Kype Magazine, Volume 5, Issue 2 by Kype Magazine

What is a Kype?

A kype is a hook that forms on the lower jaw of a male trout, salmon or steelhead, during spawning periods. This is their badge of power and dominance, that is unique to only these species—a sign of a warrior. From this mark of strength comes the title of our magazine, KYPE.

Kype Magazine VOLUME 5 ISSUE 2, 2014

Kype Magazine Boise, Idaho lane.aileen@yahoo.com

www.KypeMagazine.com Kype Staff Publisher: Aileen Lane Cover Design: George Douglas Editor: Joseph Ostrom

Publisher’s Cast...................................................................4 Swimming with the Fishes.....................................................6 Seeing Red..........................................................................14

Trout Dreams: Interview with Brian L Schiele.........................16 Row More, Fish Less...........................................................22 Good Times in the Heart of Steelhead Alley..........................24 Kype Vise: Hairwing Ramblings............................................28 Fishpond’s Cyclepond: More Than Just a Name.....................38 Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff - Unless it’s a Stream...............44 My Conversion to the Fly.....................................................50 Leaders Simplified...............................................................54 Rules, An Appeal for Order: Fly Fishing Etiquette..................58

This photo was taken in Knutson Bay on Lake Iliamna in Alaska. In July through mid August this bay is stacked with Sockeye Salmon, Rainbow Trout and Arctic Char. The lodge I guide for, Rainbow Bay Resort, gets its name because of the abundance of rainbows like the one you see here. On this particular day, we had a double rainbow. The first rainbow was extremely vivid - it felt like it was right on top of us. I told the client to hook into a fish and I’ll get him a photograph that will have him standing under the rainbow. The beauty in Alaska can be so extreme that it feels surreal. ~ Ken Baldwin www.seasonontheedge.com Ken Baldwin is the host, writer and creator of the travel, fishing and adventure show, “Season on the Edge.” Season One aired on NBC Sports with re-airs on The WFN plus in 7 countries world wide.

Best Moments by Aileen Lane

Photo by Grant Taylor Bio: Publisher of Kype Magazine

Fly Tier & Owner of MKFlies 1/3 of the Trifecta of Fly Fishing Ventures Pro Staff Tier for Deer Creek UK Type of Fishing: Fly Fishing Location: Boise, Idaho Websites: KypeMagazine.com MKFlies.com Flyfishingv.com Contact Info: lane.aileen@yahoo.com

of Fly Fishing... I

The Trifecta of Fly Fishing Ventures

often reflect on why I enjoy fly fishing so much. What makes me think about it all the time, what brings me back to the river? The most obvious answer may be those beautiful browns I am blessed to land in my net from time to time. However, I realized that even those days where my friends and I got skunked were filled with such joy and laughter. It’s about taking in the beautiful scenery—making your senses more aware of your surroundings, seeing a fish feed, watching a hatch explode in front of you, feeling the cool waters rush between your fingers. And most important, surrounding yourself with good company—friends who can turn a day of difficult fishing into a day full of smiles, jokes and laughter until your belly aches. But having good company isn’t always a necessity for a great day on the waters. I also fish alone sometimes. Those are the days when fly fishing becomes my form of meditation. A day of reflection. Being alone on the river, I find myself in awe with all the beauty that surrounds me. I realize that the best moments fly fishing does not always include fish. It’s not the numbers game. It all boils down to the heart of fly fishing —fish don’t hang out in ugly places. And for the most of us, I believe as fly fishers, it’s the love of the outdoors that bring us back. Being one with nature. From time to time, we may find ourselves caught up in the numbers game. That’s when we need to stop, take a deep breath and open our eyes. My goal for Kype Magazine is to share some of the beauty we find in fly fishing. The people we meet, the places we go, and yes...even the fish we are so blessed to land in our nets. I have met so many talented people in our industry who have so much knowledge to share. And, I am very pleased to be able to share their talents with you. KYPE

SWIMMING by Tim Baldwin

With The Fishes

couple of times each spring, I grab my waders and fly rod, fire up the truck and head up to Stanley, Idaho to take in the beautiful scenery of the Sawtooth Mountains. Bio: Born and raised in Idaho, Tim Baldwin has been fly fishing for 41 years. He went to high school and college in Lewiston Type of fishing: “I started fly fishing for steelhead around ten years ago. From the first trip, I was “hooked.” One of my greatest thrills is the strength and fight of a steelhead on a fly rod” Local waters: South Fork of the Boise , Middle Fork of the Boise, and the Owyhee. Favorite fly water is the North Fork of the Clearwater for West slope Cutthroat trout. Location: Tim and his wife, Marie moved to Boise, Idaho in 1990 to start their careers and raise a family. Contact: timcbaldwin@gmail.com

The gin-clear water of the upper Salmon River runs through a picturesque valley resembling a setting one would expect to see only on a calendar or in a magazine. Oh, and if that wasn't enough - I have the privilege of fly fishing for steelhead in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Last season, after hearing reports of steelhead being caught on the river, I called my fly fishing buddy Dan on Friday to make plans to hit the road early Sunday morning for a two-plus hour drive. As usual, we saw hundreds of elk on the morning drive, wintering along the river. I always stop and admire the elk but then remind myself of the miles still ahead, and hopefully some steelhead anxious to take a fly. As we reached Stanley and the beautiful snow-capped peaks of the Sawtooth Mountains, the thermometer in the truck verified how cold it looked outside: 26 degrees. We drove a few miles down stream, hoping for warmer temperatures by the time we hit the water. The morning was beautiful but after fishing a couple of holes, getting cold fingers, and ice forming in our fly rod guides, no fish were hooked yet. In the afternoon, we found a nice pocket of water that looked like it might have held a few steelhead. On my second cast I struck gold (or steel, in this case). Each time I hook a steelhead on a fly, I feel an incredible adrenaline rush as the powerful sea run fish causes line to scream from my reel, sometimes seeming like they are going back to the ocean - and the fight begins. This fish did not disappoint. fter several strong runs and even a jump showing his beautiful red sides, the fish was brought to net, admired and released. A couple more fish were hooked, and one of them landed. Even if I hadn’t landed another fish, it would have already been a great day! My cup was full... or so I thought. We were driving up river towards Stanley and stopped at a spot which had yielded some nice steelhead in the past. No fisherman were there.... let's give it a shot, I

A 6

thought. The best run was on the other side of the river, so I knew wading across would be required. With a little higher flows than the last time I had waded across, I was a little concerned about wading against the strong current. I asked Dan what he thought. He said he was game, so we put our fly vests on, grabbed the fly rods and started across. I am taller (and heavier) than Dan which can help with wading the current, and I waded heavy currents quite often. I suggested we wade in tandem with me on the upstream side. A good part of the current force would be broken by me and make it easier for Dan to stay vertical. We started to go into the river each with a walking stick in hand. And hey - worse case scenario, after you fall and get swept down stream, you can shout to people on the bank to save you as you rush by in the swift current, screaming, "For God's sake, grab the stick!" Just less than half way across, Dan on my left side stumbled and looked like he was going down. I did NOT want him to fall in the icy river so my reaction was to kind of jump pivot to my left (facing downstream) and grab him before he went down. So, instead of having three solid anchors, at least two in contact with the river bottom at all time, my right leg and walking stick were in motion and I spun on my left foot and reached for Dan. Much to my surprise, and to Dan's as well, my right leg continued swinging with the heavy current and my left leg couldn't hold. It was happening and this is going to be cold! SPLASH! TIM IS DOWN! I was completely on my side in the fast current being swept away doing a solo synchronized swimming demonstration. Thankfully, I managed after a 6 foot drift, to make it back to my feet and secure two solid feet on the bottom. I stood up soaking wet, water pouring off me. I think I could tell by the sound, some of the water had turned to icicles as they splashed in the water. Maybe it was the water in my ear, not sure. My upper body was drenched and I could feel the water making it past my wader belt running down my legs and feet. If you have never experienced the feeling of 30 degree water soaking your clothes and filling up your waders, I don’t recommend it! With my

Photo by Tim Baldwin

”I was completely on my side in the fast current being swept away doing a solo synchronized swimming demonstration.” ~Tim Baldwin

body in a cold shock, I waded my way back to the bank, where we started. I looked out at Dan and said - trying not to shiver as I spoke - that I was going to change into dry clothes. It had been a few years since I had taken an icy plunge, but when fishing in cold temperatures and wading on slippery rocks, I have learned to take a complete set of extra clothes and waders. Dan took a couple more steps out, paused in the heavy current, and thought better of it as he turned around and very carefully waded to the bank. I’m pretty sure that was a good decision. Dan went down stream and fished on the roadside for a while. I was now set with dry waders and clothes and needed to finish what I had started; that river could NOT beat me, not with my full attention and faculties on high alert! I had to cross that river. I plodded very carefully across the current, with each step and walking stick finding a secure hold before proceeding forward. The trek across was a little challenging and my heart was beating fast, but I stayed upright and made it without any more “America’s Funniest Home Videos” moments. I now needed to make my icy bath and tedious wading across worth it. I fished my way downstream and through the spots I had landed fish before, but no action. The water looked promising down a little farther so there was still hope. After around 15 minutes of covering a beautiful blue/green run, I felt something solid. I set the hook, held tight to see if it was moving or another rock. I felt a hard pull and my line started running upstream. FISH ON! After a good fight of ten minutes or so, I landed a beautiful wild male Salmon River steelhead. I took a knee in the shallow water, gripped the fish in front of the tail and tried to absorb this moment to its fullest. I dislodged my barbless hook from the fish, held it by the tail in the cold water for an hour (okay, more like 15 seconds) and off he went back into the beautiful blue water from whence he came. e had an hour of daylight left. I finished up that run and Dan and I had another spot or two we wanted to hit on the way back up to Stanley so we agreed to head up to the truck. Sigh..... it was time to wade across the river again! I did not pack a 3rd set of dry clothes so I needed to stay vertical! I made it back across to the truck as planned..... dry, warm and smiling! So yes, wading the river was well worth it! Attached is a picture of one of the day's steelhead I caught and released back to the icy waters we shared (literally) on that beautiful day on the Salmon River. KYPE

“I’m no purist when it comes to fishing. I go with what the fish are taking at that given time. Just recently, I picked up a switch rod and started steelhead fishing. They say once you land your first steelhead on the swing, your life is over - that’s all you think about.” Mike Raymondi, Boise Idaho Rugged Creek Fly Rods Boise Rep. ruggedcreekflyfishing.com

Photography of Arthur Balluff www.arthurballuffphoto.com

Arthur Balluff Photography

“I was initially inspired to pick up the camera by the sparkling vibrance of trout. After fishing and shooting over 100 days a year, I’m becoming increasingly eager to capture the minute detail of aquatic insects, the breathtaking drama of fishing related landscapes and the skies above them, and the actions of casting, setting the hook, rowing a boat, tying on flies, etc.” A.J. Swentosky, Alpine WY www.thefrogwater.com

A.J Swentosky

A.J. Swentosky

Seeing Red by Alan Bithel

More Than What Meets The Eye

nger, aggression and adrenaline are what usually makes a person see red. I’ve been there once, and I don’t intend to go back. Many animals exhibit the same behavior; for fish, however, it is a unique natural survival mechanic. Bio: Production fly tier, demonstrator, instructor and sometime fishing author, scratching a living in the Highlands of Scotland, so I can spend as much time as possible on the water fishing. Yes in other words a trout bum! Fly tying: Well, I lash things to hooks and tubes, not to mention the odd waddington. The results have, occasionally, been known to bear some resemblance to what I intended when I started. Some of you may have met me at various shows others read my occasional musings in print or elsewhere online. For my sins I am a member of the very disreputable Deer Creek Pro Team, and work with Virtual Nymph. Website: www.crackaigflies.co.uk/

Recently I discovered that my local trout see red for very different reasons, and in a very interesting way that can become advantageous for you if your intent is to capture them. The lochs in my part of the Highlands are acidic; this is from the peat that blankets this part of the world. There are still people who cut and dry this for household fuel. Aquatic insects find it difficult to extract oxygen from the water if it is acidic. To counter this their hemoglobin has to be more efficient. As it becomes more efficient it also becomes more red. Just the other day a friend compared the insects in his garden pond to the insects in his water butt. His pond is more acidic, therefore the insects from his pond are distinctly more red than those from his water butt. This explained the choice of which flies we use. Tradition has us using lots of flies with red in them. My approach to the traditional flies has been to ask, “What is it that makes this pattern successful?” Then to look into how modern materials enable me to tie flies with more of what makes them work.One great example of this is a fly we call a Cardinal Palmer. The starting point for this fly was the traditional Soldier Palmer. Pulling a Soldier Palmer through the surface of a loch has always been an effective method to attract trout. Two things struck me about this fly: the

Soldier Palmer is basically red and bushy. So the obvious course of action was to make it more red and bushier. More red was easy. First replace the red wool tail with Glo – Brite No. 4; that’s about as red as red gets. Then, replace the red game head hackle with a dyed red hackle. Bushier isn’t difficult either. The traditional fly has about 6 turns of natural red game cock hackle along the body. Mine have around 20 turns of red game (brown) dry fly saddle hackle. That’s how the Cardinal Palmer was born. Other flies received similar treatment. If you look in my loch fly box you will not find any flies with the traditional red wool tail. Glo – Brite No. 4 has replaced them all. You will, however, find a few Soldier Palmers with the traditional six turns of hackle. Sometimes the fish want the fly a little lower in the water, usually during the colder months of the season - that’s why I still carry a few of these. Here’s a selection of other flies that have this important red feature. All of them are, or are based on, traditional loch flies. Of course red isn’t the only colour that helps in this way. Orange can be equally and sometimes more effective. The orange of Golden Pheasant tippet adds a tint to the fly that can make a huge difference. Often when a Williams Favourite will not produce, a Black Pennel will. The only difference is the addition of a tail of GP tippet fibres. It may seem extreme (at least, it does to me), but the Orange Rough Fly has proven to be one of our most reliable producers. Another is the Dunkeld, which is given its orange from the palmered hackle. Next time you set out to fish a new water it will pay to find out before hand what the pH of the water is. If it is lower than 7, red and orange should be used in your flies. KYPE

My approach to the traditional flies has been to ask, “What is it that makes this pattern successful?”

Trout Dreams by Aileen Lane

An Interview with Brian L. Schiele

D Bio: Publisher of Kype Magazine Fly Tier & Owner of MKFlies 1/3 of the Trifecta of Fly Fishing Ventures Pro Staff Tier for Deer Creek UK Type of Fishing: Fly Fishing Location: Boise, Idaho Websites: KypeMagazine.com MKFlies.com Flyfishingv.com Contact Info: lane.aileen@yahoo.com

reamy. Unique. Beautiful. Open the pages of the book, Trout Dreams by Brian L. Schiele, and you will no doubt agree. Kype: Which came first- photography or fly fishing? Brian: Photography was first, by a long shot. My photography experience began nearly 30 years ago when I took my first photography class in junior high school. My fly fishing experience began nearly seven years ago. I caught my first fish ever, a small brown trout, at the age of 37. I was a late bloomer! Kype: Tell me about your photography-what makes it unique, what influences you? Do you create the scene or does it find you? Brian: My camera choice is the first thing that makes my photography unique, at least when it comes to fly fishing photography. I can’t say I have seen anyone else use a Hoga when it comes to fly fishing photography before. Because of my camera choice, I would say that the dreamy and timeless qualities that I get from it is also unique as well as the format of my photographs square shape. My photographs are exclusively black and white. A few years ago, I attended a lecture given by a photographer, and the one thing that stuck with me from that lecture was, “Don’t just take photographs, be taken by them.” This is true about a lot of my photographs. That being said, a good number

of my photographs manifest themselves in my head and are just waiting to be taken, especially the double exposures and the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Holgaramas.â&#x20AC;? I have a photography journal that I write in and doodle on that I hold some of the photographs that are waiting to be taken. Some of those ideas are made and some of them even see their way to my blogsite.

You canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t call yourself an artist and not be influenced by just those that participate in the same medium that you do. Influence and inspiration are everywhere! You just have to be open to seeing it and embracing it when you find it or it finds you. Kype: What are your favorite subject matters when taking photographs of fly fishing? Brian: I enjoy photographing all the different aspects of fly fish-

ing, from the more scenic landscapes, to close ups of fish or flies, to capturing a moment of being on the river fishing. I just want to capture the whole fly fishing experience. I just want to do it in a way that captures the timelessness of being on the river. Kype: Tell me about your book. What made you publish it, what are your goals, your dreams? Brian: I have always wanted to do a book of my photography. But up until this point in my photographic experience, my photography consisted mostly of single photographs so I never really hand any kind of work to do a book. As I got more and more good photographs, a theme developed. And the next thing I know, I thought the natural thing to do was a book. Goal wise, I want to have an exhibit. I think what I have so far is the thematic and artistic work I have done and I think it would lent itself well to a gallery exhibit. Dream wise, I would really love to see one of my black and white, square photographs on the

cover

fly

fishing 19

magazine. I would also like to do some photography for a fly fishing company catalog or ad campaign. Kype: Do you have any projects you are currently working on? Brian: I am still continuing on with the Trout Dreams theme, using my square format Holga. But in 2013, I got a 6 x 12 Pan Holga Camera that I am really

liking

and

have

had

some great results with. I have had a lot of successful photographs of Tenkara Fly Fishing, so I may doing a book using the Pan Holga camera about that. Kype: Thank you Brian! We look forward to seeing more of your beautiful work! Check out Brian L. Schieleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website at www.mtbbrian.com

KYPE

Fishing Blogs Fly Only Zone

Tying Fly Fishing & Tying

www.unaccomplishedangler.com

www.anglergang.com www.thejerseyangler.blogspot.com

Row More by Kirk Werner

Fish Less

popular metaphor amongst many previous and soon-to-be-previous boat owners is that a boat is little more than a hole in the water into which one pours their money. Bio: Kirk Werner is a freelance graphic artist, keeper of the Unaccomplished Angler blog and author of a series of children’s fly fishing books: Olive the Little Woolly Bugger, Olive and The Big Stream, and Olive Goes for a Wild Ride. Type of fishing: Trout and steelhead in moving water Location: Wet side of Washington state Website: www.olivethewoollybugger.com www.itchydogproductions.com Contact: Unaccomplishedangler@gm ail.com

It seems these jaded and financially broken individuals have few good things to say when reflecting upon their former or soon-to-beformer boat ownership experiences. They’re also quick to proclaim that the two happiest days of a boat owner’s life are the day they buy it, and the day they sell it. In my estimation these contemptuous assertions pertain to expensive, complex vessels involving motors, hydraulics, electronics and expansive teak surfaces. But when it comes motor-less boats intended for drift fishing rivers, the aforementioned proclamations hold less water than a self-bailing raft. That said, even with regard to these simple craft, naysayers abound and the mere mention that you’re thinking about getting a drift boat is sure to bring this cautionary response: “When you get a drift boat you’ll spend more time rowing and less time fishing.” Despite or perhaps because of that I recently acquired my first river boat and from my perspective what I fail to see in this last statement is, how can more rowing and less fishing possibly be a bad thing? To understand my perspective one must first consider my angling track record. I do catch fish, but most of the time when I’m fishing with friends I’m the guy who catches the least—by far. This occurs almost without fail, and in fact the lingering smell of a skunk is the norm rather than the exception with regard to my angling prowess. Just ask anyone who has ever fished with me—I’m the guy that makes other anglers feel rather accomplished. Next, let’s take a look at what I would, by default, call my home water: the Yakima River. Due to a good PR team, the Yakima tends to get top billing as a trout stream in Washington state. There are other statewide rivers that likely offer equal or better

Rowing is Good

catching, but none of them have gained the widespread notoriety that the Yakima has. ‘Blue Ribbon’ is a marketing term used by mostly commercial outfits that earn their living by taking clients on the river, but Blue Ribbon is a far stretch at best. Yes, the Yakima has a fair number of trout, but she’s a finicky minx of a river. Unless one fishes it with great regularity she can reliably be expected to turn a cold shoulder to most anglers. It’s like being the underdeveloped kid at a Junior High school dance all over again. Don’t get me wrong— the Yakima produces some 20+ inch trout (and whitefish) from time to time, and plenty of 12-15 inchers. Just not when I fish it. For me the Yakima River is more of a Participant’s Ribbon trout stream. Enter into evidence a catch-challenged fisherman and a river filled with antisocial trout. Take that combination and you begin to see why spending less time fishing and more time on the oars cannot, in my case, be considered a bad thing. Nay, from my perspective, rowing is a savior. Your river mileage may vary, but before you dismiss my position on the matter ponder the many widespread benefits of spending time on the sticks:

Just ask anyone who has ever fished with me - I’ m the guy that makes other anglers feel rather accomplished ~ Kirk Werner

Good rowing is good for you. If you’re doing a decent job of rowing, you’re in constant motion; back-stroking to slow the boat in the current. The people in your 23

One should play the fish quickly and efficiently and keep it in the water, and talk nicely to it. Or, stay on the oars where you’re no threat to the well being of the fish whatsoever. Zero impact. As the oarsman, your limit is none. ~Kirk Werner

boat—you know, the people actually fishing—will appreciate your efforts as their flies enjoy a nice long drift. And the fitness benefits increase with the flow of the river. Add to that a bit of a downstream wind and there’s sure to be a very good workout in store for the oarsman. Conversely, fishing from the boat offers very little physical fitness benefit. When was the last time your chest, back and shoulders were sore after a day of casting? (Flats fishing in the wind with a 12 weight doesn’t count). Rowing is good for productivity. While a painfully slow day of not catching fish can cause many to question their decision to spend an entire day on the water, being on the oars makes for a completely gratifying day. When fishing, you cast, mend, cast some more, tie on a new fly, cast and mend, and repeat. If you’re lucky you may also play a fish (although highly doubtful when fishing, say, the Yakima River). If you don’t hook a fish your day has been incomplete because face it—catching fish is the goal of fishing. The goal of rowing is to row. A good day wasted, said nobody with regard to a day spent on the oars. Rowing is good for the soul. Just being on the water with oar grips in your hands is a good thing in my book. You’ll spend all day basking in the glory of the outdoors, relaxed and unburdened by the anxiety that comes with worrying whether or not there are any fish in the water. You’re just rowing, connected to the flow of the river. Nothing more. Enjoy being in the moment—being one with the water. Rowing is good for the ego. If one of the folks in your boat catches a fish, the oarsman can (and should) take a fair amount of the credit for the fish. The angler didn’t put themselves on the fish, after all. However, if they didn’t catch a fish, it wasn’t the fault of the oarsman—it was likely due to inferior angling skills. Rowing is a win-win proposition. Rowing is good for the fish. As conservation-minded anglers we owe it to the resource to leave as little impact as possible. We know full well that even catch and release brings with it a certain, albeit small, level of fish mortality. It’s physically traumatic for fish to be hooked, played and handled, and some don’t survive despite our best intentions. Those that do survive have to deal with the emotional fallout (PTS). One should play the fish quickly and efficiently and keep it in the water, and talk nicely to it. Or, stay on the oars where you’re no threat to the well being of the fish whatsoever. Zero impact. As the oarsman, your limit is none. It is also said that a bad day of fishing is better than a good day at work, and while that may be true there’s no such thing as a bad day of rowing. Unless you flip your boat. Good fishing rowing!

KYPE

Good Times by George Douglas

In Steelhead Alley Ohio

A Author / Publisher Steelhead Guide Fishing Hall of Fame Inductee Contact: steamsider@gmail.com

rustic sportsman’s lodge situated above a one hundred foot cliff cascading over the Grand River is occupied by a dozen or so local “Outdoor Writers.” I was lucky enough to be invited to this lodge. Driving down the long wooded driveway towing a seventeen foot drift boat, I begin to see the group of guys sitting inside around the dining room table. . Handshakes went around around as I introduced myself - after all, I was the “new guy” for this annual event. The crew was loose, with cans of beer cracking and some great fishing stories floating around. Chiming in, I give the guys an update on the river conditions on the Grand River. “High and muddy guys, but they’re in there...and we’re gonna get’em tomorrow.” A few guys thought it would still be too high, while a couple others argued back that it was on the drop. The disruption started to fade, and I interrupted, “Who’s with me? Leaving at 4 am and gonna float it down in my drift boat, so I can only take two.” No hands raised, followed by a very loud, “4 am??!!” Chatter escalated around the table once again of who was in and who was out. Photo by Mike Mainhart

Double- Header: George and Phil Hillman.

It is a destination that should be on all steelheader’s bucket list....it’s not called Steelhead Alley for nothing!

Two guys paired up and stepped forward. One was Phil Hillman, an Ohio Fisheries Biologist / Manager, and the other was Mike Mainhart, an Outdoor Writer and Photographer for several publications. I went outside with Phil and Mike to start preparing the boat, getting it ready for the next morning. That’s when Bob Ulas, the Lake County Visitor’s Bureau Director, pulled up and offered to take the whole crew to Debonne Vineyards one of the local wineries. We all hopped in his truck and had a couple of other vehicles head out to the winery. Not all the guys were big drinkers, but each glass of great local wine made 4 am seem less and less practical The sportsman’s lodge has a big kitchen, so while we were at the winery, a couple of the wives came in and cooked us all a great meal. Coming back from the winery to steamed windows and the smell of a home-cooked meal got everyone riled up with more fishing tales and razing -- the wives quickly exited Overall, we had a great time! 4 am came quickly, and we launched the boat into the big river. I powerrowed directly to the prime steelhead water where I thought the fish would be. High and muddy it was, but it didn’t matter. Multiple hook ups and double-digit fish were landed -- even a double-header with Phil and I. Lake County Fishing comes through again! It is a destination that should be on the bucket list of every steelheader, even if you are from out of state. The Cleveland Airport puts you only a half an hour away from some of the best Steelhead waters in the entire Great Lakes system - after all, it isn’t called Steelhead Alley for nothing! A great alternative to the mighty Grand River is the Chagrin. It’s a champ with miles of great fishing. Be sure to stop in at the Backpackers Fly Shop - one of the best fly shops around. www.backpackersflyshop.com The best time to fish in Steelhead Alley is during the spring. March and April are a home-run nearly 100% of the time. The fall isn’t bad either, but not as good as the spring run. The fishing pressure here is very low, which was one of the

Floating the Grand--Photo by Mike Mainhart

most appealing aspects to me personally. Sometimes I will float nearly ten miles and only see a dozen or so anglers. So, you pinners and swingers will have no problem covering great distances without having someone plunking over your line. Egg patterns are the ticket during the morning hours, but as soon as the fishing slows down, switch to traditional trout nymph patterns in natural colors. Be sure to tie these flies on strong steelhead hooks, not trout hooks. For those of you who have a lot of patience and want to land that steelhead on the rise, throw some skaters in brighter colors. I accidentally discovered success of this technique after my strike indicators were continually attacked. A special thanks to everyone that contributed to this great event, and I hope to join all of you once again. The lodge we stayed in is available to the public, hosted by Lake Metroparks. They have two eight-bed cabins at a great price, and one of the most comfortable accommodations around. The restaurants, breweries and wineries in the region are plentiful, which is refreshing to see after spending a lot of time in tiny fishing villages that usually have a few greasy spoons and dingy taverns. Check out this link to book your next trip at Lake County Sportsmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lodge. Trust me, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be coming back every year! ~George KYPE

Multiple hook ups and double-digit fish were landed -even a doubleheader with Phil and I. Lake County Fishing comes through again!

http://lakemetroparks.com/parks/ facilities/cabins.shtml Photo by John Hayes Photo by Mike Mainhart

Hairwing Ramblings

by MARTY HEIL

’ve been tying and fishing more or less my whole life since 1978 when I decided I wanted Dad and I to be fly fishermen.

I’ve been tying and fishing since the late 70’s. Blessed to travel and fish all over but my heart lies with the small wild fish of the southern Appalachians. I fish waters big and small every chance I get from coast to coast and across oceans, but my soul sings best in those small wild waters I grew up on. I fish mostly for the Salmonids but hit warm water now and then as well. Specks (Brookies) are my true love. I’m a bamboo and dry fly guy mostly but my purist rants are made with my tongue firmly in cheek. I make my home near Nashville, Tennessee (no I don’t sing or play guitar). Marty.heil@yahoo.com

Always a good sport, Dad was involved and even funded my start in tying despite knowing the “saving money” bit for the sales pitch it was. He hauled me to conclaves all over when I started demo tying before I could drive. In the last decade or two traditional flies and tackle have for me come to maximize the joy I get being totally disconnected from life while on the water. I can’t fish every day but I can turn off the smartphone and computer, put on some music, and like a Zen master fly in my mind to streams far away filled with rising fish as my fingers flutter over the vise. The Zen of casting and tying have helped me keep my sanity (more or less) in so many far flung places and jobs that it’s hard to put into words how much I love our sport. Marty’s Rules of Fishing # 7: Fishing only with store bought flies is like trying to talk to a pretty girl through an interpreter. It works - sort of - but it will work far better if you learn the language and tie your own flies. It is more satisfying and more effective. I’ve always had a soft spot in my heart for attractors. In a big city living in a downtown condo, I made friends with a gentleman in his 80’s named Art. A T&T midge in its tube on the elevator led to a conversation and friendship. Art’s wife wouldn’t let him fish alone anymore. The memory of him just downstream fishing a Royal Coachman in every single hatch makes me smile every time. Art would just get the size right, cast away and out fish me 5:3 no matter how much more “correct” my fly was. I can still see those

hunched shoulders shaking in silent laughter as I madly changed flies. Finally in full surrender I’d ask what size he was fishing. I fully expect to see Art casting one of his Royals at the home pool on the River Jordan someday, eyes twinkling as I ask what they’re taking... Enough rambling, and I’ll try to come to the point about hair wing dries. Of all the classic flies I teach and demonstrate, traditional dries seem to intimidate people the most. Catskills style dries are perhaps a bit out of fashGray Orange Grizzly Wulffs ion but still incredibly effective and far easier to tie than one might think. The Wulff style Hairwings (and others) are insanely durable, float like a cork, and catch the snot out of fish all over the world. In the fall of 1929, Lee Wulff changed the face of popular dry fly fishing forever. His Wulffs are durable, deadly, and easy to tie. Most modern tied Wulffs ignore the innate bugginess of the original patterns. Nowadays we want to get every fiber stacked just perfect but Lee just evened the hair a bit by hand (he also tied sans vise). The original 3: White, Grey, and Royal were his; the Black, Grizzly and several others came later from other tiers. The Black and Grizzly I know were by Dan Bailey (a contemporary and friend of Lee). Dave Brandt’s Minonipi is another superb variant (I tie it in smaller sizes for every olive mayfly, not just the big burrowers Dave designed it for). Some argue that Lee’s Wulffs were an outgrowth of Rube Cross’ Quack that he tied for Leonard Quackenbush of the Beaverkill Trout club in the early 30’s. Others argue that the Thunderhead of similar vintage from Bryson City, NC came first. I’d humbly suggest that you read the old books for yourself and decide. In the pre multimedia era of the 20s and 30s I’d say it’s most likely that the 3 big hairwing innovations happened independently-ish. It is utterly irrelevant to fishing or tying but fun for fly fishing history nerds like me (we should probably have a gorgeous argument about the real origin of the Yallerhammer in some future issue). Before you go out in print with your newest invention, I’d humbly suggest that most innovations are really variants of things done before. I for one tend to keep to the traditional dressings (other than color to suit my fish). Of course tie and fish however you have the most fun but don’t be surprised when a grumpy old fart like me pounces and points out that it was done 50 years ago and isn’t new at all.

Marty’s Rules of Fishing # 7. Fishing only with store bought flies is like trying to talk to a pretty girl through an interpreter……

Marty’s Rules of Fishing #33: your “new” fly you invented is not new. If you do some research you’ll find that you’ve rediscovered something already done in the 300+ year modern history of our sport. There are exceptions to this but they are rarer than honest politicians. Lee originally used bucktail for both wing and tail. I've used Kip for Minonipi Wulff the wing as he did in his later versions; the spiky tips make for a deceptively sparkly translucent wing. As is true of hackle and other natural materials Kip (calf) tail varies widely in quality. The best possible thing for you to do is go down to your local Fly Shop and look, touch, feel and pick the best material out of the onhand stock. Necks, saddles, bucktail, kip and every other natural material varies so widely even from the same supplier that there is just no way to be 100% sure you’re getting the best for your tying when you order off the internet or from a catalog. Picking the shade of Dun that works best for the flies where you fish will both increase your productivity. Plus, it’s just fun to paw through piles of materials! If you don’t support the local fly shops they won’t be there in years to come, and a cup of coffee at my laptop while shopping just doesn’t match a good kibitz down at the fly shop on a nice (non fishing) morning. Okay! On to the tying: Wulff’s are fat buggy flies intentionally and I find they work out best Quack and Thunderhead on a 1x long hook. Tied properly they float like battleships, and since they can take the weight, I use a 2x heavy hook. Twice last year, I had 1x light standard dry fly hooks straightened by big fish on the local tailwater, so when I can get away with a heavy hook I do. I prefer the older (no longer made) Mustads, but the TMC3761 are terrific and widely available. They are high quality and proportioned pretty well. When a hook says it’s 1x long that means it is the length of one hook size larger; i.e. a 1x long size 12 has a shank the same length as a size 11. A hook that is 2x heavy uses the same diameter wire as one that is 2 sizes larger; i.e. a size 12 2x heavy uses the same diameter wire as a size 10. This is a very good thing when you tangle 30

with a big fish! Wulffs are also widely used for salmon and are superb when tied on a low water salmon #8 (my favorite Atlantic Salmon pattern and a great gift for a friend, which you can put in a wine cork on their desk). There are many ways and methods to do each step in tying a fly. 50 good tiers (I may or may not be one of those depending on who you ask) will do things 68 different ways on any given day. Learn and observe as many tiers as you can and work out the techniques and methods that you like best. This is the way I’ve learned to tie over the last 35 or so years ,you may find a way that suits you better. 1. Keep in mind this is a DRY FLY it floats so keep the thread wraps to a minimum. Lay a base of thread for the wing from 1 hook eye back on the shank to just in front of the point. For general tying I mostly use silk but use your favorite thread. I’m not a fan of the 14/0 and smaller threads for general tying as they can cut materials and encourage overwrapping (they’re awesome for midges etc. but 6/0 or 8/0 is better for dries down to #20).

Marty’s Rules of Fishing #33. Your “new” fly you invented isn’t. If you do some research you’ll find that you’ve re-discovered something already done in the 300+ year modern history of our sport.

2. Pick a pinch of hair and even it by plucking at the tips. Lee didn’t use a stacker and the tips on original flies vary. This is intended to be a buggy fly not a groomed display piece. Length of the wing is 1 and a half times the hook gap and it should fall a few hook eyes or so forward of the mid point between the point and front end of the shank. 3. Lay the hair on your side of the shank at approximately 45° downward angle; use the wraps to position the pinch of hair on top of the shank and wrap forward 3 or 4 turns. Using wraps to final position materials is often difficult at first. It’s easier if you can remember that the tension on the thread is not even all the way around; rather, you wrap gently and only apply pressure straight down. Even pressure all the way around with the bobbin tends to spin your materials on the shank. 4. Stand your wing up by using 4 or 5 turns hard right at the roots of the wing in front. Divide the hair more or less evenly. (No need to count fibers, eyeball it.) Take one turn between the wings front to back and one turn back to front. Figure 8 the thread around the wing once holding each wing in your 31

fingers and applying downward pressure at each side. Finish with a wrap behind the wing so that the next steps don’t torque your wings out of place. This is far easier than it sounds and I’ll be happy to show you in person sometime. A key point on the wings is to not get carried away with the thread. It takes about 1/10th of the wraps you think to get a perfect wing. And remember, it’s meant to float so keep the weight down. Finish by trimming the butts perpendicular to the hook shank as close to the wraps as you can. (This leaves what looks like a huge bump but trust me it will help make an even perfect body in a minute). A lot of books will tell you to trim at a 45 degree angle and wrap it down but that adds bulk and makes it harder to get a nice body. 5. Lay a single layer of touching thread wraps back to the end of the shank. Stop at or just before the hook curves usually just above the barb. Make 2 or 3 wraps right at the end to make a little bump to help the tail position. Standard length for the tail is shank to bend. I even the natural brown calf tail by hand but use a stacker if you like. 6. Tail fibers should be about the length of the hook shank or a tad more. Even them a bit and at a 45° angle lay the tail on your side of the shank and use the wraps to position it. Wrap forward until it meets the butts of the wing. See how the butts of both wing and tail now make a nice level base for your body. 7. Some tiers eschew wax nowadays but I firmly believe it makes dubbing a lot easier. This is muskrat underfur but you can use any grey you like or even mohair rabbit yarn. You can also deviate here and use any color you like to match any bug (it’s probably not exactly a Grey Wulff anymore but we’re ultimately trying to catch fish after all). Whatever you use, remember you need A LOT less dubbing than you think. 32

When putting it on the thread, roll it in one direction only until it’s nice and tight. Then make an even, tapered (but in this case fat) body. Stop your body about a hook eye behind the wing. You can also find mohair, muskrat, and rabbit yarns for dry bodies if you don’t like dubbing the old fashioned way….. 8. The heart of any dry fly is the hackle. Those “packs” are the worst possible way to buy feathers. On a per fly basis it is unbelievably expensive. Buy the best necks or saddles you can. The initial cost is more but a good neck can tie hundreds if not thousands of flies. Originally, the Grey Wulff called for dun (light and dark). I use a medium dun and grizzly. You can if you like, use just one feather. There is a nearly 100 year old debate about shiny vs. dull side forward. You’ll have to decide for yourself which you prefer. I almost always mix colors on dries as it really adds to the bugginess. And it’s also tradition. Use a gauge if you like but I just eyeball about one and half time the hook gap fibers. Pick your two feathers and lay them together. Shift the top feather about 1/32 of an inch forward and tie them in on the under side of the shank at a 45° angle behind the wing. I use 2 wraps behind the wing and 3 in front. (Shifting the feathers keeps the second from throwing barbs till you’re into the hackle collar). The instinct here is to over- do it; I make 2 turns behind the wing and 3-5 in front. When you tie off your hackle, do so on the opposite side of the eye (on a down eye hook, tie the hackle off on top). This helps you keep the eye clear. No need to build a huge head ,just whip finish and apply a drop of head cement or spar varnish. I tie most traditional dries with white silk. Notice how it just about disappears to the color of the underlying dun hackle when the cement is applied.

Keep in mind this is a DRY FLY it floats so keep the thread wraps to a minimum.

Everybody knows recipes are for cupcakes so here are the patterns: The first three are Lee Wulff’s originals and the others are some of my favorite variations but there are many more.

It’s easier if you can remember that the tension on the thread is NOT even all the way around. Rather, you wrap gently and only apply pressure straight down.

Grey Wulff Thread: I use white or black silk for most of my tying but use what you like. (White silk really disappears with head cement going neutral grey.) Wing: White kip (calf tail) Tail: Brown buck tail Body: Muskrat underbody or whatever grey you prefer Hackle: Dun (I mix with grizzly) White Wulff An all white fly (great for the coffin fly and other pale duns and very easy to see really early and really late in the day). In bigger sizes this is a killer for Atlantic Salmon. You’re missing a bet if you don’t skate one of these in the gloaming on a summer evening. Thread: White Wing: White kip Tail: White buck Body: Pale fox or snowshoe hair or any white or pale cream you like Hackle: White

Royal Wulff A great fly! You make it a TN Wulff by subbing lime or highlander green for the red. Yes, this is an attractor but find a picture of a caddis hatching and you’ll see the nymphs use a bubble to help them reach the surface. The proteins on that bubble shine in sunlight in exactly that iridescent green of herl so there’s more to the effectiveness of Lee’s Strawberry shortcake than just gaudiness. Thread: Black Wing: White kip (calf tail) Tail: Brown buck tail (Many versions use golden pheasant and fish love it. It just doesn’t float quite as well.) Body: 3 turns of peacock herl, a band of red silk and then 3 more turns of peacock Hackle: Furnace Dan Bailey’s Grizzly Wulff Thread: Black Wing: Brown kip (calf tail) Tail: Brown buck tail or moose Body: Yellow silk (the orange Wulff just substitutes orange silk and is my personal go-to in the mountains.) Hackle: Black and Grizzly Dan Bailey’s Black Wulff Thread: Black Wing: Brown kip (calf tail) Tail: Brown buck tail or moose Body: Pink silk Hackle: Black and Grizzly

Dave Brandt’s Minonipi Wulff Thread: Olive-brown Wing: Brown kip (calf tail) Tail: Woodchuck tail guard hairs Body: Olive brown beaver or seal Hackle: Medium Dun and Grizzly Fran Better’s Ausable Wulff Thread: Hot orange Wing: White kip (calf tail) Tail: Woodchuck tail guard hairs Body: Rusty orange dubbing (Australian possum) Hackle: Brown and Grizzly Beartrap Wulff Thread: Black Wing: Brown kip (calf tail) Tail: Black bear guard hairs Body: Black bear underfur Hackle: Furnace and Grizzly Rube Cross’ Quack Thread: Black Wing: Brown kip (calf tail) Tail: Brown hackle fibers or golden pheasant tippet Body: Peacock herl and red silk Hackle: Brown Thunderhead Thread: Black Wing: White kip (calf tail) Tail: Brown & grizzly hackle fibers, mixed Body: Muskrat (or Possum) Hackle: Brown and grizzly You may or may not have noticed that flies are getting harder to see on the water. I often substitute dyed kip for the wing and get a very traditional fly that is also easy to see. I’d like to think Lee would heartily approve. Tight Lines -m KYPE 35

Ryan Tomczyk Guide at The Last Resort Outfitters Guides & The Firehole Ranch RiverRatGuides@gmail.com

Fishpond’s Cyclepond by Aileen Lane

More Than Just a Name

s we all know, gear plays an important role in fly fishing—functionality, comfort and cost. But, there’s one more factor we should consider— environmental responsibility. Bio: Publisher of Kype Magazine Fly Tier & Owner of MKFlies 1/3 of the Trifecta of Fly Fishing Ventures Pro Staff Tier for Deer Creek UK Type of Fishing: Fly Fishing Location: Boise, Idaho Websites: KypeMagazine.com MKFlies.com Flyfishingv.com Contact Info: lane.aileen@yahoo.com

Fishpond continues to provide environmentally-conscience products with their new line called Cyclepond by recycling commercial fishing nets. I had the opportunity to test their new lumbar pack made from Cyclepond, as well as interview Fishpond’s Founder and Co-Owner, Johnny Le Coq. I was very pleased and impressed with how quickly Mr. Le Coq took the time to respond to my questions. Kype: I commend Fishpond's part in addressing the need for environmental protection by using recycled fishing nets for their 2014 line. How did you come up with the concept of using commercial fishing nets? Johnny: When people ask about what we do at Fishpond, we tell them we are in the business of conservation. Although we make what we feel are the most innovative fishing products in the world, what we really make are products to promote the values of the places people go fishing. It is not about the fish, and more about the environment that fishing takes the angler. In our branding material in the last 16 years, we have never shown someone holding a fish, or for that matter, shown people fishing at all. It has always been about the beauty of our land and water. The light. The seasons. Simply, it is about the environment.

At Fishpond, we believe that every individual should embrace the ideals of sustainability. Our brand was born from the shared goals of our customers who are passionate about our wild lands and water, and as friends of ecological balance, we encourage every person to engage in a cause that makes a difference. None of us can do everything, but each of us can do something. Our fabrics are either 100% recycled water bottles, or in Fishpond’s line of vests, chest packs, luggage and gear bags, an industry and worldwide first of using recycled commercial fishing net that is gathered from trawlers and large fishing operations that otherwise would discard this valuable nylon material. This is an industry first, and something Fishpond is very proud to have developed for our products. As a fishing products company, using recycled commercial fishing net just made sense. Because nylon is the strongest material from which technical fabrics are made, we searched very hard for a fabric manufacturer who could source discarded nylon materials, and found a great partner who has developed a process for using this net material. Kype: What has been Fishpond's history with being environmentally conscience? What is their mission? Johnny: Our company depends on the health and sustainability of our watersheds and open lands, and we promote the shared connection we all have to our fragile ecosystem. It is vitally important for us as an outdoor recreation company to have critical public lands and protected species preserved as much as possible in perpetuity through acts of legislation such as the LWCF, Wilderness designation, or through the Endangered Species Act. The vitally of our country, the very heartbeat of our core values, in my opinion, rests on the vast and diverse natural resources we all currently live with in all of our backyards. As a company that offers outdoor products, it’s important to us that we use our business to spread the word on issues that revolve around the environment and places people recreate. We didn’t start the company this way, but it became who we are because of the big impact that protecting our outdoor resources has on the success of our business. Responsible stewardship simply means good business, not only for us, but also for communities across our nation! Our nation’s recreational and natural resource heritage is a part of the American persona. It is the core or heartbeat of how we are perceived by the outside world. Our ecosystems, so vast and differentiated, are our valuable

...we have never shown someone holding a fish, or for that matter, shown people fishing at all. It has always been about the beauty of our land and water... ~Fishpond

assets to help grow our economy, and through the recreational outdoor industry, which generates $646 billion in revenue on a yearly basis or $70 million dollars through taxes to our federal and state governments, it is this important landscape that we must preserve and protect for many future generations. At Fishpond, we believe in the power of purpose. We encourage our consumer to engage in a cause that directly affects their heart and passions. We call this the “Ripple Effect”- the collective impact of individuals performing in an environmentally conscious manner and leading to lasting change -in thinking, in deeds and in results. Conservation of our natural world is not something we leave to government in Washington to change on its own. It is in all of our hands to participate in the process. Under the cloud of government shutdowns, economic instability and worldwide political turmoil, we seem to have lost the fundamental framework that our great country was founded upon. Americans need to remind themselves that the word FREEDOM is not bundled into the context of values that serve only humans, that now number more than 300 million in our country alone. Freedom in America is also about the open space of our wild lands, the complexity of our eco-systems, and liberty of our animals, plants, birds and fish to live as they’ve had for millennium. It is our RESPONSIBILITY as a country to look deep into the beauty of our public and wild lands and to protect the values we derive from them on a recreational basis. A wild America is a free America, and although many will never see or experience the places we need to protect, just knowing they are there brings us all a perspective of majesty and connection. Kype: I am impressed with the Yampa Guide Pack. What percentage of each gear from the Cyclepond line are made from recycled materials? Johnny: The percentage of recycled materials within the Cyclepond line varies with our main body fabrics from 40-100% recycled commercial fishing net nylon. For our interior fabrics, 100% of the fabrics are recycled commercial fishing net nylon. Kype: Is there a higher expense with producing Cyclepond fabric compared to virgin nylon yarn? 40

Johnny: Yes, we pay a very large premium for recycled fabrics compared to virgin nylon, but maintain price points very competitive within our market sector. The consumer has a choice, and we have learned that our core customers really cares about our natural world and wants to make choices based on those companies that embrace a sustainable future. Kype: Does Fishpond plan to make all future line from Cyclepond fabric? Johnny: Yes! Fishpond is moving all of our cut and sew products to recycled materials, and with every new season, more and more of our products are using our own Cyclepond fabrics. Kype: Thank you, Johnny! PRODUCT REVIEW

And now....the test.

Fishpond’s Cyclepond: Yampa Guide Pack Since I get out on the river at least weekly, I had plenty of opportunity to fish with Yampa Guide Pack—one of Fishpond’s new lumbar pack.

The consumer has a choice, and we have learned that our core customers really cares about our natural world and wants to make choices based on those companies that embrace a sustainable future. ~Fishpond

Here are the specs: It has two main zippered compartments and their signature molded, drop down fly bench and interior Yampa Guide Pack pockets. Two exterior pockets to hold water bottles. Structured air mesh back panel to keep anglers cool and comfortable. Option to wear as a lumbar or a sling pack. Functionality: Since I spend long hours on the river, it’s important for me to have a gear bag that can accommodate a couple of fly boxes, water bottles, snacks and lunch. The Yampa Guide Pack did just that. 41

Not only was I able to carry everything I needed, all the items were easily accessible and organized. I have a bad habit of not staying hydrated enough. Having two water bottles within reach was very helpful. Comfort: Initially, the Yampa Guide Pack appeared too large for my frame. However, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2C6;hardly noticed it on my waist while fly fishing. The wide and padded straps added to the comfort. I fished for 11 straight hours while wearing the pack. Not once did the Yampa Guide Pack slide down nor cause any discomfort. I mostly wore the pack on my left side and happily, the pack did not get in my way. And, if I wanted to wear it in the back, it was quite easy to slide around without unbuckling the straps.

...I hardly noticed it on my waist. I fished for 11 straight hours while wearing the (Yampa Guide) pack. ~Aileen

Cost:Yampa Guide Pack retails for $119.95. Conclusion: I was very pleased with Fishpondâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Yampa Guide Pack. It was comfortable, roomy without bulk, accessible, carried all my essentials plus more, and aesthetically pleasing. I felt the retail cost of $119.95 to be reasonable and well worth the investment. KYPE

Don’t Sweat by Joe Kayafas

The Small Stuff Unless it’s a Stream

irst of all, I would like to start by saying “I love trout”, whether it be a 30” kyped-out lake run steelhead, a wild inland brown, or a little brookie from a tiny mountain stream. I love to fish and tie flies for inland and lake-run trout and salmon. Whether it be a wild brown on a #22 trico or a baetis nymph, a brookie on an Ausable Wulff in a tiny mountain stream, up to swinging a large intruder on my spey rod for steelhead, I enjoy it all. Dry fly fishing is the what I concentrate on when possible. The thrill of watching a trout come up and eat my fly is unreal. In the past I have taught fly tying classes, and flyfishing lessons, and I currently tie flies for shops. I also help out with as well as host my own charity events for Project Healing Waters Fly-Fishing. Even talking about fishing gets me pumped. I have a motto and it's: Live to fish, and fish to live... Contact: josenorto@yahoo.com

With that said, I would like to talk about the latter. This past weekend we headed to the mountains in PA to take some of the Project Healing Waters Vets on a big outing to a selection of the state’s wild brown trout streams. Unfortunately, there were other plans in Mother Nature’s itinerary. We planned to get there Friday, but on Thursday there were torrential downpours all day. It rained 4 inches and blew out every stream down to the tiniest trickle to flood stage. There were road closures and massive floods everywhere. Needless to say, this changed the plans for the outing drastically, from fishing to instead tying flies and telling stories. Luckily, by Saturday morning all of the waters started to drop, and the tiny mountain waters were down enough to fish. We split up into a group of 3 and a group of 2, then ventured into the mountains and up two different small streams. They weren’t in the best shape at all due to the flooding, but it was what we had to work with. Walking up these streams, one feels a great sense of peace and tranquility that cannot even be described. Mountain laurel, pine trees, and moss covered rocks lined the water in this Heaven on Earth. The stream steps down the mountain and plunges into nice little pools. As you creep up on a small eddy or undercut, your heart races. Hiding behind a tree, or kneeling down stealthily, you pull back the flies on your dry dropper rig, bending your rod tip and fling! You “bow and arrow” cast right into the tiniest pool. Split seconds feel like hours as you wait for some sign

In every episode we fish, we travel, we hang out with people that are pretty cool if not a little crazy. We invite ourselves into their best drinking establishments, food places, barbecue joints and honky-tonks. We fish some more, talk a lot of trash, walk the edge if it helps us catch big fish, walk the extreme edge if it helps us catch bigger fish. We explore the culture of each location especially if it means more good food and drink, sometimes we even find good music (the chances of that increase if we’re talking Blues or Country). We wrap it all up by fishing some more. Let’s just say every show is a heck of an adventure. Follow us on Facebook “Season on the Edge” airs in August on the World Fishing Network. View a short video here:

As you bring the fish to hand, you see the colors that this nutrient rich water has brought out... ~Joe

of our finned friends. Then suddenly……..BAM! a little brookie just slams your dry! As you bring the fish to hand, you see the colors that this nutrient rich water has brought out. Time seems to sit still for everything is perfect at that moment, and you are right where you should be in life. There is no better feeling, in my mind. Bigger fish, and bigger water are undoubtedly fun, but THIS is my zen. I would rather be alone fishing tiny mountain trickles, than be surrounded by a million other people. Even though the fish may not be big, the scenery and the experience is. And, in the long run, that’s what really matters to me. Regardless of where you like to fish, and what fish you like to catch, please don’t ever take these small streams for granted. They will open your eyes to a whole new world of fly-fishing. - Joe KYPE

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Buy direct from the breeder at www.clearwaterhackle.com. Prices good through Fall 2014.

Photography of Len Harris

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I quit guiding because I could not stand watching others fishing. It was like going to a gold mine without a shovel.â&#x20AC;? ~ Len Harris lenharris.blogspot.com/

My by Luke Saffarek

Conversion To The Fly: Pursing Tigerfish in S. Africa

f you are an avid fly fisher, you'll know what I mean when I talk about that moment of conversion. That one day you truly experienced fly fishing and said to yourself "This is the only way to catch fish!" Born and raised in northern British Columbia, Canada - a fly-fishing destination of note â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Luke began fishing at the age of 3 and fly fishing from the age of 13. With a deep passion for the sport of fly fishing it was only a natural choice to pack a fly rod when he moved to Botswana (southern Africa) in 2006 to do volunteer work. During his time in southern Africa he learned to fly fish for many different species, including Tigerfish on the Okavango River in northern Botswana. During his first trip to the Okavango he met two guides from South Africa and by the end of the week was offered a job guiding with them during the next Tigerfish season. A dream come true, Luke jumped at the opportunity and spent 3 seasons on the Okavango guiding for Tigerfish among other species. In 2012 Luke made the move back to Canada to have the first of two hip replacements. It was not easy to leave Botswana, but it had to be done. Now with his hips being sorted out Luke is setting up shop in his home town of Smithers, BC, Canada.

I like to believe that most of us who have had that experience can remember it. Whether it was at a young age watching someone fly fishing, or later on in life when you experienced it for yourself and your inner skeptic swam off like a freshly released fish. I remember my conversion very clearly, and oddly enough I had been fly fishing for a number of years before it... I grew up in a small town by the name of Smithers, nestled in the beautiful Bulkley Valley in northern British Columbia, Canada. World-renowned for it's steelhead fishery, Smithers also boasts a number of excellent trout fishing lakes, and several salmon fisheries within just a couple of hours in driving distance. This little piece of paradise is where I learned to fly fish, but oddly enough, not where my conversion took place. It took place 16,000 km away from here in Botswana, Southern Africa. I left Smithers in April 2006 to spend a year volunteering with a small organization in Botswana. Of course the first thing I did when I decided to go was to see what kind of fishing they had there. My Google search produced something that grabbed me and wouldn't let go â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Tigerfish! This piqued my interest, to put it lightly. So, I left for Botswana and spent a year there volunteering with the organization, enjoying the work so much that after a few months back in Canada I decided to head back for another couple of years. During my first year I had an opportunity to fish for tigerfish on the Okavango, but the opportunity fell through. Another one came up shortly after my return, but fell through again. However, in October 2008 situations and circumstance brought me to a place where I needed to get away from everything and just take a holiday. I jumped in my 1994 Toyota Venture and drove 1200 km across the Kalahari Desert to chase my dream. The timing of this could not have been better, because this was peak tigerfish time on the Okavango. Receding flood waters every October force trillions of bait-

fish off of the floodplains and into the main channels. This concentration of feed and rising temperatures set off a phenomenon known as the Catfish Run (or Barbel Run). The sharp-tooth catfish form runs of thousands and thousands of fish swimming up stream, feeding on these bait-fish hiding in the structure. As the bait fish try to escape over the catfish to get out into the main channel and downstream of the catfish runs, the tigerfish pounce on them. Birds and crocs join in on the frenzy and it can be utter chaos, but incredible chaos to witness nonetheless, and even more incredible to fish! Catching Tigerfish on the fly has become my dream and I was finally going to do it. What made me even more determined to catch a tiger on the fly were the various people I had met during my time in Botswana that told me how impossible it was. They shared stories of the misery of having your palm burned while palming your fly reel on a running fish. They cautioned against the difficulty of getting the hook set in a fish with such a bony mouth. These stories and warnings only made me want to accomplish it even more. The day I arrived on the banks of the Okavango, I had driven about 400 of the 1200 km, so I just had the afternoon to fish. My thoughts were to get a feel for these fish on the spinning rod before I try for them on the fly. You know - find out what I was up against. The camp I was at had a guide free for the afternoon, so I rigged up my spinning rod and went out on the river. I was excited beyond measure just to see the environment that is the Okavango! This was my first time there and it was an awesome experience to drive along these channels walled in with 10 foot tall papyrus and reeds. We passed by islands covered in palm trees with African Fish Eagles calling from them - more variety of birds than I had ever seen in one place. It was paradise and I hadn't even wet a line yet! My guide brought me to a corner of the river near the mouth of a lagoon. We dropped anchor and I started fishing. It took only a few casts with my big spinnerbait before I hooked into something solid. My medium/heavy action rod bent over as I set the hook. The head shakes were incredible, so fast it was more of a vibration. Then it jumped... Really?! It felt like I had hooked onto a passing freight train, but what was on the end of my line was only a couple of pounds. Soon it was in the boat and I was astonished that a fish of that size could pull so strongly! I

I remember my conversion very clearly, and oddly enough I had been fly fishing for a number of years before it...

caught a few more that afternoon and just couldn't get over how strong they were and these were just small fish of up to 3 pounds! Every fish I hooked felt to be at least double - if not triple - the size it actually was. As we headed back to camp I couldn't stop thinking about hooking up with these magnificent fish with a fly rod. As I stepped off the boat, I was greeted by a gentleman by the name of John Van Den Berg, a fly fishing guide from South Africa who I ended up hanging out with each evening that week. He and his partner were guiding clients and offered me some advice on catching tigers on the fly. I was very appreciative of their help, but also encouraged to see that my research before my trip had been done well, and I did have the right gear. I can't remember if I slept at all that night. I was so excited. I was up early rigging my fly rod. I remember clearly that weird feeling of tying on a steel leader to the end of my tippet for the first time. I was ready to go and made my way down to the boat launch to meet my guide, Smally. Smally grew up on the banks of the river and knew the river well. He was an experienced angler, and as I later found out, knew how to guide fly fishers thanks to John. As we pushed the boat off from shore I was confident I was going to get a tiger on the fly today! 9 hours later, I was exhausted and skunked.

knew catching a tigerfish on the fly was going to be a challenge, but really? Nothing all day? We found a good catfish run and I had so many hits, but nothing. But I wasn't going to give up on the fly, especially since Smally wouldn't let me touch my spinning rod. With a number of years experiencing guiding for tigers he had seen first hand how much more exciting it was to catch tigers on the fly and promised me it would happen the next day.. I slept better that night. I think mostly because I was exhausted and a little defeated. But, by the time I woke up that next morning my determination was back. Smally took me to the same area we had fished the previous day, where again I felt the hard hits of tigers, but never hooked up. It was after about an hour and a half of trying that Smally was 100% convinced the fish in that area were just too small and thus wouldn't commit or stick to the 2/0 hook of my fly. But he had a trick up his sleeve (as any good guide would). He knew of a small catfish run beginning to form downstream that no one else seemed to know about. Smally took me down a secondary channel past some of the most beautiful scenery I had ever seen - islands, floodplains, and birds of every shape and colour all around. Eventually the secondary channel re-joined the main channel and it wasn't long after that Smally put me onto this small Catfish run. It didn't look like much at all compared to the one we had just been at, but after watching it for only a couple of minutes we began to see bait fish being smashed on the surface by monsters with bright orange fins. This was what we wanted!

I got up on the bow, cast my fly inches from the papyrus, and started stripping like heck. Two strips and the line went tighter than tight and audibly cut through the water toward the main current as the tiger on the end of my line jumped in the middle of the river. I was on! It felt like my body released every last drop of adrenaline into my veins as I realized I had a tiger on the fly! Its speed was mind blowing, power was awesome, and acrobatics heart-stopping. I got the fish to the boat where Smally landed it and we were all smiles and high-fives. After a quick photo we released the 6lb tiger and I got back in the game. The very next cast I hooked up again! And that was it - the moment of conversion. "This is the only way to catch fish!" I pulled 5 tigerfish on 13 casts out of that small catfish run. Nothing bigger than 6 lbs, but each fish so rewarding. Things clicked that morning, and I was catching tigerfish on the fly every day for the rest of that week; I didn't even take my spinning rod on the boat after that. It was an unforgettable week and the trip of a lifetime. As we drove back to the camp after my last day of fishing, I was so grateful for the opportunity to be there and experience the beautiful Okavango panhandle and the mighty tigerfish. That week was the most satisfying fishing trip I'd ever been on and if I had never returned, it would have been okay with me. Little did I know that evening John would ask me to return the following year to guide with them. But that's another story for another day. I sincerely believe that God designed tigerfish specifically for fly fishing. To feel their power, experience their agility, and awe at their acrobatics while hooked up with them, line in your hand, is an experience like no other. Since that moment I've had this experience over and over with many different species. Whether carp, bass, salmon, steelhead, trout, tigerfish, etc. there is something about fly fishing that seems to connect you to the fish allowing you to experience them in a way that is more true to their design. For me, it is the only way to catch a fish. ~Luke KYPE

I knew catching a tigerfish on the fly was going to be a challenge, but really? Nothing all day?

Leaders by Michael Bantam

SIMPLIFIED

Michael and his wife, Patti own and operate DreamCastIdaho.com, a fly fishing and casting school, and DreamCastAdventures.co m located in Boise, Idaho. Michael is a 25-year fly fishing veteran, with 15 years of teaching experience. He fished much of the western states for trout, steelhead, and his beloved bonefish, permit and other saltwater species in Mexico, Belize and Hawaii. Michael is a certified International Federation of Fly Fishers casting instructor, and current President for the IFFF Rocky Mountain Council, covering five western states.

ver wonder why leaders come in so many different lengths, sizes, and materials? In this article we will cover some of the basic ideas on how to select a leader, their lengths, X factor, and the materials used to make them, so you will have a better understanding of their applications and presentation methods used in your fly fishing arsenal. A leader is the connection between your fly line and the fly you are fishing. This is the business end of your cast, and fly presentation. Whether you’re casting dry flies, nymphing, or throwing streamers, the importance of selecting the right leader applies to the way your fly is presented, the drift, and the swing of your fly Leaders can be found in three types: knotless, knotted, and braided. They all have one thing in common: the taper. The “Butt Section” closest to the fly line, tapers in thickness (diameter) to the “Tippet Section” where the fly is tied. This taper provides the “Rollover” of your leader and fly as the line speed slows down at the end of your presentation cast. Leaders are available in four types of materials: nylon, monofilament, fluorocarbon, and thread. All have applications suited for different presentation methods and the way you fish your fly. Nylon and monofilament leaders are commonly used for dry fly fishing presentations. They are very supple and have a lot of stretch, making them useful for fighting big fish. They also float on or in the surface film keeping your dry fly on the surface for a longer drift. Fluorocarbon leaders have the unique quality of reflecting light, making the leader invisible in the water. The most common applications for fluorocarbon leaders are nymphing and streamer techniques. Braided leaders, whether made of nylon, mono or fluorocarbon have great rollover qualities making them effective for streamer and bigger fly patterns. However, they can spray a lot of water when casting over easily spooked fish. Braided thread leaders reduce this effect and can be used for dry fly and streamer techniques depending on the floating or sinking agent applied to them. Another benefit to the braided thread leaders is their simplicity; just attach the desired tippet size and length to the end of the leader. So how do you go about selecting the right leader? First you will notice they come in varying lengths, with 4 to 15 foot leaders being the most common. The “Butt Section” of the leader is designed to roll over the fly beyond the end of the fly line. The “Tippet Section” is designed to provide slack near to the fly to provide a natural landing and the longest possible drift. For small to medium size dry flies, I like as much distance between my fly line

and fly. For these sizes, a 9 to 15 foot leader works well. This length also depends on many other factors like casting room, clarity of the water, accuracy, and being able to make the leader roll over the fly in a slack presentation. For larger flies, like hoppers, salmon and stoneflies, a shorter leader in the 7½ to 9-foot length is recommended as it makes for greater accuracy and presentations close to banks, moss beds, and under willows. For Nymphing, select a leader in the 7 ½ to 9-foot length. These shorter leaders will turn over weighted nymphs and a strike indicator with less chance of tangling, as well as provide better control of your drift. For Streamer presentations, choosing a short leader turns big bulky flies over better than a long leader, and are much easier to cast. Fish taking streamers aren’t very leader shy, allowing shorter leaders to give you much better mending and line control A common rule for me is: the bigger and heavier the fly, the closer I want it to the end of my fly line, with a larger diameter (X Factor). So what do the “X Numbers” mean, and how do you select the right one?The X number defines the diameter of the last 18 to 24 inches of the tippet end of the leader. It is the weakest section and determines the breaking strength of the leader. This “X” factor covers a range of breaking strengths, and diameters range from 0X through 8X. The bigger the X number, the weaker the tippet section, meaning that a 3X leader is stronger than, say, a 5X leader. This information is found on the leader packet. The X number also provides a guideline for the size of flies which are recommended for that leader. To select the appropriate strength of leader, first ask yourself: what size of fish do I expect to catch most often? For example, if I am targeting steelhead in the 10 to 15 pound range I will select a leader in the 0X to 2X range. If I am targeting 2 to 4 pound trout I will select a 5X or 6X leader. Below is a chart found on most leader packets: 0X 1X 2X 3X 4X

.011″ .010″ .009″ .008″ .007″

15.5 lb. 13.5 lb. 11.5 lb. 8.5 lb. 6 lb.

5X 6X 7X 8X

.006″ .005″ .004″ .003″

To select the appropriate strength of leader, first ask yourself what size of fish do I expect to catch most often.

4.75 lb. 3.5 lb. 2.5 lb. 1.75 lb. 55

Now that you have selected the appropriate leader, as you start tying on fly after fly you will notice it getting shorter. Long before this occurs you will want to extend the life of, and the length of, your leader with tippet material. So what is the purpose of using tippet? You will notice “Tippet” materials come on spools and have the same “X Factor” as leaders. The only difference from a leader and tippet material is that tippet has one diameter size (thickness) also denoted as an “X” Factor. Most often it is used to replace the portion of material you have cut off by changing out your flies. Each time you change a fly out you lose a few inches of leader tippet section. Leaders are more expensive than a spool of tippet; therefore, instead of replacing your leader because it is too short, it is more economical to replace the tippet section. Also, tippet materials allow you to change the length and taper of your leader to meet varying fishing conditions and presentations. For example: if you are fishing a 9foot, 5X leader and find the fish are shying away from taking your size 18 fly, you may want to add a foot or two of 6X tippet to the end of your 9-foot leader. This will give you a smaller diameter (harder for the fish to see) to tie your fly to and extra slack to carry a longer drift to your presentation. Selecting the right leader is only one part of your fly fishing system allowing you to catch more fish. The fly line, the rod choice, and your casting skill level are all tied together. Nonetheless, the choice you make when selecting your leader can have a profound effect on the way your fly is presented and fished. I think of my leaders and tippet choices as tools in a toolbox each has a specific purpose. There are many other considerations in the selection of leaders and tippets used for different situations, but I hope, by understanding these basics, I have cleared up some of the confusion and opened some new possibilities for you to try on your next fly-fishing excursion. “Don’t let fly fishing be just a dream – Dream It – Do it!' ~Michael KYPE 56

15-year-old Aaron Stevenson with George Douglas

Mike Mainhart in Lake County, Ohio

Rules by Mark Patenaude

An Appeal for Order:

Fly Fishing Etiquette

ules. Rules are applied to virtually everything in our lives. Rules exist to ensure that the outcome, not matter what the process is, is arrived at fairly and in the correct way. Originally From: Adams, Massachusetts Currently Resides: Cary, IL. Email: fishes-with-fly @comcast.net Affiliations: Federation of Fly Fishers, Trout Unlimited Pro Team:Deer Creek Fly Tying Products Pro Staff:Trout Line Fly Fishing and Fly Tying, LTD. Preferred Waters: East CoastDeerfield River, Housatonic River, Hoosac River, Millers River Midwest -Driftless Area, Southwest Wisconsin, Root and Pike Rivers (Salmon, Steelhead, Lake Run Browns) Fishes For: Brown, Rainbow, Brook Trout (inland)Steelhead (in rivers only) King and Coho Salmon (in rivers only) Lake Run Brown Trout (Lake Michigan) (in rivers only) Note: fishes barbless only and practices strict catch and release. Favorite Fly Fishing Quote: “I love fly fishing and fly tying more than a fat kid loves cake"

In fly fishing we also have rules. These rules are in two basic categories: performance rules, which govern everything from where you place your thumb on the rod grip to how to properly execute a stack mend, and behavioral rules ,which govern the conduct of the fly fisher while engaged in their pursuits. These rules are commonly and collectively referred to as Fly Fishing Etiquette. Etiquette, the words conjures up visions of a group of ladies sitting around drinking tea from expensive china, while collectively ensuring that their pinky fingers, while drinking, are standing at attention. When we apply this word to fly fishing, it could easily be substituted with the words, "acceptable behavior." Over time, these rules were established, refined and continue to be modified as the various behavioral situations dictate. However, you don't want to run out just yet to find the book that contains a detailed description of each rule, because you won’t find one. It couldn't be that easy. In fact the rules, not unlike the oral traditions of our past, have been passed over time from person to person. So unless you have been fly fishing for some time, you probably aren't aware of them. Fly fishing is known as a one of the "quiet" sports. I have also heard to it referred to as a "gentleman's sport", I apologize ladies. However, some of the behavior that I have witnessed, couldn't be further from being quiet or gentlemanly, and to be quite frank, it was downright disgusting. I can say with a high degree of certainty, that the vast majority of you have either witnessed or have been directly involved in what I will politely call an “on-the-water conflict." With hindsight being what it is, 20/20, I’m sure that after cooler heads prevailed, we could have deduced that the entire situation could have been avoided if two very simple aspects of acceptable behavior were adhered to; respect and the use of common sense. I know that right now some of you are saying to yourselves something like “but the guy was a complete idiot...", but ask yourself, did you give consideration to the fact that the person

may not have been aware they did something wrong? People newly introduced to our sport are at a distinct disadvantage, unless they have an experienced fly fisher mentoring them along, who will eventually make them aware of proper fly fishing ĂŠtiquette, and without this help, the only way that they eventually find out is the â&#x20AC;&#x153;hard way", which seems rather unfair to me. Additionally, each one of us has a "hot button" rule, a rule that if breached, will for lack of a more accurate phrase, really piss us off. For many, it's the blatant disregard for laws and regulations, for others it's "low holing", for some it's seeing someone "shuffling", and the list goes on. I don't intend to list and describe each rule as this information already exists with you veteran anglers. What I do want to do is to appeal to all experienced fly fishers to make a concerted effort to communicate our rules to other fly fishers at any point where the opportunity presents itself. In doing so, you will be serving both the inexperienced angler by helping them to avoid potential issues, as well as the experienced anglers by helping them to more thoroughly enjoy each fly fishing outing. All of us wish we could spend more time on the water. We have family, work and many other life responsibilities. Some of us may have to drive several hours to get to some decent fly water, and all of us want to maximize our time fishing and to enjoy every second we are on the water. Finally, to situationally illustrate the "bottom line" of this article, let me leave you with this. Most of the on-the-water conflicts that occur involve both wading and the position of a fly fisher who in essence has already claimed their spot. Before you enter the water, look up and downstream to determine if anyone else is there. If they are, do not enter the water below them. Move upstream of their position and begin from there. At no time should you attempt to crowd them or fish through water they haven't reached yet. The rule of thumb is to stay at least one hundred feet from the nearest person. I know, I said I wasn't going to detail any of the rules, but in my humble opinion, this particular scenario accounts for a very large percentage of the total on-the-water conflicts.

People newly introduced to our sport are at a distinct disadvantage, unless they have an experienced fly fisher mentoring them along, who will eventually make them aware of proper fly fishing etiquette...

o wrap things up, I want to remind you that we have chosen to pursue a sport that is unique among sports, one that borders on a form of "technical art." A form of mystique exists as well as a perception by others that what we do is very special. Shouldn't we all conduct ourselves with a level of respect and use of our common sense that is equal to the level of awe that one feels when watching a master level caster throwing tight loops with seventy-five feet of line and laying it down, feather-soft? KYPE 59