seanbritt

So, been having trouble with keeping my wire tidy as I stock up on my coppers. I came up with the following contraption to keep it all tidy. They are plastic thread containers that fly shops receive their shipments in. They often recycle them, and I'm sure if you ask, they would give them to you. I got mine from Fishtales. I use three boxes, one for small, medium, and large wire. I poke a hole in the top with a thumbtack. Then I feed the wire through, and bam-o, you have yourself a wire dispenser! Here is a photo:

Max, thanks for pulling this together! I found this month very challenging, as I tie 99% wet flies/nymphs/streamers and usually just buy dry flies. What I enjoyed about this month is that it forced me out of my comfort zone to try something new. Anyway, I went with something easy as this is only about my 20th since getting back into tying! Name: CDC Mayfly Dun (taken from the Orvis Fly-Tying Guide) Recipie: (Had to make due with what I had!) Hook Type: Mustad 94840 size 16 Color: Olive/Brown Tail: paint brush fibers (great substitute for microfibbets, you can also use hackle if you want a slightly lighter fly) Body: Wapsi superfine brown/olive dubbing Wing: Brown CDC mixed with olive mallard flank Thorax: Wapsi superfine olive dubbing 3 things I like about this fly: (1) it's easy to tie and worked for me in the past!, (2) the brown/olive mixing of material makes it easier to fool fish when trying to match the hatch and you don't know if you should go brown or olive and (3) the mallard mixed with CDC is a good way to bulk up the wing without using too much expensive material (CDC). I inserted two photos, sorry I couldn't get a better shot!

Here's one: http://www.y2y.net/Default.aspx?cid=55&lang=1, its technical report #7 " Improving the Ecological Function of the Upper Bow" I believe Wendy Francis, their Conservation Director, has done numerous talks on this subject and could easily come in as a guest speaker if you call them up. I believe their # is on their website.

A 6wt is a great all-around, all-purpose rod. You can throw streamers, nymph, and even get away with some dry fly action if you have to. Its good for the bigger waters (like we have here on the bow), lakes and if need be, the smaller stuff. But, if you're fishing quite a bit on the smaller streams and doing more dry fly work, I would opt for a 4wt, in either an 8'6" or 9'. I've also been a fan of the 4pc, as they are just as strong as the 2pc, but much more travel-friendly, especially if you want to hike and do some alpine stuff. The 4wt is great on smaller stuff (oldman, etc.) and great for dry on the bigger waters. I wouldn't worry about your 6 wt purchase, it was definetly the way to go if it was your first rod or your general all-around rod. Once you fish more and more, you can then build your collection to your specs. Example: 5wt of a certain action for nymph, 4wt for your smaller stuff/dries, 6wt all-purpose and streamer, etc....

Awesome pix Peter! Thanks for sharing....I'm jealous I wasn't out there with you!

I believe this topic has been discussed many times on the board, but as it is also close to my heart I have to put in my 2 cents. My wife did her MA thesis on recreational use of this area-both interviewing users through a roadside survey and through a formal mapping of the use areas. In short, use of the area from a multitude of users is increasing--fishing/hiking/quadding/camping/horse back riding, etc.. And that's just your recreational use (her focus). Then you have your commercial use, etc.. Recreational use is on the rise for many reasons, two primary ones of late (past few years) has been the push/pull factor of closures of other areas as well as the recent decline in the economy. Before the latter, you could replace it with the booming oil/gas sector and the "weekend" factor that accompanies it. I think you're right in that there are a lot of people out there who respect the land. Unfortunately, as with all sports (even fly-fishing), there are those who don't follow the rules that are there to protect the resources we love. With some recreational pursuits (e.g. quadding/bogging) the impact of that unlawful use is greater felt due to the nature of that activitity (compare a hiker walking where they shouldn't vs. a quad ripping through somewhere they shouldn't). What's the answer? Well, if there was one (that worked) we wouldn't be having this discussion. There have been many land use plans in the past, but in the end there are a lot of us who love the land for various reasons and we all have a right to engage in our pursuits. I'm an advocate for a multi-tiered plan that would be based on zoning (e.g. closures/temp. closures/restricted use/etc.) and involved education and enforcement. For example, have an area that is designed specifically for bogging use. Have other areas that are non-motorized recreation only, etc. And most importantly, have lots of officers on the ground and giving out hefty fines (to all users, fishermen alike) to curb illegal activity. Numerous barries exist, including heavy lobbying power by the quadding sector, apathy among those being effected, elected officials that have other priorities, etc. However, Harps had a good suggestion to write to your officials. The only way we can protect our resources is if we speak up. Other recommendations would be to get involved with organizations that share your view (either by volunteering or donating $$), and even having a friendly conversation with other users. Heck, a few nice words and education about the impact to our land goes a long way to creating common ground....

Weedcatcher, hope you don't mind my 2 cents. I agree with most of the stuff folks here are saying. However, taking a step back and looking at the big picture, the Bow is one of those rivers that can be really challenging. I hate to say it, but 20x on the Bow is not that much time. I remember when I moved here from out east it took me quite a while to learn the river and the type of fishing it requires of you. In fact, I started getting into fish on a decent basis after about 50 or so outings (finding the runs, holes, etc. for each season, etc.). Even now, as I log in over 100 days a year on teh river, I still have my slow days and my skunked days. It happens to everyone. I like whoever said it has a lot to do with attitude, having confidence helps A TON (and logging as many hours as you can-even only one or two at a time helps). Even if you have been having a slow go, believe in yourself because one day you will have one of those memorable days on the Bow. Also, remember there is a reason why they called it fishing and not catching. Some days you have to root for the fish, even when you're frustrated to all hell! Just think, next time you're out they'll have a bit more energy so when you get into them it will be one hell of a ride!

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.