PlayDoh

Nice suit Hawkeye, perfect for fishing those off-shore oil rigs, or Bering sea trolling. If I get that worried I'll just fish upstream from you, and you can rescue me, after changing into your sea-suit.

Thanks, great advice and the link. I didn't realize there are reasonably priced waders around a hundred buck. I'll be getting some for sure now. I guess I'm guilty of the misconception of heavy underwater waders. Yet since my clothes almost drowned me, I'm a little wary of swimming with more then a swimsuit. I've seen some vests that looked like they were designed to float, but I didn't know that some inflate, great idea. The landmark and Cane idea are ones I could have used the other day. I stayed across the river till it was dark and not only forgot where it was easiest to cross, but I couldn't see jack. Baby steps and turning around a few times took forever. With my thigh waders and were I fish there is no hazard more then getting wet, but while I tried the main current of the Bow I was reminded of the danger. Thanks again.

For the first time I fished the main Bow current which seems to be Mach Speed. A few years ago a couple friends of mine challenged themselves to walk across the river where we camp. (Past Caresland weir). I was half expecting to see either of them slip and be lost forever, or 20 miles downstream before they could get to the edge. It was one of the most stupid things I've seen. I seen a pair of equal idiots challenge each other to tuck an entire Black diamond ski run. Those kinda things that 99% of us know better then to even think of doing it. I told both of them to swim sideways and not fight the current, and insisted they take their pants off. I've nearly drowned myself 2' from and edge cause my pants became 3 thousand pound water balloons instantly and if not for a yank by my cousin, I wouldn't be here I'm sure. Now those were pants, I can't imagine what waders feel like when your submerged. Probably like the Titanic pulling you under. I think if I planed on fishing the main current a life jacket might be worth the discomfort. Maybe thats a no brainer, but I don't think I've ever seen a person wadding with a PFD on. I only have thigh waders and I can hardly stand up when the water is only knee high. I plan on getting chest waders soon, but I don't think I'd venture much more then hip high, if that. I haven't been in a rush to hit the main current, since I think its got to be a lot harder to catch fish. Not to mention the 3 seconds of drift you get till your fly is a mile downstream. So, I'm wondering if there are some 'golden rules' of wadding, and/or Bow river wadding? I have one-piece waders and they suck. Rubber soles and river rock slime make for a challenge, especially at night. I seen some waders in Walmart for $70 which is what I'll 'like' to spend, but I'll have to look at the soles. I used to roof, and I think I have some 'corkers' left that I've seen ppl use on ice when fishing. Not sure about river bed tho. I also half expect the cheap waders to be a waste of $, and have to spend $200 at least to get some, then boots on top of that. Sheesh, I'm going to have to file chapter 11 by the time I have my pontoon. With the waders without boots, can u use anyboots you want? So many questions............. sorry if there too much.

Wow, I wouldn't have guessed they have good vision, which is another misconceptions I need to shed. I'd also guess that 'how' the trout see things underwater at night is one of the 'great mysteries' that we'll probably never fully understand. Or maybe its just a 'great mystery' to me, and pointless info to others. Since I can't see my fly, or know where I'm actually casting to, I think I'll leave night fishing for a later date when I have some better skills. That and some night-vision goggles.

"Commonsense Fly Fishing" by Ray Ovington is a great read. Lots of old school, 83' techniques, yet he's not afraid to admit anything. Its more of a intermediate level book, which is why I had to read it 3 times over the past few weeks. He talks lots about where the fish are, and how to work/fly a spot, and beyond generic advice I found. Its only 150 pages but he manages to cover the entire gamut of how to fly fish and catch fish. The title is indicative of his mood throughout the book. He often dismisses mainstream ideas and asks rhetorical questions your grandfather might have used, like "Are you out to cast? Or catch fish?". Which has the effect of being taught by your Pappy, I found it funny. I haven't read anything else from him but I plan on reading, "Tactics on Trout" 63', and "Freshwater Fishing" 76'. If I can find them that is. Good to hear the library has all the books mentioned above since there now on my list.

Your right about my need to understand the entomology of the environment of where I plan to fish. I'm more trying to place the fly where I think the fish will be at. Rainbows, so I've read, like faster current and will rest in the slightest drop in bottom, also near the bank and overhangs. Brown's I'm not as clear on, and I haven't seen one where I fish yet, considering I only really vaguely know the area. I've read they like, or don't mind the shallows or sunlight directly on them. "out in the open" and calmer waters then RB. As for Bull and others I'm not that far down the rabbit hole yet. What I still am mystified is how the trout feed at night. Since it seems to me a river like the bow has poor visibility with all the turbulence and air in the water. Yet I know that even under white water the water can be somewhat calm underneath. Now in turbulent water even seeing a small fly must be difficult, let alone with fish eyes. Now take away light? How in gods name they can see, strike and eat something as small as a fly that doesn't essentially swim right in front of their face is beyond me. Yet I know they feed, so I'm wondering if its all about getting the fly right in front of them? Assuming your streaming or nymphing or both. Dries, like I said I can understand if the water is calm and flat. I want to believe, I really do, but I can't help but feel like I'm wasting my time. And as advised, its a difficult time, so I probably am close to wasting time. However I think 'how' they eat is worth understanding, as well as 'what' they eat. That said............. I'm off to the river.

OK, I searched for quite a while but I only found one or two post regarding what to use at night. I tried using a prince nymph and a wolly bugger from 7:30 till 8:30 but I honestly don't understand how the fish can see/strike a fly at night. I know they do, but maybe I'm missing something? I tried swinging the flies close to the shore/bank and near the bottom. Now since it matters what color, size, and pattern the flies are which are all visual aspects of the fly, meaning they strike/eat what they see, how can they strike/eat what is almost impossible to see? I mean the water is clear, and I've seen risers until the sun is completely down and its as dark as it will get, but none after. I didn't stay all night mind you. In the book I have he mentions he fished with streamers at night, but also advises you to use dries at night which makes some sense, since they can probably hone in on a fly from its landing in calm water. Should I only use bright flies or light colors? I dunno, it doesn't make a lot of sense to be honest, how and why trout would feed at night. Or is it that you have to bounce your fly off his nose to wake him up and bite in anger? lol. But seriously, do you have to pretty much work every square inch of a spot to get within a few inches to get night strikes? Can you catch fish with a black nymph at night? I know darker colors are said to be better when its darker cause they usually see the lure from below, with the twilight as background. I've not only never heard of night fishing, I thought it was illegal until I got into reading about fly fishing. I know 'spot lighting' is illegal. I also read that its best to fish from the banks, and I know from experience that 'Night wading' is not wise and takes forever. Add some territorial Beavers and it gets a little spooky, bastards swim right up to me. lol I'd of stayed out there for hours tonight but I didn't see the point. That and I snagged the far bank cause I couldn't see my casts. For that matter I couldn't see anything, my line more then 5 feet out, my flies in the water right in front of me, the twist in my line, or the leader with nothing on it 10 mins after a snag. Although I did get lots of big swings in and in the same spot I caught fish the other day at dusk. I knew the drift at that spot for sure. I could have tried it longer, and now I wish I would have. Then again that Beaver shocked the hell out of me by slapping his tail near me. I usually see them swimming, but not this time. Almost had a coronary.

Thanks guys. I've been told that at the moment dries are difficult and therfore I've put them on the back-burner for now. I caught a few and landed 2 one was a monster over 20". However next year I'll have the dries out and get them under my belt as well. cdock, I completly agree with you, and dispite my trying to be quiet and out of sight, just my going out there usually puts them down for a while. The first time I was leaning over the edge trying to see if I could see them, unaware I look like the boogey man doing so. Yet I've tried to work that spot every diffrent way, but I think their only large and smart there, and at the moment feeding on tiny floaters. I found a couple spots where I can drift my flies by me (streamer + nymph) and get into fish so I'm happy. Thanks again for the advice.

I used contact cement and a tire patch, works like a charm. I tried duct tape the same day I found the leak, but the tape came off which made me feel guilty cause its one more piece of garbage now. I used the cement from the same kit the patch came with. You can get them (tire/tube repair kit) at Canadian tire or probably walmart for less then $10. No need to use a large patch either, just let it cure overnight and take a felt pen if the patch isnt the same color if you care enough. My waders are PVC, but if their rubber of any kind it should still work.

I have to disagree, my reel is black and cheap, yet I can't keep the Beavers away.

Thats the ticket, I just realized how to use them. On the 'knotless' leaders I have, theres just a loop at the end. Which didn't make sense, and why I haven't used them yet. However with a 'Lark's head' you could swap leaders quickly, & 'knotless'. The details are endless............ I love it.

Thanks ladystrange & Flyslinger, I think I now have a good understanding of the leader tippet aspect. I actually had to make my own leader & tippet setup before knowing or reading about it,since I butchered my only leader that came with the rod. I thought it was just plain ole fishing line and didn't see any taper, dispite reading about the taper. Do'h. Anyways I have a literal 'boat load' of 5-30 lbs mono line. I just wasn't sure if a 'tippet' was something special I haven't seen yet, or just a generic name for 2'nd or additional leader. I've been using metal clip leaders for so long (bait casting) my knot skills were bad. I actually did just what you mentioned Ladystrange, and I should do it again soon. I took out the encyclopedia and got some links, this one is great and tied knots for days. I started with thin electrical/speaker wire cause its way easier to see and learn the knot, before trying with microscopic leader/tippets. lol For some reason I avoided the double surgeons knot cause I expected it to be hard, yet it looks pretty simple actually. I've even used a Bowline knot since its one of my fav's. http://www.animatedknots.com/ Turl knot is a.k.a a Palomar knot, I've practiced it but havent tried it on the water yet. http://www.animatedknots.com/palomar/index...imatedknots.com The knot you forgot the name of is the 'Improved Clinch',http://www.animatedknots.com/improvedclinch/index.php?LogoImage=LogoGrog.jpg&Website=www.animatedknots.com which I find can come undone as you mentioned if not tied correctly, or just cause the line is so thin I've found. Try the Trilene knot http://www.animatedknots.com/trilene/index...imatedknots.com which is exactly the same as the Improved Clinch, but you go through the 'eye' twice, which helps prevent it from slipping. Also you don't need to go through the last loop, which I find makes it hard to tighten. I use it on bait cast lures and everything. Yet even with it I find the line snaps too easily. Then again I shouldn't expect to be able to pull free of the weeds everytime, I reeled in a small stick the other day. I find 6' of leader to a fly, then 2' of 4lbs 'leader line'/tippet tied to the hook of the lead fly, to another worked for me. When I take a leader out of the pack, the tapered end seems way to thin for anything but small dries, and even then it breaks, or half the time it breaks too easy, then again I'm not breaking the leader on fish, but on snags. So now I believe that if I plan on nymphing, a leader/tippet setup like you mentioned (segmented mono lines or leader/tippet line) is what I should use. As apposed to tying on a tapered leader and lossing 3 flies until the leader is thick enough, but not long enough. I seen Scientific Angler's combo rod/reel/line had a 'quick connect' type leader that didn't need any knots, just connect the plastic connectors. I usually don't like 'dummie gear' like that, but considering if I want to change my leader midstream, I can see how convienient it might be. I seen on TV a guy who used a swivel unit at the end of the leader then the tippet or next leader to the fly. I found it acted like a weight, yet way better then split shot since I think kinking a fly leader is asking for trouble, and I don't have strip weights.......yet. Also if you wanted to change to a dry fly or just diffrent leader setup, you could just clinch knot them to the swivel. I think I might grab a bunch of swivels. Sounds like the perfect tube. thanks. I'm dissapointed I didn't think of that. & Thanks LoneFisher.

Nice fish, I must admit I'm a little jelous, yet it sounds like you have some fly fishing skills and experiances already. Unlike myself, I've just started, yet the fish gods smiled upon me last night. Felt so damn good, I'm still gleaming. I've snaged so many flies on the bank, far bank, rocks, trees, above and below the water that I'm broke from buying new ones. yet I'm getting better everytime out (fourth so far), and I'm sure I'll get to keep them longer then a few hours. That and I try to stay off and away from the bank, trees, bushes, ect and face the shore. That and using a shorter backcast. I used to hit the water behind me almost everytime, and 'water' if I was lucky. Again, welcome to Calgary and some awesome Bow river trout. You should try east of Calgary near and around Caresland, (30-40 mins straight east). Lots of people drift boat, and theres always someone other then me wading. You won't believe the number of 20" and up trout, its world famous. Guides float by with their customers, and there are a number of locals also, but not enough to bother you. I can't get enough. I can also vouch for the fact that the members here are top notch, and very, very helpful. I'm living proof.

I've only had one fly reel, so my opinion is near worthless and should be taken lightly. I've seen reels that are $200 and up and they certainly look nice and are made with cnc's from whole stock high quality metals/alloys, yet I honestly don't see the need. I mean if you have the money, why not I suppose, I just can't see how a expensive reel would do anything a cheap one would if both are taken care of. My reel is a Reddington stillwater, and part of a combo and it works fine. I don't think any of the reels you'd use out here would have any ratio other then 1:1, and since its going to rest on the occasional rock/dirt/ground in or out of the water I think I'd rather be able to replace a generic reel 3-10 times rather then have one that could get just as damaged anyways. Like I said, I don't know much about fly fishing yet, but my $50 or less reel landed my fish just fine, and I honestly cant see any room for improvement. Its not heavy enough to need a lighter one, and the drag works fine. My bait cast reel is a different story, yet I don't need a name brand or fancy metals either. I have a nice Quantum that has a nice one hand cast mechanism, and I think 7 ball bearings. Its quiet and smooth, but I can have 100' of line out at times and drag in 30lbs Jack with it. Still it only cost me $60 at Crappy tire. I don't want to offend anyone, or refute the quality of some of these reels. Maybe in a year or so I'll have a different opinion, but for now I just don't see the benefit, other then quieter and lighter which is not a reason to spend hundreds of dollars on IMO. Honestly, I could see one being able to fly fish without a reel at all, although it would become a 'spaghetti incident' quickly I'm sure. I would probably drowned in 3' of water cause I managed to completely wrap myself in line, since I almost do it now. Maybe I shouldn't have said anything, since its probably not a new idea, or something I have valuable info on.

Sounds great, I'll be a member soon for sure. I'm pretty shy at times, but I'm sure I'll feel right at home among fellow fly freaks. Thanks for sharing your opinions and accounts Hydropsyche & Trailhead, and I hope to see you there soon. Add some naked women and you have heaven on earth.

Thanks guys, I honestly couldn't have done it without your help. Or at least it would have taken me much much longer to get enough pieces of the puzzle together to catch fish. I'm still on top of the world and can't stop talking/thinking about it. I was very surprised at how difficult it was to land the large bow, in comparison to bait cast rods/reels. He didn't stop fighting for one second and I was focused on keeping him away from the log that he kept trying to get to. The first bite I had that night took my flies, of the same setup but I had a swivel unit at the end of the leader which acted like a weight and must have snagged on a rock or something after it broke lose, cause I seen the fish jump 30 seconds after it broke off. I went the few feet to where he jumped from and was relieved to see him not there, and I hope the flies and line didn't snag him again. I have a question regarding knots. What knots do some of you use for flies? I've given up on the cinch knot, or improved cinch. I've been using a Trilene knot which is a cinch knot with 2 passes through the hook-eye. I also bought some 'knot-less leaders' that I haven't used yet, nor do I know how to. I use the same trilene knot when tying a leader to the hook part of the lead fly. I've also used a loop knot, but I find it very tough to tie in the middle of the river. I use a nail knot at the butt end of the leader using a drinking straw, yet its too large in diameter and I'm wondering if anyone has found something else to use other then the knot helpers at sporting stores. Yet I should check them out since 10-20 bucks isn't so bad considering how many times I'll need it in the future. Is a "Tippet" just a word to describe a part of line tied to the end of a leader? I bought some 4lbs leader line and its super thin, it looks like brown hair. I've had nothing but troubles with tapered leaders, they just break so easily at the end. I have ended up with a 6' or less leader everytime (twice). I've read they use acid to tapper them and it can make them brittle. I dunno, maybe its just me but they are so thin and weak at the end I find. I can't wait to meet you guys on the river and learn even more, since it seems this is the only place where other people understand how I feel. "My name is Paul.......... and I'm a Fly Fish-a-holic..........Look! A riser! Over there!"

Is it ok to eat them west of Canmore?

What a rush! I finally moved from the spot I've been losing my mind at and found a nice seam. Caught a 8" wee bow just after one took my flies. I moved along the seam and drifted toward a nice log near the bank and BAM! One jump and 5 mins almost and I landed him. I'd say around 20"-25", say 3-4 lbs, just awesome. I probably got every animals attention within 3 miles I was hoot'n and holler'n both times. I hooked into one around the same size (or same fish maybe) upstream from the log, 2 casts after, but he got lose. I was too busy fooling around with the camera making room for another pic. What a relief also. I've been going crazy watching fish rise around me and not catching anything for 3 days. I know now that I need to revise my plans of where to fish, the place where I caught them was right after a shallow run which is 3' deep at the most and rough white water (Riffle?). Just at the end of the Riffle it drops down to over waist deep and is only 15-20 wide until the bank which is steep and the river does a turn. I must be a Beaver magnet cause I can't stay away from them at twilight, at least these ones didn't slap their tails. I'm Sofa King choked at my camera, may it rest in peace, in pieces. It was one of those $40 credit card sized cameras, a.k.a - P.O.S so its no big loss. Yet the pictures of my fish, which I felt necessary to prove to the world that I too can catch fish with a fly rod, are history. Oh well, time for a real camera anyways........... Dear Santa..... Thanks again for all your helpful tips and advice. Out of all the advice I've gotten, LadyStranges advice of "Patients" was the most important for me to follow. I've been getting really, really frustrated with losing flies left right and center. Some Yoga breaths and mustering all the patients I could to keep myself from leaving or fishing 'Angry-man' style which both have the same chances of catching fish or enjoying yourself. Life as a hot-head has its challenges believe me. Oh ya, I had a Woolybugger (#8 I think) on the end of my leader, then a Hare's Ear #12 a couple feet after it. I didn't check what fly the big guy took, but I think it was the Woolly. My first small one was on the Hare's ear. I went out last night and got skunked, but I learned what 'load' ment, and now my casts are beautiful and shoot straight out. I can't throw balls or anything pure overhand, (dunno why) but I always sidearm, and I was casting with lots of sidearm before I found that straight back & forth has its advantages, and now I'm focusing on not sidearming too much and casting much better. That and not using too much backcast to avoid snags. I was casting just ahead of the seam, and sometimes throwing a loop of line ahead of the flies to act as a bobber kinda. I want a strike indicator now to do the same thing in a way and help get the flies to the right depth quickly. I basically did what I seen the guys on 'the new fly fisherman' show on WFN while fishing for Steelhead. I stood at the top of the riffle and casted upstream and into the seam and let the flies drift past me, staying near bottom. 2 of my fish striked on the swing, and one right after the fly landed. I'm still smiling ear to ear. How edible are the trout past Calgary? I've eaten them before but I did so at my own risk aware it might not be a great idea. However the Bow's current is so strong I can't see pollutants really becoming highly concentrated. Does anyone eat them, and not glow in the dark? Also, to be honest I don't understand what a 'mend' is, unless its just another cast before your flies sink? Or if its the same as my bobber/line loop trick?

lol, I keep waking up in the middle of the night setting the hook after that monster bite, while I'm dreaming. SLeep is no escape. I know my timing couldn't be worse, and my work is up and down lately (mostly down recently) which is why I can't really make any plans for the rest of the month. However I'm in no panic to 'learn it all' or catch big, long or really any trout this year. I've read a few book suggestions on here, and I'm gonna grab a few and see what else I can cram into my head. I'm heading out tomorrow to my spot up from the Caresland weir, so if your up there and see a guy with a white dog, Grey Tacoma, and a Trout necklace its me.

http://hookandhackleclub.tripod.com/ I was reffered to this club, and for $50 I'll join if only to use the library. Casting lessons, Tying courses & getting a chance to 'chew the fat' with some Calgary Fly Fishers all included. I'm just wondering if anyone here is a member or a member of another club. I've lived in Calgary most of my life but I've honestly never been past the parking lot of Fish Creek Park. Where abouts at Fish Creek do all the 'Cool Guys' fish? Or is it a stupid question? Like I said, never been there. Someone suggested I look into a "mentor program" at a local club. I'm wondering if anyone knows about one? If not, it sounds like its already occured through this site, unorchestrated. I'd much rather pay Joe Schmoe some bucks, or buy him some chow & Drinks for help then have to worry about 'lessons'. Just a thought. I think I'd just like to watch some people who know what their doing, Like these guys

Thanks guys, nothing better then actual vouches. Flytyer, I usually follow similar guidelines however I think $28 is money I think I could live with wasting in the process of learning. I'm a quick learner yet I have short patients for tiny intricate things like squinting and trying to tie knots with near invisible thread. Sewing for example is a task I usually end up wasting my time and wigging out when I realize it. Off to mom's house if I haven't torn the item to pieces in frustration. A $28 kit is cheap enough to vent on, and ruin doing things wrong. "You get what you pay for" is a phrase to live by IMO. I'm sad to hear that tying is expensive, for the second time. I'm gonna have to setup a trap-line with animal friendly traps so I can just shave or pluck them. Good thing theres not a "Grizzly hair nymph", lol, or maybe there is.

Could be worse

Hey guys, I'm ignoring advice and getting in way over my head with everything fly fishing related, but I figure that I have all winter to learn to tie and the sooner I get the necessities the better. Heres the Fleabay link http://cgi.ebay.ca/Over-50-Fly-Tying-Mater...1QQcmdZViewItem I don't know my arse from my elbow regarding flies or tying yet, but does this look like it is a good deal, and useful for the Calgary area? Its only $28 and free shipping so even if only half of the material is useful it has to be a deal. Compared to buying flies it seems like the deal of the century. Once I get into this I'm going to be up to my eye balls in flies I'm sure.

Wow, I'm very thankful for the time and advice, much appreciated. I'm beginning to realize that a lot of fly fisherman are like myself (at least I'd like to think so), in that you all are very patient and helpful with others far beyond the 'norm'. I'm sure it has a lot to do with the nature of the sport, with so many details/factors with sharing I'm not sure it would have survived since whenever it started. I've read there are fly fishing books from the 15 century. I'm sure Amazon has some copies. lol Believe it or not I've printed all the info here so that when I'm out at the river I don't forget everything, like my first trip. I looked like I was trying to chop down trees, whip cracking my poor flies zipping at Mach 2 into the water. Then I stopped and skimmed through the books and realized I had forgotten the first few chapters and was doing everything wrong. I bought some flies, line and leaders (all 4X) tonight before I read this, Do'h no 3X or 5X. I bought some #10 prince nymphs, some #12 Hares ear, a couple woolly buggers and leaches #8 I think. I also have a #14 Elk hair caddis and a #14 copper John left that I wrongly assumed were 'too small'. I thought since there was lots of leaves and debris in the water they would be hard to see. As for the line I'm sure 'junk' was a bit strong a word, and I haven't tried the new line yet either so my opinion should be taken lightly. I hadn't even cast a fly rod before I coughed up $300 for mine 2 weeks ago. However my leader that came with it was brittle like it was old and sun baked, the slightest tug and snap. The new line I have looks way slipperier then whats on it. To me it felt like I had a Mustang Cobra with 13" tires, in that the rod outperformed the line. I was hoping someone would comment on the Beaver, thats actually what I thought it was at first since the slap was loud, but I didn't see any gnawed wood around which I'd expect to see since I'm obviously fishing off his house. However all the trees fell when it flooded out a couple years ago, so I suppose Mr Beaver got a free home, Pre-fab. lol I think my chances of getting at least hooked into a trout are decent now, not that I'll be upset if I don't. I've never felt so 'connected' to nature as I did standing in the middle of the river for hours. My friend said "oh your doing the whole 'River runs through it' thing eh?". I replied "No its 'A river runs through ME'. which I'm know he understand completely, nor do I think anyone could until they've been there. I've hunted and fished my whole life, and I used to live up north and spend weeks in the bush, but this was somehow more intimate to me. Its probably the absence of a combustible engine, or Point and shoot interface. I LOVE fishing, yet tossing a minnow out from shore and planting my pole isn't even fishing in my eyes. I won't sit and jig for very long either without drifting by some weeds hunting for a 20lbs Toothy Jack. I like a challenge, and I think finally getting setup to fly fish will provide one to say the least. Once again, thank you for your advice everyone.

First off I'm new to fly fishing, I've been out twice and seen fish rise right before me but I haven't even got a bump yet. However I'm still getting my 'poop in a group' regarding leaders, tippets, flies, and presentation, so I'm not too disappointed. I bought a Sage launch combo from Russel sports, which has a Reddington stillwater reel which is ok, but the line and leader that came with it is junk. I'm going to fish-tales to get setup correctly and get a collection of flies. I've been reading till my eyes bleed every night (books and online) yet there are some terms I'm not sure I understand completely. I'll just list them out and try to explain what I think they mean. Swinging - When the fly begins to drag (line tightens) and the fly begins to move across current toward the rod tip. The speed of the swing can be altered by adjusting the drag/tension and by tossing mends which create slack allowing the fly to drift/sink more and swing less. Stripping - This I'm grey on, since I think it can be used more ways then one. Yet its the action of pulling line with the non-rod hand (line hand) either off the reel or from the line in the water. If I was stripping when I'm retrieving then I'm pulling in line, if I'm stripping while casting or to let more line out then I'm stripping off the reel. I plan on taking course next spring and reading all winter, but I'd love to nab one of these risers I see all evening. I've been casting everyday and I've gotten the basics down, yet mends and roll-casts I haven't really gotten yet,...... ok, so I can't do them yet. I know that my line is to say the least not helping. I've read about stripping in 'jerks' while retrieving, yet I'm unsure oh 'how' I should retrieve, or even when. I usualy cast up stream and let the fly drift naturally with everything else in the 'film'. Then at diffrent distances downstream I try to alter the speed that the fly "swings"? or comes around, then either reel in slowly keeping the fly just below the surface till its close enough so that when I recast it won't 'rip' out of the water and spook fish. Usually when my leader is half way out. I have a spot after the caresland weir, thats on a side current/branch off the main Bow flow. (I'm a poet) The current is about a third of the main flow. There are 2 spots I 'work' One is a 10' & + pool that has some downed trees hanging over it that I can get onto. The beauty is that I don't even need to cast or cast far, since I'm about 12' out over the water. Its picture perfect regarding structure, however theres an Otter that comes out from the trees I'm on just before dark and slaps his tail hard when he sees me & I think were having a territorial dispute. However I've heard the same slap while just arriving at my 2 spot at dusk, & I'm not up on my Otter behavior. Anyways, I've only tried a SJW and a Prince Nymph shortly until I snagged and lost them, then the rest of my $20 'bow river essentials'. From this weeks studies I want Midges, BWO, Hoppers, and Fall Caddis?, yet I've been told I can't go wrong with SJW. I'm interested in Streamers and it sounds like I'd retrieve them almost like I would a spinner, near the bottom and imitating a minnow. However at dusk the fish are rising all around me and I've been trying to keep my flies near the surface and 'swinging' them where I think the fish are, or last seen them. If you can picture this location and conditions and can suggest something to try I'd greatly appreciate it. I'm not looking for a complete how-to catch a fish, just some tips. I've read a few books, and last trip I tried 2 & 3 wets on one leader, and I've been trying to drift the flies to the fish and avoiding wading when I can. One side question, I've read that you can use Scotchgard to keep dries, dry. Since I know it has to be some petroleum based um, toxin, I'm not sure if its safe. I know it wont kill fish directly, but I'd rather not pollute at all. I know there are non-toxic dressings, but I also have a full can of Scotchgard that has no use. Then again I still have half a jerry can of home-made Napalm, & some things are best left alone.