Question:

<SNIP The aspiration for ‘reasonable contentment’ is one we probably all share, Mike. I’m not sure it’s been the driving force behind mankind’s most impressive achievements, though.

War has usually been the driving force for man

Question:

<snipped Vittorio, Do you have any craft or needle point stores in your area?  I have found some extra small beads this way.  I just did a search with google.com and found these sites: http://www.netway.com/~flyshop/catalog/beads.htm http://www.kman.com/Catalog/Page87/Page87.htm http://www.mwflytying.com/new_stuff/ns_materials.html Hope this helps. bc. — Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy. -Benjamin Franklin I don’t care who you are, you are not walking on the water while I’m fishing.

Response:

Hi folks. I am looking for a source of tiny metal (NOT glass) beads to tie size 20-24 bead head flies.  I picked up a few BW-WD40 size 22 in Montana this summer and they seem to work around here too ! Most beads I found around are too large for such small hooks. However, the fly shop in MT must have found their beads somewhere. Any suggestion ? I posted this query to ROFFT, and someone there suggested to post it here too, as many knowledgeable anglers post here but not on ROFFT. Cheers, -Vittorio

Response:

Hi folks. I am looking for a source of tiny metal (NOT glass) beads to tie size 20-24 bead head flies.  I picked up a few BW-WD40 size 22 in Montana this summer and they seem to work around here too ! Most beads I found around are too large for such small hooks. However, the fly shop in MT must have found their beads somewhere. Any suggestion ?

ones in several types (brass, lead, ect) or try Then there is always National Feathercraft in St. Louis but I won’t recommend em. <g — Wayne Knight Expert in creating tailing loops and windknots Otherwise Fishless in Kansas Before you buy.

Response:

Although you specified not glass. There are indeed quite a number of metallised glass beads available in a fair range of sizes.  For very small flies I have not been able to find anything as good as these in metal.  They have a number of advantages I think, They do not tarnish, they are available in a range of metallic colours, and they certainly provide enough weight on small flies. Durability does not seem to be a problem, as though I broke a few when putting them on the hooks, none have so far broken under actual fishing conditions. They are available at a lot of places, and they are cheap compared to metal beads. TL MC — "Where fishing is concerned, most anglers are basically manic excessives" http://www.mikeconnor.de – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi folks. I am looking for a source of tiny metal (NOT glass) beads to tie size 20-24 bead head flies.  I picked up a few BW-WD40 size 22 in Montana this summer and they seem to work around here too ! Most beads I found around are too large for such small hooks. However, the fly shop in MT must have found their beads somewhere. Any suggestion ? I posted this query to ROFFT, and someone there suggested to post it here too, as many knowledgeable anglers post here but not on ROFFT. Cheers, -Vittorio

Response:

Question:

Hello all,   I’ll be moving to Tokyo for 6 months next year, and was wondering if anyone had any experiences flyfishing in Japan that they could share with me? Is it possible? Places to go, best shops, etc?   Any information is appreciated. –KDR Before you buy.

Response:

You might like to have a look at : http://www.ozemail.com.au/~kamosida/indexeng.html TL MC — "If you have tried everything you know, and nothing works, then perhaps it is time to accept that you don

Question:

http://www.troutflies.com/flies/newhowtoo/index.htm  under  stimulator New how to, and yes , comments are welcome ,just leave my poor dead ass mother out of the rants ……. Harry Mason www.Troutflies.com

Response:

Harry Mason does it again: http://www.troutflies.com/flies/newhowtoo/index.htm  under  stimulator

Great job, Harry.  I’ve never tied Kaufman’s Stimulator, but if I do, I have the perfect reference.  Thanks. Dave LaCourse

Response:

<<Great job, Harry.  I’ve never tied Kaufman’s Stimulator, but if I do, I have the perfect reference.  Thanks. Dave LaCourse  Dave, I can imagine not tying a stim. but have you ever used one? They are one of my all time favorites. never leave home without some! "Reality is an escape for people who don’t (fly) fish"

Response:

Skylnprntg writes: <<Great job, Harry.  I’ve never tied Kaufman’s Stimulator, but if I do, I have the perfect reference.  Thanks. Dave LaCourse Dave, I can imagine not tying a stim. but have you ever used one? They are one of my all time favorites. never leave home without some! "Reality is an escape for people who don’t (fly) fish"

Oh, yes.  They are very effective in the Smokies, Maine, and a favorite of the brook trout in Labrador.  With Harry’s help I should be able to tie my own. Dave LaCourse

Response:

New how to, and yes , comments are welcome ,just leave my poor dead ass mother out of the rants …….

No rants from here, Harry. Super job! 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:

http://www.troutflies.com/flies/newhowtoo/index.htm  under  stimulator New how to, and yes , comments are welcome ,just leave my poor dead ass mother out of the rants ……. Harry Mason www.Troutflies.com

Harry Take a look at the Michigan Stelhead report.  We were catching those little stockers on small, black bodied stimulators.  Worked well. BTW, your instructions and photos are better than 99% of the tying books out there.  In case you don’t haven’t realized it yet, you’re close to having a body of work that should be put into print. Just a note, though.  Make sure you clean your finger nails when you include them in the pictures.  :) Cheers Visit The Streamer Page at http://members.home.net/pcharles/streamers/index.html

Response:

Just what I’ve been looking for!  I’ve been getting material to tie some of these up.  I read Kaufman’s instructions on this, but neither he nor anyone else has mentioned this info about the hackle size (unless I missed it.)  But it looked to me like everyone ties them "short" (smaller hackle for the palmer). Now the other half of the million dollar question – Do you also use a smaller hackle for the collar (say 1 size), since the thorax area is built up with dubbing so much?  Thanks For the body palmer ,bind in a prepared saddle hackle two sizes under the normal dry hackle size,i.e. for a size 10 use a size14 hackle. Keep in mind

the TMC R200 is an under gap sized hook. The York bend produces a short gap size relative to standard bend hooks. Regards, Jeff

Response:

Dave, I can imagine not tying a stim. but have you ever used one? They are one of my all time favorites. never leave home without some!

I have to tie some up, because they were eating them up on the river I went to in New York last June.  I only could get one from the local shop, because he was so busy with orders.  I caught a bunch of fish on it, but they wouldn’t go for the smaller size I had with me, and other flies only about a third as much.  Finally, something big snapped my tippet.  I’m going back prepared this year! Regards, Jeff

Response:

the fly is  very versitile,surprisingly so. I have used them down to 20’s and as large as 4’s .They flat catch fish,yet the tye is but a knock off of a sofa pillow. Just goes to show how a little tweaking can make the difference.  You are right I should have cleaned the nails instead of getting a – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – http://www.troutflies.com/flies/newhowtoo/index.htm  under  stimulator New how to, and yes , comments are welcome ,just leave my poor dead ass mother out of the rants ……. Harry Mason www.Troutflies.com Harry Take a look at the Michigan Stelhead report.  We were catching those little stockers on small, black bodied stimulators.  Worked well. BTW, your instructions and photos are better than 99% of the tying books out there.  In case you don’t haven’t realized it yet, you’re close to having a body of work that should be put into print. Just a note, though.  Make sure you clean your finger nails when you include them in the pictures.  :) Cheers Visit The Streamer Page at http://members.home.net/pcharles/streamers/index.html

Harry Mason www.Troutflies.com

Response:

I am of the belief that the bug does not float worth a shit. IMO the hackle is for show.The wing/tail hair floats this thing amid ship on the water. This is not a bad thing but it does not "sit" atop like an dry hackled Adams.  By default if you use a scale to measure ther hackle the feather will be about twice the gap of a R200. If you use the gap  to measure, the feather will be undersized , relative to the hook size.   – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Just what I’ve been looking for!  I’ve been getting material to tie some of these up.  I read Kaufman’s instructions on this, but neither he nor anyone else has mentioned this info about the hackle size (unless I missed it.)  But it looked to me like everyone ties them "short" (smaller hackle for the palmer). Now the other half of the million dollar question – Do you also use a smaller hackle for the collar (say 1 size), since the thorax area is built up with dubbing so much?  Thanks For the body palmer ,bind in a prepared saddle hackle two sizes under the normal dry hackle size,i.e. for a size 10 use a size14 hackle. Keep in mind the TMC R200 is an under gap sized hook. The York bend produces a short gap size relative to standard bend hooks. Regards, Jeff

Harry Mason www.Troutflies.com

Response:

BTW, your instructions and photos are better than 99% of the tying books out there.  In case you don’t haven’t realized it yet, you’re close to having a body of work that should be put into print. Just a note, though.  Make sure you clean your finger nails when you include them in the pictures.  :)

Yeah why don’t you think about that?  I see Al and Gretchen Beatty have a book out (at least one) that appears to have been put together on a shoestring. This is not a criticism, just pointing out you don’t have to nail a big publisher.  Their "Tying With Hair" or something appears to have been printed on a good quality printer and bound like you could probably do at Kinko’s and it turned out pretty good.  They don’t even have a Stimulator pattern in theirs Regards, Jeff

Response:

Question:

Kevin;         As one of the ROFF skulkers who occasionally squeaks out a word or two, I would like to answer your question with a question.  That is, can you sign this insurance paper for me?  Please don’t take the good rods with you, just leave them at home along side a recent will naming me your beneficiary.        I’ve been in and out, through and under float tubes around the world, if there is a way of screwing up your life with a tube, I’ve done it.  ANY MOVING WATER FASTER THAN 1/2 MILE AN HOUR CAN KILL YOU.  You will be amazed at how much pressure moving water can put on you when you are hung on a snag.  Yes, you may be strong and virile, but cold water saps strength quickly and something that is a minor problem at the start of the day will do you in at the end of the day.        There is a river in England that flows just north of Cambridge and runs into the North Sea.  This river is called (seriously) the Great Ouse. Ouse actually is an ancient word meaning river.  It is so slow (it has many locks to keep it that way), that you can paddle up stream in a tube with a bit of difficulty, but it can be done.   After a day of fishing this wonderful pike and chub Mecca, my tube got caught on a bit of rebar that was still encased in cement.  Normally I would have just pushed off of it, but I was so cold and tired that I ended up cutting my saddle out with my emergency knife (always carry a serrated edge folding knife in your life vest or fly vest.  They will save your life.) and sliding through the bottom.  I swam to shore and shivered until some coarse fishermen came to my rescue.      We always fish until we can’t fish anymore, till we can barely move our arms, till climbing one more bank will give us a coronary.  We are men so we work past the pain ’cause we’re having fun.  Add the strength and endurance sapping abilities of cold water, mix in a bit of fluid dynamics and voila, one more float tubing widow using that Sage as a tomato stake.      Yeh, this story was a bit of a downer, but I want to hear the story of how many fish you caught when you get back.                                                         Frank Reid

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m thinking of getting a belly boat to float down the bow in.  Is this a suicidal thing to do? Would I be better off buying a (much more expensive!!!) pontoon boat? Thanks KB

Response:

Ok I’m convinced.  Thank you for saving me from making a very silly mistake! I’ll take a look at pontoon boats. I think they’re a couple of hundred more than a belly boat though, so I may just settle for bellying in lakes this year.

Actually if you look at pontoons that are made for moving water they are way more than a couple of hundred more. I’ve got a friend who guides in them and he has a hobie and an outcast. the hobies are no good for rivers according to him, and he wouldn’t risk his life in one, his outcast pac 9 however, is very safe. The downside is a pac 9 is about $1000 us. Flyfish

Response:

Kevin, Check out the new Water Skeeter Pontoon boats at http://www.finecast.net/ws/wsindex.html Fine Cast

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m thinking of getting a belly boat to float down the bow in.  Is this a suicidal thing to do? Would I be better off buying a (much more expensive!!!) pontoon boat? Thanks KB

Response:

Suicidal?  Likely.  While most of the Bow in and downstream from Calgary looks pretty benign, there are a lot of sunken snags and sweepers which you WILL catch your dangling feet on, and get rolled under by.  I would approach with extreme caution, and the higher you are out of the water, the better. Besides, a float tube will not be able to be manoeuvered as quickly as a pontoon or proper drift boat, so you’ll end up floating through and right by many nice runs.  Go rent a ‘toon, and have a better time.

Response:

Ok I’m convinced.  Thank you for saving me from making a very silly mistake! I’ll take a look at pontoon boats. I think they’re a couple of hundred more than a belly boat though, so I may just settle for bellying in lakes this year. My Uncle lives in Ely, near Cambridge and I’ve fished the Ouse (I think it was was Ouse anyway), back when I was fishing for Dace, Chub, Bream and Gudgeon (caught a lot of eels instead) with maggots, cheese, sausage and using float and ledger rods (the English way of fishing!) It’s funny I tried really hard to fish english style when I came to Canada but had almost no luck. This fish are different here!  I took up Fly fishing and haven’t looked back, although I do have fond memories of sitting by the canal with a double maggot/caster combination, checking the lie of the float and all that good stuff! Cheers Kevin

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Kevin;         As one of the ROFF skulkers who occasionally squeaks out a word or two, I would like to answer your question with a question.  That is, can you sign this insurance paper for me?  Please don’t take the good rods with you, just leave them at home along side a recent will naming me your beneficiary.        I’ve been in and out, through and under float tubes around the world, if there is a way of screwing up your life with a tube, I’ve done it.  ANY MOVING WATER FASTER THAN 1/2 MILE AN HOUR CAN KILL YOU.  You will be amazed at how much pressure moving water can put on you when you are hung on a snag.  Yes, you may be strong and virile, but cold water saps strength quickly and something that is a minor problem at the start of the day will do you in at the end of the day.        There is a river in England that flows just north of Cambridge and runs into the North Sea.  This river is called (seriously) the Great Ouse. Ouse actually is an ancient word meaning river.  It is so slow (it has many locks to keep it that way), that you can paddle up stream in a tube with a bit of difficulty, but it can be done.   After a day of fishing this wonderful pike and chub Mecca, my tube got caught on a bit of rebar that was still encased in cement.  Normally I would have just pushed off of it, but I was so cold and tired that I ended up cutting my saddle out with my emergency knife (always carry a serrated edge folding knife in your life vest or fly vest.  They will save your life.) and sliding through the bottom.  I swam to shore and shivered until some coarse fishermen came to my rescue.      We always fish until we can’t fish anymore, till we can barely move our arms, till climbing one more bank will give us a coronary.  We are men so we work past the pain ’cause we’re having fun.  Add the strength and endurance sapping abilities of cold water, mix in a bit of fluid dynamics and voila, one more float tubing widow using that Sage as a tomato stake.      Yeh, this story was a bit of a downer, but I want to hear the story of how many fish you caught when you get back.                                                         Frank Reid I’m thinking of getting a belly boat to float down the bow in.  Is this a suicidal thing to do? Would I be better off buying a (much more expensive!!!) pontoon boat? Thanks KB

Response:

I’m thinking of getting a belly boat to float down the bow in.  Is this a suicidal thing to do? Would I be better off buying a (much more expensive!!!) pontoon boat? Thanks KB

Response:

Question:

Will be in PNG for Nov/Dec, anyone have any info or URLs for flyfishing there ? Thanks, Mick

Response:

Mick, Nov-Dec will be rainy season – depending on where abouts you are and it might reduce for options for tangling with nugini bass and black bass. Dean guides there and pioneered many locations in PNG for black bass etc. and has many friends there. Regards John Knight Sydney Fly Rodders’

Response:

Question:

Can’t go wrong with the Orvis Silver Label series

Response:

Hello, I am looking for a 5 weight 8 1/2′ rod, and am looking for a good quality rod without breaking the bank. I am considering a low to mid end G Loomis or Orvis, and have also heard good things about St. Croix. Has anybody had any experience with the Bass Pro Shops White River Series? All input appreciated, John.

I  occasionally wander in to Bass Pro main store in Springfield, MO  (ha! it’s like a big vacuum cleaner, sucks me right off the Interstate as I go by)  They do have a decent fly shop, and that’s the first place I head for. However, I can’t say much for the White River fly rods that I hefted.  They all felt tip-heavy to me. I recommend the St Croix folks in Park Falls, WI.  They make a fine fly pole at very reasonable prices.  There are others, for ex:  Redington, which I have no experience with. For those regulars who keep seeing me recommend St Croix, this must sound like a broken record, but, this is a fine little outfit, they give excellent service and make top-notch rods without inflating prices to the ridiculous levels of the "big name"  rod manufacturers. IMO, they deserve to stay in business, and prosper and keep these other guys honest. Good luck in your quest…. — Frank Church Elkhart, IN

Response:

First, what do you have as a price range? "Breaking the bank" means different things to different people. Also, you may find that the fly reel and line may be just as expensive, or more, then the rod. Therefore you might want to ask about an inexpensive balanced outfit from say Cortland, Scientific Angler, (hate to say this) Orvis, or some combination a reputable flyshop can arrange for you. Ask about the ‘action’. You are probably better off with a medium action for your first flyrod.  If at all posible try to get a demonstration and cast the outfit. See how the rod feels. Have the salesperson cast the rod and watch how much or how little effort it takes for that person to cast with the rod. If it looks like he/she is having a hard time imagine how difficult it will be for you. Good luck.

Response:

Therefore you might want to ask about an inexpensive balanced outfit from say Cortland, Scientific Angler, (hate to say this) Orvis, or some combination a reputable flyshop can arrange for you.

How can you send a newbie to Orvis?  Maybe their new entry-level outfits are OK, I wouldn’t know (but those of a few years ago were just AWFUL).  But consistently Orvis delivers the worst value for money of any fly fishing brand I know.  As an example:  a friend of mine purchased a oiled-cotton jacket at a sporting goods store for $85.  The exact same jacket, found in the Orvis store with the original mfg’s label taken out, and an Orvis label sewn in:  $129!

Response:

Mike, the reason I mentioned Orvis is because many people like their equipment. Personally, I do not and I certainly agree that Orvis jacks up the price of items just for their label. My response to the ‘newbie’ offered assistance. Your response didn’t offer anything.

Response:

I am looking for a 5 weight 8 1/2′ rod, and am looking for a good quality rod without breaking the bank. I am considering a low to mid end G Loomis or Orvis, and have also heard good things about St. Croix. Has anybody had any experience with the Bass Pro Shops White River Series?

St. Croix Pro Graphite (their low end rod) is a good rod and definitely won’t break the bank (less than $100).  The Redington RedStart rods are also excellent – a bit faster action, and a little pricier (around $150, I think).  I got a four-pice RedStart to take over from my St. Croix only because the St. Croix is a two-piece rod and I can no longer sandwich it into the car now that we have two car seats (and two kids to put in them .  I hope this helps. — Bob Jarvis Mail address hacked to foil spammers!

Response:

Thanks for the replies…. The most I had planned on spending (for the rod only) is about $175 to $200.  Probably mid range of something! John. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Mike, the reason I mentioned Orvis is because many people like their equipment. Personally, I do not and I certainly agree that Orvis jacks up the price of items just for their label. My response to the ‘newbie’ offered assistance. Your response didn’t offer anything.

Response:

Thanks for the replies…. The most I had planned on spending (for the rod only) is about $175 to $200.  Probably mid range of something! anything.

The St. Croix Legend Ultra series, which I mentioned in my original post, is the top of the St. Croix line, and great value at $250 (compared to say a Sage SP, which they compete against, at $530) . The St. Croix Avid line is brand new.  Haven’t cast it, but would imagine it’s very good.  Somewhat slower action than the Ultra series, which as someone pointed out, isn’t bad for a beginner.  They go for $160-180 in trout weights. The tough thing about buying a rod is that you’d don’t really know what you’re buying until you gain a reasonable casting proficiency, and even then what you like tends to change over time.  I started with an Orvis HLS, which I "loved" for years — but didn’t know how to cast.  Now I find it unforgivably slow and spongy. With the ULTRA, you’d be getting a rod that would be a bit harder to cast with, but would probably last you for the rest of your life.  The Avid is cheaper, might work better now, but you might replace it in a few years. Michael You might also

Response:

What kind of fishing will you do? My wife has a 4wt ultra legend St Croix and loves it, but its really only good for drys and very small nymphs. If you plan on fishing big rivers or larger weighted nymphs or buggers I’d suggest the Loomis GL-3 which has a little more backbone. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, I am looking for a 5 weight 8 1/2′ rod, and am looking for a good quality rod without breaking the bank. I am considering a low to mid end G Loomis or Orvis, and have also heard good things about St. Croix. Has anybody had any experience with the Bass Pro Shops White River Series? All input appreciated, John.

Response:

What kind of fishing will you do? My wife has a 4wt ultra legend St Croix and loves it, but its really only good for drys and very small nymphs. If you plan on fishing big rivers or larger weighted nymphs or buggers I’d suggest the Loomis GL-3 which has a little more backbone.

GregH.

Response:

J.Cook wrote St. Croix also has two or three even cheaper lines of rods, which are still great for the price. I think the Imperial line is the cheapest, about $60-90 each.

"Pro Graphite" is their bottom of the line in the $85-$90 range.  Very good for the money. "Imperial" is the next one up from "ProGraphite" I believe in the $120-$140 range. Excellent for the money. Joel Axelrad

Response:

John, I’ve got a Sage 580 DS (8 ft. 5 wt.) that I’ve been very happy with. Not a fast rod, more in the middle range somewhere, it is very forgiving for the beginner and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. It was the first fly rod I owned and although I have 5 or 6 rods now, I still enjoy fishing with that rod. I own 2 G Loomis rods and would not recommend them, primarily for the warranty. The 3 wt. GL3 is a beautiful casting rod as is my 9wt GL3 but IMHO, Loomis rods without warranties are generally more expensive than their unconditional-lifetime-warrantied counterparts from other manufacturers. Might as well save the extra bucks and put it towards some other equipment. Jim – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, I am looking for a 5 weight 8 1/2′ rod, and am looking for a good quality rod without breaking the bank. I am considering a low to mid end G Loomis or Orvis, and have also heard good things about St. Croix. Has anybody had any experience with the Bass Pro Shops White River Series? All input appreciated, John.

Response:

Thanks to all for the input; I just bought a St. Croix Avid, and am very pleased.  Without a lot of experience, it was somewhat of a guess, but so far so good! John.

Response:

Thanks to all for the input; I just bought a St. Croix Avid, and am very pleased.  Without a lot of experience, it was somewhat of a guess, but so far so good! fished with to my son Greg but that sucker soon was stolen . . . naturally.  Be proud, you have a good one.

Mr. G — Visit: http://www.gink.com        http://www.xink.com        http://www.rodbuilding.com        http://www.rodbuilder.com All Writings & Rights Reserved

Question:

I will be in Jackson, WY for a meeting Aug 21-25, an annual event.  I usually try to spend a few afternoons on Flat Creek in the Refuge.  Does anyone have any current information on how it’s doing so far this summer??  Does anyone know of any other spring creek fishing accessible without going through a fly shop or guide.  I don’t mind a rod fee, but have been fly fishing for 30 years and prefer to fish on my own.  Thanks. T. Mann

Response:

I will be in Jackson, WY for a meeting Aug 21-25, an annual event.  I usually try to spend a few afternoons on Flat Creek in the Refuge.  Does anyone have any current information on how it’s doing so far this summer??  Does anyone know of any other spring creek fishing accessible without going through a fly shop or guide.  I don’t mind a rod fee, but have been fly fishing for 30 years and prefer to fish on my own.  Thanks. T. Mann

I was just in Jackson this week. Just south, beyond the Hoback Junction, Hoback Creek and Granite Creek meet. I was talking to a few people in our campground (Granite Creek Campground) and they were pulling some fairly decent sized trout from Granite Creek. It is about a 20-30 minute drive south, depending on the road construction. (It was pretty bad a couple of days.) You may want to check it out. It wasn’t heavily fished while I was there.

Response:

Question:

I am planning a short trip to the Bay Area in mid-march. Can anyone suggest good trout waters within a couple hours of San Francisco?

Response:

Because the general trout season doesn’t open until May 1st, trout waters are hard to come by near San Francisco in mid-March.  However, there is one trout stream that remains open, about a one and a half hour drive. It’s called Putah Creek.  It’s a tailwater, flowing out of a man-made reservoir, called Lake Berryessa.  It’s a bit north of a town called Vacaville, east of San Francisco off Highway 80, on the way to Sacramento.  Easy to find on a map.  Make local inquiries as to how to get to the section below the dam. If you want to get into some big trout, (and I’m talking 6-8 lbs.) drive north on Highway 5 for about 3 1/2 hours.  Between the towns of Anderson and Red Bluff, on the Sacramento River, a guide can be had to float you through that water.  This is a blue ribbon fishery, and open at this time of year.  Make inquiries for guides, etc.  through the "Redding Fly Shop."  Their phone number is (916) 222-3555. Those guys really know the water in that area, and can put you into good fishing, and will arrange good guides for you. Tight Lines! Old Deep

Response:

: I am planning a short trip to the Bay Area in mid-march. Can anyone : suggest good trout waters within a couple hours of San Francisco? Here are the Lakes that are now open: From nearest to the farthest: Lake Merced: Right in the Heart of San Francisco San Pablo Dam Reservoir: Take San Pablo Dam Road in Richmond Lake Del Valle: This is south of Livermore Parkway Lake: Private lake, open to anyone even without a license for a fee Lake Chabot Lake Berryessa: Napa County Lake Pardee Lake Camanche Lake Amador

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writes: If you want to get into some big trout, (and I’m talking 6-8 lbs.) drive north on Highway 5 for about 3 1/2 hours.  Between the towns of Anderson and Red Bluff, on the Sacramento River, a guide can be had to float you through that water.  This is a blue ribbon fishery, and open at this time of year.  Make inquiries for guides, etc.  through the "Redding Fly Shop." Their phone number is (916) 222-3555. Those guys really know the water in that area, and can put you into good fishing, and will arrange good guides for you.

Be sure to call ahead to check on flows.  You can wade the Lower Sac in the town of Redding and down to Anerson when the flows are 4000cfs or lower.  5000cfs gets a little tough to wade and above 8000cfs you can use a boat, but probably won’t find many fish.  Currently the Lower Sac flows are 35,000 cfs.  We had some warm weather which filled Shasta lake up too much from run-off so they are dumping it like crazy now. If the flows are good in March, there are usually great caddis hatches and both good nymphing and dry fly fishing.   About 2 hrs out of SF you can fish the Mokulemne River below Comanche Dam or the lower part of the Stanislaus River.  Both can be good in March. Also may be decent Striper fishing in the Delta then.                                             Dan Dan Gracia                                                               Orvis West Coast Fly Fishing Schools If you kill that big fish you can’t catch ‘em again.  So what if they eat other fish?  If you kill the big ones there will only be little ones left (funny how that works!).

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I may be up in this area in a week or two. Any help on where to fish, local patterns etc, would be appreciated. Many thanks. — Scott Branyan Rogers, AR

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    I am a Colorado native and I have fished the South Platte and other rivers north of Denver extensively.  If you are in search of large fish then the Platte is a good destination as is the Blue river 1 hr west of Denver on I-70 in the town of Silverthorne.  If numbers of fish are what you want I suggest the Big Thompson or the Cache La Poudre rivers north of Denver and west of Loveland and Fort Collins respectively.      Back to the Platte.  This time of year is a nice time to fish this area.  In the heat of the day the fish are relatively inactive on the surface.  However, sometimes the weather changes or something else will cause a proliferation of some species of small mayfly or another.  These can usually be imitated with a generic blue wing olive size 16 or smaller.  There is usually sporadic action on the surface even in the absence of a hatch.  These being a small midge.  I tie my own and will discuss the pattern later. In the evenings you can almost always count on some caddis fly action.  The elk hair caddis size 16 or smaller being a good match. Through out the day small nymphs will also work.  I suggest size 18 or smaller pheasant tails, gold ribbed hairs ears, other mayfly larvae imitations, brassies, and buckskins.  You will notice that I have emphasized small patterns.  The majority of the aquatic life in the river is small.  The non aquatic life near the river is coming into full bloom at this time of the year.  Do not forget to take an assortment of grasshopper, beetle, ant, and other terrestrial imitations.  Some times these patterns will arose a fish when nothing else will.      The fishing pressure on the South Platte is extremely heavy due to its proximity to Denver.  Therefore the fish are extremely well educated.  When approaching the fish keep in mind the water is very clear.  If you can see them, they can see you.  Do not slosh and stomp around in this river.  If at all possible sneak up on your target fish.  This may include crawling on your hands and knees in the middle of the river so as to keep yourself low and slow moving.  I always enjoy watching people watch me as I crawl through 12 inches of water and then taking a nice 16 to 20 inch trout only ten feet away.  I emphasize the distance because a poor cast which splashes the water or otherwise alarms the fish will ruin your chances to catch the large fish.  Additionally the closer you are to the target fish the easier it is to hook and land them when they do take.      I personally like to fish around Deckers because the access is easy.  The river is accessible for several miles downstream of Deckers and the road runs right along the river.  Upstream of Deckers into the canyon is excellent fishing and is where the gold medal water is.  A short hike will take you into the canyon.  If possible I suggest fishing where people are not elbow to elbow. The whole river is excellent you do not have to fish in a crowd. Also, if possible fish on the week days.      I suggest a five weight rod.  This is my own preference.  Take a rod that you feel comfortable making accurate cast at short to moderate distances.  People claiming to cast the whole line and landing 5 lbs. plus trout are full of it.  The river is very cold even at this time of the year.  Take neoprene waders if you got em. Polarized sunglasses are a must.  The elevation in Colorado also makes sunscreen a must.      The midge pattern is a simple one.  Use a size 20 or 22 dry fly hook.  The body is green floss.  About 1/2 way to the eye put a small amount of dark green rabbit fur dubbing.  for a wing use a grey, light blue, or white polypropelyne.  Whip finish the head. This is a sparse pattern.  I use it as a dropper to a size 14 or 16 humpy or some other highly visible unsinkable dry fly.  This allows me to know where the midge is as it is about impossible to see past 10 feet.  If the midge sinks that is ok the fish don’t care.      Post your results I wish you good luck. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I may be up in this area in a week or two. Any help on where to fish, local patterns etc, would be appreciated. Many thanks. — Scott Branyan Rogers, AR

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