The Hendrickson Mayfly
November 21, 2007
Mayflies are essential to trout fly fishing. There are still ultra purists who consider casting dry mayfly patterns upstream to rising trout the ONLY form of fly fishing. I wasn’t brought up that way and find that way of thinking too limiting. For one thing it would severely limit my time on the water, and would force me to get rid of about three-fourths of my beloved fly fishing gear. However, I must admit, there is a certain timeless quality to casting classic dry flies upstream to rising trout. And if that were available to me year round, well I might move to closer to ultra purist status.
One of the classic mayfly species is commonly called the Hendrickson. But it’s Latin name is Ephemerella subvaria, and then there is the Light Hendrickson and it’s Latin name Ephemerella invaria. But it doesn’t stop there, there are several species that entomologists have identified. But we as fly fisher’s have simplified that and lumped all these into Light Hendrickson and Dark Hendrickson.
How the Hendrickson mayfly received it’s common name is a bit of fly fishing lore. As told by Roy Steenrod of Liberty, New York:
Dancing With Whales
November 21, 2007
We’ve all heard about whalewatching from boats or shore, and a few companies are now offering the possibility of actually swimming and snorkeling with whales in the wild. Is this a good thing?
Some whalewatching operators in the Kingdom of Tonga, South Pacific islands, advertise the possibility of swimming and snorkeling with humpback whales during the cetacean’s annual migration from July to October. This activity sounds appealing, yet there are a number of things to consider.
To drop clients off within snorkeling distance of a whale, the swim boats must come closer than the 30 meters laid down in Tongan government guidelines in 1997. Engine noise from a maneuvering boat can startle a whale, and repeated disturbances can lead to the animals changing their behaviour and even abandoning their traditional habitat. The nursing and resting routines of the pods can be disrupted, potentially threatening the health of the whales.
This high-risk activity is not covered by most travel insurance policies. The humpback whales of Tonga are wild animals with powerful fins, and swimming near one always involves some risk. The movements of these huge creatures can be fatal to a human swimmer, either accidentally or if the beast feels threatened, and a nursing mother with calf can be especially unpredictable. Swimming into the path of a whale greatly increases the danger.
Choosing Steelhead Gear
November 20, 2007
Steelhead Gear
Like many things in fly fishing you can ask 10 different fly anglers a single question and you’ll get 10 different answers. Asking what steelhead rod one should use for fly fishing is no different. Every circumstance is different. And the answer varies with each situation. However let’s try to get a generic answer so everyone can at least get started in this rewarding aspect of fly fishing.
RODS
Most steelheaders use at least a seven weight rod. And in fact that is my recommendation. There that would be the end of it, except for one thing. We, fly fishermen have a perpetual habit of complicating things. Choosing rods is no different. A seven weight, in my opinion is an ideal all around steelhead rod, that will work for any steelhead conditions. However if one is fishing out west in big water, under windy conditions, fighting bigger than average fish, then you will be cursing your seven weight rod in no time, as being too light. Therefore before you buy, think about the fishing you most plan to do. If your favorite river is large and the fish are big and the current is strong then seven weight will not be big enough, if the stream is smaller and the fish are in the six pound range than seven weight will be plenty. And some thrill seeking fly fisher’s will use six.
The Benefits of One Day Hiking Trips
November 19, 2007
Do you like to take one day hiking trips? Do you want to take hiking trips on trails near your home? One day hiking trips have a number of advantages. They are great for the recreational hiker. Minimal hiking gear is required and you can take pleasure in the fresh air and beautiful surroundings. Short day hikes are also a beneficial form of exercise. You can control your speed and terrain elevation. One day you can focus on endurance over flat trails while another day can be spent sprinting and climbing up steeper terrain.
One day hikes commonly take place on easily accessible trails in your area. Therefore, you can discover hidden nature treasures that are in your backyard. You can venture out for a day of leisurely or extreme hiking. Instead of setting up camp for the night, you can return to the comforts of your own home.
What hiking gear is necessary for a one day trip? It depends on the weather, terrain, and experience level of the hikers. However, there is basic hiking equipment that you will need. When choosing a hiking backpack, opt for a smaller pack. You don’t want to spend your day trip lugging around a heavy backpack. It is a good idea to bring extra clothes in case your clothes become wet or the weather gets cooler. The key is to dress in layers.
Planning Your Fly Fishing Trip
November 18, 2007
When planning for your fly fishing trip in Wyoming, there are several factors that should be considered. A little time spent planning will make your fly fishing trip more enjoyable, and your time on the water more productive. In order to properly plan your fly fishing trip, you will need to take a close look at…
What type of fly fishing do you prefer?
One of the first things you need to consider when planning your fly fishing trip, is the type of fishing you want to do. Whether you’re planning on tubing some alpine lakes and casting to big browns that are cruising near the bank. Or possibly you prefer fishing meadow streams and beaver ponds for native cutthroat. Maybe your plans are to spend some time doing both. Regardless each will require a different plan of attack.
This one decision will tell you what time of year to take your trip. You will also be able to tell what the climate will be, as well as hatches, needed fly patterns and equipment. It will also give you the information that will help you decide where to go on your fly fishing trips.
Make a Checklist
Backyard Camping Trip
November 17, 2007
Are your kids begging you to take them camping, but you just can’t find the time to take them on a camping trip? Or would you like to introduce your kids to the fun of camping for the first time, but aren’t sure if they will enjoy it, or might get scared? Either way, camping out in your backyard will be a fun way to spend the evening and night with your kids.
Get the kids involved in setting up camp in your backyard. Have them help you set up the tent. Put them in charge of getting their sleeping bags, flashlights and anything else they may need into the tent. If it’s an option for you, you may even want to make a campfire in your backyard. Check with your fire department before hand if this is an option in your area. If not, just dig out the charcoal or gas grill. Grill some hotdogs and make some foil backed potatoes for dinner, and of course you’ll need some s’mores for desert. If you are roasting the marshmallows over your grill, put some aluminum foil over the grate to keep the melting marshmallow from dripping onto your grill.
Introduction to Lake Fly Fishing Techniques
November 16, 2007
Often lake fish will gather in schools and cruise around looking for food, but often it is the small fish that rise to take surface insects while the bigger ones feed in deeper water.
Where the fish are
Fish in lakes aren’t much different than fish in rivers. Their concerns are still protection from predators and finding food. Lake fly fishing techniques involved finding the areas where both these concerns are met.
Remember that lake water is generally deeper than rivers water, so bottom structures may not be visible. Try fishing where a stream enters the lake. Insects are often carried into the lake here and the fish will be waiting for them.
Structure in lakes includes piers and boat ramps, weeded areas and deadfalls. Fish are likely to be hanging around man-made structures that have been sunken into the waters. Lake fish like to hang around drop off areas. Here they can munch on food that has fallen into the water and dart back into the depths when spooked. Warm water fish gather around natural springs and weeds also.
Dry flies and lake fishing
Hiking Safely on the Hills
November 16, 2007
SAFE WALKING TREKKING OUTDOORS
If you are contemplating a long distance walk, or indeed a day walk, on the any of the high level routes in the UK, such as The Pennine Way, for the first time, between October and May, please be aware that you are embarking on a test of your endurance and stamina, especially when carrying a backpack.
Each stage in a long distance walk involves a period of several hours spent outdoors, often in isolated and remote locations and sometimes at altitudes above 400 metres, in possibl;y rain or snow. A number of factors must therefore be taken into account at the planning stage.
Weather Conditions & Daylight Hours
Regardless of when you undertake the journey, you must check the expected weather conditions each day. Between October and May there is increased risk of high winds, heavy rain, sleet and sometimes snow blizzards. Any of these, together with the significantly smaller number of daylight hours, can provide a challenge for the unwary.
Basic Equipment
Rucksack
Fly Fishing Small Streams
November 15, 2007
Picture this; you’ve spent some time hiking into a small stream in the back country. It’s early morning, mist is rising and the midges that have been swarming around you are breakfast for the small browns you have come to catch. You quietly walk up to the stream, watching the swirls of rising fish. You tie a nymph onto your leader and step into the water.
A trout skids away from under your feet, its flight sending out warning signals as bright as any neon light. The feeding fish flee in response and you are left with a section of river devoid of all but the midges. Welcome to fly fishing the small stream.
Stop and look before fly fishing the small stream
Before you get into the water stop and look at what is in front of you. This is especially true when approaching the small stream. Trout are well camouflaged, especially when you are looking down into the water. (A good pair of Polaroid glasses helps here.)
Crossing the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel with an RV
November 14, 2007
New experiences make me nervous, and I assume that holds true for most of us. Towing our fifth wheel through a major tunnel for the first time was such an experience. To top it off, this tunnel was one of the biggest I know of: the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, or simply the Bridge-Tunnel, when speaking with locals.
The Bridge-Tunnel is quite a site to behold for those of us who appreciate enormous engineering projects. It is a 20-mile-long bridge on US highway 13, linking the Delmarva Peninsula to the Virginia mainland over Chesapeake Bay. Of the 20 miles, two one-mile segments submerge to the bay floor, allowing large ships to pass above.
For new RVers like us, the tunnels hold a few challenges:
- Determining if propane is allowed
- Having to tow RV over two narrow lanes
- RV traffic is disallowed in winds of 40 mph and over, which was a distinct possibility in January
Despite these issues, we added the Bridge-Tunnel to our itinerary in order to avoid winter weather in the mountains along the western coast of the bay.
