About Fly Fishing

Fish Wrap: Still Plenty Going on This Offseason

2010-02-10T01:23:18Z

The premise behind releasing fish is that it will live after its release. The reality is that regardless of how you fish, some fish released will die, even if they swim away. (Coloradoan)

Fish for free next weekend

If you've wanted to try ice fishing in Michigan, next weekend would be a good time to do it. You won't need a fishing license. That's because the state celebrates its Winter Fishing Weekend Saturday and Sunday, allowing residents and non-residents to fish without a license. (South Bend Tribune)

Officials might poison pike in Nevada lake

Nearly three years after California biologists poisoned a popular Sierra fishing lake to rid it of Northern pike, Nevada officials are considering doing the same thing at another lake overrun by the voracious predator. And if the Nevada Department of Wildlife succeeds in ridding Comins Lake of pike, the small reservoir south of Ely could once again become a trophy trout fishing destination that once enjoyed worldwide fame. (Reno Gazette-Journal)

Trout are returning to Davis streams

Mudslides in 1983 and 1984 destroyed the fish population in various streams along the Wasatch Front, and the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources wants to bring those fish back. Tuesday, Davis County commissioners gave their approval to the division to reintroduce Bonneville cutthroat trout to Holmes Creek in Kaysville and Mill Creek in Bountiful. (Deseret News)

Casting Widely, Lots of Keepers

At a book party on the roof of the Hay-Adams Hotel in Washington a few years ago, Weekly Standard senior writer Matt Labash started up a conversation with Vice President Dick Cheney. Unlike most folks at the conservative magazine, Mr. Labash had opposed the invasion of Iraq in 2003 and thus was no fan of Mr. Cheney's policy influence. But Mr. Labash is an avid fly fisherman, like Mr. Cheney. And so, having spent some time at the party's open bar, the journalist began briefing the second most powerful person in the Free World about a Labashian experiment: trying to catch catfish with an artificial fly--the sort normally used to go after trout. (WSJ)

Asian Carp Threat Prompts Protest Near Lake Michigan Shore

As owner of a Traverse City-based charter fishing company and captain for another local charter outfit, Steve Huston fears Asian carp invading Lake Michigan. Huston has spent the past 33 years working in the charter and tournament fishing industry around northern Michigan. If the fish that have infested Chicago-area waterways get into the lake, he says he and his fellow charter captains will lose their jobs. (Circle of Blue)

Fish Wrap: Still Plenty Going on This Offseason originally appeared on About.com Fly Fishing on Wednesday, February 10th, 2010 at 01:23:18.

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Fly Fishermen Hungry for Trout this Spring

2010-02-07T12:04:42Z

It's clear what readers are looking forward to fly fishing for this spring.

As of this post, 70 percent of readers are going after trout or steelhead this spring when conditions become fishable in their neck of the woods.

If you haven't vote in the poll below yet, let us know what you're fishing for this spring. It will help us pick what species we focus on in coming months.

Also, be sure to check out our breakdowns of the different types of trout, bass, etc.,� in our Species Section, along with our tips on where trout feed in a typical trout stream.

Don't worry, spring will be here before you know it (March 20). Good luck on the water!

Fly Fishermen Hungry for Trout this Spring originally appeared on About.com Fly Fishing on Sunday, February 7th, 2010 at 12:04:42.

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Fish Wrap: Fly Fisherman Magazine Cuts Staff

2010-02-04T03:48:43Z

As a former newspaper guy and regular outdoors magazine contributor, I was bummed by the news this past weekend that Fly Fisherman magazine is making cuts to its staff.

According to a press release, the magazine is parting ways with Associate Publisher Linda Wood and Managing Editor Geoff Mueller.

I worked with Geoff and Fly Fisherman for the first time in December, writing a Forum piece in the Jan./Feb. issue about President Obama's fly fishing trip on the East Gallatin River in Montana.

As a poor scribe who has written for too many magazines and newspapers, I can honestly say Geoff and Ross Purnell, who I'm happy to hear will remain on staff and continue working with their talented writers and photographers, were as professional a pair of editors as I've encountered in this business.

In fact, they went with the Obama article even though they knew it could cost them a few subscriptions because of some readers' political views (another major outdoors magazine I won't name turned it down for just that reason). But like myself, they felt the President's fly fishing trip was a newsworthy event, no matter what party you're registered with. The Article not only showed a glimpse of what the President's views on conservation are, but offered a rare insight into what it was like to be THE fly fisherman who guided the President's first and only fly fishing trip.

No other magazine had the story ... and those are the kinds of editorial decisions that have made Fly Fisherman such a great read the past 40+ years.

But if there's something else I know about Geoff, it's that he's a great fly fisherman, and I hope he uses the opportunity to get away from it all and enjoy some time on the water this spring.

There's nothing more therapeutic than the push and the pull of that fly line on the stream.

I can attest to that, as fly fishing helped me get through a decade in the newspaper business.

Here's hoping Geoff, and Linda, land on their feet ... and land some beautiful trout in the process.

A look at some of Geoff's work with Fly Fisherman.

Fish Wrap: Fly Fisherman Magazine Cuts Staff originally appeared on About.com Fly Fishing on Thursday, February 4th, 2010 at 03:48:43.

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People Who Fly Fish: Redskins TE Chris Cooley

2010-02-04T02:25:43Z

Add Washington Redskins tight end Chris Cooley to the list of pro athletes who enjoy fly fishing.

In a recent ESPN piece that followed Cooley and Dolphins quarterback Chad Pennington striper fishing on Lake Mead outside of Las Vegas, Kyle Carter notes that Cooley has been addicted to fishing ever since he was 11 living in Wyoming -- when his mother signed him up for a fly fishing class.

"I've always enjoyed being outside," Cooley said. "I could go to pretty much any river and match the hatch."

Cooley and the QB should have stuck to fly fishing on this day, because they got skunked while bass fishing on The Mead.

But unlike many pro athletes who claim to be avid fly fishers, it sounds like Cooley can hold his own with a fly rod and even ties his own flies.

The article also notes a pretty funny story about a boat he had that always seemed to take on water.

Good to hear I'm not the only one with a water-logged boat.

And like me, Cooley also enjoys writing about fishing on his personal blog, even going as far as to note ESPN sideline anchor Rachel Nichols "casted like a seven year old girl with an arm full of barbies."

Classic.

Other fly fishing sports stars: Danny Ferry, Ken Griffey Jr., Nnamdi Asomugha, Bob Knight, Ryan Newman and, in a class of his own, the legendary Ted Williams, one of the greatest sportsmen of all-time.

Cooley trout photo courtesy The Cooley Zone.

People Who Fly Fish: Redskins TE Chris Cooley originally appeared on About.com Fly Fishing on Thursday, February 4th, 2010 at 02:25:43.

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Redington Fly Rods Geared Toward the New Generation

2010-02-01T02:48:41Z

When I look at Redington fly rods, I think new school fly fishing.

Founded in 1992, Redington is a relative newcomer when it comes to the fly rod makers on our top 10 list.

But Redington also better understands the new generation of angler better than many rod makers, and gears its fly rods to that audience, which is why it's helped so many anglers set world records in recent years.

Redington's Ready to Fish Outfits, for example, are becoming hugely popular to newcomers to the sport because all you need is a fly to start fishing with these made-to-fish rods.

Powered with a Rio Mainstream fly lines, these combos are ready to fish right out of the box. Redington has also added the following fly rods to its lineup in 2010.

Redington Fly Rods Geared Toward the New Generation originally appeared on About.com Fly Fishing on Monday, February 1st, 2010 at 02:48:41.

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Fish Wrap: News and Notes from Around the Fishing World

2010-01-29T01:43:06Z

We're starting a new feature this week called the Fish Wrap, where we'll take a look back at the week's top fishing news and notes from around the country and world. Here are a fish-related stories that caught my eye this week:

Fly Fishing in Haiti before the 'quake
I took a beat up fly rod on that trip to Haiti. I was going to be a globe-trotting, hot shot fly fisherman, writing about all of my world adventures to strange places catching strange fish. (ESPN.com)

Serious fish disease discovered in Lake Superior
A new virus that is deadly to muskies, walleyes and a wide range of fish species has been found for the first time in Lake Superior, raising fears it could spread to inland Minnesota waters. (TwinCities.com)

SF developer pleads guilty to poaching steelhead
A San Francisco real estate developer who was charged with damming Little Arthur Creek and poaching a threatened species of steelhead in 2007 reportedly pleaded guilty to all charges. (GilroyDispatch.com)

It's cold and snowy - time to dream about fly fishing
Sometimes the best way to beat the midwinter blues, with the January snow swirling and the mercury teasing us below freezing, is to start dreaming of spring in Western North Carolina. (Citizen-Times.com)

Rejuvenate your fishing flies with steam treatment
It is a really simple process and can be done with a single fly or a number of them at once. All you need is a steaming kettle or pan of water. The steam is the key to the process. (SierraSun.com)

Fly fishing not easy for quadriplegic
A diving accident left John R. Bass a quadriplegic at 24 years old. His life was significantly changed, but what did not change was his burning desire to continue fly fishing. (DailySoutherner.com)

Oregon steelhead returning in large numbers
A thick run of early winter steelhead will be swimming back to hatcheries on six North Coast rivers over the next couple weeks. (TDN.com)

Chris Wood named CEO of Trout Unlimited
Chris Wood, currently TU's Chief Operating Officer, will become Chief Executive Officer on February 1. He will succeed Charles Gauvin, who has been TU's CEO since 1991. (TU.org)

Fish Wrap: News and Notes from Around the Fishing World originally appeared on About.com Fly Fishing on Friday, January 29th, 2010 at 01:43:06.

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What Species are You Fly Fishing for This Year?

2010-01-28T01:11:25Z

Now that some of that rough weather is behind us (knock on wood), on the West Coast at least, it's time to start thinking about that next fly fishing trip again.

Every year around this time I reach out to my fellow fly fishermen and ask what species you plan on targeting this year.

Vote in the poll below, which will help us pick what species we focus on in coming months.

Good luck on the water in 2010.

What Species are You Fly Fishing for This Year? originally appeared on About.com Fly Fishing on Thursday, January 28th, 2010 at 01:11:25.

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Tips for Staying Safe on the Water This Winter

2010-01-24T13:05:07Z

For the first time in over a week and a half, the weather has cleared and many West Coast anglers are taking advantage of the break in the rains to get some fishing in.

But anglers across the country should still use caution while fishing this time of year. High water levels, unstable shorelines and debris can make for some sketchy conditions wherever you fish.

Scouring the Web this weekend, I found some useful news stories that'll help keep you safe on the water:

The Sentinel Online: When ice fishing, "make sure there's at least four inches of hard ice before leaving the shoreline. A mess of perch, crappies or trout just aren't worth falling through the ice into winter cold water."
Mansfield News Journal: "Always go with friends and wear a life jacket. Carry a mobile phone. Avoid alcoholic beverages."
MLive.com: "Tell friends or family members where you plan to fish and then be where you say you'll be so that rescuers will know where to look if you do fall through the ice."

And most importantly, use common sense when you fish. Don't push the limits. It's not worth risking your life for a couple trout, as fun as they are to catch.

Tips for Staying Safe on the Water This Winter originally appeared on About.com Fly Fishing on Sunday, January 24th, 2010 at 13:05:07.

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Outdoors Books a Great Remedy for Cabin Fever

2010-01-20T18:32:30Z

Cabin fever is officially here.

Mother Nature has made sure of that, pounding the West Coast with storm after storm over the past week, and making sure our local fisheries are swollen and about as clear as a glass of chocolate milk.

Other than tying flies, playing Wii Duck Hunt, and watching The Sportsman Channel, there isn't much for an avid outdoorsman to do this time of year.

So I guess it's time to dip into the old library, and read up on the craft.

As I've mentioned before, there are thousands of quality fly-tying and fly fishing books on the market, which is great during a time like this, because you can never have enough books on tying or techniques.

I'm always a big fan of regional fishing magazines and guidebooks to get a better feel for the waters in your neck of the woods.

No Nonsense Guides is one of the top regional guide publishers out there, although I'm a little biased having written the Fishing Central California guide for No Nonsense Fly Fishing Guides.

Some magazines that are worth picking up include Field & Stream, Fly Fisherman, American Angler, and Fishing & Hunting News and Fish and Game magazines. The latter two are regional fishing and hunting magazines that publish various regional editions that are worth checking out if your state is covered.

If you can't wait for a magazine to find your mailbox, or drive to the newsstand, you can always check out the magazine Websites for a small chunk of what you can expect in the magazine, and check out This is Fly while you're at it, one of the only outdoors magazines that published its entire magazine online. Check it out, it even has pages that you can flip through.

But if guidebooks and magazines sound too academic, there are plenty of entertaining books out there on the favorite pastime. Try A River Runs through It and Other Stories by Norman Maclean or John Gierach's Death, Taxes and Leaky Waders.

Of if you're looking for something different, readers who enjoy a horror fiction novel from time to time might enjoy this unique approach to outdoors writing, "The Legend of Wolfboy." According to the site www.LegendOfWolfboy.com, the novel of the same name will be published on the site for free as it's written. Readers will even have a say in the storyline, according to the site, by commenting on pages of the novel as they're posted by the author. Should be interesting to see how it turns out.

So there's my remedy for cabin fever. Hold on for another couple months. Spring's officially here on March 20!

Outdoors Books a Great Remedy for Cabin Fever originally appeared on About.com Fly Fishing on Wednesday, January 20th, 2010 at 18:32:30.

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Tips for Protecting Your Boat in Extreme Weather Conditions

2010-01-20T13:02:50Z

So I've been scrambling to protect my boat from the flooding, rain and up to 70 mph wind gusts that have been bombarding California and the rest of the West Coast.

All this weatherproofing has prompted me to write an article about protecting� your boat in extreme weather conditions.

Boat covers are the easiest way to protect your investment, protecting the interior of your boat from rain, snow, wind and even UV rays from the sun. Without a cover or overhang protecting your boat, your seats can get waterlogged, faded or ripped, the floor can get flooded and fill up with leaves, and any fishing gear inside will get damaged and corroded.

You can find reasonable boat covers at most online dealers, including Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's.

Here are the rest of my tips on weatherproofing your boat.

Tips for Protecting Your Boat in Extreme Weather Conditions originally appeared on About.com Fly Fishing on Wednesday, January 20th, 2010 at 13:02:50.

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