Question:

You left off the part about not being able to go fishing tomrrow Paul

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – We have this office.  The biggest branch we have.  It has an NT server with a Raid 5 array and a duplex..  The container keeps getting "lost."  We reloaded the OS two weeks ago.  We put in the manufacturer’s monitoring software.  It went ppffffffth.  The manufacturer says, "Sorry, it can’t be uninstalled."  We have to replace the OS again.  I am not happy.  Replaced it this morning. Also packed the steelhead stuff. Went out to the parking lot for tools.  Dropped the tailgate and my school ring made a funny noise against the metal of the tailgate.   No stone.  I am not happy.  I search high and low, no stone.  Even took the server apart again, looking for it.  No stone.  I am sad. After, I went to the Credit River.  The winds were very high, the water was very high, fast and dirty.  I didn’t catch squat. I really not happy.   Went to the liquor store and bought a distiller’s edition 1984 Cragganmore speysider. Not so sad anymore. Will be tomorrow. Peter

Response:

You left off the part about not being able to go fishing tomrrow Paul

well, that and the Salmon River weather was the topper. Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://members.home.net/pcharles/streamers/index.html

Response:

The cat thought the fly was some sort of new plaything. She grabbed

it hooked herself and took off running OWW!!My mother in law caught the family dog one day,while on her way fishing back home n Louisiana.Dumb dog saw the line dangling from the rod over her shoulder,and hooked herself TWICE!!!My wife said that was the dumbest hunting dog they ever had.        Sorry bout your day btw,it always sucks when rotten stuff like that happens.Bout the best you can do is see that it could have been worse.My wifes a nurse,I’m a printer for a bank.I come home with stories of highstrung rude investment bankers,and she tells me about a patient that coded and died after 40 minutes of revival attempts.So I have a constant source of proof that it can always be worse.

Response:

"So I have a constant source of proof that it can always be worse." I know. A few years ago my daughter died from RSV (a respiratory virus). My wife and I soon divorced though not a messy one. I would send a picture but this isn’t a binary group. I did learn to fly fish though in an effort to cope with Ashlynn’s death. Now I am back in school about to complete my associates in eletrical technology and I am thinking of moving to Idaho to start my electrical apprentice. Better flyfishing there then in Alabama. I wish everyone all the best in life Michael

Response:

…well, if you can talk crappy, i can talk bass… yesterday, was the maiden voyage of the new gheenoe in search of ol bucketmouth.           for several months, i’ve been looking for a good fishing boat i could paddle and handle alone, but that was more stable than a canoe and offered more room than a kayak. i wanted a gheenoe, but couldn’t find one at any of the boat places i had visited in the area.  harley gheen designed the boat in the early 70s, and they have an excellent reputation as a shallow draft, easy paddling (though not as easy as a canoe), stable fishing boat. They are made in titusville, florida, and are used in the florida flats for bone and tarpon fishing, in the inland waterways, and on lakes and canals. the 15′ 4" model accomodates 2 very comfortably, with plenty of room for all the necessities.  it has a small squared stern that will hold up to a 9 hp outboard.  while not exactly light at 120 pounds, i can lift and slide it into the back of my truck, and i can drag it to the canals and waters i like to fish for bass. the draft of only 3-4" is a real asset too.         anyway, while up in windsor, nc on business, i planned a short diversion to the cashie river for an hour of shad fishing from the shore. on the way to the river, i saw them – gheenoes sitting like daffodils in the yard of a boat and tackle dealership on the cashie. 20 minutes later, the gheenoe was loaded in my truck bed and my weekend was shaping up.           on saturday, me and charlie adams headed for hyde county.  we were in the impoundment by 9 am and fished until dark.  the gheenoe is a fantastic boat for paddling in the shallows where the bass hang out, and it will move along at a good clip in the deeper water with two average paddlers. we took our fly rods along just in case the anticipated warm weather stimulated some top water bugz action. charlie spent a while standing up with his flyrod tossing bugz without success… but, the test ride proved the gheenoe to be an ideal flyfishing platform and a nice, stable ride.  i recommend it as a very versatile boat.   …and peter, it’s a good boat for a day of crappie too… jeff – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – <snipped the canuck’s lament ad lame excuse for gettin tipsy)

Response:

We have 8< Peter

stiff upper lip and all that ‘ole chap! –waldo…. wishin peter a big fish…pdq.

Response:

I’ll trade ya for replacing the shower stall I promised my wife I’d do tomorrow instead of goin’ steelheadin’….  ;-)

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – We have this office.  The biggest branch we have.  It has an NT server with a Raid 5 array and a duplex..  The container keeps getting "lost."  We reloaded the OS two weeks ago.  We put in the manufacturer’s monitoring software.  It went ppffffffth.  The manufacturer says, "Sorry, it can’t be uninstalled."  We have to replace the OS again.  I am not happy.  Replaced it this morning. Also packed the steelhead stuff. Went out to the parking lot for tools.  Dropped the tailgate and my school ring made a funny noise against the metal of the tailgate.   No stone.  I am not happy.  I search high and low, no stone.  Even took the server apart again, looking for it.  No stone.  I am sad. After, I went to the Credit River.  The winds were very high, the water was very high, fast and dirty.  I didn’t catch squat. I really not happy.   Went to the liquor store and bought a distiller’s edition 1984 Cragganmore speysider. Not so sad anymore. Will be tomorrow. Peter

Response:

Oh been there, I guess we all have. Let me share a story with you about a crappy day I had about a year ago. I caught a cat. I bought a StCroix UFT906 rod and hadn’t had it about week when I was practicing my casting a bit in the front yard. Then set the rod against the side of my car. I had a little fly of some sort on there (should have removed it before practicing in the yard). Well the tippett and fly was dangling as I was getting ready to put it up. The cat thought the fly was some sort of new plaything. She grabbed it hooked herself and took off running through my carport. My new 9 foot rod with my Ross Canyon reel went through a 3 foot door. All I saw was the rod come apart. I guess it could have been worse, the only part of the rod that was actually broke the end piece (littlest). Now instead of a 9′ rod it became a 8′6 rod. I did get the piece replaced so its back to 9′. Couple of scratches on the Ross:-( Hang in there good days will acome. At least that is what they tell me. Oh yeah I really thought of killing the cat but I can’t totally blame her. It was hit by a car several months later. michael

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – We have this office.  The biggest branch we have.  It has an NT server with a Raid 5 array and a duplex..  The container keeps getting "lost."  We reloaded the OS two weeks ago.  We put in the manufacturer’s monitoring software.  It went ppffffffth.  The manufacturer says, "Sorry, it can’t be uninstalled."  We have to replace the OS again.  I am not happy.  Replaced it this morning. Also packed the steelhead stuff. Went out to the parking lot for tools.  Dropped the tailgate and my school ring made a funny noise against the metal of the tailgate.   No stone.  I am not happy.  I search high and low, no stone.  Even took the server apart again, looking for it.  No stone.  I am sad. After, I went to the Credit River.  The winds were very high, the water was very high, fast and dirty.  I didn’t catch squat. I really not happy.   Went to the liquor store and bought a distiller’s edition 1984 Cragganmore speysider. Not so sad anymore. Will be tomorrow. Peter

Response:

We have this office.  The biggest branch we have.  It has an NT server with a Raid 5 array and a duplex..  The container keeps getting "lost."  We reloaded the OS two weeks ago.  We put in the manufacturer’s monitoring software.  It went ppffffffth.  The manufacturer says, "Sorry, it can’t be uninstalled."  We have to replace the OS again.  I am not happy.  Replaced it this morning. Also packed the steelhead stuff. Went out to the parking lot for tools.  Dropped the tailgate and my school ring made a funny noise against the metal of the tailgate.   No stone.  I am not happy.  I search high and low, no stone.  Even took the server apart again, looking for it.  No stone.  I am sad. After, I went to the Credit River.  The winds were very high, the water was very high, fast and dirty.  I didn’t catch squat. I really not happy.   Went to the liquor store and bought a distiller’s edition 1984 Cragganmore speysider. Not so sad anymore. Will be tomorrow. Peter

Response:

Question:

I’m planning a 9 day flyfishing trip to the northern Calif area and plan to visit areas like  Hat Creek, McCloud, Truckee, Owens, etc. When would be the best time to do this between early August and October? Thanks.

Response:

Skiroc,    Any time after school starts. Ernie

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m planning a 9 day flyfishing trip to the northern Calif area and plan to visit areas like  Hat Creek, McCloud, Truckee, Owens, etc. When would be the best time to do this between early August and October? Thanks.

Response:

To minimize backroad travel. I would checkout deer hunting seasons on the places you are going. FWIW, if you are going to fish Hat Creek, and maybe wonder on East and fish Fall River, then I suggest you head on East to Alturas in California’s most Northeast county then go South on 395 to Likely California and go East into the Warner Mountains Wilderness area.  They have a Red Band strain of the McCloud Rainbow that is truly a magnificent fish to catch and release. There are a number of lakes and streams in the area that are an easy hike in with float tube.  Due to the sensitive nature of the habitat of these very special animals, this is all of the info I’ll post but for more info e-mail me. Compared to the hordes of folk at Hat Creek, Truckee and Walker, this area will knock your socks off at the lack of people.  I think Alturas, the county seat of Lompoc county has, uh 3 stoplights?  This beautiful part of the West (NW Nevada, SCentral Oregon NE California) is remote 4×4, tent camping off the road fishing on small high mountain streams and high country lakes. Unlike those other places, when the jokers run out of Powerbait here, there aint no 7/11 nearby! Enjoy! John – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m planning a 9 day flyfishing trip to the northern Calif area and plan to visit areas like  Hat Creek, McCloud, Truckee, Owens, etc. When would be the best time to do this between early August and October? Thanks.

Response:

Question:

Can someone direct me to a good web site for information on fishing the many trout streams in PA and NY states?  Thanks.

Response:

Can someone direct me to a good web site for information on fishing the many trout streams in PA and NY states?  Thanks.

Steve, This site has some good info and up to date stream reports posted by anglers. http://www.paflyfish.easetech.com/ Tim

Response:

Can someone direct me to a good web site for information on fishing the many trout streams in PA and NY states?  Thanks.

Steve My site uner ‘Links’ – ‘Destinations’ has about ten links to PA, ME, and VT flyfishing information sites. Cheers Visit The Streamer Page at http://www.cgocable.net/~pcharles/index.html

Response:

Question:

Have I used a slinky? Well no. As an aside, you might try asking Mr G this question…especially if (like me) you’re the type of guy who just can’t resist pouring gasoline on a fire. The ensuing eruption might be fun to watch. I have fly-fished with a similar rig: marshmallow nymphs (ala Fly Tyer’s Bench, Fly Fisherman 199?). Marshmallow nymphs are dynamite. They are soft-bodied modular nymph bodies made from open-cell foam, covered with a fine nylon netting. The open-cell nymph body soaks up enough water to (almost) reach neutral bouyancy. So, if you put a split shot 12-18" up the leader, you have no trouble sinking the fly. But because of a small residual, bouyancy caused by lingering air bubbles in the foam, a marshmallow nymph does float casually upward from the split shot. In other words, you can fish a marshmallow nymph right off the bottom, but it still has a weightless quality that allows it to move naturally, slowly, softly in the water. ….best goddam stonefly nymphs there are. — /* Sandy Pittendrigh                  –oO0  * http://www.nervana.montana.edu/~sandy  */

Response:

Sorry if I missed it, but where can we find "marshmallow nymphs?" (Or better yet, the materials to make them?) Thanks, Scott

Response:

Why use  a slinkie for flyfishing?  I’ve used lots of  weighted (artificial lead wound) wooly buggers, which cast fairly well, get down well, and are very effective for steelhead.  Of course you can vary the weight when tying.  I use these for summer steelhead fishing mostly, since the water is often too fast and deep in Northwest rivers to adequately sink the fly during the winter.

Response:

    Slinkies are indeed a part of spinning or bait casting tackle, not at all to be confused with fly fishing. Remember (as if any of you need reminding), fly casting throws/casts the line, not the lure; bait or spin casting throws/casts the terminal rig. Since slinkies are part of the terminal rig, they are, by definition, bait/spin casting gear.     Mono alone doesn’t cast well, and a fly doesn’t cast well on mono. They are totally different fishing methods (sometimes philosophies), and anyone who tells you he/she is fly fishing while they tie on a slinkie is only kidding themselves. Fishing with flies and a fly rod doesn’t necessarily mean you are fly fishing.You have to be casting your line not your sinker.     I fish with  yarn flies(almost exclusively) for steelies. I alternate between a Loomis 1084 drift rod and a Fenwick IronFeather 9 wgt. I’m not a fly fisherman, it’s just that this combination of gear has worked for me. Everything I use is fly fishing gear, including my Systems2, except my line. All mono. I have all the lines and leaders and krap that fly fishing entails, but for steelhead fishing, the simplicity that mono provides cant be beat. And slinkies aren’t part of my arsenal. Al – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It seems to me that the rig would be easier and more effective using a spinning or bait casting rig. If you want to fish that much weight, a fly rod is not a great cgoice. A similar rig is popular on some of Wyomings big rivers but it is used by spin fishermen. Willi

Response:

On the Salmon River in NY, slinkies have become quite popular for those fishing for salmon & steelhead.   Because the river is chock full of snags of one sort or another, it is frustratingly common to lose your rig.   As often as not, it is the split shot that hangs up; and the flexibility and shape of slinkies seems to reduce this annoying problem.   Up there however, they are made up of 3 or more very large split shot, any one of which could cause a serious head injury. They are used predominantly by spin fishermen and snaggers who dredge the bottom with 30 lb. mono.   Some find that the sensitivity of a fly rod helps them detect strikes, and use these chuck and duck rigs with fly rods. These fishermen use fly rods simply to lob the weights and a fly without ever really casting their line or having the slightest concept or ability to actually fly fish.   Most unfortunately, this is legally considered fly fishing; and these rigs are allowed in the fly fishing only stretches of the river. Sadly, this crap isn’t even necessary.   I have never used one.   The most weight I’ve ever added has been three BB sized split shot.   By casting upstream and mending properly, that’s been more than enough in even the fastest and deepest water.   And no, the spinning guys do not get more hookups; quite the opposite.   With less weight, the strikes are more easily detected. I would support a legal definition of fly fishing that requires that the fly be propelled only by the weight of the line and limiting the allowable amount of added weight.   Whatever everybody wants to do to dredge the river elsewhere is beyond my control, but it ain’t fly fishing and shouldn’t be allowed in fly fishing only areas. Joe

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -On the Salmon River in NY, slinkies have become quite popular for those fishing for salmon & steelhead.   Because the river is chock full of snags of one sort or another, it is frustratingly common to lose your rig.   As often as not, it is the split shot that hangs up; and the flexibility and shape of slinkies seems to reduce this annoying problem.   Up there however, they are made up of 3 or more very large split shot, any one of which could cause a serious head injury. They are used predominantly by spin fishermen and snaggers who dredge the bottom with 30 lb. mono.   Some find that the sensitivity of a fly rod helps them detect strikes, and use these chuck and duck rigs with fly rods. These fishermen use fly rods simply to lob the weights and a fly without ever really casting their line or having the slightest concept or ability to actually fly fish.   Most unfortunately, this is legally considered fly fishing; and these rigs are allowed in the fly fishing only stretches of the river. Sadly, this crap isn’t even necessary.   I have never used one.   The most weight I’ve ever added has been three BB sized split shot.   By casting upstream and mending properly, that’s been more than enough in even the fastest and deepest water.   And no, the spinning guys do not get more hookups; quite the opposite.   With less weight, the strikes are more easily detected. I would support a legal definition of fly fishing that requires that the fly be propelled only by the weight of the line and limiting the allowable amount of added weight.   Whatever everybody wants to do to dredge the river elsewhere is beyond my control, but it ain’t fly fishing and shouldn’t be allowed in fly fishing only areas. Joe

Hey Joe,  I hear ya!! I fish the Salmon River Quite often and find what most fishermen consider fly-fishing in the fly zone ludicrous. I admit that some sort of weight system is needed on the River( Sink tip, split shot??), but the slinky rig is not fly-fishing.  The snags are occuring because of the mass of weight on the leader.  Minimum flow are keeping the river down.  This whole season I didn’t ever add much weight and I am having one of the best years in a while.   It is fast becoming a lost art to actually stategically wade,  cast a fly-line,  mend the line,  and  control the drift through areas suspected to hold Steelhead.  I seldom fish the fly zone.  It is crowded with weight chucking slinky-ites dredging the bottom and foul hooking fish.  I don’t understand how a take can be detected with that rig.  Keep on casting!!  Matt C.  

Response:

It seems to me that the rig would be easier and more effective using a spinning or bait casting rig. If you want to fish that much weight, a fly rod is not a great cgoice. A similar rig is popular on some of Wyomings big rivers but it is used by spin fishermen. Of course, "they’re a fun and a wonderful toy". I missed the original post, what’s a Slinkie in fishing.      - Ken

common drift fishing (gear fishing) weight used by drift fishermen in the northwest.  used by so-called flyfishermen in the great lakes and some in the northwest.  a parachute cord filled with lead shot as burned at both ends to seal it.  hooked to a swivel (since when has using a swivel been part of flyfishing tackle?). sorry guys, i don’t think slinky fishing is flyfishing.  i have nothing against people using the rig, but calling it flyfishing bugs me.  the whole setup uses a level line, so one is actually just flipping, not casting the line like normal flyfishing. flyfishing for steelhead is by itself taking a more difficult way to catch these fish and putting restraints on ourselves because of our tackle choice.  you can catch plenty of steelhead without using slinkies, especially in the northwest. chris

Response:

It seems to me that the rig would be easier and more effective using a spinning or bait casting rig. If you want to fish that much weight, a fly rod is not a great cgoice. A similar rig is popular on some of Wyomings big rivers but it is used by spin fishermen.

Of course, "they’re a fun and a wonderful toy". I missed the original post, what’s a Slinkie in fishing.      - Ken — "It suddenly struck me that that tiny pea, pretty and blue, was the Earth. I  put up my thumb and shut one eye, and my thumb blotted out the planet Earth.  I didn’t feel like a giant. I felt very, very small."                         -Neil Armstrong

Response:

It seems to me that the rig would be easier and more effective using a spinning or bait casting rig. If you want to fish that much weight, a fly rod is not a great cgoice. A similar rig is popular on some of Wyomings big rivers but it is used by spin fishermen. Willi

Response:

Question:

I would like some advice on bite tippets for Blue Fish and other toothy critters – both fresh and saltwater.  I have used various wire type leaders for spin fishing but have no experience with fly fishing for northerns, blue fish etc. Thanks Jim

Response:

For bluefish smaller than 4 pounds you can get away with 30 pound mason or similar hard mono.  Anything bigger and you will wnat singlestrand wire. Cehck out any of the good knot books (Mclane or whoever) for ways to join wire to mono. For spanish mackerel heavy mono is fine.  King macs wire.   Northern pike will let you get away with mono.  there are some who say wire is better because it is thinner.  In my experience it just scares the fish due to shine.  Use clear Mason. Do no use braided wire.  No good at all.

I would like some advice on bite tippets for Blue Fish and other toothy critters – both fresh and saltwater.  I have used various wire type leaders for spin fishing but have no experience with fly fishing for northerns, blue fish etc. Thanks Jim — Flyfish NC                                                   Gordon Churchill http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Rapids/3853                                                                    

Response:

I would like some advice on bite tippets for Blue Fish and other toothy critters – both fresh and saltwater.  I have used various wire type leaders for spin fishing but have no experience with fly fishing for northerns, blue fish etc. Thanks Jim

Hi Jim, I think most fly fishers use wire for Barracudas, Northern Pike, Sharks and Bluefish. For Billfish, Tarpon, Snook and Jacks most use heavy/hard mono. Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY www.kiene.com

Response:

Question:

Hi: Wasn’t able to make my Belize trip this spring and I’m affraid of the variable weather conditions in the Fall, so I’m thinking about Christmas Is.  I like Belize because of the opportunity to catch various species and the Belize River Lodge guides fish you to death, but I’ve never wade fished and they do say one should go to CI before they die.  What kind of weather conditions can one expect between September and November??? Thanks, Adam

It fishes well 12 months of the year and is 100% wading for bones. The Bahamas, Ascension Bay in Mexico,  Turneffe Flats in Belize and Los Roques in Venezuela are also great bonefish destinations. Belize River Lodge has some of the best tarpon fishing in Central America and also has 3 big boats to take you down south for permit. Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY

Response:

Hi: Wasn’t able to make my Belize trip this spring and I’m affraid of the variable weather conditions in the Fall, so I’m thinking about Christmas Is.  I like Belize because of the opportunity to catch various species and the Belize River Lodge guides fish you to death, but I’ve never wade fished and they do say one should go to CI before they die.  What kind of weather conditions can one expect between September and November??? Thanks, Adam

Response:

Question:

     I KNOW, I KNOW!  For reasons I do not need to give here, I cannot fish in the conventional way with a flyrod.  I use the castabubble and 6 ft. leader technique.        If there are any other practitioners of this secret practice, I have some questions.  You can e-mail me secretly and anonymously if you like to keep your closet castabubble practice a secret.      Do I fill up the castabubble completely, or leave some air in it? It seems to make a "wake" on retrieval if there is air in it.  Does this spook the fish?      Do I go  s  -  l  -  o  -  w  , slow, medium, stop and go, or what on retrieve speed.        What kind of flies are the best for this, name and size, please. Do I put floating goop on them to keep them up, or let them become waterlogged and sink?      Do I put a strike indicator, or some tiny float ahead of the fly to keep it up?  If I use large flies like wooly worms, how far down do I let them sink?      I have a secret envy when watching fly fishermen lay that tiny fly down on a ripple way out there.  Just beautiful!  I think sometime they have a secret envy when I show up with $ 20 worth of gear and catch more than they did.      I appreciate all the help.  Steve All replies will be held in the strictest of confidence.

Response:

:      I KNOW, I KNOW!  For reasons I do not need to give here, I cannot : fish in the conventional way with a flyrod.  I use the castabubble and : 6 ft. leader technique.   I can but choose not to most of the time. :      If there are any other practitioners of this secret practice, I : have some questions.  You can e-mail me secretly and anonymously if you : like to keep your closet castabubble practice a secret. No shame in that. I do it quite often when fishing a lake from the shore. It enables me to cast much further out into the lake than with a fly rod when using dry flies or small artificials. :      Do I fill up the castabubble completely, or leave some air in it? : It seems to make a "wake" on retrieval if there is air in it.  Does : this spook the fish? Suit yourself. I generally leave them half full so I can see them. :      Do I go  s  -  l  -  o  -  w  , slow, medium, stop and go, or what : on retrieve speed.   Depends on the lure. With a dry fly I just give it a twitch every once in a while. With a spinner I keep it going fast enough for the blades to spin. :      What kind of flies are the best for this, name and size, please. : Do I put floating goop on them to keep them up, or let them become : waterlogged and sink? Gotta match them to the local conditions. There is no right or wrong answer. :      Do I put a strike indicator, or some tiny float ahead of the fly : to keep it up?  If I use large flies like wooly worms, how far down do : I let them sink? It depends but the Castabubble is all you really need. It’ll take a sudden move just before you feel the strike :      I have a secret envy when watching fly fishermen lay that tiny fly : down on a ripple way out there.  Just beautiful!  I think sometime they : have a secret envy when I show up with $ 20 worth of gear and catch : more than they did. It takes patience and practice. I generally use a fly rod for streams and a Spinning rod for lakes. Other times I take whats easiest to toss in the pickup and head out. BiNM

Response:

    I KNOW, I KNOW!  For reasons I do not need to give here, I cannot fish in the conventional way with a flyrod.  I use the castabubble and 6 ft. leader technique.       If there are any other practitioners of this secret practice, I have some questions.  You can e-mail me secretly and anonymously if you like to keep your closet castabubble practice a secret.

Secret practice?  I’ve probably been using this technique for 15 years though I now do all my flyfishing with a flyrod.     Do I fill up the castabubble completely, or leave some air in it?

Depends on the fly you’re using.  If you’re fishing a dry or wet (grey hackle peacocks are killer with this technique) fill the bubble half to 3/4 full.  You can still chuck it a long way.  If the fish aren’t hitting the surface put on a nymph, streamer, or emerger and fill the bubble up completely.  I used to use the kind of bubbles with just a plastic sleeve in the middle.  I’d run the line through and tie it to a small swivel and then my leader to that.  When the bubble is full it has pretty much a neutral bouyancy and the addition of the swivel and optionally a small split shot will slowely sink it.  Cast it out and use a count down technique before starting your retrieve until you find what depth the fish are.  You can also replace the nymph is a 1-1.5" piece of night crawler and fish it the same way. It seems to make a "wake" on retrieval if there is air in it.  Does this spook the fish?

I don’t think so.  I’ve had some high Sierra brookies hit the bubble on occasion.     Do I go  s  -  l  -  o  -  w  , slow, medium, stop and go, or what on retrieve speed.  

S-l-o-w, when you’re fishing a fly on the surface or just below it, short jerks for nymphs or streamers.     What kind of flies are the best for this, name and size, please. Do I put floating goop on them to keep them up, or let them become waterlogged and sink?     Do I put a strike indicator, or some tiny float ahead of the fly to keep it up?  If I use large flies like wooly worms, how far down do I let them sink?

See above.  The type of fly, whether to use floatant, and the depth are all dependant upon where the fish are feeding.  Rather then use a strike indicator a couple of dots of flourescant paint on the bubble would serve the same purpose, though I’ve never needed to do that. — John Fereira Isis Distributed Systems – Ithaca, NY

Response:

Question:

Does anyone have any information on the conditions of the rivers in the Crested Butte area?

Joe Butler says that both Taylor and Gunnison rivers have been fishing well. He says to use "Egg Flies, Carpet Egg Flies, Mysis Shrimp, Sonefiles, tan shrimp, olive shrimp and orange shrimp. San Juan Worms will pick up a few fish also, as will the 20-incher pattern." "As the water rises from the bigger releases from the dams," says Butler, "the orange shrimp and the San Juans become more effectivbe. Why? Because shrimp that die when they come through the dams turn orange. These free floating morsels of food are easy pickens for the trout below." "The San Juan Worms get lots of attention as the river rises, mainly because the banks along the stream’s edge are getting washed into the river." — |    Liberty Communications — Michael P. Thompson      | |  Writing, editing, desktop publishing, consulting     | |      <http://www.ecentral.com/members/thompson       |

Response:

Does anyone have any information on the conditions of the rivers in the Crested Butte area? Thanks and Regards, Steve

I am planning a colo kayak/fly fish vacation and may be too early as i am forced to go july 17 to 31.  I have been watching the following page like a hawk and the levels are not about to let up !!  only good for kayakers with a death wish! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -http://webserver.cr.usgs.gov/station_data/co_realtime/html/current_li…<<<

Response:

I am planning a colo kayak/fly fish vacation and may be too early as i am forced to go july 17 to 31.  I have been watching the following page like a hawk and the levels are not about to let up !!  only good for kayakers with a death wish!

I’m confident that Colorado rivers will be down and quite fishable by mid July.  Early July is more dubious for fishing (but is probably a better time for floating). — -Wayne Trzyna

Response:

Does anyone have any information on the conditions of the rivers in the Crested Butte area? Thanks and Regards, Steve

Response:

Does anyone have any information on the conditions of the rivers in the Crested Butte area?

It looks like most rivers in Colorado are going to remain blown-out until well into July. — -Wayne Trzyna

Response:

that said, it would still be my *earnest* recommendation to blow off all of the places you’ve ever heard about, get in the car, get a map and head to those places that are green on the map with lots of x’s (indicating BIG mountain peaks) and blues (rivers, lakes and creeks).  Don’t get to hung up on a spot unless you really like it…inquire in the local stores, buy something…plan to hike to your spot…you might find something you weren’t even looking for. Your pal, TimW

   I agree 1000% . It may take a few trips to find what you like, but it’s well worth the "work" !!!   Harry   (See Tim, we don’t always disagree g<)

Response:

Hello All!     Planning a trip with my brother and son the first of August to do some primitive camping and fly fishing.  My brother lives in Denver and we will be launching the "expedition" from his house. <G     What I would like to know is how are the rivers running so far.  My brother and I fished both the Frying Pan and the South Platte two or three times last year, and didn’t do very well at either one.     Ideally we would want someplace that isn’t heavily fished or camped, but where we have a better than even chance of catching a few fish.  We can four wheel it, or some hiking is not out of the question (son just got out of Marine Corps training and we can use him as a mule <G).  Gold Medal Water fishing is not needed, as fishing Gold Metal Water didn’t really help us last year.     Open to suggestions. K. — |Fidonet:  K. Lindholm 1:285/43 | | Standard disclaimer: The views of this user are strictly his own.

Response:

[deleted] Corps training and we can use him as a mule <G).  Gold Medal Water fishing is not needed, as fishing Gold Metal Water didn’t really help us last year.     Open to suggestions.

the gold medal water in colorado generally has a lot of fish…sometimes they just get pucker-headed in August (or anytime…directly proportional to the amount of time, money and planning invested in the trip)….when it warms up…on the other hand, if you nail it just right it can be awesome.   that said, it would still be my *earnest* recommendation to blow off all of the places you’ve ever heard about, get in the car, get a map and head to those places that are green on the map with lots of x’s (indicating BIG mountain peaks) and blues (rivers, lakes and creeks).  Don’t get to hung up on a spot unless you really like it…inquire in the local stores, buy something…plan to hike to your spot…you might find something you weren’t even looking for. Your pal, TimW

Response:

Question:

Thinking of buying a float tube soon, and wanted to know what others thought would be the best one…prices,etc. Any reccomendations would be appreciated. Want to use it in the Mammoth Lakes area, Crowley,etc. as well as for backpacking into outlying mountain lakes. What the heck is the best way to inflate it? Thanks in advance! Will be using the tube for fly fishing…Happy tubing everyone!!

Response:

I don’t know anyone who doesn’t prefer the u-tube desighn I think Cabela’s has the bewst prices I’ve seen. Should bwe some good end of season sales now. I agree-avoid Browning. Caddis or Buck’s Bag make nice tubes.

Response:

writes: Thinking of buying a float tube soon, and wanted to know what others thought would be the best one…prices,etc. Any reccomendations would be appreciated. Want to use it in the Mammoth Lakes area, Crowley,etc. as well as for backpacking into outlying mountain lakes. What the heck is the best way to inflate it?

I’ve had very good luck with my Buck’s Bag.  I also have a Caddis tube that now serves as a spare (for friends, etc.) and it has been going strong for eight years now.  I had a Browning tube that burst the first time I filled it. CHEAP!  I like truck inner tubes, but you should get the urethane bladder as well if you want to backpack with it. I think it cuts 4 pounds off the weight or something.  I fill my tube at the gas station, but you need to be careful.  I also have a foot pump for adjustments.  It’s difficult to fill the tube in Sacramento and have it be exactly right when I get to the mountains.  Don’t want the seams to burst on the way up. I think the shops in Mammoth will rent tubes.  Might be worth trying some. Some people like the U-shaped tubes, some don’t.  Good idea to try one out first. Get it soon.  Crowley should be getting good now.  I was there two weeks ago and it was only fair as far as numbers go, although I did catch a couple of 20" fish. Happy tubing. John Woodling

Response:

Thinking of buying a float tube soon….

I have a suggestion of one tube NOT to purchase.  Buck’s Colt pontoon style.  I love the style, but the boat is not very well designed.  It tends to sit to one side or the other due to the seat flexing which leads to some nasty cramping.  On mine, the PVC tube supports bent horribly and I had to replace them.  The boat is, generally not stiff enough.  It was only $200, maybe that’s the problem??   Buck’s Bullet is a real nice boat for about $300 (spend the extra $100, I wish I had) Brian

Response:

Question:

I’ve got my pole. I’ve got my flies.  I don’t have line. I found a good reference that describes the different types of fly line, but not leaders and backing(?). What is the material for leaders?  How long? How to attach to the fly line? The text also mentioned a backing line. What is it?  How much do I use? How do I attach it to the fly line? I was thinking about learning on blue gills.  Good/ Bad idea? Thanks in advance for all replies! Ed K.

Response:

In case  you haven’t received a reply on line, leaders, etc…Your rod should have a line weight marked some where just above the cork grip. Might be #6 or some such. You’ll need a line matched to that number. The leaders are made of monofiliment. You need one about 7 1/2 feet with a stength of about 6 pound test for sunfish. To the tip of the mono, add about 2 feet of tippet material (mono) with a barrel or double surgeon’s knot. I’d go to a flyfishing store for more help or buy the L.L. Bean Beginners Guide To Flyfishing," written by Dave Whitlock. Sunfish are great to learn on and fish for forever!!

Response: