seanbritt

Din, if you're having issues with your Korkers, you should look into returning them. That doesn't sound normal and I believe they have a pretty good warranty. As for the soles coming undone on their own, that is often from guys using one foot to push down on the heel of their other foot to take off their boot. This compromises the interchangable sole system and thus sometimes creates an issue. As for the Korker Guide lacing system, again, I think you can get replacement laces and dials for them pretty cheap.

Parker, Good question. I think the best way to fit a line to your rod is to look at what type of fishing you're going to be doing. Rather than look at the weight of the line and over/under weighting the line for the rod, you should look at the construction of the line (e.g. size of front taper/belly/rear taper/running line). Almost all the brands out there (Airflo/SA/Rio) have specifically designed lines for particular types of fishing. This may be a better solution for what you're looking for, and would be (believe it or not) less confusing. For example, if you like the feel of a heavier head, you may consider something with a shorter front taper (such as an SA GPX). You might want to go into a local shop and spend some time talking with the guys (they know their stuff!) about what type of fishing you'll be doing, what type of feel you like, etc. and they could give you some options.

I've got an old pair of simms that treated me well. Laces went after about two weeks, and soles after about 100 days. However, boot itself is still in decent shape. Only challenge (as with most wading boots) is that I have to wet them well first to get them on. Once they're wet, no problemo.

Thanks guys. I have 7 days left on my shift up north, so should be able to bang these out by then. Much obliged.

EmeraldGem, this is a tough question as it is a loaded question. The best answer comes with more questions. How often are you fishing? What type of fishing are you going to do mostly (nymphing/dry/streamer)? Where are you fishing? I think you answered the last one, but the second one is likely the most important. I use my FLi as my "all around" rod, with most of the use being nymphing. I recently switched over from GPX to Airflow Ridge Tactical, as the GPX didn't last long (about 130 days of fishing), while the Airflow has a 5 year guarantee I believe. However, I use my 4wt mostly for dry fly action and have the GPX on there. Off the top of my head, I would say stay away from double taper. It doesn't really prolong the life of your line and you would be better off with a single taper (you'll likely enjoy casting it more). I would recommend going into a reputable fly shop in town, explain the type of water you'll fish, what type of fishing you'll do, and what weight rod, as well as how much you would like to spend. They'll likely give you a few to choose from, explain the differences, and then you can make an informed decision.

Hey All, My buddy just moved to Kamploops and I wanted to tie him up some patterns for lakes and rivers around there. Any suggestions on what I should tie? Thanks in advance for any/all advice! Sean

Another tip, don't be too hard on yourself. When I started I had a few great teachers, but still wasn't landing many. Then, after logging hours on the river, I got into my own "groove" or style for fishing. That's one of the things I like about this sport, you can totally personalize it to meet your personality/skill/body type/etc. Even after finding a good groove, you go through "slumps" like in any other sport. For example, I've had a number of days this spring where I hooked into a bunch, and didn't land any. In fact, this year I've hooked into more big fish than any other year, but my landing rate on those guys is really low (one reason why they've been big and are old!). Then, you also have other factors beyond your control (like that tree in the river that Quinn saw me lose my best one of the year on). All in all, I say log in some hours, and don't be too hard on yourself! Any day on the river is better than a day in the office...

One thing you may want to consider (if you can wait) is to build your own rod. I build a nice 4pc 4wt dancraft sig5 which has similar action to the scott s3 I believe. I took a course at Fishtales and all in all it took a month to complete and total cost was around $250-$300. However, the rod is worth much more than that...both in quality and sentamental value. Other things you may want to look at and consider is used items for sale on the board or lots of the shops in town often have sales on older models too. However, I highly recommend casting them a few times to compare, see what you like for what type of fishing you'll do, and get the tool that will get the job done best!

Thanks for the heads up! Just checked the deep woods off to make sure it helps with ticks, and it claims so. Had a friend who got Lyme Disease 2x in one year doing archaeological fieldwork in NE United States....not fun at all.

I know at Fishtales they replace the TFO line that comes with their TFO packages and essentially upgrade the line. When it comes to equipment, I'm always of the old advice "you get what you pay for," which is why I'm not loving the free line my friend gave me at the moment.

Awesome pix, thanks for sharing. I love the one of the bully looking like he's going to take a bite out of your rod as retribution for catching him!

I think many of us have had etiquette encounters of one kind or another on some river, and as Brownstone said, its going to happen more and more on the Bow as the pressure increases-especially in the city. I think you did the right thing by talking to the guy first and trying to explain the situation, often this is all that is required and the situation resolves itself in a non-confrontational manner. Then there are other instances where it isn't lack of knowledge, but a malfunction in the person's personality. In that case, I've found it easier to simply fish a different spot. If its any consolation, I would have done the same thing in your situation. However, sometimes a nice "warning shot" via a fly over the head or bow of a close boat helps too!

I'm not sure how to insert a link to an existing thread from the board, but more info. can be found under "featured articles." Its called "Didymo, please take precaution." Good stuff about the potential dangers to other fisheries and the role of transference (e.g. boats, felt soled boots, etc.).

Congrats and nice fish! That's one your son should remember for awhile! Its almost as long as his arm!

Good work calling it it MNM! Guess if there isn't going to be sufficient enforcing, its up to us to keep our eye out and call it in often as we can...

DBT, Taco, I agree. Enforcement is the biggest missing piece at the moment. I was part of a research project that looked at recreational use in this area. Study was done by a sexy gal from UCalgary (my wife) and some other folks and was a two-parter. One was a survey of users (stopped folks on the FT road, asked a number of questions). The other part was an inventory of random camp sites/trails. I was AMAZED at how many sites there were. Good news is there were a number of spots that were "responsible" in terms of location, fire rock ring, etc. There were a number of others, however, that, well, lets just say I'm amazed there weren't more forest fires down there. The survey was quite interesting. We came across everyone from fly-fishers, to hikers, horseback riders and lots of quadders. The majority of people we surveyed were in favor of guidelines, enforcement, respectable use, etc. It is unfortunate, however, that the actions of a few ruin what others can enjoy. Random camping down there is one of my top 5 favorite pasttimes, and I hope it won't all get taken away. What I don't get is, what is holding back the govt. from more enforcement? I remember fishing one weekend in SE BC and was stopped 2x in REALLY remote locations by an officer to check my hooks/license, etc. Where is all the $$ going? This is more a question of inquiry than accusation. I would be all for spending more on a license IF I could direct my extra $$ to go to enforcing an area I care about. Kind of like donating to a university, you direct your $$ to the area you like the most.....

Does this mean no more ripping up streams with quads? Score one for the fish!

The one last weekend seemed pretty big. A bunch of small groups got together. I heard good stories from last year and would totally be in and willing to donate a case of homemade wine (don't worry, I studied under the tutelage of someone who has 10 years under his belt as a winemaker:)) I agree that its a good idea to take inventory of what's been cleaned up already and tackle what needs to be done after runoff.

I'm with Girlsfishtoo and believe in the whole karma thing. It just boils down to respect and being a nice person-no matter the age, sex, or gender. Its similar to etiquette on the river. If someone needs help either landing a fish, taking a photo, etc., I don't care if they are spin casting, fly-fishing, or luring them in with the sound of their voice. Help them. If you're about to fish a stretch of river that someone is on, talk to them and ask them which way they are fishing so you don't ruin their plan. Often times the goodness comes back tenfold.

you sure this math is right???? F-L-Y-F-I-S-H 6+12+25+6+9+19+8 = 85 S-P-I-N-C-A-S-T 19+16+9+14+3+1+19+20 = 101 B-A-I-T-F-I-S-H 2+1+9+20+6+9+19+8 = 74

Great pix and sweet fish! Looking forward to spring/summer pics.

Many of you may have read this on the Bow River Report for today, but wanted to post an extra pic here. My buddy came down this weekend from Edmonton. It was his first time on the Bow, first (and only) time able to fish this summer (wife is expecting), never caught a brown and went 0/1 yesterday after fishing 8 hours and driving 3 down from Edmonton at 5:00AM. This morning, 8:30, third cast and he landed a 25.5" (taped) brown! I really like this first shot. It seemed to be the weekend of bully browns, so I added a few more photos.

Here's an example of one of the more simple patterns I was discussing. Its kind of like an x-wing caddis. Super easy to tie (about 2 minutes) and effective. Hook: scud, 12-18 Clamp in your hook. Secure thread to hook and wrap 3/4 of hook (leave enough hook to set into the fish). Tie in 6-10 short (2-3") pieces of midge flash (I like root beer). Tie in fine copper wire for ribbing. Dub on light olive nymph dubbing. Wrap 3/4. Wind your copper ribbing and secure. Pull midge flash over back of dubbing and secure. Make a few wraps on top of midge flash while pulling back to end of hook and trim for wing effect. Finish dubbing with darker dubbing (e.g. dark olive). Wrap and done! You can vary this by adding a bead head, weight or different colors of dubbing. Not sure if its a "pattern" or not. A buddy of mine had something similar last year and just adapted it to meet my needs. There likely is a name for this, if there is I'd love to know! If not, I'll set to work on finding a name. Sorry about the poor photo. I'm still getting used to the new camera and photoshop: whole new world for me!

There is also a nice hydro pattern in a great book called: Fly Tying for Begginers (http://www.amazon.com/Fly-Tying-Beginners-Failsafe-Flies/dp/0764158457/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1240950596&sr=8-3) This is one of the books I found very helpful when learning to tie. If anyone is interested in the hydro section, I scanned it in for another FFC member and can send you if you PM me. Also, quick question for folks. I've tied a variety of the flies discussed here, but have a quick question. Does anyone find a major difference in the amount of takes of a simple pattern (e.g. two colors of dubbing (body/thorax) and some flash) vs. a more complicated pattern with legs, etc.? I've had luck on both and just wondered if there is a major difference? My guess is perhaps later in the season when they are more picky???

Flyon- I'm interested in your method, as I've been working it opposite (goofy foot?). If indy is upstream, I'll go up or downstream. If indy is out in front or downstream, I'll hook upstream and up. How has it treated you?