Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Helicopter Update
Ladies,
I called to see if we could borrow a Satellite phone while fishing. That's a no go unless he can track one down. So, who ever gets their arm eaten off by a grizzly, will have to wait until the helicopter returns to call a doctor.
We discussed water conditions. Right now, due to recent rains and heavy snow over the winter, the South Ram is dirty and heavy. We discussed him flying over one week before our scheduled trip, June 23rd, to get us an update. If the river still looks bad for landing and fishing, we decided a spot way up out of reach on the Black Stone maybe better in June. He was up there yesterday and said it looks great. Everything depends on where the rivers originate, how high up they are, etc. He assured me there are spots on the Black Stone that very few people can get to. Only horses are allowed in that part of the world (motorized vehicles have been banned). So, I'm excited to say it's still a go and that we will have a blast. The Black Stone has huge bulls and big ass cutts.
I'll follow up later. Everyone should bring a small emergency kit with them. Please buy bear spray. Back country, no phone, etc.
Shawn
I called to see if we could borrow a Satellite phone while fishing. That's a no go unless he can track one down. So, who ever gets their arm eaten off by a grizzly, will have to wait until the helicopter returns to call a doctor.
We discussed water conditions. Right now, due to recent rains and heavy snow over the winter, the South Ram is dirty and heavy. We discussed him flying over one week before our scheduled trip, June 23rd, to get us an update. If the river still looks bad for landing and fishing, we decided a spot way up out of reach on the Black Stone maybe better in June. He was up there yesterday and said it looks great. Everything depends on where the rivers originate, how high up they are, etc. He assured me there are spots on the Black Stone that very few people can get to. Only horses are allowed in that part of the world (motorized vehicles have been banned). So, I'm excited to say it's still a go and that we will have a blast. The Black Stone has huge bulls and big ass cutts.
I'll follow up later. Everyone should bring a small emergency kit with them. Please buy bear spray. Back country, no phone, etc.
Shawn
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Sunday, May 27, 2007
POKER PRIZES
Hello fella's. The trip is getting ever so close and I was wondering if we wanted to get one big poker prize or just go with a few smaller prizes. I think we'll be fishing more than usually this year ( with Shawn being the exception due to his fishing addiction ) so we may not have the time for as much poker as previous years. Let me know what ya'll think!
Hog Farmer
Hog Farmer
Nymphing in Alberta
NYMPHING
The important key here is to understand what a dead drift is. Insect nymphs do not have the ability to swim very fast and are therefore carried along the bottom by the current, so a dead drift replicates this. The next time you see something floating down the river, notice how it is floating. It will be floating along at the same approximate speed as the water. Now envision your flies floating along the bottom of the river. They must be floating along at the same speed as the water, or they will look unnatural to the fish.
A dead drift is achieved by casting up river and as your line and indicator is floating downstream you must put a mend in the line. A mend is basically achieved by putting a belly in the line in the opposite direction than what the current is naturally forming. For example if you see a belly forming downstream during your drift, you will need to pick up the fly line a flip a belly upstream. All this does is to take the drag off the line so that the flies are not being pulled through the water and are drifting freely.
Now while you’re doing all this, you must keep an eye on your indicator. If you see it stop or twitch it is time to set the hook. Setting the hook is something that some do well and others struggle with. Ninety nine percent of the time the fish will be facing upstream, therefore you must set by lifting your rod with an up and downstream motion. Since this is in the opposite direction the fish are facing you will have a much better hooking angle. You can also increase the time to pick up the line when setting by pulling or stripping on the line that is in your hand. You do not need to set the hook hard, but rather fast and smooth. As soon as you feel resistance on the other end stop your setting motion or you will break off the fish and the jerk will be on the wrong end. If you have a successful hookup let the fish run and get all the excess line your reel. I see so many fishermen that have $300 reels with smooth drags, but fail to use them. They think stripping the fish back to them is the way to fight the fish. Believe me, the drag on the reel is a lot smoother than what you can achieve by pinching the line between your fingers.
I hope this information helps some of the beginners and first timers to Alberta.
The important key here is to understand what a dead drift is. Insect nymphs do not have the ability to swim very fast and are therefore carried along the bottom by the current, so a dead drift replicates this. The next time you see something floating down the river, notice how it is floating. It will be floating along at the same approximate speed as the water. Now envision your flies floating along the bottom of the river. They must be floating along at the same speed as the water, or they will look unnatural to the fish.
A dead drift is achieved by casting up river and as your line and indicator is floating downstream you must put a mend in the line. A mend is basically achieved by putting a belly in the line in the opposite direction than what the current is naturally forming. For example if you see a belly forming downstream during your drift, you will need to pick up the fly line a flip a belly upstream. All this does is to take the drag off the line so that the flies are not being pulled through the water and are drifting freely.
Now while you’re doing all this, you must keep an eye on your indicator. If you see it stop or twitch it is time to set the hook. Setting the hook is something that some do well and others struggle with. Ninety nine percent of the time the fish will be facing upstream, therefore you must set by lifting your rod with an up and downstream motion. Since this is in the opposite direction the fish are facing you will have a much better hooking angle. You can also increase the time to pick up the line when setting by pulling or stripping on the line that is in your hand. You do not need to set the hook hard, but rather fast and smooth. As soon as you feel resistance on the other end stop your setting motion or you will break off the fish and the jerk will be on the wrong end. If you have a successful hookup let the fish run and get all the excess line your reel. I see so many fishermen that have $300 reels with smooth drags, but fail to use them. They think stripping the fish back to them is the way to fight the fish. Believe me, the drag on the reel is a lot smoother than what you can achieve by pinching the line between your fingers.
I hope this information helps some of the beginners and first timers to Alberta.
Knots
Check out this website to see some common knots used when fishing.
I prefer the nail know to the heat shrink loop ends. I use the clink knot
when tying on flies (wet or dry). The blood knot if tying leader line
together. Has any of you ever tied the Duncan knot to leave a small
loop over the eyelet allowing the fly to move freely? I have never
but it may be an idea when nymphing?
http://www.guidebc.com/articles/knottying.asp
I prefer the nail know to the heat shrink loop ends. I use the clink knot
when tying on flies (wet or dry). The blood knot if tying leader line
together. Has any of you ever tied the Duncan knot to leave a small
loop over the eyelet allowing the fly to move freely? I have never
but it may be an idea when nymphing?
http://www.guidebc.com/articles/knottying.asp
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Bob Edens - Stream Weaver Flies
I contacted a professional guide today and asked
his opinion on where to be dropped on the South
Ram for one day of great fishing. Because of the time
of year, he's thinking a few miles above where the
North and South Ram river meet. Still above the
last set of falls. He is suggesting golden stone flies,
big attractors (stimulator's), and #10 poly chute
hoppers. I'll follow up with the pilot closer to the trip
to have him scope this area out for water levels.
I'll also talk to Ray, who owns the chopper and see
what he thinks.
You'll need email #1
Boys,
For the trip you'll want to bring:
For the trip you'll want to bring:
- sinking tip for the South Ram
- sinking line if you have a any
- non lead weights (2 sizes). Large (pencil eraser size) and the standard small
- one pack of medium guitar strings (for the two acoustics)
- capo
Some things to think about.....
Large trout should always be fought off the reel in combination with the fly rod by applying smooth even pressure on the fish. This is accomplished by lightly palming the fly reel to control slack or backlash and smoothly lowering the rod tip when a fish makes a long hard run. When the fish stops running and is willing to give some ground lift the rod up and wind in on the reel to gain line back. This technique will allow the angler to tire the fish quickly and efficiently to the landing net with out harming it. This type of finesse and smoothness is only achieved through the familiarity of owning your own equipment. These are all critical reasons for owning your own equipment and wading gear versus renting or borrowing these items for guided trips.
For the North and South Ram Rivers, four or five weight outfits with a fast action are suggested because these two watersheds are fast flowing and the fish hold tight to log cover and stream banks. This sets up a very narrow band of slow water right up next to cover so casting accuracy and line control are essential for drag free floats. These types of rods will allow crisp casts that will ensure accuracy and better line control.
The rates for the Heli-Raft fly-fishing trips into the middle South Ram for the 2006-2007 seasons are tentatively being set at $625.00(CDN) plus (6% GST) per person with three anglers per trip. If only two anglers go per trip, the rate goes up to $900.00 (CDN) plus (6% GST) per person because of the situation with the helicopter rates. The costs shown include all associated costs for the trip including helicopter fee, guiding fee, brunch and beverages.
Or, $200, if you're with the JBFC 2007!
http://www.streamweaverflies.com/ramriver.htm
For the North and South Ram Rivers, four or five weight outfits with a fast action are suggested because these two watersheds are fast flowing and the fish hold tight to log cover and stream banks. This sets up a very narrow band of slow water right up next to cover so casting accuracy and line control are essential for drag free floats. These types of rods will allow crisp casts that will ensure accuracy and better line control.
The rates for the Heli-Raft fly-fishing trips into the middle South Ram for the 2006-2007 seasons are tentatively being set at $625.00(CDN) plus (6% GST) per person with three anglers per trip. If only two anglers go per trip, the rate goes up to $900.00 (CDN) plus (6% GST) per person because of the situation with the helicopter rates. The costs shown include all associated costs for the trip including helicopter fee, guiding fee, brunch and beverages.
Or, $200, if you're with the JBFC 2007!
http://www.streamweaverflies.com/ramriver.htm
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
THE SOUTH RAM
The South Ram River is one of the most spectacular mountain streams you'll find anywhere. From its source at a small meadow lake at Ram Glacier to its cnfluence with the North Ram, it's a wonderful journey of crashing waterfalls, spectacular valleys and a 30-mile canyon. Much of the lower Ram is deep canyon and accessible only by some hairy hiking or by helicopter.But it's worth it, as the chances are you'll have some wonderful stretches of cutthroat water all to yourself. Above the falls, access is a little easier but the best experience might be to try one of the outfitters who'll take you on horseback from Hummingbird Creek up through the meadows of the upper South Ram, above Ram Falls.Cutthroat 26 inches or better are not uncommon on the remoter stretches of the South Ram, and 100 fish days can be expected when the mayflies are hatching or when the golden stones are on the water at the same time as the hoppers. The Ram River system doesn't open until June 16, and this year the South Ram is catch and release only from the Forestry Trunk Road to where Fall Creek flows in below the confluence of the North and South Rams. These long-overdue changes are largely due to the work of guide Dave Jensen, who formed the Friends of the Ram River and organized a petition to protect this fragile ecosystem. It's still a work in progress as logging companies move in on the upper reaches of several creeks in the area.Also worth checking out is the Bighorn River, west toward the Jasper National Park boundary and arguably the most spectacular in the area. Crescent Falls is a popular stop for tourists, but it's also a great spot for the fly angler.The cutthroat rarely get bigger than 15 inches here, but the mountain setting is superb. Access is easier above the falls, but you're likely to catch more fish in the deep canyon below, if you can make it down there.
The South Ram River is one of the most spectacular mountain streams you'll find anywhere. From its source at a small meadow lake at Ram Glacier to its cnfluence with the North Ram, it's a wonderful journey of crashing waterfalls, spectacular valleys and a 30-mile canyon. Much of the lower Ram is deep canyon and accessible only by some hairy hiking or by helicopter.But it's worth it, as the chances are you'll have some wonderful stretches of cutthroat water all to yourself. Above the falls, access is a little easier but the best experience might be to try one of the outfitters who'll take you on horseback from Hummingbird Creek up through the meadows of the upper South Ram, above Ram Falls.Cutthroat 26 inches or better are not uncommon on the remoter stretches of the South Ram, and 100 fish days can be expected when the mayflies are hatching or when the golden stones are on the water at the same time as the hoppers. The Ram River system doesn't open until June 16, and this year the South Ram is catch and release only from the Forestry Trunk Road to where Fall Creek flows in below the confluence of the North and South Rams. These long-overdue changes are largely due to the work of guide Dave Jensen, who formed the Friends of the Ram River and organized a petition to protect this fragile ecosystem. It's still a work in progress as logging companies move in on the upper reaches of several creeks in the area.Also worth checking out is the Bighorn River, west toward the Jasper National Park boundary and arguably the most spectacular in the area. Crescent Falls is a popular stop for tourists, but it's also a great spot for the fly angler.The cutthroat rarely get bigger than 15 inches here, but the mountain setting is superb. Access is easier above the falls, but you're likely to catch more fish in the deep canyon below, if you can make it down there.
Main Two Methods for Alberta
Upstream Wet Fly Fishing
Upstream Dry Fly Fishing
Dry fly fishing is considered the most exciting form of fly fishing. The advantage of upstream dry fly fishing is, again, the fish can't see you. Also, the fly can float in on the fist without drag to scare off wary fish.
This method is used mainly when the fish are very shy. Since you are behind the fish, you cannot frighten it as easily as if you were fishing downstream. However, this technique demands more from the angler. The current is a real problem here as it brings the fly back to you fast. Control of loose line, short casts and raising your rod tip are important factors in fishing this method effectively.
Upstream Dry Fly Fishing
Dry fly fishing is considered the most exciting form of fly fishing. The advantage of upstream dry fly fishing is, again, the fish can't see you. Also, the fly can float in on the fist without drag to scare off wary fish.
Friday, May 18, 2007
Canyon Section South Ram River
Boys...I think this is where we're going to be dropped. Check out
the link below showing various South Ram scenes. Fuck me.....
I can't wait.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
New Web Site
We are hitting the big time now! Posted some videos on the FLYVIDS website. Brand new site, looks like it may take off!
Jason and Mark
Does anyone remember this? I think this may have been one of the funniest moments on that trip! Jason had Mark so confused and in a panic! Poor Mark, he didn't like the card tricks after this!
Videos
When you guys are posting new videos place JBFCSEARCH in the description. This way we can search our videos for the section on the site.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Fly Fishing Tournament Ideas
I am thinking about organizing a fly fishing tournament on the Cornwallis river. I would like to call it either the "Nova Scotia Two Fly Contest" or the "Nova Scotia Wet and Dry Tournament" something like that.. I see a setup something like this:
Show up in the morning and register. In your registration pack you will have a standard measuring tape and a unique "token". Each fish caught must be photographed with both the token and the measuring tape in the photo.
"OR"
Each angler must also register a partner to land, measure, and photo each fish. If this was the case we could also weight them.
A part of the river will be divided into section and marked off with caution tape. Section A,B,C,D,E after registration all anglers names will be drawn for a section and time. Every 1/2 hour section will be rotated through.
Scoring will be done by points, 100 points to every eligible fish, and 20 points per centimeter of length of each eligible fish.
Prizes will depend on sponsors and number of entries
1st Place Cash and Prize
2nd Place Cash and Prize
3rd Place (entry fee)
Largest Fish Prize
What do you guys think, what parts of this will work and what won't? Ideas, complete changes, one fly, two flies???
Show up in the morning and register. In your registration pack you will have a standard measuring tape and a unique "token". Each fish caught must be photographed with both the token and the measuring tape in the photo.
"OR"
Each angler must also register a partner to land, measure, and photo each fish. If this was the case we could also weight them.
A part of the river will be divided into section and marked off with caution tape. Section A,B,C,D,E after registration all anglers names will be drawn for a section and time. Every 1/2 hour section will be rotated through.
Scoring will be done by points, 100 points to every eligible fish, and 20 points per centimeter of length of each eligible fish.
Prizes will depend on sponsors and number of entries
1st Place Cash and Prize
2nd Place Cash and Prize
3rd Place (entry fee)
Largest Fish Prize
What do you guys think, what parts of this will work and what won't? Ideas, complete changes, one fly, two flies???
Trip Costs
In addition to the $294 below, please add $200
more for the helicopter ride to the South
Ram River.
Imagine what this would cost if you were
from Alabama? A pretty good guess at
7 guys in the $20,000 range.
Here is what I see things costing once we hit the ground in Calgary. Please comment and add what ever I may be forgetting.
Fishing Licences + WIN card = $32.33
Accommodations cabin $26/night = $103.14
Accommodations last night $120/5 = $24Fuel = $15Food = $20Gambling - NO MONEY
Drinks $100
Flies $1.50 - 2.50 each
STOCK UP BEFORE HAND!
Includes free: entertainment, personal cooks, night alone with Mark, a photo with little Shawn, and more!
TOTAL = $294.47 + $200 = $494.47
'OR'
TAKE YOU PICK! RAM RIVER TROUT ADVENTURES
Daily walk and wade trips to the Ram River drainage are available. The Ram is a 2 hour drive from our Red Deer base and there is some travel cost to appreciate. You may wish to book 2 days or more to maximize your time and money as the river is a special place.Walk and wade rates are currently set at $550 Canadian/day, including all travel, meals, drinks, and guide for the day. $550 x 4 = $2200 for four days! (no over night and no helicopter) Time on the water is spent at prime time for cutthroat trout, from about 11 am through 7 pm, though some days will be longer.We guide wade trips from limited access locations and we will do our best to take you to light fishing pressure reaches, where we are likely to see no other anglers, if only 1 or 2 through the day on the water. http://www.ramriveralberta.com/ramriverflyfishing.htm
more for the helicopter ride to the South
Ram River.
Imagine what this would cost if you were
from Alabama? A pretty good guess at
7 guys in the $20,000 range.
Here is what I see things costing once we hit the ground in Calgary. Please comment and add what ever I may be forgetting.
Fishing Licences + WIN card = $32.33
Accommodations cabin $26/night = $103.14
Accommodations last night $120/5 = $24Fuel = $15Food = $20Gambling - NO MONEY
Drinks $100
Flies $1.50 - 2.50 each
STOCK UP BEFORE HAND!
Includes free: entertainment, personal cooks, night alone with Mark, a photo with little Shawn, and more!
TOTAL = $294.47 + $200 = $494.47
'OR'
TAKE YOU PICK! RAM RIVER TROUT ADVENTURES
Daily walk and wade trips to the Ram River drainage are available. The Ram is a 2 hour drive from our Red Deer base and there is some travel cost to appreciate. You may wish to book 2 days or more to maximize your time and money as the river is a special place.Walk and wade rates are currently set at $550 Canadian/day, including all travel, meals, drinks, and guide for the day. $550 x 4 = $2200 for four days! (no over night and no helicopter) Time on the water is spent at prime time for cutthroat trout, from about 11 am through 7 pm, though some days will be longer.We guide wade trips from limited access locations and we will do our best to take you to light fishing pressure reaches, where we are likely to see no other anglers, if only 1 or 2 through the day on the water. http://www.ramriveralberta.com/ramriverflyfishing.htm
Melt off
The snow on the tops of the mountains melts and runs
into the rivers usually in July. That is why the river levels
are lower in June. Phil and I experienced low water
(the right amount) last year all over. This was before
the melt. This year Spring has been late and still cold
at night. I'd say we won't see any melt before or during
our trip. The fishing in June may not be the best Alberta
offers (full on in late summer) but I assure you it is
the best you've experienced. We will work through the
learning phase, and as Maritimers we know how to, and
quickly be landing big fish on what ever fly and or technique
works. Last year it was early morning stimulators 2 feet above
a prince nymph and by 9 am when the sun came up we were
all on dries. Big bulls like both and can always be caught at the
bottom of a pool with big and black. Fishing below the falls, way
down river, in a canyon section, will be an amazing experience.
I look forward to the fishing, laughing, and helicopter ride.
See you ladies on the river!
into the rivers usually in July. That is why the river levels
are lower in June. Phil and I experienced low water
(the right amount) last year all over. This was before
the melt. This year Spring has been late and still cold
at night. I'd say we won't see any melt before or during
our trip. The fishing in June may not be the best Alberta
offers (full on in late summer) but I assure you it is
the best you've experienced. We will work through the
learning phase, and as Maritimers we know how to, and
quickly be landing big fish on what ever fly and or technique
works. Last year it was early morning stimulators 2 feet above
a prince nymph and by 9 am when the sun came up we were
all on dries. Big bulls like both and can always be caught at the
bottom of a pool with big and black. Fishing below the falls, way
down river, in a canyon section, will be an amazing experience.
I look forward to the fishing, laughing, and helicopter ride.
See you ladies on the river!
It's on!
Alright boys, we're going heli fishing below the falls on
the South Ram River. Helicopter holds 5 guys. He wanted
$275 each for the two runs in and out. Him and I argued out a deal.
Four of us and gear will leave from base camp in the helicopter to the
river and be dropped off. The otherTHREE guys will drive from the Black Stone
to the South Ram River and be bumped in by chopper to meet the other guys.
This minimizes flying time for the chopper and reduces the cost. The cost
is now set in stone at $200/each. I spoke with Ray the owner who
fly fishes. He's going to point out a good spot for us to fish, all day, to Mike,
who is a new pilot for Ray, today on one of their runs. He likes a canyon section
that he thinks we'll enjoy. On the way out, the THREE guys who didn't get to
run from base camp will get to go in the chopper out to Nordegg. One other guy
will have to fight for the double run spots. (and definitely not Phil!)
Note: Fly fishing mountain streams is at its best in August. There are no
guarantees that fish will be caught. Phil and I know they will, but I had
to pass that on.
Note: If a forest fire is in effect on the day we want to go, the chopper
will be busy and the heli trip cancelled.
Ray loves the Maritimes and wanted to talk all day about Musqodoboit
Harbour. We talked for 20 minutes. He has a trap line on the Black Stone.
Land all over Nordegg that I begged to buy some of for a cabin, and he
wanted us to know that our price at $200 per person is a really good
deal that he wrapped up as "but that's OK your Maritimers"
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Cow Creek Browns
I stopped by to ask Glenda and Dwight who live on
Cow Creek if I could see his fish and fish the beaver dams.
According to Dwight there hasn't been fish in the creek
for 10 years. Lie or not, I couldn't fish them today. Here are
2 of the biggest he's landed in the last 20 years. Wow!
Good Morning Vietnam!
Hi guys: From Hanio ,Vietnam. The land of the $1.25 beer.
I am excited about the Helio fishing and I am in for sure. I just have a few questions. Can we jig for fish from the helio?? Do we need a big net to grab the fish as we reel it wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy up???
Just kidding. Can't wait .
See you in July porn jedi.
Barrie
I am excited about the Helio fishing and I am in for sure. I just have a few questions. Can we jig for fish from the helio?? Do we need a big net to grab the fish as we reel it wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy up???
Just kidding. Can't wait .
See you in July porn jedi.
Barrie
Sucker!
Went for a little bike ride / dog walk with Lise yesterday down the Rail trail. Stopped at the still water, I wanted to see if anything was rising. Not much action but some suckers under the bridge. After a few casts I more or less force fed this guy a mickyfin. It's not official, Mickyfin's are for SUCKERS! (in my book anyway) It's a great spot and i have to do a bit more exploring, might be some nice sea runs and bass soon.
Monday, May 14, 2007
Hobie Cat fishing kayak
Check out this neat little thing! This would be great in the lakes for bass. Even has cup holders!
http://www.hobiecat.com/fishing/models_outfitterfisherman.html
Heli Fishing!
Yes, I'm losing my mind! I want you guys to have
the most memorable fishing trip you've ever had.
That takes planning, imagination, and begging.
Begging I've done. I have set up a one day helicopter
drop into the South Ram below the falls. Only accessible
by air. That means big fish and lots of them.
I told the guy who we were, the history of the JBFC, etc.
He is offering to drop us off in the morning and pick us up,
same day, for just under $200 each. That's 1/2 what
I could get with anyone else. He has no tail rudder, but
fuck.....we're Maritimers! So what, we'll make do!
I need the yes or no (don't you dare) from all of you.
He's putting the package together for me Wednesday.
I'll have all the specifics. I'd like to confirm it then. PLEASE
let me know "under comments" if you're in. It's all or
none.
Don't miss out on an opportunity like this. It takes a
large group to get a good price and this kind of opportunity
Think hard before answering. If I have to, I can be used
to talk to your wives and convince them. For you Barrie,
I'll do more than convince your wife!
What's $200?
Bottle drives, 50/50, steal, beg, borrow, sell.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
May 8th Video
The may fly hatch was in full swing, thousands of flies on the water made it a bit tricky to compete. Most fish were taken just under the surface. Outdoor temp @ 26'C and water around 12'C. Many fishing were taken on the dry fly in the lake, down wind from a mayfly hatching island. Perfect trip!
Saturday, May 12, 2007
I'm Getting Randy!
Dear fella's,
I have recently noticed that there are less than 40 days to go til we hit Alberta. So I now have a permanet smile on my face. Jason; your a lucky bitch since you'll be a few days early. Shawn; lock him in a room until we get there or break his rod or something. I can't friggin wait!
Hog Farmer " over and out"
Casting in the Wind
One of the most frustrating fishing situations is when there are rising trout 
and the wind is so strong that it won’t allow for a good cast. Yet this type of situation happens all the time, especially on our big, western rivers. There are days when the wind seems relentless and persists throughout the day, forcing an angler to overpower the cast just to get the fly beyond the boat. The most common mistake is to overpower the rod and try to hammer the line hard into the wind.There is a simple adjustment an angler can make that will drive the fly line into the wind and even turn over large patterns such as hoppers. Most fly casters are familiar with the 10 o’clock to 2 o’clock casting stroke. So without getting into the intricacies of fly casting, we are just going to look at simple angle change for casting into the wind. Start the back cast with the rod tip low, at about 8 o’clock. Begin raising the rod tip slowly, and with a slight acceleration at the end of the stroke, stop the rod tip at 12 o’clock. It is important to understand that little power is applied to the back cast because, in effect, the wind will aid in turning over the back 
cast. The pause on the back cast needs to be slightly longer, allowing the wind to carry the line behind you and begin loading the rod for the forward cast. To make the forward cast, the angler will simply turn over the tip and cast back to the 8 o’clock position. This will drive the fly line downward toward the target as opposed to sailing it high, only to be driven back by the wind.This is not intended to be a long distance cast. What it will do is allow you to make more accurate casts in windy situations and reduce stress on muscles and joints. Try this technique the next time you find yourself in a windy fishing situation. I think it will make the experience a more enjoyable.
and the wind is so strong that it won’t allow for a good cast. Yet this type of situation happens all the time, especially on our big, western rivers. There are days when the wind seems relentless and persists throughout the day, forcing an angler to overpower the cast just to get the fly beyond the boat. The most common mistake is to overpower the rod and try to hammer the line hard into the wind.There is a simple adjustment an angler can make that will drive the fly line into the wind and even turn over large patterns such as hoppers. Most fly casters are familiar with the 10 o’clock to 2 o’clock casting stroke. So without getting into the intricacies of fly casting, we are just going to look at simple angle change for casting into the wind. Start the back cast with the rod tip low, at about 8 o’clock. Begin raising the rod tip slowly, and with a slight acceleration at the end of the stroke, stop the rod tip at 12 o’clock. It is important to understand that little power is applied to the back cast because, in effect, the wind will aid in turning over the back 
cast. The pause on the back cast needs to be slightly longer, allowing the wind to carry the line behind you and begin loading the rod for the forward cast. To make the forward cast, the angler will simply turn over the tip and cast back to the 8 o’clock position. This will drive the fly line downward toward the target as opposed to sailing it high, only to be driven back by the wind.This is not intended to be a long distance cast. What it will do is allow you to make more accurate casts in windy situations and reduce stress on muscles and joints. Try this technique the next time you find yourself in a windy fishing situation. I think it will make the experience a more enjoyable. WARNING - casting in the wind can cause flies to not trail the fly line in it's normal path. When casting with the wind blowing on your casting shoulder you may want to switch to an over the shoulder cast or turn to cast up wind ..... right Jay!
Friday, May 11, 2007
Thursday, May 10, 2007
START POSTING!
Do to the lack activity and increased laziness, I will be shutting down the JBFC Blog!
Smarten' up boys or I will, well, no I won't but start posting would ya!
Smarten' up boys or I will, well, no I won't but start posting would ya!
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
The Rise - High tech
When trout are feeding near the surface they displace water with their movements. The way in which the water moves tell us about what has just happened. With experience, a rise can tell us some, if not all, of the following:
What food item the fish has just taken.
The depth at which the foods item was in relation to the water surface.
Which direction the fish was and is now travelling in.
What depth it is cruising.
What speed it is moving at.
It's size
What food item the fish has just taken.
The depth at which the foods item was in relation to the water surface.
Which direction the fish was and is now travelling in.
What depth it is cruising.
What speed it is moving at.
It's size
And sometimes whether it is a brown or a rainbow.
Understanding the language of rises can triple your catch rate some summer evenings. I will deal with the food side a little later. Let us consider some of the others:
- Fish direction: surface rises are generally egg shaped. The fish is travelling towards the blunt end with the rare exception of case (2)
- When a trout rises from deeper water (rare) his angle is steeper and he tends to hit the surface with a force, which causes the ripples to bulge. In this case the fish travels in exactly the opposite direction to the ripple shape suggested in (1) Confused. Don't worry, we all get it from time to time.
- The speed of the trout; faster moving trout create more surface disturbance.
- Large fish disturb the water much less than smaller fish (!) This is partly because small fish have to turn slightly on their side to take in the fly. The smallest dimples of rises can often be huge fish….or fry.
- I believe, although I haven't read it to be the case or otherwise, that rainbows rise at a different angle to browns. I could be wrong and there might be other explanations, such as different cruising depths - but still the rise form would be different. I think browns rise at a steeper angle than rainbows.
Monday, May 7, 2007
May fly
Mark and I are heading to &*^@&*#^* lake to catch the May fly hatch. it should be in full swing this week. OVER AND OUT< THANK YOU VERY MUCH!
Saturday, May 5, 2007
Getting sentimental on the West River
I almost started to cry but I kept my just because "I love you guy's",
But your all ugly!
But your all ugly!
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Sheet Harbour Video
A few clips from Sheet Harbour yesterday. Caught a total of 5 + 4
Great day nice water and lots of fun. Mudler Minnow 'VS' the one.
Great day nice water and lots of fun. Mudler Minnow 'VS' the one.
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Song Requests wanted
Can you guys each, yes EACH, that mean all seven, put a few songs requests in the comment section. Be nice to have a few that we all know and can play, sing or stagger to.
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Off to Sheet Harbour
Mark and I are heading to Sheet Harbour to try our luck, plan to hit the West River and part of the East River. Not expecting great weather but will have a report when we return!
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