seanbritt

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

One thing I forgot to ask is netting. Most often I try to get the fish into the net as quickly as possibly to exert as little pressure on the fish as possible. However, I imagine with the big boys you need to tire them out more to get them in? Thoughts/advice?

Grew up on small streams and ponds in Massachusetts. Small brookies and stocked rainbows. Mostly dry fly action. Took a break from fishing for a few years, and got back into it about two years ago. I found working the Bow, then making my wake back down to smaller water, was much easier than the other way around. Max, thanks for the advice. All wicked good stuff! Will definetly hand strip next time and work the side pressure. Never knew about getting the fish back into the water if they're thrashing, will keep that in my mind next time it happens (hopefully soon!). Live and learn...

Wow, this is all great advice guys! Like I said, I feel really lucky for being able to fish on such a world class river--so hopefully the fishing gods are hearing me! I am also proud of myself for how far I've come in terms of numbers and size of fish, even for hooking into so many hogs. I never really had anyone to show me the ropes growing up, so I'm also thankful for the board and their tips. I like the idea of running back upstream if the fish screams back at you. However, I was wading about knee to lower thigh deep, and working my way to the bank, so that would have been hard. I'm also going to adjust the tension a bit so they have to work more if they want to run to the middle of the river again. I've always been a bit weary of applying side pressure, but will give that more of a go. As a side note, this is all good experience for a book I'm working on that compares fly-fishing to meditation and how "being present" is so key to life and fishing. Guess I can chock it up to research...now I just need to get back on the river to continue practicing

Great thoughts so far gents, I look forward to more! Here's some more information about my situation. I have a 9' 6wt FLi with a Ross Large Arbour reel (so I think I'm geared up sufficiently). I cast with my right and reel with the left. I can actually reel pretty darn fast, as I've fished this way for some time now. I understand about wanting to keep the fish pointing upstream, and often put sideways pressure on fish. I guess when I get into the bigger guys, I loose all memory of fishing skills except rod tip up, pressure and keep parallel to the fish. I like the idea of stripping if he's running really fast into you, I guess I would just worry about the switchover from reel to hand. I think one thing I need to start doing is expecting to catch monsters and see your 18-22 as average guys. Growing up back east, I would never have thought to say this, but after fishing the Bow for 2 years now I guess its time to move on. Maybe if I expect a hog to get on, I'll be more prepared mentally?

Had one of those nights that could have either been a memorable one or one to make you quit fishing. Right off landed a typical 19/20 brown. Then, hooked into a hog that sat and thrashed. I kept tension on, kept parallel to the fish, but he wiggled off in his thrashabout. Got a good look at the tail fin and he was big. Then, right before leaving, hooked into another monster that took me into my backing, jumped, ran downstream the length of the line (to the backing), then decided to run back at me. I kept the tip up, tension on, but couldn't reel fast enough. Looking back, I should have adjusted the tension on the line, but couldn't think that fast. My question for you pros is, any suggestions on landing the big ones? I've fortunate to be hooking into good numbers of respectable fish, and have hooked into a fair share of big boys (by seeing them close or jumping), but just can't seem to get the latter into the net. I did a search on the forum, but didn't see anything. Any pointers (e.g. top 5 simple things to remember) would be greatly appreciated, as I'm reaching a very frustrating plateau in my fishing career that I would love to get over! Also, mental pointers are as welcome as the technical ones!

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.

Thanks everyone for the helpful comments! SilverDoctor, thanks for the link to the blog too! Looks like I can get a few more weeks out of it if I clean it, then its time for new line. I know what I'm asking for for my birthday....

Christmas 2007 my wife bought me a new Sage FLi690 and some new line to go with it, SA GPX. I've used it for about 126 outings now and have cleaned it once. I've noticed its starting to crack and is getting more challenging to cast. I've heard folks replace their lines anywhere from every year to every 5 years. Any suggestions on what the tell tale signs are for new line?

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?

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:)