How to???

[hankaye]

RonEE, Howdy;

Stuck doing the "run what ya brung" thing.
Only have (so far), a 8'6" 3wt and a 9'6" 6wt.
Haven't been in this game for a longe enough time to accumulate an arsenal like some of ya'll have.
Oh, yea I also have a 10' er. Picked it up in a pawn shop years ago, slapped an uderspin on it and used it for crappie.
Needs to have the guides rewrapped . I'll have to go dig it up and see just what the heck it really is. I've had it close to 20 years and it was old when I got it.

Thanks RonEE, for helping me realize that I have another option.
hank

[letumgo]

Which of the two rods do you like casting better? The 3wt would have the advantage of casting a lighter line and have a softer presentation. The 6 wt has the length advantage that would give you greater line control (easier mending). If I had to choose, I would go with the 3wt. To me, it is a better fit to the size of the stream.

[hankaye]

Jerry, Howdy;

Yep noticed a scum line or 2, (I get it ...shade), as I said eariler, The State has done some restoration work and they were kind enough to leave some "deadfalls" and the banks are undercut nicely on the outside of the curves. They put riffles in between 50' to 100 yards apart. So in the 4,800' or so of river I counted 14 and 10 curves, ... I think.
Riffle lips, I like that, hugher O2 content got it.
As far as bug ID... nil almost, know a housefly when I see it.
Thanks Jerry,
hank

[hankaye]

Return Howdy Ray;

I used the 3wt. the most this Summer. Did use the 6wt. enough to get used to it as well even if it feels like trying to cast with a 2X4 by compareison.
hank

[kanutripr]

Go with the 3wt.

And Hank, just learn the difference between stonefly, mayfly, caddis and worry about size and basic colouration. Then work on some basic patterns for each. That'll be a good start. You'll do fine.

Have a great time!



Vicki

[FliTrap]

Yes!!!! That Stream does say "No fly line on the water!"
I would go with a two fly rig, staying with a tiny spider at the end with a "larger dapping" style, leggie looking, overly hackled wet fly on a dropper! The top fly should be tied on to the 8" long tag of a blood knot.... maybe 24" above the lower one, so it dangles down from the leader!
For sure, the approach of stream would be slow and low to the ground! Then, slowly extending the rod over the bank in a "high stick" manner, and slowly allow the lower fly to sink in without even a splash! Try to keep the top fly so that it ever so slightly, kisses the water, skipping a bit as you "feed" the lower fly down stream by slowly lowering your rod tip!!!! With a good leader set about 2 feet longer then your rod, you can get several feet of "drag free" drift, allowing the lower fly to sink in deeper, so it causes it to do a "rise" at the as you run out of leader! The top fly at that time, will be swimming by that time, as well.
As you run out of leader, let them flies dangle a while, working the line, by moving rod tip from bank side, to then extending it as far as you can reach out! Causes the flies to "ferry across" stream on the dangle! If still no strike..... strip 3-6" then pause!!! Still nothing...... slow up stream trolling by raising your rod, to "retrieve" then take 10 steps down stream and repeat all, keeping a low profile!!!!! Before moving, look down stream and watch for any fish action that you can work towards or continue searching as noted!!
Thanks for sharing this gem of a stream with us! I could take all day to work 100 yards of a stream like that! Never need to cross! Work from the other side, another day!
FliTrap
P.S. As with all down stream presentations, I would try to keep a 3" loop of fly line at your hand, and with any "take" by a trout, drop that loop, then simple slowly move the rod, parallel to the water, away from the flies to tighten up for the set! No need for an upward type "set' of the hook!

[letumgo]

This has turned into a great post Hank. I am really enjoying everyones answers. Great variety of techniques.

[hankaye]

Ray again with a Howdy;

You think you're enjoying this ...Me I'm like rubbinfeet in wool socks on a rug in the winter.. just es..static!

FliTrap, Howdy;

Allow me to get the feel of 1 fly first...then I'll start tryin' for 2fers.

RonEE, If I were to tye on 3 I could get aressted max. here is 2.

Vicki, Howdy;

"stonefly, mayfly, caddis and worry about size and basic colouration. " Got it!
yea I kinda favor the 3 myself. Haven't used the "Common Cents" method to see what the action IS,
but Cabela's described it as a medium action. I DO know it's a great deal softer (whipper), than the 6wt.
THANK YOU ALL
hank

[hankaye]

PS.

Don't stop now ...Keep those cards an letters commin'.....
thanks,
hank

[Ron Eagle Elk]

Hank,

Sorry, didn't realize I'd be putting you in danger of a jail sentence. Of all my rods, and I have a couple, I almost always reach for my 7'6" 4 wgt bamboo if I'm fishing for trout. I love the rod, the way it feels when I cast, the way it feels with a fish on and the way it looks. If your comfortable fishing your 3 wgt, then by all means fish it, but, keep in mind that I would be trying to keep as much line off the water as possible while staying stealthy.

REE