Question:

It’s been a while since I actually went out for brookies, and I forgot how hard they hit. It was worse than a pike hitting the fly. I landed three in the range of 14-18 inches and almost lost the pole on the first one.

Yowza!  I’m a little familiar with the area and I’ve never even heard of the water you’re talking about.  Thanks for the report – I printed it off for my "files". Regards, Jeff

Response:

I just returned from a trip to Northern Ny and had a blast up there. Had a few days of good fly fishing on some small streams that are not all that popular or even that large. I started out on Plumb Brook near Degrasse, NY. I had a limited amount of luck that day. Too bright out. About the only day of sun for the two weeks I was there.Got hold of a couple of small brookies and some chub minnows. That was it. The brookies ranged from 4-9 inches but they were fun. I finally can say I got one of my own flies to catch a fish. The next day I got out was to Harrisville (my hometown) and to the Oswegatchie River. Not a lot of luck there, but the river was low for this time of year and the browns seemed really spooky this year. Saw about 40 of them, but no takers on any fly tossed at them. Next it was on to the really small streams. You know the ones…only about 1-5 feet across and usually have a couple of beaver dams around them. Well the water level here was way up and the brookies were out in force. As soon as the fly hit the water, they were out of it after it. More often than not, they missed the fly completely. I caught 40 small ones (once again 4-9 inches long) and saw a few flashes that made my mouth water. I was using a #18 willy’s pip in black with a 3/4" tail. This made them mad since they kept missing it in the water rushing over the dam. I switched to a #10 green and grizzly wooly bugger and thats when the big ones started to hit hard. It’s been a while since I actually went out for brookies, and I forgot how hard they hit. It was worse than a pike hitting the fly. I landed three in the range of 14-18 inches and almost lost the pole on the first one. Wasn’t expecting the pole to be jerked so hard. Pulling them from the hole in the dam was a trip. I thouroughly enjoyed all three hours that day. Ususally when you mention NY and fly fishing, the only places you ever hear of are the Delaware, Battenkill,  Ausable and the Salmon Rivers, but I am here to tell you that if you drive from Watertown NY up Route 3 through Harrisville, Fine, Star Lake, and farther up to Lake Placid, you should hit every little tiny creek, stream and river you see. Some of them will make the whole trip worth while. The trout you will encounter will be brookies, rainbows, and browns (some of which are in the 5-8 pound range). Try little river in Star Lake for Browns. Very large and mean. I talked with a man at the TNT tackle shop in Edwards and he told of 18-22 inch brook trout in Plumb Brook and Elm Brook. Gotta love that. Just goes to show that the most popular places aren’t always the best. Hope you get a chance to try out some of the areas in the near future. I will see some of you up there in October. Some browns and salmon with my name on them. Gonna take a first time fly fisher with me to see how he likes a 40 pound salmon on the end of a 7 wt fly rod with only a 10#  tippet. Good fishing all. The worst day on the water beats the best day in the office. Gordo

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Question:

I’ve been looking through USA Today for the past few days during school & noticed Northwest’s advertisements for their new MSP-FBU service and was wondering if anyone knew what type of plane will be used on this run ? DC-10 ? Is there actually the demand for a MSP-FBU flight ? — kev http://www.geocities.com/southbeach/marina/6273/index.html np: something by someone on woxy-97x you can dye your hair, but its the one thing you can change. can’t run away from yourself… -pulp

Response:

I’ve been looking through USA Today for the past few days during school & noticed Northwest’s advertisements for their new MSP-FBU service

Actually it will be MSP to OSL, since Fornebu (FBU) closed last October, and Oslo’s airport is at Gardemoen (sp?) now. and was wondering if anyone knew what type of plane will be used on this run ? DC-10 ?

Yes. Is there actually the demand for a MSP-FBU flight ?

Well, given that the instructions on the pay phones at MSP are also in Norwegian, yes, I think so. This route will also feed Brathens’ hub at OSL for connections to other Scandinavian cities. Northwest flew MSP-FBU in the 70’s and 80’s. -Erik

Response:

I’ve been looking through USA Today for the past few days during school & noticed Northwest’s advertisements for their new MSP-FBU service Actually it will be MSP to OSL, since Fornebu (FBU) closed last October, and Oslo’s airport is at Gardemoen (sp?) now.

Oops. Sorry about that. And is the code for Gardermoen really OSL ? I thought it was GEN. Is there actually the demand for a MSP-FBU flight ? Well, given that the instructions on the pay phones at MSP are also in Norwegian, yes, I think so.

I never knew. Quite fascinating, really. This route will also feed Brathens’ hub at OSL for connections to other Scandinavian cities. Northwest flew MSP-FBU in the 70’s and 80’s.

Why not a MSP-CPH or a MSP-ARN flight instead of a MSP-OSL/GEN flight for connections to other Scandinavian cities ? Is it because of Northwest’s previous experience flying MSP-FBU ? — kev http://www.geocities.com/southbeach/marina/6273/index.html np: something by someone on WOXY-97x. you can dye your hair, but its the one thing you can change. can’t run away from yourself… -pulp

Response:

says… I’ve been looking through USA Today for the past few days during school & noticed Northwest’s advertisements for their new MSP-FBU service Actually it will be MSP to OSL, since Fornebu (FBU) closed last October, and Oslo’s airport is at Gardemoen (sp?) now. Oops. Sorry about that. And is the code for Gardermoen really OSL ? I thought it was GEN.

I would have thought OSL is the city code for Oslo. GEN is or was certainly the airport code for Gardermoen – or maybe they have changed GEN to OSL now that FBU is closed and GEN is a "real" airport? Well, given that the instructions on the pay phones at MSP are also in Norwegian, yes, I think so. I never knew. Quite fascinating, really.

You have to be kidding. MSP? I never heard of any oil, fishing or knitting industry in Minnesota? Northwest flew MSP-FBU in the 70’s and 80’s.

I think they also used to fly ARN-JFK in the 80’s. P-O — Per-Olof Litby Product Mgr, Microsoft Nordic, Box 27, 16493 Kista, Sweden Mobile +46 70 452-2885 Dates in your calendar are closer than they appear.

Response:

Oops. Sorry about that. And is the code for Gardermoen really OSL ? I thought it was GEN

I think it was GEN until FBU was closed, and then became OSL, since it is now Oslo’s one official airport (I am ignoring Torp) Why not a MSP-CPH or a MSP-ARN flight instead of a MSP-OSL/GEN flight for connections to other Scandinavian cities ? Is it because of Northwest’s previous experience flying MSP-FBU ?

Again, I thin it is to hook into Brathen’s system, which is partly owned by NW’s partner KLM. I think that the ORD-CPH and ORD-ARN service that SAS/United offers (and SAS’s control over CPH and ARN) forces "Wings" (NW/Brathens) to OSL. -Erik

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You have to be kidding. MSP? I never heard of any oil, fishing or knitting industry in Minnesota?

You obviously never listen to A Prarie Home Companion on National Public Radio. Quick history:  When the Great Northern and the Northern Pacific were being built, they actively recruited Scandinavians to populate the lands given to them to build the rail lines by the U.S. government (homesteading). Thus, to this day, the prominent heritage of European-Americans who live between Minneapolis and Seattle is Scandinavian (Norwegian, Swedish, Danish, Icelandic, and Finn) -Erik -Erik

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Really?  Where?  I lived there for 15 years and don’t ever recall this.

Next time you are at the airport, look in the main hall.: Northwest flew MSP-FBU in the 70’s and 80’s. Yep, and MSP-ARN as well if I recall correctly.

I think it was a MSP-ARN-FBU triangle. -Erik

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Thus, to this day, the prominent heritage of European-Americans who live between Minneapolis and Seattle is Scandinavian (Norwegian, Swedish, Danish, Icelandic, and Finn)

There’s a strong majority of people of German/Swiss/Austrian descent in some areas as well, though.  Particularly southern and western Minnesota. —                      Written online using slrn 0.9.5.4!                    The Theorem Theorem: If If, Then Then.

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Is there actually the demand for a MSP-FBU flight ?

MSP-OSL yes, because there is only one non-stop a day from Oslo to USA and that is with SAS’s 767. Nice with a timesaving alternative. Anders

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Question:

I have seen an inflatable boat under a wing. Does anyone have info or experiences with this craft. Seems to be the logical choice for the Florida Keys. — Bragging may not bring happiness, but no man having caught a large fish, goes home through the alley. Anonymous http://fish-n-net.com/

Response:

Try SEAIR at     www.seair.com They make a 2 place wieght shift "trike" plane mated to a small hard-bottom inflatible boat with out-rigger pontoons. Their info vido raises a few questions:  The demo pilot flies with a helmet chin strap loose…  Then he flies a bit close to a palm tree, striking a frond with his wing tip! In a recent issue of "Yachting" magazine I saw an ad for a similar Rogollo wing trike mated to a Zodiac type boat. Good luck.  Rocky Kyle

Response:

The plane you are talking about is called a "Polaris" and the one of the sales outlets is in Florida. Dave Loveman http://www.ultralightnews.com – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have seen an inflatable boat under a wing. Does anyone have info or experiences with this craft. Seems to be the logical choice for the Florida Keys. — Bragging may not bring happiness, but no man having caught a large fish, goes home through the alley. Anonymous http://fish-n-net.com/

  ulnews.vcf

< 1K Download

Response:

I have seen such a craft. Call Mike Jacober at Arctic Sparrow aviation in Birchwood Alaska  (I haven’t got the phone number handy – it’s in the book) for more info. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have seen an inflatable boat under a wing. Does anyone have info or experiences with this craft. Seems to be the logical choice for the Florida Keys. — Bragging may not bring happiness, but no man having caught a large fish, goes home through the alley. Anonymous http://fish-n-net.com/

Response:

The phone # I have is 1-800 950-8830 for the Polaris the website is at http://www.polarismotor.it/ Dave Loveman http://www.ultralightnews.com *** Posted from RemarQ – http://www.remarq.com – Discussions Start Here ™ ***

Response:

The plane you are looking for is a Polaris and it can be found at http://www.polarismotor.it/ Dave Loveman http://www.ultralightnews.com – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have seen such a craft. Call Mike Jacober at Arctic Sparrow aviation in Birchwood Alaska  (I haven’t got the phone number handy – it’s in the book) for more info. I have seen an inflatable boat under a wing. Does anyone have info or experiences with this craft. Seems to be the logical choice for the Florida Keys. — Bragging may not bring happiness, but no man having caught a large fish, goes home through the alley. Anonymous http://fish-n-net.com/

  ulnews.vcf

< 1K Download

Response:

Try SEAIR at     www.seair.com They make a 2 place wieght shift "trike" plane mated to a small hard-bottom inflatible boat with out-rigger pontoons. Their info vido raises a few questions:  The demo pilot flies with a helmet chin strap loose…  Then he flies a bit close to a palm tree, striking a frond with his wing tip! In a recent issue of "Yachting" magazine I saw an ad for a similar Rogollo wing trike mated to a Zodiac type boat.

I have a 3-man inflatable but I am in Oklahoma, and I don’t see shipping. No one wants to send loot ahead, and I don’t see trusting them, either. I ask $85 for it, you pick it up. It should carry one man and a trike, with the wheels off.  Mounting it is your problem. Or I might trade for something good. Ham radio, ot rest gear, handgun, machine tools or test gear, whatever. "The learned Fool writes his nonsense in better language, but ’tis still nonsense." B.Franklin ‘Poor Richard Improved’ (1754) Lou H. Prolific inventor, Lousy Salesman, Incompetent businessman. (Typical of the Breed) Looking for both around Tulsa OK, USA

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Question:

What the general consensus on fly floating.  Who makes the best, what’s the best home made mixture and how long (number of casts/minutes) should it last?

Response:

I have always liked Gink.  When it hits the cold water, it thickens up and tends to stay on.  I fish streams quite a bit and it seems to stay on longer/better than most floatants. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – What the general consensus on fly floating.  Who makes the best, what’s the best home made mixture and how long (number of casts/minutes) should it last?

Response:

Dave, I heard Mr. G. made Xink to sink flies because some people put too much Gink on their fly and couldn’t keep them on the water. — Ernie Harrison Remove NOSPAM to send E-Mail Selling my Fly Fishing Books Go to: http://users.ccnet.com/~emh – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – <<What the general consensus on fly floating.  Who makes the best, what’s the best home made mixture and how long (number of casts/minutes) should it last? I have started to use a desicant (drying crystals).  The Orvis brand seems to be the best.  After catching a fish, simply wash off the fly in the stream, put it in desicant, shake, false cast once or twice and you are back in business.  If I *must* use a floatant, it is Gink or Albolene (an unscented cleanser). You can buy a 12 oz jar of Albolene in a drug store and it will last you tens of years.  Don’t ever confuse Gink with Xink, however.  I did — Adam’s sunk like a stone!  ;0) Dave LaCourse

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Gink. Don’t mess round with anything else – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – What the general consensus on fly floating.  Who makes the best, what’s the best home made mixture and how long (number of casts/minutes) should it last?

Response:

What the general consensus on fly floating.  Who makes the best, what’s the best home made mixture and how long (number of casts/minutes) should it last?

At least one very significant mail-order fly fishing catelog and guide service repackages Albolene Face Cream as their house brand of floatant.  It works as well as anything, but if you buy it in the pharmacy it is about $2.99 for 8 ounces, instead of $4.99 for 1/4 ounce. There are really 4 different situations.  1) pretreatment for a newly minted fly.  2) streamside treatment for a fly ready to fish  3) streamside treatment for a wet fly. In situation 1 I like a silicon type penetrating fluid.  It takes too long to dry for streamside use, but does an excellent job of creating a long floating fly. Depending on the fly, at streamside I like either a paste type floatant for elkhair based flies (Elk Hair Caddis, Stimulators, etc…) where the delecacy of the fly is not easily compromised.  If the fly is easily smashed — hackles matted down — I like an aerosol like Osprey brand floatant. Finally, if a fly is drowned and you have to resuscitate it, one of the powder type treatments will work nicely. Depending on the water conditions and how many fish you catch, a well treated fly can keep floating well for a half hour of use.  If in doubt, dry it out.  If you are using the paste type treatment, wipe the extra off your fingers on the last 2 feet of your fly line.  This will help keep the line from dragging the fly underwater. Happy fishin!

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Gink. Hands down.

Response:

<<What the general consensus on fly floating.  Who makes the best, what’s the best home made mixture and how long (number of casts/minutes) should it last? I have started to use a desicant (drying crystals).  The Orvis brand seems to be the best.  After catching a fish, simply wash off the fly in the stream, put it in desicant, shake, false cast once or twice and you are back in business.  If I *must* use a floatant, it is Gink or Albolene (an unscented cleanser). You can buy a 12 oz jar of Albolene in a drug store and it will last you tens of years.  Don’t ever confuse Gink with Xink, however.  I did — Adam’s sunk like a stone!  ;0) Dave LaCourse

Response:

What the general consensus on fly floating.  Who makes the best,

"Gee"……what a question:-) — Bill

Response:

What the general consensus on fly floating.  Who makes the best, what’s the best home made mixture and how long (number of casts/minutes) should it last?

There is no consensus because the best for natural materials (fur and feather fibre) is unlikely to be also the best for synthetics (e.g. polypropylene.)  If they can get the materials they want, many tyers use no floatant at all. — |  Donald Phillipson, 4180 Boundary Road, Carlsbad Springs,  | |        Ontario, Canada, K0A 1K0, tel. 613 822 0734         |

Response:

Question:

planning a four day trip over Bishop Pass with the object of climbing Mt. Sill. I haven’t done it yet, but am planning to by next year. I was planning on five days… day 1 to Dusy Basin, day 2 to Glacier Creek, summit on day 3, back to Dusy Basin on day 4, out on day 5. You might consider this, it makes more sense to me. If you do it in four, I’d love to hear about how it went! Cheers, Kevin

You should be able to do it in three.  South Lake to Barrett Lakes. Sill on day two and back out over Thunderbolt pass and Bishop Pass day three.

Response:

Greetings all, We three not-so-young-but-in-very-good-shape guys with good backpacking experience but no climbing experience are planning a four day trip over Bishop Pass with the object of climbing Mt. Sill. I’ve done some research on this and have found out the SW chutes up Mt. Sill are rated at only class 2 (maybe some avoidable class 3 bits). We like the sound of that. We’ve got a couple questions, though, if anyone has been up that way and has wise words for us. 1) Should we try to camp in the Palisade Basin or go all the way to the Glacier Creek area? We’re not sure how difficult Potluck Pass would be with our packs. As I said, we’re in good shape, but we’re not real mountaineers. 2) Is there fishing in either the Barrett Lakes or in the lake at the head of Glacier Creek? My dad, who’s coming, is a big fly fisherman (though he’s not above using bait if he’s hungry enough and the fishing is really bad). This could influence our decision on where to camp. Mmmmm, trout. 3) Does anyone have any advice on the climb of Sill, other than to make for the Polemonium Glacier and turn NE up the chutes to the top of Sill? We figure we can do this in a long roundtrip with only day packs. We’re right about that, aren’t we? We’re not interested at this time in getting killed or rescued (I suppose we’d take the latter over the former, but the embarassment factor would be awfully high). Thanks so much for any information that might make this a better trip. We’re very excited and look forward to that beautiful late Summer Sierra weather. (We actually attempted this trip three years ago and got snowed out at the trailhead. We ended up driving South and climbing Mt. Whitney instead. That was lucky. So we know we are being a bit risky.) Again, thanks for any tips and I’ll post a trip report when we’re back. Franz —         But now almost finished dissertating in Los Angeles  N.B.: Disguised address; please remove "delete-this." if replying.

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Question:

I would like to know if there is any good flyfishing in NewEngland Jan,Feb,March.

Response:

Matty Boy, I response to your query, I may only speak for Vermont.  The fishing for steelhead and browns can be good but it is unpredictable.  Lewis Creek, the Lamoille and Upper Connecticut are all options when a cold snap is followed by a warm-up.  Your timing has to be right on for it to be productive in terms of fish caught.  Otherwise it could be thought of as being productive in a character-building sense alone. James Ehlers Underhill, VT

Response:

I would like to know if there is any good flyfishing in NewEngland Jan,Feb,March.

As I’m sure others will comment, the swift river in central Mass is a very popular winter fishing site.  The fishing is directly below the Quabbin Reservoir just outside of Belchertown.  If the weather isn’t arctic (i.e. reasonably calm and 25 Degrees or more) there will likely be a midge hatch going on.  The key to matching the hatch is size 24 midge patterns with a dark green thread body.  Lots of big fish, very hard to hook and harder to land.   Stay Warm and keep the ice off of your line! Randy

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Question:

I read the article in the December issue of Fly Fisherman magazine by Tom Earnhardt on fishing for False Albacore off the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The article definitely got me excited, as Earnhardt claims peak fishing months are October and November. Furthermore, he also states several times in the article that it is not necessarily an advantage to have a boat to catch these fish…that many can be caught wading near inlets. My question is, can anybody out there confirm Earnhardt’s information? A friend and I are seriously considering a long weekend trip down there in November, but we sure don’t want to go all that way to wade and catch nothing! (Hiring a boat is simply not possible on our limited budgets.) Thanks, and if you haven’t read the article, check it out! Scott Wilkinson Bethesda, Maryland

Response:

Scott, Tom’s article is correct, sometimes … In the Outer Banks, you can see an incredible range of conditions and therefore widely varying fishing situations, but for the most part, you will be able to cast to a catch albies from the beach. I would suggest contacting a local shop or two in the area you intend to travel to, and find out if the fish have been close in before you go. Try the Hatteras area, the Morehead City area and/or Harkers Island. All can be real hot spots when the fish are bitin’. Good luck, and hang on! Tom Dougherty – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I read the article in the December issue of Fly Fisherman magazine by Tom Earnhardt on fishing for False Albacore off the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The article definitely got me excited, as Earnhardt claims peak fishing months are October and November. Furthermore, he also states several times in the article that it is not necessarily an advantage to have a boat to catch these fish…that many can be caught wading near inlets. My question is, can anybody out there confirm Earnhardt’s information? A friend and I are seriously considering a long weekend trip down there in November, but we sure don’t want to go all that way to wade and catch nothing! (Hiring a boat is simply not possible on our limited budgets.) Thanks, and if you haven’t read the article, check it out! Scott Wilkinson Bethesda, Maryland

Response:

… on fishing for False Albacore off the Outer Banks of North Carolina…

Scott, My son and I were at Harker’s Island this past Sunday.  Breezy, cold and sunny.  A weather front had gone through the following day and the Albert "pop-ups" were scattered.  About 17 boats/rods were FFing most of the day in the Cape Lookout area both inside and outside the "hook."  Some of the big dogs in SWFF were there.  Some folks were flipping spinning rods.  We learned of one fish hooked up all day.  I’ve been in the "hook" on days in November when the entire surface was alive with fish.  Some days you get ‘em, some days you don’t.  A boat would GREATLY improve your chances.  If you come, try to plan several days of fishing to give yourself a shot at one day when everything is "right." Our one day was still better than sitting at home!  You can call John Martyn at Sea and Stream in Durham, NC for info on current fishing conditions (919-403-1604).  He also can put you in touch with Bill Harris or one of the other FF guides in the area if you decide to go that way.  John or Bill would probably give you more accurate, last-minute info about on-the-water conditions than the locals at Morehead or Harker’s. Good fishing!  J. Rice

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Question:

I have been convinced that using dropper flies, though sometimes effective, is not a good practice.  Anyone who has used this technique will attest to the fact the many more fish are foul hooked than on single flies.  Foul hooking is harmful to the fish and adds to the motality rate.

Why would hooking fish in a fin be any harder on them thean hooking them in the mouth? — -Wayne Trzyna

Response:

I’ve heard that nymph fishing can be more productive if one uses two flies. I would like to try this, but need to know where to tie the second fly on the tippet.

There are numerous ways to tie a dropper, but most are not that simple, and they tend to twist, etc.  The easiest and most effective way I’ve found to fish two nymphs is just to tie an additional length of tippet to the bend of the top fly using an improved clinch knot.  I seem to have no problem hooking fish on the top fly with this setup.  A little lead can be added between the two flies to keep them on the bottom.

Response:

The most common two-fly technique that I have heard of is to tie a nymph on 18-24 inches of tippet after your dry fly.  Double clinch knot will do fine. Drag gets increased on the dry and snaggles happen more often, but its a good technique for covering lots of water. Regards, TM — "For the love of the fly, the cycle of spring, and all things that remind us of nature’s cruel dance."

Response:

The most common two-fly technique that I have heard of is to tie a nymph on 18-24 inches of tippet after your dry fly.  Double clinch knot will do fine. Drag gets increased on the dry and snaggles happen more often, but its a good technique for covering lots of water. Regards, TM

Of course, make sure that the local regulations support the use of such a rig.  Maine fishing reg’s on FFO streams do not (single hook only). /dave (just back from a COLD weekend up in the Greater Rangely Area) <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< < Digital Equipment Corp.    Alpha Server Engineering  < <           "Read this and nobody gets hurt"           < <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Response:

I’ve had success tying the tippet for the dropper to the bend of the hook of the upper fly, using an improved clinch.  I like this method because it casts easily without the dropper wrapping around the line, as usually happens to me when I tie the dropper’s tippet to a loop in the leader.

Response:

Only one person has mentioned leaving a tag end on one of your tippet lengths when hand-tying your leader.  And, he suggested a 12" length.  I would recommend a 3" to 4" length, max.  This will tangle less frequently.  I’ve never tried the hook-bend hitch, but would expect the hook to tippet connection to lend itself to cut tippet materials in a battle. Charley

Response:

I’ve heard that nymph fishing can be more productive if one uses two flies. I would like to try this, but need to know where to tie the second fly on the tippet. Additionally, what knot works best for this and how long should the leader for the second fly be? Thanks in advance for any advice.

Hi, Two flies at once is really a good technique, and a time honored thing here in Nova Scotia. The best way if going with two nymphs is to use a dropper. What you do is tie a second fly in at the point of your tippet ( if using a nine foot leader this would be atr about two feet up from the end). Tie about an 8 inch line from this point and your second fly. This puts the second fly about a foot and a bit from the end fly. You need at least this much space to get good presentation. Some people go up even further, but I find this can cause casting problems for the average caster- give it a try though ! I use a Guide’s knot, loopiong the second leader bit behind the knot (if you have a knotless leader, so much the better). Be careful to do this as you will break the line if you tie above the knot of a tippet and happen to get two fish on ! Tight Lines! Bill Curry Tight Lines tackle Shop and Guide Service Lockeport, Nova Scotia

Response:

I’ve never tried the hook-bend hitch, but would expect the hook to tippet connection to lend itself to cut tippet materials in a battle.

never had a problem.

Response:

The neat thing about two flies is that you can try two different patterns or the same pattern at two different depths. The use of two wieghted flies although requiring a more open loop cast can make it much easier to drift along the bottom. I use a tapered knotless leader, 9 foot. To this I tie a tippet section using an improved surgeon’s knot (three turns through before clinching). The dropper fly is tied to the remainder of the tippet section hanging out of the knot. The point fly is tied to the end of the tippet using the Palomar knot.

Response:

The neat thing about two flies is that you can try two different patterns or the same pattern at two different depths. The use of two wieghted flies although requiring a more open loop cast can make it much easier to drift along the bottom. I use a tapered knotless leader, 9 foot. To this I tie a tippet section using an improved surgeon’s knot (three turns through before clinching). The dropper fly is tied to the remainder of the tippet section hanging out of the knot. The point fly is tied to the end of the tippet using the Palomar knot.

This has nothing to do with this post, but I just had to tell you. My friend Ed ties this pattern on a small 3x hook that has 2 extended body comparaduns on the same hook!  Coolest thing I ever saw.   A sunny day,      a box of midges,         and a wandering stream…   Man, this MUST be heaven!   <    Steve Kulpa    <<

Response:

Most folk on Irish Loughs or Scottish Lochs would fish at least two flies and more likely three. The top (bob) fly is usually a bit bigger and very bushy and it is often dragged along the surface of the water, sometimes this can be very effective. Regards, Philip Blair. *** Nation Shall Peak Six Unto Nation. ***

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: The neat thing about two flies is that you can try two different patterns : or the same pattern at two different depths. The use of two wieghted flies : although requiring a more open loop cast can make it much easier to drift : along the bottom. As a kid flyfishing in PA limestone waters(about 25 years ago),  I was taught early on that wet fly fishing was a two to three fly exercise.  For instance, I would tie on a black ant pattern with various egg sack variants as droppers.  On occasion I would hook up with doubles and sometimes triples. I’ve been out west since 1986 and have found very few people that fish "wets".  They’re either nymphers or dry guys.  I’ve always found wet fly fishing to be very effective and fun.  Many happy days on Penns Creek! Sure miss those Pennsy streams, especially Fishing Creek in Centre County (check out the Bellefonte fish hatchery). deibs — Software Systems Quality Consulting           2269 Sunny Vista Drive Phone/Fax (408) 985-4476                         San Jose, CA  95128

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Rigging two, or even three, flies at once is a fairly common technique on western streams as well as elsewhere.  However, recently a lot of comment has been given to whether this is a good practice from the standpoint of the wellfare of our fisheries. I have been convinced that using dropper flies, though sometimes effective, is not a good practice.  Anyone who has used this technique will attest to the fact the many more fish are foul hooked than on single flies.  Foul hooking is harmful to the fish and adds to the motality rate.  This, of course, is not a concern if all fish caught are to be kept and killed, but it is a problem in catch and release streams.                                               Dallas, TX                                               Ennis, MT

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Big fly, little fly. Predator, prey. Light, Dark. Shiny, dull. Two flies at once is quite honorable. Tim Walker

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When fishing the trico spinner fall on the Missouri I use to tie on a #22, which is extremely difficult to see in the water.  Someone suggested tying on a #18 and tying in two sets of wings, making it look like two flys…….works great and is much easier to see and it floats much better. Rick Taylor

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When fishing the trico spinner fall on the Missouri I use to tie on a #22, which is extremely difficult to see in the water.  Someone suggested tying on a #18 and tying in two sets of wings, making it look like two flys…….works great and is much easier to see and it floats much better.

    I saw Jack Dennis on TV not long ago and he suggested fishing midges in     this way.  At the end of a 5x leader tie on a rather large (#12 or 14) dry     fly that is easy to see.  From the eye of that dry fly, tie 18" of fine     tippet onto which is tied your tiny midge.  Fish just as if you were     fishing the large dry fly but strike if you see a rise within 18" of your     large fly.  I thought it was a pretty good idea and a humpy works very     well.       Bob

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I’ve used two flies in many situations -even using a dry as a strike indicator forvery small dries. the easiest and most tangle free method is to use a Duncan loop and tie it to the bend of the first fly. Much less tangles than using a dropper. A dropper can be made by simply tying the tippet knot (blood or surgeons) with a long trailing line- perhaps 12-18 inches. Hope this helps

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I’ve heard that nymph fishing can be more productive if one uses two flies. I would like to try this, but need to know where to tie the second fly on the tippet. Additionally, what knot works best for this and how long should the leader for the second fly be? Thanks in advance for any advice.

I can support the advise of the others who responded.  I have a friend who always tries to use a larger fly at the end of the leader to tie his dropper to.   The reason is that he can tie his dropper to the eye of the larger fly; the eye of the larger fly will have enough room to tie two clinch knots in it.  He claims that it makes it easier to hook fish on the top fly when the dropper is not tied to the bend.  I haven’t noticed any difference but this guy catches lots more fish than most.  

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I’ve heard that nymph fishing can be more productive if one uses two flies. I would like to try this, but need to know where to tie the second fly on the tippet. Additionally, what knot works best for this and how long should the leader for the second fly be? Thanks in advance for any advice.

I have had good success in tying an 18" 6x tipit to the bend in the "top" fly (5x tipit) using a clinch knot. Then tying the "bottom" fly at the end of "18" section. Put your indicator up from the "top" fly to account for whatever depth your seeking. Watch your casting. This system is prone to tangling. The tipit sizes can be different than mine, of course, but make sure that the terminal piece is -1 size smaller than your leader. Good luck Johnny

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I’ve heard that nymph fishing can be more productive if one uses two flies. I would like to try this, but need to know where to tie the second fly on the tippet. Additionally, what knot works best for this and how long should the leader for the second fly be? Thanks in advance for any advice.

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Question:

        I have a few questions regarding fly tying materials, and fly tying for profit.  First, I was wondering if anyone out there might have any suggestions about where I can find large mylar tubing (say, 3/8” diam.) for making saltwater zonkers.  I want to make these flies with a deeper body than my trout flies, but cannot find tubing that will fit the size body I want.         I also would be interested in any suggestions anyone has on selling flies directly to the fishermen, and how I would go about setting up my own fly tying business.  I am especially interested in (cheap) ways to advertize that will be successful.  I tied for local shops over the summer, and have come to the realization that it just isn’t worth it since they only pay me 1/2 the retail price of the flies.  In selling directly to the fishermen, I could undercut the shops’ pirces, but still make more money for myself.  I’m just not sure how to go about setting this up and where I would get extra tyers if the demand proves to be more than I can handle on my own.         In the case that this proves impractical, I’d aslo be interested in any information or comments you might have about companies like "Mc Kensie Fly Co." that buy new fly patterns from tyers and give them a percentage of the profits generated by their sales.  Has anyone out there heard of and/or tried this?         Thank you for taking the time to read through this posting to anyone who had the patience to get to this point, and for any information you might have for me.                                         -Michael Frank

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   I have a few questions regarding fly tying materials, and fly tying for profit.  First, I was wondering if anyone out there might have any suggestions about where I can find large mylar tubing (say, 3/8” diam.) for making saltwater zonkers.  I want to make these flies with a deeper body than my trout flies, but cannot find tubing that will fit the size body I want.

I found some of this size (and several others) in gold, silver, and pearl in my local sewing and crafts shop.    I also would be interested in any suggestions anyone has on selling flies directly to the fishermen, and how I would go about setting up my own fly tying business.  I am especially interested in (cheap) ways to advertize that will be successful.  I tied for local shops over the summer, and have come to the realization that it just isn’t worth it since they only pay me 1/2 the retail price of the flies.  In selling directly to the fishermen, I could undercut the shops’ pirces, but still make more money for myself.  I’m just not sure how to go about setting this up and where I would get extra tyers if the demand proves to be more than I can handle on my own.

Be careful you don’t cut your own throat on this.  As a professional fly tyer, you won’t want to work too hard at driving down the price of flies. Nothing wrong with offering us a bargain, but you’ll make more money in the long run by selling quality than bargain basement.                                    -Michael Frank

Good luck. . Lenny Bloksberg . .

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   I have a few questions regarding fly tying materials, and fly tying for profit.      I also would be interested in any suggestions anyone has on selling flies directly to the fishermen, and how I would go about

Al Troth is the only commercial fly tyer I know of who makes a good living tying flies (and guiding, and other things). The main reason is that he sells all his flies at retail. His total production has been spoken for for years. For every fly he ties, there are 10 people who want to buy it. Trouble is, not every fly tyer is as famous as Al (the inventor of the Elk Hair Caddis, for one). I wonder if free-lance tiers couldn’t form a cooperative of sorts, which would peel off a minimum percentage for advertizing, thus leaving more profit for the tiers. Seems like the net might be a good way to get this going. Although others might complain that advertizing has no place on the net. Royalies? Yeah, that’s the way to go….the only way to make good money with flies. Umpqua Feather Merchants (Glide Or) started the royalties business. Fly designs are not easily patented, and patents are not easily enforced. Umpqua does it for marketing reasons. They like to say that their flies are designed by nationally known fishing personalities. And that’s the catch. It’s not enough to have a good new fly design. You also have to be able to write about it, and get your stuff published. So if you are an author as well as a fly designer, you can make money. They usually pay 10% of the wholesale price…just like a salesman’s commission. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -setting up my own fly tying business.  I am especially interested in (cheap) ways to advertize that will be successful.  I tied for local shops over the summer, and have come to the realization that it just isn’t worth it since they only pay me 1/2 the retail price of the flies.  In selling directly to the fishermen, I could undercut the shops’ pirces, but still make more money for myself.  I’m just not sure how to go about setting this up and where I would get extra tyers if the demand proves to be more than I can handle on my own.    In the case that this proves impractical, I’d aslo be interested in any information or comments you might have about companies like "Mc Kensie Fly Co." that buy new fly patterns from tyers and give them a percentage of the profits generated by their sales.  Has anyone out there heard of and/or tried this?    Thank you for taking the time to read through this posting to anyone who had the patience to get to this point, and for any information you might have for me.                                    -Michael Frank

–

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       I have a few questions regarding fly tying materials, and fly tying for profit.          I also would be interested in any suggestions anyone has on selling flies directly to the fishermen, and how I would go about Al Troth is the only commercial fly tyer I know of who makes a good living tying flies (and guiding, and other things). The main reason is that he sells all his flies at retail. His total production has been spoken for for years. For every fly he ties, there are 10 people who want to buy it. Trouble is, not every fly tyer is as famous as Al (the inventor of the Elk Hair Caddis, for one). I wonder if free-lance tiers couldn’t form a cooperative of sorts,

This is a very good idea, it merits more discussion. which would peel off a minimum percentage for advertizing, thus leaving more profit for the tiers. Seems like the net might be a good way to get this going. Although others might complain that advertizing has no place on the net.

A number of years back I had good success tying through the net. I charged $1.00 per fly, and could barely keep up with the demand. The feedback was positive, the ‘advertising’ wasn’t hard-sell or in-your-face, more like ‘hey, I tie, anybody that’s interested, let me know.’ Royalies? Yeah, that’s the way to go….the only way to make good money with flies. Umpqua Feather Merchants (Glide Or) started the royalties business. Fly designs are not easily patented..

[deleted for brevity]                                        -Michael Frank

Absolutely. I know a guy who has done this, and I believe he does quite well. He’s locally well-known, but certainly not a published or "big name" in the the flyfishing world, like Troth. — Dave Ridge Storage Technology Corp

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Question:

I’m looking for somewhere in Santa Cruz and surrounding areas to throw a dry-fly.  Does anyone know of some place like that … Also, what about catfishing in the local sloughs? Thanks Kim — With a Double Espresso and a British Motorcycle …  |               |_      —-/   / /___   /  |       DoD#    /        –/—       / /—|       800880  /__/       /___/ _____/ /    |

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I’m looking for somewhere in Santa Cruz and surrounding areas to throw a dry-fly.  Does anyone know of some place like that …

You could throw a dry fly in the ocean but you’re not likely to catch anything.  The best place I can think of offhand would be Loch Lomand Reservoir in Felton. If you get there really early in the morning you might pick up a trout or two.  A few years ago I was catching tons on bluegill on wet flies casting from a canoe.  There’s some nice largemouths in the coves as well.  You’d have to wait till next season but you can pick up some steelhead in the San Lorenzo river and Scott creek, north of Davenport. I can’t really think of any good streams in the vicinity that would provide dry fly fishing.  No legal ones anyway. Your best bet is to head to the Sierra. Also, what about catfishing in the local sloughs?

I know a 19lb. catfish was caught out of Loch Lomand as well a couple of years ago.  I don’t know of any sloughs in the Santa Cruz area but the Delta is full of them. John – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Thanks Kim — With a Double Espresso and a British Motorcycle … |               |_      —-/   / /___   /  |       DoD#    /        –/—       / /—|     800880  /__/       /___/ _____/ /    |

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