Saturday, October 14, 2006

DATE: Saturday, October 14, 2006

TIME: 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM

WEATHER: Low 40’s rising to low 70s

WATER CONDITIONS: 0 units

LOCATIONS FISHED: Norfork River, McClellan's

HATCH: Several midges and crane flies

ROD USED: Winston 8’ 6” 5-weight WT Joan Wulff Favorite

FLIES USED: #14 tan Norfork River scud, #14 gray Norfork River scud, #14 mini bugger, #20 Kay's Gray, #20 olive cockleburr

OTHER: We fished with Ron and Ginger. It was another tough day, particularly on sub-surface flies. However, Ron and I got into a pretty good midge and crane fly hatch above the island, and took several cutthroats on the Kay's Gray fished as a dry fly. (Note: my experience is that the Kay's Gray works best with full sun as I've had no success with overcast skies.) Ron continued fishing downstream and caught several fish on top using the #20 Cockleburr. Dry fly fishing is the only way to go some days.

Wednesday, October 11, 2006

DATE: Wednesday, October 11, 2006

TIME: 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM

WEATHER: Low 40’s rising to mid-60s, windy

WATER CONDITIONS: 0 units

LOCATIONS FISHED: Norfork River, McClellan's

HATCH: Several midges

ROD USED: Winston 10’ 4-weight WT

FLIES USED: #14 tan Norfork River scud, #14 gray Norfork River scud, #14 mini bugger

OTHER: I fished with Mike (from Dillard’s). It was a TOUGH day. I managed to catch a half dozen really dumb fish and Mike caught a few as well. It was cold and windy so we only fished an hour and a half. Fish were taking midges like crazy just upstream from Ace in the Hole, but I couldn't entice them to take anything I had. The only decent place I could find fish was near the “Catch and Release” sign on the right descending bank at McClellan's, and they were taking my gray Norfork River scud.

Tuesday, October 10, 2006

DATE: Tuesday, October 10, 2006

TIME: 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM

WEATHER: High 60s

WATER CONDITIONS: Lake elevation at 544+, clear and calm

LOCATIONS FISHED: Lake Norfork

HATCH: N/A

ROD USED: N/A

FLIES USED: 1/16 ounce assorted jigs, crappie minnows

OTHER: Kay and I fished with Jeff Dunn (no relation). Kay put it on us guys, catching more fish than us. It was a slow and sensitive bite, but "we" managed to catch 5 keepers; I had none! Both Kay and I really enjoy crappie fishing, but wish we could get a sinking line down 25 feet.

Sunday, October 8, 2006

DATE: Sunday, October 8, 2006

TIME: 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM

WEATHER: Low 70s

WATER CONDITIONS: Lake elevation at 544+, clear and calm

LOCATIONS FISHED: Lake Norfork, Shoal Bay

HATCH: N/A

ROD USED: N/A

FLIES USED: Small black grub

OTHER: Kay and I fished together. We each cast a small black grub near shoreline and caught a couple dozen small bream and smallmouth bass. It was good to have a change-of-pace day.

Wednesday, September 27, 2006

DATE: Wednesday, September 27, 2006

TIME: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

WEATHER: Low 40’s rising to low 70s

WATER CONDITIONS: 0 units

LOCATIONS FISHED: Norfork River, McClellan's

HATCH: Several midges and a few crane flies

ROD USED: Winston 8’ 6” 5-weight WT Joan Wulff Favorite

FLIES USED: #14 tan Norfork River scud, #14 gray Norfork River scud, #16 San Juan worm

OTHER: I fished with Ron and Kay. Fish struck well on the San Juan worm, but a drag-free drift was absolutely essential. Ron probably caught a couple dozen fish, and Kay out fished me the first couple of hours, catching fish pretty frequently. It was a great day.

Monday, September 25, 2006

DATE: Monday, September 25, 2006

TIME: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

WEATHER: Low 50’s rising to low 70s

WATER CONDITIONS: 0 units

LOCATIONS FISHED: Norfork River, McClellan's

HATCH: Several midges and a few crane flies

ROD USED: Winston 8’ 6” 5-weight WT Joan Wulff Favorite

FLIES USED: #14 tan Norfork River scud, #14 gray Norfork River scud, #14 mini bugger, #20 Dunn’s Dun, #20 Kay’s Gray

OTHER: I fished with Ron (Kay’s son). Jeff and his friend, Jim, joined us later (both were first time fly fishers). Ron and I walked up from Wayne's and began seeing rising fish at the riffle above the island. Fish were rising to midge emergers and crane flies. We caught a couple and moved upstream to join Jeff and Jim. Ron caught several fish on the gray Norfork River scud, and Jeff and Jim also caught fish on a scud.

Tuesday, September 19, 2006

DATE: Tuesday, September 19, 2006

TIME: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

WEATHER: Low 50’s rising to low 70s, windy

WATER CONDITIONS: 0 units

LOCATIONS FISHED: Norfork River, McClellan's

HATCH: Several midges and a few crane flies

ROD USED: Winston 8’ 6” 5-weight WT Joan Wulff Favorite

FLIES USED: #14 tan Norfork River scud, #14 gray Norfork River scud, #14 mini bugger, #18 caddis

OTHER: I fished with Ed and Phillip, and their two friends from Austin, Texas. We fished downstream and got into a really good midge hatch at the riffle above the island. Fish were rising to midge emergers, and also an occasional caddis. Everyone caught fish. Jerry and I fished down at Mill Dam Eddy and got into a few rising fish, but the wind was high and it was difficult for the fish to see the flies. We did quite well at the riffle above the island.

Wednesday, September 13, 2006

DATE: Wednesday, September 13, 2006

TIME: 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM

WEATHER: Low 50’s rising to low 70s

WATER CONDITIONS: 0 units

LOCATIONS FISHED: Norfork River, McClellan's Dock downstream through “Catch and Release” area at Otter Creek

HATCH: Several midges and a few crane flies

ROD USED: Winston 8’ 6” 5-weight WT Joan Wulff Favorite

FLIES USED: #14 tan Norfork River scud, #14 mini bugger

OTHER: I fished with Rod and Mel. Fishing was great today, but catching was challenging. I did manage to catch a few dozen, but worked really hard fishing the mini bugger below a strike indicator and then the tan scud below a strike indicator. I did catch a 16-inch brown as the largest fish. Wayne and Frank were also fishing the Norfork River, and both did well.

Tuesday, September 12, 2006

DATE: Tuesday, September 12, 2006

TIME: 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM

WEATHER: Low 70s

WATER CONDITIONS: 1 unit

LOCATIONS FISHED: White River, Rim Shoals

HATCH: None

ROD USED: Winston 8’ 6” 5-weight WT Joan Wulff Favorite

FLIES USED: Practically all my White River patterns; nothing worked consistently

OTHER: I fished with Rod and Mel. Fishing and catching were both really tough today. I managed to take a few fish, but had to change flies every couple of fish as there was no consistency with the bite. The White River was rising to 1 generator when we arrived and fishing never really took off. I caught 10 to 12 fish.

Monday, September 11, 2006

DATE: Monday, September 11, 2006

TIME: 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM

WEATHER: Mid 50’s rising to low 70s

WATER CONDITIONS: 0 units

LOCATIONS FISHED: Norfork River, “Catch and Release” area

HATCH: Several midges and an occasional crane fly

ROD USED: Winston 8’ 6” 5-weight WT Joan Wulff Favorite

FLIES USED: #14 tan Norfork River scud, #14 mini bugger

OTHER: I fished with Wayne and Frank, most likely the two best fly fishers to fish the Norfork River. I have been blessed to know and fish with both these guys. Frank is a classic fisher and an extraordinary fly tier and innovator. Fishing was great today, but catching was challenging and difficult. I worked really hard to catch, maybe, a dozen and a half fish.

Friday, September 8, 2006

DATE: Friday, September 8, 2006

TIME: 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM

WEATHER: Low 70s to mid-80s

WATER CONDITIONS: 0 units

LOCATIONS FISHED: Norfork River, McClellan’s Dock to downstream near the “Catch and Release” sign

HATCH: Several midges and a few crane flies

ROD USED: Winston 8’ 6” 5-weight WT Joan Wulff Favorite

FLIES USED: #14 olive mini bugger

OTHER: I fished with Wayne. Fishing and catching were both great today. This was likely the second most fun day of fishing in recent memory (Wayne's catching the 7 straight browns over 20 inches would be number one). We both caught lots of fish. I actually tried keeping up with Wayne and soon found that it was physically impossible—no kidding. Wayne could hook-up, bring the fish in, release it, and begin casting again at a much more efficient rate than I. He managed to catch over a 100 fish today. I did hook a large (guessing over 22 inches) cutthroat, and got the fish in shallow, flat water. I was sure I would land the fish as I had on 5X tippet, a 5-weight rod, and was in a great location. To my surprise, the fish hit the warmer water and immediately broke off at the knot. It sure seems like I'm losing a lot of large fish these days so I will keep taking lessons from Wayne. I did catch a grand slam today. As a note, I was extremely sore from fishing on Wednesday, September 6. Both arms ached from tendonitis and the fall I took on Crooked Creek a couple of weeks ago (I still have a large knot below the right elbow). Anyway, I took a couple of Tylenol and went to bed. It must have been a virus or something. Getting old with all the aches and pains is no fun.

Wednesday, September 6, 2006

DATE: Wednesday, September 6, 2006

TIME: 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM

WEATHER: Low 70s

WATER CONDITIONS: 0 units

LOCATIONS FISHED: Norfork River, McClellan’s—downstream of Otter Creek

HATCH: None

ROD USED: Winston 7’ 9”2-weight LT

FLIES USED: #14 gray Norfork River scud, #22 Dunn’s Dun

OTHER: I fished with Dick. Fishing was great today, but catching was challenging and difficult. I worked really hard to catch 8 to 10 fish on the scud, fishing for at least a couple of hours. This is the lowest output in numbers in a long while. I finally went back to basics and tied on a Dunn's Dun and fished the flat water to rising or midging fish. I missed a lot of fish while managing to catch only a half dozen or so; however, it was fun hunting and making the chase, and also sharpens the senses which is probably why I missed so many fish. Meanwhile, Dick managed to catch a good number of fish on both a gray and a tan scud; I’m not sure but it is entirely possible that "student" out fished the teacher today.

Monday, September 4, 2006

DATE: Monday, September 4, 2006

TIME: 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM

WEATHER: High 60's rising to low 80's

WATER CONDITIONS: I Unit

LOCATIONS FISHED: White River, Red’s Landing to Steamboat

HATCH: Lots of midges, caddis

ROD USED: Winston 10’ 4-weight WT

FLIES USED: #14 bead head pheasant tail, #16 tan White River sow bug

OTHER: I fished with good friend, John. We boated upstream from Red's Landing to Steamboat. It was the first time I had fished Steamboat and the heavy water was quite intimidating. We began dead drifting a pair of flies and both of us caught fish. I ended up catching about 90 percent of my fish on the sowbug, and John caught most of his on the bead head pheasant tail. I took a 17 inch rainbow, then John hooked up with a 22+ inch trout that took him into his backing twice. He fought a mighty battle but lost the fish on its second long run. John is a great fisher and caught lots of fish. In fact he had bites on almost every cast. I'll return there for some caddis fishing this fall.

Saturday, September 2, 2006

DATE: Saturday, September 2, 2006

TIME: 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM

WEATHER: Low 70s rising to low 80s

WATER CONDITIONS: 0 units

LOCATIONS FISHED: Norfork River, McClellan’s—downstream of Otter Creek

HATCH: A few midges and crane flies

ROD USED: Winston 7’ 9” 2-weight LT

FLIES USED: #14 gray Norfork River scud, #14 mini bugger

OTHER: I fished with David, Brian, and Colby. Brian is our daughter's (Jenny) fiancé, David is his father, and Colby is his brother. It was their first time fly fishing for trout. We took about 5 minutes for an instructional casting lesson, and immediately began fishing. Brian ended up in a tough spot, but both Colby and David were positioned to catch fish. David was a good caster and began catching fish on the scud dead drifted in Ed's Hole. Then Colby began catching fish and Brian began getting bites as well. After about two hours, the fish just quit biting, all of a sudden. Then about twenty minutes later, they started again. David moved slightly downstream and took fish in the rather deep chute adjacent to Ace in the Hole. Brian switched to a mini bugger tied with ice dubbing and began getting more consistent bites. Colby moved downstream near his dad and also began getting consistent bites. Several times through the course of the morning, the "Painter" boys had doubles. All of them were somewhat "natural" fishers and did well for their first time out. It was a blast watching them catch lots of trout on a fly rod as first time fly fishers. As a note, the river was packed upstream of the catch and release sign with Labor Day fishers—more than I'd ever seen. I suspect the river got cleaned out.

Friday, September 1, 2006

DATE: Friday, September 1, 2006

TIME: 4:00 PM to 4:30 PM

WEATHER: Low 80s

WATER CONDITIONS: 0 units to substantial generation

LOCATIONS FISHED: Norfork River, top of 2^nd island above Ackerman/Handicap Access downstream to Cook’s Island

HATCH: None

ROD USED: Winston 7’ 9” 2-weight LT

FLIES USED: #18 elk hair caddis

OTHER: I fished solo. I attempted to replicate the previous evening with caddis, and began fishing down to "Cook's Island" in front of Cook’s Island when the water began rising. Consequently, there was very little fishing and no catching.

Thursday, August 31, 2006

DATE: Thursday, August 31, 2006

TIME: 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM

WEATHER: Low 80s

WATER CONDITIONS: 0 units

LOCATIONS FISHED: Norfork River, Cook’s Island to top of 2^nd island above Ackerman/Handicap Access

HATCH: One caddis and one crane fly

ROD USED: Winston 7’ 9” 2-weight LT

FLIES USED: #20 furnace cockleburr, #18 gray elk hair caddis

OTHER: I fished solo. Fishing was challenging and it was intense trying to "outsmart" the little animals with pea-sized brains. It reminded me of the old days when I fished almost exclusively with dry flies. Regardless, it was fun to concentrate so much. I struggled for about 45 minutes before catching my first small fish in shallow, fast water on the cockleburr. Then I managed to take another, but that was it. After fishing my way upstream, I finally took a chance and switched to a #18 gray caddis and immediately was rewarded with a fish, then another and another. On one drift, a large cutthroat came out of nowhere and gently took the caddis. I braced for a fight with the 2-weight, and it lasted all of 2 seconds as the big fish broke me off. I guess the cutthroat to be over 18 inches. I managed to take a couple more fish on the caddis. It was another great day in paradise.

Wednesday, August 30, 2006

DATE: Wednesday, August 30, 2006

TIME: 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM

WEATHER: High 60s rising to low 70s

WATER CONDITIONS: 0 units

LOCATIONS FISHED: Norfork River, McClellan’s—downstream of Otter Creek

HATCH: A few midges

ROD USED: Winston 7’ 9” 2-weight LT

FLIES USED: #14 gray Norfork River scud, Big Ugly

OTHER: I fished with Kay and Ron. This was a repeat of August 29—great fishing and catching—we all caught fish. Kay and Ron had particularly good days and both caught lots of fish. Ron's casting has improved and he fished well. There were several others fishing McClellan's, but we had the area we were fishing to ourselves except for a nice gentleman who was fishing downstream. I caught several on the scud, then switched to the Big Ugly, and missed several. It was a little too early in the day. We left the river at 11:00 AM so Ron could head back to Benton, AR. It was great fishing with him, and he did very well.

Tuesday, August 29, 2006

DATE: Tuesday, August 29, 2006

TIME: 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM

WEATHER: Low 70s rising to low 80s

WATER CONDITIONS: 0 units

LOCATIONS FISHED: Norfork River, McClellan’s—downstream of Otter Creek

HATCH: A few midges and caddis

ROD USED: Winston 7’ 9” 2-weight LT

FLIES USED: #14 gray Norfork River scud, Big Ugly

OTHER: I fished with Kay and Ron. This was a great fishing and catching day in paradise—we all caught fish. Kay and Ron had particularly good days and both caught lots of fish. Ron had one fish that was close to 17 inches, and another that was at least 16 inches. I fished the scud for a couple of hours, then switched to the Big Ugly, and caught several dead drifting it as a dry fly. I then would slightly "pop" the fly, like a popping bug, and fish would explode on the fly. I caught at least a dozen and a half fishing this way. I then began fishing Ed's Hole and managed a 22-inch cutthroat on the 2-weight fishing the Big Ugly on top in fairly shallow water. Surprisingly, the fish did not fight much until it saw us, but oh my, was it pretty. Kay got a picture and we released it to be caught again. Despite the great, near fall like weather, we had McClellan's to ourselves!

Monday, August 28, 2006

DATE: Monday, August 28, 2006

TIME: 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM

WEATHER: Low 70s rising to low 80s, overcast

WATER CONDITIONS: Low, somewhat turbid

LOCATIONS FISHED: Crooked Creek, Snow Access

HATCH: N/A

ROD USED: Unknown

FLIES USED: Crawfish, hopper

OTHER: I fished with Ron. Fishing for smallmouth bass was tough today. We walked and fished downstream to a relatively large pool, seeing lots of smallmouths, but they were not very aggressive. Several fish struck on top, but few hooked up. We did manage a few bluegills, some small rock bass, and a few smallmouth bass. Ron foul hooked a large (8-12 pounds) carp, but the carp took off, and broke the line.

Friday, August 25, 2006

DATE: Friday, August 25, 2006

TIME: 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM

WEATHER: Low 70s rising to low 90s

WATER CONDITIONS: 0 units, slightly turbid

LOCATIONS FISHED: Norfork River, McClellan’s—downstream of Otter Creek

HATCH: A few midges and several crane flies

ROD USED: Winston 8’ 6” 5-weight WT Joan Wulff Favorite

FLIES USED: #14 gray Norfork River scud

OTHER: I fished with my favorite fishing partner, Kay. This was another wonderful day in paradise—fishing and catching were both GREAT. We entered the river as it was still falling, and immediately began catching lots of fish near the "Catch and Release" sign and downstream. I moved downstream to Ed's Hole and it was almost a fish every cast. Kay was having some trouble hooking up, so I move upstream to help her. We had an AH move in on us from upstream, and he was casting within about 3 feet of my upper drift. In addition, he was wading in the lane where the fish were feeding. I didn't say anything, but then he attempted to move between Kay and me (we were only about 40 feet apart), and I asked him not to crowd her. He proceeded to move downstream of her, between her and another fisherman (about 100 feet between them), and began crowding Kay, casting near her lower drift. I politely asked him not to crowd her, and asked again, not so politely. He mumbled something, and I moved to get between Kay and him. Kay told him good etiquette dictated 100 feet distance between them, and he told us to mind our own business. Fortunately, I'm big enough that he saw we meant "business" and proceeded downstream. Poor fellow didn't catch but a couple of trout. He was from Missouri with a license plate "TROUT". He had all the fineries of a gentleman fisherman—the best of everything money could buy. I suppose I'm getting too old to put up with crap like that. Anyway, he ruined our fishing experience; fog settled in despite it being after lunch, and we fished our way upstream and left.

Wednesday, August 23, 2006

DATE: Wednesday, August 23, 2006

TIME: 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM

WEATHER: Low 70s rising to low 90s

WATER CONDITIONS: 0 units, slightly turbid

LOCATIONS FISHED: Norfork River, McClellan’s—downstream of Otter Creek continuing downstream for about ¾ mile

HATCH: A few midges and several crane flies

ROD USED: Winston 8’ 6” 5-weight WT Joan Wulff Favorite

FLIES USED: #14 gray Norfork River scud

OTHER: I fished with Ed and Phillip today. This was another of those days when fishing and catching were both GREAT. We got into the water while it was still falling, with lots of "fog" on the river. As the fog lifted and the water level stabilized, we began catching LOTS of fish dead drifting a scud about 30 inches below a strike indicator. We all managed to catch lots of fish. I caught all rainbows, except for one brown. Mill Dam Eddy was full up of people as John Gulley was guiding two clients and another person fishing below them, so we passed on by. By then, it was beginning to near noon, so we fished at Charlie's Island for a few minutes and left the river. No big fish were caught but it was a memorable day, nevertheless.

Tuesday, August 22, 2006

DATE: Tuesday, August 22, 2006

TIME: 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM

WEATHER: Low 70s rising to high 80s

WATER CONDITIONS: 0 units, slightly turbid

LOCATIONS FISHED: White River, Wildcat shoals in AM, Rim Shoals in PM

HATCH: A few midges

ROD USED: Winston 7’ 9” 2-weight LT

FLIES USED: #16 Flashback bead head pheasant tail dropping a #16 tan White River sowbug at Wildcat Shoals, #14 olive mini bugger and numerous other flies at Rim Shoals

OTHER: I fished with Ed and Phillip today. We chased the water upstream to Wildcat Shoals where it was still dropping. There was a lot of "fog" on the river. I grabbed the wrong rod this AM and was under gunned all day. Oh well, it was a good thing that reminded me that I could catch fish closer in if necessary. We managed to catch several rainbows at Wildcat Shoals, mostly on the sowbug. Our strike indicators were only about 3 feet above the first fly. Upon noting that the fish were not taking the bead head pheasant tail, all of us switched to one fly, i.e. no dropper. The water was dingy from the previous evening's 3 inches of rain. In fact, Denton Ferry Road flooded and was closed that previous evening. The fishing was not spectacular, but was good and we caught enough fish to stay interested. At Rim Shoals after lunch, the water was dingy and still a little high. It never did drop much. Fishing was TOUGH. Ed caught several on a Birds Nest cast quartering downstream. I managed a few on a mini bugger fished the same way, but stripped back. We did not see rising fish as they had seen the previous afternoon, when they managed to catch a bunch of fish on or near the surface.

Friday, August 18, 2006

DATE: Friday, August 18, 2006

TIME: 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM

WEATHER: Low 70s rising to mid-90s

WATER CONDITIONS: 0 units with generation beginning

LOCATIONS FISHED: Norfork River, Cook’s Island

HATCH: None

ROD USED: Winston 7’ 9” 2-weight LT

FLIES USED: #20 furnace cockleburr

OTHER: I fished solo, but met up with Wayne. There was a lot of fog on the river. I managed to catch 2 or 3 before water came up, less than an hour after I entered the water. The fish never rose because of the fog.

Thursday, August 17, 2006

DATE: Thursday, August 17, 2006

TIME: 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM

WEATHER: Low 70s rising to mid-90s

WATER CONDITIONS: 0 units, slightly turbid

LOCATIONS FISHED: Norfork River, Cook’s Island to top of 2^nd island above Ackerman/Handicap Access

HATCH: A few midges and crane flies

ROD USED: Winston 8’ 6” 5-weight WT Joan Wulff Favorite

FLIES USED: #14 tan Norfork River scud, #14 furnace cockleburr, #20 furnace cockleburr

OTHER: I fished solo today. Neither the riffles nor the pool yielded much today. I managed a 17-inch tagged fish at the bottom of the pool on a tan scud, and one other small fish. I switched to a #14 furnace cockleburr and caught a few fish on top. I switched again to a #20 furnace cockleburr and caught several fish on top, and stripping; a couple of the fish—cutthroats—were about 17 inches. Today, I caught rainbows, cutthroats, and a brown. I observed redds beginning to show up with fish guarding them. I also saw John Wilson catch a huge brown right in front of Cook’s Island. He “hooked” the fish twice and broke off, and “hooked” it the third time and landed it. It was over 30 inches.

Wednesday, August 16, 2006

DATE: Wednesday, August 16, 2006

TIME: 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM

WEATHER: Low 70s rising to mid-90s

WATER CONDITIONS: 0 units, slightly turbid

LOCATIONS FISHED: Norfork River, the Pool to Mill Dam Eddy and back

HATCH: A few midges and crane flies

ROD USED: Winston 8’ 6” 5-weight WT Joan Wulff Favorite

FLIES USED: #14 tan Norfork River scud, #20 furnace cockleburr

OTHER: I fished with Wayne. I fished the riffle below the island and caught two rainbows on the tan scud. Moving into the Pool, I made long casts but caught no fish, though I did note several fish closer in. By shortening the cast, I began catching fish on the scud, including several rainbows, cutthroats, and a brookie, but no browns. One rainbow was about 17 inches. I moved to a long riffle and managed to take several on a #20 furnace cockleburr. The amount of sediment from development of Overlook Estates that had moved in and accumulated via rains and corresponding runoff of August 10 and August 11 was amazing. Near Elisabeth Creek, huge piles of sediment had accumulated over 1 foot deep forming an area of about 100 square feet, and included a pile of 1-inch aggregate mixed in with the sediment. The river bottom has changed dramatically, and is filling with the sediment. Areas several feet deep are now only inches deep. Wayne commented that it took the river over 3-1/2 hours to clear with full generation this time compared to near instantaneous clearing before. Is this the beginning of the end?

Saturday, August 12, 2006

DATE: Saturday, August 12, 2006

TIME: 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM

WEATHER: Low 70s rising to mid-90s

WATER CONDITIONS: 1 unit

LOCATIONS FISHED: White River, Rim Shoals 2^nd riffle

HATCH: A rare caddis or two

ROD USED: Winston 7’ 9” 2-weight LT

FLIES USED: #16 bead head flashback pheasant tail, #14 mini bugger, #14 furnace cockleburr

OTHER: I fished with Karyn, her boyfriend Matt, and Kay. I focused most of my time guiding, and Karyn managed to catch 3 or 4 fish—one on a #16 bead head flashback pheasant tail and the others on a #14 bead head mini-bugger. Matt caught a half dozen or so (his first time ever to fly fish) on a #14 mini bugger; I think he's hooked, both ways! Kay didn't fare well today because of the high water, and a bad ankle prohibited her from wading very far. I caught several using both the bead head flashback pheasant tail and the furnace cockleburr greased and stripped. Fishing was tough; a number of fly fishers crowded us as we were the only ones catching fish.

Wednesday, August 9, 2006

DATE: Wednesday, August 9, 2006

TIME: 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM

WEATHER: Low 70s rising to low 100s

WATER CONDITIONS: 0 units (no generation prior 5 days)

LOCATIONS FISHED: Norfork River, the Pool to Mill Dam Eddy and back

HATCH: Some few midges and occasional caddis flies

ROD USED: Winston 8’ 6” 5-weight WT Joan Wulff Favorite

FLIES USED: #14 tan Norfork River scud, #20 furnace cockleburr

OTHER: Wayne and I fished together. I witnessed the most awesome morning of fishing I've ever seen. Wayne caught, measured, photographed, and released 7 straight browns over 20 inches. He played all the fish extremely well, and each was beautifully marked. I photographed him holding each fish. This was a morning that if you didn't see it with your own eyes, you would not have believed it. My, oh my! I managed to catch a dozen and a half rainbows and cutthroats, with the largest maybe a mere 16 inches. All of my fish were caught on tan scud, except two which were caught stripping a #20 furnace cockleburr. Here are photos of some of Wayne’s fish.

Monday, July 24, 2006

DATE: Monday, July 24, 2006

TIME: 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM

WEATHER: Low 80s rising to mid-90s

WATER CONDITIONS: 0 units (no generation prior 5 days)

LOCATIONS FISHED: Norfork River, the Pool to Mill Dam Eddy and back

HATCH: Some few midges and occasional crane flies

ROD USED: Winston 8’ 6” 5-weight WT Joan Wulff Favorite

FLIES USED: #14 tan Norfork River scud, #16 tan Norfork River scud, #20 furnace cockleburr

OTHER: Wayne and I fished together. Wayne is a fishing machine, catching fish almost every cast. The river was great today, and with Wayne's style of fishing, we both had sections of the river to ourselves with no one in sight. My improved clinch knot kept pulling off the hook when fish were on, causing me to lose several fish AND flies. I must have finally got it right as the knot remained intact. After I got the first fish to hand, I managed to take a lot of fish, including three about 16 inches, on the tan scud, and the fish were particularly heavy. At about 10 AM, I switched to a #20 furnace cockleburr and had a blast, catching fish both on the surface and in the film. I t was a great day. I left the water at 11 o'clock for some volunteer church work.

Saturday, July 22, 2006

DATE: Saturday, July 22, 2006

TIME: 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM

WEATHER: Low 70s

WATER CONDITIONS: 0 units (no generation prior 5 days), with unexpected beginning generation

LOCATIONS FISHED: Norfork River, the Pool to Mill Dam Eddy and back

HATCH: Some few midges

ROD USED: Winston 8’ 6” 5-weight WT Joan Wulff Favorite

FLIES USED: #14 gray Norfork River scud

OTHER: I fished solo, but Wayne came out of the river just as I was coming out. He had been upstream of me. This was my first day back on the Norfork after an absence of 3-1/2 months. I managed to hook several fish, but brought nothing to hand. It demonstrates what a lapse of fishing can do to one's timing on the Norfork. The river was packed, even in areas traditionally not fished. I had one guy casting, not drifting, to within a couple of yards of me. It was all I could do to remain silent. It’s just another reason not to "pack heat" while on the water. I had only been in the water about 30 minutes and generation began; I was skunked for the first time in a long time—a humbling experience.

Thursday, July 20, 2006

DATE: Thursday, July 20, 2006

TIME: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM

WEATHER: Low 90s rising to low 100s

WATER CONDITIONS: 0 units (no generation prior 5 days)

LOCATIONS FISHED: White River, Wildcat Shoals

HATCH: Some few midges

ROD USED: Winston 8’ 6” 5-weight WT Joan Wulff Favorite

FLIES USED: #14 bead head flashback pheasant tail, #16 White River sow bug, #20 zebra midge

OTHER: Wayne and I decided to fish somewhere out of the ordinary, and chose Wildcat Shoals. As usual, Wayne caught fish continuously. I managed to take a few. We fished our way downstream from the public launch about 1/2 mile, then back up. Fishing was best about 200 yards below the public launch. It was HOT, weather wise. This was my first day back on home waters since early April.

Tuesday, June 6, 2006

DATE: Tuesday, June 6, 2006

TIME: 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM

WEATHER: High 80s, partly cloudy

WATER CONDITIONS: Clear

LOCATIONS FISHED: Lake Norfork, channel behind Jordan Marina

HATCH: None

ROD USED: G. Loomis 9’ 3-weight IMX custom made

FLIES USED: #10 baby blue popping bug

OTHER: Kay and I fished out of the lake boat for a couple of hours. Conditions were great, but the fish had moved to deep water. I managed to catch two really small bream on the popping bug.

Friday, June 2, 2006

DATE: Friday, June 2, 2006

TIME: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM

WEATHER: Mid-50s to mid-80s, partly cloudy

WATER CONDITIONS: Clear, temperature unknown

LOCATIONS FISHED: Quetico Wilderness, Ontario, Canada—Basswood Lake

HATCH: Several species of Mayflies and some midges, though fish were not keying on any of the hatches

ROD USED: Winston 9’ 7-weight BL5 Joan Wulff Favorite

FLIES USED: Olive green, two-toned #6 hard body foam popper

OTHER: Today was our last day in camp.

I "guided" Kay in the AM. She caught several fish, and had one over four pounds on a green lizard. I "guided" George on the way back to “civilization”, and he caught about 30 fish. Harry guided Kay.

Thursday, June 1, 2006

DATE: Thursday, June 1, 2006

TIME: 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM

WEATHER: Mid-50s to mid-80s, partly cloudy

WATER CONDITIONS: Clear, temperature unknown

LOCATIONS FISHED: Quetico Wilderness, Ontario, Canada—Basswood Lake

HATCH: Several species of Mayflies and some midges, though fish were not keying on any of the hatches

ROD USED: Winston 9’ 7-weight BL5 Joan Wulff Favorite

FLIES USED: Olive green, two-toned #6 hard body foam popper

OTHER: Fished with Kay.

Today, living on a small island and fishing on Basswood Lake was just another day at the “office”.

Wednesday, May 31, 2006

DATE: Wednesday, May 31, 2006

TIME: 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM

WEATHER: Mid-50s to mid-80s, partly cloudy

WATER CONDITIONS: Clear, temperature unknown

LOCATIONS FISHED: Quetico Wilderness, Ontario, Canada—Basswood Lake

HATCH: Several species of Mayflies and some midges, though fish were not keying on any of the hatches

ROD USED: Winston 9’ 7-weight BL5 Joan Wulff Favorite

FLIES USED: Olive green, two-toned #6 hard body foam popper

OTHER: John was gracious enough to "guide" me. I caught lots of fish on a green popper, including one over 5 pounds. It was a great day, and John is an excellent guide.

Tuesday, May 30, 2006

DATE: Tuesday, May 30, 2006

TIME: 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM

WEATHER: Mid-50s to mid-80s, partly cloudy, windy

WATER CONDITIONS: Clear, temperature unknown

LOCATIONS FISHED: Quetico Wilderness, Ontario, Canada—Basswood Lake

HATCH: Several species of Mayflies and some midges, though fish were not keying on any of the hatches

ROD USED: Winston 9’ 7-weight BL5 Joan Wulff Favorite

FLIES USED: Olive green, two-toned #6 hard body foam popper

OTHER: I fished briefly with Harry in the AM. Unfortunately, as the week would prove, this was the only time I got to fish with either Harry or Mary the entire six day trip. I caught about 2 dozen bass on an olive popping bug. Kay had a great morning as well catching this beauty.

Kay and I tried fishing in the afternoon, but got caught across the lake in a ferocious wind. We took the safe way out and stayed on the bank for about 2 hours. Consequently, we did not fish at all. These weather patterns, however, make for beautiful sunrises and sunsets.

Monday, May 29, 2006

DATE: Monday, May 29, 2006

TIME: 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM

WEATHER: Mid-50s to mid-80s, partly cloudy

WATER CONDITIONS: Clear, temperature unknown

LOCATIONS FISHED: Quetico Wilderness, Ontario, Canada—Basswood Lake

HATCH: Several species of mayflies and some midges, though fish were not keying on any of the hatches

ROD USED: Winston 9’ 7-weight BL5 Joan Wulff Favorite

FLIES USED: Olive green, two-toned #6 hard body foam popper

OTHER: I fished with Kay. We alternated paddling each other, though Kay paddled me most of the time. She is beginning to come into her own paddling a canoe. I caught several fish on the green popping bug, and Kay caught several on a green lizard. George had a good day as well as evidenced by this fish.

Sunday, May 28, 2006

DATE: Sunday, May 28, 2006

TIME: 6:00 AM to 5:30 PM

WEATHER: Mid-50s to mid-80s, partly cloudy, windy in the afternoon

WATER CONDITIONS: Clear, temperature unknown

LOCATIONS FISHED: Quetico Wilderness, Ontario, Canada—Basswood Lake

HATCH: Several species of Mayflies and some midges, though fish were not keying on any of the hatches

ROD USED: Winston 9’ 7-weight BL5 Joan Wulff Favorite

FLIES USED: Olive green, two-toned #6 hard body foam popper

OTHER: I fished with Kay. A fierce storm rolled in just after paddling in from our shore departure near Ely, Minnesota.

Harry and Mary were able to get camp set up before the lightning and heavy winds arrived. We immediately went to the tents to get out of the lightning, lying on our foam mattress pads.

Kay and I alternated paddling each other, though Kay paddled me most of the time. I managed a 5+ pounder, a "board" fish, on the popper. I caught several other fish on the green popping bug, and Kay caught several on a green lizard. Our friend, John, caught two or three 5+ pounders, with one going over six pounds. Our friend Dave caught one over 5 pounds. John and Dave are great fishers, to say the least.

Sunday, April 16, 2006

DATE: Sunday, April 16, 2006

TIME: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM

WEATHER: Mid-50s to mid-70s, sunny

WATER CONDITIONS: Clear

LOCATIONS FISHED: Green River, Utah, Section A

HATCH: Assorted midge emergers and some terrestrials

ROD USED: Winston 8’ 6” 5-weight WT Joan Wulff Favorite

FLIES USED: Unknown

OTHER: I fished with Kay; we were guided by Ed in a drift boat. We had a great trip, caught lots of fish, mostly browns. All fish were caught on midge emergers with strike indicator, but no weight. Ed was an incredible guide, and put Kay and me on lots of fish. He seemed to know where every fish lay, and what cast was necessary to drift a fly to the fish. I learned a lot about different kinds of mends for different water conditions, and Kay learned a lot as well. Ed and I seemed to be in a zone, and he would put me into position to cast, would call the cast, and I would catch the fish. I used practically every kind of cast I know. It was a great day. Ed would rank as our favorite guide, but only slightly above Boomer.

Saturday, April 15, 2006

DATE: Saturday, April 15, 2006

TIME: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM

WEATHER: Mid-50s to mid-70s, sunny, very windy

WATER CONDITIONS: Clear

LOCATIONS FISHED: Green River, Utah, Section A

HATCH: Assorted midge emergers and some terrestrials

ROD USED: Winston 8’ 6” 5-weight WT Joan Wulff Favorite

FLIES USED: Assorted midge pupae, #20

OTHER: I fished with Kay; we were guided by Bill in a drift boat. This was possibly the worst day of fly fishing in my life. Bill was a nice "kid", but didn't have a clue about guiding the Green River. He kept the boat in the middle of the river, never offering an eddy or slow side water to fish. He put Kay and me in the worst casting positions possible. I fished midges with weight and strike indicator, including a small pheasant tail midge that worked pretty well. I did manage a half dozen or so fish in the hour before noon, and Kay had one fish, but that was it for the day. Section B is not as pretty as Section A, but still a great piece of river. We won't fish with "Bill" again!

Friday, April 14, 2006

DATE: Friday, April 14, 2006

TIME: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM

WEATHER: Mid-50s to mid-70s, sunny

WATER CONDITIONS: Clear

LOCATIONS FISHED: Green River, Utah, Section A

HATCH: Assorted midge emergers and some terrestrials

ROD USED: Winston 8’ 6” 5-weight WT Joan Wulff Favorite

FLIES USED: Assorted midge pupae, #20

OTHER: I fished with Kay and we were guided by Boomer in a drift boat. We had a great trip, caught several fish, mostly browns. All fish were caught on subsurface flies with strike indicator, but no weight. Scenery was spectacular, as the Flaming Gorge is incredibly beautiful, containing every earth tone color imaginable. Boomer is a great guide.

Wednesday, March 29, 2006

DATE: Wednesday, March 29, 2006

TIME: 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM

WEATHER: Low 60s, mostly cloudy, wind 5-15 mph

WATER CONDITIONS: 0 Units (no generation prior 5 days)

LOCATIONS FISHED: White River, Rim Shoals

HATCH: Some midges, what I believe was a Light Cahill or something similar, 3 sizes of caddis flies (one was small, #18, gray with gray mottled wings; another was larger, #14, olive with near white wings; and the third was #16 tan). The hatch was not as prolific as March 28.

ROD USED: Winston 8’ 9” 5-weight LT (broke the Winston 8’ 6” 5-weight WT Joan Wulff Favorite this morning)

FLIES USED: #16 bead head flashback pheasant tail, #18 olive elk hair caddis

OTHER: Dick and I met Ed on the water; Wayne was there also. It was Dick's first time to "dry fly" fish, and he did very well. We both fished the riffle at the #2 "trailhead." There was not as much rising activity as March 28, but caddis flies were still coming off. In terms of catching, it was an even better day than March 28 for me. Again, none of the fish were large, but several were in the 16-inch class, and were surprisingly HEAVY fish.

Tuesday, March 28, 2006

DATE: Tuesday, March 28, 2006

TIME: 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM

WEATHER: Mid 50s, partly cloudy, wind 5-15 mph

WATER CONDITIONS: 0 Units (no generation prior 4 days)

LOCATIONS FISHED: White River, Rim Shoals

HATCH: Some midges, what I believe was a Light Cahill or something similar, 3 sizes of caddis flies (one was small, #18, gray with gray mottled wings; another was larger, #14, olive with near white wings; and the third was #16 tan).

ROD USED: Winston 8’ 6” 5-weight WT Joan Wulff Favorite

FLIES USED: #16 bead head flashback pheasant tail, #18 olive elk hair caddis

OTHER: Ed and I began fishing at the upper riffle. I used a #16 bead head flashback pheasant tail and caught several fish, then noted fish rising (two to my strike indicator). I switched to a caddis and began to catch fish on the dry fly, about 9:30 AM. I fished caddis the rest of day and had one of those particularly wonderful days, catching fish almost every cast on dry flies. None of the fish were large, but several were in the 16-inch class, and were the heaviest fish, as a group, I've ever caught on the White River. We quit before the hatch was over, as we were too tired to finish the hatch. I literally wore out several flies. We observed no other fishermen fishing caddis!

Thursday, March 9, 2006

DATE: Thursday, March 9, 2006

TIME: 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM

WEATHER: Mid-50s, overcast

WATER CONDITIONS: 0 units, extremely turbid

LOCATIONS FISHED: Norfork River, above 2^nd island above Ackerman/Handicap Access

HATCH: None

ROD USED: Winston 10’ 4-weight WT

FLIES USED: #6 shad imitation (gray body, palmered grizzly hackle, fluorescent orange tail—it was the biggest, ugliest fly I had)

OTHER: I fished solo. It had been raining practically all week, and runoff combined with lack of erosion control at ongoing development at Overbrook Estates near dam "flooded" the river with sediment. It was so turbid that one could only see about one inch under the surface of the water. Regardless, I began by dead-drifting a fly in the riffle—nothing. I had heard that some browns had staged in the pool above the riffle, so I began casting the big fly quartering upstream and stripping back. I thought I had hung up, but then felt some movement. Making a long story short, I caught a 22-inch female brown. I made a few more casts and caught a 6-inch brown. I was so disgusted with water conditions that I quit for the day.

Monday, February 27, 2006

DATE:  Monday, February 27, 2006

TIME: 11:30 AM to 4:00 PM

WEATHER: Mid-40s

WATER CONDITIONS: 0 units

LOCATIONS FISHED: Norfork River, riffle above McClellan’s

HATCH: None

ROD USED: Winston 10’ 4-weight WT

FLIES USED: #20 Kay's Gray, #14 gray Norfork River scud, #14 elk hair caddis, #26 midge pupae

OTHER: I fished with Wayne. Wayne's second cast resulted in a 23-inch brown—I helped him measure.

He caught several other large fish upstream of the riffle.

I struggled for a while, but finally put on a black #26 midge pupae dropped below a #14 gray scud (we were fishing outside the “Catch and Release” area), and began catching fish with some regularity. It was tough fishing, but I caught 10 to 12 fish.

Saturday, February 25, 2006

DATE: Saturday, February 25, 2006

TIME: 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM

WEATHER: Mid-40s, cloudy, windy

WATER CONDITIONS: 0 units

LOCATIONS FISHED: Norfork River, McClellan’s downstream of Otter Creek

HATCH: Two midges (one black in color and tiny, the other about a #22 gray)

ROD USED: Winston 10’ 4-weight WT

FLIES USED: #14 gray Norfork River scud, #26 Dunn’s Dun

OTHER: I fished with Ron. I started Ron with a gray scud, and he got a few bites but no hook ups. Fishing was difficult at best, and I didn't see another of the 14 fishers get a bite; that's right, 14 fishers downstream, and later, 3 more came from downstream that had been out of our line of sight. I tied a #26 Dunn's Dun on Ron’s tippet, he fished the fiat water at Ace in the Hole, but casting in the strong north wind was difficult. I fished the same water and got lucky with 2 or 3 fish caught, and a bunch of misses. On one cast and drift, I got 3 bites. It looks like the code for this past week has been a #26 Dunn's Dun, though a black midge fly pattern would work equally as well.

OVERLOOK ESTATES: Overlooking the Norfork Dam and the Norfork River, Overlook Estates is a development by a relocated, arrogant Texan. Regrettably, he denuded the hillsides and failed to install erosion control measures.

The result was the introduction of thousands of tons of sediment into the Norfork River, covering the stream bottom and suffocating much of the insect life. Only time will tell how much damage has actually been done, and what, if anything, he will be made to do to mitigate those damages.

Thursday, February 23, 2006

DATE: Thursday, February 23, 2006

TIME: 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM

WEATHER: Mid-40s

WATER CONDITIONS: 0 units

LOCATIONS FISHED: Norfork River, McClellan’s downstream of Otter Creek

HATCH: Blue winged olive, two midges (one black and tiny, the other about a #22 gray)

ROD USED: Winston 10’ 4-weight WT

FLIES USED: #20 Kay's Gray, #20 blue winged olive, #20 Dunn's Dun, #26 Dunn’s Dun, #14 gray Norfork River scud

OTHER: I fished with Kay. I started with a gray scud, but only got one bite, and no hook ups. Kay got a couple of bites on a gray scud, but no hook ups. I tried several flies, and finally caught one of the midges coming off the surface; it appeared to be olive with ribbing and very small. I put on a #26 Dunn's Dun, and bingo, began to get bites. I hooked up several times, and managed to land a couple of fish. I missed at least a half dozen or more. Perhaps the code has been broken.

Monday, February 20, 2006

DATE: Monday, February 20, 2006

TIME: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

WEATHER: High 30s

WATER CONDITIONS: 0 units

LOCATIONS FISHED: Norfork River, 2^nd island above Ackerman/Handicap Access through the Pool to Mill Dam Eddy and back

HATCH: Blue winged olive, two midges (one light colored and tiny, the other about a #22 gray)

ROD USED: Winston 10’ 4-weight WT

FLIES USED: #20 Kay's Gray, #20 blue winged olive, #20 Dunn's Dun

OTHER: I fished solo, but struggled to catch fish, though I finally caught 4 or 5 on a Kay's Gray. Fish were rising consistently, taking something off the top. I still haven't broken the code.

Friday, February 17, 2006

DATE: Friday, February 17, 2006

TIME: 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM

WEATHER: Low 30s

WATER CONDITIONS: 0 units

LOCATIONS FISHED: Norfork River, 2^nd island above Ackerman/Handicap Access through the Pool to Mill Dam Eddy and back

HATCH: Blue winged olive, two midges (one light colored and tiny, the other about a #22 gray)

ROD USED: Winston 10’ 4-weight WT

FLIES USED: #14 gray Norfork River scud, #20 Kay's Gray, #20 blue winged olive, #20 Dunn's Dun, #22 olive cockleburr

OTHER: I fished with Wayne. We have not fished together in some time due to my commitments at church. It was great fishing with the master again. We saw rising fish from the time we entered the water. There was a very nice blue winged olive hatch, #18 or #20, coming off. We threw everything in the book, and could not "break the code." We each would catch a couple of fish on a fly and think we had the pattern, then nothing. Upon changing flies, the same thing happened—a couple of fish would be caught, then nothing. Finally, I put on a Kay's Gray at Mill Dam Eddy and began to consistently catch 14 to 16-inch fish. Wayne also began consistently catching fish (doesn't he always), but I'm not sure what he was using. I ended up with a 17-inch cutthroat. Both Wayne and I missed a lot of large fish. A lesson learned is not to use Cortland Clear 555 fly line when it's cold; memory retention is terrible. I'd pull out the coils, just to have them come back in. It was two great days (yesterday and today) back-to-back despite a temperature change of 35 degrees.

Thursday, February 16, 2006

DATE:  Thursday, February 16, 2006

TIME: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

WEATHER: Low 70s with a cold front moving in, windy

WATER CONDITIONS: 0 units

LOCATIONS FISHED: Norfork River, McClellan’s

HATCH: Midges

ROD USED: Winston 10’ 4-weight WT

FLIES USED: #14 gray Norfork River scud, #14 champagne Norfork River scud

OTHER: I fished with Ginger and Ron. We all caught fish, and Ginger and Ron both did real well. Ginger's first fish was a 17-inch brown, and she played it marvelously. She continued to pick up fish, generally 14 to 15 inches long, with a final cutthroat about 16 inches. Ron caught lots of fish downstream, near Ace in the Hole, and went 5 straight one time. Most of his fish were in the 14 to 15-inch class. It was really warm, and the wind was heavy. Fish seemed to bite when the wind subsided.

Wednesday, February 15, 2006

DATE:  Wednesday, February 15, 2006

TIME: 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM

WEATHER: Low 60s, overcast, windy, with a cold front slowly moving in, barometric pressure is very low

WATER CONDITIONS: 0 units

LOCATIONS FISHED: Norfork River, McClellan’s downstream to top of 2^nd island above Ackerman/Handicap access

HATCH: Midges

ROD USED: Winston 8’ 6” 5-weight WT Joan Wulff Favorite

FLIES USED: #14 gray Norfork River scud, #20 Kay’s Gray, #20 olive cockleburr

OTHER: Fished with Ed. Both of us caught fish. I got on a hot streak right after entering the water, and managed to take several out on the right descending bank below Otter Creek. Ed managed to hook up with some big fish below the riffle above the island, and saw some really big fish. I caught a few in the riffle above the island. Ed and I fished our way down to Mill Dam Eddy where I managed to catch several nice fish on a #20 Kay's Gray, greased and fished dry. The wind was terrible, it was overcast, and visibility on the water was virtually impossible. Ed and I had the river to ourselves, except for a fisherman at McClellan’s who didn't last long in the wind, and another fisher below Mill Dam Eddy. Who would've thought that dry fly fishing in wind, overcast, mid-February would be great? It was!

Tuesday, February 14, 2006

DATE: Tuesday, February 14, 2006

TIME: 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM

WEATHER: Low 60s, overcast, windy, with a cold front slowly moving in, barometric pressure is very low

WATER CONDITIONS: 0 units

LOCATIONS FISHED: Norfork River, McClellan’s downstream of Otter Creek; White River, Rim Shoals

HATCH: Midges, with an occasional #16 black fly (either a caddis or stone fly)

ROD USED: Winston 8’ 6” 5-weight WT Joan Wulff Favorite

FLIES USED: #14 gray Norfork River scud, #20 olive cockleburr, #14 bead head flashback pheasant tail

OTHER: I fished with Dick and Ed. We all caught fish. Dick started off with a bang, catching 6 fish to my one. Then, Ed caught fire and caught fish after fish. I managed to take several on gray scud, then some more on the Dunn's Dun at Ace in the Hole. It was good to see it work again after such a long absence. In the afternoon, Ed and I fished Rim Shoals, and Ed managed to take several on the Big Ugly, and I caught a half dozen or so on a bead head flash back pheasant tail. The water level at Rim Shoals was a bit high, and the wind was fearsome. All in all, it was a great day on the water, with lots of fish being caught.

Though we did not fish together, here are a couple of photos of fish Wayne caught today.

Thursday, February 2, 2006

DATE:  Thursday, February 2, 2006

TIME: 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM

WEATHER: Low 50s

WATER CONDITIONS: 0 units

LOCATIONS FISHED: Norfork River, Mill Dam Eddy

HATCH: Midges

ROD USED: Winston 8’ 6” 5-weight WT Joan Wulff Favorite

FLIES USED: #14 gray Norfork River scud, #20 olive cockleburr, #14 bead head flashback pheasant tail

OTHER: I fished alone, and managed to take several on #20 olive cockleburr, greased and fished as a dry fly. It was great catching them on top. No other fishers were seen on the river; met Wayne coming in as I was going out.

Saturday, January 7, 2006

DATE: Saturday, January 7, 2006

TIME: 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM

WEATHER: Low 60s, partly cloudy

WATER CONDITIONS: 0 units

LOCATIONS FISHED: Norfork River, McClellan’s Dock downstream to Otter Creek

HATCH: None

ROD USED: Winston 10’ 4-weight WT

FLIES USED: #14 olive mini bugger, several other patterns too numerous to mention

OTHER: I fished with Wayne. It was a tough day of fishing for both of us. Wayne caught about 2 dozen and I caught about a dozen. I had 3 nice hookups, landing one. I caught most of the dozen fish on the #14 olive mini bugger in the weed beds downstream of the island across from McClellan's Dock. I did catch one fish on a Miracle Midge pattern.

Monday, January 2, 2006

DATE: Monday, January 2, 2006

TIME: 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM

WEATHER: Low 40s, very windy

WATER CONDITIONS: 0 units

LOCATIONS FISHED: Norfork River, McClellan’s Dock downstream to Otter Creek

HATCH: None

ROD USED: Winston 8’ 9” 5-weight WT Joan Wulff Favorite

FLIES USED: #14 olive mini bugger, several other patterns too numerous to mention

OTHER: I fished with Wayne, the Fishin' Machine. Wayne caught fish right, left, and in the middle. I hooked up twice right after entering the water, and then had a dry spell for about an hour. I moved downstream and fished the top of the weed beds and finally began to catch fish on the #14 olive mini bugger. It was great to be back on the river after so long an absence.