seanbritt

The problem with this debate, and another other in which there is a monetary stake, is that the majority of science is biased. Oil companies, car manufacterers, even government at various levels have a financial stake in the outcome. Whether it involves changing practices and technologies, laws, etc., it all cuts into the bottom line. Even science from environmentalists is often slanted, as they have conservation as there #1 outcome. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for capitalism and conservation, but the only way we'll get the truth is is there are independent panels that conduct the research. And even then you can't rely on 1, but need to take many studies into consideration. Although many folks will continue to agree to disagree, I believe on a global scale we have reached a tipping point and the notion of global warming is here to stay, whether you believe it or not and like it or not.

Two things that have helped me lately are switching to higher quality hooks. I know try to use Daiichi, but find Mustad still works okay. Also, when nymphing (indicator or not), I try to set the hook whenever I think anything is happening-fishy or not. This latter point has increased my hook and catch rate by about 30% this winter.

Rick- I would add, vertically challenged persons, wild boars, and teddy bears to the list too. That should then cover it. p.s. for what its worth, i think that speech was as verifiable as the ones written by the tobacco lobbyist "doctors" during their class-action suits, stating that there is no link between smoking and cancer.

As an environmental archaeologist I feel I need to weigh in here. There is no question, beyond a doubt, that the empirical evidence shows there exists a phenomenon known as "climate change." The problem is, climate change has been happening throughout the history of this planet. There have been natural warming/cooling cycles since the end of the last ice age for which there is mounds of evidence in various types of data, including the pollen record, botanical record, etc. However, the one factor that our earth has never seen for most of its history is humans and the impact we have. In 1750, there were 750,000 people. Today there are over 6.7 billion and by 2150 that number is expected to rise to 9.7 billion. We ALL know what its like when more people start fishing a river. Everything about that river changes. Erosion increases, if its not catch and release-the numbers dwindle, if it is catch and release-the fish get harder to catch, etc. Same concept applies to the earth, but we're just figuring out now exactly what that impact means. And the overwhelming agreement is that these warming/cooling trends will continue, but will be exacerbated by human impact. In fact, there is strong evidence to show that the majority of the impact started with the advent of the industrial revolution and all the cumulative impacts that revolution had. Essentially, there will be more frequent violent natural disasters, regions will change, etc. However, the earth will survive. Weather or not we will depends on what we do about the situation. So what do we do about it. Yes, we can be cynical and deny what the professional experts are saying. But, we can also do something about it. Will turning off our lights for an hour make a difference? No. Will it raise awareness, maybe. Will shutting off our lights every night when we're not using them, recycling, using energy efficient appliances, etc. make a difference. Yes. Individually we may not make a dent. But we no longer live in an individualistic world. And only when we realize this will we make a difference together for future generations. Two interesting studies on how this applies to trout streams: "Low Flows, Hot Trout: Climate Change in the Clark Fork Watershed" July 2008 "Effects of Global Warming on Trout and Salmon in US Trout Streams" May 2002 The problem is the cumulative impacts, not the singular event. I'll leave with this one example. Due to long term warming trends, glaciers have been receeding in our mountains (in 10 years "Glacier National Park" will no longer have glaciers). These are the water towers for our country. As our water levels drop, demand increases. We all know what happens when water levels get too warm and too low, but what if now there is an even greater demand: human consumption. Anyone living/have lived in MT can attest to the challenges of this topic. Who will win out, fish or farmers? The populations of our countries major cities, or sportspeople? p.s. As for humans being adaptive. Yes, we are. However, for as many examples of situations where we have adapted, I can show you equal amounts where we haven't, including historic examples from Iceland where the civilization didn't adapt to traditional hunting/fishign methods, opting for their more traditional lifestyle. They died out and there is the archaeological evidence to prove it.

I do the majority of my fishing on the Bow with nymphs. When I see dry fly action, I switch over. Only time I really go to streamers is during runoff, when the big boys come close to shore and the water is chocolate milk. As for nymphing, I do use an indicator (thingamabobber or foam sticky), but use a combination style. I try to focus on the indicator but also feel free the strikes as well. I've also begun to try and anticipate when fish are going to strike (read that in a book or article recently-think it was "Flyfishing Western Trout Streams by McLennan). In the end, I've switched to setting the hook ANYTIME something happens with the indicator or I feel it, and noticed that this has improved the # of fish hooked into. Part of using the indicator for me is getting the depth right, so indicators sort of serve a dual purpose.

Just curious, anyone doing anything special for Earth Day (e.g. not watching tv, etc.)?

I switched over to thingamabobbers for the bow (medium), and sometimes have the sliding issue. I've double looped it, and that works. Or you can use attach some putty indicator just below it to keep it from sliding. When it doubt, duct tape. For smaller streams I find the foam sticky indicators work well (especially for thinner line). They don't move, don't fade, and are pretty sensative.

At the end of the day, all fish feel good. However, considering your question, I would have to say brown. The main reason is because in my history of fishing on the bow, I've caught about 3x as many bows as browns. That's why, whenever I get a brown I'm a bit more excited. I remember one day this winter where I caught 3x as many browns as bows and think the universe reversed that day or something. Having said this, I LOVE catching bows and think they fight much better. For some reason I feel they run more, jump more and are just harder to land. The browns, for me, are harder to find. Anyone know what the ratio of browns to bows to whities are?

I definetely vote bear spray, and you can pick up a can and holster at MEC pretty cheap (around $25). However, my wife has worked in the forests for much of her life, has encountered bears more times than one cares to recall, and has never had an incident (or had to use spray). Truth is, bears are harmless unless provoked or caught in a tough situation (like you between her and her cub). Here is a brief synopsis of a scientific paper that was published on the efficiacy of bear spray. Don't worry moderators, I have reproduced this synopsis before with permission (and the article is cited). Efficacy of Bear Deterrent Spray in Alaska TOM S. SMITH,1 Wildlife Sciences Program, Faculty of Plant and Wildlife Sciences, Brigham Young University, 451 WIDB, Provo, UT 84602, USA STEPHEN HERRERO, Environmental Science Program, Faculty of Environmental Design, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada TERRY D. DEBRUYN, United States National Park Service, Alaska Support Office, 240 W 5th Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99501, USA JAMES M. WILDER, Minerals Management Service, 3801 Centerpoint Drive, Suite 500, Anchorage, AK 99503-5823, USA ABSTRACT We present a comprehensive look at a sample of bear spray incidents that occurred in Alaska, USA, from 1985 to 2006. We analyzed 83 bear spray incidents involving brown bears (Ursus arctos; 61 cases, 74%), black bears (Ursus americanus; 20 cases, 24%), and polar bears (Ursus maritimus; 2 cases, 2%). Of the 72 cases where persons sprayed bears to defend themselves, 50 (69%) involved brown bears, 20 (28%) black bears, and 2 (3%) polar bears. Red pepper spray stopped bears’ undesirable behavior 92% of the time when used on brown bears, 90%for black bears, and 100%for polar bears. Of all persons carrying sprays, 98%were uninjured by bears in close-range encounters. All bear inflicted injuries (n¼3) associated with defensive spraying involved brown bears and were relatively minor (i.e., no hospitalization required). In 7% (5 of 71) of bear spray incidents, wind was reported to have interfered with spray accuracy, although it reached the bear in all cases. In 14% (10 of 71) of bear spray incidents, users reported the spray having had negative side effects upon themselves, ranging from minor irritation (11%, 8 of 71) to near incapacitation (3%, 2 of 71). Bear spray represents an effective alternative to lethal force and should be considered as an option for personal safety for those recreating and working in bear country. (JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT 72(3):640–645;2008)

Good question and great feedback! As I've maybe mentioned in a post before, I'm not a man of newspapers or listening to the media. That said, I'm not oblivious to our world situation either. Its hit my family for sure (I got laid off recently and my mom will be out of work in the summer). However, my wife and I are working on not letting the influence of "fear" or "lack" enter our lives, and are trusting that the universe will provide what we need when we need. We work hard, but have decided that we wan to be employed in a position that fills our life purpose. Our situation hasn't prevented us from responsibly spending money on a recent trip to AZ or sacrificing some foundational elements of our lifestyle (e.g. organic food). However, like Girlsfishtoo, we have been listening to our "inner voice" aka, intuition, etc. and have been finding that when listening to him/her, we are often steered in the right direction when it comes to buy or not to buy, to take a job or not, etc. Gil, I'm sure if you listen to your inner voice, it will tell you what the right answer is. And from the sound of your post, it is saying boat, boat, boat! Good luck and I hope you have tightlines on your maiden voyage!

Thanks for the feedback. Never read that section of the regs as never had to. You guys just save me $$ that I will now have to spend on other fishing stuff:)

Hey Everyone- Saw an add for this system in the latest edition of Fly Fishing: http://www.moffittangling.com/control/main. You fish three hookless flies, with one plain circular hook at the end of your line. When a fish strikes, you pull the hookless flies through the fish's mouth and hook into it with the circle hook. From what is advertised, it is better for the fish as it provides cleaner hook-ins. It also proposes that you "outfish your buddies." I don't care about the latter statement, but as a conservationist the former is intriguing. Anyone try these or have any thoughts? Think I might order some.... p.s. pardon the post if its already been discussed, but I did a search and didn't come up with anything...

Banning of felt-soled boots is due to the transfer of aquatic diseases (such as whirling) and nuisances (such as the mud snail). The felt can actually trap this stuff for some time, which is why NZ and AK banned them. If you check out page 32 of the Feb. 2009 Fly Fisherman, you will see a review for the new Simms G4 Guide Boot which talks of this. It also mentions that TU is working with manufacturers to stop producing felt soles by 2011. Seems like some of the big manufacturers (Simms, Vibram, etc.) are taking this to heart and developing some really good technology.

Not sure about Banff, but do know of one in Canmore on Railway Ave. next to Safeway. Its pretty small, has hunting/fishing/fly-fishing gear. You can buy flies, etc. there, but has very limited tying stuff.

I like to have nymphs weighted too so I don't have to use splits. I haven't actually weighed the nymphs. I tend to experiment and see which ones work the best, then mimic the weight (usually lead or lead free weight and/or beadheads) with others. Once you have a pattern weighted the way you like, then you're usually set for similar patterns.

Thanks for all the tips guys! I'm pretty excited to be fishing in shorts again, also trying out the new 4wt I built this winter. I'm hoping to get my father in-law hooked (pun totally intended) and will be sure to post some pix when I get back in a weeks time.

Good thought provoking thread! I have to say, I'm quite fortunate in that I don't read newspapers or watch the television, so don't get trapped into the "lack" thought process that the media is driving across North America. Don't get me wrong, I have felt the impacts of the economy as I lost my job in Dec. and will be starting a new one April 1. I think the key is the mindset with which you approach it. If you think of always lacking, then often that will manifest. However, if you think positively that you will always have that which you need (not necessarily want) then I find things tend to work out. As for how the economy may hit the bow, I honestly don't expect much difference other than perhaps slower drift traffic and not as many new "big" purchases...such as a new rod, etc. Thinking back from personal experience, people tend to prioritize that which is important to them during these times....which often includes some type of hobby to keep your sanity. For some this is drinking, smoking, etc., while for others it may be biking or fishing. Despite my work situation, I still managed to feed the local fly-fishing economy and plan to do my annual b-day float again. One way to boost your income though is to prowl the banks and just report poachers all day long! Too bad they didn't have a volunteer co position where we could issue fines, etc. right then and there.

Hey All- Am heading to visit the in-laws in Phoenix next week and was wondering if anyone's done any fly-fishing in/around there. I'm hoping to take my father in-law out to get him into the sport. Ideally I'm looking for something where I can get him into a fish. I've tried similar fishing boards for Arizona, but am still waiting for my account info. I thought since so many canucks migrate south in the winter, you may have some advice. Thanks!

One thing I've noticed since getting back into fly-fishing about two years ago is that no matter how many beautiful fish you catch, or no matter how gorgeous of scenery you spend your time in while fishing, the mind tends to wander back to "the one that got away." I've read a bunch of books whose authors talk about this, but thought it would be a neat thread to see what everyone's individual take on this is. Personally, I think humans have a fascination with the unknown and we are drawn to it like a magnet to metal. This is what inspires so much innovation, but unfortunately also is part of the cause of much of the negative aspects of the world. Anyhow, I look forward to hearing what folks think.....

Thanks. I'm actually using my Marmot shell now, but in a day of rain last year on the Oldman I came back to camp a wet dawg...hence my desire for a fully waterproof jacket. I'll check out MEC stuff too...Thanks for all the tips folks!

Hey Everyone- Hoping I could get some advice on buying a new waterproof rain jacket for fishing. I've scoped out a few brands (Simms, Cloudveil, Patagonia) and think I am going to go with the Patagonia Guide Jacket. Anyone have this? If so, how would you rate it? Also, does anyone know shops in town that would carry Patagonia? Troutfitters does, but is currently closed, and the Patagonia store doesn't carry this particular product. Thanks!

You make a good point about "not wanting to have that fly I need!" Despite all the homework we do, there is often that time when there is that one fly that would work, but we just don't have it. For example, I made it out for about an hour yesterday and went really light, I mean maybe 6 flies total...based on what worked for me last and what I had been reading. Of course, it seems like the blood worm was the magic fly yesterday and I left all my worms at home. I guess that shows my still young age on the bow though (2 years) as I guess I should always have a SJW or variation thereof with me.

It depends what water I'm fishing and what time of year. This time of year on the bow I'll carry my nymphs and streamers in 2-4 boxes. Summer, I'll add dry. Upper headwaters of the Oldman, I'll take mostly dry and some nymph. All in all though, its usually about 2-4 regular size SA system x and 1-2 smaller boxes (likely with flies I just tied the night before and don't have time to put into the box). Good question though, as I too am thinking of changing from a vest to a pack this year.

As many of you may know, the Canadian Senate is considering legislation regarding changes to the Navigable Waterways Protection Act. From what I understand, the new provisions would redefine what is a "navigable water" so that more development may occur on smaller waterways (likely the ones we visit on the weekends to get our fishing fix). The Government has attached the provisions to weaken the Navigable Waterways Protection Act (NWPA) in C-10, the Budget bill and the economic stimulus package. Its a good time to investigate the proposed changes and make your voice heard if you wish.... MORE at: http://www.waterkeeper.ca/2009/02/11/resea...-act-bill-c-10/ http://netnewsledger.com/index.php?option=...6&Itemid=26 http://www.ispeakforcanadianrivers.ca/back...nwpa-issue.html

This was my first humble video and I loved it! I spent the next hour searching youtube for other ones....great work humblefisherman! Except now I just wanna fish....guess the movie worked.