BowLurker

+1...call it in. Bet they didn't have licenses either...yeesh. -M.

Hi keet, These are just personal suggestions, but I've had good results. As far as the blood knot is concerned, I've used the Double Uni knot instead, both in fly fishing and 50lb test conventional fishing. I've only broken the connection if I had to break it on purpose during a bad snag. The knot itself didn't let go, it was the lighter tippet/line material below the knot that would break. Never had the DU knot slip either, and it works really well tying two different diameters together. Just a suggestion. Using splitshot, I was taught to clamp the SS directly onto the knot that holds the nymph you want to go deep. If you use something like a Nonslip Loop or Lefty's Loop, which both form a strong loop to have the fly moving freely, at the knot 1-2cm away from the fly, you could clamp the SS there. Can't get away from knots, but maybe this could simplify your rig a bit, and save a bit of tippet strength. Hope this helps! -M.

Great story, rickr! Kinda made my skin crawl a bit, but it shows what kind of fisherman you really are. What's that saying.."Beware the injured golfer..."? Maybe it rings true for fly fisherman as well. Nicely done. -M.

Not sure how I feel about the 'Fly Rod Chronicles' show being re-telecast on the WFN. However, Sir Nick was fishing in West Virginia with the Conservation and Trout Unlimited reps, along with the show hosts and attended as an amateur. He chose a 3W...and wore 'Beginner's' kit..then promptly did an upstream side cast, mended and caught the biggest Rainbow...so sly. Most of the hosts were using 6W - 8W and I saw some terrible 'rip-sets' as per fishing television. Sigh. I chose to turn off this show, minus the fact that I could watch a golf hero. There's something inherently wrong about a vinyl-stickered truck and trailer busting through the wilderness to show off a 'virgin' stream. F**k me, where will it end! Has respect gone downstream? -M.

Hey, just noticed this scel, Searching through 1000+ posts for a relevant topic (archives) is like pulling teeth, and I'm sure the Oracles on this site would agree. I appreciate the forum's expertise, and I understand the 'dead horse' idea. But, maybe newbies like me could have some brains in us! :raz: I have found a happy medium with leader issues, and a new mend technique, but the deeper swirls are still challenging. Can't be perfect I guess The Turle knot is fun to tie in a comfortable living room, but I use the 'Non-Slip-Loop' every time, and it has done me well. I have never tied a clinch knot on flies. -M.

Great shots, Smitty! I had a similar experience in the early 80's with my Dad on Maligne, and I think it was the first time I had ever seen fly fishing. Our guide was nailing trout left and right on wets/dries while my Dad and I fumbled about with spin cast and 'grandpa-reel' setups. After getting skunked most of the day, and huge mountain weather moving in, the guide took pity on a frustrated 8yr old and handed me a bamboo fly rod (!) with what I know now as a streamer. We trolled back to the Lodge with the electric motor, and damned if I didn't catch a huge Rainbow! We shared the fish in the Lodge that night. Incredible. Thanks for sharing the photos, Smitty...it must have been amazing. -M.

Hey Freshdub, Re: Streamer fishing - This is a bit of a long read, but very informative. Of course, Scientific Anglers will be selling their stuff, but that's how it goes. Best of luck! http://www.scientificanglers.com/streamer-tactics-trout/ -M.

+1 RedBeard. I've had some great afternoons (and witnessed others) fishing riffles as well, when the deeper pools produced nothing. Getting stripped off to backing on a bluebird day, standing in knee-deep water...can't beat it! -M.

The paving/painting/bridge construction I was mentioning started at the PetroCan just west of Calgary. The third bit ended at the 'summit' before the reserve. 2hrs to LL from Banff isn't too hot either...jus' sayin' -M.

scel, I won't re-post all your eloquent words, but I can totally relate to this particular line. I'm new to the amazing art of fly fishing, and I learn many new things every day, partially because of trial & error, but also because of online resources such as FFC. ( For example, I had no idea this Forum has been around for so long! ) I am also learning without a mentor, or casting buddy, so I can also relate. I'm sure the local fly shops are sick of my constant questions! When I started to figure out a little 1000M stretch of the side-channel at SHP, I was torn between telling all because I was so stoked, but also holding a few cards close. Then, of course, I watch a seasoned side-channel angler wade his arse off across river, catch 5 in succession and shrug his shoulders when I get yet another wind knot! I also agree with the occasional report, especially if it's somewhere unique, or if one is able to get pictures. My thoughts are similar to yours about having just enough difficulty at any spot to make it interesting. I hope that there are still places out there that are 'anonymous' clearwater streams, or bangin' stillwater... maybe most of us still have a few cards left. Thanks scel. -M.

I took a quick trip just West of Exshaw this morning and there was traffic backing up already due to new paving/painting and bridge construction. On the way back to Calgary around 1030, Westbound was bumper-to-bumper in 3 spots...and it's only Wednesday! Just a heads-up for everyone headed West this w'kend. Drive safe! -M.

The New Fly Fisher is still producing new programs on the World Fishing Network channel. Last week they had a show about the world record 30+lb Brookie caught in the Nipigon River in Ontario. Pretty good show sometimes. They had a really good Steelhead show a while back. As for the Swedish shows, well..yeah. -M.

I did try some reach casts, and it worked much better, except for the really strong upwelling/swirls. Thanks, -M.

If I'm trying to revive a dead horse with this thread, my bad. Any thoughts on how to keep one's leader from getting sucked down while dry fishing? My fly seems to stay up well, but the leader goes down, causing a delayed drift. I know the Bow can be kinda freaky current-wise near some of the deeper banks. Perhaps I need to go to a lighter tapered leader? Now that the water is lower, maybe I can get away with a 5x into a fluoro tippet...hmm. -M.

Ouchymamma!! -M.

I notice the brittle tippet part of treating flies as well. I use a "grease" style treatment, and prefer it because I can see when it's time to re-treat when my flies are sinkers. -M. PS- have you tried any 'spray-style' treatments?

Got all the way out to my usual place, looked in the trunk, ok, wading boots-on, vest-front ok, walked halfway to the spot in my shorts... holy crap, where are my waders~! -M.

Success! It looks a little more battle-worn than I'd like, but the guide is back on. Now I won't get the 'line droop' in the middle of a cast! -M.

Hello FlyFish! First time poster, long time lurker. I use a TFO 4-W, and have broken a line guide. I have a repair kit. Never tried to fix one before, and I'm going to try and do it myself. Yes, I've heard that a new section is only $40 at TFO, but it's something I want to try. Any tips on repairing a line guide? Do I need to remove all the epoxy, the entire circumference? Can I just 'dig out' the old guide and re-epoxy? Thanks folks. -M.