Question:

My wife and I are looking to spend that last three weeks in Nov on the White River fly fishing.  We would prefer a cabin on the river and would posibly like a guide or two while there.  Does anyone have a suggestion of lodging and guide? — Stay connected, Carl D. Sgro

Response:

Carl – I would Highly recommend the Fulton’s lodge – Dale and Rona have a nice situation going – I have stayed there many times and they are the hosts for SRG(Southern Rodmakers Gathering) – here is a link with their info – http://www.mtnhome.net/fultons/ Wayne

Response:

Carl – I would Highly recommend the Fulton’s lodge – Dale and Rona have a nice situation going – I have stayed there many times and they are the hosts for SRG(Southern Rodmakers Gathering) – here is a link with their info – http://www.mtnhome.net/fultons/ Wayne

I have stayed at Dale Fulton’s place too and will be back again.  He also owns a nice fly shop there in MT Home, called Blue Ribbon. You will need to call ahead though as it is a popular place.  Well situated for both the White and the N.Fork River nearby (when the generators hose up the water and you’re without in the boat dept.) If you get the chance make a date to hit the Rainbow Lodge on the Little Red too.  Nice large trout and good access. K

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Question:

Hey Folks, Does anyone have any advice on where to go in Southern Wisconsin for a short flyfishing trip. Don’t know much about the area and I’m traeling from Western Indiana. Thanks in advance. Elliott

Response:

"ilmbaba" wrote… Hey Folks, Does anyone have any advice on where to go in Southern Wisconsin for a short flyfishing trip. Don’t know much about the area and I’m traeling from Western Indiana. Thanks in advance. Elliott

What is your definition of Souther Wisconsin? What is your definition of a short flyfishing trip? Are you fishing for trout or other species? From Madison west to the Mississippi. From 30 miles south of Madison to over 100 miles north of Madison are 100 trout streams or more. Contact the Wisc. DNR. Contact the Madison Chapter of TU.   Get on the web and do a search.   You’ll find something I’m sure. Good luck. Joel Axelrad **DFD**

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – "ilmbaba" wrote… Hey Folks, Does anyone have any advice on where to go in Southern Wisconsin for a short flyfishing trip. Don’t know much about the area and I’m traeling from Western Indiana. Thanks in advance. Elliott What is your definition of Souther Wisconsin? What is your definition of a short flyfishing trip? Are you fishing for trout or other species? From Madison west to the Mississippi. From 30 miles south of Madison to over 100 miles north of Madison are 100 trout streams or more. Contact the Wisc. DNR. Contact the Madison Chapter of TU.   Get on the web and do a search.   You’ll find something I’m sure. Good luck.

Or you could just contact Wolfgang since he thinks telling everybody about the streams he fishes is okay.  He doesn’t mind the impact and enjoys the company. Perhaps he can even recommend some good books or magazines too. — Warren change addy to yahoo for email Henry’s Fork Clave info and Bozeman, MT fishing info http://www.geocities.com/troutbum_mt3/HFclave.html

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – "ilmbaba" wrote… Hey Folks, Does anyone have any advice on where to go in Southern Wisconsin for a short flyfishing trip. Don’t know much about the area and I’m traeling from Western Indiana. Thanks in advance. Elliott What is your definition of Souther Wisconsin? What is your definition of a short flyfishing trip? Are you fishing for trout or other species? From Madison west to the Mississippi. From 30 miles south of Madison to over 100 miles north of Madison are 100 trout streams or more. Contact the Wisc. DNR. Contact the Madison Chapter of TU. Get on the web and do a search. You’ll find something I’m sure. Good luck. Joel Axelrad **DFD**

Sorry for being so vague. Southern Wisconsin would be from a little above Madison or so. I am aiming for trout (or getting laughed at by same said trout). Short would be two to 2 1/2 days including travel. I have done alot of research and there are, as you said, alot of streams. I guess what I’m looking for is info from folks that have fished some of them and if anyone has an idea of which ones to try first or avoid.

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Question:

"Mona" <thehappyw…@myrealbox.com> wrote in message

news:af4vqd$b5noo$10@ID-95032.news.dfncis.de… > <snicker snort> So basically…MS was the gulf war syndrome of WW > II, where passenger pigeons were frequently used.. > — > Laura

LOL  8^) Rob

Response:

"Michael" <muirh…@island.net> wrote in message

news:af53n602v6@drn.newsguy.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> In article <wFiR8.22952$uH2.2…@newsread1.prod.itd.earthlink.net>, "Stef > says… > >"Michael" <muirh…@island.net> wrote in message > >news:af45gj018ce@drn.newsguy.com… > >> In article <iagR8.22066$uH2….@newsread1.prod.itd.earthlink.net>, "Stef > >says… > >> That would make the Queen Charlotte > >> Islands among the greatest MS hotspots on the planet… which I can assure > >you > >> they are not now, nor have they ever been. > >Why would it make Queen Charlotte a hot spot?  Whats the weather like? What > >state is it in even? > You’ve shown your ignorance of so many things in the post to which I’m replying > that I have to just pick one and stick to it… so I’ll pick the one I like to > talk about. > I’ve got news for you, Rob.  Not every place on Earth is in a US State.

I know you arent American. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> The Queen Charlottte Islands are a Canadian island archipelago in the North > Pacific, centred at 53

Question:

Wow, poignant. Too late wise, too soon old… — XLK9 Citizen Fisherman – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – If time could be bartered for gold, all the treasure that I have amassed, I would give up thrice tenthousandfold, to relive some things that are past, how my heart beat when we first met. I stammered,  my knees went weak, bewitched by each gesture and word, myself hardly able to speak.

Response:

(snippage of time grudgingly) TL MC

I can feel a great deal of empathy with that, Mike.  Conjures memories, stories of times past, stories of times to come.  Once these times have been spent, it is not time lost, but time which serves our memories again and again. Wayne to fish is human…to release Divine!!

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If time could be bartered for gold, all the treasure that I have amassed, I would give up thrice tenthousandfold, to relive some things that are past, how my heart beat when we first met. I stammered,  my knees went weak, bewitched by each gesture and word, myself hardly able to speak. Our first walks down by the river, how you were annoyed at my wishing, that instead of just walking and talking, we could linger awhile, and go fishing.

– snip — What a wonderful expose! It took me immediately to those moments back in 1962 when I was courting my lifelong partner. We have raised three children who all enjoy and appreciate the wonders of the out-of-doors. Today we still enjoy the rigors of tent camping, fishing, hiking and birdwatching. But, perhaps the greatest joy is now enjoying all of this with the newest generation. I had a chance to go fishing with my five year old granddaughter this past weekend. I was in seventh heaven and all because of the two people whose hearts shared those things that are natural. Thank you Mike. WLM

Response:

If time could be bartered for gold, all the treasure that I have amassed, I would give up thrice tenthousandfold, to relive some things that are past, how my heart beat when we first met. I stammered,  my knees went weak, bewitched by each gesture and word, myself hardly able to speak. Our first walks down by the river, how you were annoyed at my wishing, that instead of just walking and talking, we could linger awhile, and go fishing. The first time we actually fished, and you of course, caught far more than I, I did not stage it at all, my thoughts were elsewhere, than my cast and my fly How many more such days will there be?  together, just you and me, will we walk hand in hand by the stream?  happy and laughing and free. Time

Question:

I really don’t like tying much but find it to be the price I pay for pursuing my passion.  I really enjoy fishing beadhead patterns and they are really easy to tie except for one thing…. getting the blankety, blanking bead around the bend in the hook.  I am trying to use too small a bead or is there a secret I am missing out on.  For example I use a 1/8th inch tungsten bead for a size 14 for hook and I pinch the barb before I put the bead on.  Once I get them on, they are easy to secure in place and I like the size of the pattern. Going crazy at the tying bench Mike

Response:

Going crazy at the tying bench

Put the point of the hook in the small side of the hole in the bead and it will turn around the bend easier. — Charlie…

Response:

Put the point of the hook in the small side of the hole in the bead and it will turn around the bend easier.

Yeah…for sure…but some bead diameters will simply not make the bend easily either. Ya gotta just find a combination of bead sizes/hook sizes/bends that works out for ya… — TimW, Halfordian Golfer "A Cash Flow Runs Through It…" "Guilt replaced the creel…" B.M.P.I.A.

Response:

Ya gotta just find a combination of bead sizes/hook sizes/bends that works out for ya…

Which should include a 1/8" bead on a #14 hook… — Charlie…

Response:

I really don’t like tying much but find it to be the price I pay for pursuing my passion.  I really enjoy fishing beadhead patterns and they are really easy to tie except for one thing…. getting the blankety, blanking bead around the bend in the hook.  I am trying to use too small a bead or is there a secret I am missing out on.  For example I use a 1/8th inch tungsten bead for a size 14 for hook and I pinch the barb before I put the bead on.  Once I get them on, they are easy to secure in place and I like the size of the pattern. Going crazy at the tying bench Mike

Some thoughts. Hook type:  Mustad 3906 or 9271 work better than the Tiemco R series or some of the Diaichis as they don’t have a "corner" in the gape. If they almost make it but don’t quite, don’t be afraid to bend the hook slightly.  I put my bead heads on by clamping the shank of the hook in the jaws of my vise with the hook point up then slipping the bead on.  If the bead won’t get past barb, I’ll tap it past by slipping a half-hitch tool over the point and on to the bead, then tapping the other end of the tool to force it past the barb.  If I can get it past the barb but not the bend, I slip the bead on then clamp the point in the vise and pull back slightly on the shank.  Usually the bead then slips around the bend easily and if you don’t pull too hard on the shank, the hook returns to it’s normal shape.  I normally do 10 or 20 at a time before I begin to tie.   To make matters easier, I have an old Integra vise (a Regal knock-off) that clamps and releases with a squeeze of a lever.  Very quick and easy for this sort of thing.  It would be more of a fiddle on the Renzetti. Cheers Visit The Streamer Page at http://members.home.net/pcharles/streamers/index.html

Response:

<< Hook type:  Mustad 3906 or 9271 work better than the Tiemco R series or some of the Diaichis as they don’t have a "corner" in the gape. I am using a Mustad 39068 hook and I also have the 9271.  I have been bending the hook a bit to get it around the corner but figured that maybe I was going too small on the bead.   Thanks for all the information guys. Mike Mike Wilson Fishing!! What else is there?

Response:

Peter: Thanks for making something easy for the newbies. It is funny how great minds come to the same conclusions…I would hate to admit how many years of frustration it took for my feeble mind to figure all that out. Big Dale

Response:

I use a Tiemco 3761 or 3763 and have no problems whatsoever in getting the bead around the bend. Btw – I have the same Integra, great vise for the money! Herman – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Some thoughts. Hook type:  Mustad 3906 or 9271 work better than the Tiemco R series or some of the Diaichis as they don’t have a "corner" in the gape. If they almost make it but don’t quite, don’t be afraid to bend the hook slightly.  I put my bead heads on by clamping the shank of the hook in the jaws of my vise with the hook point up then slipping the bead on.  If the bead won’t get past barb, I’ll tap it past by slipping a half-hitch tool over the point and on to the bead, then tapping the other end of the tool to force it past the barb.  If I can get it past the barb but not the bend, I slip the bead on then clamp the point in the vise and pull back slightly on the shank.  Usually the bead then slips around the bend easily and if you don’t pull too hard on the shank, the hook returns to it’s normal shape.  I normally do 10 or 20 at a time before I begin to tie. To make matters easier, I have an old Integra vise (a Regal knock-off) that clamps and releases with a squeeze of a lever.  Very quick and easy for this sort of thing.  It would be more of a fiddle on the Renzetti. Cheers Visit The Streamer Page at http://members.home.net/pcharles/streamers/index.html

–         Cheers, Herman         Herman Nijland         Daytime webmaster         Lifetime flyfisher

Response:

<< Hook type:  Mustad 3906 or 9271 work better than the Tiemco R series or some of the Diaichis as they don’t have a "corner" in the gape. I am using a Mustad 39068 hook and I also have the 9271.  I have been bending the hook a bit to get it around the corner but figured that maybe I was going too small on the bead.   Thanks for all the information guys. Mike Mike Wilson Fishing!! What else is there?

BTW, forgot to mention that since dry fly hooks are smaller gauge, slipping on a bead is easier.  Since you’re using a bead, there’s less need for the heavy wire of a 3906B. Peter

Response:

I use a Tiemco 3761 or 3763 and have no problems whatsoever in getting the bead around the bend. Btw – I have the same Integra, great vise for the money! Herman

Ya, it’s the R series that are the pain.  (I’ll never get rid of the Integra despite the worn jaws.) Peter

Response:

Make sure you use beads with the hole countersunk on one side.  You can go mad trying to get beads onto hooks which do not have this countersinking. Use round bend hooks. If necessary bend the hook slightly to facilitate placing the beads. Put the point of the hook in the hole on the small side. If you just wish to use the beads as weight, and for no other reason, use split shot. Clamp these on the hook using a pair of pliers. Do about ten or twelve like this, then mix up a little epoxy and put a tiny drop over the shot. If you want paint them gold or silver when dry. The coloured nail varnish available is good for this. Try bright red and green etc, as well, you might be pleasantly surprised. These things are indestructible, you can use practically any size bead, and they are a lot cheaper than buying the drilled beads, a good thing, as one tends to lose quite a few such weighted flies on various hang-ups. TL MC — "In order to achieve what is possible, one must constantly attempt the impossible" http://www.mikeconnor.de

Response:

Another interesting tactic is to use the bead, or split shot, as the thorax of the nymph.  You might want to dub around it a bit or wrap leg hackle, but otherwise just pull the wing case over the bead or shot.  The nymph is proportioned better and weighted the same, yet looks more natural. Regards, Jeff

Response:

Another interesting tactic is to use the bead, or split shot, as the thorax of the nymph.  You might want to dub around it a bit or wrap leg hackle, but otherwise just pull the wing case over the bead

This is the method I use for Mayfly and Stonefly nymphs, and I have been pleased with the results. George Adams "From the rockin’ of the cradle to the rollin’ of the hearse, the goin’ up was worth the comin’ down." ___Kris Kristofferson "The Pilgrim/Chapter 33"

Response:

Thanks for the great Idea Mike! I have been using the tungsten beads and whenever I lose one I feel like crying!!! This will be one idea that I will try out this spring and summer for sure. The cost of some of the bead heads is unreal, and when I want to get down fast this should be able to rid some of the excess weight I have on the line. ,many thanks from a newbie Pierre – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Make sure you use beads with the hole countersunk on one side.  You can go mad trying to get beads onto hooks which do not have this countersinking. Use round bend hooks. If necessary bend the hook slightly to facilitate placing the beads. Put the point of the hook in the hole on the small side. If you just wish to use the beads as weight, and for no other reason, use split shot. Clamp these on the hook using a pair of pliers. Do about ten or twelve like this, then mix up a little epoxy and put a tiny drop over the shot. If you want paint them gold or silver when dry. The coloured nail varnish available is good for this. Try bright red and green etc, as well, you might be pleasantly surprised. These things are indestructible, you can use practically any size bead, and they are a lot cheaper than buying the drilled beads, a good thing, as one tends to lose quite a few such weighted flies on various hang-ups. TL MC — "In order to achieve what is possible, one must constantly attempt the impossible" http://www.mikeconnor.de

Response:

If you don’t need the weight, try using glass beads that you can get from a craft store.  I use a clear glass bead to simulate an air bubble under the shell.  I use this mainly in a variation of a Prince Nymph that I tie with a crimson trailing shuck.  Works pretty well in the float tube. Jeff – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – If you just wish to use the beads as weight, and for no other reason, use split shot. Clamp these on the hook using a pair of pliers. Do about ten or twelve like this, then mix up a little epoxy and put a tiny drop over the shot. If you want paint them gold or silver when dry. The coloured nail varnish available is good for this. Try bright red and green etc, as well, you might be pleasantly surprised. These things are indestructible, you can use practically any size bead, and they are a lot cheaper than buying the drilled beads, a good thing, as one tends to lose quite a few such weighted flies on various hang-ups. TL MC

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Question:

[stuff I agree with snipped] With the Fuji’s you don’t really lose anything over a conventional snake guide, but you pick up some advantages.

[more good stuff snipped], but… one thing about snake guides is that for a given "size", the hole is actually "bigger" than a comparably sized Fuji guide since the Fujis are closed circles and the snakes are helical. My experience is that knots and tangles more easily shake free through snakes than through Fujis.  However, with knots that have a tag end that sticks out a little, the snakes (since they are thin wires) tend to grab them more often than do the Fujis.   Mu

Response:

I don’t know about wood grips outside of cork, but for guides, go with the Fuji ring guides.  I learned something this weekend that will help a bit even with them.  If you use 3 or more of the LSG-7J’s, make the one nearest the tip a UNSG-7J, on a 9′ rod use this guide for your last 2.  Also use an FST-7 tip.  These guides and tip are part of Fuji’s new concept line, and while the ring size remains unchanged, the ring height is lower, helping to bring the line closer to the blank in the last foot or so of the rod rather than all at once between the last guide and the tip.  The frame on the UNSG is also lighter than that of the LSG. If you want to use single leg wire guides, go for one that is coated rather than plated.  Plating will almost always peel, while coated (metal sprayed) guides should last quite a while.  There are many varieties of coatings available today and it’s a six of one, half a dozen of the other situation as to which is best.  As long as they come from a reputable source, you can choose for color and still get a great performing guide.  For salt water applications, I would go with a wire guide of some sort.  The insert guides will foul with salt buildup much quicker than wire guides. A good place for wood on a fly rod is in the reel seat.  For a 3 wt, a cork or wood seat with rings would be the thing to have.

Response:

For salt water applications, I would go with a wire guide of some sort.  The insert guides will foul with salt buildup much quicker than wire guides.

I’ve heard that before.  I wonder why it’s so.  Is it just becasue there is greater surface area on a ceramic guide? Mu

Response:

I’ve heard that same thing, but I’ve fished both types of guides quite a lot in salt water and have never found there to be much of a difference.  in either case, if salt DOES crust up on the guides, just swish it through the water back and forth a couple of times and it will be clear again. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – For salt water applications, I would go with a wire guide of some sort.  The insert guides will foul with salt buildup much quicker than wire guides. I’ve heard that before.  I wonder why it’s so.  Is it just becasue there is greater surface area on a ceramic guide? Mu

Response:

I am in the process of building my ulitmate lightweight rod and I have the ability to examine a few options I haven’t been able to afford in years past. I have never fished with a rod that has a wood handle but I like the look of the rods that are built with them.  Is Cocobolo or rosewood going to add significant weight to a 3 wt. rod compared to cork?  Any disadvantages to fishing with wood vs. cork handles?  Do they get uncomfortable after awhile? Next question.  I think I want to build this rod with single foot guides vs. double.  Again, I have never owned a rod with single foot guides.  The reduction in weight and the increased flexibility in the rod are attractive traits to gain.  What do I loose compared to a double foot guide? Last question.  I have had a fly shop owner try to tell me that the gold guides wear out a lot faster then the titanium coated guides.  Has anybody had first hand experience with this or was he just trying to sell me what he had vs. losing my buisness. Thanks

Response:

– "In order to achieve what is possible, one must constantly attempt the impossible" http://www.mikeconnor.de

I am in the process of building my ulitmate lightweight rod and I have the ability to examine a few options I haven’t been able to afford in years past. I have never fished with a rod that has a wood handle but I like the look of the rods that are built with them.  Is Cocobolo or rosewood going to add significant weight to a 3 wt. rod compared to cork?  Any disadvantages to fishing with wood vs. cork handles?  Do they get uncomfortable after awhile?

Complete wooden handles get slippery and difficult to hold very quickly, especially after handling fish or with wet hands. They also feel much colder to the touch, and the sensation of cold hands is very unpleasant after a while. Next question.  I think I want to build this rod with single foot guides vs. double.  Again, I have never owned a rod with single foot guides.  The reduction in weight and the increased flexibility in the rod are attractive traits to gain.  What do I loose compared to a double foot guide?

Basically some stability.  If you knock a single foot ring it will be more liable to slip than if you knocked a double foot ring. There is no appreciable increase in flexibility when using single foot as opposed to double foot rings.  The best rings for small lightweight fly-rods are probably snakes. Last question.  I have had a fly shop owner try to tell me that the gold guides wear out a lot faster then the titanium coated guides.  Has anybody had first hand experience with this or was he just trying to sell me what he had vs. losing my buisness.

Gold plated guides are useless, gold is a very soft metal, and will wear out in no time.  Titanium nitride is a gold coloured coating often used to protect HSS cutting surfaces. It is commonly used in industry for the tips of drill bits and similar tools as it is extremely tough and hard. Many modern guides have this protective coating.  Various oxides of metal are used as protective coatings for various metals, aluminium oxide for instance, among others. These vary in colour, but in the natural state are usually a dull grey. Many modern high performance guides have highly polished ceramic inserts made of sintered ceramic/metal oxide mixtures. Some snake rings are coated with special coatings, such as Titanium nitride for toughness and hardness. Practically any top quality guides from a reputable maker are suitable for fly-rods. Many people like the Fuji titanium guides or the gold cermets, which are expensive, but according to many people the best available. The URL is    http://www.fujitackle.com/eindex.html Further info is at :   http://www.mudhole.com/docs/fuji.html and  :   http://www.shofftackle.com/fujialum.html This should provide all the information you require. TL MC

Response:

Wooden handles are also a lot heavier than cork handles. ( I forgot that in the previous post ).  Often a combination of hardwood and aluminium is used as a butt and reel seat, with cork as the grip. One other URL which might be of interest to you is : http://www.jannsnetcraft.com — "In order to achieve what is possible, one must constantly attempt the impossible" http://www.mikeconnor.de

Response:

Practically any top quality guides from a reputable maker are suitable for fly-rods. Many people like the Fuji titanium guides or the gold cermets, which are expensive, but according to many people the best available.

I use the Fuji’s (cermets) on my 5wt. They absolutely sing. Flexability isn’t necessarily the issue, it’s drag on the line. Fuji’s have much less drag than snake eyes. Flyfish

Response:

I am in the process of building my ulitmate lightweight rod and I have the ability to examine a few options I haven’t been able to afford in years past. I have never fished with a rod that has a wood handle but I like the look of the rods that are built with them.  Is Cocobolo or rosewood going to add significant weight to a 3 wt. rod compared to cork?  Any disadvantages to fishing with wood vs. cork handles?  Do they get uncomfortable after awhile?

I wouldn’t advise the wooden handles.  I’m an avid woodturner as well as a flyfisherman, and I’ve tried to do this in the past.  Wooden handles are hard on the hands, tend to be slippery, and are cold in the winter.  They also have a tendency to absorb water and check/distort.  Lastly, they are rigid, which can be a problem, especially with slower action light rods.  A cork handle will flex with the blank, while a wooden handle will remain rigid and concentrate stress at the upper end of the handle where the blank exits. Next question.  I think I want to build this rod with single foot guides vs. double.  Again, I have never owned a rod with single foot guides.  The reduction in weight and the increased flexibility in the rod are attractive traits to gain.  What do I loose compared to a double foot guide?

This is a religious issue.  I build a lot of rods, and personally I prefer the Fuji single-foot guides.  I don’t recommend the "single-foot snake" guides that have shown up in the last few years, as I’ve found them to add little value and to be a bit fragile.   With the Fuji’s you don’t really lose anything over a conventional snake guide, but you pick up some advantages.  Among these are fewer wraps, which will reduce both time to build the rod and weight.  You also get better line control, improved shooting characteristics, and longer life from the guides.  Keep in mind, though, that’s my opinion – your mileage may vary. Last question.  I have had a fly shop owner try to tell me that the gold guides wear out a lot faster then the titanium coated guides.  Has anybody had first hand experience with this or was he just trying to sell me what he had vs. losing my buisness.

I’m not aware of a true "gold-coated" guide.  The golden colored guides that I’ve seen are plated with titanium nitride, which will substantially improve their wear resistance.  Personally, I tend to use Fuji’s solid titanium frame guides, with a silicon carbide insert ring.   They’re lighter than snake guides, and the titanium frames are virtually immune to corrosion – something to consider for extremely light rods or those that will be used in salt water environments. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Thanks

Response:

I use the Fuji’s (cermets) on my 5wt. They absolutely sing. Flexability isn’t necessarily the issue, it’s drag on the line. Fuji’s have much less drag than snake eyes.

I’ll second that! They are bloody expensive, but I have Fuji cermet lined titanium framed rings on only three of my rods – the three that I use most. In future, I probably wouldn’t bother specifying Ti frames on the big butt stripping rings (or the next one up) since these guides are so far back down the rod and close to the rod hand that the few grammes saving in mass makes bugger all difference to anything. Tight Lines, Tony Deacon

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Question:

Hi all, Just got back from the Maine Clave. While it was great to renew acquaintances from last years and make some new ones events of the week put a damper on things. The fishing was good and I was able to escape on the river. It was good not to have TV for the past three days. Driving home I saw the con trail of a jet and thought that things were starting to return to the daily routine. But, then I stopped to wonder how many kids no longer have parents to take them fishing. Paul

Response:

I was on the river near the dam when April, the dam keeper’s wife, began shouting at me to get out of the river and away from the dam.  She was extremely excited and agitated.  I gestured to John Russell who was fishing a little down-stream from me. We went to the dam keeper’s house to watch the news reports.  I was shocked at what I saw.  Simply unbelievable.  I knew that my life was to be changed drastically because of what was happening, and  I was immediately concerned because three roffians were at that moment flying – wayno, jeff miller, and Indian Joe.  Finally, finding out that the hijacked flights originated in Boston and Newark, we were at least somewhat relieved that our fishing buddies weren’t on the aircraft.   The briefest of trip reports follows mentioning those that attended,  in order of arrival: Stan Gula:  Stan’s knees were bothering him and he didn’t get to fish much, but at least he was there and having fun. John Russell:  JR flew from Oregon.  A gentle and sincere man, he caught fish on the Rapid.  After the WTC horror, John became concerned because a brother lived in NYC.  He eventually found him safe.  I hope I can fish with JR in the future. Vince Norris:  Another gentle and sincere man that I had the pleasure of meeting during May’s Penns Clave.  Vince flew his own aircraft to the clave, landing at Berlin, NH.  We were concerned that he would not be able to take off on Friday, but apparently the skies were cleared by then. Bill Laverty:  Vince’s friend who arrived with Vince.  First time fly fishing. He spent much of his time spin fishing in the lake. Dave Bottom:  This guy knows more about Maine fishing than any person I know. It was great seeing him again, and he and I will fish the Kennebec together next month. Dave Tatosian:  Has been to several claves.  Knows the river well.  Caught some fish. Dave Price:  AKA Nice Dave.  Tied flies, fished, caught fish, tied flies, fished, caught fish.  Great guy to be around. Paul Goodwin:  Got some nice trout and salmon on his home-made boo rod, with iddy biddy flies. Peter Charles and his wife Joanne:  Peter got to try some new streamer patterns and was successful by landing a nice (3 lb ?) brookie out of 2nd current.  I had the pleasure of netting it for him.  Joanne kept us in stitches with her humor and wonderful personality.  I will steelhead fish with Peter in October/Nov. Jeff Miller:  After much concern and worry, Jeffy shows up on Wednesday driving a 15 passenger van rented from the airport in Baltimore.  He fished the river NC style and was very successful.  Kessie watched out for his nutritional needs. Indian Joe:  Arrived with Jeff.  Full of jokes and humor.  I hope he caught fish because I did not spend any time with him. Joanne and me:  If it wasn’t for Joanne, we wouldn’t have had all those wonderful snacks every evening.  Me?  I managed to catch a few and had a good time drinking Peter Charles’ birthday present (18 year old  Scotch)  The bonfire was canceled for Wednesday evening because of the tragedy in NY.  All agreed we should have it, so on Thursday eventing Harry the dam keeper got a good blaze going.    Great fire. Great talk. Some observations: In every little Maine town we travel through today there was some sort of celebration – a celebration of being an American.  It was very touching.  On most over-passes on the turnpike and super hiways there were flags displayed. Many cars and trucks had patriotic words printed on their rear windows.  People were proud, but angry too.  I pity the poor bastards that did this, for their hell is just beginning and will last a long, long time.  God Bless America! Dave LaCourse Former Two Time Clavemeister Dave

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I would hope that the North Carolina contingency not rely on Jeffy/wayno/IJ for representation.   It was poorly represented last year, so here’s hoping……

I beg your pardon? –Steve

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Speaking for The Daves (even the honorary one) I believe we will accept your gracious offer. /a Dave – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I just booked Lakewood for Joanne and me, Sept 9 – 15. I have the following folks listed as going: Dave Bottom Dave Tatosian Dave Price Paul (Dave) Goodwin They want the same arrangement as last year, so if youse guys haven’t already called, I will do it for you. Wayno Harrison    room by himself Indian Joe             room by himself (Note:  One person/cabin will be tolerated by Sue if there are not that many. This is a clave, so doubling up with others would be nice.  <g) Big Cabin (Camp Comfort – non-smoking dudes only) So far there is: Jeffy Miller (I have your booze from last year) Peter Charles Frank Church  (Wed – Sat) Comfort sleeps six, but last year we had 4 or 5 in it.  It is the biggest camp and centrally located, so it becomes Clave Central by default.   I would hope that the North Carolina contingency not rely on Jeffy/wayno/IJ for representation.   It was poorly represented last year, so here’s hoping…… There is room for at least 10 other folks.  For more info, go to www.lakewoodcamps.com If you want, I will make your reservations.  But, *you* will be responsible for getting your $100 deposit to Sue to confirm your reservations. Let me know. Dave LaCourse Pirate and Bottom Dweller

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Dave  I would like to share part of a cabin,  just better off having a bedroom (not cabin ) to myself so the others can sleep. My wife says I snoore. Put me in big cabin if there is a small room. I will talk to Jeff about dates as perhaps we can combine  dates.  IJ

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IJ writes: Dave  I would like to share part of a cabin,  just better off having a bedroom (not cabin ) to myself so the others can sleep. My wife says I snoore. Put me in big cabin if there is a small room. I will talk to Jeff about dates as perhaps we can combine  dates. IJ

You got it, IJ.  Will put you in the big camp upstairs. Dave

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Are Jeffy Miller and Peter Charles "safe", I mean, will I be safe from them when the lights go out?  If not, can I have Mildred? Will you make my reservations?   I will send them a ru…ah…check next week. Frank (bouncy bouncy) Church

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I just booked Lakewood for Joanne and me, Sept 9 – 15. I have the following folks listed as going: Dave Bottom Dave Tatosian Dave Price Paul (Dave) Goodwin They want the same arrangement as last year, so if youse guys haven’t already called, I will do it for you. Wayno Harrison    room by himself Indian Joe             room by himself (Note:  One person/cabin will be tolerated by Sue if there are not that many. This is a clave, so doubling up with others would be nice.  <g) Big Cabin (Camp Comfort – non-smoking dudes only) So far there is: Jeffy Miller (I have your booze from last year) Peter Charles Frank Church  (Wed – Sat) Comfort sleeps six, but last year we had 4 or 5 in it.  It is the biggest camp and centrally located, so it becomes Clave Central by default. I would hope that the North Carolina contingency not rely on Jeffy/wayno/IJ for representation.   It was poorly represented last year, so here’s hoping…… There is room for at least 10 other folks.  For more info, go to www.lakewoodcamps.com If you want, I will make your reservations.  But, *you* will be responsible for getting your $100 deposit to Sue to confirm your reservations. Let me know. Dave LaCourse Pirate and Bottom Dweller

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Frank Church writes: Are Jeffy Miller and Peter Charles "safe", I mean, will I be safe from them when the lights go out?  If not, can I have Mildred? Will you make my reservations?   I will send them a ru…ah…check next week. Frank (bouncy bouncy) Church

Jeffy and Peter are ok.  And they do not snore.  Indian Joe will also be in your camp.  Mildred is old and tired.  I have retired her.  <g Dave

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Are Jeffy Miller and Peter Charles "safe", I mean, will I be safe from them when the lights go out?  If not, can I have Mildred?

To Miss Jo in New Zealand: Mildred is a goat.  Please do not worry.  She is well.  <g

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Mildred is a goat.  Please do not worry.  She is well.  <g

Check out http://bbs.bianca.com/mforums/w/whiteshadow/posts/2000_Jul_03/97734/9… — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

Response:

I just booked Lakewood for Joanne and me, Sept 9 – 15. I have the following folks listed as going: Dave Bottom Dave Tatosian Dave Price Paul (Dave) Goodwin They want the same arrangement as last year, so if youse guys haven’t already called, I will do it for you. Wayno Harrison    room by himself Indian Joe             room by himself (Note:  One person/cabin will be tolerated by Sue if there are not that many. This is a clave, so doubling up with others would be nice.  <g) Big Cabin (Camp Comfort – non-smoking dudes only) So far there is: Jeffy Miller (I have your booze from last year) Peter Charles Frank Church  (Wed – Sat) Comfort sleeps six, but last year we had 4 or 5 in it.  It is the biggest camp and centrally located, so it becomes Clave Central by default.   I would hope that the North Carolina contingency not rely on Jeffy/wayno/IJ for representation.   It was poorly represented last year, so here’s hoping…… There is room for at least 10 other folks.  For more info, go to www.lakewoodcamps.com If you want, I will make your reservations.  But, *you* will be responsible for getting your $100 deposit to Sue to confirm your reservations. Let me know. Dave LaCourse Pirate and Bottom Dweller

Response:

dave, are those the camps located just north of middle dam, i have fished the rapid a few times and usualy rent a camp site further up lake [ towards upper richardson same side of lake], i’ve always wondered about the camps

Yes, "Lakewood Camps" is located within a ten minute walk directly north of Middledam. Great place, awesome food, friendly and capable hosts. Hope you can join us, Chris. /daytripper

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dave, are those the camps located just north of middle dam, i have fished the rapid a few times and usualy rent a camp site further up lake [ towards upper richardson same side of lake], i’ve always wondered about the camps

Yes, "Lakewood Camps" is located within a ten minute walk directly north of Middledam. Great place, awesome food, friendly and capable hosts. Hope you can join us, Chris. Yes, I second that, Chris.  Those camp sites usually close the week-end after Labor Day.  But If you can make it to Lakewood, please join us.  See www.lakewoodcamps.com for more info. Dave LaCourse

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – To date I have received deposits from Steve Z., Peter and Charlie Choc.  I need to send deposits asap after the 1st of the year (if we’re all alive by then).  Sooooooooo, those of you who are sitting on the can and not doing anything, send your deposit to: Dave LaCourse 120 Brook St. Hudson, MA  01749 A nice message with the check would be appreciated.  You know, like, "Stick this, LaPlac", or something else appropriate for a roffer to say. Unless otherwise stated, I will have you arriving before lunch on the 10th, and leaving before lunch on the 16th. Dave L., who is doing this either because he is insane or ’cause              "he cares:". Early results are in, and "Insane" looks like a shoo-in… /daytripper ("The check’s in the mail!" ;^

It takes one to know one. Paul

Response:

Early results are in, and "Insane" looks like a shoo-in…

Isn’t that sort of like saying Charles Manson is ‘peculiar’?<g. — Charlie…

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Paul (Salmon Fly) writes: Early results are in, and "Insane" looks like a shoo-in… /daytripper ("The check’s in the mail!" ;^

It takes one to know one. Paul Thank you, Paul.  Said like the gentleman I know you are Dave L.

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Your being hard on yourself agian Paul Dave – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – To date I have received deposits from Steve Z., Peter and Charlie Choc.  I need to send deposits asap after the 1st of the year (if we’re all alive by then).  Sooooooooo, those of you who are sitting on the can and not doing anything, send your deposit to: Dave LaCourse 120 Brook St. Hudson, MA  01749 A nice message with the check would be appreciated.  You know, like, "Stick this, LaPlac", or something else appropriate for a roffer to say. Unless otherwise stated, I will have you arriving before lunch on the 10th, and leaving before lunch on the 16th. Dave L., who is doing this either because he is insane or ’cause              "he cares:". Early results are in, and "Insane" looks like a shoo-in… /daytripper ("The check’s in the mail!" ;^ It takes one to know one. Paul

Response:

 Ever since the meniscus

Understood<g. — Charlie…

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dave, are those the camps located just north of middle dam, i have fished the rapid a few times and usualy rent a camp site further up lake [ towards upper richardson same side of lake], i’ve always wondered about the camps chris smith porter maine – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Chris Smith: <<dave, could you post the info for the clave again, i some how spaced it chris smith porter maine Hi, Chris. The Maine ‘Clave will be held from September 10 thru the 16 at Lakewood Camps on Lower Lake Richardson.  We will be fishing the famous Rapid River for big brookies and land locked salmon. Lakewood Camps is on the American plan – for $95/day you get a rustic cabin circa 1920, with electricity from 6:30 a.m. until 11 p.m.   The three meals a day that Jan and her crew provide are excellent.  If you do not want to come back to camp for lunch, a bag lunch to your specifications is provided, including thermos. It is a wonderful place to spend time, let alone fishing. The Rapid River is the output of Lower Lake Richardson and flows into Umbagog.  (The output of Umbagog  is the Androoscoggin River.) It is a catch and release river on brook trout, with one salmon allowed/day (14 inches) until Aug. 1 when they also become C&R. The river has been written up in many publications and is wonderfully fast and beautiful.  It is a fairly large river with large brookies and ll’s, fly fishing only. To date 13 roffers have signed up.  I have met and fished with them all, and they are a fine bunch of n’er do wells.  You wouldn’t bring any of them home to meet your family, but to fish with, they ain’t all *that* bad. There is still room and I hope other roffers will take this opportunity to sign up. Dave L.

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Isn’t that sort of like saying Charles Manson is ‘peculiar’?<g. Um……isn’t he? It was meant as an understatement, and hopefully his parole board will continue to feel the same way.

Thanks Charlie.  Always thought he was a bit peculiar myself.  Just wanted to be sure I wasn’t the Lone Ranger on this one.  Ever since the meniscus

Response:

Chris Smith: <<dave, could you post the info for the clave again, i some how spaced it chris smith porter maine Hi, Chris. The Maine ‘Clave will be held from September 10 thru the 16 at Lakewood Camps on Lower Lake Richardson.  We will be fishing the famous Rapid River for big brookies and land locked salmon. Lakewood Camps is on the American plan – for $95/day you get a rustic cabin circa 1920, with electricity from 6:30 a.m. until 11 p.m.   The three meals a day that Jan and her crew provide are excellent.  If you do not want to come back to camp for lunch, a bag lunch to your specifications is provided, including thermos. It is a wonderful place to spend time, let alone fishing. The Rapid River is the output of Lower Lake Richardson and flows into Umbagog.  (The output of Umbagog  is the Androoscoggin River.) It is a catch and release river on brook trout, with one salmon allowed/day (14 inches) until Aug. 1 when they also become C&R. The river has been written up in many publications and is wonderfully fast and beautiful.  It is a fairly large river with large brookies and ll’s, fly fishing only. To date 13 roffers have signed up.  I have met and fished with them all, and they are a fine bunch of n’er do wells.  You wouldn’t bring any of them home to meet your family, but to fish with, they ain’t all *that* bad. There is still room and I hope other roffers will take this opportunity to sign up. Dave L.

Response:

Wayno took it in the shorts at the Carolina Clave, and it ain’t gonna happen this time.   Uh, I thought we weren’t going to talk about that…

Well, now at least we know just who’s shorts Louie was wearing… /daytripper

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dave, could you post the info for the clave again, i some how spaced it chris smith porter maine – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – To date I have received deposits from Steve Z., Peter and Charlie Choc.  I need to send deposits asap after the 1st of the year (if we’re all alive by then).  Sooooooooo, those of you who are sitting on the can and not doing anything, send your deposit to: Dave LaCourse 120 Brook St. Hudson, MA  01749 A nice message with the check would be appreciated.  You know, like, "Stick this, LaPlac", or something else appropriate for a roffer to say. Unless otherwise stated, I will have you arriving before lunch on the 10th, and leaving before lunch on the 16th. Dave L., who is doing this either because he is insane or ’cause              "he cares:".

Response:

The Wonderful Counselor from the Great North State, wayno, has volunteered to do the t-shirts (with the help of his son, Anthony, the artist of the Carolina Clave T-shirt). However, orders will be taken and money will pass hands before any shirts are handed/mailed out.  The same with the hats I will have done.  Wayno took it in the shorts at the Carolina Clave, and it ain’t gonna happen this time.  Money up front, folks. Dave L.

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Wayno took it in the shorts at the Carolina Clave, and it ain’t gonna happen this time.  

Uh, I thought we weren’t going to talk about that… — Charlie…

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Early results are in, and "Insane" looks like a shoo-in… Isn’t that sort of like saying Charles Manson is ‘peculiar’?<g.

Um……isn’t he?

Response:

Early results are in, and "Insane" looks like a shoo-in… Isn’t that sort of like saying Charles Manson is ‘peculiar’?<g. Um……isn’t he?

It was meant as an understatement, and hopefully his parole board will continue to feel the same way. — Charlie…

Response:

To date I have received deposits from Steve Z., Peter and Charlie Choc.  I need to send deposits asap after the 1st of the year (if we’re all alive by then).  Sooooooooo, those of you who are sitting on the can and not doing anything, send your deposit to: Dave LaCourse 120 Brook St. Hudson, MA  01749 A nice message with the check would be appreciated.  You know, like, "Stick this, LaPlac", or something else appropriate for a roffer to say. Unless otherwise stated, I will have you arriving before lunch on the 10th, and leaving before lunch on the 16th. Dave L., who is doing this either because he is insane or ’cause               "he cares:".

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -To date I have received deposits from Steve Z., Peter and Charlie Choc.  I need to send deposits asap after the 1st of the year (if we’re all alive by then).  Sooooooooo, those of you who are sitting on the can and not doing anything, send your deposit to: Dave LaCourse 120 Brook St. Hudson, MA  01749 A nice message with the check would be appreciated.  You know, like, "Stick this, LaPlac", or something else appropriate for a roffer to say. Unless otherwise stated, I will have you arriving before lunch on the 10th, and leaving before lunch on the 16th. Dave L., who is doing this either because he is insane or ’cause              "he cares:".

Early results are in, and "Insane" looks like a shoo-in… /daytripper ("The check’s in the mail!" ;^)

Response:

Question:

Hello, all… I am leaving for Minnesota (from Michigan) this Saturday morning on a week fishing & camping trip. Can anyone tell me good places for fly-fishing?  Good places for trout, smallmouth bass, etc… I am species indifferent.

Without knowing where you are going to be, I would have to say that anywhere is just fine. 14,000 lakes are filled with bass and sunnies galore.  Carp too, if you can get one. There are plenty of rivers offering smallies, drum, white bass, etc. The trout live in the northeast area above Duluth and also in the southeast along the Whitewater and Root river systems. Have fun and leave a few for the locals. Jon Russell FlyFish Minnesota

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Hello, all… I am leaving for Minnesota (from Michigan) this Saturday morning on a week fishing & camping trip. Can anyone tell me good places for fly-fishing?  Good places for trout, smallmouth bass, etc… I am species indifferent. Thanks, –Kris Jacobs Kalamazoo, MI

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: Hello, all… I am leaving for Minnesota (from Michigan) this Saturday : morning on a week fishing & camping trip. : Can anyone tell me good places for fly-fishing?  Good places for trout, : smallmouth bass, etc… I am species indifferent. Geez….. That state is a fair sized piece of real estate! How far are you willing to drive?  Could you be a little more particular about which corner your gonna be in? If it were up to me, I’d go straight to the BWCA.  But then again, I’m gonna be there next month. — Jon Porter

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Question:

To what nefarious purpose will these stories be put? Is there compensation for the author or at least ego gratifying recognition? Len Hunter

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I’m starting a collection of fly-fishing stories.  I’d be interested in anything funny, exciting, unbelievable, thrilling, interesting, or just a little odd.  Just email your stories to me.  Please be as accurate in the story as possible. Thanks.

Response:

This story is a fictional compound of several true incidents. Unfortunately, the angler of the lost fly rod was a very nice guy; nothing bad happened to the rude and obnoxious clients.    I knew I was in trouble within a few minutes of meeting the clients. They appeared at the outfitter in full dress–like officers in some weird flyfisherman’s army, brigadiers maybe or Protocol Officers.  In fact, they were arguing over the proper placement of their Backup Nipper. Top-to-bottom Orvis, Sage, Abel, etc.  If they had been paid by the logo we would all have been millionaires.   To be sure, their equipment was glorious.  Several flyrods each, with a lengthy discussion of which was most appropriate (the seven and the eight) and how many the raft could comfortably carry (we agreed on four each, with reservations on the guide’s part.) This despite the fact that we had already covered this ground in phone calls.  Beautiful tackle bags, unmarred. Boxes of flies, in large groups by nomenclature.  I was jealous, I must admit. Even so, I snuck some of my equipment back into the shuttle vehicle; I was a bit worried about payload.     I must say, this was unusual.  Though many of our clients are novices, we rarely see two anglers so obviously overequipped and underexperienced. It’s most usual to see the novice in the care of a more experienced angler. Also, we have no aversion to the inexperienced; our business is teaching, and that calls for patience and flexibility.  This level of confidence belied by the facts was worrisome, though; would the clients’ expectations ruin the trip? Could they cast to the bass, could they hook up at all?  We fish for ten to twelve hours; could inexperienced casters work for that long?  And would they blame me if any of these answers was ‘no’?   We also had to do a lot of preparation, which left me a bit worried about casting skills.  Three of four spools were brand new; it was proposed that we would load spools there at the ramp, while smallmouths chased bait in the shallows around us.  At first the clients were pleasant and relaxed; they said the right things about taking advice and so forth.  We got ready and shoved off.    But as soon as we were feet-wet, things deteriorated.  Tension between the clients became obvious, and I was glad that they sat facing opposite directions.  Their fly choices, casting directions, and retrieves had nothing to do with my advice.  They were in an arms race.  Both were well-tutored by the mainstream fly-fishing press, and they hurled advice at each other like snowballs packed around rocks.  I was in between.   Neither could get their flyline out of the boat.  Half an hour into the trip, drifting along through some of the most spectacular scenery in the East, and they were angry.  Not the best start to a guided trip.  And the smallies were on, too; I saw a lot of surface activity.  When the front angler fought a cast out about three rod-lengths and stripped in the excess flyline, a 14" fish slashed at his dahlberg right at boatside.  That was the only fish they moved all morning.  They changed flies, hung them in brush, on rocks, on the oars.  They debated barbless hooks even as I extracted one from my shoulder, barb fully functional but, thankfully, not quite engaged. They drank single-malt scotch but didn’t like it.   Just for a break, I put them out wading in a shallow, weedy area.  While they hacked and pumped and tied knots, I took a few tentative casts. Smallies to 12" took readily throughout the area. A few minutes later, a shout; one angler hooked, landed, and displayed, with what looked to be a fatal torso squeeze, a nice fish of about 14".  I grew angrier and angrier. In the previous week, tough conditions had limited good, old clients to few fish and few that size.  A few minutes later, with no other fish caught, I mounted them up and rode on.  Things came to a head as we approached a sharp, narrow rapid through a broken-down diversion dam.  The river here is mostly shallow, riffly ledges and rocks, with pools and weeds edges–classic smallmouth water.  As we approached the dam, I told them to pick up and keep their lines in, since the drop required a turn in the throat of the rapid to avoid jagged concrete and rebars that would tear the bottom out of the raft.  Both anglers disregarded this direction, and as we accelerated through the white water the guy in the aft seat hung up.   The boat was in mid-turn, and moving quickly.  I saw the rod go down and bend sharply. The angler called it a fish, but it obviously wasn’t.   "Give line!  You’re hung up!  Drop line!" I yelled.   "It’s a good one," he said.      The boat turned completely so that the flyline ran under, from stem to stern.  He was leaning into my sightline, to his left and my right.  The rod was compounded now, three-guides into the water, and he was holding tight.  I tried to pivot the boat a bit, but I had to hold my direction or risk a wreck.    "Give line!  Your’e hung!  I’ve got to turn.  Your’e going to break the rod!"    He didn’t give line, the rod didn’t break:  he let go of it.  It hung there a weird still second, then snapped straight and dove into the water, hung there a moment, then seemed to zoom upstream as the boat shot down current.  There was a stunned silence, which I welcomed.    As we drifted to a quiet spot, the forward angler asked questions:  He had missed the whole thing.  The aft angler was completely quiet, contemplating the permanent loss of a seven-hundred dollar outfit which had never caught a fish.  The 25-year guarantee didn’t cover loss by misadventure.  Feebly, he tried the Big Fish argument.   I wouldn’t even reply.  Pausing forty yards below the rapid, I was caught in a moral dilemma.    Our river is shallow, but forceful; a young woman had drowned in a canoe mishap against a rock about forty feet from where we sat a few years before. The water was warm, and I knew the spot intimately;  I was fairly sure that I could find the flyrod if the hook still held the snag.  Even if it had come loose, it was highly findable in the hole below, with a floating line and clear water.  But should I?  The angler considered it lost. He had plenty more, and was probably already composing the story for his friends, complete with bronze flash and tail the size of a Bible, no doubt with a supporting role as villain by  Sincerely Yours.  The guy was a mouth and a credit card, who had completely concealed all admirable qualities so far in the four hours we had known each other.  I sat for a long moment, then heaved a heavy sigh and dropped a hook.    "What’s up?" said the angler hopefully.    "You guys sit tight.  I may be able to get it back."    No reply.    I worked my way up to the dam in the slow water, alternately wading and swimming.  The usual friendly smooth river boulders were absent; it was jagged concrete and odd angles.  Careful footholds and a steep lean into the flow.  I couldn’t hope to work all the way up to the main rapid, but the faster water was shallower so I could hold.  Standing waist-deep in it, I stood and looked; sure enough, I saw the but and reel of the rod flare up in the swash.  Decision time.    I imagined how to do it:  Hit the ramp at nine pm, after the glorious dusk whitefly hatch.  Rack up and drop off at 10; drive up here and make the quarter-mile wade in the dark.  Feel through the rapid, hit the line, grab the rod; one sharp pull and I get a $700 tip.  If the day smooths out and the clients turn out OK, return the rod and call it an Abe Lincold honesty thing; if they fulfill their promise as first-class jerks, and especially if they stiff me, then the rod is mine.     The rod rolled up again, almost breaking the surface; I looked back. The forward guy was just watching, but the aft guy was looking away, an odd, vulnerable look on his face.  I realized a lot then, about how the attitude was a veneer, the macho competition covered a softer and simpler person. I couldn’t tell yet if he loved fish or fishing or rivers or boats, but I realized that the loss of the rod was probably fatal to his chances of ever loving any of it.  My guide habits created disdain and disapproval, but my river instincts told me that the river rarely returns something won fairly, and that to abuse the event was bad karma.  I couldn’t resist the impulse.  I gave him a smile and a nod and a thumbs-up, waited for the rod to show again, and leaned forward for it.  An easy catch, a yank and it was mine.  I rode the current back to them, winding up the slack line, and handed him the rod, wet and new.    I’d like to say the event changed the guy and things looked up; it’s half true.  The guy was grateful enough, but he didn’t have the eggs to really see my side of it.  I said, "Now will you listen to me?" and they both nodded, and they took a more relaxed and cooperative approach for a while.  They got their flylines out of the boat a few times, and caught some fish, too.  I got a reasonable tip, though the episode of the lost flyrod wasn’t mentioned again and the tip didn’t reflect the service that day.   I also gained the patience to stick with the difficult clients.  Somehow that day helped me to regain the basic comfort with the river that several years of difficult clients and finicky fish had eroded.  I remembered something that I had forgotten:  a guide is a teacher, and sometimes the best lesson is failure. Davemo18

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Question:

I am looking at putting together a wellness day for a couple of friends of mine to go fishing at Coldwater Lake, near Mt. St. Helens. One of the guys is off to Arizona before too long and so we have to go somewhat early in the season — Late April — so I was wondering if anyone in the NOrthwest has had any experience in fishing at  this lake — especially early in the season. Thanks in advance, Rusty —

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I’ve never fished Coldwater Lake but have hear they are catching nice fish even right now.  My sources tell me that if the wind kicks up on the lake, your fishing day is pretty much over for us fly fishers.

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My chapter of Trout Unlimited (Des Moines WA) fishes Coldwater Lake usually in mid-June.  The access for fishing is fairly restrictive for those on foot since you are only allowed to fish at I believe 3 bank access spots: 1 near the boat launch on the Western end of the lake, 1 on the north bank about 1 mile up the trail from the parking lot, and 1 (I’m told, since I’ve not walked it) at the far Eastern end of the lake about 4 1/2 miles from the boat launch.  The access spots are IMO not very good for flycasters.  Spinning gear has a better opportunity for successful fishing with the better casting ability in the space allotted.  By the way, there is a pretty stiff fine if the rangers catch you off the approved trails or fishing in a spot that is not designated for such. This is to protect the recovering vegetation and to keep the area pristine.  Also, this is a selective fishery, artificials only, single barbless hooks. Float tubes or small car top boats (electric motors only are allowed per the signage at the launch) have access to better water.  While fish can be whereever they want to be, there is a shelf running along the northern bank that goes into a dropoff to the lake bottom at around 20 feet of depth.  Last June that seemed to be where the fish were for me – used a gaudy olive flashy wooly bugger on a T-300 line to get down to the bottom and bump the logs. If you’re not hitting some structure with the fly, you’re weren’t deep enough last year for me. We didn’t see many hatches the day we were there last June (cloudy, rainy day) but the year before (sunny warm day) we ran into a huge damselfly hatch.   I have heard that with favorable winds, people will put in at the launch and wind drift down to the access at 1 mile and then walk back with their tubes.  After being there a couple of times I think that would be a good strategy.  If the winds are out and about this coming June, we may try that. If you go in late April, I would have travel equipment to handle adverse weather as I recall we went over some fairly high ground on the highway getting in.  Seems like we were over 3000 feet elevation on the way in.   The April 11-25 edition of the Fishing and Hunting News lists Leon at Lewis River Sports (360) 225-9530 as a contact for Coldwate Lake.  I have not talked to them personally but you might want to call and see if they have some additional local information. Hope this helps.  Coldwater is a wonderfully beautiful lake to visit and fish. If you go, be sure to stop by the visitor center up the hill (I would drive not walk to it) and get a panoramic view of the lake.  If you are there on June 15, look for a group of us from TU in tubes flogging the water to a froth. Al Miller Des Moines Chapter of Trout Unlimited Seattle, Washington

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