Larry L wrote:


BUT

I fish a couple places where it seems nearly impossible to move the
subsurface fly without putting the fish off and thus I use a similar dropper
and long wait tactic..... the tier in me always trying to reduce that wait

Some of your posts have shown that one thing you and I have in common is a
love for flies with soft materials and built in action ... I envy you
your little pond and the chance to experiment. I'd start with a
featherduster variant, or maybe something with filoplume for gills, ... oh,
oh, ... and maybe on a curved hook so it seemed to wiggle it's tails as the
hook bobbed in the slight currents .... and a very short ( real short, one
twist ) single strand of crystal flash at the thorax, such a tiny "spark"
seems to blink on on off with the slightest movement and makes the fly look
more alive, I have better luck with it than a traditional "flashback" Keep
us posted, it's an interesting situation ...

The only thing I noticed hatching were VERY tiny midges. Being this late
in the season, I'm guessing that's the only hatching bugs they see. I
don't fish lakes much, don't like the blind casting and I've always
taken a pretty crude approach and flung large flies like damsels,
buggers, etc. What's to cool to me about this pond is that I can sight fish
and watch the fishes reaction. I went from "crude" and kept going down
in size until I got
the fish on an 18 PT. Next time I'll probably try some San Juan
patterns. However, I have concerns about being able to control one of
the better fish on the light tippet that would be needed. I should be
able to get back by midweek.



BTW, I've never fished in Colorado and am thinking of going there for a
month or so next summer ... as well as spending some time in Alberta ...
expanding my "Montanahoming" trip to include a much larger area ...... I'd
like to meet you and chat about flies tied with Golden Retriever underfur
for an hour or so G ...



Colorado has some excellent fishing, probably some of the best smaller
water fishing in the Country. However, virtually all our waters are
freestone streams and rivers which you're not to fond of. I'd be glad
to show you around. I know of a couple local spots I think you'd like.
Think you'll have fun in Alberta.

Speaking of next year, is there interest in an Alaskan trip? The
motor home "deal" sounds good and during the time I'd like to do a fly in
float for several days. I'm planning on doing some research but I don't
even know where to start. Alaska is a BIG place.

Willi