Stream side questions

Re: Stream side questions

feeds@yuku.com (bikerfish) — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 06:03:07 GMT

so far I've been lucky, in the past 20 years or so of fly fishing around the northwestern pa area, most folks I meet along the streams are laid back and friendly, exchanging info on what works and so forth. this holds true for central pa streams also, met some great characters along penns creek. I must say though, I usually fish the special regulation areas, which usually attract like-minded people. the only exemption are the lake erie steelhead streams, horrible crowds of headhunters,...

Re: Stream side questions

feeds@yuku.com (tonemike) — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 21:49:35 GMT

i always greet fellow fishermen, but most conversations don't last very long. the exception being when some guys have seen me doing pretty good and they ask. and if the guy doesn't have any of "the right" flies in his box, i'll gladly give him a few. i've been pretty lucky throughout my life to have had some good mentors who've shared a lot about fishing and tying. i enjoy passing it on. on the other hand, i've never drawn a detailed map or sent folks to my...

Re: Stream side questions

feeds@yuku.com (burkholder) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:55:34 GMT

As a beginner in several categories (new to trout/rivers/fly fishing) I have found it very helpful to receive information from someone while on the river (and here!). I have also learned well that what goes around comes around and so I try to share info with people who look like they are respectful of my space and of the river. I have precious little time to devote to this favorite pass-time and when I go it is Sacred. I hate to show up to a favorite spot to find it defiled with beer cans,...

Re: Stream side questions

feeds@yuku.com (Bamboozle) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 12:50:41 GMT

I usually never bother folks I see fishing unless they initiate the conversation...

...but don't believe anything I say

Re: Stream side questions

feeds@yuku.com (cofisher) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 12:37:07 GMT

Arctic Grayling, when I decide it's time to fish in bear country I'll be sure to bring along a partner who is fatter, slower and older than me.

Re: Stream side questions

feeds@yuku.com (mdwwhw) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 12:20:46 GMT

An interesting thread, more so since most of us Texicans don't often pursue trout. (Wacokid, thanks for your kindness on behalf of the unknown Texican) I'm usually the only fly fisherman around and when I meet another on the water its an occassion for conversation and comparisons.

I even talk to the bait fisherman, but I think they regard me as a curiosity to be tolerated due to my age.

Re: Stream side questions

feeds@yuku.com (Laramie Spinner) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 11:45:31 GMT

I'm just a wretched human being. I normally avoid others when fishing, and offstream I feel no obligation to provide accurate information. I will intentionally mislead those who become overly inquisitive. I've become bitter and fiercely protective after fifty years of Colorado fishing. Those few locations that aren't yet listed in the guidebooks are precious to me. I'm now well aware of the consequences of revealing ANY specifics. Too many places I once loved have been ruined...

Re: Stream side questions

feeds@yuku.com (Arctic Grayling) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 14:30:25 GMT

Hey Cofisher!!!!

Try fishing in bear country!!! You're always happy to see someone else on the stream, especially if you can out run them!!!!

Re: Stream side questions

feeds@yuku.com (cofisher) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 12:33:15 GMT

I generally don't fish places where I'm apt to run across anyone. If I do I always say hi or wave. If the response is positive it's all good. I enjoy talking to other folks, especially some of our elder statesman. I certainly don't mind giving someone information that will help them catch fish because I remember when I was new and stupid. If the person seems like he has an attitude, I don't mind misleading them a little bit. Like power bait on a fly rod keeps people away.

Re: Stream side questions

feeds@yuku.com (frogmorton) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 08:17:17 GMT

I'll take all the help I can get so if I see someone who knows what they're doing I'll venture a word or two to get a conversation started. If they would rather be left alone I respect that, alot of anglers (including me) enjoy their solitude. A guy with a long gray ponytail and an old bamboo rod showed me how to get more action on a streamer with the rod tip simply because I said hello. Turns out he's retired military, fishes almost every day and he likes sharing what he...

Re: Stream side questions

feeds@yuku.com (Cameron) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 06:51:49 GMT

I echo a lot of thoughts here about saying a polite hello to gauge someone's response and don't mind parking lot or on stream conversations about what flies are working or not. I've also had the curious looks at my vintage gear...but there are usually more questions and interest after they see that it catches fish just like their space age fly rod paired with the super drag trout reel.

Re: Stream side questions

feeds@yuku.com (wb4tjh) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 06:22:39 GMT

Usually, I will wave and try to ascertain the demeanor of the other flyfisherman, either by him returning the wave, speaking, or ignoring me. If he seems friendly, I might ask him if he's doing any good, and play it by ear from there. When I'm passing another fisherman in the stream, I will do my best not to disturb him or stir up the water and try to pass him as close to shore, or on the shore if I can. I will make sure he knows I'm trying my best not to disturb the water or...

Re: Stream side questions

feeds@yuku.com (whrlpool) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 04:48:36 GMT

Pmag, I know full well that was not a Super dooper which you told the guy you were not using. It is good with spinfishing, which I hardly ever do any more, to say Mepps when asked. That was an excellent answer. In Maine they always say Mooseluk wobbler, and many fish are caught in "the brook you cross on the Pond Road." Anyway, I figure you were using a Castmaster. Great story, which illustrates an important point. Most people who ask what you are using--in fly fishing anyhow--are...

Re: Stream side questions

feeds@yuku.com (corlay) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 07:52:19 GMT

I freely offer information about my flies, rigging, and techniques to others if they inquire.
But usually after I reply "wet flies", and they see my vintage fiberglass rod and reel;
they move on pretty quick.

Then, I usually get a double-take from them at a distance,
while they incessantly castandcastandcast their dries to a pool with no rising fish;
and I start pulling Trout out...

Re: Stream side questions

feeds@yuku.com (wacokid54) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 06:46:46 GMT

I am not shy about asking competent looking fly fishers what has been working; especially on new water. I try to be generous with info when I am asked the same question. "Doing any good?" is a common ice breaker. I helped a Texican catch his first trout one day, and the look on his face continues to remind me that we fishermen need to stick together.

wacokid54

Re: Stream side questions

feeds@yuku.com (pmag) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 05:25:46 GMT

Back in my callow spinfishing youth I was throwing a small Super Dooper (a favorite) in a downtown stream that ran into Lake Superior about fifty yards downstream. All of a sudden a huge lake run brown took the lure and after a stong fight on my Shakepeare rod, fiberglass, I might add, I landed the fish. While I was reviving the fish, another fisherman shouted up to me, "Are you using a Mepps Spinner?". Without any pang of consciense, I lied, "Yes". He tied on a Mepps and...

Re: Stream side questions

feeds@yuku.com (whrlpool) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 04:04:12 GMT

I offer information if asked and if I have been successful, but people just do the opposite anyway. I pay little attention to what others tell me, as it is usually just diversionary hooey or a good stretcher, but nothing helpful as to fishing, and I know how to fish anyway. So in general I don't chatter too much unless I've observed a person fishing and noted that he knows what he is doing. If it's something a little new or different to me, I don't need to be told much anyhow;...

Stream side questions

feeds@yuku.com (docbluedevil) — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 23:55:12 GMT

So, when you meet an unacquainted angler in the parking lot while getting into your waders or walking on the road while hopping pools or when someone in the next pool has just landed a nice fish on an otherwise slow day, do you ask what flies are working for them?

Although I usually don't ask (wondering if it might be some etiquette faux paux), I freely offer info when someone asks me.

Curious as to your thoughts?