August 2001 HOAFF Newsletter
(HTML Text Format)
Across
The Stream
August
Meeting
Monday,
August 20
7 p.m.
Monet Drake will present a program about preparing for a fishing pack trip. He will relate his experiences on pack trips into Wyoming. Should be interesting.
Southern Conclave
Remember the Southern
Council Conclave at Mountain Home October 5-7. Everyone is invited to attend.
Also, remember we need one dozen of your favorite fly to send to the conclave to be used in their raffle.
Fall Outing
Now is the time to make your reservations at Riley’s Station for our fall
outing if you haven’t already done so. Riley’s is located twelve
miles South of Mountain Home, AR at the confluence of the White andBuffalo
rivers. This trip will offer trout fishing on the White and North Fork as well
as Smallmouth fishing on the Buffalo. Guide and shuttle service will be
available. Call [870] 423-4221 or [888] 533-2151 for reservations as soon as
possible.
If you’ll be staying at Riley’s you might want to bring your own foodfor
breakfast and possibly lunch as it is twelve miles to the restaurants in
Mountain Home.
President’s Message — Southern Council of the FFF
and HOAFF Pt. 2
by John Richards
As mentioned in last month’s newsletter, the goal of the FFF and its Councils is education, restoration, and preservation through flyfishing in all waters. To quote Lefty Kreh “flyfishing gives me a perspective on conservation and the environment unlike anything else. I Believe it comes from the tradition and the commitment to beauty which are so much a part of the sport. That, in turn leads to a unique appreciation for the natural world. And that is why I flyfish.”
He goes on to say that “flyfishing defines the Federation’s very soul.” His feelings carry through to the Southern Council and the clubs of the Council such as ours.
To the commitment of education, restoration and preservation through conservation the SC has a program and a budget that is there to help finance conservation efforts by local clubs like the HOAFF. The following are examples of already-funded programs by the SC through local clubs. I list the following so that we might discover a project that our club would want to do and get funding for from the SC.
— 1. Capps Creek near Monett, Missouri, where $3,000.00 per year for the next 5 years has been pledged. It will be used to purchase land, protect riparian zone and open the creek to public access.
— 2. Students at Raymond-ville School in Raymondville, Missouri have been given $500.00 for a program called “Knee-Deep.” This is a stream team created to monitor the water quality of the Current River.
— 3. The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation has been given $1,000.00 for a project on Mountain Fork River and $800.00 for tuition to Wildland Hydrology Inc. to learn more about river assessment and monitoring.
— 4. Piney Woods Fly Fisheries in Lufkin, Texas has been given $1,000.00 toward stream monitoring equipment of water quality and flow.
— 5. Fort Worth Fly Fishers has been given $600.00 for monitoring equipment.
— 6.The Missouri Department of Conservation has been pledged $1,500.00 per year for 5 years for water quality training for Stream Team programs.
— 7. The Mid-Southern Fly Fishers has been given a grant of $1,500.00 to install a stocking chute at Rim Shoals. At the present the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is unable to stock at Rim Shoals due to conditions of elevation of the public access ramp and the trout have to be put in above the Rim.
— 8. SCHOLARSHIP— It is awarded each year in the amount of $1,000.00. Sometimes more than one has been awarded in a single year. It is given to a student who is working on a degree that is related to conservation, biology, etc.
These are a few examples of money spent at the local level to promote conservation and improve flyfishing conditions for flyfishers. There is money available through the SC for additional programs and the HOAFF should think about asking for a grant that could be used perhaps in this area. As a club, all we need is to identify a worthwhile cause and get volunteers to donate time and we could be listed as an active participant in helping our environment and improving flyfishing. If any member of our club has an idea for a project, please let me know so the Board can pursue your idea. I am sure we all agree flyfishing is the most rewarding way to enjoy fishing and the outdoors. Just as Lefty Kreh, we all have our reasons for enjoying the sport and most of the reasons we share in common. The diversity and continuing need to learn more about all the species and their habitat and the challenge to always improve our flyfishing skills makes it a dynamic and rewarding hobby. The FFF and the SC along with the HOAFF are there to help us meet our needs and challenges.
Don’t forget the Conclave on October 5, 6, 7 at Mountain Home. Numerous classes will be offered to improve flyfishing skillsfor people of all ages who are new at the sport as well as the veteran flyfisher. In addition to classes and demonstrations, vendors and exhibitors will be present to show the latest in equipment and materials. The Conclave also offers us the chance to network with others who share our love of flyfishing.
As a club we have been asked to make our number ONE effort the encouraging of as many members as possible to attend the Conclave. We have also been asked to have a member from our club give a slide program on a recent fishing trip to which, Jim Ohnemus, has volunteered to speak on his trip to Wyoming and the use of Illamas as transportation. The request for flytying coaches has been met by Tom Alejoa and Bryan Rogers who will give one-on-one lessons to all who are interested in flytying. And we are making every effort possible to get our members to contribute one dozen of their “favorite fly” for the raffle to help raise money for future conservation programs.
I hope the two articles in the last two newsletters have been informative and useful to you. I, as usual, have learned a lot by researching the information for the articles. In closing, I want to remind you of our club trip to the Buffalo River on September 7, 8, and 9. Bruce Cochran has been down to the Resort and has personally made sure everything is in order for a great weekend. Call as soon as possible to make your reservation and let Bruce know if you are going.
Fly Fishing Vermont
by Steve Jenkins
I’m still trying to forgive my daughter and son-in-law for their move to Vermont. They were the link to my (former) “home waters”, the Battenkill and the West Branch of the Ausable in New York. It was fun to visit in the winter – I skied six days! And, I scouted the trout waters near Burling-ton. Several shop owners were helpful, too. They alleged the Winooski River might be the best trout water in the state. But, in the winter, it was nothing but ice and snow.
With great anticipation, and a bit more forgiveness, we returned to Vermont for a visit in June. While my daughter had a list of projects for me, I was granted some time off to fish. The first stop was Lewis Creek, a small stream that flows westerly into Lake Champlain, about 20 miles south of Burlington. Following country roads, I found it at a covered bridge — an idyllic setting, to be sure. Just above the covered bridge was a 10-foot falls, but above it looked promising.
The stream was clear and 66 degrees. Deeper pools and big rocks were separated by riffles; it looked like ideal water. I worked hard, wading upstream perhaps a half mile until I came to a long, deep pool. I caught two small rainbows, one on a dun Haystack dry and the other on a soft hackle. Yet, the stream seemed to hold little bug life. It was loaded with moss, weeds and silt. Judging by the smell, agricultural run-off was the problem.
Driving downstream about noon, I came upon a fishermen at his car, packing away his gear. He was your classic “urbane” Vermonter. No accent, but long beard, driving a rusty 1984 Volvo station wagon, using a fiberglass rod with very well worn Model 1492 Medalist reel. His waders wore many patches and his wading shoes were home made. He had been fishing for smallmouth that came out of the lake to spawn. When he offered me a fly, I noticed his vest was patched and repatched. His suggested trout water was the New Haven River, about 20 miles south. But, serious trout fishermen go to New York, he said. (If my daughter could have heard that….)
Anyway, I drove down to the New Haven River. In its upper reaches it is one plunge pool after another. Near Bristol, it levels out but runs through an industrial area before it warms up to pike and bass water. Not very appealing. New York was looking better and better.
The next day, I decided to go to New York. At least the water would be familiar. Taking the ferry across the lake made it an easy trip, but the last return ferry left at 9:30 PM, a definite crimp in evening fishing. Buying my license in the Essex County courthouse, I swapped lies with another fisherman. We each confided we’d never tell anyone about our “secret” spots.
I headed straight to the Ausable. Early June should have March Browns, some caddis and maybe, maybe the Green Drake. A stop at Fran Better’s Adirondack Sports Shop in Wilmington was refreshing. He said the drakes were still downstream, near Ausable Forks, but I did buy one of his “Golden Caddis” drys.
The river was still high and tea-colored. Even in good conditions, the Ausable is a tough wade because of the large and very, very slick boulders throughout most of the stream. On top of that, it was very windy. But, I took a 12-inch rainbow and a 17-inch brown on the .56er and a 10 inch brookie on a March Brown dry. A tough day’s work.
Back home, I took a few days break to do projects. So, it was Monday before I could get away and had plans to meet a friend on the Battenkill (in New York) – a two-hour drive from Burlington. Monday promised rain. Before I was out of town, the rain began. It got heavier as the morning wore on with my drive south. We were in the river by 1 PM, in the rain. Jim went upstream and I went down.
Walking down the bank, I tripped over a downed fence and then slipped down a rain-drenched bank, twisting my knee. Finally in the water, I noticed the swallows were busy eating the bugs, in spite of the rain. But, I soon discovered the fence wire poked a hole in my waders. Well, the water was 57 degrees, and I came to fish. So, I “played through” the leak and tried to ignore the rain. After about an hour of real rain, it stopped and I caught two very small brook trout. Then the rain started again, the swallows left and distant thunder was approaching. Soon Jim appeared, suggesting we eat something and consider the next move. My knee hurt a bunch, and my leg was soaked. I decided after the sandwich, it was time to head home. Near Rutland, I nearly got washed off the road. Was I back in Louisiana?
Jim and I had a plan to meet on Tuesday at the Ausable, but he had a conflict and I didn’t want to test my knee on those rocks. So, Tuesday was planned as a Vermont day. I would patch the waders and do more exploring. Vermont is a very compact state. In spite of the twists and turns in all the roads, and the innumerable small towns, it doesn’t take all day to get to a fishing spot.
I planned to check into the Winooski and some of its tributaries, like the Huntington Creek and the Mad River. And, there was the Lamoille River, the next big stream north of the Winooski. After taking my grandson to pre-school, I was headed east on I-89, up the Winooski River valley toward Montpelier. The structure of this stream was becoming familiar – long, deep pools broken by riffles. There were huge rocks and boulders everywhere. Its gradient, overall, was low. A boat would be ideal. Farther upstream, I found several small hydroelectric dams. I expect the tailwater areas would have been productive, but no ready access was to be found. Access to some of the fast water was available, but the big pools were so close, little fishing water remained.
Huntington Creek flows north, into the Winooski. Its headwaters are in dairy country, with little stream cover. Before entering the big river, it flows through a deep gorge. It was interesting scenery, but without a good clues to fishable spots, I was lost.
The Mad River also flows north into the Winooski, but it is farther east, nearer Montpelier. The last five miles before it enters the Winooski, it also flows through some wild terrain, instantly confirming its apt name. But, above this “mad” section, it passes through eight or ten miles of relatively calm water, in spite of the ledges and large rocks. There was good cover and the water was clear and inviting. About three miles north of Waitsfield, I found a convenient spot to park and get into my gear. The community maintains a walking path along probably six miles of the stream – access was a snap.
In the water about 11 a.m., I used the 7 ½ foot, 4 weight rod. It was really a bit too soft for the .56er, but the fly began to produce immediately, anyway. It fooled several rainbows in the rocks along the far shore. And, there were march browns hatching, producing an occasional rise. Moving downstream to a bend, there was a very deep pool, with fast water in and out. I now mounted a bead-head prince nymph on a dropper, about 18 inches above the .56er. It was a mess to cast with the little rod, but the rainbows liked this rig. Soon, I was catching fish on practically every cast. I even managed a double. But, the dropper was a bother, so off it came.
I finally changed flies – to a Grizzly Bear streamer – it worked too. Then, to continue the experiment, I put on the March Brown dry. It finally took two small fish, but the rainbows were much more interested in the streamers. Including one 11-inch brook trout, I caught 34 fish in about 2 hours. Not a brown trout was to be seen. Was I following the hatchery truck? As I was leaving, I talked to two other fishermen and each had caught about 15 fish. Were there two hatchery trucks?
I still wanted to see the Lamoille, but it was about 25 miles north, above Mt. Mansfield and Smuggler’s Notch. So, bored with all the action at the Mad River, my journey continued. The Lamoille is structured much like the Winooski – just a bit smaller. But, time permitted only scouting. Enjoying a 30-fish day, or even a 10-fish day, on the Lamoille River will have to wait until the next trip. I’m still working on forgiveness.
Your thoughts count
HOAFF values your ideas and comments. You, the members, make this club what it is. If you have suggestions or recommendations that would improve the club, don’t hesitate to make them known. At each meeting there is a suggestion box at the membership table. Suggestions can be signed or unsigned. So, if you have an idea concerning club trips, programs, or anything you think would add to the club, please don’t hesitate to make your ideas known.
Madison and Big Horn Fishing
by Eric
Palmer
While the Madison and Big Horn Rivers in Montana may be the best known fly
fishing destinations, they and others have become crowded as a result.
Those looking for a more serene Montana trout fishing experience might try
the Kootenai River in far northwest Montana, said Kelly Palmer, a guide from
the area who spoke at the June meeting.
Palmer, who is a school guidance counselor during the year, has been guiding
on the river for a number of years.
The fish will run more in the 12 inch to 16 inch range, but some will topout at
20 inches, Palmer said. They are mostly rainbows, west slope
cutthroats and some cutbows.
Palmer works from Troy, MT, and guides the many miles below the Libby Dam.
During certain times of the year, he also takes clients on the Yaak,
atributory. The closest major airport to Troy is Spokane, WA, which is about2
hours away.
He charges $295 for one or two fisherman for a full day drift boat trip, the
preferred way to fish the river, he said.
Besides catching lots of strong fish, Palmer said fishermen might encounter,
deer, elk, bighorn sheep and eagles. What they won’t encounter are the
crowds that now flock to Montana’s other major rivers.
Anyone intersted in exploring the Kootenai fishery can contact Palmer at
800-537-8288 or email at kro@libby.org.
Tiers’ Corner
If you’re using breast or flank feathers for an upright wing with a hackle as well, tie in the mallard or breast feathers in the normal manner. Pull up, divide the wing, and apply a little head cement to their full length. Let it dry, and then wrap your hackle behind and in front of the wing.
Now, strip the
cement off the wings by pinching them with your thumb and fingernail and
pulling up. The head cement will come off easily because of the natural
oils in the feather. This method will prevent any fibers of the wing
being caught up during the wrapping of the hackle.
(by Bill Starr of the Osprey Flyfishers of BC)
John Stark resigns from Arkansas Fish and Game
By Judy Boston, Conservation Director, Mid-South Fly Fishers
John Stark, Arkansas’ Statewide Trout Biologist, has resigned from the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission effective July 5, 2001 as many of you have heard through the grapevine or the media. John has been on the AGFC fisheries staff for 13 years, the past nine years as the head of the AGFC trout program. The trout program has flourished due to John’s work including implementation of catch-and –release areas on the White and North Fork Rivers and studies of the effects of low dissolved oxygen levels on tailwater fisheries. The following quotations from his resignation letter indicate frustration with the current political and special-interest tone of current Commission actions involving the proposed reduction to the catch-and release area below Bull Shoals Dam:
“…I am gravely concerned for two
of the most important facets of the program: wild brown trout and catch and
release areas. It appears as if the
AGFC is on the verge of reversing much of the progress of the last nine years. Data …indicate that re-opening fishing
during the spawning activities will likely threaten the continuation of this
great fishery. Similarly, it is a shock
to many, including myself, that you
would seriously consider shortening the best catch and release area in
Arkansas and reducing one of the greatest populations of trophy rainbow in the
continental U.S.
An equally incomprehen-sible action is the reassignment of the program away from Assistant Chief Larry Rider. It is no co-incidence that the program’s greatest success has been during the period that Larry hired Program Managers and pushed them to excel. It is my hope for the future that you would reverse these recent proposed actions and protect the foundations of this nationally renowned program and fishery.”
The June 21, 2001 Arkansas Democrat Gazette quotes John “I disagreed with the things they were doing with the resource, particularly with the brown trout closure and the removal of part of that catch-and-release area. At the same time, I have an opportunity to go with a really good organization that believes in a science-based approach.”
A replacement for John’s position with the AGFC has not yet been named. The Mid-South Fly Fishers will sorely miss John Stark as a member of the AGFC staff as someone that could be relied upon to provide good scientific foundations upon which to base the Arkansas trout program. We all wish him well in his new position with The Nature Conservancy and the new Strawberry River Preserve. The Nature Conservancy is lucky to have a biologist who stands by his data and respects science over special interests.
Upcoming
Programs
by Eric Palmer
We have three fascinating
programs to fill out the year, all given by our own experienced club members.
In August, Monet Drake will
give you the ins and outs of taking a pack trip
to fly fish. Monet has been on a number of pack trips and will share advice
on how to set up the best trip and then how to best enjoy it.
Steelhead? Salmon? Do you
think you have to go to Alaska or Canada for that kind of experience? Think
again. Bill Brant and a few other of our club members have been catching both
species for some years now out of the rivers
that feed the Great Lakes. In September, Bill will tell us where to go and
what we need to fish for these brutes without having to spend a huge amount of
money.
In October, Steve Jenkins will share some of his extensive fly
fishing
knowledge. Steve is one of our most dedicated dry fly fisherman and may
share some of his insights on this part of the fly fishing tradition.
In November we will have our
annual auction and raffle, which is shaping up
with some excellent items. In December, we have no regular meeting but meet
for our annual outing to Bennett Spring.
The programs for the rest of the year
promise to be entertaining, informative and fascinating. Don’t miss them.
Conservation
By Bob Bray
Mr. Norville Prosser of the American Sport Fishing Association is coordinating the efforts to pass the Fishable Waters Amendment to the Clear Water Act. I asked him for a status report and his response follows:
“You bet. We now have 30 sponsors on the House bill (H.R. 325) and 3 sponsors on the Senate bill (S678). The Fishable Waters Coalition is seeking hearings in both the House and the Senate. It is anyone’s guess when those hearings might be held. There is considerable activity also with new Administration including in the White House and with EPA Administrator Whitman. Everything seems to be on track. Thanks. If you can persuade you members to join as sponsors, that would be very helpful. A draft letter to amend and send can be found on our web page at www.asafishing.org. Then go to “Contact your Congressman.” Everyone in your club should have written by now — I hope.”
If you have not written your senator or representative, please do so. See the November, 2000, newsletter for a summary of this extremely important bill.
In the June newsletter President John Richards outlined the effort by the Norfork River Resort owner Mr. Steve McCumber to grossly enlarge his floating boat dock to 88 feet long and 32 feet wide. The new dock, which may be in addition to his existing dock, will disturb the river bed and cause additional petroleum pollution both of which will adversely impact the fish and insect life in the river.
If you are interested, please support the Friends of the North Fork, P.O. Box 61, Mountain Home, Arkansas 72654. A donation is greatly appreciated.
The Friends website is www.friendsofthenorthforkandwhiteriver.com, check it out. Finally, the Board has asked that we look into possible programs that the club could conduct that would involve youth. The thought being that this would be of interest to the kids and also provide future involvement in our sport. I will report further as information is received.
FLY FISHING QUIZ
1. A tailing loop is caused by a
A) Convex path of the rod tip
B) Concave path of the rod tip
C) Straight line path of the rod tip
D) None of the above
2. The primary purpose of the double haul is to
A) Increase distance
B) Reduce slack line
C) Make a delicate presentation
D) Increase line speed
3. The original greenheart spey rods were sometimes 18 to 20 feet
long.
Typical spey rods used today are _________ feet long
A) 5 to 8
B) 8 to 11
C) 11 to 14
D) 14 to 17
4. The reach cast is helpful in presenting a drag free drift of the
fly.
When executing a reach cast, it is important to
A) Eliminate slack line
B) Increase your casting stroke
C) Slip line
D) Increase line speed
Answers: 1. (B); 2. (D); 3. (D); 4. (C)
(by Liz Watson of the Northwest Women Flyfishers)
Dates to Remember
Friday
- Sunday, September 7 - 9
Mountain Home, AR. Fishing for trout and smallmouth bass on theBuffalo, White,
and North Fork rivers.
Friday - Sunday, November 30th - December 2nd.
Winter
Outing. Bennett
Spring State Park. Picnic provided by the club, noon Saturday,shelter house by
the spring.