Posts
PA Fishing License Sales Hit Five Year High
If recent fishing license sales are any indication, the rivers and streams in PA will be quite a bit more crowded this season.
Harrisburg, PA – The number of Pennsylvania fishing licenses sold through September 13 – 871,499 –has already eclipsed the total yearly sales for each of the last four years and represents the largest one year percentage increase since 1980, according to sales figures from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC).
“Fishing license sales are up 5 percent and overall stamp sales are up 4.36 percent over the same period from 2008, reinforcing thinking by many that people have returned to fishing as an affordable, family oriented activity,” said PFBC Executive Director Douglas Austen. “The commission is also finishing the second year of a multi-year direct marketing campaign in cooperation with the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation. We believe these efforts aimed at lapsed anglers have also had a positive impact on licenses sales.”
Among license types, resident license sales are up 5.47 percent; non-resident sales are up 3.41 percent; 7-day tourist licenses are up 1.55 percent; and 3-day tourist licenses are up 3.61 percent. Among stamps, trout permits are up 3.79 percent; Lake Erie permits are up 3.18 percent; and Combo permits are up by almost 8 percent. The good news also extends to boating, where registration renewals are up by approximately 5 percent from the same period in 2008.
This year’s sales are the highest since 2004, when more than 909,000 licenses were sold. In 2005, the cost of a license increased from $16.25 to $21 and sales for that year subsequently dropped to 823,175.
The mission of the Fish and Boat Commission is to protect, conserve, and enhance the Commonwealth’s aquatic resources and provide fishing and boating opportunities. For more information about fishing and boating in Pennsylvania, please visit our website at www.fishandboat.com.
Harrisburg, PA – The number of Pennsylvania fishing licenses sold through September 13 – 871,499 –has already eclipsed the total yearly sales for each of the last four years and represents the largest one year percentage increase since 1980, according to sales figures from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC).
“Fishing license sales are up 5 percent and overall stamp sales are up 4.36 percent over the same period from 2008, reinforcing thinking by many that people have returned to fishing as an affordable, family oriented activity,” said PFBC Executive Director Douglas Austen. “The commission is also finishing the second year of a multi-year direct marketing campaign in cooperation with the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation. We believe these efforts aimed at lapsed anglers have also had a positive impact on licenses sales.”
Among license types, resident license sales are up 5.47 percent; non-resident sales are up 3.41 percent; 7-day tourist licenses are up 1.55 percent; and 3-day tourist licenses are up 3.61 percent. Among stamps, trout permits are up 3.79 percent; Lake Erie permits are up 3.18 percent; and Combo permits are up by almost 8 percent. The good news also extends to boating, where registration renewals are up by approximately 5 percent from the same period in 2008.
This year’s sales are the highest since 2004, when more than 909,000 licenses were sold. In 2005, the cost of a license increased from $16.25 to $21 and sales for that year subsequently dropped to 823,175.
The mission of the Fish and Boat Commission is to protect, conserve, and enhance the Commonwealth’s aquatic resources and provide fishing and boating opportunities. For more information about fishing and boating in Pennsylvania, please visit our website at www.fishandboat.com.
VFG Fly Fishing Journal Day 3
September 28, 2009
Lake Fork of the Gunnison River, near Lake City, CO
Our day began with lattes courtesy of Dan File. We are so spoiled. We started fishing at the bridge that crosses the Upper Lake Fork. The river yielded a few fish, but due to the time of year, low flows make the fishing tough. We made our way upriver by leap frogging each other attempting to find the likely spots that hold trout. Ultimately, we headed over to the Smith pond. After one cast, it was game on. There were fish everywhere and they were hungry. Dry/droppers to start and then on to streamers. We hammered them! Check out the action.
And here it is....
Sean had just arrived at the Smith pond and promptly hooked up with a very large rainbow. Once I turned on my camera to film the action, the acrobatic trout didn't disappoint as you will see above.
Dan with a hefty Rainbow
Erik caught this Rainbow after one cast.
Darin with a Rainbow from the Smith pond.
Double Taps Hawaiian Style
I tried a different kind of fishing on my Summer vacation.
Not very much casting involved and these are certainly not the four weight rods I fish. Seven hours of driving around in 3000 feet of water and not so much as look. Nature calls and during my visit to the head, what do I hear but the a screaming sound coming from the back of the boat.
Fish on! 40 Minutes of trophy wife provided Gatorade, re-learning how to reel a level winder, and, as our Captain put it, "getting our a$$es handed to us" we saw what was on the end of our line. We had agreed to tag any Marlin caught but that wasn't what took our lure. I'll spare you the grisly details but let's just say that this is a blood sport and the trophy wife (who was filming the event) was quite surprised when the Captain drew a .38 and put two in Mr. Ahi's head.
New Gear: Big & "Green" Friendly
Hog Island's 100% recycled plastic kayak!
Hog Island knows a thing or two about plastic as the first drift boat maker to craft a roto-molded fully plastic craft of fishiness.
Here's the specs:
Length: 10’10”
Beam: 31”
Height at Bow: 16”
Weight: 50 lbs.
Maximum Capacity: 300 lbs.
Features:
Eco-conscious roto-molded hull using recycled plastic
Tough, quiet, and durable
Wide tri-hull shape design
Molded in seat well and molded in multiple foot rests
Accommodates a wide range of paddler sizes
Deck behind the paddler for beer cooler
Round hatch in front of the paddler with drop bag for storage
Eyelets along the gunwales for securing gear
Molded in drains in the cockpit
Grab handles on the bow and stern for carrying
All this can be yours for the low-low price of: $499.00
Hog Island knows a thing or two about plastic as the first drift boat maker to craft a roto-molded fully plastic craft of fishiness.
Here's the specs:
Length: 10’10”
Beam: 31”
Height at Bow: 16”
Weight: 50 lbs.
Maximum Capacity: 300 lbs.
Features:
Eco-conscious roto-molded hull using recycled plastic
Tough, quiet, and durable
Wide tri-hull shape design
Molded in seat well and molded in multiple foot rests
Accommodates a wide range of paddler sizes
Deck behind the paddler for beer cooler
Round hatch in front of the paddler with drop bag for storage
Eyelets along the gunwales for securing gear
Molded in drains in the cockpit
Grab handles on the bow and stern for carrying
All this can be yours for the low-low price of: $499.00
Brassed Off: Tying and fishing the Brassie
Love it or hate it, the inevitable need to go deeper and find the fish, is married with the arrival of colder (and often wetter) weather. Whilst it may not be the dry-fly fishers’ idea of fun, big and heavy, lead-packed nymphs are often the answer. Fished in a variety of styles, they can be hugely effective. Given running water of suitable depth and flow, short line, ‘Czech –Nymphing’ with a team of these heavy bugs can be a super-productive method – often allowing good numbers of fish to be brought to the net. However, when faced with fluctuating depths and speed of the flow, this style can become a more of a hindrance than a winning technique. Plus there are times when the fish demand something smaller, but at depth. So it’s time to start changing patterns and approach...
Click to read more in Hatches Magazine...
~Dave
Fieldsports Britain
Here's a new internet television programme from www.fieldsportschannel.tv
This first episode features fishing at the Arundell Arms with an attempt (!) at the Devon Macnab...
If your internet connection isn't the fastest, click on the 'HQ' button at the bottom of the video, making sure it isn't highlighted in red.
This first episode features fishing at the Arundell Arms with an attempt (!) at the Devon Macnab...
If your internet connection isn't the fastest, click on the 'HQ' button at the bottom of the video, making sure it isn't highlighted in red.
VFG Fly Fishing Journal Day 2
September 27, 2009
Lake Fork of the Gunnison River, near Lake City, CO
Due to our late arrival, getting ready for the day had some delays. After breakfast, we rigged up our rods and and donned our waders and began our day on the Davis Pond and the Lake Fork. We all did well and here are some of the highlights.
Dan Wallentine and a Colorado Rainbow
Darin Wallentine and a Lake Fork Rainbow
Erik Vail with a 21" Rainbow
Sean Wallentine and a 21" Rainbow
the Landeen Photography blog
In doing my little part to keep the internet from running out of stuff, and partially because I am two weeks into an alcohol-free month causing restlessness and boredom, I have created the Landeen Photography blog.
I have found to my delightment (that should be a word) that over the last year or so the FGFF site has been a great way to connect and stay in touch with the fly fishing community, and even make some good friends. I can only hope that myself and others will be able to get the same enjoyment from a photography blog.
You can expect tips, tricks, stories, DIY articles, incessant rambling, and even a photograph from time to time. So head on over and say hello.
-Alex
**Updated Rumble Results 2009
Here is the actual release with the results from the 2009 Rumble in the Rhododendren. (Thanks Michelle)
FLY FISHING TOURNAMENT AWARDS $10,000 IN CASH PRIZES CHEROKEE, N.C.
(September 26-27): Even a weekend’s worth of torrential downpours could not keep the 22 pairs of fishing teams away from their chance at the $10,000 cash purse awarded at the 2009 “Rumble in the Rhododendron” Fly Masters Tournament in Cherokee, N.C. First place and $5,000 went to Fly Fishing Team USA member Josh Stephens of Robbinsville, N.C. with lifelong fishing friend David Woody of Andrews, N.C.
Taking second place and $3,000 was Brad Barnes and Curtis Condon of Watauga, T.N. Third place and $2,000 went to 2005 Fly Fishing Masters Southeast Champion Walker Parrott of Fletcher, N.C. and teammate Capt. Rick Hartman, a fly fishing guide for Kingfisher Inn & Guide Service off the Texas Coast. Barnes is a fly-fishing guide for Watauga River Lodge in Watauga, T.N. and Parrott is a guide for Davidson River Outfitters in Brevard, N.C.
Bad weather added a new layer to the competition as anglers had to complete the casting and accuracy rounds in light-to-heavy rains on Saturday. The fishing rounds on Sunday were delayed three hours because the river was so dangerously high.
The top 15 teams from the distance and accuracy rounds moved on to day two’s fishing rounds. The 15 teams were then narrowed down to five teams for the second round of fishing with one wild card team. As luck would have it, tournament winners Stephens and Woody picked the valuable wild card.
The tournament, which was presented by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Fisheries and Wildlife Management and the North Carolina Fly Fishing Team, was filmed for a feature spot on the Sportsman Channel’s “Fly Rod Chronicles with Curtis Flemming.”
“With 10 more teams competing this year than in 2008, I would definitely say the tournament was a success,” said organizer Chris Lee of the North Carolina Fly Fishing Team. Tournament organizers look forward to a larger turn out in 2010 and hopefully an even bigger cash purse.
More InfoFor more information the second annual Rumble in the Rhododendron Fly Masters Tournament, please visit www.RumbleintheRhodo.com or call 828-421-0172 or 828-269-6529.
The tournament is sponsored by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Fisheries & Wildlife Management, the North Carolina Fly Fishing Team, “Fly Rod Chronicles with Curtis Flemming,” Davidson River Outfitters, Cortland Fly Line, The Granddaddy Fly-Fishing Experience, John Hancock, and William Joseph.
Updated yet again with the fishing results :
Out of all the dry flies tied and ready for action, it is the CDC loop emerger that ticks all the boxes for me. I know I post variations on this theme alot, but trust me, they are a worthy addition. Big rivers, tiny freestone streams, brooks, chalk streams and vast reservoirs have all seen this style of tying persuade fish. Here's another alternative to hopefully whet the appetite:
Hook: TMC 212Y #17
Thread: Sheer 14/0 tan
Abdomen: Wapsi Superfine, olive
Rib: Tying thread, darkened with black permanent marker
Thorax: Rabbit
Wing: Natural CDC
~Dave.
Hook: TMC 212Y #17
Thread: Sheer 14/0 tan
Abdomen: Wapsi Superfine, olive
Rib: Tying thread, darkened with black permanent marker
Thorax: Rabbit
Wing: Natural CDC
~Dave.
VFG Fly Fishing Journal Day 1
September 26, 2009 (Travel Day)
Lake Fork of the Gunnison River, near Lake City, CO
We all arrived in Denver between 12 noon and 3 pm. Erik and I travelled from Tucson, AZ, Sean from Sacramento, CA, and Dan (Dad) from Orange County.
Everyone arrived with all their luggage and pile into a Chevy Tahoe for a 5 hour drive to Lake City, CO. After stopping for supplies at Bass Pro Shop Outdoor World and WalMart for licenses and food, we headed to the San Juan Mountains southwest of Gunnison.
We arrived late, about midnight and settled into the Davis home. Actually it is a log mansion.
We finally got to bed around 1:30 am. We cancelled our early wake up call. The fish will wait for us.
Obitufishuaries
Obitufishuaries
I regret to inform the loyal readers of Jay Moore, the now dearly departed and former Tennessee Editor of Flyfishmagazine.com, of his passing from the Caney Fork watershed. You may have noticed that his regular posting has been absent for some time and you may have attributed the absence to the erratic generation schedule at the Center Hill Reservoir Dam. That schedule has been affected by the repair of the dam and acerbated by the torrential rains occurring in the watershed over the last several weeks. It would take more than that to keep Jay out of his waders under normal circumstances.
I am sad to report that Jay left us at 8:00 AM sharp on Sunday, September 6. Jay was always very punctual, leaving behind Tammy his loving wife, two sets of waders and shoes, several fly rods and reels, and too numerous and lovingly tied flies to list here. The service commemorating his sad absence was private. The trout of the Caney Fork though invited were absent from the ceremony but in favor of his demise.
Even though we all knew the end was near, Jay had the courage to enter the river a week earlier on what we all knew would be his last trip. I had the privilege to accompany Jay on that bittersweet occasion. We fished the river near the settlement of Lancaster about a mile downstream from the dam. We reminisced over our many trips on our way to the river and chose a spot that would be easy to approach to make it more comfortable for Jay.
When we arrived about 4:00 PM on Wednesday, September 6 there were two fisherman in the water who were preparing to leave and shared that they had been there for at least a couple of hours and the fish had been uncooperative. That news did not bother me as I was with Jay and Jay caught fish especially when no one else was catching fish. Even the power bait boys typically marveled at his ability.
At 6: OO PM we had not only failed to net a fish but had not even had a strike. Now Jay knows how to fish. He doesn’t go fishing as much as he goes catching. I’ve been with him when he loses count of his captures when the total is in the forties and we have been there only two hours. This afternoon was different. Jay kept changing flies; Wooly buggers, emergers, and nymphs. He would use each for a few minutes then change. He would try all of one color then repeat the order changing color. As always Jay was focused on the moment and not distracted by anything else, but after two hours the mink I saw working the shore threatened to turn into a skunk. I had never fished with Jay when he didn’t catch fish. I have, however, fished with Jay when I didn’t catch fish.
Then it happened, fish on. Jay’s rotation had just included a #18 gold Zebra midge. And a 10” brown was in his net. Jay said it was a 12” brown, but under the circumstances I agreed with him and tried not to sound patronizing. Nine more were to follow in close succession. Jay continued the rotation and landed rainbows, browns and brooks with the largest being a 15” rainbow. I personally think it was closer to 13”, but I withheld comment for the reason already stated. I on the other hand retrieved only five and finished with what Jay determined was a 19” brown which he actually had to net for me. I let him assist so that he could share the thrill of a large catch that I actually believe was at least 22”, but I accepted his measurement for the reason already stated.
So we bid Jay a fond farewell. He has been as excellent a friend as he has been a fisherman. I have been the recipient of not only several JayMoore flies (patent pending), but of many hours of enjoyment that could not have been duplicated in anyone else’s company. I shall miss him.
Jay, however, has gone to a better place, Columbia, South Carolina. At least that is what his boss told him. He accepted a transfer to the ProBuild facility in Columbia as operations manager. They needed someone with special talents and Jay has them in spades. I regret he is gone, but Tammy is looking forward to being there and Jay will do great in his new position. I particularly feel for the catfish, carp, and gar, how fun, who will soon feel the sting of a JayMoore fly (patent pending).
In his absence, I will try to keep you updated on the Caney as well as an occasion article on the Harpeth River. I will also try to get to the Buffalo River before winter.
Phil Duke, cub reporter
I regret to inform the loyal readers of Jay Moore, the now dearly departed and former Tennessee Editor of Flyfishmagazine.com, of his passing from the Caney Fork watershed. You may have noticed that his regular posting has been absent for some time and you may have attributed the absence to the erratic generation schedule at the Center Hill Reservoir Dam. That schedule has been affected by the repair of the dam and acerbated by the torrential rains occurring in the watershed over the last several weeks. It would take more than that to keep Jay out of his waders under normal circumstances.
I am sad to report that Jay left us at 8:00 AM sharp on Sunday, September 6. Jay was always very punctual, leaving behind Tammy his loving wife, two sets of waders and shoes, several fly rods and reels, and too numerous and lovingly tied flies to list here. The service commemorating his sad absence was private. The trout of the Caney Fork though invited were absent from the ceremony but in favor of his demise.
Even though we all knew the end was near, Jay had the courage to enter the river a week earlier on what we all knew would be his last trip. I had the privilege to accompany Jay on that bittersweet occasion. We fished the river near the settlement of Lancaster about a mile downstream from the dam. We reminisced over our many trips on our way to the river and chose a spot that would be easy to approach to make it more comfortable for Jay.
When we arrived about 4:00 PM on Wednesday, September 6 there were two fisherman in the water who were preparing to leave and shared that they had been there for at least a couple of hours and the fish had been uncooperative. That news did not bother me as I was with Jay and Jay caught fish especially when no one else was catching fish. Even the power bait boys typically marveled at his ability.
At 6: OO PM we had not only failed to net a fish but had not even had a strike. Now Jay knows how to fish. He doesn’t go fishing as much as he goes catching. I’ve been with him when he loses count of his captures when the total is in the forties and we have been there only two hours. This afternoon was different. Jay kept changing flies; Wooly buggers, emergers, and nymphs. He would use each for a few minutes then change. He would try all of one color then repeat the order changing color. As always Jay was focused on the moment and not distracted by anything else, but after two hours the mink I saw working the shore threatened to turn into a skunk. I had never fished with Jay when he didn’t catch fish. I have, however, fished with Jay when I didn’t catch fish.
Then it happened, fish on. Jay’s rotation had just included a #18 gold Zebra midge. And a 10” brown was in his net. Jay said it was a 12” brown, but under the circumstances I agreed with him and tried not to sound patronizing. Nine more were to follow in close succession. Jay continued the rotation and landed rainbows, browns and brooks with the largest being a 15” rainbow. I personally think it was closer to 13”, but I withheld comment for the reason already stated. I on the other hand retrieved only five and finished with what Jay determined was a 19” brown which he actually had to net for me. I let him assist so that he could share the thrill of a large catch that I actually believe was at least 22”, but I accepted his measurement for the reason already stated.
So we bid Jay a fond farewell. He has been as excellent a friend as he has been a fisherman. I have been the recipient of not only several JayMoore flies (patent pending), but of many hours of enjoyment that could not have been duplicated in anyone else’s company. I shall miss him.
Jay, however, has gone to a better place, Columbia, South Carolina. At least that is what his boss told him. He accepted a transfer to the ProBuild facility in Columbia as operations manager. They needed someone with special talents and Jay has them in spades. I regret he is gone, but Tammy is looking forward to being there and Jay will do great in his new position. I particularly feel for the catfish, carp, and gar, how fun, who will soon feel the sting of a JayMoore fly (patent pending).
In his absence, I will try to keep you updated on the Caney as well as an occasion article on the Harpeth River. I will also try to get to the Buffalo River before winter.
Phil Duke, cub reporter
Franklin, Tn.
Editor's note: Jay Moore is not (as far as we know) Dead. He simply moved to S.C. If moving to S.C. evokes an Obiufisuary then we can't help but wonder what our recent move to the Garden State should evoke. Great work Phil - We look forward to hearing more from you about our favorite TN trout waters.
Editor's note: Jay Moore is not (as far as we know) Dead. He simply moved to S.C. If moving to S.C. evokes an Obiufisuary then we can't help but wonder what our recent move to the Garden State should evoke. Great work Phil - We look forward to hearing more from you about our favorite TN trout waters.
Kennebec River Striper Fishing September 26th, 2009
Today I took part in a three boat guided trip with two other guides...We guided a group of anglers from Monteal, Quebec...Before the trip the three of us guides agreed to head in separate directions...I chose to hit one of my upriver spots for the last of the incoming...as we arrived on scene we were greeted by diving birds and swirling stripers...we connected with a nice 25 incher right away...a few more drifts and we had a 28 incher in the boat...the tide went slack and the bite turned off like someone flipped a switch...we worked our butts off for the next few hours but unfortunately the bite stayed dead. The men on the other two boats were not as fortunate as the ladies aboard with me...I guess girls have all the luck!!!
The Search for Lodging Continues...
Any port in a storm and all.
Redwood MotelState Route 13Pulaski, New York 315-298-4717
Double Eagle Lodge Inc3268 State Route 13Pulaski, New York 315-298-3326
Steelhead Lodge3178 State Route 13Pulaski, New York 315-298-4371
River Street Lodge6 River StreetPulaski, New York 315-298-2787
Super 8 Motel3800 State Route 13Pulaski, New York 800-359-5672
Altmar Hotel and RestaurantMill StreetAltmar, NY 13302 315.298.5460
Brenda's Motel and Campground644 County Route 48Altmar, NY 13302 315.298.2268
Cannon's Place Motel614 County Route 48P.O. Box 209Altmar, NY 13302 315.298.5054
Da & La LodgeCounty Route 52P.O. Box 221Altmar, NY 13302 315.298.2511
Fox Hollow Salmon River Lodge2740 State Route 13Altmar, NY 13302 315.298.2876
Jayhawkers Bunkhouse581 CC RoadAltmar, NY 13302 315.964.2557
Salmon Heaven Lodge & Guide Service2035 County Route 22Altmar, NY 13302 315.298.5695
Stone House Inn154 Sloperville RoadAltmar, NY 13302 315.298.6028
The Cottages at Autumn Lake23 Dean DriveAltmar, NY 13302 315.298.6961
The Schoolhouse Inn29 Pulaski StAltmar, NY 13302 315.298.3446
Victorian at AltmarP.O. Box 432Altmar, NY 13302 315.298.1111
1880 House1 South Jefferson StreetPulaski, NY 13142 315.298.3511
Deer Creek Motel8032 State Route 3Pulaski, NY 13142 315.298.3730
Driftwood Motel5240 State Route 11Pulaski, NY 13142 315.298.5000
Hidden Acres Lodge187 Palmiteer RoadPulaski, NY 13142 315.298.FISH
Maple Grove Resort2870 State Route 13Pulaski, NY 13142 315.298.7256
Port Lodge MotelState Route 3Pulaski, NY 13142 315.298.6876
Salmon Acres Lodge3694 State Route 13Pulaski, NY 13142 315.298.6173
All Seasons Lodge6035 South Main StreetP.O. Box 549Sandy Creek, NY 13145315.387.5850
Carnsie's Irish Wigwam Hotel 45 Wigwam DriveSandy Creek, NY 13145 315.387.3001
Harris Lodging141 Salisbury Street ; (3) (31Sandy Creek, NY 13145 315.387.5907
Burnin' up the interwebs questing for a home...
Profile of Silver Creek, AZ Fly Fishing
For fly fishers looking for a destination in Arizona, the obvious choice defaults to Lees Ferry. But for locals and fly fishing residents in Arizona's White Mountain area, Silver Creek is the not so well kept secret. Silver Creek is a spring creek located just east of Show Low Airport. Most attention for Silver Creek is on the hatchery that uses branched areas of the upper creek and are well fenced and posted for fly fishers. The "catch" for Silver Creek is that regulations keep anglers off the creek for the summer months. The creek is open from October until March 31 to keep the pressure off the trout for the warmer months. Check the regulations before venturing to Silver Creek.
Friday Bacon!
Bacon motivational poster...
Bacon thong, no comment.
More on the motivational poster theme...
Happy Friday!
Bacon thong, no comment.
More on the motivational poster theme...
Happy Friday!
Kennebec River Striper Fishing Report...October Preview???
Is this a prelude to the fishing we'll see in October...I sure hope so!!!
a trio of beautiful mid october fish
a trio of beautiful mid october fish
Another couple to share. Firstly a change of bead and wire colour to the brassie can make all the difference when the fish are being picky. Who knows exactly how colour is perceived by the fish, but certainly a slight change can make the difference between success and a dry net.
The Brassie Rouge:
Hook: TMC 2487 #14 - #20
Bead: Tungsten 'Nymph-Head'
Body: UTC Ultra wire, red
Thorax: Synthetic claret, split thread
Next, a tiny offering that works well either trailed behind a dry fly, NZ style, or in conjunction with a bigger nymph. This is the answer to those days where the fish seem willing to hit only small offerings. Fir the sacrificial bug, I would suggest a dark, drab offering - since when picky enough to only take sub #20 nymphs, a large, flashy bug may just spook them:
Titchy Brassie:
Hook : TMC 2488 #22
Body: Copper wire, fine
Thread: 14/0 Sheer, orange
Thorax: Synthetic olive / yellow
~Dave
The Brassie Rouge:
Hook: TMC 2487 #14 - #20
Bead: Tungsten 'Nymph-Head'
Body: UTC Ultra wire, red
Thorax: Synthetic claret, split thread
Next, a tiny offering that works well either trailed behind a dry fly, NZ style, or in conjunction with a bigger nymph. This is the answer to those days where the fish seem willing to hit only small offerings. Fir the sacrificial bug, I would suggest a dark, drab offering - since when picky enough to only take sub #20 nymphs, a large, flashy bug may just spook them:
Titchy Brassie:
Hook : TMC 2488 #22
Body: Copper wire, fine
Thread: 14/0 Sheer, orange
Thorax: Synthetic olive / yellow
~Dave
Silver Creek, CA Fly Fishing Report
Darin Wallentine
Tucson, AZ
September 2008
Caught 5 Rainbows and 3 Brookies
Flies Used: X-Wing Caddis #16 and Gold Bead Pulsating Caddis #18
Other Details: Fished Silver Creek south of Markleeville along Hwy 4. Used a dry/dropper for most of the afternoon. The water was very low, but still held some nice fish.
Depth Charge
Autumn colours have started to creep in and whilt the dries are still persuading a few fish (I lost a cracking fish at Chew Valley Lake last weekend...), I can't help but get the feeling that we'll be heading deeper for the fish in only a few more weeks. So as the river bugging box starts to get the overhaul, here's a favourite for those deeper pockets.
Hook: TMC 2487 #14 - #20
Bead: Tungsten 'Nymph-head'
Body: Copper wire
Thread: 14/0 Sheer, orange
Thorax: Hare (split thread)
~Dave.
Hook: TMC 2487 #14 - #20
Bead: Tungsten 'Nymph-head'
Body: Copper wire
Thread: 14/0 Sheer, orange
Thorax: Hare (split thread)
~Dave.
Colorado early snow , Bordem as a Chef
I am very bored, so I will share with you all some things happening in Colorado right now.
For those of you who do not live in Colorado, and many of you live in the heat, We have been seeing some unsightly early snow. I am not too sure what to think about 4 days in the high 70's and suddenly we hit snow. The mornings here in Deckers have been between 32 and 37, I do love the cold but not this early. I am sure the leaves will change from green to dead, instead of the spangled orange yellow and red on the Aspens.
Please be careful driving, the weather on the moutains is starting to kill off a bit of vegitation so the Deer and elk have been lowering into the canyons and roads. Trust me its no fun to hit an elk as I did last November and almost lost my car. The bastard even walked away from the hit as I sat there with a busted ass front end.
Yet good news, I have been throwing BWO's along the South Platte sizes 24-28 with a Zebra Midge dropper, the midge has been doing well and a few hits on my BWO. Don't be a pansy and get your ass out on the river, the fishing is getting nice with the cold.
OK This morning I woke at 4a.m., that is normal for me, and decided on my fruit plates this morning I wanted to make flies
. I have not been tying much so I thought I would make a golden stone out of strawberries cantaloupe, pineapple, and blue berries. If you could not tell I am quite bored. Stupidity or creativity you tell me.-Kyle, Damn the cold sometimes
When Gill Netters Attack
Editor's note: The following is a report from Capt. Tom Roller about an attempted boarding of his boat by angry commercial fishermen. Capt. Tom Roller is a fly fishing and light tackle guide out of the Carolina's. Tom and other inshore guides, (including our own Capt. Gordon Churchill) have been working to stop the use of unattended gill nets in North Carolina waters. As you can see from his note below - some folks don't like what he is doing. Please take a minute of your time and sign this petition to change the North Carolina gill net rules. The redfish you save....
The following is Capt. Roller's own story - unedited.
Gill Netting conflicts are nothing new in North Carolina. While the North Carolina Department of Marine Fisheries (DMF) would like you to believe that these conflicts are rare and isolated, it is anything but the truth. Many of these commercial fishermen (who either do it part-time or are of the poorest and lowest rung of the socio-economic ladder) act as if the water belongs to only them and no one else – particularly when it comes to guides. They set nets on top of you, wrap up the spots you were fishing the day prior and even apparently try to kill gamefish like redfish just insothat you cannot catch them.
As a guide, I have had my share of run-ins even though I do my best to avoid conflicts. I am a private person and don’t like to tangle with the generally scary people who are commercial fishermen.
Today, after being out-of-town for over a week, I decided to embark, solo, on a redfish scouting mission in preparation for a week of trips. I launch my flats boat and tie up to a loaded dock that is just almost over-capacity with a large/old sailboat and a couple of dinghies. While paring my truck, I see a local commercial gill netter on his cell phone. As I was untying, I notice a skiff coming my way WOT through a no-wake zone. Right as I toss the last line into the boat that screams up at me, pushes a huge wake towards me that I have to rush to prevent slamming my new boat into the dock. As I try to get away, the two commercial fishermen (one of whom is a convicted felon with an extensive criminal record) use their boat to prevent me from leaving the dock. While they yell threats and how they’re gonna “be ready for me” and are going to be “ready for me in duck season” (in reference to my waterfowl guiding business), they start trying to force me into the sailboat moored to the dock behind me. I know this because the two netters look at each other and said, while five feet away - “push him into that sailboat!”
I some how get out of the pickle and go at a fast idle trying to get away – they do a u-turn and come bearing at me, one of them standing on the bow cussing at the top of lungs that I need “to come here” and apparently was getting ready to try to jump on and “board me.” When he was 2 feet away and ready to jump, I slam the throttle and get myself out of dodge very quickly.After this, I immediately call the local police. They send three officers who say they can do nothing. Big surprise. After they leave, one of the netters spits his tobacco juice all over my truck door (just about every time I use the ramp I come home to dip juice on my door). Police say they can’t do anything else about this. Big surprise.
The important thing to get out of this? This is a common occurrence down here in coastal North Carolina. The commercial fishermen behave as if they own all the water and try to intimidate anyone who they deem any sort of threat. They know that NC is the only coastal state that allows gill netting and are trying to muscle their ugly heritage through for a few more years.
Another point I want to reiterate – BEFORE you hire ANY guide or charter boat in North Carolina, please ask them what they think about gill nets and inshore commercial fishermen. MANY of North Carolina’s most famous and well-known FLY and LIGHT-TACKLE guides are big supporters of gill nets. While I don’t want to name them – just ask, you’ll find out and you’ll be very surprised.
Capt. Tom Roller
WaterDog Guide Service Light Tackle, Fly Fishing and Tours
252 728 7907
919 423 6310
Singlebarbed Sends Schwag
Some Sixth Finger fly tying scissors showed up in our mail box today courtesy of fly fishing innovator and brownline guru K. Barton of Singlebarbed.com fame. Now if we can figure out where the movers put out fly tying kit we will give them a try. In the mean time, they work great on our salt and pepper chin beard.
I had my “Ah-ha” moment last year while doing a little research on surgical scissors. I stumbled across a design that looked promising, bought a couple of sets to try, and liked the result but also recognized it had shortcomings.
Without a foundry and metallurgical skills, I managed to mock up a pair using wire – and that was close enough to be a proof of concept. I had something and the idea was good enough to pursue.
Get your own pair via his ebay store.
Kennebec River Fishing Report September 23, 2009
Den Kelly made the drive up from Sag Harbor, NY to fish with me for the second time in the last 10 days. As explained in my 9/15/09 report Den is fanatical about tagging stripers for the American Littoral Society...over Den's career he has tagged over 11,700 striped bass...including the 15-18 fish he tagged with me...Den has gotten over 600 return certificates from Bass that he's tagged from Maine to the Chesapeake and beyond...hopefully Den will return for the June migration next spring...
