tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19641195174868099532024-03-13T00:11:18.148-07:00 Fly Fishing with Doug StewartA Fly Fishing Blog for the Fishing EnthusiastUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger228125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964119517486809953.post-22550683346887742742015-08-22T20:42:00.002-07:002015-08-22T20:42:51.262-07:00Attaching Fly Tying Thread and Materials<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VOaoavnw5YY/VdVpRJNu9OI/AAAAAAAACtw/yxXU-KiagX8/s1600/fly_tying_attaching_materials_ffwds4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="183" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VOaoavnw5YY/VdVpRJNu9OI/AAAAAAAACtw/yxXU-KiagX8/s200/fly_tying_attaching_materials_ffwds4.jpeg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">How to properly attach the thread and materials.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To ensure that materials will not slip and come apart, it’s important to tie them in neatly and tightly to the hook shank. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hold materials between your thumb and forefinger and place the material on top of the hook. Then, pinch the thread and material and m</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ake numerous neat, firm wraps over the material to secure it. Loose wraps will cause the material to slip and pull out. Too many wraps will bulk up the shank making it difficult to attach other materials. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bulky materials such as large tinsels, lead wire, stems of feather quills and raffia will usually require a heavier thread like D thread, 2/0 Monocord, Kelvar and Nymo. Also, the ends of the heavier materials may have to be tapered so they can be smoothly attached. For most materials, lighter threads are easily attached and tapering is not needed. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Illustrations of attaching thread and materials.</span></h4>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aGgwnjgzi4Y/VdVpQrF3VXI/AAAAAAAACt0/dfE0N_1Ll8I/s1600/fly_tying_attaching_materials_ffwds1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="157" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aGgwnjgzi4Y/VdVpQrF3VXI/AAAAAAAACt0/dfE0N_1Ll8I/s200/fly_tying_attaching_materials_ffwds1.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964119517486809953.post-78207068296295468852015-08-19T15:14:00.000-07:002015-08-19T15:14:59.168-07:00A Thief in the Night<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R5SlL9Dz_OQ/VdTsJZJZTBI/AAAAAAAACtU/_esC_tmkMTI/s1600/david_holding_steelhead_ffwds1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Young man standing on a bank of a river holding up a 12-;pound steelhead he just landed" border="0" height="395" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R5SlL9Dz_OQ/VdTsJZJZTBI/AAAAAAAACtU/_esC_tmkMTI/s400/david_holding_steelhead_ffwds1.jpeg" title="" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">David holding up meal for a raccoon?</span>.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Deschutes River was in good shape and very productive. Everyone in our party had action, but most of the Steelhead were released since they were wild. My son David, however, had caught one nice 12-pound hatchery fish that we planned to have for dinner the next day. After the fish was cleaned, he hung it high on an alder branch to allow the evening air to set up the meat. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It had been a very successful day. Our spirits were high and the camaraderie was enjoyable, but the long day had sapped our energy. After numerous jokes and stories, we headed for out tents. Suddenly, I noticed that David's fish was still hanging in the tree. Knowing that numerous varmints caroused around at night, I suggested that he take it down and put it in the cooler. However, he and his buddy decided to stay up a little longer to discuss the day's success and plan out tomorrow's strategies. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The next morning, as everyone was preparing for the morning fishing, David suddenly blurted out, "All right, which one of you guys took my fish?" Everyone just shrugged their shoulders. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">David started walking around looking for any sign of his fish, and</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I walked toward the branch where the fish had been tied and called out, "David, guess what? You just got ripped off by a <i>thief in the night!"</i> He asked what I meant and I responded, "Raccoons! They gnawed off the rope." We later found out that there were 13 intruders rummaging around out camp that night--a mamma raccoon and her 12 cubs. It was a good lesson, and for the rest of the trip everything was tightly secured. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964119517486809953.post-7199660112681998512015-08-14T13:47:00.000-07:002015-08-14T13:47:44.498-07:00Story Behind the Dark Max Canyon Steelhead Fly and How to Tie It.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CuzZUF7feb8/Vc0JY9cFoNI/AAAAAAAACs8/TTuJS84m0Q4/s1600/Dark_Max_fly_tie_step55_ffwds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="A closeup picture of the Dark Max Canyon steelhead fly in the jaws of a fly tying vice" border="0" height="373" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CuzZUF7feb8/Vc0JY9cFoNI/AAAAAAAACs8/TTuJS84m0Q4/s400/Dark_Max_fly_tie_step55_ffwds.jpg" title="Dark Max Canyon Steelhead Fly" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Dark Max Canyon Steelhead Fly</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Dark Max Canyon fly had its origin on the Deschutes River because of a chance meeting with an angler who wasn’t catching any Steelhead. I was fishing the west side of the river and having good success. In less than two hours I had landed and released five Steelhead. During that time the angler on the east side wasn’t having any luck, but I could tell that he was a good fly caster and was covering the water very well. When the sun finally danced across the water, I called it quits and rowed back to the other side. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Interestingly, the lone angler who had been fishing on the other side was waiting for me. His name was Larry Piatt, and after cordial introductions he asked me one, simple question, “What the heck are you doing to hook those fish? I’ve been fishing this river for over a month and haven’t had a strike.” I looked at his outfit, his leader and fly and said, “Larry, you’ve got the right gear and I watched you fishing over there and your technique is fine. Just keep on doing what you’re been doing!” </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the balance of the summer we began to fish together. He finally started to catch some fish but it wasn't because of what I said. It was because of what I forgot to say which was that sometimes in Steelhead fishing you just have to get lucky. However, my original and seemingly harmless comment haunted him. When we would be talking with other anglers he would say, ”Here I was, watching this guy hook and release five Steelhead in a row, and when I asked for some solid advice, all he said was, “Keep on doing what you're doing.” I figured that meant, keep on getting skunked! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sometime later, Larry tied a variation of the Max Canyon fly called the Dark Max Canyon. It’s a darker fly, has a lower profile and is effective in all water types. Here’s the recipe. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hook: Mustad 36890, sizes 4-6.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thread: 3/0 Black Monocord.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tip: Flat gold Mylar tinsel.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rib: Medium gold oval tinsel.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Body: 1/3 orange & 2/3 black wool or yarn.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hackle: Black Saddle.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wing: 2/3 black calftail with 1/3 orange calftail on top.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-viNigg7rRvw/Vc0HoN7yNvI/AAAAAAAACsU/X36cDG0lZ-4/s1600/Dark_Max_fly_tie_step11_ffwds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="199" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-viNigg7rRvw/Vc0HoN7yNvI/AAAAAAAACsU/X36cDG0lZ-4/s200/Dark_Max_fly_tie_step11_ffwds.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Step 1</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tie in flat gold tinsel at the hook bend and wrap 1/8 inch </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">forward </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">above the hook barb. Attach the tinsel and orange yarn.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_dDg8kIavts/Vc0HoAOWN7I/AAAAAAAACsc/1PDHSq7L0IM/s1600/Dark_Max_fly_tie_step22_ffwds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="183" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_dDg8kIavts/Vc0HoAOWN7I/AAAAAAAACsc/1PDHSq7L0IM/s200/Dark_Max_fly_tie_step22_ffwds.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Step 2</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wrap the yarn up 1/3 inch and attach the black yarn.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JVR6unjNga0/Vc0HoH44G3I/AAAAAAAACsw/rNO9N-yDIYc/s1600/Dark_Max_fly_tie_step33_ffwds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="173" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JVR6unjNga0/Vc0HoH44G3I/AAAAAAAACsw/rNO9N-yDIYc/s200/Dark_Max_fly_tie_step33_ffwds.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Step 3</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wrap the black yarn up 2/3 of the shank,</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">spin 5 or 6 turns of gold oval tinsel forward </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and tie off. Attach the black saddle hackle.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tg67rg2nE_A/Vc0HoiP98-I/AAAAAAAACsk/tBa7mP7ZZTc/s1600/Dark_Max_fly_tie_step44_ffwds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="188" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tg67rg2nE_A/Vc0HoiP98-I/AAAAAAAACsk/tBa7mP7ZZTc/s200/Dark_Max_fly_tie_step44_ffwds.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Step 4</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wrap the black hackle forward and tie it back to a 45-degree angle</span>. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CuzZUF7feb8/Vc0JY9cFoNI/AAAAAAAACtA/baT7ZOawy-Y/s1600/Dark_Max_fly_tie_step55_ffwds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="186" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CuzZUF7feb8/Vc0JY9cFoNI/AAAAAAAACtA/baT7ZOawy-Y/s200/Dark_Max_fly_tie_step55_ffwds.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Step 5</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cut a clump of black calftail for the underwing and a smaller amount of orange calftail for the overwing and tie in the wing. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Secure them tightly and complete the head.</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964119517486809953.post-70272760976209952122015-08-01T14:49:00.000-07:002015-08-01T14:49:17.997-07:00How to Tie the Zug Bug.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="picture of the Zug Bug fly in the jaws of a vice." border="0" height="362" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zpxSmFXqtfw/Vbv6ludqPwI/AAAAAAAACpk/I4kW7FBCmCo/s400/how_to_tie_zug_bug_step66.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Zug Bug " width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Zug Bug</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This buggy looking pattern was developed by Chris Zug in Pennsylvania in the 1930’s. It can imitate mayflies, dragon flies and caddis pupae or larva. Dead drifting and/or twitching the fly close to the bottom produces the best results. In deeper or faster water, you may have to weight the body with lead wire or use split shot. It’s a good all-purpose searching pattern as well. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Materials for tying the Zug Bug: </span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hook: 94840 Mustad, sizes 10-16</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thread: 2/0 black Monocord</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tail: Peacock sword tails</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Body: 3-4 Peacock herls</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rib: Small to medium silver oval tinsel</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hackle: Soft Coachman brown</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Step 1. Tie in the peacock sword tail and tinsel and then </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">w</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">rap </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the peacock herls forward to within 1/8 inch of the eye. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9GCuejV2vFk/Vb0xnMf6nMI/AAAAAAAACrY/CmXWOZfGYUA/s1600/how_to_tie_zug_bug_step44.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9GCuejV2vFk/Vb0xnMf6nMI/AAAAAAAACrY/CmXWOZfGYUA/s320/how_to_tie_zug_bug_step44.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Step 2. Wrap the tinsel forward 4 or 5 times and tie off. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Step 3. Tie in the duck flank feather so that it </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">lies flat over the back and tie in the hackle. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QysAJzy0eYs/Vb02cYQ5I7I/AAAAAAAACr0/BtVyRLdl-Ys/s1600/how_to_tie_zug_bug_step6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QysAJzy0eYs/Vb02cYQ5I7I/AAAAAAAACr0/BtVyRLdl-Ys/s320/how_to_tie_zug_bug_step6.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Step 4. Wrap the hackle forward 2 to 3 times and tie it off so that it flows back </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">over the body at a 45 degree angle. Cement the head and the fly is competed. </span></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964119517486809953.post-81036197607002698112015-07-24T20:11:00.000-07:002015-07-24T20:11:05.361-07:00Fly Fishing and Tying Pale Morning and Pale Evening Duns<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8p6tWi0OWLk/VbLsL8kKTRI/AAAAAAAACoQ/ZV_Pp9V6BWc/s1600/PMD_PED_flies_ffwds2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="278" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8p6tWi0OWLk/VbLsL8kKTRI/AAAAAAAACoQ/ZV_Pp9V6BWc/s400/PMD_PED_flies_ffwds2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />PMD and PED tied by Doug Stewart </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pale Morning Dun </span></h4>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Pale Morning Dun is a dry fly in the order Ephemerella. It is found only in North America from the Rockies to the Pacific Ocean. It </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">has three tails and is available during daylight hours, which makes it much easier to see. It is slightly larger than its counterpart the Pale Evening Dun and is more commonly used. Its</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> hatch cycle is from June to August. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pale Evening Dun </span></h4>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Pale Evening Dun is a dry fly in the order Heptagenia and inhabits the same region as the Pale Morning Dun. It has only two tails. It usually emerges in the late afternoon to evening, and mating and laying eggs on the water (ovipositing) occurs sometime later. It </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">hatches out from April to October. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How to Fish the PMDs and PEDs</span></h4>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When it is too dark to follow the Dun, let it become awash as it glides across the surface. This will allow it to simulate a wet fly being f</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ished down and across the current. This method is commonly called the </span><a href="http://www.flyfishingwithdougstewart.com/2015/05/fly-fishing-with-split-wing-flies.html" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">wet fly swing</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> and can create strong and aggressive takes, especially late in the evening. When fish are not surface feeding, you can also use a watery dun flymph pattern to interest trout.</span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bowing to the Fish</span></h4>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One caution is offered to ensure solid hookups. You must keep your rod pointed at a low angle to the water as the fly swings and when a fish strikes lean slightly forward as you set the hook. This is called "bowing to the fish."</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964119517486809953.post-18608106613708339482015-07-17T21:48:00.000-07:002015-07-17T21:48:54.891-07:00Fly Fishing in Hot Weather with a Leadwing Coachman.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin0LL8dbWec6lwn_BBpBtCGdan9v7P-Uiv18pVWa28ZFw7ruZSEcLj429yv7bckxe8g_ThZikVeuslFSq3VZaJ-x3juSE2_d8jZ_QbXnQRTSIxQonDhL_yvVn9Cw23VcP_Vsy1Q0Ti2LQ/s1600/Deschutes_trout_summer_ffwds.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin0LL8dbWec6lwn_BBpBtCGdan9v7P-Uiv18pVWa28ZFw7ruZSEcLj429yv7bckxe8g_ThZikVeuslFSq3VZaJ-x3juSE2_d8jZ_QbXnQRTSIxQonDhL_yvVn9Cw23VcP_Vsy1Q0Ti2LQ/s320/Deschutes_trout_summer_ffwds.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My Fat 16-Inch Trout</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The<a href="http://www.flyfishingwithdougstewart.com/2014/11/tying-leadwing-coachman.html"> Leadwing Coachman</a> fly was originated in the early 1800s. It was tied </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">by an Englishman who was a hired coachman, and to </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">please his lord he tied this fly. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have used it for years and have always had consistent success with it by swinging it across the surface or dead drifting it. One of the better times to use it is during caddisfly hatches, especially when dry flies are nonproductive. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had the opportunity to fish the Deschutes River in early July when the caddisflies were particularly active. The only problem was that an extended heat wave was going on and the temperatures had been in the mid to high nineties for nearly a month. This can cause water temperatures to rise to 70 degrees or more. This condition can play havoc with trout fishing because warm water contains less oxygen than cold water. As temperatures rise the oxygen levels decrease and trout will </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">begin to undergo extreme stress and </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">become lethargic. T</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">he fact is that </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">extended high temperatures can also cause death. Optimum temperatures for rainbow trout is around 40 to 61 degrees depending on the stream and location, so a stream thermometer can be a helpful tool. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jfg5SLP38Os/VanLL3iJOkI/AAAAAAAACm4/LuXR0Mz5OOc/s1600/Deschutes_sunset_trout_water_ffwds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="229" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jfg5SLP38Os/VanLL3iJOkI/AAAAAAAACm4/LuXR0Mz5OOc/s320/Deschutes_sunset_trout_water_ffwds.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Eye-Catching Sunset on the Deschutes River</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One evening I headed downriver to one of my favorite evening haunts, but I had serious concerns about my success. As I approached, the air temperature was 99 degrees and the water temperature was almost 68 degrees. There was a decent hatch of caddisflies and a few Pale Evening Duns, but there was little evidence of rising fish. At any rate, I decided to make a few casts using my Leadwing Coachman. After a hour of periodic casting, I managed to hook and release a tired-looking 7-inch trout. Regretfully, the only thing that was really biting were the mosquitoes, so I took a few photos of a sunset and left. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The second evening wasn’t quite as hot and the water temperature had dropped to 63 degrees. The changes were minimal, but it made a substantial difference. I hooked three fish and landed two: a 10 incher and a fat 16 incher. I also watched a fish close to 20 inches jump and spit out my Leadwing Coachman. I had a warm feeling of satisfaction. </span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964119517486809953.post-41729907204768655682015-07-04T19:22:00.000-07:002015-07-04T19:22:49.168-07:00Don't "Bogart" Fly Fishing Water<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dMPdSskbvPA/VZiSgoxEG0I/AAAAAAAAClc/H1icejYbdO0/s1600/deschutes_river_steelhead_run_ffwds.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Deschutes River Canyon in Oregon's high desert plateau" border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dMPdSskbvPA/VZiSgoxEG0I/AAAAAAAAClc/H1icejYbdO0/s400/deschutes_river_steelhead_run_ffwds.JPG" title="Classic Deschutes River Steelhead Run" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Classic Deschutes River Steelhead Run</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My friend Don Wilson and I were fishing a popular Steelhead hole on the Deschutes River in Oregon. We were casting and working our way down to a tailout when two anglers wearing baseball hats rudely waded into the river not more than 20 yards below us. In a demanding voice I told them that it wasn’t proper to cut in that close to other anglers, but they scoffed at us and began to cast. Don didn’t want a confrontation, but I told him that they were trying to “bogart” the hole and have probably done it to others. To avoid a nasty confrontation, some anglers will concede their water, but I believe that inconsiderate acts like this should be quickly dealt with.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a guide, I wasn’t easily bluffed; so rather than argue with them, I walked slowly in their direction while making numerous casts toward them. They quickly took notice. Rather than take the chance of getting snagged with a No. 4, 9049 Mustad hook, they begrudgingly began to move backwards while retrieving their lines and bleating some derogatory expletives. Don was somewhat surprised by my aggressive behavior, but I explained that there’s a proper way to approach other anglers when you want to fish near them and it requires just a simple rule.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Be polite when approaching other anglers and simply ask if you can fish behind or below them at a reasonable distance. Sadly, there are a few fly fishers that want to monopolize the water. However, a vast majority will not only say yes, but even invite you to fish with them. In many cases, courteous actions can lead to the building long lasting friendships.</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964119517486809953.post-51859001428085620462015-07-02T16:55:00.000-07:002015-07-02T16:55:30.753-07:00Tips for Keeping Your Fly Tying Area Organized<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--1sBq4WWsq0/VZXMwLB1UeI/AAAAAAAACkw/DKUT2p_PM6k/s1600/fly_tying_thread_rack_ffwds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Fly tying thread displayed on racks, four levels high and 5 to 7 spools wide" border="0" height="278" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--1sBq4WWsq0/VZXMwLB1UeI/AAAAAAAACkw/DKUT2p_PM6k/s400/fly_tying_thread_rack_ffwds.jpg" title="Doug's Thread Rack" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Doug's Thread Rack</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A messy fly tying desk can interfere with the orderly function of tying flies. Portable fly tying benches can somewhat organize your equipment and materials by providing places for keeping scissors, bobbins, threads and other important tools close at hand. However, threads can create another problem. They can get tossed around in boxes and other containers, and only a few colors can be comfortably displayed on a fly tying bench. Also, sorting through the colors to find the right one is time consuming. So what do you do? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A good solution for organizing your threads is to purchase a thread rack from a sewing center, or you can make your own by cutting wooden dowels into 1 to 1 1/2 inch sections and gluing them onto a board. Place the rack near your tying area for quick and easy access. </span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964119517486809953.post-3345235105174511872015-06-27T21:38:00.000-07:002015-06-27T21:38:14.993-07:00How to Tie Fan Wing Flies<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vQtyKvQos4Q/VY9k-xjxdbI/AAAAAAAACkU/9Ou5iZKXKiU/s1600/brown_hackle_peacock_fly_fanwing_ffwds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Brown Hackle Peacock dry fly with fan wings of mallard breast feathers, red hackle tail, peacock body and brown saddle hackle" border="0" height="330" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vQtyKvQos4Q/VY9k-xjxdbI/AAAAAAAACkU/9Ou5iZKXKiU/s400/brown_hackle_peacock_fly_fanwing_ffwds.jpg" title="Brown Hackle Peacock" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Brown Hackle Peacock</span> </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fan wing flies were most popular from the early 1920’s to the early 1950’s. To many, fan wing patterns were very classy and effective but harder to tie than other flies. They were primarily used to represent a large mayfly, but the wing style did not closely resemble a mayfly since they were lop-eared instead of the customary upright position. In spite of this deviation, they still fished very well. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> The wings come from the breast and flank feathers of mallards, wood ducks and other types of ducks and birds. Fan wings are not the easiest to tie, are very fragile and seldom last after hooking numerous fish. Another problem can develop when casting the fly. The wings will often twist and turn in the air as well as float off balance on the water. This is due to their cupped wing feathers. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The fan wing fly shown below is called a Brown Hackle Peacock. Here are the tying instructions. To make a base for the feather stems and to help hold them in place, wrap several X-winds around the hook. Place the wings together fanning outward and pinch the quill ends with your fingers so that they straddle the hook. Set them in place with 5 or 6 tight overwraps. Next, wrap 3-4 turns of thread around the base of the quill ends and tighten them to the hook. Check for the alignment and reposition them if necessary. Then, make several more turns of thread abound the base and trim of the ends. Cement the windings and finish the fly.</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964119517486809953.post-86002400153893489942015-06-26T19:52:00.000-07:002015-06-26T19:52:05.643-07:00How to Tie Dry Flies that Float Higher and Drier<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wqKtT1plAMI/VY3tutEvu5I/AAAAAAAACjo/AGviDu4eXFY/s1600/grey_hackle_peacock_fly_ffwds1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="head tail, peacock body, grey hackle dry fly " border="0" height="372" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wqKtT1plAMI/VY3tutEvu5I/AAAAAAAACjo/AGviDu4eXFY/s400/grey_hackle_peacock_fly_ffwds1.jpg" title="Heavily-hackled grey hackle peacock fly" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">"Heavily-Hackled" Grey Hackle Peacock Fly</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fishing the rugged waters of many western rivers and streams can play havoc with many of the more delicate feather wing flies. Constantly using fly floatants and refurbishing the hackles to help your pattern float can take away time from your fishing, so here’s is a solution. Use a heavily-hackled pattern. This will create a fly that has higher buoyancy and stronger endurance to withstand the wear and tear on delicate dry flies. Here is the method to tie a Grey Hackle Peacock. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Step 1. Begin by tying in red tail fibers and a peacock herl body 2/3 up the shank and tie it off. Then tie in a long Grizzly saddle hackle and wrap it forward to the hook eye and tie off. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CnxAQ-YM3m4/VY3vtZwhotI/AAAAAAAACj0/5dlBhTk0kq8/s1600/grey_hackle_dry_fly_tying_ffwds1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="how to tie a heavily-hackled dry fly" border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CnxAQ-YM3m4/VY3vtZwhotI/AAAAAAAACj0/5dlBhTk0kq8/s320/grey_hackle_dry_fly_tying_ffwds1.jpg" title="Step 1. Tying the Heavily-Hackled" Grey Hackle Peacock" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Step 1. Tying the Heavily-Hackled" Grey Hackle Peacock</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Step 2. Wrap the hackle back to the body and bring it forward again to the hook eye and tie it off. The result should show a large, bushy hackle.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-72B9IKn1rV4/VY30qLG3k2I/AAAAAAAACkE/QoIY95ZmAoA/s1600/grey_hackle_peacock_tying_heavily_ffwds1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="How to wrap back through a dry fly wing to create a heavier hackle." border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-72B9IKn1rV4/VY30qLG3k2I/AAAAAAAACkE/QoIY95ZmAoA/s1600/grey_hackle_peacock_tying_heavily_ffwds1.jpg" title="Step 2. Tying the Heavily-Hackled" Grey Hackle Peacock" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Step 2. <span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Tying the Heavily-Hackled" Grey Hackle Peacock</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Step 3. Trim off the excess hackle and finish the head.</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964119517486809953.post-91768870543757799392015-06-20T21:58:00.000-07:002015-06-20T21:58:43.326-07:00Cooking Trout in a Cast Iron Skillet<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-icpPF-G2vUQ/VYYyEoQT7YI/AAAAAAAACjQ/gNWCPJ8cQ60/s1600/dad_kamloops_HuffLake.ffwds1.jpeg.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Man kneeling and holding 2 large trout with 7 more in a row on the grass in front of him, on the bank of a wooded Canadian lake in background." border="0" height="296" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-icpPF-G2vUQ/VYYyEoQT7YI/AAAAAAAACjQ/gNWCPJ8cQ60/s400/dad_kamloops_HuffLake.ffwds1.jpeg.jpeg" title="Chuck Stewart showing our catch of Kamloops trout!" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chuck Stewart showing our catch of Kamloops trout!</span></td></tr>
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After almost 480 miles we finally reached Huff Lake, B.C. As was the custom back in the early 1960s, we always stopped by Wilson Ranch to get a fresh fishing report. The lake was in good shape so we headed up the rough, dirt road and set up a camp. The Kamloops rainbows had put on a few more pound this season. The fish were in the 5 to 6 pound range with some measuring well over 20 inches. We quickly rigged our rods up and, as in the past, fish began to take my Huff Lake Shrimp pattern aggressively. Inside of two hours we hooked and released a dozen fish or more. We decided to keep a few fish for dinner that evening, and we began to prepare for a late meal.<br />
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Back in those years, my cooking utensils were not the state of the art. Everything was fairly clean with the exception of my 14 inch cast iron skillet. It was in absolute disarray. Not only was it dirty, but it was rusty and still had greasy remnants from a previous trip. My dad was stunned and said that it wasn’t fit to eat from. Rob admittedly wasn’t a great cook, but he knew that cast iron had to be kept clean and in good condition. After an hour of completely refurbishing the neglected pan, we prepared a meal with fish as our main entrée. Our meal that evening was very tasty, but not just because of the clean cast iron skillet. It was also because of the fire engine red meat of the Kamloops trout. Their coloration was mainly due to the fish’s avid diet of fresh water shrimp, and to this day my mouth still waters when I think of their rich and savory taste.<br />
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Cast iron flying pans and Dutch ovens will last forever if you take care of them. To begin, it’s a good idea to buy American made cast iron to guarantee its quality and heating performance. Good cast iron retains heat evenly and can tolerate high temperatures without any damage. Also, it cooks even better the more you use it.<br />
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Methods for properly taking care of cast iron skillet.<br />
1. Clean it with a little hot water. If food is stuck to the pan, use a wooden spoon to scrape it off.<br />
2. Heat the pan to 200 degrees Fahrenheit and then let it cool.<br />
3. Use a rag to reseal the entire pan with a light coating of olive oil and it’s ready for storing.<br />
4. Warm up and cool down cast iron gradually to preserve its longevity.<br />
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Things not to do with cast iron skillet: <br />
1. Do not boil water in cast iron because any seasoning will dissipate.<br />
2. Do not place the pan over really high temperatures as this can eventually cause cracking.<br />
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Fire it up and enjoy some delicious pan of fried trout!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964119517486809953.post-78715215752456782232015-06-18T15:29:00.001-07:002015-06-18T15:29:55.275-07:00Reconditioning and Storing Chenille<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yk4s3SL0LQQ/VYNDbfqreII/AAAAAAAACi8/N9CaiRmbBus/s1600/chenille_storing_fly_tying_FFWDS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Plastic container with chenille stored inside and a tip of it coming out the top." border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yk4s3SL0LQQ/VYNDbfqreII/AAAAAAAACi8/N9CaiRmbBus/s1600/chenille_storing_fly_tying_FFWDS.jpg" title="Easy way to Store Chenille" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Easy to Store Chenille</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In fly shops and other stores, wrapping chenille around cards is a convenient way to display it for resale. However, if it has been left on the shelf for a while, the chenille may become kinked at the folds and sometimes flattened or creased. This may also occur in shipping or when customers repeatedly handle it for inspection. It is often referred to as being shop worn. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If the chenille is the exact size and color that you want, buy it because creases and flattened areas can be reconditioned by using steam. To do this, heat up a teakettle of water and move the material back and forth through the steam, lightly stroking it with your fingers. If it begins to twist a little, work the twists back towards the unsteamed end. This should get rid of the creases and fluff. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another problem is that carded chenille usually gets tossed around a lot in fly tying kits, and it can also show the constant wear and tear of handling it. My solution for this is to put the chenille inside a clear, plastic cylinder. Then, poke a hole in the top of it and pull a small end of chenille slightly through the hole. No muss, no fuss. Types, colors and sizes of the chenille can be listed on the outside of the cylinders. From then on, your chenille will always stay in prime condition and ready to use.</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964119517486809953.post-90672664766446373552015-06-13T19:24:00.000-07:002015-06-13T19:24:15.929-07:00Pros and Cons of Spey Rod Fly Fishing<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KvZB_9b2Pz0/VXy-jd_ABNI/AAAAAAAACic/7Y5DpbkkVvI/s1600/Shewey_North_Santiam_Spey_Casting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Spey rod fly fisher in a large river, rocks in the foreground and green trees in the background" border="0" height="281" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KvZB_9b2Pz0/VXy-jd_ABNI/AAAAAAAACic/7Y5DpbkkVvI/s400/Shewey_North_Santiam_Spey_Casting.jpg" title="" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photo By: John Shewey, <i>Classic Steelhead Flies © 2015</i></span></td></tr>
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Spey fishing is named after Scotland’s Spey River. It is basically a dramatic roll cast that helps to change the direction of the cast and enables casting longer distances. I learned how to cast a Spey rod over 30 years ago on the Sandy River with my friend Cal Cole. He had a good understanding of Spey casting and showed me the basic methods. However, I was having such good success with my single handed rod that I didn’t feel that there was a need to change.<br />
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The advantages of Spey casting are obvious for larger rivers in that long casts can be effectively used to cover more water. You can also use special casts such as the Snap C, T and Z, which are very important in putting the fly in motion. Spey casting may be less frustrating and fatiguing than casting a single-handed rod. It may also be more effective in mending the line, controlling its speed, and using less effort to play fish. Aside from this, a Spey cast is primarily a long roll cast that doesn’t require extended back casts. This allows you to cast and fish in places that are surrounded by obstructions such as trees and brush. Of course, this depends entirely on the ability of the caster.<br />
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There are some disadvantages in Spey casting. Longer rods may become more difficult to handle when you try to land a fish with your hand. If you are fishing a good run that has brush, logs and other debris behind and below your position, landing a fish can be difficult. I can remember an angler that had to stick his Spey rod back into brush and use the tip section to try and land his fish. Longer rods can be less efficient in fighting fish and may cause overkill on smaller fish. Also, transporting Spey rods in a car and carrying them through brush can be difficult.<br />
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An additional and somewhat unfortunate problem with Spey casters is that many never had the time or inclination to learn how to cast and enjoy a single handed fly rod. Casts like the side arm, back hand, curve, parachute and many others are seldom used in Spey casting. These types of casts are vital for success in fishing all types of waters. Also, anglers that first learned how to cast a single handed rod usually make a smooth transition when learning how to Spey cast. I also believe that if you are a sturdy wader and can cast 60-70 feet or more, you can cover nearly as much water as a Spey caster. A final dilemma is that Spey rods weren’t made to fish small streams and rivers and personally, I like to fish small rivers.<br />
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One thing for sure, I’m not trying to discourage people who want to learn how to Spey cast. It’s a very productive and satisfying method to use. And maybe, just maybe, when my old legs start giving out I’ll become a dyed-in-the-wool Spey caster. I remember my Dad’s transition when he was in his late 70’s and not able to wade like he used to. He gave in to better judgment and switched to using a bubble and fly on his spinning rod and he caught fish. Aging has a natural tendency to change a lot of old, integrated habits, and Spey casting may be the logical answer.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com50tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964119517486809953.post-259225746195763082015-06-12T11:39:00.000-07:002015-06-12T11:39:40.947-07:00Problamatic Lake Fly Fishing <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N2l5XZT31Xo/VXslKtMkVRI/AAAAAAAACiA/IlLkQ9Ynd-I/s1600/Jims_lake_trout_ffwds1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="199" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N2l5XZT31Xo/VXslKtMkVRI/AAAAAAAACiA/IlLkQ9Ynd-I/s320/Jims_lake_trout_ffwds1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jim's 16 inch Trout</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was a clear, picturesque day as Jim’s Ford pickup bounced over the ruts and chuck holes that guarded the Central Oregon lake’s rocky entrance. The sky was a deep azure blue with a hint of a little wind and maybe some good luck in our quest for large rainbow trout. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But as we bumped up the rocky grade to the lake’s dike, a problem quickly arose. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Because of the mild winter, the lake’s shoreline was clogged with algae and reed beds that were wider and thicker than normal. Longer casts of 40-60 feet would be required to avoid snagging and to reach fishable water. As we rigged up our outfits, the bulrushes and tall grasses were being invaded by a variety of birds in search of food. We hoped that the fish would be in the same feeding mode. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--lUM8fP_vHE/VXslmV-nGoI/AAAAAAAACiI/M4H7GJWFvRE/s1600/Lake_fishing_Central_Oregon_ffwds1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--lUM8fP_vHE/VXslmV-nGoI/AAAAAAAACiI/M4H7GJWFvRE/s320/Lake_fishing_Central_Oregon_ffwds1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thunderheads Building Up</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A first cast hookup was usually a good sign that we might have a banner day. My first attempt gave us hope as I hooked a beauty, but I lost it after a short battle. Jim had a few takes as well but didn’t have any solid hookups. After two hours, we had nothing more than a few good strikes and short takes. As we sat down to eat our lunch, I noticed that a series of large thunderheads were building up in the Northeast. From past experiences, I knew that this could easily indicate a falling barometer and put fish off the bite. I hoped this wouldn’t happen. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LftVRQNaJRQ/VXsYhKFk1AI/AAAAAAAACh0/FDBMD92Rsq4/s1600/Lake_trout_landed_ffwds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LftVRQNaJRQ/VXsYhKFk1AI/AAAAAAAACh0/FDBMD92Rsq4/s320/Lake_trout_landed_ffwds.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Released this nice trout.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After lunch a brief hatch of emergers surprisingly occurred. I hooked and lost a few trout and Jim finally landed a nice 16 incher and lost one over 20 inches. This gave us renewed hope, but without warning the wind began to pick up and gusts of 20-30 miles per hour whipped the water into heavy riffles. The hatch was quickly put down which further dampened our spirits. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We decided to wait out the oncoming storm for another hour, but without observing any surface action, we finally called it a day. In some respects it was a disappointing trip, but rather than mope about it, we chalked it up to bad luck and the fickle whim of Mother Nature. </span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964119517486809953.post-12263454816540966092015-06-05T19:15:00.000-07:002015-06-05T19:15:34.562-07:00How to Spin Deer Hair to Build Bodies and Heads<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v8Wp_c6QASY/VXI34S7I6kI/AAAAAAAAChA/9s7gDckbrsM/s1600/spin_hair5_ffwds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v8Wp_c6QASY/VXI34S7I6kI/AAAAAAAAChA/9s7gDckbrsM/s320/spin_hair5_ffwds.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Step 1. To begin, c</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ut a clump of hair say 1/4 inch thick and comb the fluff out of </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the hair and trim off the remaining tips. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lvXN3_oZqVU/VXHYygvjzcI/AAAAAAAACgc/s4YKPHQKXNA/s1600/Spin_Deer_Hair_Step1_FFWDS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lvXN3_oZqVU/VXHYygvjzcI/AAAAAAAACgc/s4YKPHQKXNA/s320/Spin_Deer_Hair_Step1_FFWDS.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Step 2. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lay the clump on top of the hook and hold it with your fingers. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Make 2 loose wraps and pull the thread tight and make 2 to 3 spins.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PGAUM2ZwlD0/VXHYyoMTk8I/AAAAAAAACgg/y60bDTzV4S0/s1600/Spin_Deer_Hair_Step2_FFWDS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PGAUM2ZwlD0/VXHYyoMTk8I/AAAAAAAACgg/y60bDTzV4S0/s320/Spin_Deer_Hair_Step2_FFWDS.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Step 3. The hair should spin as you wrap. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1tnOsoWZ7GE/VXHYyrZNrQI/AAAAAAAACgo/4utm60X-JJU/s1600/Spin_Deer_Hair_Step3_FFWDS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1tnOsoWZ7GE/VXHYyrZNrQI/AAAAAAAACgo/4utm60X-JJU/s320/Spin_Deer_Hair_Step3_FFWDS.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Step 4. Compress the deer hair together with your fingers and make a few tight wraps of thread in front of the hair. When the hair spinning is done, compress the front and back of the hair to make it a dense clump. Repeat the process for a longer body, and </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">trim it to the desired shape </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">with scissors or a razor blade .</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964119517486809953.post-69283627221467917572015-05-23T15:48:00.000-07:002015-05-23T15:48:05.900-07:00Fly Tying: Stacking Hair with and without a Stacker<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stacking hair is done to even up the tip ends to build bodies, heads, wings, legs and tails of flies. Commercial hair stackers are commonly used, but if you don't have one, your fingers can be used for the same purpose. There are many good stackers on the market. I prefer the Renzetti stacker because it has both a small and large cylinder. Both stacking methods are shown below. </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hzn38nL7Mz8/VWDoE5b8f9I/AAAAAAAACfc/nj6yC5OzP48/s1600/fly_tying_hair_stacker1_ffwds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hzn38nL7Mz8/VWDoE5b8f9I/AAAAAAAACfc/nj6yC5OzP48/s200/fly_tying_hair_stacker1_ffwds.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Commercial Stackers</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cut a clump of deer hair and use a fine-toothed comb to remove the underfur. Then place the hair, tips first, into the stacker and hold it slightly at an angle as you tamp them down. If you stack the hair vertically, the hairs might fall to the side unevenly and will have to be sorted out. To finish, hold the stacker horizontally and pull out the lined-up hair. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-idjK-IvwPoM/VWDoE3rz30I/AAAAAAAACfY/ynS1QLN9cMI/s1600/fly_tying_hair_stacker2_ffwds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-idjK-IvwPoM/VWDoE3rz30I/AAAAAAAACfY/ynS1QLN9cMI/s200/fly_tying_hair_stacker2_ffwds.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Finger Stacking</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you don't have a commercial stacker, you can use your fingers to even up the hairs. To begin, tightly grab the longer tip ends of hair with your gingers and pull them out. Then, replace them in the stack so the tips are even with the original bunch. Repeat this process until the hairs are all even. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2nfgFoUsHn4/VWDoEwFw2_I/AAAAAAAACfg/qoGSTMiRhbI/s1600/fly_tying_hair_stacker3_ffwds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2nfgFoUsHn4/VWDoEwFw2_I/AAAAAAAACfg/qoGSTMiRhbI/s200/fly_tying_hair_stacker3_ffwds.jpg" width="194" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Note: A strong thread is necessary to avoid breakage as you spin the hair. A nylon thread, Kelvar and Nymo will prevent this from happening. Also, other stackers such as Brassie and Anvil are reliable choices. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964119517486809953.post-17833844448462563442015-05-16T21:31:00.000-07:002015-05-16T21:31:37.656-07:00Fly Fishing Coincidence on Deep Creek<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r2qmLRukkJE/VVgFjA_-nsI/AAAAAAAACfA/fquYeTUaHUg/s1600/deep_creek_oregon_ffwds.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r2qmLRukkJE/VVgFjA_-nsI/AAAAAAAACfA/fquYeTUaHUg/s400/deep_creek_oregon_ffwds.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Deep Creek, Oregon</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Deep Creek is a small tributary of Oregon’s Clackamas River, and years ago it had runs of wild Steelhead and Coho salmon. Today much of it is on private property, and it is closed to fishing for anadromous fish such as salmon and Steelhead. However, years ago before these regulations were instated, two very similar events occurred on this stream to me and my close friend, Larry Lindstrom. His story took place when he was only 7 years old and my story occurred when I was 21 years old. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My episode unfolded when I was visiting a friend who owned property near Deep Creek. The stream was low and shallow in most places, but there were small, 3-to-4-foot pools here and there that were overshadowed by Alder trees and underbrush. Using my 8-foot, 5-weight, glass Fenwick rod, I waded downstream, repeatedly casting into the pocket water using a small, orange yarn fly. I was hoping to catch a few Rainbow trout when suddenly a large splash erupted and a 6-pound Steelhead headed down river. My elation ended quickly as the fish jumped once and shredded my 4-pound test leader. I was totally distraught, but my pursuit and love of fly fishing for Steelhead was christened that day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Larry’s experience took place on Deep Creek at his father’s house further upstream. His dad outfitted him with an old 8-foot vintage South Bend bamboo fly rod, a worn out South Bend casting reel and a tattered spinning fly. After a few words about safety from his dad, he headed downstream and began to fish. Incredibly, after only a few haphazard casts a 6-pound Steelhead grabbed his spinning fly and tore down river with Larry screaming wildly. His dad heard him yelling and fearing the worst he charged down to help his son. Unfortunately, after several minutes of intense instruction, the fish broke the line. To this day, Larry is still a dedicated fly fisher and has mastered the art; however, he still laments the day he lost his first Steelhead. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have since discussed the unlikely odds of two beginners fly fishing the same stream years apart and hooking and losing their very first 6-pound Steelhead. It’s amazing how agonizing defeats can leave such lasting impressions. </span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964119517486809953.post-61710001841198475812015-05-09T20:22:00.000-07:002015-05-09T20:22:07.791-07:00The Kalama Special Steelhead Fly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_0CGSqC5zy4/VU7MufAiyeI/AAAAAAAACes/qhDYIaFIW9A/s1600/kalama_special_steelhead_fly_ffwds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="269" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_0CGSqC5zy4/VU7MufAiyeI/AAAAAAAACes/qhDYIaFIW9A/s320/kalama_special_steelhead_fly_ffwds.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Kalama Special Steelhead Fly</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mooch Abrams of Portland, Oregon, developed the Kalama Special in the 1930s to fish for Sea-Run Cutthroat. It was later popularized by Mike Kennedy to fish for Summer-Run Steelhead on Washington’s Kalama River. Mike used the fly so often that it was sometimes called the Kennedy Special, however; Mike never claimed it as his own. The fly is used effectively on many other rivers, especially in the late summer when grasshoppers are available. A few of his many steelhead patterns are the Fool’s Gold, the Maverick and the Dingbat. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Materials for tying the Kalama Special:</span></u></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hook: 36890 Mustad, sizes 4 to 6</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thread: 3/0 black monocord</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tail: Red hackle</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Body: Yellow yarn or chenille</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hackle: Badger</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wing: White calftail or bucktail</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oP89kjqFTeo/VU7Eo6TVgjI/AAAAAAAACeE/7BFefI40C8k/s1600/fly_tying_kalama_special_%2Bffwds2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oP89kjqFTeo/VU7Eo6TVgjI/AAAAAAAACeE/7BFefI40C8k/s200/fly_tying_kalama_special_%2Bffwds2.jpeg" width="191" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Step 1.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span style="text-align: center;">Attach the red tail, hackle and body material. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m9zDRBpHZas/VU7EskxJiHI/AAAAAAAACeQ/xRvTmhw8Mcs/s1600/black_ghost_fly_ffwds6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="189" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m9zDRBpHZas/VU7EskxJiHI/AAAAAAAACeQ/xRvTmhw8Mcs/s200/black_ghost_fly_ffwds6.jpeg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Step 2</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wrap the body forward and follow with five to six turns of hackle. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Be sure to leave room to tie off the head. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-liZjI5gyxQ4/VU7EsmNEtiI/AAAAAAAACeM/uDfsClXNz8M/s1600/black_ghost_fly_ffwds10.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-liZjI5gyxQ4/VU7EsmNEtiI/AAAAAAAACeM/uDfsClXNz8M/s200/black_ghost_fly_ffwds10.jpeg" width="194" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Step 3</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pull the front end of the hackle back and slightly wrap back over it to form a </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">slight backward angle. Finish by tying in the wing and cementing the head.</span></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964119517486809953.post-63255139127736910402015-05-07T05:30:00.000-07:002015-05-07T05:30:00.492-07:00Fly Fishing with Split-Wing Flies<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VneqgbVrrrk/VUrd1nafIzI/AAAAAAAACdo/IVBG37t4rZw/s1600/fly_juicy_bug_double_hook_ffwds.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VneqgbVrrrk/VUrd1nafIzI/AAAAAAAACdo/IVBG37t4rZw/s1600/fly_juicy_bug_double_hook_ffwds.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Juicy Bug</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Juicy Bug was created in the late 19th century </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">by Russ Towers of the Empire City (now known as </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Coos Bay) and his fishing partner Ben Chandler. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The original split-wing steelhead flies were developed on the Rogue River in Oregon to fish for steelhead and salmon in the early 1950's. They were tied on small hooks--Nos. 8 to 10--with the wing pointed toward the rear of the fly. The flies produced a lot of action as they skittered, twitched or waked across the surface. Double hooks were commonly used with the belief that they were needed to land a large fish. Today, however, larger single hooks--Nos. 6 and 4--are primarily used. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K5j4RbSvVO4/VUrd5CR7tqI/AAAAAAAACdw/-hw0zEVu9SQ/s1600/fly_october_caddis_steelhead_ffwds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K5j4RbSvVO4/VUrd5CR7tqI/AAAAAAAACdw/-hw0zEVu9SQ/s1600/fly_october_caddis_steelhead_ffwds.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">October Caddis</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; text-align: start;"> </span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The October Caddis was devloped by Bill Bakke,</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a conservation director of Oregon Trout and avid fly fisher. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The wings of waking or skating patterns are pointed forward and can entice fish to come to the surface. Strikes are usually very aggressive. As the fly swings across the surface, it creates a noticeable disturbance that alerts fish to a possible source of food. This is called the "wet fly swing" or the "grease line method." This method was developed in Europe years ago and refers to greasing or waterproofing silk fly lines to help them float. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The "broadside method" is eerily exciting. The fly is presented in the same manner as the split wing and waking patterns, but a curve in the fly line is allowed to occur. As the fly swings, a noticeable wake follows the fly which alerts holding fish. However, instead of the explosive strikes that the other methods produce, steelhead simply suck the fly in like it is taking a dry fly. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can remember using these methods and steelhead would chase my split-wing fly 7 to 8 times across the surface without hooking up. The excitement of a steelhead repeatedly boiling in an attempt to take your offering can really tense your muscles. Don’t worry about it! Just bow to the fish, set the hook and enjoy the action. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>Materials for tying the Juicy Bug:</u></b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hook: Mustad 3582, size 4-6 </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thread: black 3/0</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tail: Red hackle fibers</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Body: Black and red chenille</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ribbing: Silver oval tinsel</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wing: White calftail</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>Materials for tying the October Caddis:</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hook: Mustad 36890, size 2-6 </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thread: Black 3/0 </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tail: Deer hair </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Body: Orange yarn </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hackle: Brown </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wing: Deer hair </span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964119517486809953.post-83655176688752411262015-05-02T22:52:00.000-07:002015-05-02T22:52:47.137-07:00The Thunder and Lightning Fly is more than a Great Storm Fly<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QwWeSg8bO_o/VUWaNfrcBRI/AAAAAAAACdQ/PKm4vrLD3DQ/s1600/thunder_and_lightening_ffwds1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QwWeSg8bO_o/VUWaNfrcBRI/AAAAAAAACdQ/PKm4vrLD3DQ/s1600/thunder_and_lightening_ffwds1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Doug's Version of the Thunder and Lightning Fly</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Thunder and Lightning fly was supposedly named after a sudden storm caused a river to rise quickly and which in turn caused salmon to go into a feeding frenzy. However, as years passed, fly fishers discovered that it was a much better fly in low water. Because of this, I tend to believe that the Thunder and Lightening fly is an all-around pattern that can be used in many conditions. There are numerous variations that are effective as well. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My only experience with this fly occurred at Davis Lake, Oregon where rainbows of ten pounds or more could be caught. My friend Bill and I had been fishing this lake for several hours with only a few smaller fish to our credit. We were still enjoying the day, when the weather suddenly began to turn for the worse. Dark, ominous clouds began to build up in the northeast which quickly grabbed my attention. When thunder began to rumble, I told Bill that we should head back, but he just scoffed and said with a cocky sneer, “What, are you afraid of a little lightening? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I glared directly at him and said, “Bill, we are sitting in an aluminum boat and our graphite fly rods are lightning rods! Let’s go before it gets worse.” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He was very indignant and said sarcastically, “Maybe we’ll have better luck if we use the Thunder and Lightning fly!” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When he laughed, I glared at him and yelled, “Bill, that’s taunting nature! I’m rowing back and taking cover.” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The minute we got to camp, thunder, strong winds and lightening began to threaten us. Besides the lightening, the rain began to pelt the camp, the wind collapsed our tent and our sleeping bags got sopping wet. After we weathered the storm, the subject of lightening never entered our conversation again.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dr. T. E. Pryce-Tannant refers to the Thunder and Lightning fly in this book, <i>How to Dress Salmon Flies</i>. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The original recipe for this fly took 16 applications, but here is a simplified version that should also work.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tag: Oval gold tinsel</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tail: Golden pheasant crest</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Butt: Black ostrich herl</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Body: Black floss, gold tinsel and palmered orange hackle</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Throat: Blue jay feathers</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wing: Bronze mallard feather over teal</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Topping: Golden pheasant crest</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shoulder: Jungle Cock</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Head: Black ostrich herl</span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964119517486809953.post-11459832195432081702015-04-29T05:30:00.000-07:002015-04-29T05:30:02.836-07:00The Highly Acclaimed Black Ghost Streamer Fly<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UHcjPYT5rx4/VUBZR8qmf8I/AAAAAAAACco/o3tj8XDidYc/s1600/black_ghost_streamer_ffwds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UHcjPYT5rx4/VUBZR8qmf8I/AAAAAAAACco/o3tj8XDidYc/s1600/black_ghost_streamer_ffwds.jpg" height="196" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Black Ghost fly tied by Doug Stewart</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the late 1920’s, streamer fly fishing in America had its early beginnings in the state of Maine. Local fly tiers began to develop bait fish patterns to fish for trout and landlocked salmon in lakes. Initially, their patterns were not fancy, but as time passed, more elaborate flies began to appear. One of the first and most basic renditions was the Black Ghost, developed by Herbert Welch in 1927. This feather wing fly is most effective on darker days or when the water is off color. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Streamers have been noted for catching larger fish by using a variety of strips and pulls. Erratic strips can indicate an injured fish and will also produce aggressive takes. This method can be used effectively in tailwater fisheries as many small fish can become disorientated, stunned or killed below the spillway. A popular lake method is trolling the fly. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Materials:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hook: No. 36890 Mustad, sizes 6-2</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thread: 3/0 black</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tail: Yellow hackle fibers</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Body: Black floss and medium flat silver tinsel</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Throat: Yellow hackle</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wing: 2 white saddle feathers, tied streamer style</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cheeks: Jungle Cock nails or substitutes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-123G6KasEY4/VUBVqZ6hskI/AAAAAAAACcI/AZlnmZxs6_8/s1600/black_ghost_fly_ffwds4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-123G6KasEY4/VUBVqZ6hskI/AAAAAAAACcI/AZlnmZxs6_8/s1600/black_ghost_fly_ffwds4.jpeg" height="190" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Step 1. Tie in the tail and attach the floss and tinsel. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zD7p8PfU-eA/VUBVqZ2m7pI/AAAAAAAACcE/JCXjN1cKc2I/s1600/black_ghost_fly_ffwds3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zD7p8PfU-eA/VUBVqZ2m7pI/AAAAAAAACcE/JCXjN1cKc2I/s1600/black_ghost_fly_ffwds3.jpeg" height="195" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Step 2. Wrap the floss up to 3/16 inch from the eye. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Follow with 6 to eight turns of tinsel and tie off. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2daBD5X0Fug/VUBVqqglx5I/AAAAAAAACcM/9S6_3lrG_eY/s1600/black_ghost_fly_ffwds6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2daBD5X0Fug/VUBVqqglx5I/AAAAAAAACcM/9S6_3lrG_eY/s1600/black_ghost_fly_ffwds6.jpeg" height="189" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Step 3. Tie in the throat and prepare the feather wings for application. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div>
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</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EFrTYj8A69w/VUBeZcriV1I/AAAAAAAACc8/PZdOlh5LV5c/s1600/black_ghost_fly_ffwds11.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EFrTYj8A69w/VUBeZcriV1I/AAAAAAAACc8/PZdOlh5LV5c/s1600/black_ghost_fly_ffwds11.jpeg" height="200" width="194" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Step 4. Tie in the wings not to exceed 3/4 inches behind the hook. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tie in the Jungle C</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ock nails on each side of the hook and complete the head.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964119517486809953.post-45299216565142735092015-04-25T20:32:00.000-07:002015-04-25T20:32:48.991-07:00Baking Fish with Aluminum Foil<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nothing tastes better than cooking and eating fish on a fly fishing trip. The following method is how I like to cook mine. This particular fish is a Sockeye Salmon, one of the most savory of all. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ak4rFfJKUK8/VTwJjeCSCDI/AAAAAAAACbk/wUMta9sniCU/s1600/steelhead_ready_to_bake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ak4rFfJKUK8/VTwJjeCSCDI/AAAAAAAACbk/wUMta9sniCU/s1600/steelhead_ready_to_bake.JPG" height="235" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ready for the oven</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Clean your 8 to 10 pound fish and then cut the head and tail off. To aid in the baking process, spread mayonnaise inside the body cavity and around the rest of the fish. Then, s</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">prinkle the cavity and sides of the fish with salt, pepper, Johnny’s Seasoning Salt, and any other seasoning you like to use. Dice onions and green peppers and scatter them inside the cavity and around both sides of the fish. Bacon bits, mushrooms and pineapple pieces can be added as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next, tear off enough aluminum foil to double wrap the fish. After you </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">wrap the fish with foil, place it in an oven, under a barbecue hood or over hot coals. Bake the fish at 350 degrees in an oven for about an hour. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let it bake for approximately 1/2 hour and then turn the fish over to the other side for another 1/2 hour. Check to see if the fish is done. The meat should flake off easily with a fork. If it doesn't, turn the fish over again and bake it for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. The cooking time will vary with the size of the fish. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MogImhTzH0Q/VTwR5Ejl9AI/AAAAAAAACb0/CPvTqugqmYw/s1600/steelhead_baked.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MogImhTzH0Q/VTwR5Ejl9AI/AAAAAAAACb0/CPvTqugqmYw/s1600/steelhead_baked.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fish baked and ready to eat.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stewart's Fish Sandwich recipe:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An extra meal can be derived from the leftovers. Separate the meat and other edibles from the skin and bones. Mix them up thoroughly in a bowl with mayonnaise. Put the mixture between two pieces of bread and you’ve got a delicious Stewart fish sandwich. </span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964119517486809953.post-13247573811497185052015-04-23T22:35:00.001-07:002015-04-23T22:36:36.167-07:00Weathering the Storm on Henry's Lake<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iWGDXwZ9CGo/VTnFAEl4QQI/AAAAAAAACbU/R5zPwMEn1a0/s1600/Us-id-fremont-henrys-lake-aerial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="arial view of Henry's Lake in Idaho" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iWGDXwZ9CGo/VTnFAEl4QQI/AAAAAAAACbU/R5zPwMEn1a0/s1600/Us-id-fremont-henrys-lake-aerial.jpg" height="256" title="" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Henry's Lake, Idaho</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you are fishing a lake from a floating device, it’s important to pay attention to the possibility of a freak storm in order to avoid a potential calamity. Such a situation occurred to my buddy Rob and me at Henry's Lake in Idaho some years ago. It is a shallow, natural alpine lake that harbors large Brook trout, Yellowstone cutthroat and rainbow/cutthroat hybrids. Fish from 5 to 7 pounds were available, so we were eager to try out our luck.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The proprietor of the lodge urged us to rent a boat because the fishing had been excellent. However, we had some concern about the storm clouds that were building up in the west. He said not to worry about sudden squalls because they usually blew themselves out. We were somewhat suspect of his advice, but because of his assurance we rented a boat. As we headed to a hotspot called the Springs, we noticed numerous boats heading back to the lodge. Since it was close to noon, we assumed they were returning for lunch. This was a careless assumption.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We anchored up and began to catch some nice fish using olive marabou streamers. Then, after 20 minutes, dark ominous clouds started to darken the sky and we began to get nervous. Panic took hold of us as the wind began to pick up and the choppy water turned into four foot swells. We pulled anchor, fired up the motor and headed for the boat ramp. Luckily, Rob was able to quarter the big waves even as water was filling up the boat. As we neared the shore, we could see the proprietor and numerous people observing us with binoculars.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finally, after 20 harrowing minutes, Rob maneuvered the boat to the dock. We stormed up to the proprietor and asked him why he had allowed us to venture out with a storm approaching. “Boys,” he said with some concern, “sometimes the weather is a bit unpredictable around here, but you don’t have to worry too much. If you guys went down we were going to mark the spot!” We were stunned by that remark and considered a stern response. However, we realized that arguing might have escalated the confrontation, so we left feeling lucky to be alive.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In hindsight we learned a good lesson and understood that most people have good intentions, but when a fee is involved, they sometimes put financial gain over better judgment.</span><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964119517486809953.post-28979340790688343492015-04-18T17:14:00.000-07:002015-04-18T17:14:19.015-07:00The Unheralded Bluegill<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tPlRLmzZ11I/VTLhfacmN4I/AAAAAAAACbE/aznmV75i1vU/s1600/bluegill_drawing_ffwds2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tPlRLmzZ11I/VTLhfacmN4I/AAAAAAAACbE/aznmV75i1vU/s1600/bluegill_drawing_ffwds2.jpg" height="198" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drawing by Doug Stewart of Bluegill feeding in reed beds.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bluegills are good biters and strong fighters, and pound for pound they are considered to be better than some larger fish. According to some anglers this small, feisty panfish is no better than a scrap fish, but this is a gross misconception. They are very savory and provide uncrowded opportunities for people who don’t want to travel far to have fun catching fish. Perhaps the best thing they provide is an ideal opportunity for kids to start fishing with success. A ragged fly from a fly box or some rejected patterns from the vice will work, as well as fly rod poppers, crappie jigs and artificial worms dangling from a bobber.</span><br />
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<br />Bluegill, also called Copperbellies, are ubiquitous and can be found in small ponds, lakes and streams. They have a high tolerance for surviving in lakes and rivers that lack quality water, and unlike other species, they can withstand intense fishing pressure. They prefer areas with vegetation where they can be hidden and close to food sources. During the day they will head for deeper water, but will return to shallower water in the evening to feed. They are most vulnerable in the spring when they are spawning and guarding their nests. At this time of year, they’ll attack anything that comes close to their area. An artificial fly is no exception.<br />
<br />Small flies, size 10-12, with color combinations of red, white, black and yellow seem to work best. Size 8-12 fly patterns that also work well are hoppers, crickets, humpies and foam-bodied flies. Streamers such as Spruce flies and Muddlers, and wet flies like soft hackles are also very effective.<br />
<br />Many methods of fishing will attract them, using a variety of strips and pauses. Since they are relatively slow swimmers, reduce the speed of the retrieve. You can get closer to them than many other fish.<br />
<br />The tackle doesn’t have to be elaborate. Any light action 6 to 8 1/2 foot rod with a 4 to 5 weight line is adequate. Bluegills are not leader shy, so 7 1/2 foot leaders with 2X to 3X tippits can be used.<br />
<br />Fishing for Bluegill and other spiny rays is a fun and productive sport, so if you want a pleasant respite from other types of fishing, go catch some Copperbellies and take a kid with you. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964119517486809953.post-77937149083478102862015-04-15T05:30:00.000-07:002015-04-15T05:30:02.896-07:00The Bear and the Big Trout<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AlFkxAvQ5m4/VS34k1ktDlI/AAAAAAAACaA/8aL9wWt62ro/s1600/Santiam_River_ffwds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AlFkxAvQ5m4/VS34k1ktDlI/AAAAAAAACaA/8aL9wWt62ro/s1600/Santiam_River_ffwds.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Santiam River in Oregon</span></td></tr>
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Here is a story that I'm still half-miffed about. I was a Boy Scout in Troup 138 and learned a lot
from our camping trips. The one that I recall the most was our annual outdoor
trip to the Santiam River. I was one of the few who had a fishing rod, and I knew how to fish because my dad taught me. One day, after our morning chores and activities
were done, I went fishing and caught a dozen trout with one of them at least 18
inches. At that time it was the biggest trout that I had ever caught. I was
proud of my catch, so I placed them on top of a table, carefully laying them out
in order with the big one in the middle.<br />
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When I arose the next morning to my chagrin the large fish was missing. I was fit to be tied! My
buddies said that a bear must have taken it, but even as a kid I knew better. I
knew that one of them was the culprit and it wasn’t the Scout Master. That episode was long
forgotten until some 30 years later when I ran into my old buddy Joel at a
college reunion. As we began to recall the good old days, the subject of
camping and fishing came up and it brought back memories. I asked Joel if he remembered our trip to the Santiam River when someone stole that big fish I caught?<br />
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Joel kind of chuckled a little and said, “Oh yeah. That was the time the bear ate your fish.”<br />
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I looked at him with a scowl and said, “Joel, that’s a bunch of malarkey. A bear
would have eaten all of them, not just the big one!”<br />
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He suddenly started laughing and said, “Doug, I was the one who took your fish!”<br />
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Well, I had the urge to ring his neck, but as the old saying goes, “Time heals all
wounds,” and we shook hands and continued to reminisce about the old days.
However, even after more than sixty years, I’m still a little miffed about that
incident.
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0