Question:

7)  Why do geese have those white cheeks? Mr. G.

Why is it when geese make those long " Vs" to fly north and south each year one side of the "V" is longer than the other? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ans: There’s more geese on that   side.

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Duh… Water would get in their buttholes otherwise…

That’s why salmon don’t use Japanese toilets, too… — Charlie…

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Ari?  You’re question which is only a few words is like asking, "Why is an orange?"

Or, "you are question" — Gary (Email address is munged with x’s)

Response:

If I were a "smart" salmon I’d just stay in the ocean and grow to a gargantuan size. Unfortunately, I wouldn’t pass my "smart"" genes on to any more salmon.

Ya wouldn’t get any sex either Darin

Response:

Not all salmon do travel upstream. Chum salmon spawn in the lower reaches of the streams. Darin

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – What is the urge to spawn upstream all about? Ari?  You’re question which is only a few words is like asking, "Why is an orange?" Do your really expect anyone here to give you the full biological aspects and possibilities on "Why Do Salmon Spawn Way Up Rivers?" There are a thousand reasons why and control mechanisms that determine not only the why of it but the who, where, when, and how of it. There are the following controlling and/or influencing aspects that can and do affect all mammals on this earth. 1)  The phases of the moon. 2)  The position of the earth around the sun which is a seasonal aspect 3)  Earth temperatures 4)  Length of the day that sunshine baths this planet in the hemispheres. 5)  Magnetic lines of incidence 6)  Magnetic declination 7)  Why do geese have those white cheeks?  Water temperatures 9)  Water scents and/or minerals that salmon smell and home in on. 10) Those god awful dams that used to NOT be there. 11) All those stinking chemicals man puts in water today salmon are expected to overcome. 12) Your toilet and your bowels and that it all goes down hill. 13) Clearcutting and over sedimentation of your stream beds. 14) The  lowering of the water tables that stop springs from bubbling UP in streams anymore where REDDS ‘used’ to be. 15) The long liners and Japanese fishing theives in you Gulf of Alaska and over fishing. 16) No natural, UNRESTRICTED fish ladders AROUND ALL dams. 17) Over commericial fishing. 18) Those greedy, Indian Gill Nets that choke all the rivers from the ocean so the big ones don’t get by. 19) This causes the weakening of the species becausze the strong genes are destroyed for money. 20) I hate you for asking this unresponsible question because it serves no purpose and you’re not going to do a thing about it. 21) I hope termites eat your house up. 22) The monkey barks at midnight. 23) The dog ate my homework. 24) Que sera sera. 25) Kay Ballard 26) Wanna buy some redhots? 27) Oompa loompa doompety do. Wolfgang more to come……betcha a shiny new nickel.    

28) The temperature inside the Little Brown Trucks 29) How much Gink could a Dumb Dink Drink if a Dumb Dink Could Drink Gink? 30) The Trilateral Commission /daytripper (Ha hah! Bet you didn’t see that last one coming

Response:

If I were a "smart" salmon I’d just stay in the ocean and grow to a gargantuan size. Unfortunately, I wouldn’t pass my "smart"" genes on to any more salmon. Ya wouldn’t get any sex either

So basically things would be the same for him if he were a salmon. <g — Warren Findley www.geocities.com/troutbum_mt

Response:

28) The temperature inside the Little Brown Trucks 29) How much Gink could a Dumb Dink Drink if a Dumb Dink Could Drink Gink? 30) The Trilateral Commission

31) They’re trying to smoke what is in Daytripper’s peace pipe. 32) They want to take away Wolfgang’s dictionary! 33) Waldo wading in the surf and so they ran to the rivers to get away from the smell! 34) They are trying to come and watch LaCourse play with his goat 35) They heard that RW would try and snag them on the redds and thought it was an urban legend so came anyways — Warren Findley www.geocities.com/troutbum_mt

Response:

If I were a "smart" salmon I’d just stay in the ocean and grow to a gargantuan size. Unfortunately, I wouldn’t pass my "smart"" genes on to any more salmon. Ya wouldn’t get any sex either So basically things would be the same for him if he were a salmon. <g

Well, maybe that, but look on the bright side. I wouldn’t be slowly dying in shallow water, being eaten alive by eagles and crows, and dogs wouldn’t be rolling in my stinking carcass. (BTW, we had a big salmon run this year and I’ve had to wash Arlo with tomato juice frequently.) When you get out to Stanley next time, Warren, there’s a fat chick I want to set you up with. Bring some hip boots if you have them, and I suspect you do, if you know what I mean.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – What is the urge to spawn upstream all about? Ari?  You’re question which is only a few words is like asking, "Why is an orange?" Do your really expect anyone here to give you the full biological aspects and possibilities on "Why Do Salmon Spawn Way Up Rivers?" There are a thousand reasons why and control mechanisms that determine not only the why of it but the who, where, when, and how of it. There are the following controlling and/or influencing aspects that can and do affect all mammals on this earth. 1)  The phases of the moon. 2)  The position of the earth around the sun which is a seasonal aspect 3)  Earth temperatures 4)  Length of the day that sunshine baths this planet in the hemispheres. 5)  Magnetic lines of incidence 6)  Magnetic declination 7)  Why do geese have those white cheeks?  Water temperatures 9)  Water scents and/or minerals that salmon smell and home in on. 10) Those god awful dams that used to NOT be there. 11) All those stinking chemicals man puts in water today salmon are expected to overcome. 12) Your toilet and your bowels and that it all goes down hill. 13) Clearcutting and over sedimentation of your stream beds. 14) The  lowering of the water tables that stop springs from bubbling UP in streams anymore where REDDS ‘used’ to be. 15) The long liners and Japanese fishing theives in you Gulf of Alaska and over fishing. 16) No natural, UNRESTRICTED fish ladders AROUND ALL dams. 17) Over commericial fishing. 18) Those greedy, Indian Gill Nets that choke all the rivers from the ocean so the big ones don’t get by. 19) This causes the weakening of the species becausze the strong genes are destroyed for money. 20) I hate you for asking this unresponsible question because it serves no purpose and you’re not going to do a thing about it. 21) I hope termites eat your house up.

22) The monkey barks at midnight. 23) The dog ate my homework. 24) Que sera sera. 25) Kay Ballard 26) Wanna buy some redhots? 27) Oompa loompa doompety do. Wolfgang more to come……betcha a shiny new nickel.    

Response:

What is the urge to spawn upstream all about?

Ari?  You’re question which is only a few words is like asking, "Why is an orange?" Do your really expect anyone here to give you the full biological aspects and possibilities on "Why Do Salmon Spawn Way Up Rivers?" There are a thousand reasons why and control mechanisms that determine not only the why of it but the who, where, when, and how of it. There are the following controlling and/or influencing aspects that can and do affect all mammals on this earth. 1)  The phases of the moon. 2)  The position of the earth around the sun which is a seasonal aspect 3)  Earth temperatures 4)  Length of the day that sunshine baths this planet in the hemispheres. 5)  Magnetic lines of incidence 6)  Magnetic declination 7)  Why do geese have those white cheeks?  Water temperatures 9)  Water scents and/or minerals that salmon smell and home in on. 10) Those god awful dams that used to NOT be there. 11) All those stinking chemicals man puts in water today salmon are expected to overcome. 12) Your toilet and your bowels and that it all goes down hill. 13) Clearcutting and over sedimentation of your stream beds. 14) The  lowering of the water tables that stop springs from bubbling UP in streams anymore where REDDS ‘used’ to be. 15) The long liners and Japanese fishing theives in you Gulf of Alaska and over fishing. 16) No natural, UNRESTRICTED fish ladders AROUND ALL dams. 17) Over commericial fishing. 18) Those greedy, Indian Gill Nets that choke all the rivers from the ocean so the big ones don’t get by. 19) This causes the weakening of the species becausze the strong genes are destroyed for money. 20) I hate you for asking this unresponsible question because it serves no purpose and you’re not going to do a thing about it. 21) I hope termites eat your house up. Mr. G.

Response:

Duh… Water would get in their buttholes otherwise… — TBone

Response:

Fish head in all sorts of directions. * Anadromous – natal-rear/spawn in freshwater, adult-rear in sea – eg, salmon * Catadromous – natal-rear/spawn in sea, adult-rear in freshwater – eg, eels * Potadromous (aka Adfluvial) – natal-rear/spawn in headwater    streams, adult-rear in lakes – eg, bull trout, rainbow * Fluvial – natal-rear/spawn in headwater streams, adult-rear in mainstem    stream – eg, bull trout, rainbow, cutthroat * Resident – natal-rear/adult-rear/spawn in stream, no migration * Panadromous – natal-rear/adult-rear somewhere, caught and cooked in frying pan Thomas Gilg

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I currently live in a fairly large city in a fairly flat area, yet I yearn to be back in my home of the mountains. The pull is great. I consider that instinct and love for my homeland. Drew

Response:

The other thing is that the Smolts must live in the river in their early stages. The further up the river they hatch the more mature and robust they should be when they hit the perils of the Ocean. Clark

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Also flooding in such areas would be less severe and of shorter duration, possibly helping the redds stay in tact. Clark I would suspect that it has to do with better spawning habitat being found in the headwaters of salmon rivers. The gradient would usually be greater meaning better oxygenation, less siltation, better egg protecting substrate (gravel and cobble)  and cooler water temps. Just my opinion though. G.Cleveland What is the urge to spawn upstream all about? Zoologically speaking of course, allthough very obviously it’s to feed the bears of course – don’t you watch National Geographic? Jokes aside though, I recently discovered that we have our own upstream migration of Yellowfish every spring, even leaping over man made weirs and other natural structures. Surely the higher you go, the less water you will encounter. Also the further you have to swim downstream, the worse your chance of success, as chance of meeting predators or other dangers become. Also the further you have to swim upstream, the less chance you have of having enough energy to mate and spawn. Or is it a case of, the further you have to swim downstream, the more chance you will have of picking up food along the way and thus being better equipped to handle and survive the dangers of the final? destination. Or maybe a female will prefer a mate who is "fitter" than the rest and has proved that by making an more arduous journey? Does anybody out there know – we didn’t quite study salmon & trout ecology down in this part of the world, and I had never known about our own yellowfish habits until now. Ari Ari Bert Gaelle Bert +27 (0) 83 232 9903 +27 (0) 83 236 5308 Flyfishing Corner +27 (0) 11 447 7230 Shop 94, Admirals Court +27 (0) 11 882 8537 (fax) Cnr Craddock & Tyrwhitt www.troutfishing.co.za         Street, Rosebank P.O.Box 79067 Senderwood 2145 South Africa

Response:

It reminds me of my weekend Clark

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Why do you pay for dinner on a date? Salmon spawn in shallow, well-oxygenated, gravel-bottomed, flowing water. The farther upstream they go the more of it they find. As to "why" they do it, the salmon aren’t "thinking" about "why" they do it. They just do it. And then they die. It seems to work for them. If I were a "smart" salmon I’d just stay in the ocean and grow to a gargantuan size. Unfortunately, I wouldn’t pass my "smart"" genes on to any more salmon. The most remarkable thing about spawning salmon and steelhead, to me, is just how single-minded they are about spawning. It reminds me of my youth.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It also seems likely that there would be an evolutionary drive to get further upstream to reduce competition.  If you get further up than any of the other salmon, your offspring will have all the food in their neighborhood to themselves. Reasonable enough. Then too, the further upstream, the smaller the potential predators. Quite possibly less of them too. Only those in the river.   I’d be willing to bet one of your shiny nickels that the grizzlies, otters, & eagles are the same size upstream as down. Further (not farther), traveling upstream may expose the salmon to more predators than if he/she stayed put.

I wasn’t thinking of the mama and the papa salmon, but rather the itty bitty babies.  Neither and eagle nor a grizzly is going to get too excited over a quarter inch long fish.  Nor would I for that matter.     Wolfgang

Response:

Why do you pay for dinner on a date? Salmon spawn in shallow, well-oxygenated, gravel-bottomed, flowing water. The farther upstream they go the more of it they find. As to "why" they do it, the salmon aren’t "thinking" about "why" they do it. They just do it. And then they die. It seems to work for them. If I were a "smart" salmon I’d just stay in the ocean and grow to a gargantuan size. Unfortunately, I wouldn’t pass my "smart"" genes on to any more salmon. The most remarkable thing about spawning salmon and steelhead, to me, is just how single-minded they are about spawning. It reminds me of my youth.

Response:

It is a survival thing.  Salmon will try to occupy the whole river as a hedge against any particular part of the river having problems (drought, flood, predators etc).   It is similar to the Atlantic salmon’s strategy of returning at different times and the resultant offspring becoming spring (multi-seawinter) fish, grilse or summer/autumn (fall) fish. It is in order to maximise survival of the species.  Hope this helps. Martin. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – What is the urge to spawn upstream all about? Zoologically speaking of course, allthough very obviously it’s to feed the bears of course – don’t you watch National Geographic? Jokes aside though, I recently discovered that we have our own upstream migration of Yellowfish every spring, even leaping over man made weirs and other natural structures. Surely the higher you go, the less water you will encounter. Also the further you have to swim downstream, the worse your chance of success, as chance of meeting predators or other dangers become. Also the further you have to swim upstream, the less chance you have of having enough energy to mate and spawn. Or is it a case of, the further you have to swim downstream, the more chance you will have of picking up food along the way and thus being better equipped to handle and survive the dangers of the final? destination. Or maybe a female will prefer a mate who is "fitter" than the rest and has proved that by making an more arduous journey? Does anybody out there know – we didn’t quite study salmon & trout ecology down in this part of the world, and I had never known about our own yellowfish habits until now. Ari Ari Bert     Gaelle Bert +27 (0) 83 232 9903    +27 (0) 83 236 5308 Flyfishing Corner +27 (0) 11 447 7230    Shop 94, Admirals Court +27 (0) 11 882 8537 (fax)   Cnr Craddock & Tyrwhitt www.troutfishing.co.za            Street, Rosebank P.O.Box 79067 Senderwood 2145 South Africa

Response:

Also flooding in such areas would be less severe and of shorter duration, possibly helping the redds stay in tact. Clark

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I would suspect that it has to do with better spawning habitat being found in the headwaters of salmon rivers. The gradient would usually be greater meaning better oxygenation, less siltation, better egg protecting substrate (gravel and cobble)  and cooler water temps. Just my opinion though. G.Cleveland What is the urge to spawn upstream all about? Zoologically speaking of course, allthough very obviously it’s to feed the bears of course – don’t you watch National Geographic? Jokes aside though, I recently discovered that we have our own upstream migration of Yellowfish every spring, even leaping over man made weirs and other natural structures. Surely the higher you go, the less water you will encounter. Also the further you have to swim downstream, the worse your chance of success, as chance of meeting predators or other dangers become. Also the further you have to swim upstream, the less chance you have of having enough energy to mate and spawn. Or is it a case of, the further you have to swim downstream, the more chance you will have of picking up food along the way and thus being better equipped to handle and survive the dangers of the final? destination. Or maybe a female will prefer a mate who is "fitter" than the rest and has proved that by making an more arduous journey? Does anybody out there know – we didn’t quite study salmon & trout ecology down in this part of the world, and I had never known about our own yellowfish habits until now. Ari Ari Bert Gaelle Bert +27 (0) 83 232 9903 +27 (0) 83 236 5308 Flyfishing Corner +27 (0) 11 447 7230 Shop 94, Admirals Court +27 (0) 11 882 8537 (fax) Cnr Craddock & Tyrwhitt www.troutfishing.co.za         Street, Rosebank P.O.Box 79067 Senderwood 2145 South Africa

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@news.worldonline.co.za: Because they’ve done all there is to do downstream Scott

Response:

I would suspect that it has to do with better spawning habitat being found in the headwaters of salmon rivers. The gradient would usually be greater meaning better oxygenation, less siltation, better egg protecting substrate (gravel and cobble)  and cooler water temps. Just my opinion though.

It also seems likely that there would be an evolutionary drive to get further upstream to reduce competition.  If you get further up than any of the other salmon, your offspring will have all the food in their neighborhood to themselves. Then too, the further upstream, the smaller the potential predators.  Quite possibly less of them too. Wolfgang

Response:

It also seems likely that there would be an evolutionary drive to get further upstream to reduce competition.  If you get further up than any of the other salmon, your offspring will have all the food in their neighborhood to themselves.

Reasonable enough. Then too, the further upstream, the smaller the potential predators. Quite possibly less of them too.

Only those in the river.   I’d be willing to bet one of your shiny nickels that the grizzlies, otters, & eagles are the same size upstream as down. Further (not farther), traveling upstream may expose the salmon to more predators than if he/she stayed put. IMHO, I have absolutely no idea *why* they do it, but I’d expect that the farther (not further) a fish makes it upstream would be directly proportional to its health & strength. Joe F.

Response:

I would suspect that it has to do with better spawning habitat being found in the headwaters of salmon rivers. The gradient would usually be greater meaning better oxygenation, less siltation, better egg protecting substrate (gravel and cobble)  and cooler water temps. Just my opinion though. G.Cleveland   – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -What is the urge to spawn upstream all about? Zoologically speaking of course, allthough very obviously it’s to feed the bears of course – don’t you watch National Geographic? Jokes aside though, I recently discovered that we have our own upstream migration of Yellowfish every spring, even leaping over man made weirs and other natural structures. Surely the higher you go, the less water you will encounter. Also the further you have to swim downstream, the worse your chance of success, as chance of meeting predators or other dangers become. Also the further you have to swim upstream, the less chance you have of having enough energy to mate and spawn. Or is it a case of, the further you have to swim downstream, the more chance you will have of picking up food along the way and thus being better equipped to handle and survive the dangers of the final? destination. Or maybe a female will prefer a mate who is "fitter" than the rest and has proved that by making an more arduous journey? Does anybody out there know – we didn’t quite study salmon & trout ecology down in this part of the world, and I had never known about our own yellowfish habits until now. Ari Ari Bert                                    Gaelle Bert +27 (0) 83 232 9903                         +27 (0) 83 236 5308 Flyfishing Corner +27 (0) 11 447 7230                         Shop 94, Admirals Court +27 (0) 11 882 8537 (fax)                   Cnr Craddock & Tyrwhitt www.troutfishing.co.za                            Street, Rosebank P.O.Box 79067 Senderwood 2145 South Africa

Response:

What is the urge to spawn upstream all about? Zoologically speaking of course, allthough very obviously it’s to feed the bears of course – don’t you watch National Geographic? Jokes aside though, I recently discovered that we have our own upstream migration of Yellowfish every spring, even leaping over man made weirs and other natural structures. Surely the higher you go, the less water you will encounter. Also the further you have to swim downstream, the worse your chance of success, as chance of meeting predators or other dangers become. Also the further you have to swim upstream, the less chance you have of having enough energy to mate and spawn. Or is it a case of, the further you have to swim downstream, the more chance you will have of picking up food along the way and thus being better equipped to handle and survive the dangers of the final? destination. Or maybe a female will prefer a mate who is "fitter" than the rest and has proved that by making an more arduous journey? Does anybody out there know – we didn’t quite study salmon & trout ecology down in this part of the world, and I had never known about our own yellowfish habits until now. Ari Ari Bert                                        Gaelle Bert +27 (0) 83 232 9903                             +27 (0) 83 236 5308 Flyfishing Corner +27 (0) 11 447 7230                             Shop 94, Admirals Court +27 (0) 11 882 8537 (fax)                       Cnr Craddock & Tyrwhitt www.troutfishing.co.za                                Street, Rosebank P.O.Box 79067 Senderwood 2145 South Africa

Response:

Question:

I’m relatively new to fly casting and have a question regarding casting technique.  When I transition from backcast to forecast I often hear the fly and line cracking (poping really) like a whip when the fly reverses direction to go forward.  Is this normal?  I suspect that I’m not letting the line straighten behind me before casting forward; therefore, it’s just like cracking a whip.  The problem with waiting though seems to be that the line doesn’t travel forward as far if I wait.  The problem with not waiting, I seem to be jerking the stuffing out of my flys.  Any thoughts?

Yes; what everybody else told you and this.   To get distance on the forward cast, you need to load the rod properly.   When your back cast straightens behind you (no big loops), start the forward cast a bit more slowly until the rod begins to load from the weight of the line, THEN apply all that power you’re using.   Don’t give it the full magilla all at once.   It should be a gradual acceleration, not a sharp increase to full power. Joe F.

Response:

I’m relatively new to fly casting and have a question regarding casting technique.  When I transition from backcast to forecast I often hear the fly and line cracking (poping really) like a whip when the fly reverses direction to go forward.  Is this normal?  I suspect that I’m not letting the line straighten behind me before casting forward; therefore, it’s just like cracking a whip.  The problem with waiting though seems to be that the line doesn’t travel forward as far if I wait.  The problem with not waiting, I seem to be jerking the stuffing out of my flys.  Any thoughts?

Well, first, quit stuffing your fly – it’ll make the girls (or the boys, depending on your personal choices) think you silly – and that way, you’ll not jerk it out.  Hmm…that reminds me of Blazing Saddles – "pardon me while I whip this out…," and speaking of whipping…. …yup, "cracking the whip" is timing.  Turn your head and look over your shoulder at the fly – and for Pete’s (or really, the Canadian of your choice) sake, don’t use full-hook flies to practice – try using bright, puffy whiffs – and try beginning your forward cast when the fly begins to start into the loop’s roll.  I suspect your particular distance thing is timing-related, as well, due to timing because of <oh, lord, well, let’s just say it’s likely timing-related, but without more info and seeing you cast, I’ll make that guess and leave it at that.   Just stay with it, you’ll get it – practice, practice, and oh, BTW, practice. TC, R – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Regards, Eric

Response:

…. load… <oh lord  He said it!  He said it! <G TC, R Where’s that duck dropping from the lights?

Well, you’re a lovely couple and I think you should get married. Wolfgang somewhere in the viaduct

Response:

…. load… <oh lord  He said it!  He said it! <G TC, R Where’s that duck dropping from the lights?

LOL.   In keeping with the oft-dispensed advice, I thought long and hard before hitting the send key on that one.   Thought I could slip it benignly past if I omitted all controversial adverbs. Joe F.

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – …. load… <oh lord  He said it!  He said it! <G TC, R Where’s that duck dropping from the lights? Well, you’re a lovely couple and I think you should get married.

Why would I wanna marry a duck, via whatever means…oh, you just want the film rights so you can sell the tape….on eBay…. TC, R fearing the ductile nature of threads…. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Wolfgang somewhere in the viaduct

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Via duck, vie not a turkey or a chicken? Op

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – …. load… <oh lord  He said it!  He said it! <G TC, R Where’s that duck dropping from the lights? Well, you’re a lovely couple and I think you should get married. Wolfgang somewhere in the viaduct

Response:

I’m relatively new to fly casting and have a question regarding casting technique.  When I transition from backcast to forecast I often hear the fly and line cracking (poping really) like a whip when the fly reverses direction to go forward.  Is this normal?

No It’s really hard to fix your problem by suggesting  possible solution with words alone.  You may want to rent a casting video from a local fly fishing shop.  If the line droops when you do try to let it completely unroll on the backcast, try aiming your backcast a little bit up and to the back and not just to the back.  HTH. Mu

Response:

I’m relatively new to fly casting and have a question regarding casting technique.  When I transition from backcast to forecast I often hear the fly and line cracking (poping really) like a whip when the fly reverses direction to go forward.  Is this normal?  I suspect that I’m not letting the line straighten behind me before casting forward; therefore, it’s just like cracking a whip.  The problem with waiting though seems to be that the line doesn’t travel forward as far if I wait.  The problem with not waiting, I seem to be jerking the stuffing out of my flys.  Any thoughts? Regards, Eric

Eric: Something that helped me alot was waiting until I felt the rod "load up" on my back stroke. I also notice this is easier to feel with a "slower" rod. Just a thought. M. Wm.

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Casting next to big picture windows….the solar tinted kind that act like mirrors…can aid in watching how your line behaves while it’s behinds you. I’m just a not very sensitive guy. It seems like my hands take forever to learn something….I mean you should have seen the hook and weight contraption I had to build just to learn how to tie bloodknots.  Having acces to one of these type of windows helped me learn to cast (not that I can). Being able to see when I was supposed to be feeling my line assisted me in actually learning to feel it. john

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m relatively new to fly casting and have a question regarding casting technique.  When I transition from backcast to forecast I often hear the fly and line cracking (poping really) like a whip when the fly reverses direction to go forward.  Is this normal?  I suspect that I’m not letting the line straighten behind me before casting forward; therefore, it’s just like cracking a whip.  The problem with waiting though seems to be that the line doesn’t travel forward as far if I wait.  The problem with not waiting, I seem to be jerking the stuffing out of my flys.  Any thoughts? Regards, Eric

Response:

…. load…

<oh lord  He said it!  He said it! <G TC, R Where’s that duck dropping from the lights? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Joe F.

Response:

I’m relatively new to fly casting and have a question regarding casting technique.  When I transition from backcast to forecast I often hear the fly and line cracking (poping really) like a whip when the fly reverses direction to go forward.  Is this normal?  I suspect that I’m not letting the line straighten behind me before casting forward; therefore, it’s just like cracking a whip.  The problem with waiting though seems to be that the line doesn’t travel forward as far if I wait.  The problem with not waiting, I seem to be jerking the stuffing out of my flys.  Any thoughts? Regards, Eric

If the fly "cracks" when you commence your forward cast, this is a result of it breaking the sound barrier when it "goes around the bend". This will shred most flies very quickly indeed, if it does not break them off to start with. This is caused by you reversing direction, and applying forward motion to the fly, while it is still travelling backwards. The fault is indeed caused by starting the forward stroke too soon.  This is often compounded by allowing the rod to "drift" too far back, or indeed a power stroke which is too long. Too much power is also a cause of this fault. The remedy is to apply less power, stop your backast a little earlier, and wait for the line to straighten before commencing the forward stroke. Concentrate on throwing your backcast "up", instead of "back", and the fault will probably disappear.  Watching your back-cast will help here. When the line is straight out behind you, commence the forward stroke. When casting heavy flies, or greater distances, a "single haul" may be of considerable assistance. This is a pull on the line with the "line" hand, at the start of the forward stroke. TL MC

Response:

I’m relatively new to fly casting and have a question regarding casting technique.  When I transition from backcast to forecast I often hear the fly and line cracking (poping really) like a whip when the fly reverses direction to go forward.  Is this normal?

It means MAXIMUM POWER!!!  I suspect that I’m not letting the line straighten behind me before casting forward; therefore, it’s just like cracking a whip.  The problem with waiting though seems to be that the line doesn’t travel forward as far if I wait.

Just kidding.  It’s bad.  You definitely need to wait.  Stick with it – maybe take a lesson – you will definitely be able to generate line speed other ways.   You’re not trying to cast like 80 feet, are you?

Response:

  I’m relatively new to fly casting and have a question regarding casting technique.  When I transition from backcast to forecast I often hear the fly and line cracking (poping really) like a whip when the fly reverses direction to go forward.  Is this normal?  I suspect that I’m not letting the line straighten behind me before casting forward; therefore, it’s just like cracking a whip.  The problem with waiting though seems to be that the line doesn’t travel forward as far if I wait.  The problem with not waiting, I seem to be jerking the stuffing out of my flys.  Any thoughts?

It sounds like your analysis is correct.  This is not normal and you should try and let the line straighten out behind you.  Perhaps you can add a little haul on the  forward cast to get more distance if it is a problem. I haven’t seen you cast and I am not a "casting coach," other than to some of my friends I am trying to teach, so take my advice for what it is worth. You get what you pay for and all that. . . Perhaps some of the better casters will chime in with their opinions. — Warren Findley Remove (nospamZZ) to respond via email http://www.geocities.com/troutbum_mt/

Response:

I’m relatively new to fly casting and have a question regarding casting technique.  When I transition from backcast to forecast I often hear the fly and line cracking (poping really) like a whip when the fly reverses direction to go forward.  Is this normal?  I suspect that I’m not letting the line straighten behind me before casting forward; therefore, it’s just like cracking a whip.  The problem with waiting though seems to be that the line doesn’t travel forward as far if I wait.  The problem with not waiting, I seem to be jerking the stuffing out of my flys.  Any thoughts? Regards, Eric

Response:

Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I went to the Garmin site http://www.garmin.com/cartography/mapSource/ and did a Ctrl n, then another Ctrl n, then another Ctrl n. I now had 3 sessions of my browser running. In the first browser I pulled up the Garmin Roads and Rec demo, in the second the second one I pulled up the Topo East demo, and in the last I pulled up the Waterways and Lights Continental US. I then zoomed in to the same spot on each of the three different maps to see what each of the CD’s had to offer. This will tell you which CD will work best for you. The III+ has limited memory, so the more detail you want, the less area you’ll be able to download. For my money, the only thing missing in GPS III+ basemap is the nav aids. And using the Waterways and Lights CD which has much less land detail, allows downloading a much bigger area of nav aids than either of the other two CD’s. Russ has a good point about zooming in all the way — you get different detail on each different CD at different zoom levels.

Clever idea about having each product in its own browser window.  Couple of points of clarification:  I have noticed a huge difference in shoreline detail between the built-in base map and the MapSource maps.  For instance, in San Diego Bay, Shelter Island doesn’t even appear in the base map, but is accurately displayed in the MapSource maps.  Every inland lake that I’ve been on shows similar glaring differences in shoreline detail between the base map and the MapSource maps.  All MapSource products seem to have the same level of detail and accuracy for shorelines. You are absolutely correct about the W&L CD being able to cover a significantly larger area than the R&R or TOPO CD for a given amount of memory.  I own the W&L CD as well as the R&R CD.  I think the correct choice depends on how you use the unit.  If you only use the unit for marine use, and have a need to cover large expanses of water, then clearly the W&L CD is the correct choice.  However, with the III+ being a portable hand-held, it lends itself to so many other uses.  I use the R&R street level detail for navigating in unfamiliar urban areas as well as cross country road trips. On long cross country trips I take my notebook PC along to update the maps as I stop for fuel along the trip.  I’ve used the III+ and the R&R CD on hiking and four wheeling trips.  I don’t own the TOPO CD, but I suspect that if one did a lot of hiking or off-road driving, that would be a very good one to own.  I bought the WorldMap CD for an upcoming cruise down into Mexican waters.  However, unless you have a singular and dedicated use for the III+, and you only want to invest in one of the MapSource CD’s, I think the R&R CD provides the most versatility and overall utility. Russ

Response:

I went to the Garmin site http://www.garmin.com/cartography/mapSource/ and did a Ctrl n, then another Ctrl n, then another Ctrl n. I now had 3 sessions of my browser running. In the first browser I pulled up the Garmin Roads and Rec demo, in the second the second one I pulled up the Topo East demo, and in the last I pulled up the Waterways and Lights Continental US. I then zoomed in to the same spot on each of the three different maps to see what each of the CD’s had to offer. This will tell you which CD will work best for you. The III+ has limited memory, so the more detail you want, the less area you’ll be able to download. For my money, the only thing missing in GPS III+ basemap is the nav aids. And using the Waterways and Lights CD which has much less land detail, allows downloading a much bigger area of nav aids than either of the other two CD’s. Russ has a good point about zooming in all the way — you get different detail on each different CD at different zoom levels. I have my GPS mounted on the boat dash with velcro. It talks with my FloScan 9000 allowing the FloScan to give me a reading of miles/gallon for my outboard. When the GPS isn’t on the boat, it’s in the car. I like the small size – it easily fits into my pocket. I used it in Europe to keep from getting lost on foot…just follow the ‘breadcrumbs’ back to where you started. On the plane over, it told me we were flying 710 mph at 36,000 feet (if I remember correctly) and that the Eurostar train from London to Paris was clipping along at 190 mph. It was a real rush to see the GPS go to 00.00.00 at the Old Observatory in Greenwich! Nick in Spartanburg, SC Extremely happy owner of a 115 Ficht pushing the Seaswirl 1850 W/A "NICKY"

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – You can go to Garmin’s web site www.garmin.com, and view the MapSource data online.  Go to the cartography section and select the Roads & Rec product. With patience and time, you can pan and zoom to your familiar waters.  Be sure and zoom in tight enough to get full detail.  Conversely, if you can relate a specific area to me, I can look it up and describe what can be seen. Russ

Response:

<SNIP For my money, the only thing missing in GPS III+ basemap is the nav aids. And using the Waterways and Lights CD which has much less land detail, allows downloading a much bigger area of nav aids than either of the other two CD’s. Russ has a good point about zooming in all the way — you get different detail on each different CD at different zoom levels. Nick in Spartanburg, SC Extremely happy owner of a 115 Ficht pushing the Seaswirl 1850 W/A "NICKY"

Nick- Very cool; you’re adventurous as ever! I tried your suggestion. Good way to compare.  My primary use will be translating fishing events (hits, catches, etc.) from GPS to a chart at home. In most cases, this means a fishable location like Lake Lanier or a short section of the Tennessee River that I could reach in one day via my bass boat. So, UI will rarely need more than 20 or 30 square miles at a time for this application.  I think any of the maping databases you guys discussed can get me that.  The topo does show some level of altitude (depth) difference within the body of Lake Lanier, which might be useful for locating large channels.  Alas, it pales in comparison to a real chart…that would be too much to ask! Thanks for your help, guys.  I’m gonna go look at a Garmin III, and maybe compare it to the Lowrance 100 as well. — Rich Stern

Response:

I looked at the maps on Garmins web site.  Are they they exact same as what gets loaded into the gps?  I was a little disappointed with the detail regarding markers on the lake parts.  

Response:

I looked at the maps on Garmins web site.  Are they they exact same as what gets loaded into the gps?  I was a little disappointed with the detail regarding markers on the lake parts.

Same data.  Be sure to zoom in enough to get full detail.  Navaids on inland waters leave quite a bit to be desired.  The big advantage for inland users is the shoreline detail.  You can reproduce the navaids by creating waypoints for them if necessary. Russ

Response:

You might also want to consider the Garmin GPS12MAP it has virtually all the same features as the III+ except that you can’t change the orientation (horizontal window instead of vertical) but it will firt easily into a shirt pocket and is cheaper than the III+.  I bought one as a backup to my Garmin 210 fixed mount and have been very happy with it.

Good point.  I keep forgetting about that unit.  It wasn’t available when I bought the III+.  It looks like the only difference is the inability to change screen orientation and the fact that you can’t use an external antenna.  Neither of those issues would likely be a huge loss for most users. Russ

Response:

You can go to Garmin’s web site www.garmin.com, and view the MapSource data online.  Go to the cartography section and select the Roads & Rec product. With patience and time, you can pan and zoom to your familiar waters.  Be sure and zoom in tight enough to get full detail.  Conversely, if you can relate a specific area to me, I can look it up and describe what can be seen. Russ

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Garmin III+ RAM mount system 12V power cord MapSource Roads & Rec CD-ROM all available at:  www.tvnav.com Russ, how good are the inland marine maps?  What kind of detail can I expect to see.  Correct contours of shorelines? I hadn’t really considered a mapping unit, was just planning to work from coordinates.  But, it would be easier if I could see where I was on screen at home when looking at a chart. I’ve had my III+ for a couple of years now.  I put a 162 fixed mount on the boat, but still use my III+ for other uses and as a backup on the boat. I’m taking it with me on a Mexican cruise next week, loaded with the Mexican area maps from the WorldMap CD.  If I lost my III+ tomorrow, I’d replace it with the same unit immediately.  If you only intend to use the unit on the boat and nowhere else, and have the mounting room, consider the 162.  It takes the same MapSource data as the III+ but affords a larger viewing screen.  You can’t beat the III+ for ruggedness and versatility. Russ

You might also want to consider the Garmin GPS12MAP it has virtually all the same features as the III+ except that you can’t change the orientation (horizontal window instead of vertical) but it will firt easily into a shirt pocket and is cheaper than the III+.  I bought one as a backup to my Garmin 210 fixed mount and have been very happy with it. Blue Skies, Dave

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My current Apelco handheld is semi-permanently mounted on my old bass boat, so I am letting it go to the new owner. I need a new one with the following attributes: – Good ability to stay hooked up to a signal while getting bounced in 3 foot waves. – Strong on ease of use, particularly for marking and retrieving waypoints. I want to be able to easily mark a locaton while out on the water, and then retrieve that info at home for logging purposes. – Optional 12v power Recommendations?

Garmin III+ RAM mount system 12V power cord MapSource Roads & Rec CD-ROM all available at:  www.tvnav.com Russ

Response:

Garmin III+ RAM mount system 12V power cord MapSource Roads & Rec CD-ROM all available at:  www.tvnav.com

Russ, how good are the inland marine maps?  What kind of detail can I expect to see.  Correct contours of shorelines? I hadn’t really considered a mapping unit, was just planning to work from coordinates.  But, it would be easier if I could see where I was on screen at home when looking at a chart. — Rich Stern

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Garmin III+ RAM mount system 12V power cord MapSource Roads & Rec CD-ROM all available at:  www.tvnav.com Russ, how good are the inland marine maps?  What kind of detail can I expect to see.  Correct contours of shorelines? I hadn’t really considered a mapping unit, was just planning to work from coordinates.  But, it would be easier if I could see where I was on screen at home when looking at a chart.

The shoreline contours for inland waters are typically excellent.  I’m not talking about elevation contours, but rather just the detailed shapes of the shoreline itself.  Very accurate in my experience.  When you’re in a cove or off a point, that’s where the GPS unit will show you.  In addition, marinas and ramps are shown.  Some inland navaids are shown, but not many.  Those that aren’t can be created as waypoints.  The III+ has a built-in base map, but shoreline contours don’t have anywhere near the accuracy of the MapSource downloadable maps.  Mostly polygon shapes.  I wouldn’t want to be without the mapping feature, myself.  In addition to the detailed mapping, the MapSource software is also an excellent waypoint and route management utility.  You can create and edit waypoints and routes on a PC with full-sized screen and keyboard, which is much easier than doing so on the GPS unit itself.  This data can then be downloaded to the GPS unit.  In addition, the MapSource software allows for archiving waypoint data that may have been created on the fly with the GPS unit.  Very important to be able to have a backup copy of that data in case the GPS is lost, stolen, or fails.  If you mark a hot fishing spot while having a good day on the water, you don’t want to lose those coordinates due to a mishap.  When you combine the mapping feature and waypoint utility, it’s an extremely useful package. Very well done. I’ve had my III+ for a couple of years now.  I put a 162 fixed mount on the boat, but still use my III+ for other uses and as a backup on the boat.  I’m taking it with me on a Mexican cruise next week, loaded with the Mexican area maps from the WorldMap CD.  If I lost my III+ tomorrow, I’d replace it with the same unit immediately.  If you only intend to use the unit on the boat and nowhere else, and have the mounting room, consider the 162.  It takes the same MapSource data as the III+ but affords a larger viewing screen.  You can’t beat the III+ for ruggedness and versatility. Russ

Response:

My current Apelco handheld is semi-permanently mounted on my old bass boat, so I am letting it go to the new owner. I need a new one with the following attributes: – Good ability to stay hooked up to a signal while getting bounced in 3 foot waves. – Strong on ease of use, particularly for marking and retrieving waypoints.  I want to be able to easily mark a locaton while out on the water, and then retrieve that info at home for logging purposes. – Optional 12v power Recommendations? — Rich Stern

Response:

Question:

<good story snipped I liked it a lot, Adam. Put me in mind of my favorite Sierra small stream and had me reflexively looking for my hiking boots. thanks, -sid

Response:

<snipped Keep writing stuff like that and you won’t have anyone out to get you.  Well done. Reminded me of a little spot I often go to get away from the hustle and bustle of the tourists. Warren Remember, men will come and men will go, but the streams and mountains go on forever. -Bob Carmichael

Response:

In the early morning light, long sun rays make diamond glints in the dew covered grass.

    (snip)     very well written prose, adam. wayno

Response:

Dear Adam, This is what fly fishing is about. It is not what you catch but where you catch (if you catch). And the more, this is what fly fishing in Continental Europe is about, small streams in Belgium, Northern France and Germany. No huge trout out for your fly (you are more than lucky to catch one of upto 40 cm), but to be away from it all. Marcel From The Netherlands

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – In the early morning light, long sun rays make diamond glints in the dew covered grass. A spruce forest edges the little meadow in deep blue-green while a sparkling tiny stream draws a shallow meandering line through the alpine valley. Undercut grassy banks border the small riffles below a plunge pool. The solitude is perfect, the setting is awesome and there is room for only one observer at a time. A small stream is enough to re-kindle the fishing flame of one’s youth every time. Creeping or low crawling through the grass, the coolness of the dew soaks into your clothes, but the focus is on a gin clear pool thirty feet ahead. The light fly rod gets caught in the grass, but you casually unhook the tip, careful to clear the rod from the tangle without making sudden movements. Unhooking the fly, stripping out enough line to make a cast to the near side of the pool, you sit up on your feet, crouching to maintain a low profile. Switching two false casts, you shoot a tight loop laying the fly line on the grass with the leader hooking into the pool. The leader is long enough to cross the pool, but you know this and have made a perfect presentation into the tail of the pool in order to not upset the wary brook trout upstream. The cast is unproductive, but that does not slow your racing pulse. A quick pick up and cast again in one smooth movement farther upstream, the caddis mimic alights like a natural. A small piece of the stream bed moves and suddenly the caddis is gone in a swirl. In the same moment, you lift the little fly rod, tightening the line. Telegraphed up the fly line, surges of the brook trout are felt through the light fly rod. Quickly playing the fish to hand, the gemstone colors of the small trout glow brightly. Releasing the trout from the barbless hook completes the act and the scurry for cover is evidence that this one is unharmed. Small stream fly fishing is gaining in popularity. The reasons are easy enough to understand. Solitude in the outdoor is at the top of the list. There are rivers to fish with many anglers if you want to share the experience. Rivers are popular fly fishing destinations and they are reflected on by all forms of the media. Small streams are out of the way, not reported on regularly and introspection, not popularity echoes here. A feeder stream, off the fishing path can provide a afternoon of quiet thoughts while experiencing the outdoors by yourself. There are no television or magazine anglers here, just you and your thoughts among the trees. Outfitting for fly fishing a small stream is a personal choice. A fly rod with a couple of flys in a film canister along with swim trunks makes things simple. On the other hand, a modern fourth generation graphite fly rod with a large arbor reel and specialized mini shooting head fly line can make decisions difficult. Hundreds of stone, caddis, and mayflys in expensive aluminum compartment fly boxes tucked in a ergonomically tailored vest, bulging with the latest gadgetry for the technically minded is another possible choice. Some use a bamboo fly rod made in the early part of the century, possibly handed down in the family. Somewhere in there lies a typical small stream fisher. We are a diverse lot, but we are looking for the same thing, peace in nature’s solitude. Light fly line weights are standard for small streams. Line weights of zero through five are generally considered an advantage when casting for wary trout. The small diameter of a light fly line combined with the light weight reduces the unwanted sight and impact when making a presentation. For small streams, fly sizes are small and wind is usually not a hinderance. A good fly rod choice will be a seven foot three weight. You can give or take a foot in length and a fly line size and still have a good choice for a rod. A small reel without a drag is all that is necessary. Equipment can be as technical or as simple as you want to make it. Fly fishing equipment is a personal choice that should match the fisher and the water being fished. Moving along on a small stream seems to come natural. Most fishing is done in an upstream manner to approach the trout from behind. Trout hold in the current to feed most of the time and their blind spot is to the rear. You need all the help that you can get when the stream is shallow, and the fish are wary of predators. This is because of the lack of deep water and structure to hide in. In order to be successful, a good creeping technique must be developed. Select earth tones for your clothes, a low profile when approaching a productive section, and as few false casts as possible. The better you become, the more your back will hurt! Headhunting, a term that is used for a fly fisher consumed by catching the largest fish does not apply here. Not that a small stream fly angler will turn their back on a large brown trout, that is exactly what some do. This is a technique used to reduce the anglers "presence" to the wary trout when rigging for the situation. The fishing attitude is one of opportunity. If a large trout is caught, it is a gift. The essence is the outdoor experience. To catch a small glistening gem and to give it back to nature, this is what small stream fishing is about. Not a quest for monster trout. On your adventure please remember this. The small stream environment is usually pristine, one single piece of trash is out of place. No impact hiking is a must, and if some trash is found, packing it out is good form. Hiking along, if another angler is present, give him or her a wide berth to minimize the intrusion. Fly fishing small streams is a return to solitude that we all need. A perfect way to enjoy the outdoors. I hope you like my story, adam

Response:

In the early morning light, long sun rays make diamond glints in the dew covered grass. A spruce forest edges the little meadow in deep blue-green while a sparkling tiny stream draws a shallow meandering line through the alpine valley. Undercut grassy banks border the small riffles below a plunge pool. The solitude is perfect, the setting is awesome and there is room for only one observer at a time. A small stream is enough to re-kindle the fishing flame of one’s youth every time. Creeping or low crawling through the grass, the coolness of the dew soaks into your clothes, but the focus is on a gin clear pool thirty feet ahead. The light fly rod gets caught in the grass, but you casually unhook the tip, careful to clear the rod from the tangle without making sudden movements. Unhooking the fly, stripping out enough line to make a cast to the near side of the pool, you sit up on your feet, crouching to maintain a low profile. Switching two false casts, you shoot a tight loop laying the fly line on the grass with the leader hooking into the pool. The leader is long enough to cross the pool, but you know this and have made a perfect presentation into the tail of the pool in order to not upset the wary brook trout upstream. The cast is unproductive, but that does not slow your racing pulse. A quick pick up and cast again in one smooth movement farther upstream, the caddis mimic alights like a natural. A small piece of the stream bed moves and suddenly the caddis is gone in a swirl. In the same moment, you lift the little fly rod, tightening the line. Telegraphed up the fly line, surges of the brook trout are felt through the light fly rod. Quickly playing the fish to hand, the gemstone colors of the small trout glow brightly. Releasing the trout from the barbless hook completes the act and the scurry for cover is evidence that this one is unharmed. Small stream fly fishing is gaining in popularity. The reasons are easy enough to understand. Solitude in the outdoor is at the top of the list. There are rivers to fish with many anglers if you want to share the experience. Rivers are popular fly fishing destinations and they are reflected on by all forms of the media. Small streams are out of the way, not reported on regularly and introspection, not popularity echoes here. A feeder stream, off the fishing path can provide a afternoon of quiet thoughts while experiencing the outdoors by yourself. There are no television or magazine anglers here, just you and your thoughts among the trees. Outfitting for fly fishing a small stream is a personal choice. A fly rod with a couple of flys in a film canister along with swim trunks makes things simple. On the other hand, a modern fourth generation graphite fly rod with a large arbor reel and specialized mini shooting head fly line can make decisions difficult. Hundreds of stone, caddis, and mayflys in expensive aluminum compartment fly boxes tucked in a ergonomically tailored vest, bulging with the latest gadgetry for the technically minded is another possible choice. Some use a bamboo fly rod made in the early part of the century, possibly handed down in the family. Somewhere in there lies a typical small stream fisher. We are a diverse lot, but we are looking for the same thing, peace in nature’s solitude. Light fly line weights are standard for small streams. Line weights of zero through five are generally considered an advantage when casting for wary trout. The small diameter of a light fly line combined with the light weight reduces the unwanted sight and impact when making a presentation. For small streams, fly sizes are small and wind is usually not a hinderance. A good fly rod choice will be a seven foot three weight. You can give or take a foot in length and a fly line size and still have a good choice for a rod. A small reel without a drag is all that is necessary. Equipment can be as technical or as simple as you want to make it. Fly fishing equipment is a personal choice that should match the fisher and the water being fished. Moving along on a small stream seems to come natural. Most fishing is done in an upstream manner to approach the trout from behind. Trout hold in the current to feed most of the time and their blind spot is to the rear. You need all the help that you can get when the stream is shallow, and the fish are wary of predators. This is because of the lack of deep water and structure to hide in. In order to be successful, a good creeping technique must be developed. Select earth tones for your clothes, a low profile when approaching a productive section, and as few false casts as possible. The better you become, the more your back will hurt! Headhunting, a term that is used for a fly fisher consumed by catching the largest fish does not apply here. Not that a small stream fly angler will turn their back on a large brown trout, that is exactly what some do. This is a technique used to reduce the anglers "presence" to the wary trout when rigging for the situation. The fishing attitude is one of opportunity. If a large trout is caught, it is a gift. The essence is the outdoor experience. To catch a small glistening gem and to give it back to nature, this is what small stream fishing is about. Not a quest for monster trout. On your adventure please remember this. The small stream environment is usually pristine, one single piece of trash is out of place. No impact hiking is a must, and if some trash is found, packing it out is good form. Hiking along, if another angler is present, give him or her a wide berth to minimize the intrusion. Fly fishing small streams is a return to solitude that we all need. A perfect way to enjoy the outdoors. I hope you like my story, adam

Response:

Question:

Group, My wife has finally, I think, gotten tired of me planning our family camping vacations around a fly fishing destination (last year it was Manzanita Lake and Hat Creek, not to mention our obligatory trips to the Owens Valley/Mammoth area). She  has planned a trip to Bryce, Zion, Grand Canyon area. Other than Lees Ferry, can someone offer suggestions on where to fish. I’m inclined to seek out small creeks and quiet lakes as opposed to some nationally recognized mecca. We’ll be there the first week of August. Any suggestions would be most welcome. I haven’t been through this area since I was about 8, so I’m looking forward to showing it to my kids…but I would like to fish even just a wee bit. Campground suggestions would be great too. Roger

Response:

We just got back last week from a trip to the same area.  We didn’t stay in the park when we went to Bryce, but at a campground in the national forest about 25 minutes drive to the park entrance.  The campground was at Tropic resevoir, 7 miles up a dirt road off the highway.  I didn’t take any fishing equipment with me but there were a lot people there fishing and the sight of many trout rising in the late evening (inlet side of the lake and the inlet creek) did make me wish I had my fly rod. We camped on the North Rim of the Grand, the campground was nice but reservations are required.  I didn’t see anywhere to fish near here.  At Zion we also camped in the park, reservations recomended.  The campground is on the Virgin river.  I didn’t see any fish rising or anyone fishing so I am afraid I dont’ know.  I would mention the temperatures while we were there June 6 – June 15.  Bryce (alt. < 8000 feet at Tropic res.); highs were mid 60’s, lows mid 30s (it snowed on the 5th).  Grand Canyon (alt 7800) highs mid 70, lows upper 40s.  Zion (alt 4000) high 103, low upper 60’s.  I think a warm front moved in between the Grand the Zion, but August should be warmer. Joe

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Group, << snip She  has planned a trip to Bryce, Zion, Grand Canyon area. Other than Lees Ferry, can someone offer suggestions on where to fish. I’m inclined to seek out small creeks and quiet lakes as opposed to some nationally recognized mecca. << snip Campground suggestions would be great too. Roger

Response:

Joe, I’m starting to think I may not bring the gear at all, since it looks like we won’t get down to Lee’s Ferry. This looks like it’s shaping up to be a "family" trip with few opportunities for fishing. How was the campground at Tropic Reservoir? I’m looking for an alternative to overcrowed NP campgrounds in the park, and those private monstrosities that feature swimming pools, arcades, snack shops etc. The kids are voting for the latter, but that ain’t camping to me. Problem is the wife insists on Showers. Which campground did you use in Zion? Thanks for your help Roger – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – We just got back last week from a trip to the same area.  We didn’t stay in the park when we went to Bryce, but at a campground in the national forest about 25 minutes drive to the park entrance.  The campground was at Tropic resevoir, 7 miles up a dirt road off the highway.  I didn’t take any fishing equipment with me but there were a lot people there fishing and the sight of many trout rising in the late evening (inlet side of the lake and the inlet creek) did make me wish I had my fly rod. We camped on the North Rim of the Grand, the campground was nice but reservations are required.  I didn’t see anywhere to fish near here.  At Zion we also camped in the park, reservations recomended.  The campground is on the Virgin river.  I didn’t see any fish rising or anyone fishing so I am afraid I dont’ know.  I would mention the temperatures while we were there June 6 – June 15.  Bryce (alt. < 8000 feet at Tropic res.); highs were mid 60’s, lows mid 30s (it snowed on the 5th).  Grand Canyon (alt 7800) highs mid 70, lows upper 40s.  Zion (alt 4000) high 103, low upper 60’s.  I think a warm front moved in between the Grand the Zion, but August should be warmer. Joe

Response:

Question:

I used to live in Western Mass then I got a reel job…just kidding.

Hey thanks for the tip! Jerry Schrader, over 30 years a pro Fine Wedding Photography http://www.weddingphoto-ma.com

Response:

I am looking for someone to fish the Westfield river with me.  Although I’ve fished many of the rivers in Ma., I have little experience with that river. I’m looking for entry points and the best streches for fly fishing. Suggested patterns would be a bonus.   I don’t need any coaching as I am a seasoned  fly fisher. Anyone interested please email.                                            thanks,                                                        Jerry Schrader

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I used to live in Western Mass then I got a reel job…just kidding. Try the section of Westfield where route 20 goes under the Mass Pike. That’s Turnpike, not the fish…anyway there used to be a tackle shop there that also did some private stocking of Brown Trout. Follow route 20 west outside of Westfield unitil you see the big Mass Pike Bridge overhead….good luck.   – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am looking for someone to fish the Westfield river with me.  Although I’ve fished many of the rivers in Ma., I have little experience with that river. I’m looking for entry points and the best streches for fly fishing. Suggested patterns would be a bonus.   I don’t need any coaching as I am a seasoned  fly fisher. Anyone interested please email.                                            thanks,                                                        Jerry Schrader

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What is there to do in Belize? I have been told that it has the best fly fishing in the world. But I would like to more about the country. Is the snorkelling good, scuba diving and beaches worth the trip? And what about the Mayan ruins, tropical rain forest and anything else you can tell me?

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What is there to do in Belize? I have been told that it has the best fly fishing in the world. But I would like to more about the country. Is the snorkelling good, scuba diving and beaches worth the trip? And what about the Mayan ruins, tropical rain forest and anything else you can tell me?

We stayed in Placencia in May 2000 and stayed at the Rum Point Inn.  The beaches were okay but not good for walking out into the water and swimming – full of turtle grass.  The Mayan ruins – we visited Lubantuum and Nimli Punit – were amazing, particularly Lubantuum.  There was no snorkeling from the beach, but a one hour boat ride got us out to some amazing places for both snorkeling and scuba diving.  Absolutely breathtaking.  We didn’t go on the Monkey River tour or to the Jaguar preserve (ran out of $$) but friends who did go said it was well worthwhile. May seems to be an off-season so it’s hard to tell whether we visited at the best time. We weren’t crazy about Placencia or the Rum Point Inn, but I’ve heard others extoll the virtues of both.  We definitely enjoyed the snorkeling and Mayan ruins, and would recommend it for that.

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What are the trout hitting in New Hampshire this time of year?  I’ll be there at the end of this month.  Any recommendations on Flies, places to fish?  I’ll be in the southern pertion of the state, new Lale Sunnapee. All advice is greatly appreciated.

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Helen, Being in Vermont I can give some ideas that you may be able to extrapolate for NH.  Currently there are cahills and sulphurs along with caddis both black and tan.  I should not think you could ever go wrong with an elk hair caddis anywhere in NH and VT.  Yellow and cream colored soft hackles fished dragging in the riffles should produce fish there as well.  Tricos are starting to appear as well (size 20-24 white and black mayflies).  I would be happy to help in anyway I can. James Ehlers Underhill, Vermont

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What are the trout hitting in New Hampshire this time of year?  I’ll be there at the end of this month.  Any recommendations on Flies, places to fish?  I’ll be in the southern pertion of the state, new Lale Sunnapee. All advice is greatly appreciated.

Small (16-20) nymphs and the hatch of the day.  Check with the local fly shop.   This has been a real weird summer with first cold and now heat.  Nothing has been too predictable except that fishing is always better than working. — Len —– Leonard Campbell                                                                                                 solicitations!!

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Another nice place to try your hand at is cole pond near Enfield Center off of 4A.  Take bog pond road and go about 2 miles.  sign for cole pond on the right and it is about a 1/2 mile hike up to it. Fly fishing only and make sure to bring a tube or portage a canoe up as it is tough to fish from the shore in most spots although there are a couple areas were you can wade out.

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Rick, You will be not too far from the Contoocook River, which has a fly fishing only section in W. Henniker.  Also the Masocoma river that runs out of Lake MAscoma can be pretty good.  There are other rivers like the Sugar that are a little further away to the south of where you will be.   There are also some trout ponds worth looking into.  Give me an E-mail when it gets a little closer to your trip, and I might be able to give you a better idea of where to go. Tight Lines, Gerry Crow

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I’ve learned I will be spending a week in New London, New Hampshire in early July, with afternoons off from my meetings and lectures.  I don’t know a single thing about the area.  Could someone be so kind as to educate me about the streams nearby and inform me about the fly fishing possibilities?  

Rick, you’re in luck: there are a couple of very good rivers near enough to New London to get your flyfishing fix. Should be some good dry fly action as well… There’s some great fishing for browns and ‘bows on the Contoocook River near Henniker, NH, roughly 40 minutes from New London: go south on I89 to Rt 202, follow 202 west to the Rt 114 exit. Take a right at the end of the ramp (114 N), then take the first left past the gas station (Davidson Rd). Follow Davidson for roughly 1 mile to a stop sign, where you then take a left onto Liberty Hill Road (this will take you back across Rt 202). The road quickly turns into unpaved/graded. About 1/10th mile from the bridge over 202, take the first right turn onto Western Road (another dirt road), follow this to a fork (an equipment dealer on your right) and take the left fork down to the river. This road parallels the best fishing on the Contoocook… Another piece of river worth trying is the Sugar River in Guild, NH. Take I89 north to Rt 11 south. When you cross into the town of Guild (~10 miles from New London) from the town of Sunapee, look immediately to the left for Paradise Road (~1/10 mile from the town line) which will take you over the Sugar River. You then see an old railroad grade that roughly parallels the river. Good place to start – the next couple of miles of river heading downstream can be quite good… Finally, the Warner River can also be quite good, and it’s not far from New London (~15 miles). Take I89 south to Rt 103 west, then follow 103 for ~2 miles, then look for the township of Roby (with Roby Road perhaps being the only marker of same ;^). Roby Road heads north from 103 and parallels the Lane River. The confluence of the Lane with the Warner marks the downstream end of a good section of Warner water. Work your way upstream from there for another couple of miles looking for the good spots… Although none of the above is a closely guarded secret, I hope this helps you keep your casting arm limber during your stay in Cow Hampster. None of these rivers would be confused with *any* of the multiple branches of the Salmon River, but they’ll certainly be better than leaving your rod home ;^) Cheers! /dave <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< < Digital Equipment Corp.       Alpha Server Engineering < <     "What doesn’t kill you…will hurt like heck!"     < <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

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Hi y’all, I’ve learned I will be spending a week in New London, New Hampshire in early July, with afternoons off from my meetings and lectures.  I don’t know a single thing about the area.  Could someone be so kind as to educate me about the streams nearby and inform me about the fly fishing possibilities?  Email would be great, posting here is fine.  I’ll happily trade info on Idaho and the general area. Thanks. — Rick T. Rick Fletcher   –   http://www.chem.uidaho.edu/~fletcher/ Assistant 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

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Question:

Is there a ".marketplace" version of this newsgroup?  I was told that there is but I can’t find it. Thanks

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I just caught up on some of the previously posted stuff and I now realize that my buddy was encouraging me to vote FOR a NEW newsgroup (the "marketplace" version I was wondering about). Therefore….nevermind. Dave

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Question:

Several of us are trying to get a Chat Room set up on Prodigy and a conference room on AOL so that we can talk with each other, tell or stories about the one that gotr away or what ever. To do this we need to show interest. If your into this and subscribe to Prodigy or AOL let me know and I’ll pass the info on Thanks Fishing the Green in Utah

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Several of us are trying to get a Chat Room set up on Prodigy and a conference room on AOL so that we can talk with each other, tell or stories about the one that gotr away or what ever. To do this we need to show interest. If your into this and subscribe to Prodigy or AOL let me know and I’ll pass the info on.

You might consider getting in contact with Alan Dechovitz on AOL, his handle is Caribe Duo. He already runs two nets a month. Currently they are held on the first tuesday and third sunday on each month. He is expanding the net to include guest speakers for Febuary and March. See ya, Bob

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INTERESTED

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I am on AOL. My screen name is Fishingfly. From S.E. Idaho. I am very interested in a chat. Also holding Eastern Idaho fly tying expo in Pocatello on April 8 at the Quality Inn. 70 top tyers from the west  

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interested in this

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I am AOL my screen name is Fishingfly. My name is Chuck Collins. I am from Pocatello, Idaho. Would be interested in Chat.

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Hi E.- I’m currently on Compuserve and AOL in a comparison mode.  My current thinking is AOl between the two but I am seriously condidering Internet instead of either of them.  Cheaper for me thru the U of Minn connection. However, I am always interested in talking flyfishing and I may stay with AOL.  CIS is just too damned expensive  -  almost twice the hourly cost for chat lines or BBS’s. I’ll be watching to see if you get something going. John Bjostad in Mpls

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Prefer CompuServe.

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Im interested my screen name is VinceT1027 contact me on AOL!!!

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sounds like a good idea let me know if it gets going

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im interested. im a ff. i sub to aol.

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i work for mk.  i am in seattle. im a ff. i would very much like a chat line in aol.  i am learning ff.

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An AOL chat line sounds good to me. You can get a rise out of me at tight lines! the bobinator   The Bobinator

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Yes This would be great so that we could pass informatiom around on where it is hot and where it is not.

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I’m interested, MG caddis

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I’m definitely interested. On AOL.  From MA.  Both fresh and salywater flyfishing.  Let me Know how it works out.                                                              Feltsole

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Ready any evening.

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Several of us are trying to get a Chat Room set up on Prodigy and a conference room on AOL so that we can talk with each other, tell or stories about the one that gotr away or what ever. To do this we need to show interest. If your into this and subscribe to Prodigy or AOL let me know and I’ll pass the info on.

As a subscriber of prodigy, please enter my interest in a bb or chat – great idea!

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I would really enjoy a conference room on AOL. Contact me when something develops. Thanks, PresG

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My screen name is DON1RENO I am interested in a room and maybe holding some seminars or workshops online for those hideous nights after work

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For all who wanted a Chat Room. AOL Keyword GS OTHER, Enter "Other Sports", highlight Chat Rooms, Choose Sports Rooms and then enter "Sideline" I’m not real sure what goes on in sidelines, but lets meet there Sat. evening at around 9:00PM EST. If need be, maybe we’ll just have to take it over for awhile. I want to thank all of you for your help and support in this, I’ve had about 40 replys. Thjanks

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Tight Lines and Screaming Reels Southern Style! Let me know Phil B.

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MartinR100 at AOL, would be interested.

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you got a rise out of me. i would like to be able to have real-time conversations on aol with persons who are hooked on flyfishing like me. stan in ca stan in ca

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