Question:

Hi All: Well, the wife didn’t quite understand the Visa bill at first, but all has turned out well. (I tried to head it off at the pass as several of you suggested, but she’s too quick for me.) My sister is getting married in NH in June, so we’re headed up to Conway. Apparently forgot to stop off at the Kittery Trading Post last year, so I will have to make amends this time. Will also be dropping in on Ogunquit for a couple of days.  Need some advice and information on what is available from a fly fishing perspective preferably fresh water…? Any advice, information, directions, suggestions-clean ones, children read these posts-popular flies, etc. would be most welcomed. Regards, BobA The Allens of Allentown, PA (For e-mail, drop the first A)

Response:

The Ogunquit River has sea run browns in it, as does the lower Mousam in Kennebunk.  For directions and advice on flies, I recommend Eldrige Bros. Fly Shop on Rt. 1. Eric

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi All: Well, the wife didn’t quite understand the Visa bill at first, but all has turned out well. (I tried to head it off at the pass as several of you suggested, but she’s too quick for me.) My sister is getting married in NH in June, so we’re headed up to Conway. Apparently forgot to stop off at the Kittery Trading Post last year, so I will have to make amends this time. Will also be dropping in on Ogunquit for a couple of days.  Need some advice and information on what is available from a fly fishing perspective preferably fresh water…? Any advice, information, directions, suggestions-clean ones, children read these posts-popular flies, etc. would be most welcomed. Regards, BobA The Allens of Allentown, PA (For e-mail, drop the first A)

Response:

Hi Eric: Thank you for that information, I will stop in at the Eldrige Bros Fly Shop for sure. BobA

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Question:

Good advice Jon; take it. — Wayne To Fish is Human…To Release Divine! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I think you misspelt "opinion". In any case, some things are better kept to oneself. JonCook.

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Frank, We’re just about 10 miles from the Rappahannock near Fredericksburg.  I live on the PO River.  Bluegills so big behind my house your pontoon boat would go for a sleigh ride!  Bring a 7 wt.!  Looks like we might have to postpone the Brookie trip Dianna and I had planned for tomorrow.  She bought me a strange here.  I bought her a fishing outfit and she bought me yard work tools.   hmmmmm…… I can’t quite put my finger on it but soething seems amiss. Wayne To Fish is Human…To Release Divine!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – lotsa snippage here of a great time had by Wayne…… Wayne, congrats on winning MC’s rod, I’m sure you’ll put it to good use. Of course you realize now that Dianna is outfitted and had a taste of ff’ing, your outfit is not complete…send me your snail mail addy and I’ll send you a matched set of a knife and fork to help you eat all that crow and humble pie  :-) …. before long Dianna will be outfishing you (just ask Rich Warren aka Debbies fishin’ pardner)  Still and all you’re a lucky man to have a wife interested in your favorite sport.  Whereabouts do you live in VA?  I get down to the eastern part fairly often (Roanoke/Lynchburg area) and haunt the Maury and James River for smallies. Frank Church Elkhart, IN USAF RETIRED

Response:

I’ll just hazard a guess here….she has your number!  :-) Frank Church – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Frank, We’re just about 10 miles from the Rappahannock near Fredericksburg.  I live on the PO River.  Bluegills so big behind my house your pontoon boat would go for a sleigh ride!  Bring a 7 wt.!  Looks like we might have to postpone the Brookie trip Dianna and I had planned for tomorrow.  She bought me a strange here.  I bought her a fishing outfit and she bought me yard work tools.   hmmmmm…… I can’t quite put my finger on it but soething seems amiss. Wayne To Fish is Human…To Release Divine! lotsa snippage here of a great time had by Wayne…… Wayne, congrats on winning MC’s rod, I’m sure you’ll put it to good use. Of course you realize now that Dianna is outfitted and had a taste of ff’ing, your outfit is not complete…send me your snail mail addy and I’ll send you a matched set of a knife and fork to help you eat all that crow and humble pie  :-) …. before long Dianna will be outfishing you (just ask Rich Warren aka Debbies fishin’ pardner)  Still and all you’re a lucky man to have a wife interested in your favorite sport.  Whereabouts do you live in VA?  I get down to the eastern part fairly often (Roanoke/Lynchburg area) and haunt the Maury and James River for smallies. Frank Church Elkhart, IN USAF RETIRED

Response:

What a trip!  The past 6 days go to, surviving at, and returning from…….THE CLAVE!!!!.

Thanks for your report Wayne. I look forward to other reports. It’s lonely this side of the Pond:-) — Bill http://www.graigroad.demon.co.uk

Response:

Well, The Famous Grouse is almost gone ( I left my MaCallan at Clave Central).  Thanks for listening and sharing. — Wayne (who came away …..Changed!) To Fish is Human…To Release Divine!

um…wayne, you didn’t think those polyleaders would be free, did ya?  i am in possession of your autographed bottle of mac… the benefit of being the last guy to leave. jeff

Response:

Fair trade Jeff!  I was just hopeing it went to a good home!  I’ll share my Mac with you anytime. — Wayne To fish is human….To release Divine! Before you buy.

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strange here.  I bought her a fishing outfit and she bought me yard work tools.   hmmmmm…… I can’t quite put my finger on it but soething seems amiss.

Wayne:I feel your pain…I don’t think we were supposed to understand women, but I don’t know about those farm implements. I thought chainsaws were only useful for horror flicks about some fellow Texans. Thanks for the boots. I will need about 10 days to tie some good flies for the trade. I need to tie more now that there are two fly fishing persons in your family. Since stripers are available at your lake I will include some or Richard Hart’s Ghost Minnows which have been very useful on Lake Whitney. Please send me your snail mail address sometime in the next 10 days or so. It sure was good to meet you and your lovely wife Diana at the clave. I thought she got the best prize of all in the raffle in the Spam Shirt. We need to have more raffle prizes like that next year. Big Dale

Response:

What a trip!  The past 6 days go to, surviving at, and returning from…….THE CLAVE!!!!.  For all those of you who asked, a Clave is fishing camp for reprobates and some nice ladies.  Dianna and I arrived Friday after a pleasant  7 hour trip down from Virginia.  Dinner Friday night with Mark (Guyznflys), Debbie, Richard, Walt and his lovely wife Marie.  I was forced to sample the local brewery’s version of India pale Ale.  You’re right Walt, the horse has kidney trouble!  After plying Walt with a GREAT DEAL of alcohol I was finally able to twist his arm and get him to show my wife some fly rods.  You see, Dianna had shown a little interest in taking up the sport a couple of weeks ago.  I decided to buy her a set-up if she wanted to try it out.  Walt pulled out a nice selection of beginner/newbie rods for Dianna to look over.  Rather than forcing her to take the "best weight for a beginner" I elected to let her choose whatever felt good in her hands.  She tried quite a few and finally made a selection. Hardy Classic 7′ 3 wt. with a (color coordinated) Hardy Golden JHL Ultralight reel filled with a peach colored (color coordinated) WF3F 444 Rocket Taper flyline by Cortland.  What can I say, the woman has excellent taste in fly fishing equipment. Saturday we hung out at Clave Central and I cruised the Watauga out the back door.  Browns all over the place!  Saturday night Debbie gave Dianna casting lessons while Tom Brown created culinary masterpieces in rib roasting. Sunday I fished with Indian Joe on a middle stretch of Wilson’s Creek then up Little Wilson’s Creek.  Sunshine made ‘em spooky but we still caught fish.  The best part was meeting and fishing with IJ.  We worked the stream in grand style and I have never had a finer fishing companion.  When I slipped on a rock and a heavy log came crashing down on my leg as my face smashed into the gravel, I was glad to have someone along who doesn’t panic in and emergency.  Dazed and bleeding, struggling out from under the log, I heard a reassuring voice behind me; "Is your rod OK?"  It didn’t take but a few minutes back to fishing with IJ to forget all about the fall and get back to the enjoyment of the streams!  Monday was spent acquiring a fishing license and Choate wading shoes for Dianna and taking her down to the Watauga in the delayed harvest section to practice.  She did wonderfully and although she didn’t hook a fish she had several rises and a couple of strikes on her flys.  When she actually saw a nice Brown rise slowly, look her fly over, then smash it, she really got excited!  By Monday afternoon a newbie was born and a flyfisherwoman at that! Tuesday morning Dianna went shopping while IJ and I headed to Elk River.  I deeply regret leaving my oversize biscuit in it’s box on the table at Pappy’s!  I could use that biscuit about now!  The Elk started slow but finished strong with IJ and I catching a number of nice native (stocked 80 yrs. ago) Browns and Rainbows.  In the mid-afternoon IJ dropped me off at "the church" on the Watauga so Dianna could pick me up after shopping. During the 45 minutes I waited I made a few casts.  One Brown each 12", 15", and 18"!!  The really neat part was the spin fisherman standing about 100′ away watching me.  He hadn’t caught a thing and didn’t the whole time I was there!  Then on to "The Great Chili Cookout" courtesy of Indian Joe and the Clave Central crew.  A great meal and a great time.  Then the great raffle. I had carefully positioned myself for the drawing and read the flow with all the consummate raffle skills at my command.  Dianna won the fly tying vise and the great TEAM SPAM shirt!  She will not let me trade the vice off ( I don’t tie).  She says she will learn!   Then came the "BIG ONE"!!  Mike Conner’s contribution.  A beautiful 9′ 3 piece 4 wt. rod by MC himself!  I do have one complaint though.  IJ won the reel and line I need to go with it!!  And I thought he was a great guy!  Darn!  Now I hafta buy another reel and line!!  Woe is me.  Just one darn thing after another!!!!  OH!  BTW.  I met JEFFC.  I didn’t kill him or even threaten to kill him.  He is still and asshole but I did win the knotted leaders he brought to the raffle.  I usually use AirFlo Polyleaders but I am going to give these leaders a try. After using them I will drop jeffc a note to tell him how they performed. He will still be an asshole then but I will know how the leaders worked. For all the ROFF guys I met; you’re one helluva bunch of great guys!! Special THANKS to Mike Conner!!!!  (oh Mike, can you send me an autographed sticker to put on the rod?)  I am damn proud to own this rod.  I do not have another 4 wt.  It will make a great nymphing rod to Brookies and for smallmouth on the Rappahannock on those still June days.  Think of it!  A 3 pound smallmouth on a 5X tippet on Mike’s 4 wt. rod on a perfect June day! I’m drooling all over the keyboard.  That is one BEAUTIFUL rod Mike! Thanks to Waldo, Jeff, and all the gang who planned and made this thing possible.  Indian Joe is a friend and fishing buddy who made my days on the streams the stuff dreams are made of.  Friday morning the newest fly fisherperson in the family and I will head to the mountains for a day of Brookie fishing.  They have been waiting for us since before the last ice age.  Their time has come! Well, The Famous Grouse is almost gone ( I left my MaCallan at Clave Central).  Thanks for listening and sharing. — Wayne (who came away …..Changed!) To Fish is Human…To Release Divine!

Response:

He will still be an asshole then but I will know how the leaders worked.

You missed the whole point of the Clave experience, Wayne. I’m embarrassed to think that you won Mike’s rod. –Steve

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Facts is Facts Steve. — Wayne To Fish is Human…To Release Divine!

You missed the whole point of the Clave experience, Wayne. I’m – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – embarrassed to think that you won Mike’s rod. –Steve

Response:

lotsa snippage here of a great time had by Wayne…… Wayne, congrats on winning MC’s rod, I’m sure you’ll put it to good use.  Of course you realize now that Dianna is outfitted and had a taste of ff’ing, your outfit is not complete…send me your snail mail addy and I’ll send you a matched set of a knife and fork to help you eat all that crow and humble pie  :-) …. before long Dianna will be outfishing you (just ask Rich Warren aka Debbies fishin’ pardner)  Still and all you’re a lucky man to have a wife interested in your favorite sport.  Whereabouts do you live in VA?  I get down to the eastern part fairly often (Roanoke/Lynchburg area) and haunt the Maury and James River for smallies. Frank Church Elkhart, IN USAF RETIRED

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Facts is Facts Steve.

Fair enough, Wayne. I was hoping that you’d put the past behind and let bygones be such–or at least let go of the angst–especially since you and Jeff are both guys who I consider friends and good people. I can’t even remember exactly what caused the escalation–but, OK, I’ll stop trying to Rodney King the whole thing Anyway, it was a pleasure meeting you and your wife and–your opinion of a friend of mine notwithstanding–I’ll recant my previous statement and say if it couldn’t be me who won the rod then I’m happy it was you. Next time I’m in the DC area, I’ll let you know. Especially since I never did get a chance to see that 6′ 6-piece gem–and everyone should catch a 4-pound smallmouth on a fly at least once a year. –Steve

Response:

Some of us like raspberry and some of us like vanilla; it’s what makes the world go round Steve!  I was hopeing you would get a look at that little pack rod.  It is extremely unusual and I know you would appreciate the workmanship in bamboo since you craft a beautiful rod in that medium.  You get up here often enough to catch the trout and smallmouth in good seasons. Since Dave Lacourse and Wolfgang let me try their lines on the pack rod and we determined it casts prety well with a 5 wt. I just might sneak that little rascal out and let you catch Brookies in the same stream President Hoover loved to fly fish in. — Wayne To Fish is Human…To Release Divine!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Facts is Facts Steve. Fair enough, Wayne. I was hoping that you’d put the past behind and let bygones be such–or at least let go of the angst–especially since you and Jeff are both guys who I consider friends and good people. I can’t even remember exactly what caused the escalation–but, OK, I’ll stop trying to Rodney King the whole thing Anyway, it was a pleasure meeting you and your wife and–your opinion of a friend of mine notwithstanding–I’ll recant my previous statement and say if it couldn’t be me who won the rod then I’m happy it was you. Next time I’m in the DC area, I’ll let you know. Especially since I never did get a chance to see that 6′ 6-piece gem–and everyone should catch a 4-pound smallmouth on a fly at least once a year. –Steve

Response:

Question:

Does anyone know who puts on equipment/demonstration shows for flyfishing in alrge cities? I would like to go to one next year but can’t seem to find out how/where they are scheduled.

Huh, loaded kind of question….What  large area are you near? The fly fishing magazines often put out a list of the winter shows….also check websites www.flyshop.com,www.flyfish.com,www.flyfishing.com,www.flyrodreel.com, etc…; you local sporting goods stores or fly shops or the local clubs, ie TU, FFF chapters. All will have the low down. Wayne Knight (remove nospam to respond via mail) Expert in the creation of  wind knots and tailing loops.

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Does anyone know who puts on equipment/demonstration shows for flyfishing in alrge cities? I would like to go to one next year but can’t seem to find out how/where they are scheduled. Thanks

Response:

Does anyone know who puts on equipment/demonstration shows for flyfishing in alrge cities? I would like to go to one next year but can’t seem to find out how/where they are scheduled. Thanks

Check the following URL’s.     www.sportshow.com     www.flyfishingshow.com

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Question:

You don’t need a video to tell you that if the lines breaking you need a higher wt line.  When guides say to you "there’s no way you need more than a 4lb tippet on that river" what they really mean is that IFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF you had the shuttle, boat and knowledge of where the holes were, that even though the current was raging back at the public fishing area you could fish 2-4lb leader in the deep wide holes they fish.  They don’t know that you need a 10lb leader back where the currents raging and the fish can get out sideways in it.  So when they tell you there’s no way you need anything bigger than a 5.1lb tippet (or whatever they claim is the max wt used by "real fishermen")

Unless one has no ability at all to play a fish properly, he will certainly land more fish on a heavier tippet.   At the same time, it is certainly possible to successfully land a big fish on a very light tippet.   On the Salmon River, though, (and anywhere for that matter) you need to balance more than just landing a fish against tippet strength.   If you play a fish for 45 minutes on a 4 lb tippet, everyone around you has to keep their lines out of the water and thumbs up their asses while you have a good time all by yourself.   And when you have it on the beach, it will be dead beat and no candidate for c&r if you are so inclined.   On the other hand, boy was that fun. If you tie on a big heavy tippet, you’ll be able to put a lot more pressure on the fish and get it to the beach more quickly.   Go too far in this direction, however, and you may as well be one of the brainless meat fishermen spin casting with 30 lb mono to haul ‘em in. For me, a guy of below average ability, I’ve found 8 or 10 lb to be quite sufficient on the Salmon R. to give me a good balance of sport, success, and courtesy.   I will add that if you are breaking off a lot, be sure it’s not your knots.

Response:

You don’t need a video to tell you that if the lines breaking you need a higher wt line.  When guides say to you "there’s no way you need more than a 4lb tippet on that river" what they really mean is that IFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF you had the shuttle, boat and knowledge of where the holes were, that even though the current was raging back at the public fishing area you could fish 2-4lb leader in the deep wide holes they fish.  They don’t know that you need a 10lb leader back where the currents raging and the fish can get out sideways in it.  So when they tell you there’s no way you need anything bigger than a 5.1lb tippet (or whatever they claim is the max wt used by "real fishermen") Tie your own tappered leaders.  I was reading in a book on al fly fishing just the other nite that the author reccomends making your tappered leader from 40, 30, 20 and 18in of material of 25, 20, 15, and 10lb line respectively.  Good luck, I hope this has been some help. Fished the Salmon River in Pulaski, New York with a fly rod this week and found the experience to be quite different from that of dry fly fishing.  I hooked and broke off three fish and would like any recommendations on:  books/videos relate to this type of fishing, recs on a good entry level rod and reel for

– Cordially, Mike McNally Speculators may do no harm as bubbles on a steady stream of enterprise. But the position is serious when enterprise becomes the bubble on a whirlpool of speculation.               –John Maynard Keynes

Response:

You don’t need a video to tell you that if the lines breaking you need a higher wt line.  When guides say to you "there’s no way you need more than a 4lb tippet on that river" what they really mean

<snip Amen. I have used a short (7 ft) 10 or 12 lb tippet on my sink tip, and a 12 ft 8 lb tippet for salmon and steelhead for years. Yep, I lose some still, but I have caught (and released) more than 150 salmon this fall alone.

Response:

I just got Flies for Steelhead by Farrow Allen and Dick Stewart from Lyons Press (~$20 softcover). The photography is quite good and it has a thorough collection of patterns from different regions of the country. The flies in the photos are tied either by the inventor of the pattern or by a well known tyer from the region of origin.  Great Lakes Steelhead – A Guided Tour for Fly Anglers from Back Country Press ($20) is a great book by Bob Linsenmann and Steve Nevala (fun reading).  There is a brief but very practical sections on techniques, equipment, etc in the beginning. The rest of the book is a collection of essays collected from these guys going fishing with a number of guides in their home waters.  Fly Fishing for Salmon and Steelhead of the Great Lakes by Ken Filkins ($17 Wilderness Books – hard to find but available on www.amazon.com).  This book mostly emphasizes chuck and duck type fishing but has a really good section on fish attitudes towards different types of flies & presentations thus explaining (or at least stating) why many west coast techniques are only effective during a short period of the steelhead’s migration into midwestern tributaries.  I’ve been using a Scientific Anglers System 2m 8/9.  It’s a reasonably inexpensive and very reliable disc drag reel.  The regular System 2 is quite heavy but I don’t know if the 2m is still in production.  As far as a rod is concerned I bought myself the cheapest one I could find, a St. Croix 9ft 9 weight Pro-Graphite.  With all the brush I run through, the slippery rocks, ice, hands made numb and clumsy by the bitter chill, I wouldn’t want to risk damaging an expensive stick.  Just letting you know what has worked well for me.  I don’t have the experience nor the moeny to really tell you what other options are available to you. Good Fishing.    Mu Young Lee         Ann Arbor, MI  o             oooo                          o   o   o o   o o o  o – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Fished the Salmon River in Pulaski, New York with a fly rod this week and found the experience to be quite different from that of dry fly fishing.  I hooked and broke off three fish and would like any recommendations on:  books/videos relate to this type of fishing, recs on a good entry level rod and reel for

Response:

Fished the Salmon River in Pulaski, New York with a fly rod this week and found the experience to be quite different from that of dry fly fishing.  I hooked and broke off three fish and would like any recommendations on:  books/videos relate to this type of fishing, recs on a good entry level rod and reel for

It seems to be normal to break off 3 fish in this sort of fishing: but not normal to break off 100 per cent of hookups. The range of tackle is from medium (say 6 weight rod with 2x or 6 lb. tippets) to strong (8 or 9 weight, tippets 0X or 12 lb.) This river is sufficiently free of obstructions that you can fish the lighter tackle — provided you have a first-class reel, because its drag is important.  (Heavier tackle is useful in smaller Michigan or Ontario steelhead rivers.) Winter freshwater salmon and steelhead seem not to be leader shy.  They may or may not avoid sideways drag: but the essential point is to be able to present the fly as deep as the fish’s holding depth, whatever that is.  I have known people to make special sinking leaders (coated with powdered led embedded in glue) for this purpose. — |  Donald Phillipson, 4180 Boundary Road, Carlsbad Springs,  | |        Ontario, Canada, K0A 1K0, tel. 613 822 0734         |

Response:

Fished the Salmon River in Pulaski, New York with a fly rod this week and found the experience to be quite different from that of dry fly fishing.  I hooked and broke off three fish and would like any recommendations on:  books/videos relate to this type of fishing, recs on a good entry level rod and reel for

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Question:

hi! I’m gonna be in Philadelphia/Cherry Hill on Sunday, Sept. 13th. Would like some guidance on places to fly fish within a couple of hours radius. Or a local fly shop to contact for direction. tight lines, phil joffe

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The Little Lehigh in Allentown should be pretty hot right now. Tricos should be dynamite! I haven’t fished this river in years, but the Fish for Fun stretch off Cedar Crest was always a challenge on humid August Tico mornings. Take 309 north to Allentown. Take Cedar Crest Blvd South and look for signs.

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Question:

     I have been fishing for about fourteen years now, since I was about three.  However, the fishing I have done has been either spinning or baitcasting for various types of fish in mostly still bodies of water, or small rivers.  I recently had the opportunity to try my hand at flyfishing for trout, something which had been somewhat frightened of due to its seemingly immense complexity. Since then, it has occured to me that there was a lot that I was limiting myself from flyfishing.  The result, I am interested in starting a.s.a.p.  I realize that there is a lot to learn, and that it may take a very long time to master, but i have plenty of time ahead of me and am quite eager to learn.      First, though, it seems to me that I should first purchase a rod and a reel.  This is where my first discrepancy arises.  Being that I am new to the sport, I am unsure as to what I should purchase.  i would be using the setup mainly for bass and trout, though primarily for bass due to the limited amount of good long-term trout waters in my area.  For reference, that would be Cleveland, OH.  What weight setup should I get?  I was wondering if there is a good medium which would work well on smaller ohio bass (around two pounds, give or take) and trout, perhaps even small steelhead.  It seemed that a seven weight might be adequate.      Anyhow, I am looking to spend around 200 dollars for a decent setup.  Now for my second question.  How should I set up my line?  From what I have gathered, it seems that it would be best to use either a weight forward or bass bug taper.  However, I am unsure as far as a leader and tippet goes.  It seems as if it might be best to get a couple of sizes, depending on the situation. What are your suggestions?      To sum up a rather lengthy post, I need to know what sort of setup to purchase, and what sort of leaders and tippets to employ.  All suggestions are appreciated. Thanks in advance Ron. By the way, please mail responses directly to my.

Response:

i would be using the setup mainly for bass and trout, though primarily for bass due to the limited amount of good long-term trout waters in my area.  For reference, that would be Cleveland, OH.  What weight setup should I get?

I would suggest a seven weight rod, with a double taper  flyline. A weight forward line would be fine as well. Anyhow, I am looking to spend around 200 dollars for a decent setup.

At that price, you’ll find a great flyfishing setup. Don’t spend too much more yet; you need practice, not fancy equipment. However, I am unsure as far as a leader and tippet goes.  It seems as if it might be best to get a couple of sizes, depending on the situation. What are your suggestions?

Stroll down to your local FFing shop and ask them what they’d suggest. They’ll have the skinny on the local conditions, and if you’re lucky, someone will take you under his wing. However, I am unsure as far as a leader and tippet goes. It seems situation. Best of luck! Frank Longtine                             the Second Amendment was not, and is not, about 1984 Ford F-150                                  hunting rights. It was, and is, about 1997 Rokon Trail Breaker                       tyrranical governments.

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Question:

Does anyone know any books published on the topic of flyfishing and/ or tying for the trout of New England? Bill W

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Does anyone know any books published on the topic of flyfishing and/ or tying for the trout of New England?

Bill, Vermont Trout Streams by Farrow Allen is an excellent resource.  It is published by Northern Cartographic in Burlington Vermont.  Fly Tiers Heaven website is a local fly shop that stocks many regional books.  Hope this helps. James Ehlers Underhill, Vermont Uncle Jammer’s Guide Service Vermont Fly Fishing, Hunting, River and Woodland Outings http://pobox.com/~uncle

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Does anyone know any books published on the topic of flyfishing and/ or tying for the trout of New England? Bill W

Hi, A really good book, but just for Vermont is : Fishing Vermont’s Streams and Lakes by Peter Cammann, published by Backcountry Press. I assume there are similar books for other N.E. states, but my sister lives in vermont, so there you go. Bill

Response:

At least for Maine there are some books by a guy named Al Raychard, "Allagash" by Dean Bennett, and "Complete Guide to Fly Fishing Maine" by Bob Newman. Chris

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Question:

Estimates of the survivability of game fish that are caught and then released back into the water range from 10% to as high as 50%.  With mortality rates this high, I feel that the practice of catch and release should be outlawed. The simple fact of the matter is that a catch and keep sportfisherman, who obeys laws concerning catch limits and possession limits causes the demise of far fewer fish than the catch and release fisherman. The person who catches fish only for the fun of it without regard to there value as a food source is not unlike the big game hunter who kills a bull

If you had been flyfishing twenty, well thirty years ago…believe me… you would have second thought about your position.  It seemed ok to keep your whole catch then simply because there weren’t so many fishermen, plus you now unfortunately HAVE to add in the factor of habitat degradation. I look at the whole spectrum and figure on even just a small percentage of the trout caught…being those that have been caught several times, thus saving many trout from being caught that first time. tight_lines, steve d.

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giorgio writes:    Catch and release is technique… Survival is in the very high 90% (I’ll bet I get 100%!!)

That’s right, it’s all those other people, who aren’t as clever as I am, that kill fish.  I can catch fish all day, and never kill even one.  They seem to enjoy being caught.  As I was saying to my wife… Morgan Fairchild, yeah, that’s the ticket…. CQ

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Estimates of the survivability of game fish that are caught and then released back into the water range from 10% to as high as 50%.  With mortality rates this high, I feel that the practice of catch and release should be outlawed. The simple fact of the matter is that a catch and keep sportfisherman, who obeys laws concerning catch limits and possession limits causes the demise of far fewer fish than the catch and release fisherman. The person who catches fish only for the fun of it without regard to there value as a food source is not unlike the big game hunter who kills a bull elk only for the fun of it(or perhaps a set of horns over the mantle.)

Where the heck did you get your numbers? This "estimate" (Defined as an educated guess) is way out of line with data gathered from actual research, which shows mortality on released fish to be lower than 3% with barbless flys, and never even near this 50% even with multi-point, barbed and baited hooks. The "Simple fact" is that those who ignorantly condemn certain practices based on false conjecture serve only to harm the resource they intend to protect, if that is even their true motive. And how, then, would you explain why certain fish can be fooled and released over and over year after year, in the same place? And those beautiful wild Deschutes red-band rainbows that (sadly) have several hook-holes in their jaws a couple of weeks into the famous salmon fly hatch? They would never reach their 14" to 20" typical size even at a 10% mortality rate! Get your facts straight before you start throwing words like "outlaw" around OK? The last thing we (or the fish) need is more misguided legislation!

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Ever notice how people who post messages like this don’t use their name? Hey Mike: I never really though about it, logflyer is my E-mail account name.  But for your information my name is Mike Golden, I live in Idaho and if there is anything else youd like to know about me please dont hesitate ot E-mail me.

I think, Mike Golden (if that is your real name), that where fishing is concerned I already know as much about you as I ever want to. — "…but no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States." Article VI, US Constitution

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giorgio writes:       Catch and release is technique… Survival is in the very high 90% (I’ll bet I get 100%!!) That’s right, it’s all those other people, who aren’t as clever as I am, that kill fish.  I can catch fish all day, and never kill even one.  They seem to enjoy being caught.  As I was saying to my wife… Morgan Fairchild, yeah, that’s the ticket…. CQ

I’ve had fish die in my hand or after release so I’d never claim 100% though I’m sure I do far better than 50 oh yeah despite rumours to the contrary I am not married to Nicole Kidman –  my wife sort of looks like her (she smarter too!) 8^) Ralph H "…      the sabbath rang slowly      in the pebbles of the holy streams!" Dylan Thomas, "Fern Hill"

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 Hey Mike: I never really though about it, logflyer is my E-mail account name.  But for your information my name is Mike Golden, I live in Idaho and if there is anything else youd like to know about me please dont hesitate ot E-mail me.

Thanks Mike. Maybe it’s just psychological but I like to think that there is a real person at the other end of a post. When someone doesn’t use a name it seems like they just want to stir the pot, stand back and watch the results. Some people get their kicks from this kind of activity. I share some of your concerns for catch & release fishing but I don’t agree with many of your statements. I practise catch & release regularily, but will I always keep the fish when I have a doubt as to whether it will survive (when legal to do so). I have observed fishermen do not because the fish was "too small" or it means the end of their fishing day or just simply through ignorance. Perhaps some sort of training should be mandatory to obtain a fishing license? (Maybe just a quiz that you must pass?) Any thoughts on this folks? Should we fish a lake or stream that is catch & release because of conservation reasons? Maybe not, but fishers are some of our most active conservationists. Fishing keeps people in touch with aquatic ecosystems and I feel this benefit can outweigh the disadvantages. — Mike Robinson

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -logflyer writes: Estimates of the survivability of game fish that are caught and then released back into the water range from 10% to as high as 50%.  With mortality rates this high, I feel that the practice of catch and release should be outlawed.   Those figures are probably correct if you’re talking about marlin, or if you’re talking about salmonids that are played to total exhaustion, or kept out of the water long enough for a carefully posed picture (arrrgh!).  If you’re fishing for salmonids, bringing them in green, not taking them out of the water, and you’re reviving them correctly, studies have shown that survivability is above 90%, unless water temps are high. A 10% mortality rate is a good, conservative rule of thumb to use when you’re deciding when it’s time to stop for the day. The simple fact of the matter is that a catch and keep sportfisherman, who obeys laws concerning catch limits and possession limits causes the demise of far fewer fish than the catch and release fisherman. Absolutely, if the c&r angler doesn’t limit his catch, but it doesn’t have to be that way.  It’s more relaxing (for me, anyway) to take breaks and enjoy the area than it is to work like hell to see how many dozen fish you can catch in a day, anyway. A modest proposal: C&R shouldn’t exempt you from the ethic of limiting your kill. If the limit is 6 trout, and you’re releasing all the fish you catch, assume that as many as 10% die after release, and limit yourself to a half-limit of fish killed (3 fish), since they are being left behind uneaten (by you, anyway).   This still permits you to land as many as 30 fish in a day.   Another, even more conservative method would be to stop when you’ve released a limit of "keepers."  Landing six nice fish (or whatever the limit would allow) in a day is still nothing to complain about! The person who catches fish only for the fun of it without regard to there value as a food source is not unlike the big game hunter who kills a bull elk only for the fun of it(or perhaps a set of horns over the mantle.) I don’t know if I’d describe fishing as fun; fulfilling would be more accurate. I get something good from the fish I harvest, something equally good from the fish I release, and something else (equally good) from the fish that I can’t (or choose not to) catch. I’d agree that (at least for some) there is an element of trophy hunting, and even gluttony, in catch-and-release.  I no longer photograph live fish, as the time out of water decreases their chance of survival, and always limit my catch, whether I’m keeping fish or not. (BTW, all of the elk hunters I know around here hunt mainly for the freezerful of meat that comes with those horns.) CQ

Charlie ; you’re a blessing to the group! Ralph H " … the sabbath rang in the pebbles of the holy streams!" Dylan Thomas, "Fern Hill" " One man free to love his minute   in the realms of flesh and sun   breaks down more pain than ages   of humane law or lawyers can." Leonard Cohen, " Crying, Come Back, Hero"

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logflyer writes: Estimates of the survivability of game fish that are caught and then released back into the water range from 10% to as high as 50%.  With mortality rates this high, I feel that the practice of catch and release should be outlawed.  

Those figures are probably correct if you’re talking about marlin, or if you’re talking about salmonids that are played to total exhaustion, or kept out of the water long enough for a carefully posed picture (arrrgh!).  If you’re fishing for salmonids, bringing them in green, not taking them out of the water, and you’re reviving them correctly, studies have shown that survivability is above 90%, unless water temps are high. A 10% mortality rate is a good, conservative rule of thumb to use when you’re deciding when it’s time to stop for the day. The simple fact of the matter is that a catch and keep sportfisherman, who obeys laws concerning catch limits and possession limits causes the demise of far fewer fish than the catch and release fisherman.

Absolutely, if the c&r angler doesn’t limit his catch, but it doesn’t have to be that way.  It’s more relaxing (for me, anyway) to take breaks and enjoy the area than it is to work like hell to see how many dozen fish you can catch in a day, anyway. A modest proposal: C&R shouldn’t exempt you from the ethic of limiting your kill. If the limit is 6 trout, and you’re releasing all the fish you catch, assume that as many as 10% die after release, and limit yourself to a half-limit of fish killed (3 fish), since they are being left behind uneaten (by you, anyway).   This still permits you to land as many as 30 fish in a day.   Another, even more conservative method would be to stop when you’ve released a limit of "keepers."  Landing six nice fish (or whatever the limit would allow) in a day is still nothing to complain about! The person who catches fish only for the fun of it without regard to there value as a food source is not unlike the big game hunter who kills a bull elk only for the fun of it(or perhaps a set of horns over the mantle.)

I don’t know if I’d describe fishing as fun; fulfilling would be more accurate. I get something good from the fish I harvest, something equally good from the fish I release, and something else (equally good) from the fish that I can’t (or choose not to) catch. I’d agree that (at least for some) there is an element of trophy hunting, and even gluttony, in catch-and-release.  I no longer photograph live fish, as the time out of water decreases their chance of survival, and always limit my catch, whether I’m keeping fish or not. (BTW, all of the elk hunters I know around here hunt mainly for the freezerful of meat that comes with those horns.) CQ

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Estimates of the survivability of game fish that are caught and then released back into the water range from 10% to as high as 50%.  With mortality rates this high, I feel that the practice of catch and release should be outlawed. The simple fact of the matter is that a catch and keep sportfisherman, who obeys laws concerning catch limits and possession limits causes the demise of far fewer fish than the catch and release fisherman. The person who catches fish only for the fun of it without regard to there value as a food source is not unlike the big game hunter who kills a bull elk only for the fun of it(or perhaps a set of horns over the mantle.) Estimates of the survivability of game fish that are caught and then released back into the water range from 10% to as high as 50%.  With mortality rates this high, I feel that the practice of catch and release should be outlawed. The simple fact of the matter is that a catch and keep sportfisherman, who obeys laws concerning catch limits and possession limits causes the demise of far fewer fish than the catch and release fisherman. The person who catches fish only for the fun of it without regard to there value as a food source is not unlike the big game hunter who kills a bull elk only for the fun of it(or perhaps a set of horns over the mantle.)

Where the heck did you get your numbers? This "estimate" (Defined as an educated guess) is way out of line with data gathered from actual research, which shows mortality on released fish to be lower than 3% with barbless flys, and never even near this 50% even with multi-point, barbed and baited hooks. The "Simple fact" is that those who ignorantly condemn certain practices based on false conjecture serve only to harm the resource they intend to protect, if that is even their true motive. And how, then, would you explain why certain fish can be fooled and released over and over year after year, in the same place? And those beautiful wild Deschutes red-band rainbows that (sadly) have several hook-holes in their jaws a couple of weeks into the famous salmon fly hatch? They would never reach their 14" to 20" typical size even at a 10% mortality rate! Get your facts straight before you start throwing words like "outlaw" around OK? The last thing we (or the fish) need is more misguided legislation!

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Ever notice how people who post messages like this don’t use their name?

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Estimates of the survivability of game fish that are caught and then released back into the water range from 10% to as high as 50%.  With mortality rates this high, I feel that the practice of catch and release should be outlawed. The simple fact of the matter is that a catch and keep sportfisherman, who obeys laws concerning catch limits and possession limits causes the demise of far fewer fish than the catch and release fisherman. The person who catches fish only for the fun of it without regard to there value as a food source is not unlike the big game hunter who kills a bull elk only for the fun of it(or perhaps a set of horns over the mantle.)OR POSTS indefensible trip such as this. If this is your actual thought,

you really and truly should contact any qualified biologist that has monitored catch and release lakes. I think you would have to rethink your position.         Further, If I catch 10 keepers and release them, even with your high mortality rates-which are very suspect-I am hundreds of percentage points ahead of the surviavability rates of those that end up in your fry pan.           I don’t begrudge someone their meal of legally caught and kept fish, and there is a balance to be kept in mind on that point, but  for you or anyone else to begrudge my releasing fish that you might end up having for dinner next week is ludicrous. Enjoy the fishing; return the fish. Jeff O’Donnell

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Where did you get your numbers? The studies that I have read list the survival rate of a fish caught and released on a fly at about 99%. With a spinner, it drops to 90 to 95%. The lowest is with bait because the fish has the opprotunity to take the hook deep in the vital areas. With bait it drops to about 75%. I spend alot of time fishing in the South Platt River, you would be hard pressed to find a harder fished river and much of it is C&R. It is full of some large and very smart rainbow and brown trout, I reciently caught a 24 inch rainbow. If your numbers were correct, there would be no fish in the river.Amen! Further, thos of us that fish the same small waters can track some

fish over a period of two to four years. Enjoy the fishing;return the fish Jeff O’Donnell

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Ever notice how people who post messages like this don’t use their name? Hey Mike:

I never really though about it, logflyer is my E-mail account name.  But for your information my name is Mike Golden, I live in Idaho and if there is anything else youd like to know about me please dont hesitate ot E-mail me.

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Estimates of the survivability of game fish that are caught and then released back into the water range from 10% to as high as 50%.  With mortality rates this high, I feel that the practice of catch and release should be outlawed. The simple fact of the matter is that a catch and keep sportfisherman, who obeys laws concerning catch limits and possession limits causes the demise of far fewer fish than the catch and release fisherman. The person who catches fish only for the fun of it without regard to there value as a food source is not unlike the big game hunter who kills a bull elk only for the fun of it(or perhaps a set of horns over the mantle.)OR POSTS indefensible trip such as this. If this is your actual thought, you really and truly should contact any qualified biologist that has monitored catch and release lakes. I think you would have to rethink your position.    Further, If I catch 10 keepers and release them, even with your high mortality rates-which are very suspect-I am hundreds of percentage points ahead of the surviavability rates of those that end up in your fry pan.      I don’t begrudge someone their meal of legally caught and kept fish, and there is a balance to be kept in mind on that point, but  for you or anyone else to begrudge my releasing fish that you might end up having for dinner next week is ludicrous. Enjoy the fishing; return the fish. Jeff O’Donnell

        If you’re ripping the swallowed #4 hook from the guts of the fish while squeezing hard with a dry hand. . . then yes you will kill the fish.         Catch and release is technique: barbless hooks, set in the jaw, released without touching or lifting the fish from the water. And don’t play them ’til they’re "dead in the water" . . . These fish sustain insignificant wounds to the jaw and swim away unharmed. Survival is in the very high 90% (I’ll bet I get 100%!!)

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What species of fish are you talking about? Is this just salmonoids or are you applying your rules to tarpon, bonefish, fresh water catfish, etc? Just curious. Charlie…

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Estimates of the survivability of game fish that are caught and then released back into the water range from 10% to as high as 50%.  With mortality rates this high, I feel that the practice of catch and release should be outlawed.   The simple fact of the matter is that a catch and keep sportfisherman, who obeys laws concerning catch limits and possession limits causes the demise of far fewer fish than the catch and release fisherman. The person who catches fish only for the fun of it without regard to there value as a food source is not unlike the big game hunter who kills a bull elk only for the fun of it(or perhaps a set of horns over the mantle.)

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Where did you get your numbers? The studies that I have read list the survival rate of a fish caught and released on a fly at about 99%. With a spinner, it drops to 90 to 95%. The lowest is with bait because the fish has the opprotunity to take the hook deep in the vital areas. With bait it drops to about 75%. I spend alot of time fishing in the South Platt River, you would be hard pressed to find a harder fished river and much of it is C&R. It is full of some large and very smart rainbow and brown trout, I reciently caught a 24 inch rainbow. If your numbers were correct, there would be no fish in the river.

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survivability of game fish that are caught and then released back into the water range from 10% to as high as 50%.  With mortality rates this high, I feel that the practice of catch and release should be outlawed.<< If that were in fact the case I’d agree with you. Fortunately there was a good study in MI two years ago or so that indicated that if fish were properly handled and released then mortality rates in the very low single digits could be expected. After this study was published Paul Burgess at Airflo in the UK sponsored a study that had similar results. If I’m not mistaken a PA study also showed similar results. Methinks the bottom line is that if a fish is brought in as soon as possible rather than being played to death, is kept in the water, handled gently with wet hands and properly revived, then released, mortality can be very low. I keep lots of panfish and the occasional trout for the skillet, but C&R has been proven effective as a tool for better management of a declining resource in a time of increased fishing pressure. All this chest thumping by those opposed to C&R was entertaining for a while, and hopefully gets the attention of those who would force C&R as a religion down the throats of everyone. Just the same the entertainment factor has worn off, the chest thumping of those who want to stick their heads in the sand and pretend C&R is not a good management tool is just so much schlock, and the debate now sounds like what you get listening to both sides of either the abortion or gun debates in the U.S. with everyone talking, but no one really paying much attention. Fair winds and following seas, Pat in Pawtucket  RI

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Estimates of the survivability of game fish that are caught and then released back into the water range from 10% to as high as 50%.  With mortality rates this high, I feel that the practice of catch and release should be outlawed.   The simple fact of the matter is that a catch and keep sportfisherman, who obeys laws concerning catch limits and possession limits causes the demise of far fewer fish than the catch and release fisherman. The person who catches fish only for the fun of it without regard to there value as a food source is not unlike the big game hunter who kills a bull elk only for the fun of it(or perhaps a set of horns over the mantle.)

Logflyer,     Where did you get those stats, they are much lower than those reported in the literature ? I have ( read) numbers for flyfishing in the 90 – 99 % range.     I do think you are being unfair about the C & R / gamehunter analogy. Most fisherman I think practice C  & R to selfishly conserve the resource so they (we) can go back and catch them again, quite unlike the Big-game hunter. If your stats are correct, and it is a reputable scientific study then we should rethink C & R because we are fooling ourselves. But  "gamefish" is a rather large generic. Does your info break out fish species, angling methods, etc. with an                                                                                           Jody – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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Estimates of the survivability of game fish that are caught and then released back into the water range from 10% to as high as 50%.  With mortality rates this high, I feel that the practice of catch and release should be outlawed.  

virtually all published studies indicate that release mortalities with artificial lures range from less than 4% (BC STEELHEADS) to no more than 10 or 12 %. Bait produces mortality of 15 % or higher on some salmonids. Experience with many catch and release fisheries including those under very heavy fishing pressure is that fish populations stay high or increase What studies or information are you using? What terminal tackle choices are you inferring are being used? DH

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logflyer, For some reason your logic isn’t fiting for me.  As much as I fish here in Montana and kept all the fish I caught during the season and all my freind did it also  100% of the fish would be gone and we all’d be eating Trout everyday to keep possesion limits legal. If I kill 50% of the fish I land that’s better than 100% taken. My freind like that, expecially if it’s a big spawner. If my logic has flaws please explain more I’m always open to new logic. Lar’s – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Estimates of the survivability of game fish that are caught and then released back into the water range from 10% to as high as 50%.  With mortality rates this high, I feel that the practice of catch and release should be outlawed.   The simple fact of the matter is that a catch and keep sportfisherman, who obeys laws concerning catch limits and possession limits causes the demise of far fewer fish than the catch and release fisherman. The person who catches fish only for the fun of it without regard to there value as a food source is not unlike the big game hunter who kills a bull elk only for the fun of it(or perhaps a set of horns over the mantle.)

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Question:

Scott Gaynor PS- How is the fishing going in Ohio.  I’m in Pittsburgh and where I fish it seems that most people haven’t been that successful.  Most catch one to three a day.

I have been out twice this season with no trout to show. Any hotspots in southwest Pa.? Any stream tactics etc? Any hot baits, lures. I usually use mealworms and waxworms. Thanks Jeff

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I am lookinf for a couple tips on catchin trout.  I am up in Cleveland ohio and the water condition is cold, and slightly muddy. But there are plenty of trout due to recent stocking. Now I have had luck with live baits, so I was just looking for a switch up.  Just experimentation.   So i was just wondering what you use if anytihing, in the way of false lures.   Thanks Ron

Ron, In terms of artifical lures, there are a wide variety which I have has success with. THese include Rooster Tails, the Mepps line and Silver fox.  I have found that in muddy water a nice shiny lure that is cast upstream and allowed to drift downstream and bounced along the bottom of the river and then slowly reeled in can be quite effective. I first learned this when I was a kid.  What a sight.  Twenty people fishing this stretch of stream and no one catching anything, except me a fifteen year old.  I was using a small (size 0 or 1) silver fox spinner. Hope this helps, Scott Gaynor PS- How is the fishing going in Ohio.  I’m in Pittsburgh and where I fish it seems that most people haven’t been that successful.  Most catch one to three a day.

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I am lookinf for a couple tips on catchin trout.  I am up in Cleveland ohio and the water condition is cold, and slightly muddy. But there are plenty of trout due to recent stocking.  Now I have had luck with live baits, so I was just looking for a switch up.  Just experimentation.   So i was just wondering what you use if anytihing, in the way of false lures.   Thanks Ron

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try cheese, american works the best

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I am lookinf for a couple tips on catchin trout.  I am up in Cleveland ohio and the water condition is cold, and slightly muddy. But there are plenty of trout due to recent stocking.  Now I have had luck with live baits, so I was just looking for a switch up.  Just experimentation.   So i was just wondering what you use if anytihing, in the way of false lures.   Thanks Ron

I’ve fished for trout a lot. The best I’ve found is salmon eggs laid on the bottom. (Red Balls of Fire) I’ve also used spinners successfully in lakes. Eggs work the best in streams.  I also sometimes get a bobber, attach a hook with eggs to a leader, and float the hooks into waterfalls or calm areas. I always catch something. KM  NM

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I am lookinf for a couple tips on catchin trout.  I am up in Cleveland ohio and the water condition is cold, and slightly muddy. But there are plenty of trout due to recent stocking. Now I have had luck with live baits, so I was just looking for a switch up.  Just experimentation.   So i was just wondering what you use if anytihing, in the way of false lures.   Thanks Ron

My favorite method for catching trout is fly fishing.  The advantages include a wide variety of ‘bait’…  if they won’t bite on one fly you just try another.  Watching for the bugs that are hatching while you are fishing gives you some idea of what type of fly to use that day. The act of fly fishing is a great relaxer to me…  the casting motions, the need to really watch your fly for strikes, the satisfaction of catching fish on a fly you’ve tied yourself… Time to go.  Gotta catch some brookies.                     /                /  /__/    JourneysNorth’s Original Gary K. Foote /  /     / Mt.Washington Valley Guide Activities, Lodging, Dining, Attractions, Events, More_____ P.O. Box 3214, North Conway, New Hampshire 03860 (603)356-7111

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Question:

Does anyone have infro. on fishing the Cumberland River below Wolfcreek Dam… Access, Flies to use and water coditions? Thanks Tom Becker Louisville,Ky

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Does anyone have infro. on fishing the Cumberland River below Wolfcreek Dam… Access, Flies to use and water coditions? Thanks Tom Becker Louisville,Ky

Tom, check with the nice folks at the Lac Loon flyfishing shop. Don Mclean, the owner, can give you info, point you to guide services or take you himself. He also has a lot of good equipment and supplies, all flyfishing. Your neighbor, Bob

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