Vol. 13 No. 21

OPEN LETTER TO OUR READERS

This last week the Ladyfisher posted a question on the FAOL bulletin board that asked a simple question: “What is FAOL worth to you?” For those of you that do not regularly read the posting on the bulletin board the responses have been overwhelming and heartwarming.

UNDERSTANDING THE STILLWATER AND THE TROUT

In his 1978 book Fly Fishing Still Waters, Don Roberts does an excellent job of describing the challenges of stillwater fly fishing. I would like to share with you a passage from page 6 of that volume.  "Rivers are so obvious in their beauty that they inspire infatuation. Lakes require study, commitment. Rivers flow only one way. Lakes have infinite patterns, moods, guises. Rivers are brash and constant in their conversation. Lakes are quiet, haunting, lyrical."

CLASSIC FLIES

I am constantly amazed at the plethora of the fly patterns that fill volumes of books, fill web pages, magazines, and CD’s and DVD’s. What’s even more amazing is that someone, somewhere, even as I am writing this, is hunched over a fly tying vice concocting another new ‘killer’ pattern that is certain to revolutionize fly tying and forever change fly tying as we know it.

FLY FISHERS ALL

Not everything we do in life is connected to fly fishing. I can’t believe I said that, but we have chosen to be involved in a sport, hobby, avocation which does take on a life of its own. If you hang around this adventure long enough you find it gets to you, or, perhaps better said, it gets you.

ON THE SHORE AGAIN

It is a few days after I had beat the water to a froth on another pond (thinking of musky as I was leaving), but now it was another day and another chance to head out to a pond. I try not to miss the opportunity to go to a pond when the chance presents itself. The conditions might not be great, but it is time to gather the stuff and head out.

FLY TYING Made Clear And Simple II

Skip Morris is a well-known name in the world of modern fly-fishing and fly tying literature. The author of a number of popular books covering everything from angling entomology to fly-fishing for trout in lakes he is best known for his ‘how to’ books on fly tying techniques. His most recent contribution is a follow-up to his original book by the same title, which is now in its 22nd printing.

KG’s SOUTH FORK SPECIAL

This fly was developed as a result of a combination of triggers I have found on other flies over the years. It can resemble a mayfly, a caddis or just any old bug. Once again I use chartreuse wire for the ribbing as I have had much success with this over the past several years on many of my nymph ties. I also tie this fly with a fairly fat and squatty body which may be why it appeals to caddis feeders. All I know is this is a very effective pattern, but watch out, if there are whitefish in your waters this fly seems to be like candy to them – thus the name – South Fork Special where it is effective, too effective on the resident whitefish of that river.