Wednesday, November 3rd, 2004
1st article
Boulder Flycaster’s Presents
“Southwest Colorado’s Best Kept Secrets”
This month’s program features John Duncan from Telluride Angler and his presentation of waters we seldon fish ... Colorado’s Southwestern Streams. The slide show features the varied waters of three seldom-fished trout streams: The San Miguel, Dolores and Uncompahgre. Southwest Colorado is one of the most remote areas of the Rocky Mountains and home to pristine trout streams. The San Miguel is one of the last free-flowing rivers in America, with headwaters that spill into the Telluride valley from Colorado's highest waterfall, Bridal Veil Falls.
The Uncompahgre provides an interesting alternative to the numerous freestone streams that drain the San Juan Mountains. It also ranks among Colorado's best winter trout streams and is our favorite guide service destination from November through March.
The Dolores also has a significant length of free flowing water. The top 45 miles of its watershed includes a dozen tributary creeks, some of which contain native populations of Colorado River Cutthroats.
The infamous "Lower Dolores" is perhaps the most technically demanding trout stream in Colorado. This tailwater section of the Dolores winds through the remote Lower Dolores Canyon. The water is flat and thin, clear as air, and home to trout that occasionally top 24 inches. This is high-stakes dry fly fishing at its finest, the ultimate test of an angler's casting ability and hatch-matching expertise. We end our slide show with photos from this captivating stretch of notorious trout water.
Don’t miss it!
2nd article
What’s My Fishing Buddy, Paul, Up To Now! by Bob Bush
My never ending saga of fly fishing with by buddy (?) Paul. As you all know, Paul and I have been fly fishing for close to 35 years. In that time he never ceases to amaze me. He continually gripes about how I never treat him with the respect he desirves.
The creativeness of his complaints continually get more bizarre and are becoming so far out that I’m beginning to wonder if I’m the one “way off-base”. Nah!
In giving our presentation to the club last month, Paul complained that when I give him flies, they’re always used, never new or fresh. That’s totally untrue! I’ve always been very considerate about the flies I give him. I’d never give him one that’s not been thoroughly tested and proven effective. One that’s “caught fish” have always been at the top of my list of “proven” flies. And we all know that a roughed-up pattern really catches more fish. Just because the wings are slightly out of place or the tail really is minus a few barbules doesn’t mean it won’t catch fish, RIGHT!
I give him only the ones that are truely my favorite flies “at that time and at that place”, nothing can be better than that... at least in my book.
But now I’m getting flack from him. He tells all of you that I tied six dozen Yellow Hoppers for the Canada trip and he gets the left-overs from me!
Well excuseeeeee Meeeeee! I’ll bet that if you ask him how many fish he caught on MY flies, he’d be happy to show you all the pictures in his portfolio of his life’s fishing experiences!
That’s right, I’m taking credit for 99% of each and every fish Paul has landed and he only reason that I don’t take credit for 100% of them is that I personally know of a few of you out there that have loaned him your flies. Ask him yourself! You know who you are. Lets confiscate all his pictures and see whats left, that’s right, a bunch of flower and tree pictures and a couple of Eagle’s nests! A sorry excuse for 35 years of fly fishing. Do I sound bitter? Not on your life. I’ll continue to feed him flies chued and ruffled as they might be. They’re still the best fish-taking patterns that he’ll use and they’re FREE!!!!!
So Paul, stop your complaining and be happy that I always furnish you with flies that really WORK. Flies that you don’t need to fret about! Flies that will make you look good in front of the camera and in front of other fishermen in the party. Remember, I’m along to make you look good no matter what!
3rd article
Fall Boulder Flycasters Fly Fishing Trip! By Al Permut
Do you think of the Arkansas mostly as a great spring time fishing destination, as in Mother's Day caddis hatch? And then do you kind of forget about it after that? Well -- I confess that was my mind set. That was before our BFC fall trip. I have a totally different mind set now. Fall on the Arkansas will be on my calendar next year (if not again this year).
Six Flycasters joined up for a couple of days to explore
a virtual treasure trove of public water upstream, downstream and near Salida.
The browns are in that pre-spawn feeding mode where every one I caught was fat
and sassy. Bright sun and blue skies made the fishing a little tough at times.
You had to move a lot to find where the good fish were staging. But when you
did -- hang on. If you think browns don't jump -- visit the Arkansas. Everyone
caught fish and some very nice ones. Dries, nymphs and wet flies were all
effective.
Browns were the dominant fish with a good number released in the
14-17" range along with a few even larger rainbows and cut-bows. Lots of
smaller fish kept things interesting while searching for the big fellas. One
aspect of these trips that is perhaps more important than the 'catching' is the
chance to meet new people, fish with a new partner, get some pointers from
experts like Paul Prentiss, give a pointer on what's working for you, and best
of all to get to know each other much better than we can while drinking a beer
before a meeting. I sure enjoyed the company of these Flycasters and look
forward to the next time we can share a golden fall day on gin clear water with
the Collegiate Peaks in the background.
p.s. Let me know what kind of trip would get you excited about joining us on the next time.
4th article
Knots You Can’t Afford NOT to Know by Doug Laiho
What is the main thing that you, no one else, can directly control about your fly fishing rig that links you to every fish you catch?………Unsure, read on….Of all the science and cost associated with the manufactured items that go into your rig, it is all no better than the knot (or more likely, the three knots) that you tieconnecting the line elements together. Knots, believe it or not, are a very interesting subject. There are literally hundreds of different types that have been around thousands of years. The keys to using them are knowing which is the best for what purpose, being easy to remember how to tie them, being physically easy to tie, and keeping the number to a manageable few. This enables you to tie them automatically, under adverse conditions (cold fingers, low light, etc.) and without “knot tools” (those tools are for the most part just another device to clutter up your vest and you still need to remember how to use the tool). I am taking mostly about fly fishing rig knots from fly line to fly, but will divert to one other knot that you can not live without for camping and car top boating.
I’ll start with the most seldom needed, more involved and never-tied-while-wading knot….that really isn’t even a knot. That is the glued “zap-a-gap” splice that is used to connect a tapered leader butt (I use tapered knotless leaders) to a hollow core fly line. The best part about this knot is that it is a very strong and smooth one that does not pick up algae or aquatic vegetation. Don’t even think about putting on a new leader using this type of connection while on the river; instead, tie a nail knot using a nail knot tool. This is the one case where a tool is recommended, or you can wade back to shore, walk to the car, sit down and tie on a new leader. A nail knot otherwise requires two hands, manual dexterity, concentration and patience (not to mention a nail); items not always available while standing in fast, waist deep water and
holding a fly rod.
For connecting the dropper tippet to the leader or tippet, I use a blood knot. Nothing works better for keeping that dropper away from your point fly. It is an easy knot to tie when you have two hands available, otherwise use a triple surgeons knot that is very easy and fast to tie, and get back to fishing.
The fly to tippet knot is typically either the clinch (or improved clinch knot) or the Duncan loop. All three are easy to tie and effective. I use the Duncan loop because it is the first fly fishing knot I learned to tie, although I believe the improved clinch knot is most commonly used by my peers. In a pinch, the Duncan loop can also be used as a substitute leader to fly line knot that can be tied while on the river.
Try them and practice tying so they are part of your skill set when you need them. Don’t wait until you need the right knot on the river; you won’t use it as you’ll be anxious to wet a line. Unintended fly fishing knots (bad ties, wind knots, tangles, etc.) are best handled by clip and re-tie, which saves time, frustration,
preserves line strength and, most importantly, avoids loosing fish.
I saved the best knot for last. Last summer on my Canadian bass fishing trip, my brother taught me a simple, multipurpose knot that I should have known long before now and that is hard to live
without. It is the truckers’ hitch. This knot is a pull-to-untie form of slipknot. Do you ever have a canoe that slips around on your car top rack or a camp fly tarp that sags? You won’t anymore! This knot is the equivalent of a knot cum-a-long and works great for any rope that must stay tight in tension. Be sure the rope you are using is a minimum stretch type rope (braided polyester is the best) or no knot will do the job. Tie this knot as follows:
1. Tie one end of the rope to one side of your car rack (for tying
down a canoe to a car rack) and pass the rope over the
canoe.
2. Before passing the other end around the other end of the car
rack, tie an overhand loop in the rope. You will have to
hold on to the loop to keep it in place (it will slip out with
a little tension) until you complete the next step.
3. Feed the free end of the rope around the rack and through the
loop (without much tension to this point; just with
minimum slack).
4. To tighten the load, pull down on the free end. This will pull
the loop toward the rack, but not all the way to the rack
(if it pulls the loop to the rack, you have either left too
much slack in the rope or tied the loop too closely to
the rack).
5. Pull until the rope is as tight as you like, and then tie off the
rope in place with a half hitch (or two) over the loop.
6. To untie, simply untie the half hitch, pull the free end back
through the loop and tension the rope on both sides of the
loop and the loop will snap (slip) back to a straight
alignment
Confused?….Read the following final paragraph.
You will notice that I did not provide instructions or
diagrams for most of these knots. I know…..what good is a knot if it comes
without instructions. Unfortunately, most written instructions and/or diagrams
don’t help a lot (refer to the preceding description) and I do have a space
limitation! Knots are best learned “hands on” by tying them yourself under the
guidance of someone who already knows how to tie them. Please call me and I
will get you the instructions, references, etc. or go through them with you on
the phone
(303.494.1257 @ home). The Internet also has some good descriptions of these
knots and how to tie them.
Tight lines
(literally)!
5th article:
Fly Tyer’s Bench
LJ’s “Meadow Cricket”
by Tyer: Larry Jurgens -
Recipe:
• Hook: TMC1640
• Size: 6-10
• Thread: Tan 12/0
• Antennae: 7X Monofilament
• Body: Tan 2mm Foam
• Legs: Medium Tan Round Rubber
• IndicatorWing: Orange 2mm Foam
Tying instructions:
Note: Using size 8 hook, body foam equals 4mm wide while Indicator foam equals 2mm wide so that it cannot be seen from below!
Step 1 Measure foam body to hook shank for length, pierce holes with a bodkin at eye and end of hook shank.
Step 2 Place body on hook shank using rear pierced hole.
Step 3 Wrap tying thread from behind eye to 1/3 shank length.
Step 4 Tie in mono loop for antennae, wrap thread back to above hook barb and return.
Step 5 Insert antennae loop through forward pierced hole, place foam over hook eye forming a 2 layer body.
Step 6 Secure foam bottom with 2 wraps above hook point.
Step 7 Put a thin layer of Zap Ca glue (Super Glue) on top of lower body and thread wraps.
Step 8 Fold foam top and bottom together and hold approximately 15 seconds to secure.
Step 9 Secure body to hook with 2 thread wraps above hook point
Step 10 Advance thread on top of body to 1/2 distance between thread wraps and hook eye.
Step 11 Make 2 thread wraps & bring thread on top of body to rear thread wraps. Make 2 wraps.
Step 12 Cut rear of body to shape 2-3 eye lengths from rear of hook.
Step 13 Using 2 pieces of round rubber, form legs.
Step 14 Place rubber legs under rear thread wrap and align legs to center of body on side
Step 15 Secure legs with 3 thread wraps.
Step 16 Advance thread to forward thread wraps.
Step 17 Make 2 thread wraps and place rubber under thread wraps to form front legs.
Step 18 Align front legs with center of body on side.and cut legs to equal 1/2 body length..
Step 19 Tie in Orange foam indicator/wing on top of body & trim front even w/front of head.
Step 20 Whip finish w/minimum number of wraps.
Step 21 Trim rear legs to equal 2 body lengths, front legs to equal 1/2 body length.
Step 22 Cut antennae loop so that antennae equal 3/4 body length.
Step 23 Using Dave’s Flexament or thinned Shoe Goop, cement thread wraps on bottom and sides.
Step 24 Make eyes using a black magic marker.
Good fishing!
6th article
South Boulder Creek Symposium, Held October 14 by Bob Bush
I just returned from a most amazing meeting...
The first-ever meeting of all the players on the front range that have an impact on the water flowing in South Boulder Creek. You know the stream, it’s the one that flows from Eldorado Springs, northeast under HWY 36 , past East Boulder Recreation Center, Baseline Reservoir and finally drains what’s left of it’s water into Middle Boulder Creek, just north of Valmont. This drainage is mostly de-watered during our winter months. Boulder Flycasters, most ably headed by one of our officers, Larry Quilling, has spearheaded an effort to get all the municipalities with water rights for South Boulder Creek, to come to the table to discuss alternatives to what is now the fate of our almost dry creek. Larry and his band of South Boulder Creek Committee members: Al Permut, Bob Bernard, Bruce Helart, Bob Bush. Dan Cohen, Bob Crifasi, David Nickum, Doug Laiho, Jeffrey Thomas, Larry MacDonnell and Lloyd Brady have spent months in private meetings promoting this symposium and what it means to the citizens of Boulder County and our members. We don’t know the final outcome of these discussions in trying to acquire more water, year round, for South Boulder Creek. But we do know these gentlemen have contributed many hours with the sole purpose of helping keep water in the Creek, so that we can all enjoy it’s benefits for generations to come. Thanks to all of you for your help on behalf of the South Boulder Creek drainage. In the coming months, we will keep you informed as to where this little step takes us and hopefully it will turn into a giant leap forward for the watershed!
7th article
Statewide Stream Clean-Up on Middle Boulder Creek September 25th Was A Great Success!
by Mike Malec, Projects Chair
I wanted to thank all of our volunteers who worked on the Memorial Park site in September leading up to the National TU conservation tour: Lloyd Brady, Bob Bush, Terry Escamilla, John Frontczak, Dirk Larsen, Mike Malec, Al Permut, Sven Steinmo, and Chris Rollinson. We were able to finish the East stairway, clean up garbage and weed the entire site, and prepare the large boulder for and install the Boulder Flycaster’s Memorial plaque. We also graded out and compacted an area for a future picnic table at the bottom of the East stairs. Thanks to everyone for their time and efforts, the National Conservation tour was very impressed with our efforts.
The Statewide Stream Cleanup and more specifically our cleanup of Middle Boulder Creek up in Boulder Canyon was a great success. We had 35 volunteers on the day of the event and we picked up enough garbage to fill 111 garbage bags which equals 3,663 gallons of trash removed from Middle Boulder Creek. In reality, it was even more as many people found large objects that were too big to fit into the bags and these were piled on the side of the road as well. The story going around at lunch was that we found enough auto parts to build a complete car. We have some great photos of the event on the website.
I want to thank all of our volunteers: Ardele Anderson, Mary Bauer, Wesley Bauer, Bob Bernard, Robert Blomquist, Lloyd Brady, Bob Bush, David Clark, Brian Cleveland, Wyatt Cleveland, TK Connor, Gavin Creer, Joey Daries, James Eads, Wayne Eads, John Frontczak, Cash Johnson, Craig Johnson, Sky Johnson, Kevin Kiser, Gerard Madigan, Mike Malec, Bill Mass, Wayne Mass, Chris Mizner, Jared Mizner, Milan Mizner, David Nickum, Josh Nims, Al Permut, Alex Petroy, Dave Petroy, Paul Prentiss, Bob Qualls, Mark Riley, Daniel Shea, and Roger Svendsen.
I also would like to thank the Colorado Department of Transportation for picking up all of our trash and getting it to the proper trash facilities.
After our volunteers were done with their labors, everyone returned to the Boulder Flycaster’s Memorial Park for a raffle and a great lunch donated by our wonderful food sponsors: A Spice of Life Events Center, Casa Alvarez, and Pettyjohn’s Liquor and Wines.
Thank you so much to everyone for supporting our efforts to keep our local rivers clean.