* Fly Fishing - Catskill Arts Of The Angling Show

The Center of Fly Fishing, Livingston Manor, NY. The Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum will hold the Fourth Annual Arts of the Angler Show at the Ethan Allen Inn, in Danbury CT on Saturday and Sunday, November 6 & 7, 2010. This unique show combines the finest in vintage collectibles and contemporary fly fishing ‘arts’. It has been regarded as of the largest of its kind in the USA. In addition to the show featuring the ‘arts and crafts of the angler: bamboo rod making, fly tying, books, and artwork, a live consignment auction of collectibles will be held after a special priced dinner on Saturday evening. (Accepting consignments now). And returning will be the popular Book Exchange (the CFFCM will sell your books, bring them and enjoy the show).

Joining over 30 great fly tyers who provide non stop fly tying demonstrations through out the show will be recognized bamboo rodmakers: David Van Burgel, Per Brandin, Marc Aroner, John Gallas, Jim Downes, Kathy Scott, Kelly Baker, among others. Not only will visitors see the best in today’s cane fishing rods available will be the widest selection of used and collectible classics from a selection of vendors. (Vendor Space is limite

The Ethan Allen Inn is centrally located at Exit 4 on Interstate Route 84 in Danbury CT. This venue provides an elegant yet casual setting for a fine show.

For more detailed information on the Arts of the Angler Show, follow the changing details here on this sponsoring website or visit the Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum Facebook Fan Page or website www.cffcm.net

Its all about fly fishing.


Contact: Erin or Pat, CFFCM 845-439-4810, flyfish@catskill.net

Article Source : http://about-flyfishing.com/library/weekly/catskill-art-of-angler.html

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* Effective Walleye Fly Patterns

Although commonly thought of as a "warm water" species, walleye also thrive in cool northern rivers. Considered one of the most tasty of freshwater sport fish, it can be pursued with the fly rod. Commonly it is fished for with live bait such as minnows and spinning type lures and spoons, however the walleye does prey on aquatic insects and other life that can be imitated by a variety of fly patterns.

Walleye Caught By Kade MacKenzie, Athabasica River

It's "warm water" designation is not completely correct. Some States such as New Mexico list this fish (that was once called "pickerel" in Ontario, Canada) as a warm water species, while the State of Pennsylvania considers it a "cool water" species. In fact, it's temperature range is between roughly 6.6C and 15.5C, with the median value of about 11C an ideal temperature.

Contrast that with the Brown Trout who's temperature range is much broader at between about 6.7C and 23.9C. With this in mind, the Walleye would seem to be even more of a cold water fish than the Brown, often considered to be an inhabitant of crystal clear cold rivers and streams. It may interest some to know that the Brown Trout can tolerate temperatures higher than the the Walleye can.

Although it is not often pursued by the fly angler, it can be caught on a variety of fly patterns either as an incidental catch or when a fly angler specifically targets the species. Most freshwater Walleye anglers know that this fish is a voracious eater of live bait and anglers who specifically target this fish generally use live minnows on their hooks to catch them. With this in mind, we can know as fly anglers what types of patterns are more likely to attract a Walleye.

However, it is not just other fish that Walleye eat. In a study by John R. M. Kelso, Department of Zoology, at the University of Manitoba, all the Walleye that were examined were found to have Gammarus lacustris in their stomachs. What are Gammarus lacustris? These are scuds that many fly anglers will attempt to imitate when fly fishing for rainbow and other trouts.

So we know that using scud patterns is a good bet for targeting Walleye on the fly rod.

However, keeping in mind what most freshwater anglers know about fishing for these species; that they will readily take live bait, the fly angler should try those streamer patterns that imitate local fish that Walleye eat. Walleye will feast on young smolts and any fly pattern that represents these can be effective on Walleye.

In my own experience, fishing the very cold waters of the Athabasca River (which originates in the mountains of Alberta from glacier ice melt and snow runoff), Walleye readily took to leech patterns such as the Viva Zonker and Black Rabbit Strip Leech. Weighted and tied up in a "beefy" style, it is quite possible to consider the Walleye did not see these patterns as leeches, but as small fish.

Whatever the Walleye thought, it was a lot of fun catching this species on the fly rod! And if you're a fly angler and your buddies are heading out with their live bait to target Walleye, don't hesitate to join them and bring along your fly rod.

Many people have the misconception that fly fishing is for trout and salmon only. In fact, there are a number of fly fishing techniques that you can use to catch a wide variety of different fish while using the fly rod!

Source : http://about-flyfishing.com/library/weekly/walleye-fly-fishing-patterns.html

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The French Nymphing Method – A new approach to an old problem when fly fishing

Author: She's So Fly

This technique and rig is a relatively new approach to an old problem – spooky fish. The more you fish with it, the more you will see its potential.

French fly fishers developed this new nymphing technique during the World Fly Fishing Championship held on their home turf several years ago. The rivers were low and clear, and the fish were skittish.

The key to French Nymphing is contact with the flies, and ultimately the fish. You maintain contact with the flies by extending and elevating our arm and rod at the completion of the cast and never letting the leader touch the water.

Maintain line tension by leading the flies with the rod, keeping the coiled mono section just above the surface. When a fish hits the fly, the coils react by extending. Set the hook. If there's no take, finish the quick-set motion with a back cast. This loads the rod for the next presentation.

Since the leader and slinky are elevated, you have a huge advantage over traditional indicator techniques where the line sites on the water.

While French Nymphing, there is no slack in the line, and a minimal distance to move the rod for an immediate set. Furthermore, you can anticipate a trout's instinctive reaction by allowing your flies to sink for 3 to 4 seconds, then lifting slowly to cast again.

French Nymping is best done directly upstream or with up-and-across casts. It works in a variety of river conditions, but shines in riffles and runs 2 to 5 feet deep.

French Nymphing Rig:

Super long leaders that are had tied and boiled to make then very supple. Their leaders will average 12 to 25 feet long depending on the conditions.

The rods are usually 10 to 14 feet in length to make fishing this long of a leader a lot easier.

Leader:

The entire leader includes 3 basic parts: tapered leader, slinky (coil) and tippet.

The system's main component, the leader requires some explanation. The leader's length is typically 12 to 25 feet. A typical leader knotted to the welded loop in the fly line might consist of a thick butt section of about 4 feet of 25-lb or heavier test monofilament of a stiff variety. The material's diameter must be equal to or slightly larger than the butt material in the next leader segment. The stiff material will facilitate energy transfer during the cast.

The next part of the leader is the sighter - slinky (coiled mono section). Always carry fly floatant or silicone (green tub) Mucillin. Greasing the spring-like coils helps it float as an indicator in slower, deeper water, where you can't French Nymph effectively

After the sighter, a long length of level fluorocarbon leader actually presents the flies underwater. For this example, consider using a 6-foot length of 5X (0.006-inch) diameter material. Approximately 18 inches from the terminal end; attach a 4-inch long dropper tag using a Triple Surgeon's knot. Future articles will discuss the rigging's knots that employ the Davy Wotton knotting scheme along with the Triple Surgeon's knot.

Flies:

Use one or two flies with this technique. The flies should be weighted, slim and designed to sink fast.

Mono Coil Recipe:

You must cook your mono to make it coil. Ingredients include a plastic ballpoint pen, duct tape or rubber bands, and an assortment of different colored mono lines.

Simply wrap 15 to 20 pound test monofilament tightly around the empty pen tube and tape it at each end (rubber bands work too). Leave several inches of straight line off each end to make connecting it to your leader and tippet easier.

Submerge the wraps into a pot of boiling water for 5 minutes. Remove and place them immediately in the freezer overnight to help set the coiled memory.

Final Thoughts:

Building a French Nymphing leader is simpe and there are unlimited variations in color, length, and test. This coil leader system is not just for French Nymphing. Experiment and have fun, that's what fishing is all about.

Tight lines, and fun times, Shes So Fly

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/fishing-articles/the-french-nymphing-method-a-new-approach-to-an-old-problem-when-fly-fishing-4112672.html

About the Author

shessofly.com

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* Ready….Set…..Go!!!

image : g-feuerstein.com

By Tom Lester

Memorial Day weekend came and went, as it always does but for my family, things were a bit different this year. Usually, we spend what most folks refer to as the beginning of summer, with my father at his place on beautiful Lake Quachita just out of Hot Springs, Arkansas. This year, we were not so fortunate. My youngest daughter, Tatum, had a Camp Fire outing planned with her group, so we couldn’t make the trip. Although we were disappointed, there was one thing about the trip I did not miss, wasted time at the boat ramp. Let me explain.

Each year, thousands of folks across the country see Memorial Day weekend as the time of year to knock the dust off the boat or personal watercraft (PWC) and head out to their favorite lake or river for a day on the water with family, friends or simply by themselves. Unfortunately, just getting the dust off of the boat doesn’t mean it is "sea worthy" and can lead to a great deal of frustration and aggravation.

Each year at my dad’s place we get up and head to the ramp early on Saturday morning for some fishing. Without fail, the ramp is crowded with boaters of all dimensions. Normally, this would not be a big problem, but on Memorial Day weekend, it certainly can be. This is when a majority of folks take their boats out for the first time only to discover that not only is the boat no where near "sea worthy," it won’t even start. This is where the problem begins.

Rather than be considerate of others waiting to use the boat ramp and move out of the way, they stay on the ramp, for what seems like an eternity, trying to get their boat to crank or operate correctly. This is frustrating for the boat owner and aggravating for those waiting to get their boat, which will start, into the water. Although any mechanical device can fail to start, most of the time this situation can be avoided eliminating the frustrations and aggravations aforementioned.

A little bit of time and perhaps some well-spent money can usually prevent these types of problems. If you do not use your boat throughout the year and store it during the winter months, it is a good idea to have your boat or PWC winterized by a professional marine mechanic, if you do not know how to do it yourself. This can save tremendous headaches and perhaps a great deal of money for repairs in the spring or summer when you are ready to use your boat again.

So, you didn’t winterize your boat, the best thing you can do at this point is to take it to a marine mechanic and have it checked out or summerized. Your mechanic can check your batteries, all of your fluid levels and make sure your boat will start, BEFORE heading to the lake. The mechanic should also check out your water pump, bilge pumps, fuel system, electrical system, all necessary safety equipment and lights to make sure they are functioning properly. He might even notice and remind you that your trailer registration tags and boat numbers are out of date and need to be current before heading out to the water, thus saving your even more money in fines from the local authorities.

I use my Ranger bass boat all year for both pleasure fishing and tournament fishing. From time to time I need to have minor repairs made to my boat. If I am at a B.A.S.S. tournament location, I use the service trailers the manufacturers send to the tournament sites. If I am at home and need some work done, I will go see Blake at Blake’s Boat Repair here in Corsicana, Texas. He is up to date on the latest technology, equipment and tips for keeping a boat in good running condition. If you haven’t had your boat checked out recently, go by and see Blake. He might save you a lot of worries on your next water outing.

As for the girl’s (my wife and daughters) PWC, I have it winterized by Kenneth Napp over at Cedar Creek Watersports in Gun Barrel City, Texas each fall prior to storing it for the winter. Just before we take it out to Richland-Chambers or Cedar Creek for an afternoon of fun in the late spring or early summer, Kenneth will come by the house and carry it to his shop to get itready for the summer. It has always been money well spent.

I learned a long time ago that even though I have a background and education in mechanics, there are some things better left to the experts to keep my stuff running properly and keep me out of hot water with the girls (if their PWC won’t run). Blake and Kenneth are just the guys the doctor ordered.

A good friend of mine in Cedar Hill, Texas told me when I purchased my first bass boat many years ago that a boat is nothing more than a hole in the water you throw money into. In some ways, Ricky Simms was right. Spending money on having your boat in top working condition is the exception to the rule, in my opinion. Plan ahead of time and spend a little money getting your boat checked out before heading to the water. It will be money well spent.

Like I said, I missed a lot of things not being able to go to my dad’s for our annual Memorial Day weekend, but sitting in line at the ramp waiting on ill-prepared boaters is not one of them. Be a good boy, scout that is, be prepared.

Until next time, enjoy the Texas outdoors

Source from : http://www.activeangler.com/

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