alhuger

Man, that's nuts! Makes me thankful for all the water we have here which is far more comfortable. Mind you, there is plenty of water in BC which is not as crazy as the Fraser or the Vedder during the returns. I actually have heard that parts of the Fraser get closed because of the fights that break out amongst anglers looking to floss their way to a full freezer, it's totally antithetical to why I fish, I would just keep on walking. -al

All, I stopped by Fish Tales today looking for a case for the TFO DC 12.6 I bought from them. As it turns out they have a Sage case which has a carry handle and storage for reels. I picked it up and it comfortably fits both my Sage 13.6 in addition to the DC plus 1 reel, 2 spares and a roll of tape. Good purchase thinks I although it was 95 (circa).

The Museum of the Regiments has a very good service today if you're willing to brave the mild cold. -al

There is actually a video out which goes through 10 of Brent's lake flies called "Fly Fishing Still Waters - Brent's Top 10 Lake Flies" it's pretty good. I would really suggest it if your looking for some good lake flies to compliment your bevy of Chan/Rowley/Honey/etc. flies. I think this is also pretty important if your hitting BC still water. The common flies which Brian and Phil are detailing work awesome (IMO) but they do get *allot* of exposure. -al

So with the dismal prospect of shorter winter days and brittle cold weather soon to be upon us, I am back to tying. My focus for the next few months will likely be salmon fry and smolts and with a little luck, maybe some egg and flesh patterns. These tend to be the flies I use most in winter and early spring as I get most of my fishing in on BC interior salmon rearing water. My spring will be where I chase trout and bulls with fry and smolt patterns with the egg and flesh patterns waiting till next fall (or maybe this December if I'm lucky). The problem is that I always seem to have a really tough time getting salmon smolt imitations that get any attention. Any ideas folks? I tie on both tubes and regular hooks so any patterns you can think of which tempt rainbows to think they are looking at a chinook, sockeye or a coho smolt I would be truly grateful! When I get find my camera cable I will try to upload some of the fry and alevin patterns I use. -al

Perhaps. If you need some I have some to spare. It's the under hair your likely looking for. In any event PM me if you need some. -al

Polar bear has fantastic buoyancy if the ethical concerns don't dog you over much.

Thanks for all the replies, appreciate it.

Does the steaming method actually keep the hair straight? I am looking for a way to get some polar bear hair straight, I may try that one. Any url's for detailed instruction?

All, Anyone have an outspoken preference on leaders for spey rods? I have been using the airflow leaders and the ken sawada 15 ft salmon leaders. The price on both makes me a do a gut check though. Any better priced alternatives out there?

Thanks.

When you are you defining whether you are right or left bank are you facing upstream or down to pick it?

Thanks all of you for your advice, I also got to speak with SilverDoc last night so I cannot claim lack of skill from a dearth of good counsel. I am going to pick up the Simon Gawseworth's video this morning as well. Thursday I am on the water so I will see how it goes. Cheers, al

Thanks Dean, I am headed out this afternoon, I will give that a shot.

Thanks Colin, that's helpful. Btw - saw your photo posts, nice fish.

My top hand is left, my bottom is right.

It's actually spey I am practicing with pink yarn for a fly :> As it turns out I found water about 10 minutes from my office downtown which is good looking and open. Tomorrow I plan to fish it for an hour versus just plant yarn on the seams :< -al

Hey all, I am trying to figure out something which might be obvious so bear with me. I am trying to figure out how to get my cast into position when my left shoulder is facing upstream. To put this in context, I also cast over my left shoulder. What I am doing now is once my fly is down stream I sweep the rod out to circle line over to my left side. Once the leader is about parallel with me I forward cast. Typically this is not a problem but I find sometimes I come *very* close to hooking myself even with no downstream wind. I know I can snap t the line over no problem but this really whips the hell out of my upstream water and I'd like to avoid this. Is the answer the double spey?

I ended up just driving to the closest access past the closure and working it there. The idea of arguing with a CO and wasting both of our time sorted it out for me.

All, I work downtown close to the river. I would like to practice my cast in the bow by work during my break time, I will be casting *without* a fly. Is there any reason this would be restricted given the water is closed for the spawn?

Thanks guys, that is fantastic feedback.

After this season of fishing some of my sinking line is shot, or at least is in rough shape. I am looking to cut it down and convert it to sink tips. Does anyone know how to calculate the grains based off the IPS and actual weight in grams of the length of line? Is their a formula. My line in question is type VIII super fast sink. -al

A single trailer works just fine for shuswap rainbows and Gerrard's as well if your imitating kokanee or smolts as they tend to strike them from behind (in my experience anyhow). -al

Mudflap, I use stingers quite a bit and my experience is that the longer your trailing stingers the more likely you are to see the (one or the) other hook getting fouled in the mix. Largely this is happening because during the thrash of the hookup or the subsequent run your fish is twisting into the other hook. You might try shortening your stinger and using 30 lb test as the stringer attachment which makes it stiffer and less likely to twist into the fish as easily. I think the advice given earlier though is best, if you can cut of the front hook, go for it. -al

Cool. thanks, I'll try to get out and give it a shot.