly line to make a needle nail knot connection. Fly lines core strength gets weaker with age just like any other fishing line. – Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento, CA, USA www.kiene.com

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Somebody asked this question a little while ago.  I offer this story in response. Greg and I took on the Whirlpool this morning.  The Whirlpool won – again.  But the interesting bit – I was using a 300 grain Rio density compensated sinktip with a 24′ head.  It was too light for the 11 wt. Daiwa but it was all I had available.  I had lost a few flies on the bottom.  I had already learned that the 15′ 6" rod had enough backbone to snap off 13lb. test tippet as I had already lost a few flies to the bottom.  I snagged up again. I flexed the rod – nothing broke free.  So I grabbed hold on the line and started backing up, and up, and up.  Must have gone 15′ and still nothing had broken off.  I had figured I must be moving a log but no, it was the stretch in the line for when it slipped through my fingers, the recoil spun the reel so fast, I got a hell of a rap on the knuckles.  So I grabbed the spool and began backing up again.  I’m using a Marquis Salmon No. 3 and I have over 400 yards of backing on it.  I’m clamped down on the spool palming rim – it’s not turning – but the 400+ yards of backing plus fly line spun on the arbour of the spool!!!  So I clamp down on spool and line and finally cleanly broke off about four foot of the tip.  Obviously I had trapped the line under a rock. I don’t think we have any worries about a fish breaking our fly lines unless one chooses to bite through it. Peter Visit The Streamer Page at

http://home.cogeco.ca/~pcharles/streamers/index.html

Response:

ummm, just what are you fishing for in there, Peter?  Marlin?  that’s some heavy duty tackle for brook trout boy here. heehee. Eugene K.

MONSTER brook trout, I’ll have you know. Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://home.cogeco.ca/~pcharles/streamers/index.html

Response:

I have broke it out of water  with a single jerk of the hand…..however, that is ’shock loading’ and entirely different from it’s breaking strength, which for ropes and such is much greater than the ’shock load.’ john

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Somebody asked this question a little while ago.  I offer this story in response. Greg and I took on the Whirlpool this morning.  The Whirlpool won – again.  But the interesting bit – I was using a 300 grain Rio density compensated sinktip with a 24′ head.  It was too light for the 11 wt. Daiwa but it was all I had available.  I had lost a few flies on the bottom.  I had already learned that the 15′ 6" rod had enough backbone to snap off 13lb. test tippet as I had already lost a few flies to the bottom.  I snagged up again. I flexed the rod – nothing broke free.  So I grabbed hold on the line and started backing up, and up, and up.  Must have gone 15′ and still nothing had broken off.  I had figured I must be moving a log but no, it was the stretch in the line for when it slipped through my fingers, the recoil spun the reel so fast, I got a hell of a rap on the knuckles.  So I grabbed the spool and began backing up again.  I’m using a Marquis Salmon No. 3 and I have over 400 yards of backing on it.  I’m clamped down on the spool palming rim – it’s not turning – but the 400+ yards of backing plus fly line spun on the arbour of the spool!!!  So I clamp down on spool and line and finally cleanly broke off about four foot of the tip.  Obviously I had trapped the line under a rock. I don’t think we have any worries about a fish breaking our fly lines unless one chooses to bite through it. Peter Visit The Streamer Page at

http://home.cogeco.ca/~pcharles/streamers/index.html

Response:

Fly lines core strength gets weaker with age just like any other fishing line.

Not unlike fly fishermen. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

Response:

Question:

thanks kew i just need to get out there and try my hand at it now which is better a three prong or five prong gig?  ive heard three is better. well wish me luck i really do want to do good the first time gigging. thanks john

Response:

When I used to live in New York I did quite a bit of flounder fishing from various beaches on Long Island.  Since I was boatless I found the north shore (Long Island Sound) much easier to fish than the often raging Altantic.  The two hours bracketing high tide were usually the best.  I used pieces of sand worm cut into 1"-2" lengths.  Drift along the bottom with a sliding sinker rig.  These worms look like centipedes with short stubby legs and their mouth is just a little sphincter.  If you squeeze them, two black claws emerge from their mouths.  Kinda reminds me of those creatures that Ricardo Montalban shoved into Chekov’s ears in Star Trek II – Wrath of Khan.   The worms are expensive –  that’s why I used to cut them up.  Although they feel soft, the pieces were quite resilient on the hook and didn’t tear up in the current or rocks and wouldn’t fly off during the cast.  The flounder showed a definite preference for the worm although mussels, clams, squid and minnows also work.   Live Killifish were the best  however but as a kid I couldn’t afford them.  Mu Young Lee         nuclear physics group < Dept. of Physics     =                         Univ of Michigan  o             oooo                          o   o   o o   o o o  o – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – i need info on flounder fishing. when is the best time? what is legal size? best time as far as tide? any other tips?       __ __                                                      __ __      (/_`_| From Mike’s Mess Bulletin Board in Antioch CA, USA (/_`_)       |`^`|    Internet e-mail, newsgroups and inter-bbs games   |`^`|      /`-^-’   See what the world was like before the internet. /`-^-’      _) (_/                                                    _) (_/  

Response:

thanks ed any tips for gigging?

Response:

Go out at night with a spot lite or an overhead light.   Try to find relatively clear though shallow water of 2 feet or so. the boat with the oar and then the flounder may flutter a bit, you’ll see the dust.  Then you know what to do from there.   – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – thanks ed any tips for gigging?

Response:

well sarah flounder are found in brakish water and yes there are tides in freshwater too.all water is prone to the pull of gravity and thus does influence the fish and their habits.

Response:

They are a salt water fish. I’ve had some success fishing for flats (aka flounder, or flatfish ) on the rising tide. But the best time to go fishing is when you have time to fish! Ed – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – RE: floundering i need info on flounder fishing. when is the best time? what is legal size? best time as far as tide? any other tips? Excuse me. I believe flounders are a fresh water. So why would you worry about tides?      __ __                                                      __ __     (/_`_| From Mike’s Mess Bulletin Board in Antioch CA, USA (/_`_)      |`^`|    Internet e-mail, newsgroups and inter-bbs games   |`^`|     /`-^-’   See what the world was like before the internet. /`-^-’     _) (_/                                                    _) (_/  

Response:

hey sarah,   he’s talking about real flounder, not the ones you buy at the aquarium store for your fish tank. winter flounder, summer flounder and most flatfish are saltwater species.  

Response:

Madam, you do not know whereof you speak.  Obviously you have come here to learn, but that is difficult when speaking. PC – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – RE: floundering i need info on flounder fishing. when is the best time? what is legal size? best time as far as tide? any other tips? Excuse me. I believe flounders are a fresh water. So why would you worry about tides?       __ __                                                      __ __      (/_`_| From Mike’s Mess Bulletin Board in Antioch CA, USA (/_`_)       |`^`|    Internet e-mail, newsgroups and inter-bbs games   |`^`|      /`-^-’   See what the world was like before the internet. /`-^-’      _) (_/                                                    _) (_/

– Pursuant to US Code, Title 47, Chapter 5, Subchapter II, Section A7227, any and all nonsolicited commercial E-mail sent to this address is subject to a download and archival fee in the amount of $500 US (per infraction).  E-mailing denotes acceptance of these terms.

Response:

RE: floundering i need info on flounder fishing. when is the best time? what is legal size? best time as far as tide? any other tips?

Excuse me. I believe flounders are a fresh water. So why would you worry about tides?       __ __                                                      __ __      (/_`_| From Mike’s Mess Bulletin Board in Antioch CA, USA (/_`_)       |`^`|    Internet e-mail, newsgroups and inter-bbs games   |`^`|      /`-^-’   See what the world was like before the internet. /`-^-’      _) (_/                                                    _) (_/  

Response:

Question:

check out www.walleyecentral.com and use the message board and chat room……all kinds of help – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have just started fishing from a boat and have a few questions. 1. How do you tell how deep your line is?  If the fish finder says that the fish are at 40 feet how do you know when your line is forty feet down? 2. What is a reasonable dept to fish without going to downriggers. 3. What are planner boards for?  How do you rig them? Thanks

Response:

We can get lines down in excess of 60 feet without the use of down riggers. The advantage of down riggers is you will have a short lead and it will take less time to bring in the fish and reset. The disadvantage to down riggers is for fish like Lake erie walleye they tend to shy away unless they are down deep because the boat traffic spooks the fish. The other disadvantage is cost. Presently we are down around 50 feet using ripcord line and 0 dispel on planar boards and you can add weight if you would like to keep leads under 200 feet. You can also try 1 dipseys and they will go to 50 feet on mono and over 70 on rip cord or braided wire. The reason we use planar boards is so we can get lines away from the boat into water where the fish have not been spooked. The other advantage is you can run upto 12 poles off the planar boards without tangling. That is enough for upto 6 people. When the weather gets rough you have to run less but you can run regular dipseys . We typically run 8 planar boards an 6 dipseys when the fish are deep and when the fish are high we run 10 planar boards and 4 dipseys. Essentially planar boards are two boards connected together so when attached to a line at front of boat several feet above the water they will pull to side of boat. this allows you to let lines out back and then attach the lines to a planar clip which is typically an alligator clip with rubber pads or you can use a shower curtain and rubber bands and wrap the rubber band around the line. The secret is to get the proper rubber band. The first couple times by some from Patco but then you can go to office supply store and buy rubber bands much less expensive in bulk. When you attach the line to the clip and to the planar board line as you let additional line out it will slide down the board line when it is just above the water stop it and then set the next line leave a 20 -30 foot space in between and then when the fish hits it will swing to back of the boat. If you use a plug or diving device like a jet dive you have to release the lure by reeling don until the line is taught and slap the handle of the pole the shock will break the rubber band if you are using ripcord or wire line with mono it is more difficult because mono tends to stretch. Then let line swing to back of boat to avoid tangles and reel in. if you are running 0 dipseys off the planar boards you must release the line from the board the same way but then real the slack and release the dipsey with a firm tug and then real right away. there are different techniues for different things you use. I hope this helps. Captain Bryce Seymour Fishing has been good to very good. The fish are moving daily in past few weeks they have moved from 12 miles out into 6 miles out in one day after a storm but then as water settled down they started moving out again. Within a few days they were at 12 miles out. The main school is off of Geneva and slightly east about 20 miles out. The captains out of Fairport have another school out west of Fairport so you can see there is not just one place to fish but most people are going off shore. I main problem has been a lot of sheep head being caught with the walleye which lowers the catches. The Fairport captains are catching between 20-40 fish but would have more if they could not have to reset lines for sheep head so often. Similar numbers out of Geneva. Watermelon is a hot color and the Geneva captains tend to use more worm harnesses while the Fairport tends to use spoons as much as possible. I have also heard of a man who was taking a floating j plug putting it on his down rigger and sending it to the bottom and then release the j-plug and about half the time he would catch a nice walleye while the plug was rising to the surface. The most prominent methods have been using 0 dipseys off ripcord off the boards. Set one side at lets say 140 , 160, 180, 200 and the other at the same but put an ounce of weight in front if you see the weighted side working more than the non weighted side then look at adding an ounce or two of weight. The advantage of this technique over wire line is you can keep the leads under 200 feet so you can catch the fish and reset faster than if your setting a line back 320 feet on wire. Ripcord is a little more forgiving than wire when raping on planar boards but can still be a nuisance if you get a good tangle. Captain Bryce Seymour http://www.chartercaptain.com/hooker/ – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have just started fishing from a boat and have a few questions. 1. How do you tell how deep your line is?  If the fish finder says that the fish are at 40 feet how do you know when your line is forty feet down? 2. What is a reasonable dept to fish without going to downriggers. 3. What are planner boards for?  How do you rig them? Thanks

Response:

I have just started fishing from a boat and have a few questions. 1. How do you tell how deep your line is?  If the fish finder says that the fish are at 40 feet how do you know when your line is forty feet down? 2. What is a reasonable dept to fish without going to downriggers.   3. What are planner boards for?  How do you rig them? Thanks

Response:

    Planner boards float on the surface of the water and pull your lure and line out to the side of the boat like a kite in the wind. Your lure then trails behind the planer board and swims at the depth that it was designed for and depending on it’s speed in the water, length of line out and size of the line. Instructions as how to rig them up are included with the boards.     There are devices that can be added directly to your line that will dive towards the bottom (pink lady is one). There depth depends on their size, weight, speed, type lure used, length of line used for trolling and size of the line.     If you want to troll deep without a downrigger, you can use lead core line. Use the 17 lb lead core line. The stronger lead core line has the same amount of lead in it but more nylon thread so though it is stronger (about 30 lbs) it will not sink as well. Or use steel line. I found that I could get down to about 70 feet deep with steel line without using heavy weights. Keep a record of all the setups you use when trolling and when you feel that you touch bottom, check the sonar for the depth, check your trolling speed and type of equipement used etc and mark it all down in a note book. The next time you want to fish at that particular depth with that particular lure setup you will know what to do. This is how old time experienced trollers knew where their lure was when fishing. Add the fact that they memorized the bottom structure, after a few years of snagging bottom, catching fish and watching the successful fishermen for tips, helped in their fishing success.     So if you want to fish at 40 feet, rig up a line, troll over a depth of 40 feet and see what you have to do to touch bottom. Note what you did and then use the same technique the next time you see fish suspended at 40 feet.     Becoming a good troller is more difficult and takes longer than becoming a good fly fisherman. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have just started fishing from a boat and have a few questions. 1. How do you tell how deep your line is?  If the fish finder says that the fish are at 40 feet how do you know when your line is forty feet down? 2. What is a reasonable dept to fish without going to downriggers. 3. What are planner boards for?  How do you rig them? Thanks

Response:

Question:

Shad (serious snip)

Hi, The Annapolis River up here just got through it’s shad run which is still very good. had a lient down from ontario, he ot 3 fish in a couple of hours using clouser minnows. We like the chartruese ones, but others would probably work…. Bill — Bill Curry Tight Lines Guide Service Lockeport, Nova Scotia, Canada Phone or Fax :  902-656-3329 http://www.tightlines.ns.ca

Response:

Shad (serious snip)

Hi, The Annapolis River up here just got through it’s shad run which is still very good. Had a client down from Ontario, he got 3 fish in a couple of hours using clouser minnows. We like the chartruese ones, but others would probably work…. Bill — Bill Curry Tight Lines Guide Service Lockeport, Nova Scotia, Canada Phone or Fax :  902-656-3329 http://www.tightlines.ns.ca

Response:

I used to religously fish the American River (Sailor Bar/Nimbus) area in mid to late June for shad (pre-kids). Now that the kids are getting older I’m hoping to get back into it again. We used to use a fly similar to the Crazy Charlie Bonefish Fly – bead eyes, chartruese tail and silver/pearl foil bodies. Anyone out there using the latest and greatest that would be willing to share trade secrets? and/or any recommendations for guides in the same area? Thanks

Response:

Michael: I like to fish for shad along the Sacramento River at Willows and in Chico. There a fly shop in Chico, the Powell Fly shop I believe, that has good information on how the run is progressing.     The flys are fairly simple, chartruese, pink, red, white and silver are good colors and use either bead heads or bead eyes.  Mix and match the tail and body colors. The reports this year have been dissapointing, too much water that is too cold and off color for any good fishing.  If you want more info re flys feel free to e-mail me. Chis Brown – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I used to religously fish the American River (Sailor Bar/Nimbus) area in mid to late June for shad (pre-kids). Now that the kids are getting older I’m hoping to get back into it again. We used to use a fly similar to the Crazy Charlie Bonefish Fly – bead eyes, chartruese tail and silver/pearl foil bodies. Anyone out there using the latest and greatest that would be willing to share trade secrets? and/or any recommendations for guides in the same area? Thanks

Response:

: I used to religously fish the American River (Sailor Bar/Nimbus) area in : mid to late June for shad (pre-kids). Now that the kids are getting : older I’m hoping to get back into it again. We used to use a fly similar : to the Crazy Charlie Bonefish Fly – bead eyes, chartruese tail and : silver/pearl foil bodies. Anyone out there using the latest and greatest : that would be willing to share trade secrets? and/or any recommendations : for guides in the same area? I have caught them on small chartreuse and white clousers in the Merrimack River in Massachusettes.

Response:

Hello TMR, I went out to Upper Sunrise (just below Sailor Bar) a couple of nights ago: the water is still cold and I did not see any fish working.  Sahd fishing is one of the great early summer fishing opportunities along the American.  The fish fight well and they CAN be caught in numbers if conditions are right.  A Crazy Charlie will work, but there are some standard pink, green, and white shad flies that seem to be regularly used on the Sac.  Most fly shops have a good selection , but if you tie your own they are very easy.  I have heard the fish are in the river, but conditions may have to warm before they start taking flys. Good luck JR – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I used to religously fish the American River (Sailor Bar/Nimbus) area in mid to late June for shad (pre-kids). Now that the kids are getting older I’m hoping to get back into it again. We used to use a fly similar to the Crazy Charlie Bonefish Fly – bead eyes, chartruese tail and silver/pearl foil bodies. Anyone out there using the latest and greatest that would be willing to share trade secrets? and/or any recommendations for guides in the same area? Thanks

Response:

Sure wish I could give you updated info….however, I have fond memories of my younger days when I would flyfish for Shad with my dad and brother.  At that time, the Eel River had good Shad runs and we lived just fifteen minutes from the river (if you drove quickly).  We caught lots of Shad in those days.  Today, the Eel River (like many) are mere shadows of their former selves.  I suppose there are Shad runs….but I have yet to see one myself during the last several years.  The Sacramento River is still a bright spot for Shad, I’m told.  As to flies…we used sizes from tens to fours…usually with silver bead eyes and white, pink or red hackle, silver body, red tail.  We’d tie variations, but the size seemed to be the most important and the depth at which you fished. Barry – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I used to religously fish the American River (Sailor Bar/Nimbus) area in mid to late June for shad (pre-kids). Now that the kids are getting older I’m hoping to get back into it again. We used to use a fly similar to the Crazy Charlie Bonefish Fly – bead eyes, chartruese tail and silver/pearl foil bodies. Anyone out there using the latest and greatest that would be willing to share trade secrets? and/or any recommendations for guides in the same area? Thanks

Response:

Tue, 26 May 1998 in rec.outdoors.fishing.fly, T.Michael Reinhart I used to religously fish the American River (Sailor Bar/Nimbus) area in mid to late June for shad (pre-kids). Now that the kids are getting older I’m hoping to get back into it again. We used to use a fly similar to the Crazy Charlie Bonefish Fly – bead eyes, chartruese tail and silver/pearl foil bodies. Anyone out there using the latest and greatest that would be willing to share trade secrets? and/or any recommendations for guides in the same area?

Which species are these?  I caught a few Allis Shad (Alosa Alosa) in the River Wye, South Wales, last week (in from the Atlantic).  Very rare in the UK and therefore a protected species.  Caught them on all sorts of trout flies – nothing special.  What fighters!  Knowing that I had to release them I was worried about catching more – they just fought too hard… — Phil Jones

Response:

Question:

THIS IS MARK GIBSON FROM COQUITLAM. I HAVE LIVED IN THE LOWER MAINLAND OF B.C. FOR 20 YEARS AND FISHED LOTS OF PLACES. THE END OF JULY IS THE BEST TIME TO FISH IN THE LOWER MAINLAND. I READ THE MESSAGE THAT THE OTHER GUY SENT (DIDN’T GET THE NAME) BUT HE DID NOT TELL YOU THE HOT SPOTS. THE FRASER RIVER IS TEEMING WITH SALMON. THERE ARE 50 POUND CHINOOK AND 20 POUND COHO BUT THE BIG ATTRACTION IS THE HUGE RUN OF SOCKEY. THESE FISH CAN GET TO BE 10 POUNDS AND PUT UP A GREAT SCRAP. THE RUN THIS YEAR WILL BE BIGGER THAN EVER. 20 MILLION ARE EXPECTED. LAST YEAR WE HAD 4 MILLION AND I CAUGHT FISH EVERY OUTTING. USE A PEACE OF LIGHT GREEN WOOL IN THE LOOP OF A BAIT KNOT, 3 FOOT LEADER, SWIVEL, AND SOME PENCIL LEAD. AN 8 FOOT ROD AND A LEVEL WIND REAL, (I USE A DIAWA MILLIONAIRE) IS THE BEST EQUIPMENT TO USE. THIS YEAR I AM GOING TO USE A WET LINE, FEW SPLITSHOTS AND A GREEN FLY. A SOCKEY ON A FLY ROD WILL BE WICKED. OH, AND WHAT THE OTHER GUY SAID IS TRUE BUT THE BEST FISHING IS NOT IN THE CAPILANO; THE VEDDER (CHILLIWACK), CHEHALIS, AND BEST OF ALL THE FRASER. IF YOU COULD, WRITE BACK AND TELL ME ABOUT THE FISHING WHERE YOU ARE. PS      CHECK THE REGS BEFORE YOU GO OUT AND USE A BARBLESS HOOK; CATCH AND RELEASE IS THE BEST WAY TO FISH. TIGHT LINES MARK GIBSON

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – THIS IS MARK GIBSON FROM COQUITLAM. I HAVE LIVED IN THE LOWER MAINLAND OF B.C. FOR 20 YEARS AND FISHED LOTS OF PLACES. THE END OF JULY IS THE BEST TIME TO FISH IN THE LOWER MAINLAND. I READ THE MESSAGE THAT THE OTHER GUY SENT (DIDN’T GET THE NAME) BUT HE DID NOT TELL YOU THE HOT SPOTS. THE FRASER RIVER IS TEEMING WITH SALMON. THERE ARE 50 POUND CHINOOK AND 20 POUND COHO BUT THE BIG ATTRACTION IS THE HUGE RUN OF SOCKEY. THESE FISH CAN GET TO BE 10 POUNDS AND PUT UP A GREAT SCRAP. THE RUN THIS YEAR WILL BE BIGGER THAN EVER. 20 MILLION ARE EXPECTED. LAST YEAR WE HAD 4 MILLION AND I CAUGHT FISH EVERY OUTTING. USE A PEACE OF LIGHT GREEN WOOL IN THE LOOP OF A BAIT KNOT, 3 FOOT LEADER, SWIVEL, AND SOME PENCIL LEAD. AN 8 FOOT ROD AND A LEVEL WIND REAL, (I USE A DIAWA MILLIONAIRE) IS THE BEST EQUIPMENT TO USE. THIS YEAR I AM GOING TO USE A WET LINE, FEW SPLITSHOTS AND A GREEN FLY. A SOCKEY ON A FLY ROD WILL BE WICKED. OH, AND WHAT THE OTHER GUY SAID IS TRUE BUT THE BEST FISHING IS NOT IN THE CAPILANO; THE VEDDER (CHILLIWACK), CHEHALIS, AND BEST OF ALL THE FRASER. IF YOU COULD, WRITE BACK AND TELL ME ABOUT THE FISHING WHERE YOU ARE. PS      CHECK THE REGS BEFORE YOU GO OUT AND USE A BARBLESS HOOK; CATCH AND RELEASE IS THE BEST WAY TO FISH. TIGHT LINES MARK GIBSON

I think Ralph’s answer was based on the the original post requesting for fishing spots within mountain biking distance from Vancouver.  I agree Chehalis and Vedder are hot spots but they are a little far for biking.  Good post though. — The views expressed are my own and does not represent those of my employer.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – THIS IS MARK GIBSON FROM COQUITLAM. I HAVE LIVED IN THE LOWER MAINLAND OF B.C. FOR 20 YEARS AND FISHED LOTS OF PLACES. THE END OF JULY IS THE BEST TIME TO FISH IN THE LOWER MAINLAND. I READ THE MESSAGE THAT THE OTHER GUY SENT (DIDN’T GET THE NAME) BUT HE DID NOT TELL YOU THE HOT SPOTS. THE FRASER RIVER IS TEEMING WITH SALMON. THERE ARE 50 POUND CHINOOK AND 20 POUND COHO BUT THE BIG ATTRACTION IS THE HUGE RUN OF SOCKEY. THESE FISH CAN GET TO BE 10 POUNDS AND PUT UP A GREAT SCRAP. THE RUN THIS YEAR WILL BE BIGGER THAN EVER. 20 MILLION ARE EXPECTED. LAST YEAR WE HAD 4 MILLION AND I CAUGHT FISH EVERY OUTTING. USE A PEACE OF LIGHT GREEN WOOL IN THE LOOP OF A BAIT KNOT, 3 FOOT LEADER, SWIVEL, AND SOME PENCIL LEAD. AN 8 FOOT ROD AND A LEVEL WIND REAL, (I USE A DIAWA MILLIONAIRE) IS THE BEST EQUIPMENT TO USE. THIS YEAR I AM GOING TO USE A WET LINE, FEW SPLITSHOTS AND A GREEN FLY. A SOCKEY ON A FLY ROD WILL BE WICKED. OH, AND WHAT THE OTHER GUY SAID IS TRUE BUT THE BEST FISHING IS NOT IN THE CAPILANO; THE VEDDER (CHILLIWACK), CHEHALIS, AND BEST OF ALL THE FRASER. IF YOU COULD, WRITE BACK AND TELL ME ABOUT THE FISHING WHERE YOU ARE. PS      CHECK THE REGS BEFORE YOU GO OUT AND USE A BARBLESS HOOK; CATCH AND RELEASE IS THE BEST WAY TO FISH. TIGHT LINES MARK GIBSON I think Ralph’s answer was based on the the original post requesting for fishing spots within mountain biking distance from Vancouver.  I agree Chehalis and Vedder are hot spots but they are a little far for biking.  Good post though. — The views expressed are my own and does not represent those of my employer.

I believe I’ve blabbed excessively about the "50 million" salmon returning to the Fraser previously. This years sockeye run is hoped to be 500% bigger than last year. Unfortunately if it proves true it virtually guarentees 10 times the number of anglers will go after them. While large numbers of salmon return to the Chehalis and Vedder rivers each summer and fall so do equally large numbers of fishermen (and women). Anyone who is travelling to this area and hopes to sample those fisheries while here, I strongly urge that you arrange your fishing time to fall during the week days to avoid the worst of the crowds Ralph H replace "spamsucks" with direct for email reply.

Response:

Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Here is my two cents. For walleye find structure such as rockpikes, reefs, humps and points. Wave action and boat traffic can produce currents and waves that seem to help the action. For example a shallow hump in deep water is a great spot when the water is moving right, but on a calm day it can be slow. Slip bobber and leechs are deadly. You can set your leech at a fixed depth and drift it over structure. Windblown points can be good spots. You probably might want to postion your boat  in a fixed spot somewhere off of the structure and cast to the structure. Ultralight equipment. For pike I like submergered weeds in shallower areas with access to deep cold water. Water temperature is important, the cooler the better. leechs work but I like Small Mepps like #3 or 4 in a simple configuration (silver, gold, white.. nothing fancy). Have had luck with sluggos and bigger rapalas. Of course a live sucker on a quick strike works but it is a passive approach and release of the fish isn’t always possible. Use wire leader. For smallies… current. I’m happy to get any advice on smallies. I want a big one, I’ve caught a 4 pounder but I really want to catch (and release) a nice smallie. Leechs work.  In fact you can catch anything on a leech and slip bobber. Alot depends on the time of year, the type of boat you have and your equipment. Good luck. I would be interested in getting any reports on the fishing in the BWCA. Thanks.

In the BWCA, the Boundary Waters CANOE Area, the type of boat will likely be a canoe.  And live bait, especially minnows, will be hard to come by.  Jigs and twister tails and various forms of Rapalas seem to be pretty reliable.  Mepps spinners will work also. Fishing has been pretty slow from what I heard due to very cold water.   But it has been warmer weather the past few days so it may be improving. Del Cecchi Rochester, MN

Response:

I suppose certain areas of BWCA are for canoe access. There are also areas where access is available via 25 hp boats. These craft are used by support people who take people who CANOE. They are also used by people who are allowed to FISH in certain restricted areas under increasingly ridiculous restrictions. Of course people get emotional over these issues. I take the perspective of tolerance for both sides. Otherwise, maybe we’ll let Disney run  the BWCA instead of Greenpeace.

Response:

Leeches for small mouth! Silver kastmaster spoons for lake trout, if your going to be near any! Vertical jigging for ‘em! Try Argo Lake for lake trout. I envy you going up there. Knock ‘em dead!

Response:

In the BWCA, the Boundary Waters CANOE Area, the type of boat will likely be a canoe.  And live bait, especially minnows, will be hard to come by.  Jigs and twister tails and various forms of Rapalas seem to be pretty reliable.  Mepps spinners will work also. Fishing has been pretty slow from what I heard due to very cold water. But it has been warmer weather the past few days so it may be improving. Del Cecchi Rochester, MN

Del, In the Boundary Waters, the type of boat for fishing will be a 14′ or 16′ boat with up to a 25hp motor, OR a square stern canoe with a 5hp motor. Minnows are readily used, along with leeches and nightcrawlers, as the preferred bait.  At this time of year, fishing is mostly on the larger motorized lakes of the Boundary Waters.  There are 18 such lakes that allow motors.  Canoeists that have a problem with this should stay on the paddle-only lakes.

Response:

Snipped my previous post Del, In the Boundary Waters, the type of boat for fishing will be a 14′ or 16′ boat with up to a 25hp motor, OR a square stern canoe with a 5hp motor. Minnows are readily used, along with leeches and nightcrawlers, as the preferred bait.  At this time of year, fishing is mostly on the larger motorized lakes of the Boundary Waters.  There are 18 such lakes that allow motors.  Canoeists that have a problem with this should stay on the paddle-only lakes.

Most of the American side of Lac Lacroix, all of Crooked, and much of Basswood is closed to motors.  Of course there are those that disregard the restriction, especially on Basswood.  Fortunately there are not too many scofflaws around.  Continuing on to the east, Knife has no motors and the border continues with no motors until Sag and Seagull.  In the southern part of the bwca, motors are allowed on Trout lake.   I don’t have any problem with people using motors in the motor zone.  I thought closing the portages was a sneaky backhanded way to reneg on a deal.  I have a boat an motor.  I was merely pointing out that to fish most of the bwca one must use a canoe without a motor, and that transporting minnows is difficult, especially in warm weather.  Leeches are a little easier. A small cooler with nightcrawlers will hold up for a few days.   Looks from your email address that you might be from North Eastern Minnesota.  I know that it has been a long and emotional winter trying to fend off the "Friends of the Boundary Waters" and their lawyers in the Wellstonian mediation hearings.  Hey most of you guys voted for him as I recall.  But don’t attack supporters or neutral parties.  Try not to be so paranoid.  Although just because you are paranoid doesn’t mean someone isn’t out to get you.   I guess I stand by my advice, but will note that there are relatively small portions of the BWCA where one is allowed to use motors butyou still must portage using human power.  Some portages have humans for rent, others you are on your own to attach wheels and go.  Wheels are only allowed in the motorized zones.  The dogs on Trout lake aren’t there this year.   Del Cecchi Rochester, MN

Response:

I will be fishing in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness this coming June.  I hope to catch smallmouth bass, walleye, and northern pike, in that order.  I would welcome any advice on what lures and jigs to use, presentation techniques, structure to look for, etc.   Thanks in advance, Todd —

Response:

Here is my two cents. For walleye find structure such as rockpikes, reefs, humps and points. Wave action and boat traffic can produce currents and waves that seem to help the action. For example a shallow hump in deep water is a great spot when the water is moving right, but on a calm day it can be slow. Slip bobber and leechs are deadly. You can set your leech at a fixed depth and drift it over structure. Windblown points can be good spots. You probably might want to postion your boat  in a fixed spot somewhere off of the structure and cast to the structure. Ultralight equipment. For pike I like submergered weeds in shallower areas with access to deep cold water. Water temperature is important, the cooler the better. leechs work but I like Small Mepps like #3 or 4 in a simple configuration (silver, gold, white.. nothing fancy). Have had luck with sluggos and bigger rapalas. Of course a live sucker on a quick strike works but it is a passive approach and release of the fish isn’t always possible. Use wire leader. For smallies… current. I’m happy to get any advice on smallies. I want a big one, I’ve caught a 4 pounder but I really want to catch (and release) a nice smallie. Leechs work.  In fact you can catch anything on a leech and slip bobber. Alot depends on the time of year, the type of boat you have and your equipment. Good luck. I would be interested in getting any reports on the fishing in the BWCA. Thanks.

Response:

Dear Todd, I have spent many years fishing in the Boundry  Water’s area and the Quitico Area and have found it to be exceptional fishing!!  One thing I suggest is a new product specifically designed for quick CATCH-MEASURE-RELEASE.  It is called the Big Fish Ruler and it is manufactured by Big Bass Inc.  I am sending you their web page.  Other baits and accessories will be Gold # 7&9 Rapalas(floating), slip bobber and 1/8 oz leadheads with ribbon leaches, black fly dope and other insect repellent that is water proof.  Skin so soft is not strong enough for a heavy fly infestation.  Remember to take along a water proof camera that can be thrown around and not damaged.  The one I suggest in a Kodak one time water proof camera.  It has 24 pictures and when you are finished you just drop off the camera with the film still inside.  Good fishing and get a couple of rulers.  You will need them!!  The fish are huge!!!

Response:

Hey guys, motor or no motor the fishing is fine in eastern BWCA.  Just returned from a week near Gabbro/Bald Eagle and weather was warm and canoe worked just great for catching northerns, perch and walleye on rapalas and spinners mostly.  You just have to find the schools and drop in the line. So enjoy what you get, big or small.  Those waters still make ‘em tastier.

Response:

Question:

Salmom are running, but if fly fishing is your thing check out the Salmon River which is not too far from you or the Scott River also.

Response:

– My wife made reservations for a family vacation on the Klamath near Happy Camp. I am a beginner at flyfishing who is trying to get his teenage son interested. From what I read about the area, early July is not the time to fish the Klamath. It seems to be a Fall/Spring steelhead river. Is there flyfishing there in July? Which of the many feeder streams might be a good bet? Not only would I be gratful to catch and release a few fish but it might turm my son on to a positive experience. Thanks! Feel free to respond by e-mail.

Response:

Question:

Will be going to the Eugene area in mid-May to fish with my father-in-law.  Does anyone know of some convenient locations to trout fish?  I would really appreciate some help.  Both spin and fly.

Response:

Will be going to the Eugene area in mid-May to fish with my father-in-law. Does anyone know of some convenient locations to trout fish?  I would really appreciate some help.  Both spin and fly.

I would call Bob Guard at the Caddis Fly Shop in Eugene for some good info. William Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA

Response:

Will also be in Eugene fishing May 17-25. My friend is acting as our guide. He says the McKenzie has awesome caddis hatches this time of year. Will also be going to the Motolius River. He also recommended the Caddis Fly Shop. Good Luck and tight lines

Response:

Will be going to the Eugene area in mid-May to fish with my father-in-law.  Does anyone know of some convenient locations to trout fish?  I would really appreciate some help.  Both spin and fly.

Fall creek is a small creek just outside of Eugene that has trout. If you have access to a boat the lower part of the McKenzie is great, if not just drive up hwy 126 along the river. Above Leaburg dam the water is small enough to wade and fish and they have recently stocked it so there will definately be some dumb easy to catch fish along with the natives.   Basicly just about any stream you see will have trout in it. Get a synopsis from a fishing shop if you don’t have one because some of the water has special restrictions, like no bait, barbless, fly fishing only and release of non-hatchery fish (can you believe it T-Bone, its the law and there are some huge wild redsides in the lower McKenzie because of it) Have fun and let us know how it went. Martin Allen

Response:

Question:

I am planning a short trip to the Bay Area in mid-march. Can anyone suggest good trout waters within a couple hours of San Francisco?

Response:

Because the general trout season doesn’t open until May 1st, trout waters are hard to come by near San Francisco in mid-March.  However, there is one trout stream that remains open, about a one and a half hour drive. It’s called Putah Creek.  It’s a tailwater, flowing out of a man-made reservoir, called Lake Berryessa.  It’s a bit north of a town called Vacaville, east of San Francisco off Highway 80, on the way to Sacramento.  Easy to find on a map.  Make local inquiries as to how to get to the section below the dam. If you want to get into some big trout, (and I’m talking 6-8 lbs.) drive north on Highway 5 for about 3 1/2 hours.  Between the towns of Anderson and Red Bluff, on the Sacramento River, a guide can be had to float you through that water.  This is a blue ribbon fishery, and open at this time of year.  Make inquiries for guides, etc.  through the "Redding Fly Shop."  Their phone number is (916) 222-3555. Those guys really know the water in that area, and can put you into good fishing, and will arrange good guides for you. Tight Lines! Old Deep

Response:

: I am planning a short trip to the Bay Area in mid-march. Can anyone : suggest good trout waters within a couple hours of San Francisco? Here are the Lakes that are now open: From nearest to the farthest: Lake Merced: Right in the Heart of San Francisco San Pablo Dam Reservoir: Take San Pablo Dam Road in Richmond Lake Del Valle: This is south of Livermore Parkway Lake: Private lake, open to anyone even without a license for a fee Lake Chabot Lake Berryessa: Napa County Lake Pardee Lake Camanche Lake Amador

Response:

writes: If you want to get into some big trout, (and I’m talking 6-8 lbs.) drive north on Highway 5 for about 3 1/2 hours.  Between the towns of Anderson and Red Bluff, on the Sacramento River, a guide can be had to float you through that water.  This is a blue ribbon fishery, and open at this time of year.  Make inquiries for guides, etc.  through the "Redding Fly Shop." Their phone number is (916) 222-3555. Those guys really know the water in that area, and can put you into good fishing, and will arrange good guides for you.

Be sure to call ahead to check on flows.  You can wade the Lower Sac in the town of Redding and down to Anerson when the flows are 4000cfs or lower.  5000cfs gets a little tough to wade and above 8000cfs you can use a boat, but probably won’t find many fish.  Currently the Lower Sac flows are 35,000 cfs.  We had some warm weather which filled Shasta lake up too much from run-off so they are dumping it like crazy now. If the flows are good in March, there are usually great caddis hatches and both good nymphing and dry fly fishing.   About 2 hrs out of SF you can fish the Mokulemne River below Comanche Dam or the lower part of the Stanislaus River.  Both can be good in March. Also may be decent Striper fishing in the Delta then.                                             Dan Dan Gracia                                                               Orvis West Coast Fly Fishing Schools If you kill that big fish you can’t catch ‘em again.  So what if they eat other fish?  If you kill the big ones there will only be little ones left (funny how that works!).

Response: