Question:

Some natives of ROFF are fairly wild. Some natives elsewhere, may object to being called "wild", but might accept "uncivilised", coupled perchance, with "indigenous"?  Some wild things are not necessarily native, or indeed indigenous, and are seldom civilised. Fishery biologists are not always native, and seldom uncivilised, although they may be wild. My "experience" of Florida, admittedly pure hearsay, is limited to hearing or reading about kidnappings and murders of unsuspecting, ( apparently mostly German), tourists, on or in the daily news. No information with regard to the respective professions of these people was usually tendered, although it may well be that one or the other group consisted either partly, perhaps even mainly, or indeed possibly even exclusively, of wild uncivilised native fishery biologists, with large ears and short hair, some of whom were driving too slowly, in the lane reserved for overtaking. Whether or not this was the reason for the kidnapping, and / or murder, is not clear. Somehow seems a sensible supposition nevertheless. Such instances appear to be rare in North Carolina, whether this is due to the absence of overtaking lanes, the lack of tourism, international news coverage, or the veritable plethora of legal eagles who it seems are still practising in that state, presumably thus rendering such activities less profitable, is a matter for considerable conjecture. It would certainly appear that some fishery biologists, whether native or not, although presumably  indigenous to somewhere or other, possibly even to Florida, may in fact be more civilised than others, notwithstanding the short hair and long ears, or even the florid complexion, and the tendency to slow driving in the wrong lane, all of which may, or may not,  be typical of fishery biologists, "Floridians", or tourists in general. This is demonstrated quite clearly by the peculiar propensity of this particular group,( although admittedly, as of yet, a statistically invalid sample ), for publishing apologies on ROFF. Complex terminology,  invariably indicative of considerable, in some circumstances, even colossal commitment, and indefatigable endeavour, perhaps finely tempered with a modicum of civilisation, on the part of those professions constrained to its use, in order to effect understandable and readily definable communication among themselves, may often cause confusion among large groups of the population, not currently conversant or capable, concerning such concepts. Interchangeable  use of specific professional terminology by the public at large should generally be avoided. Hope this clears everything up. Oleum et operam perdidi, hinc illae lacrumae.  Quot homines, tot sententiae, quis leget haec? TL MC — "If you have tried everything you know, and nothing works, then perhaps it is time to accept that you don

Question:

All, I found this experience to be fascinating. While fishing the Manistee river in western Michigan, Dad & I casually donned our gear and schlepped the few hundred feet from the car to a stairs leading down to the river. Upon landing we began sizing up the water and realized that we were probably in the wrong place, as the water was very featureless and deepened quickly from the banks that we found ourselves on.  Well, as we were feeling a bit lazy, we decided to give it a try anyway.  Walking upstream a few yards, I happened upon a little gravel bed that jutted into the river allowing me a few extra feet to wade so I walked out and started pondering what to fish.  Tried a few things, deep, shallow, etc with no luck.  Felt kinda like fishing a lake as there were no feature to speak of except (of course) the little gravel bed I was standing on (who was it that once said…"you can always tell the inexperienced fisherman because he is wading where he should be fishing and fishing where he should be wading?)  After about an hour of flailing about I happened to gaze down into the water and was shocked to see at least 5, yes five very large brown trout  feeding right next to my feet.  AHA! finally a challenge.  So I carefully proceded to fish every last fly in my box in every conceivable presentation style past these fish only to watch them move out of the way as my fly du seconde floated by.  After a while, I simply gave up and watched them feed, and began learning…. Russell

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Russell,    You were probably dislodging insects with your feet and the fish were taking advantage of it.  This is not an uncommon occurrence in heavily fished waters where the fish get used to the fisherman. Ernie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I found this experience to be fascinating. <snip I happened to gaze down into the water and was shocked to see at least 5, yes five very large brown trout  feeding right next to my feet <snip Russell

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Russell,    You were probably dislodging insects with your feet and the fish were taking advantage of it.  This is not an uncommon occurrence in heavily fished waters where the fish get used to the fisherman. Ernie I found this experience to be fascinating. <snip I happened to gaze down into the water and was shocked to see at least 5, yes five very large brown trout  feeding right next to my feet <snip Russell

Ernie, You are probably right, however they seemed to also be feeding in front of me in the typical dodge and slide pattern.  It was awesome to watch. Russell

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Question:

I went fly fishing on Henery’s Fork in eastern Idaho.  And caught 14 blow flys, 6 bott flys and a mosquitoe.

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I went fly fishing on Henery’s Fork in eastern Idaho.  And caught 14 blow flys, 6 bott flys and a mosquitoe.

 What were you useing ? HM

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I went fly fishing on Henery’s Fork in eastern Idaho.  And caught 14 blow flys, 6 bott flys and a mosquitoe. What were you useing ? HM

Thes tim of yeer, u hafe to useing a fly pole, an fly lyne. Bhig Al

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Question:

Never been to Alaska…..But I’m very interested in going this summer toseethe sights and get in some fishing….I hear it is unbelievable! Can someone share information about their trips and make suggestionsforsomeone that has never been there before?  Where in Alaska to go? Motorhome rentals? Lodge rentals? Fishing vacation packages? Fishing Guides? Best time of year to go? Etc.

When I was there it was August and the fishing was fantastic!  We had some business to attend to in Anchorage, but were able to mix in 2 and 1/2 days fishing in Seward (about 2 1/2 hours south of Anchorage).  We fished in the Silver Salmon Derby and I actually had one fish that was in the top 15 fish on the first day, but didn’t stay there very long.  I would like to go back in late May/early June to get in on some of the barn door size halibut.  The days are so long you can fish almost 24 hours a day…it’s really a novel experience.  We fished on a Thu. afternoon and were scheduled to fish again Fri, but by the time the boat got in Thu (around 9 pm) and we got the fish cleaned and stowed at the packing company then had some dinner it was well after midnight.  Since we had to be back at 7 am to fish in Seward it made no sense to go back to Anchorage (5 hour round trip) so we started to look for a hotel.  Since the derby was going on the 2 hotels were all booked up.  So we did what a lot of folks do…3 of us spent the night in the rental car – at least it was an Explorer and had some room.  We fished until late afternoon on Friday, rushed back to Anchorage, packed our bags and just made our flight Friday night.  Dog tired…but worth every minute.  I can’t wait to go back. Brian Raines Publisher, TheChesapeakeBay.com http://TheChesapeakeBay.com

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Alaska is definitely ALL it’s cracked up to be.   Last year we fished for king salmon on the Talkeetna River and halibut out of Homer.   We stayed mostly in B&B’s, but rented cabins in several locations.  We were there in late June and early July, and found the weather to be perfect.   There are many good packages, but we just did our own thing with quite a bit of internet research in advance.    It sounds like most of the higher priced lodgings in Anchorage will provide fish storage.  But for us more rustic accomodation seekers, it seems the best advice I’ve gotten so far is the airport storage facility which can be reached at 907-248-3485.   Thanks so much to everyone who has offered advice.  If I can help anyone with Alaska plans, would be glad to.  Marcia

  What kind of prices did you pay for the B&B’s and the cabins? Bill

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The B&B’s we stayed in ranged from $70 to $100 per night, the cabins  were $70 – $125.  These prices were for 2 people, although most places had room for extra people for $10 to $20 each per night.   I’m going with a group of 6 people this summer.   Our costs per night range from $150. to a high of $256. for all 6.   These prices usually include a full breakfast.     Marcia – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –  What kind of prices did you pay for the B&B’s and the cabins? Bill

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Never been to Alaska…..But I’m very interested in going this summer to see the sights and get in some fishing….I hear it is unbelievable! Can someone share information about their trips and make suggestions for someone that has never been there before?  Where in Alaska to go? Motorhome rentals? Lodge rentals? Fishing vacation packages? Fishing Guides? Best time of year to go? Etc. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – When I went to Alaska and fished I had the lodge pack and freeze the fish before I flew out.  Then when I got to my hotel in Anchorage they had a locker that they put the whole box in overnight.  Most hotels have this kind of facility for anglers and hunters.  Ewok I’ll be fishing in Alaska this summer with my family.   We fly home on July 5 and are looking for a cold storage facility in Anchorage where we can store our fish over night before the flight home.  Can you advise us as to a business that would be open to receive our fish on July 4?   Any help you

Response:

Alaska is definitely ALL it’s cracked up to be.   Last year we fished for king salmon on the Talkeetna River and halibut out of Homer.   We stayed mostly in B&B’s, but rented cabins in several locations.  We were there in late June and early July, and found the weather to be perfect.   There are many good packages, but we just did our own thing with quite a bit of internet research in advance.    It sounds like most of the higher priced lodgings in Anchorage will provide fish storage.  But for us more rustic accomodation seekers, it seems the best advice I’ve gotten so far is the airport storage facility which can be reached at 907-248-3485.   Thanks so much to everyone who has offered advice.  If I can help anyone with Alaska plans, would be glad to.  Marcia

Response:

I lead fishing tours in AK every year and the easiest place for your to do overnight storage is at the Anchorage Airport freezer locker.  There is a small fee for this but it is really convenient. If you need to have charters set up or information in the Kenai Penninsula, Homer or highway road to Denali, please feel free to email me at Michael Milne, Owner Outdoor Odyssey

Response:

When I went to Alaska and fished I had the lodge pack and freeze the fish before I flew out.  Then when I got to my hotel in Anchorage they had a locker that they put the whole box in overnight.  Most hotels have this kind of facility for anglers and hunters.  Ewok – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ll be fishing in Alaska this summer with my family.   We fly home on July 5 and are looking for a cold storage facility in Anchorage where we can store our fish over night before the flight home.  Can you advise us as to a business that would be open to receive our fish on July 4?   Any help you

Response:

Marcia, We fished in Seward two summers ago for a 5 day stretch – mixed up with some business in between.  (Seward is about 2 1/2 hours south of Anchorage)  At the dock there was a company that would vacuum pack your fish, quick freeze and store them and then ship them to you AFTER you left for home.  Worked great for us, even if the fish thawed slightly during shipping they were vacuum packed. We had around 80-100 lbs of halibut and salmon shipped from Alaska to our home on the East Coast in August and it worked great!  I would recommend this course of action highly. Best of luck… Brian Raines Publisher, TheChesapeakeBay.com http://TheChesapeakeBay.com I’ll be fishing in Alaska this summer with my family.   We fly home on July 5 and are looking for a cold storage facility in Anchorage where we can store our fish over night before the flight home.  Can you advise us as to a business that would be open to receive our fish on July 4?   Any help you

Brian Raines Publisher, TheChesapeakeBay.com http://TheChesapeakeBay.com

Response:

I’ll be fishing in Alaska this summer with my family.   We fly home on July 5 and are looking for a cold storage facility in Anchorage where we can store our fish over night before the flight home.  Can you advise us as to a business that would be open to receive our fish on July 4?   Any help you

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Question:

I am looking to speak with or get information from anyone I can about camping in or near the poudre canyon and river.  I have about 10 or so friends and coworkers here in Denver that I am trying to plan a little fly fishing and camping excursion out there.  Would like to know of any places that we might be able to setup 5 tents and not be to crowded. Have been up there a couple of times just fly fishing, but not real familiar with any camping areas.  Any information you guys could give me would be greatly appreciated. If it would not be to much trouble could you CC me any posts you have. sincerely, Dane DeValcourt

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Would like to know of any places that we might be able to setup 5 tents and not be to crowded.

Dane, there are several groomed National Forest campsites along Rt 14 right beside the river. All of them are nice. I’d be hard pressed to pick one for your group. Maybe you should just take a ride up there, scout them out, and pick the one that suits you best. Dennis Smith Loveland, CO

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Question:

    Lately I have been having the worst kind of luck.. the kind only a newbie can have I have attended some fly courses and been watching the videos and the river where I live (calgary and the bow river) I have meandered the river watching the hatches and notching the pools and riffles along the river but only sporadic luck so far..perhaps the ones I catch are mentally challenged?? I know that I am matching the hatches and when the water shows no surface action am trying nymphs that the local fly shop has on their board of recommendations…. any help would be appreciated from any seasoned fly folks..especially if you can pass on some advice on nymphing techniques.. I believe that i am doing something wrong but am not sure what thanks for the help .      Pierre

Response:

Have only fished the lovely Bow wilth a guide. (Dave Campbell, does any bodu know whats happed to him?)  The Bow only becomes productive thru and below Calgary, after it develops a food chain.  Divide the larger water into many smaller waters visually and fish these smaller divisions as if they were small waters.  Also strongly consider, streamers there .  Especially large 4-6 black wooly buggers to see if you can move some fish.  Oldies have exactly the same fishing experience you do, they just lie about it. Schuhfly

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   Lately I have been having the worst kind of luck.. the kind only a newbie can have I have attended some fly courses and been watching the videos and the river where I live (calgary and the bow river) I have meandered the river watching the hatches and notching the pools and riffles along the river but only sporadic luck so far..perhaps the ones I catch are mentally challenged?? I know that I am matching the hatches and when the water shows no surface action am trying nymphs that the local fly shop has on their board of recommendations…. any help would be appreciated from any seasoned fly folks..especially if you can pass on some advice on nymphing techniques.. I believe that i am doing something wrong but am not sure what thanks for the help .     Pierre

Shoot Pierre…you’ve been occupying your time in and around flyfishing. This is not bad luck, this is exceptionally good luck.  Catching fish is such a small part of it….and it will come,  you’re just paying your dues… Bag the videos and courses though, IMO. — TimW – Halfordian Golfer Guilt replaced the creel…

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Question:

I will be in the north-west at the end of august and beginning of september. where are the best fly fishing spots? i have a car and i am willing to drive around. thank you so much for your help. breckwm

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I will be in the north-west at the end of august and beginning of september. where are the best fly fishing spots? i have a car and i am willing to drive around. thank you so much for your help.

Be sure to check out some of the following locations: Idaho – St Joe River, Coeur d’Alene River Montana – Madison, Gallatin, Yellowstone River and Yellowstone Park Flies – Hoppers, Bead Head Nymphs, attractors, caddis Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (96 catalog)

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: Be sure to check out some of the following locations: : Idaho – St Joe River, Coeur d’Alene River Mr. Beatty is reminding you of the spots along the freeway.  You might want to keep looking at the map. : Flies – Hoppers, Bead Head Nymphs, attractors, caddis I agree. — Rick T. Rick Fletcher   –   http://www.chem.uidaho.edu/~fletcher/ Associate professor of chemistry  |  That’s Idaho, not Iowa.    | ad hominem University of Idaho               |  Upper Left Hand Corner.    | ad hominem Moscow, ID 83844-2343             |  No, I don’t grow potatoes. | ad hominem

Response:

Central Washington: try the Yakima River from above the Roza dam pool to Lake Easton. Water levels drop after Labor day as irrigation needs fall off. good floating in upper canyon, above Ellensburg and below Cle Elum. Cle Elum lodging-Timber Lodge (509) 674-5966;  good flyshop in E’burg on south Main (but I don’t remember name). Fishing is catch and release, barbless hooks.  I try to get in a day or three every Sept-Oct. Tight lines! John Dodge

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try the tributaruies of the skykomish along highway 2.   – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I will be in the north-west at the end of august and beginning of september. where are the best fly fishing spots? i have a car and i am willing to drive around. thank you so much for your help. breckwm

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Question:

Will be in Colorado Springs area the 2nd week of May. Some of the literature on the subject seems to suggest that the run-off will be in full swing at that time, and that it will be much more severe than I had assumed it to be. Is this gonna be a "wash-out"?

Response:

Will be in Colorado Springs area the 2nd week of May. Some of the literature on the subject seems to suggest that the run-off will be in full swing at that time, and that it will be much more severe than I had assumed it to be. Is this gonna be a "wash-out"?

If the runoff is high…GO FISHING ! 1) Put some rocks in your pockets (to keep from being swept away). 2) Put on a big ugly bug with eyeballs and rubber legs. 3) Keep the BB sized shot close at hand. Use a lot. 4) Fish the banks. 5) Rid yourself of the mental block that all flyfishing is done in    clear waters. 6) Enjoy the river in its swollen glory.   7) Avoid tailwaters as the crowds and attitudes eventually will ruin it for you. TW

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If the runoff is high…GO FISHING ! 1) Put some rocks in your pockets (to keep from being swept away). 2) Put on a big ugly bug with eyeballs and rubber legs. 3) Keep the BB sized shot close at hand. Use a lot. 4) Fish the banks. 5) Rid yourself of the mental block that all flyfishing is done in   clear waters. 6) Enjoy the river in its swollen glory.   7) Avoid tailwaters as the crowds and attitudes eventually will ruin it for you. TW

Excellant advise T-bone!!  I like someone who can find a reason to fish no matter what.  As my grandfather used to say: "… which would you rather do… or go fishing?" Jack Wheeler

Response:

o  What are the major rivers/other opportunities

You’ll be nearest the upper Colorado River in the Kremmling/Hot Springs area. o  How far are they from Winter Park

Roughly 30 or 45 minutes. o  What are the likely conditions

Runoff varies from year to year.  If the rest of the Winter’s mild, late June should be OK.  Check river conditions at: http://www.infosphere.com/rof/yp/RFAnglers/rfa.htm That’s Glenwood Springs, but it should give you some idea (there are other river flow sources on the Web). o  Who’s the leading outfitter/guide service

Sorry, I’m not familiar with outfitters in that area. o  What’s worth traveling to for an overnight

Again, check out the website above… M

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Question:

I’m after a good method to clean both floating and sinking flylines? Also does any one have a good method of removing the coil out of lines and making them subtle again (the lines are Cortlands and are only one season old, hence I don’t wish to replace them quite yet). Many thanks,  Steve.

Response:

Steve, Fly lines can be cleaned with mild detergents and water (like dishwashing liquid) to remove most dirt and scum.  If the line is really dirty you can step up to a more concentrated cleaner like 409 or Fantastic.  Quality fly line coatings are PVC based and not adversely effected by common cleaning materials.  We even use lacquer thinner to clean the tar and dirt off of the "street" lines used for rod demos here at the shop without adverse effect, although I wouldn’t recommend it unless absolutely necessary. After cleaning, the line should be treated with a good line dressing to rejuvinate the surface lubricants and increase shootability.  The line dressing may also help increase the suppleness of your line and reduce coiling. Good Luck! Clay

Response:

The best flyline cleaner we have found is distributed by Umpqua Feather Merchants and is called "Glide." Glide not only cleans the dirt and grime off of the line but it also leaves a slick coating behind which adds to the shootability of your line. They also sell plastic boxes with foam inserts that you pull your line thorugh to strip the dirt and coat the line. The whole setup will run you about ten bucks. Let me know if you’re having trouble finding it. As far as coils go, I imagine that you’re referring to your sinking line primarily. I have yet to find a full proof method for combatting this problem. My only reccomendation is to not use a leather leader straightener because you can’t tell how much heat/friction you’re generating and can easily melt the exterior coating on your lines. Good Luck and I’m anxious to hear if you receive any responses helping to cure this problem. Western Rivers Flyfisher {full service fly shop and outfitter} 867 East 900 South – SLC, UT 84105 (800)545-4312~~(801)521-6424~~fax(801)521-6329 Green River reports, Utah fishing conditions, and statewide guide info.

Response:

The best flyline cleaner we have found is distributed by Umpqua Feather Merchants and is called "Glide." …. line. The whole setup will run you about ten bucks. Let me know if you’re having trouble finding it. Western Rivers Flyfisher {full service fly shop and outfitter}

And I think I know where… I was at the Delaware River Club last weekend and I asked Bob Wills about a cleaner.  He said, "wanna see what I use?" and he held up a Armoral sprayer and then he gave me a couple of the Cortland pads. That’s that kind of treatment that will keep me coming back to a flyshop. — John Fereira Isis Distributed Systems  Ithaca, NY

Response:

[snipped the recommendation on line cleaner] As far as coils go, I imagine that you’re referring to your sinking line primarily. I have yet to find a full proof method for combatting this problem. My only reccomendation is to not use a leather leader straightener because you can’t tell how much heat/friction you’re generating and can easily melt the exterior coating on your lines. Good Luck and I’m anxious to hear if you receive any responses helping to cure this problem.

I’ve found that the only way to take the "coil" out of fly lines – especially in with saltwater lines in cold weather – is to "stretch" the line out. I just grab about 4-5 feet of line between both hands, build up some stretching force – holding it for a few seconds – then slide the line along to do the next 4-5 feet, until I’ve gotten about 60-70 feet of the line straightened out. Tedious to be sure, but it works, and AFAIK there’s no risk to damaging the line. It’s well worth the 5 or so minutes it takes to stretch out the "memory"… <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< < Digital Equipment Corp.    Alpha Server Engineering  < <         "Read this and nobody gets hurt ;^)"         < <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Response:

My vote for a great fly line cleaner goes to good ol’ Armor All.  The   stuff works great to clean and float your line. It also lubricates the   line nicely, so your line really screams through the guides,  making your casts easier and farther.  You can buy a large size bottle in the auto   section of K mart, Walmart, etc., for just a few dollars, and it will   last you for years.  I keep a small plastic squirt bottle filled and in   my vest, along with a small rag to apply it. Dale Owens

ArmorAll works fine short term, but long term causes premature line failure.  As I understand the process, AA accelerates the built in leaching process of the plasticizers in the line material.  Note that in the past many people used ArmorAll for lines AND waders (Seal Dris) with initial positive results from appearance point of view but detrimental results to longevity.                         Mike in PDX                "When the trout are lost, smash the state."                                            Tom McGuane

Response:

Jon,         I had one reply that reccomended laying my line out in the sun for an hour or so and then giving it a gentle strech, simple and it worked a treat.  Thanks for the info re flyline cleaner, I ended up giving them a wash in a mild Lissapol (non-ionic detergent) and warm water solution, it seemed to remove the dirt and old silicone quite well, I then redressed the dry line with silicone and its as good as new.                                                  Steve Jackson                                                  Canberra, Australia

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Question:

I’m new to fly fishing. Been reading, watching videos, practicing casts in the yard. A local shop is hosting a Sage clinic next month. Anyone have experience with these clinics? Are they worthwhile for a beginner? Thanks, Barbara

Response:

Barbara,    Yes absolutely!! Go for it!  It will save you years of trial and error and years of correcting bad habits.  Iteach fly fishing schools for Orvis on the West Coast and I wish these kind of schools had been around when I started!!  Usually they will provide the equipment for the class so you don’t have to (and shouldn’t) make a purchase until after you get some basic skills and can try out various rods to see which one feels best to you.  Casting a fly rod is not instinctive, but it is also not hard to learn.  Once you understand the dynamics of the cast it will make more sense.  As far as videos go in my opinion the Mel Krieger video "Essence of FlyCasting (vol. 1)" is the best.  If you haven’t seen it do so.  Keep at it.                                                           Good Fishing!                                                                     Dan

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: I’m new to fly fishing. Been reading, watching videos, practicing casts in : the yard. A local shop is hosting a Sage clinic next month. Anyone have : experience with these clinics? Are they worthwhile for a beginner?  Depends on who is teaching them. Sage usually hook up with decent local instructors (guides and the like) Where are you located? Most FF stores offer casting clinics of some kind – probably cheaper than one with the Sage name attached – Call around. tim

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I’m new to fly fishing. Been reading, watching videos, practicing casts in the yard. A local shop is hosting a Sage clinic next month. Anyone have experience with these clinics? Are they worthwhile for a beginner? Thanks, Barbara

I attended a Sage casting clinic in Santa Fe a few years back, and spent a hot afternoon practicing on a soccer field.  The instructors were good and, in my opinion, the clinic was well worth the $30 or $35 fee. Although casting is only a small part of fly fishing, good instruction is worth its weight in gold to a beginner. My only advice would be to bring along a lightweight glove– my casting hand was blistered at the end of the day!

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