Can we exploit them like we have other species in order to take them out of the ecosystem?
Mary Catherine O'Connor discusses the question in her article "Asian Carp Part I: Can Plundering for Profit Save Precious Waterways?"...
"Schafer notes that over-fishing carp holds promise, as far as stemming its progress it the Great Lakes is concerned. 'In the areas we’ve taken those large quantities out, we’re seeing a depletion of the species there.'"
Schmidt (Anglers Choice Flies) has offered up a tutorial on his Impossihex. You can find the secret in Greg Senyo's Steelhead Alley Outfitters Fly Tutorials. Now that the mouthful is out...here's the link to the step by step...
So the fish Gods turn their heads to my neck of the woods this weekend, and FINALLY open up some water for a brief period of time…allowing us crazy fishermen an opportunity to throw on the dusty waders, and try throwing the creations we’ve spent too many hours on over the last few weeks…
And where was I? That’s right; at home working on the house…I’ll admit it…
Friday and Saturday were the days. With flows just about perfect, warmer temps, and some open water, the fish were there for the taking. Despite my lack of water time, I was able to catch up with the crowd of diehard’s on their stories…
Fish were deep within the systems, though many were darker and most were drop backs. Rumor was that despite the ice jams in many of the lower rivers, some fresh fish were making their way into the rivers. I’m sure that once the congestion clears up, there should be a good wave…
Fish were taking the normal eggs/nymph selection, though a few swinging guys were getting some grabs and landing some fish.
Tonight (Sunday), we’ve gotten a half inch of rain, and should have another half inch by morning. Rivers should be clearing just in time for another cold snap. We’ll see if the rivers hold on long enough to get fished or just start their icing retreat again…Hopefully I’m not left with paint on my hand again the next time they fish…
Since we have no pics, we’ll leave you with one of my favorite steelhead vids from the guys at Flies & Fins...enjoy…
An article from Ted Williams "Wither Maine Char?", highlighting the potentials of restoration in Maine...
"To its credit, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is taking restoration very seriously. It was able to trap nine Arctic char from Big Reed and has contracted with a private hatchery to hold and breed them."
In our explorations in Chicago over the weekend, we managed to find the Orvis on Michigan Ave. After some small talk with one of the associates, I came to know a gentleman by the name of David C. Heyman. As it turns out, he’s quite the trout bum…having fished all over the US, and into Scotland for various species. Overall he was a great fisherman who is very knowledgeable about many fisheries across the country (including Steelhead Alley), as well as many local waters in Northern Illinois, and Southern Wisconsin.
Super nice, and I would definitely recommend checking out his blog:
Lots of local news, and updates, along with fish stories, pictures, etc…
I’m sure we’ll have some fresh pics/reports from him coming in the future, but for now we’re happy to just gaze through the archives, and be jealous that we’ve not found this awesome fishery before this point…
Again, another place added to the “To Be Fished” list…
Though rivers are starting to show signs of life…with the ice starting to melt and break. There should be some fishing in the coming weeks, though nights temps may be a factor in when and where…
Anyways, we did manage to have a great weekend in Chicago. Weather was gorgeous...
And we got to see some mating crabs in a Vietnamese market!
That’s about all the action under the water we were able to see this weekend…
If you'll remember, last year Boz from Maine River Guides put up a large bonefish specimen for Moldy Chum's Slab Of The Month (January), and took the title...
It's time now we remind ourselves why he deserves the nod for Slab Of The Year...
"He especially enjoys fishing the small streams, the Frying Pan and, of course, the South Platte, where it all started. He also plans to continue guiding.
'That keeps me honest,' Engle said. 'I can say a lot of things at the show, but when you're out on the river, either you catch fish or you don't.'"
Be sure to check him out @ The Fly Fishing Show in Marlborough, MA this upcoming weekend, or at The Fly Fishing Show in Somerset, NJ January 22 - 24. (Check out his site for other showings)
Be sure to check out the 8th Annual Northern Ohio Fly Tying Expo, put on by the North Coast Fly Fishers, Inc. Some of the regions best tyers and shops will be on display this upcoming Saturday...including SCHMIDT!
With my holiday travel jumble, it was hard to really sit down and tie like I had hoped over the break...
However it was on the mind while we were exploring CT's waters, and I was able to get into a local fly shop for a nice selection of materials...
Finn thoroughly enjoyed the hackles he was able to find also...
Also, we were able to find the fabled TMC 501 #32 hooks, which have been purchased, but not tied on yet. Pictured below with some #20's right next to them...
Finally, I've been able to able to play around with my microfibbets and tiny hooks, and as enjoying the journey thus far...
Make sure to check out http://www.smallflyfunk.blogspot.com/ for some great photos, and insights on these wonderful little clumps of threads and feathers...
Welcome to the snow belt (a.k.a Steelhead Ally). We've been shoveling out our 18" of snow for the last few days and it keeps coming!
Fishing has been much of the same monotony...The rivers have finally started their annual dance with icing, and by the looks of it, fishing is going to have to wait...
After getting into town on Tuesday from CT, there were come fair reports of fish. Low temps at night were putting ice in the rivers, but if you fished the slow seams with some bright eggs, you could probably find some takers in the warmer afternoon hours.
By Friday, the fishing became too tough for flies. And since Thursday, we've not had any temps above freezing...
Belly up to the benches boys...we've got some tying to do...
Well it was on the Christmas List, and it reached my stocking Christmas morning!
Overall it was an amazing documentary with some amazing history and insights into what was once considered one of the greatest fisheries in the country. Even my mother in law, who does not fish, was drawn into the pictures painted and was enamored with the footage...
It's definitely a movie I'd watch over a few times...
Here's the trailer again incase you've missed it...
I hope all had a fun, safe end to the decade last night. It's funny, looking back, I realize that 10 years ago, I couldn't have thrown a fly line more then 10 feet...and that was with a running head start. But this decade has brought about a lot of great things for me, both personally, and in regards to fly fishing. For that, and the friends I've made along the way, I'm very thankful...
As for New Year’s resolutions, I thought mine was pretty damn good...
For 2010, I will not only fly fish in a state that I haven't yet before, and I will also catch a fish that I have not previously caught on a fly rod. I'm not quite sure when either will take place, but it's a goal to shoot for, and will hopefully be achieved.
Thank you for the support and viewing of the blog this past year! I know it's been kind of quiet around here the last few weeks with travel and the holidays, but I promise more good times will start showing up here soon! We look forward to a fantastic 2010!
