The North American Fly Fishing Forum - Blogs http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forums/blogs/ This fly fishing forum consists of fly fishing techniques, advice, tips, news, gear reviews and fly fishing discussions among fellow anglers. en Thu, 08 Jan 2009 03:21:13 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forums/images/misc/flyfishing_red/rss.jpg The North American Fly Fishing Forum - Blogs http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forums/blogs/ Nymph fisherman Vs. Dry fly fisherman http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forums/blogs/jclampwork88/42-nymph-fisherman-vs-dry-fly-fisherman.html Tue, 30 Dec 2008 22:55:42 GMT "Two good friends go fishing together, one a nymph fisherman and the other a dry fly fisherman, both believing strongly in catch and release.
Not wanting to get in each other's way they decide that one will fish upstream and the other down, and at an appointed time, meeting back at their starting point and tell of their success.

Question 1. Which was more apt to fish upstream and conversely, which was more apt to fish downstream and Why ?

Question 2. Which one would come closer to telling the truth about his catch and why ? Notice that I said 'come closer' for most of us occassionally stretch the truth about our fishing success.

Example: If I was skunked and asked by my Bud, " How many fish did you catch, Jim? " and I said, " Not many " That wouldn't be bald-faced lie, so there you go. " But, If I'd answered 'a few' that would have been a bald-faced lie.Get the idea ? ;-)

Question 3. Which one was apt to be first to the return point, and which one would be apt to be late and why ?

Question 4. Which one's outfit, tackle, rod, etc. was more expensive ?

Question 5. Which one would be more inclined to smoke cigars ?" ]]> jclampwork88 http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forums/blogs/jclampwork88/42-nymph-fisherman-vs-dry-fly-fisherman.html Deer Creek Reservoir Fishing http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forums/blogs/jclampwork88/41-deer-creek-reservoir-fishing.html Mon, 29 Dec 2008 18:31:25 GMT We went fishing over the weekend at Deer Creek Reservoir. I don’t normally keep any but the wife wanted me to smoke a few so I bagged a couple nice trout and released the rest. Both I and my father-in-law only used two flies all day long. The fish were feeding, but nothing was rising to the... We went fishing over the weekend at Deer Creek Reservoir. I don’t normally keep any but the wife wanted me to smoke a few so I bagged a couple nice trout and released the rest. Both I and my father-in-law only used two flies all day long. The fish were feeding, but nothing was rising to the surface so it was nymphing all the way. I used the same glo-bug and a zebra midge for around 4 hours for fishing. We caught about 2/3s on the zebra midge and the rest on the glo-bug. I estimate we caught around 40 fish between the 2 of us. It was decent weather, partly cloudy and not too cold. We didn’t see any one else the whole time we were fishing. That is why I like fish the winter time.
Until Next Trip! ]]> jclampwork88 http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forums/blogs/jclampwork88/41-deer-creek-reservoir-fishing.html Hello Everyone http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forums/blogs/mch/40-hello-everyone.html Fri, 26 Dec 2008 16:24:49 GMT Hi there everyone. I am new at this fly fishing and can't wait to experience it. I am hoping that you can give me some great advise to learn all the expert casting and fly making. Please give me comments before the season starts and then I will be ready. ]]> mch http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forums/blogs/mch/40-hello-everyone.html <![CDATA["What the Hell Fly Box"]]> http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forums/blogs/jclampwork88/39-what-hell-fly-box.html Tue, 23 Dec 2008 22:07:13 GMT As winter time is upon us and we find shelter inside. I find that I will tie more flies so that I fill my boxes. This is also the time that I look at what I have fished with over the season and to try new things. I have started a box that I don’t carry but I always keep in my truck when I fish. It... As winter time is upon us and we find shelter inside. I find that I will tie more flies so that I fill my boxes. This is also the time that I look at what I have fished with over the season and to try new things. I have started a box that I don’t carry but I always keep in my truck when I fish. It is full of patterns that I have tried over the years and either haven’t worked or worked for a short time and then went cold. This box consists of flies of every sort and size. Streamers and nymphs find a home next to each other not being separated like in my other boxes.
When a bad day of fishing has kicked my butt and nothing will bite. I will go to the truck and grab a quick something to eat and grab this box. Multiple times during my fishing and tying lifespan this box has saved me from being skunked. The title of this box is affectionately called “What the Hell Box”. I figure “what the hell, I might as well try these”. I would suggest that everyone start one of these boxes that don’t get used very often but has a use once and a while.

Until next time,
John ]]> jclampwork88 http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forums/blogs/jclampwork88/39-what-hell-fly-box.html <![CDATA[Joni's Blog]]> http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forums/blogs/joni/38-jonis-blog.html Tue, 02 Dec 2008 01:39:22 GMT Joni - The Utah Fly Goddess (http://utahflygoddess.blogspot.com/) Joni - The Utah Fly Goddess ]]> Joni http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forums/blogs/joni/38-jonis-blog.html Trip to Orvis (What do I NEED?) http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forums/blogs/iowaflyfisher/37-trip-orvis-what-do-i-need.html Wed, 26 Nov 2008 17:15:46 GMT I am a big fan of Orvis. Some people I have talked with do not like their products, and maybe as I become a more seasoned fly fisher, I will find products that better meet my skills. So that being said, I was recently in Chicago for a mini-vacation and had the opportunity to go to an Orvis retail... I am a big fan of Orvis. Some people I have talked with do not like their products, and maybe as I become a more seasoned fly fisher, I will find products that better meet my skills. So that being said, I was recently in Chicago for a mini-vacation and had the opportunity to go to an Orvis retail store. It was a real sad time for me. I DIDN’T NEED ANYTHING. Here I am, standing looking over all the fine quality merchandise and not being able to find one thing I needed. That is not to say I didn’t want anything. Oh my, yes there were many things I wanted. I can use a 5 weight 4 piece Superfine trout rod for when I go back packing some time in the Rockies. I can use at least three different fly lines (just because). I can use new tying tools because they look cool (wouldn’t help me tie any better). So there I stood just looking and dreaming. Thinking about the next time I can wet a line. Thinking about the last time I wet a line. I stood there debating about taking my fly stuff when I go deer hunting because I will be close to a couple of streams where I can fish. I looked at wading- boots, I looked at waders and fleece under wader garments. I looked at the tying materials, but I wasn’t low on anything. So, last time my wife went to Orvis (without me) she got me a baseball cap (she got a cool sweatshirt). Here I stood looking at the caps, and I didn’t need one. I looked at the gloves, but again I didn’t need any. What heck was I to do, be practical? I just bought new gold clubs and down hill skies and boots, so my guilt said no to nothing I wanted.
Finally I did think of something I needed – a new wallet, so yes I did find something at Orvis I needed and I got it without feeling guilty. Next time I got to Chicago, I will need to look over my stuff and find something I need prior to going - Maybe that 4 piece rod for backpacking? Sounds like a plan! ]]> Iowaflyfisher http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forums/blogs/iowaflyfisher/37-trip-orvis-what-do-i-need.html Return From the Madison River http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forums/blogs/jclampwork88/36-return-madison-river.html Tue, 18 Nov 2008 17:09:00 GMT I just wanted to let everyone know how my trip to the Island Park Idaho (Madison River) went. The weather was as expected, cold and snowy. That didn’t stop us from getting our feet wet. The river was the lowest that I had ever seen it. That condensed the fish into the deeper channels changing the... I just wanted to let everyone know how my trip to the Island Park Idaho (Madison River) went. The weather was as expected, cold and snowy. That didn’t stop us from getting our feet wet. The river was the lowest that I had ever seen it. That condensed the fish into the deeper channels changing the fishing completely from the busy season. There was a nice midge hatch going on when we arrived at Reynolds Pass pull off, just below earthquake lake. I ended up catching my share of fish for the day (over 15 rainbows and one Brook trout). They weren’t the biggest fish in the river but they gave a pretty good fight. I caught ¾ of the fish on a red WD-40, which was surprising due to the fact that the midge hatch was a dark olive (I didn’t understand it either). Overall it was a good trip. My family enjoyed seeing Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons. ]]> jclampwork88 http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forums/blogs/jclampwork88/36-return-madison-river.html Larry in Tyler http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forums/blogs/larrym57/35-larry-tyler.html Wed, 12 Nov 2008 23:55:37 GMT Good Day I am new to blogging so bear with me. I am going to Beavers Bend, OK over Thanksgiving and would like some advice as to flyfishing on Spillway Creek. Good Day
I am new to blogging so bear with me. I am going to Beavers Bend, OK over Thanksgiving and would like some advice as to flyfishing on Spillway Creek. ]]> larrym57 http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forums/blogs/larrym57/35-larry-tyler.html Semi-Annual Trout trip in NE Iowa http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forums/blogs/iowaflyfisher/34-semi-annual-trout-trip-ne-iowa.html Mon, 20 Oct 2008 18:36:46 GMT I do not get to fish (for trout) as much as I need. So, my skills in catching trout are not well developed. But, just getting out for a weekend of wetting the line is so very relaxing. This past weekend (3rd weekend in October) was a long ago planned weekend where my fishing partner and I were... I do not get to fish (for trout) as much as I need. So, my skills in catching trout are not well developed. But, just getting out for a weekend of wetting the line is so very relaxing. This past weekend (3rd weekend in October) was a long ago planned weekend where my fishing partner and I were going to go. The plan was to camp in the NE section of Iowa. Early Friday morning came the call – due to family issues, he was unable to join me. So, I had to adapt. Instead of leaving Friday afternoon, I left Saturday morning. It was a three and one half hour drive to the fishing streams from my home. There was a stop for firewood and supplies that I had forgotten.
My destination was Waterloo Creek. This is one of the few creeks in Iowa that has a substantial population of reproducing brown trout. The lower section has population counts around 4000 fish per stream mile. In addition, in August 2006, this section of Iowa (and southern Minnesota) has an episode of tremendous rainfall: Something on the order of 7+” in a short period of time. Yes there was damage as those whose homes were close to the creek saw them flooded and/or moved off their foundations. The up side was the amount of sediment that was washed out of the stream. If you have never been to Iowa, due to farming practices, we loose on average 4000 tons of top soil a year in erosion, so most of our trout streams have significant sediment deposits. Thank you mother nature, for the stream improvements! Plus many trees and loose branches have been pushed back considerable distance from the banks. This made walking along the banks very easy, as well as wading was now not getting your boots stuck in muck.
It was a cool clear fall day (the Hawkeyes beat Wisconsin in football to top things off). The temperature was in the upper 50’s, and the stream temperature was 47 degrees. Water flow was low, and the streams were clear. As I walked towards the stream from where I had parked the car, I noticed hoppers in the grass. This made my fly choice real easy. So on went a #12 Dave’s Hopper. Apply a little floatant and grease the leader and I was ready. I worked my way upstream. I concentrated my attention to the riffles. The typical Iowa stream is not wide. I would say on average about 15 feet wide. Yes there are some spots where they spread out and in pools they can get 25 feet wide. (Ok that is narrow by most standards.) I was using a new (to me) bamboo fly rod that is 7’ 6” for 5/6 weight line. I used an Orvis Battenkill Large Arbor with WF5F line. There was a breeze about 10 mph with strong gusts at times, so casting was a little challenging in the open areas. I had my 3W with me, but thought with this wind I needed the extra weight. I used a systematic approach to casting – hitting all the pockets and still water as well as just letting the fly float down the rough areas. The action couldn’t have been slower. No rises, no movements. I didn’t even see any fish in this section of the stream. As I was starting to get discouraged (and my attention starting to wonder) there was a tug on the line. Hey – I caught a fish. It was a nice little brown, about 8” long, and NOT A HATCHERY fish. Now my spirits were lifted, and I knew I was on a roll. With my renewed confidence I started to pay attention to the fly. Well, I must have scared away all the fish, because I spent the next two hours beating the water and not moving anything. And these were almost all “prime” lies, mostly riffles, and with waves from the breeze to boot. As the sun set, I was satisfied that I had given my all and extracted a wild trout for my effort.
I set up camp and ate a nice dinner of fried chicken and coleslaw. Enjoyed a few libations and then retired to my cozy tent for a relaxing nights sleep. The predicted low for the night was 45, but by the time I finished setting up my camp, the temperature was already down to 40, with a clear sky. To say I got a little cold is an understatement. I really needed to rearrange my sleeping bags (notice the plural). So, when natures call was too much to bear, I got up to relieve myself and took the time to properly set up the sleeping bags. Ah, warmth at last. So being toasty warm, I fell into a blissful slumber and was awaken by the gentle sounds of a babbling brook and gusty winds shaking the crap out of my tent. I knew the forecast called for windy conditions, but wow. So I crawled out of the tent and set about getting ready to fish the stream I was camped next to. I walked about ½ mile down the service road and headed back up stream towards my camp. I hit the pools and riffles. I did see two fish flee as I walked by. I couldn’t raise anything. I was using wooly buggers and bead head nymphs (not at the same time). I spent about 2 hours working my way up stream. So, with no luck at this place, I broke camp and headed to French Creek.
French Creek is a beautiful area with natural reproduction of browns. This stream is catch and release as well as artificial bait only. I spent three hours working my way up stream and only had one rise to the hopper. I noticed there were some rises so I tried a #14 Adams. Nothing moved towards it. I then proceeded to catch the Adams in the Fly Eating Tree. I noticed there was strong evidence of other sacrifices to appease this tree. But being bull headed and Irish, I decided to try the hopper again and proceeded to catch the tree again. I decided this was nature telling me it was time to head home. I hiked back to the car and wiped down the rod and got out of the boots and waders. I knew it would be long ride home, but I had some great memories of the beauty of fly fishing and determined I needed to work on my casting as well as my scouting/reading water.
I may not make it out fishing again this year, but I always look forward to the next time. ]]> Iowaflyfisher http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forums/blogs/iowaflyfisher/34-semi-annual-trout-trip-ne-iowa.html Tying with Foam http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forums/blogs/jclampwork88/33-tying-foam.html Fri, 10 Oct 2008 19:56:48 GMT I tied my first real set of foam flies last night. I started simple with a black ant. I will explore more complex foam patterns as I need them. I am also preparing for a trip up to Island Park Idaho area the first of November. I took a break from tying tiny midges to tie the foam ants. I will try... I tied my first real set of foam flies last night. I started simple with a black ant. I will explore more complex foam patterns as I need them. I am also preparing for a trip up to Island Park Idaho area the first of November. I took a break from tying tiny midges to tie the foam ants. I will try some other foam patterns after I have all my boxes stocked with the flies I need for the trip. I will give a detailed trip report after I get back. ]]> jclampwork88 http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forums/blogs/jclampwork88/33-tying-foam.html Lost - Dry fly virginity http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forums/blogs/iowaflyfisher/32-lost-dry-fly-virginity.html Wed, 08 Oct 2008 15:26:10 GMT My first trout on a dry fly. I am not very seasoned on fly fishing, so I am learning as I go along. I have had success catching trout with nymphs, streamers and wooly buggers. But I was about to loose my dry fly virginity. It was a cool late October Sunday. The sky was blue with light fluffy... My first trout on a dry fly.

I am not very seasoned on fly fishing, so I am learning as I go along. I have had success catching trout with nymphs, streamers and wooly buggers. But I was about to loose my dry fly virginity.
It was a cool late October Sunday. The sky was blue with light fluffy white clouds. The trees were in their glorious colors of fall. I was using a new 3 wt 7’ 6” rod that I had purchased for small streams. I had spent the day searching the waters of a smalll stream in NE Iowa for trout that would hit on something. I was seeing them in their haunts, but nothing was moving them to strike. I tried nymphs, streamers and wets. Nothing could get them to even move towards my offerings. New pool, new fly, then change again and then again. As the day progressed and the temperature warmed, the activity of the fish changed. I noticed that they started to rise. Not having experienced this before, but having read about this many times, I knew I needed to make a change in my tactics. I quickly got my fly box out that held the dries I had purchased, but not yet used. I could not see on the water what the fish were taking, so I went with the old standby #16 Adams. I started to get nervous as I tied the fly on the tippet. Was this the right size? Was the tippet size to big? Could I get the right cast and drift? Will I screw this up and put the fish down? In addition, there was a high bank behind me (over 7’ high). I had recently seen a video on fly casting by Lefty and he demonstrated a steeple cast. I had not tried this before, but no time like the present. I stripped out about 10 feet of fly line along with my 9 foot tippet. I let the line float down the stream to get some line out prior to trying to cast. When I got somewhat of a tight line, I started the back-cast. I watched as the line went up high, and then I turned to see where I wanted to land the fly. The scene seemed to change to slow motion as the line un-ferruled across the water. The fly dropped about 12 inches in front of the trout and with slack. As time seemed to really slow down now, my bladder suddenly told me it was time to empty. The fly drifted down towards the waiting trout. Closer and closer it floated. Then the trout started to move up towards it. I could see his mouth open and then he…... closed it. The fly was no longer on the surface of the water. I raised my rod tip as I pulled lightly on the line. I could feel weight. Then I felt stronger weight and tugging. HE WAS ON! My heart was racing. I kept telling my self – don’t screw this up (I actually think I used a more descriptive term that begins with the letter after E in the alphabet). He jumped! I pulled the tip down towards the water. He fought hard. I struggled to get my net from behind my back while trying not to fall into the stream. He did not want to come to meet me, but I was determined that I wanted to hold him. After the “monumental” struggle, I held him in my hand. Wow, I had just lost my dry fly virginity. He was a beautiful rainbow, about 12 inches long. I quickly got him back into the water and revived him. I let him swim back to his pod. And then I realized I just lived what I had been reading about - Catching a trout on a dry fly. One thing though - I did not have a camera, so I only have the memories in my mind, which still to this day give me a thrill when I relive them. ]]> Iowaflyfisher http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forums/blogs/iowaflyfisher/32-lost-dry-fly-virginity.html Finding time to tie flies http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forums/blogs/jclampwork88/31-finding-time-tie-flies.html Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:00:06 GMT It has been quite the summer for me and my family. We received a gift from God in June with the birth of our first child (Lily). What a blessing it is to bring a new one into this world. I try to fish once a week and tie two nights a week if I can, but I have found it hard to find time to do almost... It has been quite the summer for me and my family. We received a gift from God in June with the birth of our first child (Lily). What a blessing it is to bring a new one into this world. I try to fish once a week and tie two nights a week if I can, but I have found it hard to find time to do almost anything this summer. I tie every week with a small group that I am thankful for, because I have learned alot the couple of years.

I am also looking for ways to make tying flies easier. I recently purchased my first rotary vise. It makes it alot faster on certain flies. It took a while to get used to using it thou.

John
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version Name: 100_0820.JPG Views: 1 Size: 24.5 KB ID: 16  
]]> jclampwork88 http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forums/blogs/jclampwork88/31-finding-time-tie-flies.html Argentina Fly Trip http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forums/blogs/roosta/30-argentina-fly-trip.html Wed, 17 Sep 2008 16:21:58 GMT I thought I'd share. If anyone wants info, just email me.

Trout and Travel - Argentina 2008 ]]> roosta http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forums/blogs/roosta/30-argentina-fly-trip.html Fishing http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forums/blogs/kibmgd/29-fishing.html Mon, 25 Aug 2008 04:26:37 GMT I have never gone fly fishing. Frist time every even on a fishing site I have never gone fly fishing. Frist time every
even on a fishing site ]]> kibmgd http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forums/blogs/kibmgd/29-fishing.html Fishing http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forums/blogs/kibmgd/28-fishing.html Mon, 25 Aug 2008 04:26:02 GMT I have gone fly fishing. Frist time every even on a fishing site I have gone fly fishing. Frist time every
even on a fishing site ]]> kibmgd http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forums/blogs/kibmgd/28-fishing.html