2003 Winter - the Book Mailer

Transcription

There is still a free fly with the purchase of:
Caddisflies
The Dry Fly
Trout Flies
(see p. 24)
(see p. 24)
(see p. 23)
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
| Winter 2003 Newsletter |
the
Book Mailer
(fine fly fishing books since 1981)
PO Box 1273
Helena, MT 59624
tel. 1-800-874-4171 during business hours (Mountain Time) for credit card orders – the person picking up the telephone will
answer, "Greycliff Publishing Co." ~ FAX orders to 406-443-0788 anytime or, order from our website at www.greycliff.com.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All views expressed in this newsletter belong strictly to
the Book Mailer’s rag tag staff
(mainly because no one else would want them).
"The man who does not read good books
has no advantage over the man who can’t read them."
~ Mark Twain
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Our Winter 2003 Trout Book Selection
WOW!
Mayflies: Top to Bottom
by Shane Stalcup
In the last few years, Shane Stalcup has risen to the top rank of fly designers in the United States. His
realistic and proven flies have been developed over 20-plus years of intense research at the vise, aquarium, and stream.
With unwavering passion, he designs flies from the fish’s point of view. This book condenses those years of research for
the rest of us.
Besides sharing, through step-by-step photos and all that he carries in his vest, the author goes a step further by providing in-depth chapters on creating trailing shucks and extended bodies. All the photos in this book are dazzling, but the
insect photos by Japan’s famous photographer Toshi Karita are presented for the first time--.and they will blow you away!
Mayflies: Top to Bottom also goes into detail on uses for some of today’s newest materials that bring alive the triggering traits in his mayfly patterns. Whether you are a novice tier or have lots of experience, Stalcup’s commonsense approach to fly-tying will benefit all.
spiral hardcover; 8 1/2 X 11 inches; 120 pages
(#B4123)
This book is a wonderful compliment to Mayflies (see p. 42)
Price -- $39.95
(also see Shanes top three selling videos on p. 37)
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
We have so much fun stuff to share!
It’s the winter catalog and time to VOTE! (pg. 31). Free fly, free fly, free fly! Swedish Dry Fly Hooks, we found em, ( pg. 7).
Gierach is back (pg. 3) -- what can we say, we love him. The latest Shane Stalcup video, Mayfly Life Cycles (pg. 37).
Fly tying accessories for the fabulous Dan Vise (pg. 4), and of course— Tips, jokes, letters and just a little BS- read on!
On the Little Blackfoot, the brown trout rise best during midday. From 9 A.M. to noon the nymph easily outperformed
the grasshopper, or any dry fly, the tally usually standing at
roughly 12 to 4 for sunken pattern. But at midday the grasshopper began catching up, until by late afternoon the floating
fly had passed the nymph. Only when the bright sun left the
river, at 5:30 P.M., did the nymph again start catching more
fish; then, even with mayflies and caddisflies in the air and on
the water, with full-blown hatches crowding the evening, the
nonconformist brown trout of the Little Blackfoot seldom rose
to naturals or imitations.
On one of our reverse days, with me drifting a nymph along
the brushy banks and through the pools, the early morning
proceeded predictably enough—the nymph was ahead. But
this summer day bloomed even hotter than usual, 90 degrees
by 10 A.M., and either the grasshopper activity or the warming
water started the trout looking to the surface.
Now, while although it wasn’t important who won these
friendly daily competitions, it was important who lost. Or at
least how badly one fisherman lost. A tromping, which wasn’t
supposed to happen because the prime nymph and grasshopper
hours were balanced, gave the victor too much to gloat about
(not that either Denny or I ever would—much). The purpose
was to learn, and an overwhelming triumph could teach some
important lessons. (It was just that neither of us wanted to
learn that badly.)
So, here came the moment to tie on that weighted Joe’s Hopper. A bit of saliva on the fly (a ritual critical to all nymph fishing) sank it quickly. On the third drift, with the Joe’s Hopper
tumbling out of a riffle and under a dragging tangle of willow
branches, a brown trout–not just another of the 10- to 16-inch
fish so abundant in the stream, but a true four-pounder-- broke
out of cover and into shallow water to snatch the fly. This was
the largest trout of the summer on the Little Blackfoot for
either of us up until that time.
The Joe’s Hopper never lost ground to the surface flies in
the fish count. Throughout the afternoon it not only caught as
many trout but also bigger trout. It wasn’t successful just in
the riffles, where the nymph usually worked best during the
hot part of the day; the weighted fly drew larger fish out from
the undercut roots in the slow pools, too.
During the rest of this grasshopper summer, the sunken Joe’s
Hopper performed beautifully in two versions. One fly was
wrapped with lead wire, heavily weighted for bouncing the
bottom; the other, wrapped only with a ribbing of copper wire,
was a lighter pattern designed to drift high in the water column, less than a foot below the surface, like a freshly drowned
grasshopper.
Even during the best hours for surface activity, the weighted
Joe’s Hopper caught as many trout as any dry imitation. It
really proved itself during the mediocre and poor fishing periods, when a dryfly man has to use all his tricks to tease a few
trout to the top. The fish seemed more willing to experiment
with this sunken fly, as if the drowned imitation presented
less of a gamble. On a daily basis, during the so-so hours of
the morning or evening—or on a seasonal schedule, during
the marginal weeks of late spring and early fall—the pattern’s
seeming ability to allay suspicion extended the grasshopper
fishing.
(continued on page 31)
"Hoppers!"
by Gary LaFontaine
excerpted from Fly, Rod & Reel, July/Oct. 1986 (abridged)
Grasshoppers have never been totally ignored by fly fishermen; observant anglers always knew that the occasional
grasshopper ended up in the water, and numerous (and very
realistic) imitations have been around for years. But until the
American obsession with them, marked by a continual flow
of articles and stories, began 35 years ago, grasshoppers were
just not considered that important as trout food.
The developments of the 1950’s signaled a new age in hopper fishing. There is no other way to describe the change: Even
a cursory review of angling literature shows a definite break
in fly-fishing attitude. Articles began to appear regularly in the
magazines; admittedly, most of this work simply rehashed the
obvious, but the better writers began to explore hopper tactics
seriously.
At the same time, the eastern magazines discovered the
Rocky Mountain region. Grasshoppers and the semi-arid West.
The combination was more than just coincidence. The angling
population of this country, made much more mobile by increased leisure time and better highways, flocked to the windy,
rangeland rivers of the high country. And in the dry western
states they found incredible numbers of grasshoppers. Why?
What are the prime fly-fishing months on eastern trout
streams? May and early June, before the grasshoppers become
abundant. But what are the prime fly-fishing months in the
Rockies? Late July, August and September, when the grasshoppers reach full growth. The sociological phenomenon of
fly-fishing travel finally made trout and grasshoppers synonymous.
One of my pollings of fly fishermen across the country verified the modern dominance of the dry fly as a grasshopper imitations. The Joe’s Hopper still held a following among older
anglers, but younger fly fishermen split their allegiance among
three hair-head imitations, the Dave’s Hopper, the Gartside
Hopper, and the Letort Hopper.
The most interesting quirk in the poll was the devotion of a
small minority of fishermen to the Joe’s Hopper fished not as a
dry fly but wet. This group may have been few in number, but
none of the other respondents felt as strongly about a particular pattern.
August was a month of fishing competition last year. This
was no formal contest of any kind; just a friendly match
between myself and Denny Nops to pit the grasshopper fisherman against the nymph fisherman. As with any acceptable
competition, it really wasn’t important who won the days. It
was a way to learn about the effectiveness of different methods at different times.
Every morning, on the Little Blackfoot River, precisely at
9 A.M., we started fishing at the first pool above the Avon
Bridge. On most days it was my job to work a grasshopper
imitation, while Denny, a superb nymph fisherman, plied his
delicate Hare’s Ear or Zug Bug patterns. Occasionally we
exchanged roles: Denny took over as hopper slapper while I
became the nymph plopper. This worked out all right, too.
-2-
Cheap Shots From Stan
NEW!!
FlyLines
In this issue, you’ll find some old features and some new
features.
Among the old, you’ll find yet another dispute between our
callow, rebellious staff and the omniscient one (that would be
me, if you’re wondering). On page 31, the staff carps about
one of my more innovative ideas for product development.
The idea seems so obvious--the perfect blend of traditional
fly angling elegance and modern telecommunications. In fact
it’s so cutting edge, Worldcom has expressed interest in it. So
really, how bad can it possibly be?
You’ll find something new in Joe Kissane’s piece on his
modifications of Gary LaFontaine’s patterns on the inside
backcover. Gary would approve. It’s about exploration, invention and adaptation. So, after reading Joe’s piece, if you have
some creative wrinkles you’ve tied into one of Gary’s patterns,
or if you have fished one of them in some unconventional way
and found success, tell us about it and we’ll print it.
Something special in this newsletter is a reminiscence of
Gary LaFontaine by his friend Jack Dennis. Jack’s story of
Gary reveals such a great side of Gary--his outrageous collection of weird skills, and his pluckish (so to speak) sense of
humor--we had to include it for you.
Finally, on another front, we often have readers call and
inquire about books they don’t see in the newsletter. As a practical matter, we don’t carry every fly fishing book in print. But
if it’s about fly fishing and it’s in print, we can likely get it. If
you want our help in tracking down a title, call us or email us
and we’ll do our best.
So, read, enjoy, buy up a storm, and keep in touch with us.
--------------------------------------
The Best of Big Sky Journal
Hardbound Limited Edition
Assembled from eight years worth of the best stories, essays, and poems about fishing in the Big Sky Journal, this
limited edition is one of the West’s finest and most original
fly fishing anthologies. Authors include Pete Fromm, David
James Duncan, John Holt, Russell Chatham, and E. Donnall
Thomas, Jr.
The Big Sky Journal has consistently collected and published exceptional writing about fly fishing. Unfortunately,
only the relatively small subscriber list has had the pleasure of
these stories, until now.
(#B4217)
hardcover w/vellum dust jacket
Price -- $39.00
--------------------------------------
NEW! March Release
Trout Stream Fly Fishing
by Harry Murray
This handy little guide will enable you to refine your angling
skills so you can enjoy fishing for trout on streams anywhere
in the country. Murray has decades of experience fishing small
streams, and shares important information such as trout foods
and fly selection, reading water, spotting trout, and much
more. All in a format small enough to fit in with the rest of
your gear.
softcover; 4 x 5; 80 pages
(#B4207)
Price -- $7.95
--------------------------------------
In the Past . . .
April Release—Order now!
At the Grave of the Unknown Fisherman
Joan Wulff’s
Dynamics of Fly Casting
by John Gierach
Joan explains the mechanics and techniques she has been
developing and refining for more than 60 years. You will learn
the important elements of great casting, vital hand and arm
movements, practice routines that will teach you how to make
almost all kinds of casts, along with some very special tips.
Everything from solid basics to advanced techniques.
Gierach takes readers with him through the year, from his
early spring forays near his house to the end of the season in
his beloved Rocky Mountains, when the snows begin to pile
up and getting to the river is all but impossible. In between,
he takes you on his travels to fish and muse on the fishing life.
He even writes about a trip of which, as he says, "the best that
could be said is that none of us drowned." (We’ve been on one
or two of those!)
As always, Gierach is shrewd and observant, brilliantly capturing human nature as it expresses itself on trout waters.
(#V747) VHS, 90 min.
Price -- $24.95
We’ve watched this video. It’s very good.
And Now . . .
hardcover; 5 1/2 x 8 1/16; 192 pages
Joan Wulff’s
Dynamics of Fly Casting on DVD
This book is due for release in April, we will take pre-orders.
If you call and vote (p. 31), we will include a new "Superfly!"
FREE. If ordering only the new Gierach title, we will send
your free superfly with the book. If your order has additional
items, the fly will be shipped immedeately with that portion
of your order. Just keep in mind, we are only sending this new
Superfly to those of you who vote NO! We are attempting to
get this new book signed.
(#B4206)
Price -- $23.00
Now all twenty-three chapters are instantly available for
detailed instructions so you don’t miss anything. It’s a great
way to get absolutely everything you can from of Joan’s vast
experience and talents.
(#D759)
-3-
Price -- $24.95
The Danvise
At the moment we are getting lots of phone calls from customers
who have bought the LaFontaine Originals video series (see p. 21
and 22). The calls are about the fly tying vise used by Paul Stimpson
to tie the patterns.
This amazing vise is the Danvise. Trust us -- it is as truly impressive in person as it is on the video. And it comes with the full
recommendation of Paul Stimpson, one of the finest commercial fly
tiers. Paul has tied around 5,000 dozen flies on his own Danvise
and it’s still going strong. Paul happens to be a vise junky. He has
over a dozen, including some of the finest ever made. He ties with
the Danvise. A true rotary, the jaws clamp shut and hold the hook
perfectly tight. It's a lever action.
The best news -- the amazing Danvise is only $80.00
~ We won't sell a hundred different kinds of vises -- we will only
sell the best one ~
~ Watch Paul use the Danvise in the LaFontaine Originals, and
you'll see for yourself ~
Danvise (#X299)
~~ a lever action; a true rotary; table clamp
Price -- $80.00
--------------------------------------------------------------------------New Tying Tools!
Tools
These are economical, high quality tools that every tyer
needs, no matter what patterns you’re tying. If, like Cheap
Shot, you tie a few dozen flies every year (usually after
another winter of failed resolve), these tools will perform
admirably.
Fly Tying Accessories
A number of our happy Danvise customers have suggested we carry tying tools and other accessories to complement the Danvise. So we put our heads together with Paul
Stimpson and came up with some economical options.
Whip Finisher $7.00 (#X3110)
Scissors $10.50 (#X3115)
Bodkin $5.00(#X3113)
Hair Stacker $8.00 (#X3114)
Flared Bobbin $6.00 (#X3112)
Hackle Pliers $4.50 (#X3111)
BT’s Rotary Tying Station
A Danvise, Oasis Oak Pedestal/Tool Stand, basic brass
tying tools, Danvise Instruction Video. Package deal-(#X3105)
Price -- $148.00
The Last Tying Stand you’ll ever need!
Oasis Oak Pedestal/Tool Stand
If you already have the vise but you could use a pedestal
and tool stand, this is the one. Paul uses one as his tying
station whenever he travels. His wife, Char, also a commercial tyer, uses hers all the time. Holds the Danvise and a
wide array of tools.
(#X3106)
BT’s Brass Handle Tool Set -- this is a boxed set with the
above six tools and a half hitch threader. Pliers are a rotating hackle plier.
(#X3107)
Price -- $36.00
---------------------Rotary Tying Techniques Video
BT’s Al Beatty demonstrates many different "true" rotary
tying techniques on ten hot patterns--Peacock Bugger,
Elk Hair Caddis, Red Quill, Spruce Fly, Leech, Harvester,
Stimulator, Lime Trude, BT’s Golden Stone, and a BT’s
Crystal Muddler. If a simple, foolproof method of spinning
deer hair or evenly hackled flies is your goal, this video is
for you. If you’re serious about getting the most out of your
rotary vise, you need this video.
Price -- $40.00
---------------------------------------We get letters . . .
" I just received my new DANVISE. It is very cool! Being
a teacher, and it being September, I’m up to my eyeballs with
work, so I’ve barely had a chance to use it, but the little I’ve
tried has me impressed. The rotary mode is going to make winding chionomid pupae abdomens with the fragile materials I use
(unwoven FrostBite, Flashabou, etc.) much easier! I can hardly
wait to show it off to my flytying club and at school. Cheers!
Ken Woodward ( BC)
(#V3109) VHS; 60 min.
-4-
Price -- $19.95
For the tying junkie-- tools, tools tools!
check them all out on our website, www.greycliff.com or call 1-800-874-4171 to order
Fly Tying Tools
Pro Tools
The videos trigger a lot of questions about the tools Gary used for
various techniques. Many of those fly tying tools are "homemade."
They’re not homemade by Gary -- but they’re made in someone’s
home. A friend worked with Gary’s ideas and came up with solutions
for common fly tying problems. Tom Trozera (who, in his other
life, happens to be one of the top stress metal analysts in the world)
designed tools based on Gary’s suggestions and ideas.
If you’re seriously addicted to tying or you tie commercially
you need to depart slightly from the basic tools, and acquire a
couple of accessories that will stand up to the rigors of tying
flies by the hundreds or even thousands of dozens.
Ceramic Barrel Bobbin--Metal barrels will wear with heavy
use and start to fray the tying thread. Ceramic barrels hold up
after thousands of dozens.
(#X3120)
Price--$12.50
True Spin Loop Tool
The one tool people always ask about is the "loop tool" they see
Gary and Paul Stimpson using in videos and at demonstrations. It
seems simple enough -- it has to be short (so it doesn’t drag on the
table), heavy (so it twirls fast), and perfectly balanced (so it spins
true).
It’s the last one (perfectly balanced) that’s the kicker. It takes a
computer-programmed lathe to turn out perfect loop tools every time.
That is how Tom makes the Spinner
Spinner. It’s ideal for the Double Magic
technique for the Twist Nymph.
You may see the Spinner on Gary’s videos. Paul Stimpson uses it
during his demonstrations of Gary’s patterns. He is often at fly shops
in the Utah, Wyoming, sometimes Montana areas and if you want
one, you can order from this newsletter.
(#X286) true-spin loop tool
Price -- $12.95
Rotating Hackle Plier. Takes the twists out of your hackle
wrapping. It is at its very best when hackling parachute flies. If
you’re a parachute junkie, you need this tool.
(#X3121)
Price--$6.00
4-Inch Tungsten Scissors. If you tie many dozens of flies,
lots of hair flies, or other patterns that are hard on scissors, you
need Tungsten-coated blades that hold an edge. Hundred of
flies later, when they’re still going strong, you’ll be glad you
bought them.
(#X3122)
Price--$24.00
-------------------
-------------------
Boom sales!
Astounding sales for the White Marker since Carl Richards
wrote an article in Fly Fisherman Magazine about caddisflies
and this great "anchor line" trick.
The Magic of the White Marker
An item everyone asks for after watching Gary’s tying videos
Fine-Toothed Metal Comb
The secret for forming a fully-spread, loose overbody for the
Deep Sparkle Pupa and the Emergent Sparkle Pupa is combing
out the plies of yarn before tying them down. The tier can tease
the fibers apart with his scissors point or dubbing needle, but after
spending 10 minutes per fly (and still not getting complete separation), he’ll be looking for a fine-toothed comb.
We’ve created a great metal comb for the job. It will separate
the yarn with a few quick whisks.
(#C265)
Ever since Caddisflies there has been a devoted group of
anglers using a marker to color the last few inches of their tippets "white" for nymph fishing. In the book this is called the
Magic Act because the fishing can subsequently seem quite
miraculous.
An ordinary marker won’t work for this trick. It has to be an
opaque, metal marker. Many readers have had trouble finding
them, so — here they are:
Price -- $10.00
Heavier Metal Comb
We feature a heavier metal-tooth comb for clearing the
under-fuzz on deer hair, cleaning loose hairs from fur pieces,
and combing out more than one ply of yarn.
(#C219)
(#M221)
White Marker for the Magic Act
Price -- $5.00 each
-------------------
Price — $8.00
What is Antron?
Antron reflects light. It is Nylon, but the filaments of
regular Nylon are round and the filaments of Antron are 3 or
4 sided. Those flat sides bounce back light rays and make
Antron sparkle. The first flies ever tied with Antron were
Gary’s Deep Sparkle Pupa, Emergent Sparkle Pupa, and
Diving Caddis.
--------------------------------------
~~ 2 SIZES of Closed-Cell Foam
(for the Air Head, Mess, or Halo Emerger)
~ by popular demand we've added a "thinner" size of foam
(1/32) for smaller sized flies -5 sheets of 1/16th (#F220)
5 sheets of 1/32nd (#F285)
Price -- $1.50 for each size
It's here!
Clear Antron
(used for wings on the Clear Wing Spinner, Diving Caddis,
Flying Ant, and other patterns from Trout Flies)
-------------------
1 bag (#Y243)
You never see a fish on the wall with its mouth shut.
-5-
Price -- $2.75
Hot!
The item everyone has been asking about since the publication of Trout Flies to tie the Tear Drop Nymph.
~~ Flex Hooks ~~
Now Available!
The hook that makes large flies "come alive"
-- the hook for tying the best imitations for any
insect #10 or larger!
-------------------------------------------------
Uni-Glo Fluorescent Body Material
During Gary’s scuba diving observations he played with
fluorescence for nymph patterns. The result was a fly with
a little bit of this unnatural aura, the Tear Drop Nymph, that
caught trout in incredible numbers.
-- You need the Uni-Glo vinyl material for the abdomen --
-------------------------------------
Gary’s research for The Dry Fly - New Angles included a
full season studying grasshoppers and the way trout reacted
to them. One of his big discoveries that summer was that
trout were often suspicious of both the insect and the imitation
floating on the water. They often studied hoppers (and other
large insects) before deciding whether or not to take them.
What were they looking for? A bit of movement -- a flexing of
that long body. The long, straight shank on a large hook was
wrong. The trout frequently refused large flies (#10 or larger).
The Flex patterns are here! Flies tied with these hooks flex
on the water -- and that movement triggers the strike (see the
Theory of Imitation in The Dry Fly - New Angles).
Beads in Bulk!
Two sizes ~~
Colors:
FL Green (#U250)
FL Yellow (#U251)
FL Pink (#U252)
FL Orange (#U253)
FL White (#U254)
Price -- $1.75 per spool
and now ~~ all five colors in one package Price -- $8.75
(#U274)
Great item!
Small
Package of 10 true-size hooks ~~10 small flex extensions
~~ a finished Flex Hopper fly ~~ tying instruction sheet
(#H278)
Price -- $9.00 / 10 pack with fly
No tier who produces flies in any number can afford to go
into the fly shop and pay large prices for a tiny package of
metal beads.
So many of our customers tie our beadhead patterns (the
Beadhead Peacock Twist Nymph, the Beadhead Ostrich Herl
Twist Nymph, the Beadhead Deep Sparkle Pupa, and the
Beadhead Marabou Worm), not only for themselves but for
their friends, in large quantities that we felt it was our duty to
help them out with the cost of the beads. So we are offering
beads in bulk packages.
Medium
Package of 10 true-size hooks ~~ 10 medium flex extensions
~~ a finished Flex Stone (Pteronarcys) fly ~~ tying instruction sheet
(#H279)
Price -- $9.00 / 10 pack with fly
--------------------------
~~ the Highest Quality Tapered Beads Available ~~
4 colors -- Brass, Copper, Silver, Black
3 sizes -- Large (#8-10), Med (#12-14), Small (#16-18)
It is wise to purchase your first Flex Hook packages with
the sample flies. Nothing demonstrates the possibilities of the
technique and hook style better than the actual flies. But our
customers are welcome to purchase the following packages
without sample flies either initially or subsequently.
100 Beads per Package!
Large
Brass
(#M3001)
Medium
Brass
(#M3002)
Small
Brass
(#M3003)
Copper (#M3011)
Copper (#M3012)
Copper (#M3013)
Silver
(#M3021)
Silver
(#M3022)
Silver
(#M3023)
Black
(#M3031)
Black
(#M3032)
Black
(#M3033)
Small -- without sample fly
(#H280)
Price -- $7.50 / 10 pack
Medium -- without sample fly
100 Beads per Package
Price -- $7.75
----------------------------------------------------------------------
(#H281)
Price -- $7.50 / 10 pack
----------------------------------------------------------------------
We get questions . . .
NEW!!!
Dear Book Mailer:
"I’ve heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life. Is
this true?"
Sometime in the past Umpqua Feather Merchants began
tying the Sparkle Pupa patterns with a bright fluorescent
green yarn. Our private tyers continued to used the Dark Green
(#Y206, pg. 80) per Gary’s instructions. At one point, we had
Umpqua use Gary’s green and there were protests from fly
shop owners far and wide. Customers liked the bright green. If
you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em— now you have a choice; use the
color that best matches the caddis in your area.
Umpqua Bright Green Yarn
Dear Sir:
"Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that’s it.
Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up your heart will
not make you live longer; that’s like saying you can extend the
life of your car by driving it faster. Want to live longer? Take
a nap!"
(#Y203) 6 yards
-6-
Price -- $.90 per pack
For the Super Fly!
For the EZ2C Mayfly !
AquaFlex Head Cement
Edgewater Foam Flotation Cylinders
Everybody wants to know where we get the head cement to
coat the packing foam after we color the back on the Mess and
the Foam Beetle.
Regular head cement does not work. It makes the foam
too stiff and brittle. You need a flexible head cement. -- So
to satisfy your inquiries we are now stocking the very best
product for coating the packing foam. Color the packing foam
with a permanent marker and then coat the foam with this
great Aqua Flex head cement. The color will stay on permanently. It will not wash off.
These are the custom-made, closed-cell foam cylinders
that float the marabou tail of the Beadhead Marabou Worm.
They are also for the "Super Fly," the pattern that does a somersault as it drifts in the current. The brass bead drops into the
slower water along the rocks, the tail lifts into the faster water
of the open flows, and then the fly flips over. This is a triggering action -- it triggers an instinctive strike by a trout.
The Edgewater Foam Flotation Cylinders are custommade for quick, easy tying.
Pre-punched; sized; yellow; 50 per package
(#E267)
This is the head cement that we use on the fabulous new fly
-- the EZ2C Mayfly -- that was featured in the Winter 2002
Book Mailer.
Price -- $2.75
And here are more "special items"
(The motivation for stocking these items is pretty simple.
When readers of Gary's books keep asking where they can get
this or that, and no retail outlet or catalog in the country stocks
all of them, then the simplest thing for us to do is put them in
the Book Mailer newsletter. It’s a convenience – for us and
our customers.)
-------------------------------------
(#C3070) 1 oz. bottle
Price -- $5.95
------------------------------------Hot!
~ ~ Pre-Formed Tear Drop Nymph Hooks ~ ~
This is a pre-formed hook, the body molded of heavy
pewter in a hydrodynamic tear drop shape — the result is
a fast-sinking hook for the great new attractor nymph!
As seen on LaFontaine Originals video Vol. 2 (pg. 21)
for the Creature !
for the Floating Damselfly Nymph!
It became so frustrating trying to find a flat, adhesive-backed
lead tape to shape the Tear Drop Nymph that we started molding our hooks with non-toxic pewter. This made tying the
Tear Drop Nymph so much faster that we have begun producing the pre-formed hooks in great enough quantities for our
customers.
With this hook, our professional tiers can now tie the Tear
Drop Nymph for our catalog. For the fly tiers in our audience
we are now offering both the Uni-Glo material (see p. 6) and
the Pre-Formed Tear Drop Nymph Hooks. A word of warning
— this pattern is going to become your favorite fast water fly.
Edgewater Foam Flotation Cylinders
By popular demand -- more custom made, closed-cell foam
flotation cylinders from Edgewater for Gary’s patterns. Our
fly tying customers keep asking for the correct type of foam
to float patterns such as the Floating Damselfly Nymph and
the Creature. These flies require a special closed-cell, highly
buoyant type of foam. It has to be the right size for each fly.
Edgewater is custom making the foam cylinders for us.
~~ available in two sizes
Super High Buoyancy
(#E268) Small for the Floating Damselfly Nymph
(#E269) Medium for the Creature
Sizes
Package of 10 Pre-Formed Tear Drop Nymph Hooks
With sample fly —
10 Cylinders per Package
Price -- $3.50 (each size)
-------------------------------------
size 8 (#H255) 10 (#H256)
12 (#H257) 14 (#H258) 16 (#H259)
Price -- $9.00
Without sample fly — size 8 (#H260) 10 (#H261)
12 (#H262) 14 (#H263) 16 (#H264)
Price -- $7.50
Fishing is better than sex because it is perfectly acceptable
to pay a professional to fish with you. And, your fishing partner
doesn’t get upset about people you fished with long ago.
NEW!!
Sensational!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
~~ Swedish Dry Fly Hooks ~~
for the Dancing Caddis patterns
First Gary made his own hooks, then he found a source for the Swedish Dry fly hooks mentioned in Caddisflies and The Dry Fly
New Angles. By the time Trout Flies Proven Patterns was released, these hooks were impossible to find and Gary had to work
around that fact. The Tiemco 101 made an acceptable substitute. But, as discovered by one of our customers, the origial manufacturer,
Partridge of Redditch, out of England, has brought it back. These hooks are modified sproat, down eye, wide gape, 2X long, 4X fine,
forged, bronze.
(#H3036) size 10
(#H3037) size 12
(#H3038) size 14
25 hooks per pack
(#H3039) size 16
(#H3040) size 18
Price -- $12.50 per pack
-7-
Custom supplies for LaFontaine Patterns
And, since we have this yarn (custom colors with 35%
clear Antron fibers), we decided to offer another product
to our Book Mailer customers —
Getting into the business of supplying fly tying materials
has been great. Our readers kept asking about the special items
used on Gary's flies. To clear up confusion, here is a listing of
what we can send in conjunction with an order of books, tapes,
or flies.
--------------------------------
Touch Dubbing
This is the fastest way to dub; no other method will form
bodies as sparse and fuzzy. It is used for the bodies on Sparkle
Pupa patterns. It is an absolutely essential part of the Double
Magic dubbing technique.
the Book Mailer has done it!
recommended teaching tool for this method —
the Fishing and Tying Caddisflies video.
The segment on the Sparkle Pupa shows
how to touch dub (see p. 38).
What is the most frustrating problem with Antron yarn?
Finding it. It is a miracle material -- just look in any fly tying
catalog and you’ll see how it has been embraced since it was
first used on the Sparkle Pupa in 1972. But there are many
different types of Antron, and only one type is correct for
LaFontaine patterns.
Now available—
(painstakingly packaged by elves)
Touch Dubbing
It’s getting harder and harder to find the brand name knitting yarns that have Antron; and it’s impossible to get all of
the good colors. To ensure that we’ll always have the right
type of Antron available for our customers, and for our own
flies, we contracted for production runs of custom colors of the
perfect yarn.
The yarn or fur has to be chopped into small bits by hand
and then tossed into a blender. The tier uses a tacky wax (for
example, BT’s Super Tacky; described below) to coat the tying
thread, and then he holds a ball of the finely cut dubbing mix
and touches that ball to the sticky thread. His fingers never
touch the thread – just the dubbing ball. That’s it! Don’t be
afraid of the sparseness. Just wrap the fuzzy thread onto the
hook shank.
Sparkle Yarn
(yes, the official colors)
1 color per bag
Price -- $.90 cents
(enough for hundreds of flies)
(#Y206)
(#Y207)
(#Y208)
(#Y209)
(#Y210)
(#Y211)
(#Y212)
(#Y213)
(#Y214)
(#Y215)
(#Y216)
(#Y217)
(#Y282)
(#Y297)
All 14 colors (#Y218)
-
Each package contains enough of the dubbing mix to tie
about 100 flies.
Touch Dubbing
1 color per bag
Price -- $1.95
Dark Green
Medium Gray
Brown
Yellow
Pink
White
Light Gray
Medium Green
Olive
Cream
Peach
Golden Russet
Black
Apple Green
(#T223) (#T224) (#T225) (#T226) (#T227) (#T228) (#T229) (#T230) (#T231) (#T232) (#T233) (#T234) (#T277) (#T298) -
Special Price -- $10.00
All 14 colors (#Y235)
Dark Green
Medium Gray
Brown
Yellow
Pink
White
Light Gray
Medium Green
Olive
Cream
Peach
Golden Russet
Black
Apple Green
Special Price -- $22.00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------BT's Super Tacky Fly Tying Wax
This is the finest fly tying wax since the long-gone Ovington's Fly Tying Wax. It stay
stays soft ~~ it stays on the thread ~~ it grabs the
short-fibered Touch Dubbing and makes a beautifully fuzzy and sparse body.
Match the color of your thread to the color of the Touch Dubbing ~~ run BT's Wax up and down the thread once ~~ and
touch dub to your heart's content.
(#W276)
Price -- $4.95
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Why fishing is better than sex . . . If your regular fishing partner isn’t available, he/she won’t object if you fish with someone else.
-8-
Since the Greycliff office staff lost the vote to organize the Book Mailer, we have been hard at work designing a website. It is
a work in progress and easy to find what you are looking for! New items are being added all the time and monthly tips have been
archived from the past three years along with stories by Gary. Kind of a Book Mailer in color with an interactive index--a search
feature! Sign up for monthly e-bulletins that include website specials. ~~ www. greycliff.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Available again!
Slack Line Strategies for Fly Fishing
Cheapshot Tip
Roll-Cast that Mend for True Mending Ecstasy
by John Judy
Anybody who has been reading the website tips over the
last three years has figured out that we are positively obsessed with slack. We’re not talking slack in the jaw or slack
in the work habits; we’re talking slack in the line (that’s the
institutional "we"--most of the Greycliff staff are more tightly
wrapped than I am. When they think of slack, they think of
me, and their thoughts are directed at my jaw and my work
habits). Peruse previous tips, and you’ll see what I mean.
So I thought I’d pretty well cornered the market on slack.
Then I reread John Judy’s Slack Line Strategies for Fly Fishing. This is a book that was published in 1994 that has come
out in paperback. If you don’t have it, get it. It’s a bargain at
three times the price. If you have it, then get up, waddle over
to the book shelf, pull it down, and reread it. It’s worth the
rerun. Anyway, John talks--clearly and eloquently--about the
Roll-cast mend. His point in pitching it is that a traditional
mend allows you to control the one-third of your line closest to you. The roll cast mend lets you address the other two
thirds.
What follows is the nuts-and-bolts. You want the good stuff,
buy the book.
Here’s the essence. Make your regular cast, but hold back a
little slack. Once the cast is on the water, raise the rod tip until
your rod is vertical in the air, releasing that little bit of slack
so you don’t drag the fly. Now, pointing the rod tip where you
want the loop to go, do your roll cast. That rolling loop is your
mend. The size of the loop depends on the amount of force
you apply. With a little practice, you’ll find that you can exert
an amazing amount of control over your line.
So that’s the nuts and bolts. As the title implies, this is just
the tip of the iceberg. Get the book, follow his advice, and,
after a little practice, cast and mend (but don’t behave) like a
fly fishing god.
Stan "Cheapshot" Bradshaw
Many of today’s top casters, those who really catch fish,
are slack liners. Judy reveals their secrets for anticipating the
drift, casting to create slack and controlling tension to present a natural-appearing fly. Equipment, basic and advanced
skills, choosing flies, and combining casting elements are also
examined.
In any definition of fly fishing, there has to be room to explore and to discover new ways of doing things. For me, new
knowledge is at the heart and soul of fly fishing. —John Judy,
from Slack Line Strategies for Fly Fishing
Filled with expert information, this entertaining book of
instruction and example is an innovative addition to the fly
fishermen’s library.
(#B4120) softcover
~~~~~~~~~~~
Nature of Fly Casting
by Jason Borger
In his own unique style Jason Borger presents his method
of teaching fly casting. A great instructional book -- highly
recommended for the beginner through the advanced fly fisherman. With his complete black and white illustrations and
very clear text, Borger demonstrates the secret of being a great
fly caster.
(#B4102) softcover
~~~~~~~~~~~
Price -- $29.95
Cathy’s LamentI am hereby officially tendering my resignation as an adult.
I have decided I would like to accept the responsibilities of an
8-year-old again. I want to go to McDonald’s and think it’s
a four star restaurant. I want to sail sticks across a fresh mud
puddle and run a lemonade stand with my friends on a hot
summer’s day! I want to return to a time when life was simple,
when I thought the world was fair and everyone was honest
and good. I don’t want my day to consist of computer crashes,
mountains of paperwork, depressing news, how to survive
more days in the month than there is money in the bank. I
want to believe in the power of smiles and hugs, a kind word,
truth, justice, peace. So . . . here’s my checkbook and my
car-keys, my credit card bills, and my 401K statements. I am
officially resigning from adulthood. And if you want to discuss
this further, you’ll have to catch me first, cause........
"Tag! You’re it."
To which Stan kindly replies, "Yeah, Yeah. Now sit back down
at that computer and get back to work."
P.S. More great tips on our website at www.greycliff.com
~~~~~~~~~~~
Fly Fishing Techniques & Tactics
by Lefty Kreh
Lefty teaches anglers how to make their own luck. He
gives sound, practical, and effective information that anglers
can use no matter where they are going or what species they’ll
be fishing for.
softcover; 5 x 7 1/2 inches; full color; 176 pages
(#B4100)
Price -- $14.95
Price -- $17.95
-9-
There were so many new titles released last fall we had a hard time finding space for them in the Book Mailer.
Some of the really good ones were on fly tying. We are going to make sure you don’t miss out on any of these great
how-to books by listing them together! A highly unusal event, we won’t do this very often! 1-800-874-4171
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
WOW!
HOT!
The Practical Fly Tier
Imitating and Fishing Natural Fish Foods
No-Nonsense Patterns and Techniques for Wet and Dry
Flies, Nymphs, and Streamers
by Royce Dam
Along with 34 great patterns like the Grizzly Hackle, White
Wulff, Pale Morning Dun Nymph and the noted Golden Squirrel, Royce Dam uses full color, step-by-step photographs and
helpful text to demonstrate what he knows best—handling
and preparing materials. Techniques for increasing your tying
speed and the quality of your finished flies. Just a few lessons
with Royce and you will be tying flies faster, more efficiently,
and your flies will last longer.
~Highly Recommended~
hardcover; 8 1/2 x 11; 128 pages; color photos
by Dave Whitlock
In this compact and extraordinary book, one of the most
famous artist-authors in fly fishing writes about nearly anything a trout will eat, and the important stages at which a trout
will find them most appealing. Each of the major natural trout
foods is treated, including: • mayflies • caddisflies • stoneflies
• terrestrials • crustaceans • baitfish • midges.
Dave offers suggestions for the simplest but most effective
fly for every major hatch, and crucial tips about how to fish
them. Each tip and suggestion is drawn from Dave’s many
years of streamside expertise, for which he is so well known.
The book is generously illustrated throughout with detailed
color photographs and illustrations for absolutely accurate
identification and imitation. Imitating and Fishing Natural
Fish Foods will be an indispensable guide for anglers and fly
tyers, regardless of experience.
(#B4132)
NEW!!
L.L. Bean’s Ultimate Book of Fly Fishing
by Macauley Lord, Dick Talleur, & Dave Whitlock
softcover; full color; 5 x 7 1/2 inches; 224 pages
(#B4118)
Price -- $17.95
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Recommended!
Creative Flies
Innovative Tying Techniques
Brought to you in conjunction with L.L. Bean, America’s
most trusted name in outdoor apparel, and written by unquestioned experts in the field, this book is divided into four
essential parts—General Fly Fishing, Fly Fishing for Bass, Fly
Casting, and Fly Tying—and covers each with in-depth analysis in clear, easy-to-follow language. Learn about assembly
of fly tackle, the biology of fish, natural fish foods and how to
imitate them, safety techniques, bass flies, where to find bass,
the eleven habits of highly effective fly casters, the basic fourpart cast, roll cast, the basics of fly tying, types of flies, the top
ten most popular and successful fly patterns, and much more.
by Robert Williamson
Twenty-seven patterns with techniques on chain stitching fly
bodies, overhand knot weaving, air-filled bodies, and the foam
twister technique. 130 step-by-step photographs for easy use.
Paul Stimpson highly recommends this book for fly tyers.
softcover; full color; 8 1/2 x 11; 40 pages
( #B4178)
Price -- $18.00
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Cripples & Spinners
(#B4223)
by Kelly Galloup
Important how-to on cripples and spinners. The first work
to specifically target these important food stages. Life cycles,
rigging techniques, tying, and general strategic guidelines.
hardcover; 7 x 9; b & w and color photos; 147 pages
(#B4201)
Price -- $29.95
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
hardcover; 8 x 10; color; 448 pages
Price -- $40.00
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Fishy’s Flies
by Jay "Fishy" Fullum
Fishy Fullum presents 27 original, innovative, and effective fly patterns. Each fly is designed to be tier friendly, using
a few readily available materials and taking less time and skill
to tie than more elaborate patterns. Materials lists, step-by-step
tying instructions, and introductions describing the flies.
Fishy Fullum retired from the newspaper business and has
since been writing, drawing, and photographing articles in
American Angler and Fly Tyer. He gives fly tying demonstrations in classes and seminars.
Price -- $34.95
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Basic Fly Tying with Wayne Luallen
Individual fly-tying chapters present step-by-step sequences
with uncommon clarity and detail, showing how to tie seven
popular patterns, including the most effective nymphs, dry
flies, and streamers. The patterns and skills learned here are
sure to last a lifetime.
spiral softcover; all color; 8 x 11; 128 pages
(#B4144)
Price -- $16.95
softcover; 8 1/2 X 11 inches; 96 pages; 48 drawings
(#B4146)
- 10 -
Price -- $9.95
New titles in the pattern book catagory! Fly tyers love new pattern books and we have a great selection of new titles
as well as some classics. Remember -- three or more books or videos in combination get you an additional 10% off the
cost of each book or video! 1-800-874-4171
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
NEW! February Release
Patent Patterns
by Jim Schollmeyer
For the past several years, Jim Schollmeyer has been compiling a variety of flies and their fly patterns from contributors to the
"Patent Patterns" column in Flyfishing & Tying Journal. Together these patterns total 1,500 of the most creative patterns you will find
under one cover. Patterns styles include: mayflies, stoneflies, midges, attractors, caddisflies, soft hackles, wet flies, damsel and dragon
flies, terrestrials, streamers and bass and blugill. There are patterns for inshore, saltwater, sea trout, Atlantic salmon, steelhead, and
much more. The creativity and variety in this book will make it a"must-have" title for any fly tying library.
spiral bound; 8 1/2 x 11; 200 pages; color
(#B4210)
Price -- $45.00
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
NEW! March Release
Rainland Fly Patterns Tying and Fishing Guide
by the Rainland Fly Casters
The Rainland Fly Casters club members have put together a collection of fly patterns for waters stretching from southern Oregon to
Alaska and from the Pacific to Montana. You’ll also find fly tying and fly fishing techniques from some of the best known experts in
the field, including Harry Hoffman, Lee Clark, and Chuck Cameron. This collection includes Steelhead flies, wet flies, dry flies, terrestrials, nymphs, streamers, and saltwater flies. These tying and fishing techniques are sure to help you on your home waters.
spiral; 8 1/2 x 11; 100 pages; color
(#B4211)
Price -- $35.00
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
New!
Still Tops!
Fly Tying Made Clear and Simple
Trout Country Flies
From Greater Yellowstone Area Masters
by Skip Morris
First released in 1997, ths is still the number-one selling tying book for beginners.
Expert tier Skip Morris shows how easy it is to tie excellent
flies in this all-color book. Over 220 color photographs show
all the techniques you need to know. Clear, precise advice tells
you how to do it step-by-step as well as pointing out difficulties and explaining how to overcome them.
spiral; 8 x11 inches; color; 80 pages
(#B360)
Price -- $19.95
•••••••••••••
by Bruce Staples
Drawing on both historical and current information, Staples
shares all you need to know to successfully fish and tie flies
for Trout Country-- Montana, Idaho and Wyoming. The significance of these patterns are the unusual materials or techniques
and the inspiration for a specific Trout Country location. Often
they commemorate a person who has greatly contributed to
the area’s fly fishing heritage. Discussions of the flies include
information on construction and use of the fly.
spiral; 8 1/5 x 11; 160 pages, color
(#B4127)
Price -- 39.95
•••••••••••••
And the video!
Fly Tying Made Clear and Simple --Video
A note about the new Swedish Dry Fly Hooks (pg 7).
Trout feeding on surface flies generally suck in a flow of water which includes the fly. If you strike too quickly, the mouth
of your fish is still open and the fly will just pull out without
hooking your fish. Pause a little before you set the hook, it will
make all the differnce.
by Skip Morris
Our customers have shown a great deal of interest in fly tying videos, so we thought we should offer one of the best ones
out there! This video offers 120 minutes of easy-to-follow
instruction so that you too can become an expert fly tier. You’ll
find this video to be as informative and enjoyable as Skip and
his best-selling books. No fly fishing library is complete without Skip Morris’ fly-tying video.
120 minutes; VHS
(#V3653)
Price -- $26.95
•••••••••••••
we get letters . . .
"Some friends and I spent the first full week in September
fishing the White and Norfork Rivers. At the end of the second
day at Rim Shoals, my friend said ‘Tan Caddis.’ I tied on a
ginger Dancing Caddis and caught a 12-inch rainbow on my
second cast. A number followed and I said to myself, ‘Thanks
Gary.’"
Fishing is better than sex because—
there are no fishing-transmitted diseases.
. . . well, maybe obsession?
Jon Lindemann (AR)
- 11 -
Private Label Flies
Flies ~~ Flies ~~ Flies
Here ~~ and only here! The biggest selection of LaFontaine Private Label Flies sold anywhere!
An important part of the Book Mailer mission is to offer our readers a large, and continually expanding, selection of
Private Label flies each newsletter. To do this, we have worked closely over the years with Umpqua Feather Merchants to
grow and maintain our stock of flies. This stock will allow our customers to not only purchase patterns for this fall’s fishing, but also allow them to choose flies at their leisure for next season’s angling.
We also have local (and highly skilled) tyers from Montana and the Mountain West-- great tyers such as Paul Stimpson,
Geof Feurguson, Trapper Badovinac (he’s appeared on these pages over the years), we call them "fill ins" because they fill
the gaps in the Umpqua orders. They can tie a lot of flies and hopefully they will be able to keep the bins full so we don’t
run out of patterns. They’ll also be tying some patterns not available from Umpqua.
It is a pleasure to continue allowing our customers to choose the patterns that they want from Trout Flies. We now
know roughly what to expect from this "full" offering: plus, we have once again included our "We-Choose" program, (see
page 25), which sells an incredible number of flies and apparently creates a large number of happy customers. If our instincts are correct, this "full" listing is going to send a lot of flies out the door. This brings up an important point. Our flies
are custom tied to our specifications. As a result, they are still a limited–edition item. If you’re ordering early, (as soon as
you get this newsletter), then you have a better chance of getting everything you want. But orders come in for months after a mailing, and anyone wanting flies later in the year should call to check on the availability of specific sizes and colors
before ordering.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Notes from Master Tyer Paul Stimpson
Note: Gary says any color of Antron can be used for the abdomen, but I like a contrasting color such as orange, yellow,
pink, or my personal favorite, apple green.
While teaching fly tying classes and doing fly tying demonstrations, I get the opportunity to talk to lots of fly tiers. I’ve
noticed that when referring to Gary’s Bead Head Peacock
Nymph most people simply call it the Twist Nymph. Although I’m pleased as to its popularity (and it is a great
producer) I feel that we are forgetting another great fly pattern,
the original Twist Nymph. I don’t see a lot of people tying
or fishing this pattern and some are not aware of it at all, so
I would like to re-introduce you to Gary LaFontaine’s Twist
Nymph. (You’ll find this pattern in Trout Flies, Proven Patterns on p. 102 and 103)
Tying steps:
1. Wrap gold or copper wire the length of the hook shank. Do
not use lead; it sinks the fly too fast.
2. Tie in two peacock herl tips for a tail. They should be as
long as the gap of the hook.
3. Tie in one or two peacock herls by the butt. Let them dangle
for the moment and pull several inches of thread from the bobbin and apply a good wax. (I prefer BT’s).
4. Touch dub a finely chopped Antron to the thread. Make
a dubbing loop with the thread, twist the Antron with the
strand(s) of peacock and wrap 2/3 the hook shank.
5. Tie the two hackle feathers on the top of the hook shank,
make a dubbing loop and let them sit while you tie in two or
three peacock herls and wrap the thorax.
6. Twist the hackles and the thread loop together and pull over
the top of the thorax and tie off. The hackle should stand up as
a crest on top of the peacock thorax.
7. Whip finish and cement.
This fly was developed as a still water fly and features the
"double magic technique" combining peacock and Antron. It
also has a clever method of twisting hackle into a "crest" on
top of the thorax, which keeps the fly in an upright position as
it falls through the water, just like a real mayfly.
My favorite way to fish the Twist Nymph is to stalk the
shallows of a lake or pond and watch for cruising trout. When
one is spotted, I’ll cast the fly just in front of him and let the
fly fall. Some trout will rush forward and take the fly, but
most will just engulf the nymph as they cruise on their way. I
prefer this way of fishing the nymph because it is so visual.
Our selection of Twist Nymphs, or variations of, can be
found on p. 19.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------We get letters . . .
"Last August, I had occasion to fish hoppers on a creek near
Dillon, MT. After getting shut out on the more conventional
patterns, I switched to the Flex Hopper. It was deadly. I
caught fish after fish. One of my best hopper days ever."
Jeff Pill (CA)
Jeff is also the producer of a number of great fly fishing videos, including Successful Fly Fishing Stratagies (p. 38).
Here is Gary’s pattern: Twist Nymph
Hook: #14-20 1X long 1X heavy, TMC 3761
Weight: copper or gold wire wrapped the length of the shank
Tail: two peacock herl tips
Abdomen: peacock herl and Antron twisted in a dubbing loop
Thorax: three or four strands of peacock herl
Crest: grizzly hackle and golden badger hackle twisted
together in a dubbing loop
- 12 -
Air Head
(p. 139 of Trout Flies)
Brown --
Clear Wing Spinner
size 10
12
14
16
(#F1002)
(#F1003)
(#F1506)
(#F1550)
Olive --
size 10
12
14
16
(#F1005)
(#F1006)
(#F1519)
(#F1518)
Yellow --
size 10
12
14
16
(#F1008)
(#F1009)
(#F1488)
(#F1520)
Beadhead Marabou Worm
(a variation of the standard Marabou Worm on p. 85 of Trout Flies)
14 (#F1618)
Red --
14 (#F1619)
~Cast upstream and fish dead drift in the current. That "somersault"
motion is a triggering action, a movement that makes a trout reflexively pounce on the fly. The Beadhead Marabou Worm works best
during the warmer months, when fish metabolism is in high gear.
That’s when this pattern can create a feeding frenzy. Also works great
as the bottom fly in a two-nymph rig.
----------
size 18 (#F1014)
20 (#F1551)
~ trout in the Northeastern rivers gorge on the aquatic larvae of these
biting flies. This was Gary’s #1 nymph for Maine, upstate New York,
and Canada during May and June. Use the White Marker (p. 27) with
this fly.
----------
size 14
16
18
20
(#F1036)
(#F1037)
(#F1038)
(#F1039)
Rusty (Red Brown) --
size 12
14
16
18
(#F1040)
(#F1041)
(#F1042)
(#F1043)
size 8 (#F1054)
10 (#F1053)
12 (#F1557)
~ think about slow-moving trout rivers with banks of soft dirt. These
are the cranefly waters -- this is where fish expect to see cranefly
larvae drifting in the current every time the water level rises. The
Beaverhead in Montana is a great Cranefly river.
---------Cricket
size 12 (#F1011)
14 (#F1012)
16 (#F1013)
Black --
~ it’s a wet fly (a hair wing variation of a standard tie) that’s an
incredibly effective, sunken beetle imitation. Fish it dead drift.
size 10 (#F1558)
12 (#F1057)
14 (#F1058)
~ from late dusk on into dark this is a killing fly; and not surprisingly
it is also really effective at dawn. Do fish eat that many crickets? Or
do they just like black? The pattern works. Fish this tandem with a
bright fly as an indicator.
---------Cone
---------Cased Caddis Larva
size 6
8
10
12
14
size 12 (#F1033)
14 (#F1034)
16 (#F1035)
Olive/Black --
Black --
(#F1517)
(#F1028)
(#F1029)
(#F1030)
(#F1031)
Olive --
Green --
Dark --
size 10
12
14
16
18
Cranefly Larva
Blackfly Larva
Black June
Cream --
~ the Clear Wing Spinner, with wings of clear Antron, was the first
fly to use a "clear" material to match the wings of a spent mayfly
spinner. The wings of the natural aren’t only clear -- they are pleated
and when they’re flat on the water they gather air bubbles underneath.
So does the Antron.
Added bonus: you can see this fly from 30 feet away
because of the brightness of the wings (making it invaluable for the
small imitations of the Trico, for example).
----------
size 14 (#F1617)
Olive --
size 18 (#F1026)
20 (#F1025)
22 (#F1027)
Gray --
~ the wildest dry fly attractor in underwater testing; it is a "pulling"
fly with its spikes and head of closed-cell packing foam that diffuses
light. Sizes 14 and 16 in Olive and Yellow match the Little Yellow
Stone and Little Olive Stone of western rivers during mid- and latesummer months.
----------
Natural Gray --
Black --
(#F1023)
(#F1024)
(#F1021)
(#F1022)
(#F1556)
~case-making caddisflies drift free in the current during the day, not
during the night like other larval and nymphal forms. This fly imitates a very important food item.
Chocolate --
size 8
10
12
(#F1046)
(#F1044)
(#F1045)
Pistachio --
size 8
10
12
14
(#F1049)
(#F1047)
(#F1048)
(#F3050)
(continued next page)
- 13 -
Deer Hair Wooly
(Cone continued)
Vanilla --
size 12
(#F1051)
Natural Gray --
~ the best imitation of larger species of emerging mayflies. What the
#12 Chocolate does on the Brown Drake hatch in the Midwest and
West is awesome, for example.
----------
~ the ultimate, all-around terrestrial searching dry fly. It has become
the secret weapon of a lot of fly fishermen since it appeared in the
Dry Fly -- New Angles.
----------
Dancing Caddis
Bright Green --
size 10 (#F1059)
12 (#F1060)
14 (#F1521)
Brown/Yellow --
size 10 (#F1721)
12 (#F1722)
14 (#F1723)
Ginger --
size 10 (#F1061)
12 (#F1062)
14 (#F1522)
Gray --
size 10 (#F1063)
12 (#F1064)
14 (#F1523)
Russet --
size 10 (#F1065)
12 (#F1066)
14 (#F1524)
Diving Blue-Winged Olive Egg-Layer
(don’t look for this one in Trout Flies -it was tested after the publication of that book.
You can see it being tied on the LaFontaine Originals Video Vol. l )
Olive --
size 16 (#F1093)
18 (#F1094)
~ The Blue-Winged Olive (Baetis sp.) mayfly lays its eggs underwater. This is the first pattern devised and tested to mimic that behavior
-- this is a sinking fly with a post of clear Antron and an olive body
that matches the underwater female perfectly.
The amazing thing about this activity is that not only the females
but also the males go underwater during the egg-laying. Imagine
that -- this is like a double spinner fall. With any other mayfly only
the females land on the surface, but here both females and males are
available to the trout. What a bonanza!
----------
~ tied so that the hook point rides up. This means that the fly looks
"right" when fished dead drift or with a twitch. On tough, flat water
streams this is my caddis dry fly imitation.
The Dancing Caddis is earning a splendid reputation on lakes, too.
Ever notice how stillwater caddisflies "run" across the surface after
emerging. This fly skates beautifully, leaving the same "V" wake on
the water. Tip: grease the whole leader.
----------
Diving Caddis
Brown/Bright Green --
size 10 (#F1095)
12 (#F1096)
14 (#F1097)
16 (#F1098)
18 (#F1099)
Brown/Orange --
size 8 (#F1100)
10 (#F1526)
Brown/Yellow --
size 10 (#F1101)
12 (#F1102)
14 (#F1103)
16 (#F1104)
18 (#F1105)
Deep Sparkle Pupa
size 10 (#F1089)
12 (#F1090)
14 (#F1091)
16 (#F1092)
size 10 (#F1067)
12 (#F1068)
14 (#F1069)
16 (#F1070)
18 (#F1071)
Brown/Orange --
size 8 (#F1087)
10 (#F1525)
Brown/Yellow --
size 10 (#F1072)
12 (#F1073)
14 (#F1074)
16 (#F1075)
18 (#F1076)
Dark Gray --
Dark Gray --
size 10 (#F1077)
12 (#F1078)
14 (#F1079)
16 (#F1080)
18 (#F1081)
size 10 (#F1106)
12 (#F1107)
14 (#F1108)
16 (#F1109)
18 (#F1110)
Light Ginger --
Ginger --
size 10 (#F1082)
12 (#F1083)
14 (#F1084)
16 (#F1085)
18 (#F1086)
size 10 (#F1111)
12 (#F1112)
14 (#F1113)
16 (#F1114)
18 (#F1115)
~ in a recent survey of commercial fly sales only one winged wet
fly pattern (the forgotten fly style) ranked in the top 20 -- it was this
wonderful, imitative pattern. A 30-fish evening on the Roaring Fork
(CO); a 20-fish evening on the Clinch (TN); more fish than Gary
could count on the Muskegon (MI) one evening. Gary considered
this an indispensable pattern in his fly box.
~ this is the fly (along with the Emergent Sparkle Pupa) that started
the Antron revolution -- and it’s still the best caddis pupa imitation.
Fish it dead drift (weight on the leader) two or three hours before
the start of the actual emergence. Or, when trout start slashing the
surface sporadically, swing it across a flat.
- 14 -
(Double Wing continued)
Diving Egg-Laying Midge
(p. 129 of Fly Fishing the Mountain Lakes)
Black --
size 14 (#F1700)
16 (#F1701)
18 (#F1702)
20 (#F1703)
22 (#F1704)
Clear --
size 18 (#F1707)
20 (#F1708)
22 (#F1709)
Olive --
size 18 (#F1712)
20 (#F1713)
22 (#F1714)
Red --
size 18 (#F1717)
20 (#F1718)
22 (#F1719)
Yellow --
Drowned Trico
(as seen in LaFontaine Originals Video, Vol. lll)
Natural Black --
Lime --
size 8 (#F1660)
10 (#F1661)
12 (#F1662)
14 (#F1663)
16 (#F1664)
size
Duck Butt Dun
8 (#F1135)
10 (#F1130)
12 (#F1131)
14 (#F1132)
16 (#F1133)
size 8 (#F1141)
10 (#F1136)
12 (#F1137)
14 (#F1138)
16 (#F1139)
Orange --
size
8 (#F1147)
10 (#F1142)
12 (#F1143)
14 (#F1144)
16 (#F1145)
Pink Lady --
size
8 (#F1153)
10 (#F1148)
12 (#F1149)
14 (#F1150)
16 (#F1151)
Royal --
size
8 (#F1159)
10 (#F1154)
12 (#F1155)
14 (#F1156)
16 (#F1157)
White --
size
8 (#F1165)
10 (#F1160)
12 (#F1161)
14 (#F1162)
16 (#F1163)
size 18 (#F1640)
20 (#F1641)
22 (#F1642)
~ such a spectacular and obvious need for this imitation. The
Drowned Trico, developed by one of our team, Justin Baker, imitates
all of those spinners that get sucked underwater. You’ll catch fish
after fish on this pattern. Just fish it dead drift through areas where
trout are working the surface.
---------
Double Wing
Gray --
8 (#F1171)
10 (#F1166)
12 (#F1167)
14 (#F1168)
16 (#F1169)
~ The Theory of Attraction was one of the center points of The Dry
Fly -- New Angles. The Double Wing series of dry flies is designed
to work with that theory.
We have eight important color variations: Brown = early evening;
Gray = overcast days; Lime = afternoon; Orange = dusk; Pink Lady
= early morning; Royal = brightest sun with glare on water; White =
shaded areas; Yellow = midday.
----------
~ it was while scuba diving in high mountain lakes that Gary noticed
adult midges crawl under the ice to lay eggs. And trout feed on these
adult midges. -- Fish this fly dead drift in the streams. In lakes put
two or three of them on the leader, cast them out, let them sink, and
then draw them slowly to the surface.
----------
Brown --
size
Slate/Olive --
size 16 (#F1216)
18 (#F1217)
Pale Gray/Yellowish Olive --
size 16 (#F1213)
18 (#F1214)
Pale Gray/Cream --
size 14 (#F1209)
16 (#F1210)
18 (#F1211)
Cream/Yellow --
size 14 (#F1206)
16 (#F1207)
18 (#F1208)
~ this is a Comparadun with a shuck of Cul de Canard fibers. It is
a variation designed for the fussiest fish. The Cream/Yellow is for
the eastern Light Cahill (larger size); the Pale Gray/Cream is for
the eastern and midwestern Sulphur (smaller size); the Pale Gray/
Yellowish Olive is for the western Pale Morning Dun; the Slate/Olive
is for the Blue-Winged Olive (which hatches in trout streams across
the country).
---------Emergent Sparkle Pupa
(continued next column >>>)
size 10 (#F1218)
12 (#F1219)
14 (#F1220)
16 (#F1221)
18 (#F1222)
Brown/Orange --
size 8 (#F1223)
10 (#F1527)
Brown/Yellow --
size 10 (#F1224)
12 (#F1225)
14 (#F1226)
16 (#F1227)
- 15 -
(Emergent Sparkle Pupa continued)
Dark Gray --
EZ2C Mayfly
size 10 (#F1229)
12 (#F1230)
14 (#F1231)
16 (#F1232)
18 (#F1233)
Ginger --
size 10 (#F1234)
12 (#F1235)
14 (#F1236)
16 (#F1237)
18 (#F1238)
White --
size 10 (#F1528)
12 (#F1529)
14 (#F1530)
16 (#F1531)
18 (#F1532)
(as seen in LaFontaine Originals Video, Vol. lV)
size 14 (#F1697)
16 (#F1698)
18 (#F1699)
~the wings cant out at a 45-degree angle over the hook eye so they
enter the vision window of the fish first, the way a triggering characteristic should. Guaranteed to increase the number of strikes.
Floating Damsel Nymph
Olive -Ginger -Orange --
~These are not dry flies. Read about the "Yo-Yo Method" in Trout
Flies. This is one of the best ways to efficiently cover a lake.
The Floating Damsel and the Floating Caddis Pupa are fished
with hard, long strips. The Floating Egg, in a deadly variation of
the Yo-Yo, is fished much slower, often with two of these flies on a
leader. The Eggs are "crawled" over the top of the weeds -- once, in
New Zealand, Gary caught more trout with this method than all the
other anglers on the lake caught in total that day.
----------
size 10 (#1680)
12 (#1681)
14 (#1682)
16 (#1683)
Flying Ant
~ this variation of the Prince Nymph was developed and tested by
one of our research team, the great Utah tyer, Paul Stimpson. He
demonstrates how to tie it on Volume II of the LaFontaine Originals
videos. He shows how the Double Magic technique adds an aura
of orange Antron around the peacock body -- and makes the classic
original into a new super nymph.
----------
EZ2C Caddis
(as seen in LaFontaine Originals Video, Vol. l )
size 12 (#F1577)
14 (#F1578)
16 (#F1576)
Brown/Orange
size 8 (#F1579)
10 (#F1580)
Brown/Yellow
size 12 (#F1581)
14 (#F1565)
16 (#F1582)
Ginger
size 12 (#F1583)
14 (#F1584)
16 (#F1585)
Gray
size 14 (#F1553)
(all on p. 66 of Trout Flies)
Enchanted Prince
(as seen in LaFontaine Originals Video, Vol ll )
Brown/Bright Green
size 10 (#F1552)
Floating Egg
~ this was always Gary’s #1 fish-catcher ever since it was invented.
It tickled him the way it becomes the all-encompassing answer on
certain rivers, such as the Gunpowder (MD) or the Sacramento (CA),
and when he went there, anglers would show him their boxes stuffed
with the ESP in a wide range of colors and sizes.
----------
Peacock
size 10 (#F1259)
Floating ESP Caddis Pupa
Black --
size 10 (#F1262)
12 (#F1263)
14 (#F1264)
Red --
size 16 (#F1270)
18 (#F1559)
20 (#F1560)
~ you only have to hit one "ant fall" without a matching fly to really
want this pattern in your terrestrial box. This is also a great general
searching pattern on streams and lakes. It’s a "must have" fly for the
high-mountain lakes.
----------Foam Ant
(p, 197 of Trout Flies)
size 12 (#F1586)
14 (#F1587)
16 (#F1588)
Black --
size 12 (#F1272)
14 (#F1273)
16 (#F1274)
18 (#F1275)
Red --
size 16 (#F1279)
18 (#F1280)
20 (#F1554)
~ this was Gary’s favorite imitation for high-mountain lakes. The
translucent foam lets light radiate around the body segments, perfectly matching the natural insect. A great pattern for flat water in
streams, also.
(Eric Peper turned us on to this -- the #20 Red Foam Ant is a killer
on the San Juan in NM.)
~ ever notice how caddisflies love low light situations? We felt as if
the most effective dry fly was always going to be one that you could
see. The top wing is yellow and it stands up slightly to present a visible silhouette. And by the way, this is a great fish catcher. If you tie
your own, vary the wing color to find out what works the best for you
in your area.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------. . . and it is perfectly respectable to fish with
Fishing is better than sex because no one expects you to fish with the
a total stranger.
same partner for the rest of your life . . .
- 16 -
Foam Beetle
Halo Mayfly Emerger
Green --
size 14 (#F1281)
16 (#F1282)
(foam is green on the bottom -- white on top for high visibility)
Brown --
~ this is mainly a lake pattern (where it seems to work spectacularly).
Especially on high-mountain lakes terrestrials make up 70% or more
of the summer diet of trout and the fish are always hunting for beetles.
size 12 (#F1304)
14 (#F1305)
16 (#F1306)
18 (#F1307)
Cream --
Free-Living Caddis Larva
size 12 (#F1308)
14 (#F1309)
16 (#F1310)
18 (#F1311)
Olive --
size 12 (#F1312)
14 (#F1313)
16 (#F1314)
18 (#F1315)
Bright Green --
size 12 (#F1284)
14 (#F1285)
16 (#F1286)
Olive Brown --
size 12 (#F1288)
14 (#F1289)
16 (#F1290)
~ this is a revolutionary pattern, a mayfly emerger that recognizes
the "halo" that forms over the thorax as the back of the hatching
nymph splits and flares out. Trout key on this bright aura .
The best way to fish the Halo Mayfly Emerger: Tie on a
Mohawk, the perfect indicator pattern, and then tie 9 inches of tippet
onto the eye of the Mohawk. Then tie the Halo Mayfly Emerger
onto the end of the dangling leader.
----------
~ imitates all of the caddisfly larvae that don’t build cases prior to
pupation. These larvae include the free-ranging hunters (Green Sedge
- use Bright Green) and the super abundant net-makers (Spotted
Sedge - use the Olive Brown).
Gary used this pattern with the White Marker (pg. 27) trick all the
time -- as a searching combination this is great.
----------
Halo Midge Emerger
Gold Bead Deep Sparkle Pupa
Black --
size 14 (#F1543)
16 (#F1316)
18 (#F1317)
20 (#F1318)
Olive --
size 18 (#F1541)
20 (#F1542)
Red --
size 18 (#F1539)
20 (#F1540)
(as seen on LaFontaine Originals video, Vol. Vl)
size 12 (#F1189)
14 (#F1190)
16 (#F1191)
Brown/Yellow --
size 12 (#F1194)
14 (#F1195)
16 (#F1196)
Dark Gray --
size 12 (#F1198)
14 (#F1199)
16 (#F1200)
Ginger --
size 12 (#F1202)
14 (#F1203)
16 (#F1204)
~ sizes and colors added by popular demand. This is an indispensable imitation for lakes, tailwaters, spring creeks, and for winter
fishing on rivers. Use the #20 Black Halo Midge Emerger on
the Green River at the put-in right below the dam where trout are
always sipping natural pupae. (see Halo Mayfly Emerger for fishing tip)
---------Improved Buzz Ball
~ the weight of the bead adds another dimension to this fly. The bead
sinks the fly, of course, but it also gives it a "jigging" motion as it
bounces along the bottom. Carry both variations, regular and bead
head, in your box for versatility in presentation.
----------
(p. 144 of Trout Flies -- the Improved Version has a "half wing" of
clear Antron for better visibility)
Orange/Grizzly --
Gray Coughlin
Gray --
size 14 (#F1570)
~ one fall day on a mountain lake Gary watched trout continually
bust clumped balls of mating midges, all the time ignoring single
insects on the water. The Improved Buzz Ball brought those cutthroat charging from many yards away.
Veteran Missouri guide Trapper Badovinac loves this fly.
---------
size 12 (#F1297)
14 (#F1298)
16 (#F1299)
Lady Heather
~ it’s afternoon and the light is starting to get soft. This is the time to
start drifting the Gray Coughlin on the riffles and runs. This is such a
fine, consistent searching dry fly. It works because it looks so generally buggy. The quill fibers will separate after a few casts.
Gray/Cream --
~That’s okay, they still catch fish.
------------
size 12 (#F1333)
14 (#F1334)
16 (#F1335)
~ great for overcast days. This was a fly tested and developed by
on-stream days of flogging. Gary spent so many days in the rain
that he ended up with a nearly terminal case of mildew. Effective
fly, but it is the one that drove Gary to scuba diving.
----------
Good habits are hard to find-But we’re still out there looking
- 17 -
Magnum Ant
Natural Drift Stonefly Nymph
(don’t look for this pattern in Trout Flies, either )
Red --
size 14 (#F1500)
16 (#F1501)
Black --
size 10 (#F1502)
12 (#F1503)
14 (#F1504)
~ this high-buoyancy, opaque ant pattern is for rough water. The
narrow waist and two-humped shape of an ant is a great silhouette.
We exaggerated the shape, of course -- this "magnum ant" is on
steroids.
---------(p. 220 of Trout Flies)
size 8 (#F1512)
10 (#F1513)
12 (#F1514)
Dark Gray/Brown --
size 8 (#F1489)
10 (#F1490)
12 (#F1491)
Light Gray/Olive --
size 8 (#F1492)
10 (#F1493)
12 (#F1494)
Pale Gray/Black --
size 10 (#F1496)
Slate/Olive --
size 8 (#F1510)
10 (#F1511)
12 (#F1498)
size 14 (#F1374)
size 16 (#F1375)
Black --
size 10 (#F1398)
12 (#F1399)
Brown --
size 10 (#F1400)
12 (#F1401)
Gray --
size 10 (#F1402)
12 (#F1403)
Green --
size 10 (#F1404)
12 (#F1405)
~ let us recommend this "subtle" streamer pattern for two rivers -- the
Owens (CA) and the Farmington (CT). They are tailwaters that Gary
fished regularly and the Plain Jane always excites trout on those
rivers.
(Regulars on the Little Lehigh in Pennsylvania have discovered
that the #10 Brown Plain Jane is a killer pattern on the "open" section of the stream, really fooling the brown trout.)
-----------
Orange --
size 12 (#F1391)
14 (#F1515)
16 (#F1393)
Plain Jane
Mohawk
size 14 (#F1370)
size 16 (#F1371)
size 6 (#F1388)
8 (#F1389)
10 (#F1386)
~ this odd style of dry fly is such a fine searcher (see the complete
and fascinating explanation of why the style is so good at general
imitation in Trout Flies) that we offer it in three sizes.
----------
~ the totally unique imitation of one of the most important crustaceans in spring creeks and tailwaters. This fly, developed by one
of Gary’s team, Tony Perpignano, is dubbed with gray muskrat,
and weighted carefully along one side of the hook shank so that it
wobbles as it drifts in the current. So tantalizing!
---------
Green --
Golden --
size 14 (#F1623)
size 16 (#F1624)
size 14 (#F1366)
size 16 (#F1367)
size 4 (#F1383)
6 (#F1384)
8 (#F1385)
10 (#F1382)
Cream & Grizzly --
Missouri River Sow Bug
(as seen on LaFontaine Originals video, Vol. lV)
Gray --
Cream (molting) --
Occasion
~ the Mess is designed for matching the dun stage of larger mayfly
species. It is truly miraculous at fooling trout that become selective
on heavy hatches of duns.
We had to add the Cream Mess after amazing fishing during the
Yellow Drake (Potamanthus distinctus) hatch on the main Delaware
in July.
----------
Gray --
size 4 (#F1379)
6 (#F1380)
8 (#F1381)
10 (#F1377)
~ still the finest stonefly nymph there is for matching the emerging
insects crawling into the shallows. Fish it right next to the banks.
In Gary’s first appearance in Fly Fisherman Magazine, in his
"Primer of Entomology" column in the early 1970’s, this was the
featured pattern. It gained a following then, and many of those fly
fishermen still write about their successes with the Natural Drift
Stonefly Nymph.
----------
Mess
Cream --
Black --
Rollover Scud
~ colored deer hair covers the rear 2/3rds of the hook shank; the front
1/3rd is always white. It’s that white section that makes this pattern
such a visible fly. The Mohawk often outperforms the trailing nymph
or emerger.
Olive --
size 12
14
16
18
(#F1406)
(#F1407)
(#F1408)
(#F1544)
Orange --
size 12
14
16
18
(#F1409)
(#F1410)
(#F1411)
(#F1545)
- 18 -
(Rollover Scud continued)
Pink --
size 12
14
16
18
(#F1535)
(#F1536)
(#F1537)
(#F1546)
~ we have been getting so many requests for this scud imitation for
rivers -- and this is a surprise because this is a fine stillwater pattern.
Apparently, the off-centered weighting on this fly makes it dance
tantalizingly on the dead drift in moving water.
A hot pattern for the Big Horn (pink), Green River (olive), and
White River (orange). And a #12 Olive racked up an incredible day
on the Box Canyon on the Henry’s Fork.
--------Shroud
Gray & Red --
size 10 (#F1412)
12 (#F1413)
14 (#F1414)
16 (#F1534)
~ think "dry fly Woolly Worm." This is the pattern that proved how
incredible marabou is as a tailing material for a dry fly (no, the marabou doesn’t sink the Shroud). This has been our hottest stillwater
pattern since rave articles in United Kingdom trout magazines about
it. The red marabou tail slithers with every twitch. -- It is guaranted
to be the most effective fly available when the Callibaetis mayflies
are on the water.
----------
size 10 (#1635)
12 (#1636)
14 (#1620)
16 (#1622)
18 (#1621)
Olive --
size 10 (#F1608)
12 (#F1609)
14 (#F1610)
16 (#F1611)
Peacock (with bead head) --
size 10 (#F1454)
12 (#F1455)
14 (#F1456)
16 (#F1457)
Pheasant Tail (no bead) --
size 14 (#F1547)
16 (#F1459)
18 (#F1460)
20 (#F1548)
22 (#F1461)
Variegated Midge Larva
(p. 133 of Fly Fishing the Mountain Lakes)
Olive/Red/Clear Antron
~ the question is simple -- if you mix Antron with any dubbing, do
you make a better fly? The Sparkling Hare’s Ear has a body of 50%
Antron and 50% hare’s ear. In our underwater testing this pattern
pulls trout farther than the standard Hare’s Ear pattern. Unlike the
unnatural brightness of metallic tinsel, the natural brightness of
Antron never seems to frighten or repel fish. There is magic in this
material -- and the Sparkling Hare’s Ear is a magical fly.
----------
size 18 (#F1569)
20 (#F1566)
22 (#F1595)
24 (#F1598)
26 (#F1599)
~ our Book Mailer customers are the finest fly fishermen in the
world. The Variegated Midge Larva is a great stillwater fly, especially a high mountain lake fly, but readers started using it on tailwaters and spring creeks with tremendous results, outfishing all other
midge larvae imitations. It’s the flash of the clear Antron -- pure
magic! / Hot fly on the Green (UT).
----------
Spruce Moth
Were Wulff
size 12 (#F1422)
~ the Spruce Moth, always abundant around pine-forested trout
streams, is a strange terrestrial. It lands on the water, but once its
wings get wet it can’t fly away. Trout gorge on them.
(indispensable on the Gallatin River and Rock Creek in MT)
----------
Brown & White --
size 10 (#F1463)
12 (#F1464)
14 (#F1465)
16 (#F1466)
~ a color variation of the Wulff design. It has a hare’s ear body, a
mixed brown/grizzly hackle, and white calf tail wings. It was created
specifically to match the western Brown Drake (none of the other
Wulff patterns do), but it proved to be such a good, all-around fly on
the Big Hole and other rivers that it became very popular for everyday drift boat fishing.
----------
Twist Nymph
(the following patterns are listed on p. 104 of Trout Flies as variations in testing -- indeed, they tested well.)
Ostrich (with bead head )
Cream --
size 10 (#F1604)
12 (#F1605)
14 (#F1606)
16 (#F1607)
•• hold these amazing patterns up to the light ••
-------
Cream --
Brown --
~ the Twist Nymph series features the Double Magic tying technique. This new technique blends a material such as peacock or
pheasant tail with Antron. The method puts an aura of Antron fibers
around the body, and that aura mimics the translucency and brightness of the edges of a mayfly nymph.
Sparkling Hare’s Ear
Natural Hare’s Ear
(Twist Nymph continued)
size 10 (#F1600)
12 (#F1601)
14 (#F1602)
16 (#F1603)
Gray --
size 10 (#F1630)
12 (#F1631)
14 (#F1632)
16 (#F1633)
Fishing is better than sex because Your fishing partner will never say, "Not again? We just
fished last week, is that all you ever think about?"
(continued next column >>>)
- 19 -
We get letters . . .
Special Flies ~
These are the more complicated, larger patterns. We put four flies
in a package instead of 1/2 dozen. The price is still $11.00 per package (and the price is a bargain for such fancy flies).
"A #18 Brown and Bright Green Emergent Sparkle Pupa
slammed the rainbows on the White River below the Norfork
during a caddis hatch in early November this year. Even the
guide was asking for some of the dubbing materials I used.
(Apple Green Touch Dubbing). I’m glad I had tied them--the
guide didn’t have any and his flies didn’t do as well!"
the amazing Flex patterns ~
(see p. 181 through p. 193 of Trout Flies)
~ four flies per package ~
Flex-Hopper
Flex-Hex
Flex-Cicada
Flex-Stone (Orange for the Salmon fly )
flex (#F1256)
flex (#F1555)
flex (#F1254)
flex (#F1257)
Jon Lindemann (AR)
Thanks Jon, sounds like you had a great trip! I guess it goes
to show that the green in the Sparkle Pupa can vary depending on time of year and your location.
Matching big insects can either be real easy or just about impossible. When trout are really on the hunt for any big food organism,
whether it’s a salmon fly, Hex mayfly, cicada, or grasshopper, they
rush so quickly towards the insect that any close imitation is acceptable. That’s the easy fishing.
But when trout are not so eager and hurried, they look over imitations and refuse every one except a Flex pattern. Why? They are
waiting for a sign of life, a bending of the body.
----------
••••••
"I just wanted to let you know about my success using this
fly over the past two years. I was fishing the Upper Sacramento River in California last month (Nov.). I was fishing the
October Caddis hatch with no luck. Saw some BWO’s fluttering around mid-day and tied on Gary’s pattern. In four casts
I had three fish, two of which were 18 inches on a size 16 fly.
The Diving Blue-Winged Olive Egg Layer has consistently
produced big fish to my amazement.
Thanks for the continued work in providing useful fishing
resources. I look forward to my next mailer."
Creature
Gray --
size
6 (#F1055)
8 (#F1056)
10 (#F1507)
-- the ultimate swimming "mouse-shrew-baby muskrat" doll. It is a
furry little clump that undulates in the water on the retrieve. ~~ Not
only for trout; great for bass and pike.
----------
Ray Nunez (CA)
Thank you Ray, we love providing the resources.
Tear Drop Nymph
••••••
Brown/Fluorescent Pink —
Green/Fluorescent Green —
Cream/Fluorescent Yellow —
size
size
size
We get phone calls . . .
10 (#F1436)
12 (#F1437)
14 (#F1438)
16 (#F1439)
"Used the White Double Wing on the Teton River this past
September. Had great success catching cutthroat.
10 (#F1448)
12 (#F1449)
14 (#F1450)
16 (#F1451)
Ray Piehl (WI)
••••••
10 (#F1442)
12 (#F1443)
14 (#F1444)
16 (#F1445)
Tan/Fluorescent Orange —
size
10 (#F1612)
12 (#F1613)
14 (#F1614)
16 (#F1615)
Dark Gray/Fluorescent White —
size
10 (#F1591)
12 (#F1592)
14 (#F1593)
16 (#F1594)
. . . and Cathy discovers a new marketing scheme.
"Some flatlander wearing $500.00 worth of fly fishing gear
from some un-named catalog store said there were no trout in
my favorite pool. He said he had been there three and a half
hours, used everything he had and hadn’t gotten a bite.
"Just to show him, I took a handful (6+) of EZ2C Mayflies and chucked them out into the current. Within forty feet,
everyone of them was taken with a big splashy gulp. Boy, did
I show him or what? Then he asked if I had anymore and I
realized that had been my total supply."
Rob (Llama Doc) Polland (CA)
-- the greatest nymph ever for searching a riffle. Here’s the fly that
makes trout eat it out of pure curiosity - it triggers an instinctive
"grab it" reflex. The Tear Drop is the first subsurface fly to effectively use the appeal of fluorescence.
You showed him Doc- that’s what really counts, and we’ll be
glad to send more! Remember, fish prefer them by the handful.
••••••••••••••••••••
••••••••••••••••••••
Stan’s tongue is located only inches from his brain, but it
often sounds as if it were miles away.
Offering these flies to you is a grand adventure.
Thank you for being a part of it.
- 20 -
LaFontaine Originals Video Collection
New last fall was Volume VI and the crew will have Volume VII in our spring/summer catalog. These videos are the best references on tying LaFontaine patterns. Not only do you have excellent tyers showing you the best methods to tie Gary’s patterns,
but you have Gary giving great commentary on each fly.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
the Beginning!
the Incredible Sequel!
LaFontaine Originals -- Volume I
by Paul & Char Stimpson and Al & Gretchen Beatty
LaFontaine Originals -- Volume II
The great Utah fly tyer, and our friend, Paul Stimpson,
was the driving force behind this video. He selected 14
of Gary’s patterns for inclusion in this 90-minute video.
These flies are from Trout Flies Proven Patterns and Fly
Fishing the Mountain Lakes. They also include newer
patterns, developed after the publication of Trout Flies,
that have never been shown before.
Both videos, Volume I and Volume II, are for the intermediate and advanced fly tyer. These are Gary’s patterns,
flies he tied hundreds of, but Paul Stimpson is a professional and he found ways to tie the flies faster and better.
Volume II of LaFontaine Originals is guaranteed not
only to show 11 of Gary’s best flies, but to make you a
much better fly tyer.
Aft Sparkle
Duck Butt Dun
Tear Drop Nymph
Diving Water Boatman
EZ2C Caddis
Were Wulff
Improved Buzz Ball
Beadhead Twist Nymph
Deer Hair Woolly
Halo Mayfly Emerger
Beadhead Marabou Worm
Lady Heather
Plain Jane
Diving Blue-Winged Olive Egg-Layer
(#V966) 90-Minute Video
Pheasant Tail Twist Nymph Creature
Double Caterpillar
Enchanted Prince
Flex-Hopper
Natural Drift Stonefly
Slider
Firecracker
Cricket
Drop Nose Minnow
Floating Damselfly Nymph
Price -- $19.95
----------------------------------------------
hot Follow Up!
really effective fish–catching patterns!
LaFontaine Originals -- Volume III
This fine video in the LaFontaine Originals series
continues the tradition of not only great fly tying by the
Stimpsons and the Beattys, but also a tremendous amount
of fishing information to go along with each pattern. Gary
enjoyed turning the tying station over to the experts. Paul
and Al know as much about Gary’s patterns as Gary! These
tyers have simplified steps for each pattern which result
in making you a better tyer. Tips you can use for whatever
you are tying. For tying Gary’s patterns, and for learning
tricks in general, this video is wonderful.
Drowned Trico
Foam Spider
Bread
Flex-Damsel
Occasion
Diving Egg-Laying Midge
Price -- $19.95
----------------------------------------------
LaFontaine Originals -- Volume IV
with Heather LaFontaine Ellison
The goal is to put all eighty-four LaFontaine patterns
on video and Volume IV has some special additions, like
the Antron Serendipity and the Enchanted Royal Double
Wing, developed by Paul Stimpson and Al Beatty using
Gary’s special tying techniques. Not only do you get to
learn how to tie all these fine flies, you also pick up great
tying tips from five of the best fly tyers anywhere! As a
group, this selection of fly patterns covers every situation
of imitation and attraction for trout steams and lakes.
Shroud
Foam Ant
Mess
Clear Wing Spinner
Marabou Single Egg
Black June
Rollover Scud
EZ2C Mayfly
Missouri River Sow Bug
Drunken Sailor
Variegated Midge Larva
Dancing Caddis
Antron Serendipity
Fluttering Stone
Flame Thrower
Hair Sucker
Enchanted Royal Double Wing
Price -- $19.95
- 21 -
Price -- $19.95
Killer patterns!
Flies!
LaFontaine Originals -- Volume V
LaFontaine Originals -- Volume VI
with Heather LaFontaine Ellison
by Paul and Char Stimpson, Al and Gretchen Beatty,
with Heather LaFontaine Ellison,
and comments by Gary.
This video is wonderful -- it shows more of Gary’s great,
original patterns. "Take a fine team of five fly tyers, all superb
professionals, showing the fastest, most efficient ways to tie
my patterns and you have a really special teaching tool with
LaFontaine Originals -- Volume V," remarked Gary when this
one came out. These are the patterns that our readers have been
asking for in their letters. How do you tie the Bristle Leech?
How do you tie the Halo Midge Emerger? You’ve read about
these flies. Now get special tying instructions and fly fishing
tips for them.
Included in this video are flies tied by Heather with Gary’s
off-camera comments. Heather and Gary have been very popular
with our readers and will continue on Volume VII as well. Not
only do you get to learn these great flies but you’ll also get great
tying tips from five awesome fly tiers as well. The last time the
Beatty’s and the Stimpsons and Gary got together for video
production, they got to figuring the number of years experience
the five of them brought to the tying table and it totaled over 100
years. Wow, that’s a lot!
Antron Parachute
Halo Midge Emerger
Ghost Wing Were Wulff Flex-Sculpin
Floating Caddis Larva
EZ2C Midge
Bristle Leech
EZ2C Stonefly
Gray Coughlin
House Fly
Blackfly Larva
Beadhead Deep Sparkle Pupa
Flex Muddler
Antron Flashback
Foam Inch Worm, Improved
Stub Wing Buck Tail
Black-eyed Sparkling Hares Ear
Price -- $19.95
Deer Hair Hornet
Double Magic Soft Hackle
Snow Stone
Flying Ant
Foam Beetle
Flex Hex
Price -- $19.95
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jack Dennis has many memories of Gary and we are lucky enough to have him share this one with us. He calls this story:
"Gary The Athlete"
Gary was an avid sports fan. He loved sports. He was literally a walking sports encyclopedia. He seemed to know everything about any
sport and the minute he got a newspaper he’d turn to the sports page and read to Mike and me as we prepared for seminars. He would be the
sportscaster with his unique witty commentary. We assumed Gary was a very good athlete, since he had so much knowledge about any sport.
In the first days of the Traveling Fly Fisherman we were doing sports shows and several people challenged us to a pick-up basketball game.
At that time Mike and I were still playing city league basketball and enjoyed the sport. Gary quickly agreed to join us and we played in this
memorable pick-up game before a show started. After the game was over we had to conclude Gary just might have been the worst basketball
player we had ever seen. Quite frankly, he was awful.
During our travels Gary continued to dazzle us with his sports knowledge and we pretty much gave up on him as an athlete, not inviting
him to anymore basketball games. However, there would be an incident that would change our opinion as Gary as an athlete.
We were doing a traveling fly fishing seminar in Reno. It was held in conjunction with the Reno’s fly fishing club’s annual banquet. Several years back, both Gary and I had been the banquet speaker and it was Mike’s turn. As we were listening to Mike go into his slide show,
Gary pulled on my arm and said, "Look, we’ve heard this talk over and over again. Let’s go out into the casino" as the event was held at
the Golden Nugget in Sparks,Nevada. Neither Gary nor I had much of an interest in gambling but he had spotted a fabulous game room.
One of the best I’ve ever seen. Literally every game in creation was in that room. As we walked in Gary immediately spotted an air hockey
game going on. He looked at me and said, "I’m really good at that. In fact, I’m one of the best." Well, you know what my thoughts were.
We walked over and watched two very well built young men batting the puck around. They had some of the fastest reflexes I’ve ever seen.
I had never played air hockey, really didn’t know much about it. But I could tell it was quite a game. Gary watched, looked over at me and
said, "I can take these guys". I just shook my head. Traveling with Gary, you never knew what Gary was going say and most of the time you
better be listening. He said, "Let’s challenge them." I said, "Gary, I don’t know anything about this game." He said, "Don’t worry. You won’t
even be needed."
He walked up to the two guys and asked if they were interested in a game. They looked at us and started laughing and said, "Sure, but
it will be for money." Gary looked at me and I said, "I’m not giving you any money." Gary never traveled with much cash and he looked
through his wallet and pulled out a folded up twenty-dollar bill. He laid it out and said, "Will this cover the first game?"
The two guys looked at each other and smiled. "That will be just fine to start with."
What we didn’t realize until later is that these guys were both Naval fighter pilots, not just your ordinary Naval aviation pilots but graduates
of Top Gun. They had just arrived at Fallon Naval Air Station to fly with the Navy’s most elite wing, the Advisory Force which is based in
Fallon. The top of the top! You can just imagine how good their hand and eye coordination would be. Well, Gary and I faced the two guys and
the first pilot spun the puck and it flew right by. Gary didn’t even move. I looked over at him. No reaction. He looked straight at the pilot.
In this game, whenever you score, you retain possession of the puck and serve again. The puck came screaming out again. Gary looked
straight ahead. No reaction. I said, "Gary, are you with us?" He said, "I sure am. I’m just getting the timing on the puck." Well, the third serve
came and again no movement from Gary. I reached out and just barely ticked the puck as it slammed by into the net. Three- zip! I knew we
were in trouble.
(continued on page 51– inside back cover)
- 22 -
The best books at the best prices -- the Book Mailer (call 1-800-874-4171)
Check out our website at www.greycliff.com ~ A new fly fishing tip every month
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In 1981 Caddisflies won the Book of the Year Award
In 1990 The Dry Fly won the Book of the Year AwardWinner of the 1993 Book of the Year Award ~~
Trout Flies – Proven Patterns
by Gary LaFontaine
A select committee from the United Fly Tyers, a national fly fishing organization, carefully reads and evaluates every fly fishing book published during the year. After a year of discussion and deliberation they present their prestigious Book of the Year Award
to "the fly fishing book that makes an outstanding addition to the body of literature in our sport."
Greycliff Publishing is proud to once again receive this great honor for one of our books. Trout Flies, with over 8,000 copies
shipped in the first week, is not only the fastest selling fly fishing book of all time, but has gathered spectacular reviews:
" ... Trout Flies – Proven Patterns, with its unique blend of the science, lore, and practical experience of angling will prove an enduring classic."
—Peter A. Rafle, Jr. in Trout Magazine
"I’ve always found his books more stimulating than other pragmatic books; they are original, often iconoclastic, incredibly informed, and
they make you think. Trout Flies is no exception. This is a fascinating reference book that you could keep by your bed or in your bathroom, to dip
into for wit and wisdom."
—Stephen Bodio in Fly Rod & Reel Magazine
Trout Flies is a close look at the twenty years of research and innovation that created the 62 new flies in this book. Nymphs,
wets, streamers, emergers, and dries are all shown in full color. There are tying instructions for each one. A lead-in explains why
and how each pattern works in specific situations. After each fly there is an entry from the author’s fishing log telling about a fishing
experience with that particular pattern.
Hardcover, 8 1/2 x 11 format, 280 pages, fully illustrated tying steps for 62 original flies,
black & white photographs, and color plates
Special offer from the Book Mailer: Free sample fly with the book
(#B122) hardcover
Price -- $39.95
Trout Flies – Proven Patterns
These are the last of the hardcover copies available. When they’re gone, they’re gone.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fly Fishing the Mountain Lakes
by Gary LaFontaine
In between roll-on-the-floor, split-a-gut observations of things like Rufus the pack goat, an aluminum pram called the Slough Pig,
and an incredible fishing dog named Chester, there is an amazing amount of information on how to fish mountain lakes. Fly Fishing
the Mountain Lakes is more than just a stillwater classic — it’s such a wonderful blueprint on how to analyze a type of fishery that
every fly fisherman should read it. There are twenty-six recipes for stillwater patterns, including the Variegated Midge Larva.
Reviewer comment on Fly Fishing the Mountain Lakes:
Gary LaFontaine would make an adventure story out of the most mundane assignment, so when he’s approaching an
area in which he has a passionate interest, readers can expect the kind of mini-epic anecdotes you will find here.
—Seth Norman, Fly Rod and Reel
quality softcover; 6 x 9 format; 128 pages
(#B689)
Price -- $14.95
- 23 -
The LaFontaine classics. No fly fishing library is complete without them. They still come with a free fly and they are still
our favorite books. In these are all the wisdom and theory that belonged only to Gary, told as only he could tell it. Landmarks in
our fly fishing literature you’ll read again and again, until they become about as dog-eared as this Book Mailer!
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Must have! ~ New review!
Caddisflies
The original offer for Caddisflies is still in effect — a free sample fly with every book.
That original postcard offer in 1981 was the beginning of the Book Mailer -- it was also the launch for a work that has become
one of the most enduring classics in modern fly fishing.
The sales records for Caddisflies over the last twenty-two years hasn’t surprised too many people. It has gathered praise and won
awards.
And it is still getting reviewed:
"In Caddisflies, Gary LaFontaine tackles a problem that no author up to that point had dared address—creating a detailed
explanation of caddisfly hatches. Not only does this book provide detailed descriptions of caddisfly behavior, taxonomy, and
timing of emergence, but also it offers many new and innovative patterns and tactics for imitating the different stages of insects."
-- Rick Hafele, American Angler—Jan/Feb 2003
-- The information in Caddisflies is as current and valuable now as it was in 1981. The entomological nomenclature of the Trichoptera has not changed -- the biology has not changed. The fly patterns and the ideas in Caddisflies are now the standard for this insect
order.
"A landmark work!" Keith Gardner in Fishing World
"Magnificent!" Dave Engerbretson in Fly Fisherman Magazine
Winner of the 1981 United Fly Tyers Book of the Year Award
Named by Robert Berls as one of the finest fly fishing books of the past thirty years in Trout Magazine
hardcover, 8 1/2 x 11, 338 pages, fully illustrated, black & white photographs, color plates
(#B121) hardcover
Price -- $40.00
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
A whole new angle!
The Dry Fly – New Angles
"probably the most acclaimed, award-winning book of the modern era" -- David Dunne
winner of the 1990 United Fly Tyers Book of the Year Award
winner of the 1991 Arnold Gingrich Memorial Award
named by Robert Berls to his updated list of the greatest books (1996 in The Gift of Trout)
selected by Tight Loop for their list of the Top 10 Fly Fishing Books of the Last 10 Years (1990 - 2000)
The premise of The Dry Fly is simple -- if you understand the Theory of Imitation and the Theory of Attraction you’ll know
how to choose the best fly anytime and anywhere. This work is the foundation of how to fly fish. It’s the first serious book the beginning fly fisherman should read -- and in many ways its the last serious book the advanced fly fisherman should read.
The fact that it’s a tremendous amount of fun to read is just a bonus -- it’s a "can’t put down" page-turner.
Special offer from the Book Mailer: Free sample fly with the book
Softcover, 8 1/2 x 11 format, 308 pages, illustrations, black & white photographs, and color plates
(#B160) softcover
Price -- $29.95
(#B101) hardcover- very limited quantities still available Price -- $39.95
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Some people’s idea of heaven may be streets paved with gold, but for me,
if those streets aren’t lined with books, there is something missing.
-- Gary LaFontaine
- 24 -
"The Most Fun Fly Offer Ever"
Maps — Maps — Maps
A Unique Offering -- the We-Choose Program
This is a special service that started years ago and it has
snowballed into a big event with each newsletter mailing. We
have a lot of fun guessing (and yes, it is guessing, but we have
a good track record).
You tell us where you are going to be fishing and the dates of
the trip and we will send you the flies (as many packets as you
want to order) for that place and date. We are familiar with
most of the known waters of the country, but even so we will
rely on a network of friends and a growing database to help
make the recommendations.
And, if time permits when your order comes in, we’ll even
write a note giving you tips on how to use the flies on the
water you’ll be fishing. Cheapshot is even more expansive
than Gary!
----------------------------Private Label Flies
(the most fun fly offer ever)
Our newsletter proclaimed, "Everyone needs maps!" How prophetic. The Montana Atlas & Gazetteer sold by the hundreds. And
why not? It’s a large format book of 78 topo maps covering the entire
state.
We’re slow, but when hit over the head we rub the bump. These are
"must have" books for the angler and anyone driving through a state.
Alabama Atlas (#G803)
-- $19.95
Alaska Atlas (#G426)
-- $19.95
Arizona Atlas (#G427)
-- $19.95
Arkansas Atlas (#G714)
-- $19.95
Northern California Atlas (#G438) -- $19.95
Southern California Atlas (#G441) -- $19.95
Colorado Atlas (#G428)
-- $19.95
Connecticut (#G4001)
-- $19.95
Florida Atlas (#G429)
-- $19.95
Georgia Atlas (#G804)
-- $19.95
Idaho Atlas (#G423)
-- $19.95
Indiana Atlas (#G805)
-- $19.95
Iowa Atlas (#G800)
-- $19.95
Illinois Atlas (#G430)
-- $19.95
Kansas Atlas (#G640)
-- $19.95
Kentucky Atlas (#G801)
-- $19.95
Louisiana Atlas (#G806)
-- $19.95
Maine Atlas (#G431)
-- $19.95
Maryland/Delaware Atlas (#G432) -- $19.95
Massachusetts (#G4002)
-- $19.95
Michigan Atlas (#G433)
-- $19.95
Minnesota Atlas (#G434)
-- $19.95
Mississippi Atlas (#G957)
-- $19.95
Missouri Atlas (#G715)
-- $19.95
Montana Atlas (#G306)
-- $19.95
Nebraska Atlas (#G641)
-- $19.95
Nevada Atlas (#G642)
-- $19.95
New Hampshire Atlas (#G435)
-- $19.95
New Jersey Atlas (#G958)
-- $19.95
New Mexico Atlas (#G802)
-- $19.95
New York Atlas (#G436)
-- $19.95
North Carolina Atlas (#G437)
-- $19.95
North Dakota Atlas (#G959)
-- $19.95
Ohio Atlas (#G439)
-- $19.95
Oklahoma Atlas (#G960)
-- $19.95
Oregon Atlas (#G463)
-- $19.95
Pennsylvania Atlas (#G440)
-- $19.95
South Carolina Atlas (#G961)
-- $19.95
South Dakota Atlas (#G716)
-- $19.95
Tennessee Atlas (#G442)
-- $19.95
Utah Atlas (#G443)
-- $19.95
Vermont Atlas (#G444)
-- $19.95
Virginia Atlas (#G646)
-- $19.95
Washington Atlas (#G445)
-- $19.95
West Virginia Atlas (#G647)
-- $19.95
Wisconsin Atlas (#G446)
-- $19.95
Wyoming Atlas (#G424)
-- $19.95
Texas Atlas (#G648)
-- $24.95
Our suggestion? Buy one for the state you live in – and buy ones
You tell us where – you tell us when; order as many packets
as you want. We’ll choose the patterns and sizes from Gary’s
wide variety of patterns. (But tell us if you have a preference
for wet or dry patterns).
We’re "spot on" about 80% of the time and close the rest of
the time (and the flies will work on other waters too).
1/2 doz. packets of Private Label Flies
(#F244)
Price -- $11.00 ea.
Four to six flies of the same size and color of a particular pattern in each packet.
Trust me — they’re so good, you’ll need that many.
If you’re fly fishing with a group or partner, it’s always fun to
share, or tease.
~~ order form at end of newsletter ~~
---------------------------------------------------------------------Still our Favorite Letter about the We Choose Program:
"I’m the ‘old goat’ (my wife’s phrase). When she bought
Trout Flies, you sold her a packet of odd-looking dry flies. I
told her that I’d never use them and sent them back to you for
a refund. You gave me back my money, but also sent the flies
back ‘free’ and said to try them. I said to my wife, ‘Never,’ and
she said that I was that old, stubborn goat.
Shamed into it like that, I did try the flies. My buddies and I
are still babbling about what the Halo Mayfly Emerger did on
the Deschutes (and thereafter on every other stream).
~ Bill Tameran – Still old but a little more
open to your ideas."
----------------------------Why shouldn’t the "We-Choose" Program work? Hatches
occur on specific water types and in the same sequence everywhere. We have tracked Gary's past selections for a long time.
Private Label Flies are the finest fish-catching patterns
in the world. They are strange -- they are wonderful. They
are the leading innovations in modern fly fishing. They are so
much fun to use on trout waters!
for the states where you are going to fish.
- 25 -
Reader’s Tip
Cheap Tricks for Cheapskates
This Listing of "River" Books Only Includes Fine Titles
Fly Fishing the Colorado River by Al Marlowe
(#B616) softcover
$15.95
To be fair, there may be a few of our readers put off by the
title of this piece. Trust me, "cheapskate" (not to be confused
with "cheapshot," which truly carries a nasty connotation) is
a moniker of honor. It should conjure up images of spartan
Scottish frugality (can the pc outrage--your reporter has some
bastard Scots in him), native ingenuity in the face of economic
hard times, and a uniquely American spirit of intuitive good
sense. It most decidedly does not mean ""miserly or stingy"
as Merriam Webster’s Collegiate dictionary would have you
believe. What do they know about it? That said, this issue’s
contributor of the reader’s tip--Joe Kissane--could easily be
America’s poster boy for "Cheapskate." Joe, who--it had to be
purely by accident--authored a ground-breaking book called
Drag-free Drift (p. 46). has revealed to me, through a series
of missives, that he is truly one cheap bastard. In fact, for
those of our readers who are incurably e-ophiles (cyberspeak
for "too lazy to turn pages") keep your eyes peeled for Joe’s
"Cheap Lazy Bastard" (and no, it’s not his namesake, it’s the
name of a fly. . . or so he says) in this Newsletter. Anyway, Joe
has come up with a tip that is way too frugal and ingenious to
ignore. Here it is.
San Juan River Fly-Fishing Guide by Michael Shook
(#B794) softcover
$8.95
Housatonic River Fly Fishing Guide by Jeff Passante
(#B795) softcover
$14.95
Utah’s Green River by Dennis Breer
(#B756) softcover
$19.95
Deschutes by Dave Hughes
(#B330) softcover
$15.95
Shasta Headwaters: An Angler’s Guide to the
Upper Sacramento and McCloud Rivers
by Craig Ballenger
(#B845) softcover
$19.95
--------------------------------------------------------------
Get ready for next season!
Troubleshooting the Cast
by Ed Jaworowski
Jaworoski demystifies the problems of casting and analyzes
33 of the most common casting problems. Concise text and
line drawings show problem, cause, and solution for each case.
Summarizes the 4 basic principles of casting.
"Here’s a tip to cheat the thread suppliers while simultaneously supporting your office supply store. I use cream
thread and then color it with waterproof markers as I tie. That
way I can use an orange or red thread on the body with light
colored dubbing for an interestingly realistic effect, and use
a black marker (or dark brown) for the head or thorax. You
can also make transitional color changes throughout the body
of a dubbed fly by marking the thread and sparsely dubbing
--experiment. Lots of writers indicate they use colored head
thread to indicate weighted nymphs, and this can be done easily with markers, too. Typical colors are black, brown, olive,
orange, red, and yellow."
8 x 11; 96 pages; 120 line drawings
(#B922) softcover
Revised!
Price -- $12.95
Trout Streams of Pennsylvania
by Charles R. Meck
This is the 3rd edition of this great resource. Completely
redesigned and expanded and this version includes detailed
information on 14 additional trout streams.
softcover; 6 x 9; color photos; 30 maps; 384 pages
(#B865)
Price -- $21.95
Great Info! Understanding Trout Behavior
by John Goddard and Brian Clarke
What makes trout hard to catch? Their natural defenses
against predators. If you understand the instincts that protect
trout from us then you are that much closer to catching them.
softcover; 7 x 10; 112 pages; illustrations; full color
(#B4072)
So the cheap, lazy--er, Joe comes up with another
winner. Where the hell does he get’em? Anyway, for his
contribution, Joe will receive a free pack of Gary LaFontaine
Private Label flies. Thanks for the great tip, Joe.
Price -- $17.95
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NEW!
Famous British Columbia Fly Fishing Waters
by Art Lingren
For many anglers, the history of fly-fishing is as important as actual time out on the water. (We are still debating this one . . . ) This
book covers both the history and necessary information to fish these famous waters. The waters covered include the Campbell River,
the Dean, Bella Coola, Thompson and of course, the Skagit -- all classic steelhead waters. A description of each water is given along
with its history, effective techniques and flies, with excerpts from historical references and local anglers. Lingren portrays the legendary fly-fishers who laid the foundation for the rest of us to follow.
hardcover; 8 1/2 x 11 inches; all color; 144 pages
(#B4208)
Price -- $45.00
- 26 -
Just destination information on some of the hottest fly fishing locations across the nation.
Pick your dream spot and start planning
•••
Spectacular New Guide Books!
~~ Great guidebooks in the Wilderness
Adventures Press series ~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
These Wilderness Adventure Guide Books are among the finest
ever written. Each one is done by a fly fisherman who knows his
state -- that author pours accurate and complete information not only
on the trout fishing but often on the warm water and sea-run fishing
available in the state. Add in the maps, hatch charts, photos, and
travel information and a fly fisherman has all the facts he needs to
explore the waters of a state.
February Release!
A Journey Through John Muir Country
by Don Vachini
Revel in the splendor of the Sierra Nevada’s high country.
Vachini’s book is a combination fishing and hiking guide to
the beautiful and historical John Muir Trail. Included are the
trails, mountains, waterways, floura and fauna. Each chapter
begins with the pertinent information or a historical note directly relating to the region. Each trail features: access; degree
of difficulty; where trout can be found; mileage and much
more
softcover; 8 1/2 x 11; 64 pages; color photos
(#B4129)
Price -- $19.95
Each book -- flex-bind softcover; 6 x 9 format; over 500 pages;
maps; hatch charts; black & white photos
Full travel informations -- hotels, restaurants, fly shops
Flyfisher’s Guide to Texas by Phil Shook
(#B4057) flex-bind softcover
Price -- $26.95
Flyfisher’s Guide to New York by Eric Newman
Price -- $26.95
NEW!
Flyfisher’s Guide to Virginia and West Virginia
by David Hart
Price -- $28.95
Grand River - River Journal
by Jim Bedford
The latest installment on the popular "River Journal" series,
Michigan’s Grand River system is covered in great detail,
including the Grand’s dam areas and major tributaries: best fly
fishing waters; effective techniques; fish species; flies; history;
even local information. All you need to know for a successful
trip to this Great Lakes hotspot!
Flyfisher’s Guide to the Florida Keys & the Everglades
by Captain Ben Taylor
Price -- $26.95
Flyfisher’s Guide to Washington by Greg Thomas
Price -- $26.95
Flyfisher’s Guide to Oregon by John Huber
Price -- $26.95
softcover, 8 1/2 x 11; 48 pages
Flyfisher’s Guide to Northern New England
by Rhey Plumley and Steve Hickoff
Price -- $28.95
(#B4209)
Price -- $15.95
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Flyfisher’s Guide to Northern California by Seth Norman
Price -- $26.95
Hot - Hot - Hot
Other Fine books in the River Journal series —
Flyfisher’s Guide to Idaho by K. Retallic and R. Barker
Price -- $26.95
Alaska Rainbows by Larry Tullis
(#B4097) -$19.95
Flyfisher’s Guide to Montana by Greg Thomas
Price -- $26.95
Delaware River by George Spector
(#B4063) - $15.95
Madison River by John Holt
(#B370) - $14.95
Green River by Larry Tullis
(#B362) - $15.95
Henry’s Fork by Larry Tullis
(#B478) - $15.95
Big Hole River by Steve Probasco
(#B528) - $15.95
Salmon River by Rick Kustich
(#B465) - $15.95
Upper Sacramento River by C. O’Brien
(#B554) - $15.95
Yellowstone Park by Bruce Staples
(#B555) - $15.95
McKenzie River by Deke Meyer
(#B571) - $15.95
White River by Danny Hicks
(#B4046) - $15.95
Clark Fork River by Greg Thomas
(#B710) - $15.95
Rio Grande by Craig Martin
(#B846) - $15.95
AuSable (MI) by Bob Linsenman
(#B847) - $15.95
North Platte (CO) by Eric Pettine
(#B875) - $15.95
Rogue River by Scott Richmond
(#B956) - $15.95
Flyfisher’s Guide to Wyoming by Ken Retallic
Price -- $26.95
Flyfisher’s Guide to Colorado by Marty Bartholomew
Price -- $28.95
Flyfisher’s Guide to Pennsylvania by Dave Wolf
Price -- $28.95
Flyfisher’s Guide to Michigan by Jim Bedford
Price -- $26.95
Flyfisher’s Guide to Utah by James B. DeMoux
Price -- $26.95
Flyfisher’s Guide to Minnesota by Micky Johnson
Price -- $26.95
~~ seasons, regulations, river miles, water flows, access points,
hatches, and fly recommendations ~~
- 27 -
Excellent Guidebooks and River Rap Audio tapes on some awesome rivers…
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
First there was one:
Next came number three:
Fly Fishing the Beaverkill
Fly Fishing the Madison
by Eric Peper and Gary LaFontaine
by Craig Mathews and Gary LaFontaine
Now there is a definitive guide to unlocking the secrets of
the hallowed Beaverkill. Eric Peper brings decades of experience to bear in this concise, witty, and surprisingly complete
work (at just over 100 pages, it will fit nicely in your gear
bag). Arising from seven hours of taped conversation between
Eric and Gary and augmented with updated information, Fly
Fishing the Beaverkill is an incredible compendium of knowledge. It covers everything from tactics for different seasons
on the river, key hatches and how to fish them, specific pools
and reaches of the river, how to cope with the crowds, and
much more. If you plan to visit the Beaverkill, take this book.
It will make your visit a more enjoyable one. If you don’t plan
to visit the Beaverkill, read it anyway, and you will want to go.
The Madison is Craig Mathews’ home water, and he knows
it as few others do. He covers the Madison from Yellowstone
Park to the headwaters of the Missouri. While covering the
hatches, seasons, and reaches of the river, Craig reveals his
favorite tactics for unlocking the secrets of this incredibly
diverse river. He shows you how to fish it with dry flies,
nymphs, and streamers, pointing out the right moments for
each type of fly. And he shares his wisdom about fishing the
Madison’s two "stillwaters"—Hebgen Lake and Quake Lake.
Quality soft cover, 5 1/2 x 8 1/2; 140 pages; maps; hatch
charts; pattern recipes; b/w photos
Quality softcover; 5 1/2 x 8 1/2; 128 pages; maps; hatch
The Book -- (#B853)
Price -- $16.95
The Audio Tape -- (#A104)
Price -- $13.95
by Bob Jacklin and Gary LaFontaine
The Yellowstone River in Yellowstone Park is known for its
world-class dry fly fishing for native cutthroat trout. But for all
its reputation as easy pickings for big fish, it can be devilishly
exacting of the anglers who flock to it. Those big, burly cutthroats have seen it all, and, at times, they can seem downright
jaded. Bob Jacklin has spent the last 30-plus years fishing
and guiding the Yellowstone from the lake to the park boundary and has become known world-wide for his knowledge.
He leads you through the river’s seasons, its hatches, and its
special reaches and runs. This book is the next best thing to
having Bob at your shoulder when you fish the Yellowstone.
by Mike Lawson and Gary LaFontaine
Step by step, mile by mile, Mike Lawson guides you down
the river and to the lakes, reservoirs and tributaries that make
up the Henry’s Fork drainage. He takes you through the
seasons, hatches, and species of fish found in this great river.
He gives you a blueprint for the best flies to use at any given
moment on any part of the river. And Mike shares great fishing stories along the way. This book is like having the very
best person possible take you fishing on the river.
Quality softcover; 5 1/2 x 8 1/2; 128 pages; maps; hatch
Price -- $13.95
Price -- $13.95
Fly Fishing the Yellowstone
in Yellowstone Park
Fly Fishing the Henry’s Fork
and finally number four:
Then there were two:
Price -- $16.95
Price -- $16.95
-----------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------
The Book -- (#B927)
The Book -- (#B974)
Quality soft-cover, 5 1/2 x 8 1/2; 112 pages; maps; hatch
----------------------------------------------------------------
The Book -- (#B940)
Price -- $16.95
Price -- $13.95
-----------------------------------------------------
More River Rap Audio Tapes:
Fly Fishing the . . .
Yellowstone in Montana with John Bailey (#A109)
Housatonic with Dale Spartas
(#A106)
Margaree with Joe Garman
(#A108)
Wolf with Wayne Anderson
(#A111)
90-min. audio tapes each with a wonderful booklet that contains a map, pattern list, hatch chart, and comments.
We get quotes about the Audio Tape Series:
" The River Rap tapes would be a very worthwhile investment for anyone thinking about fishing a river they cover."
—Dennis Bitton, Fly Fishing News
Each -- $13.95
- 28 -
Still the best Montana where-to guidebooks ever written!
Montana Fly Fishing Guide
Vol. I – West of the Divide and Vol. II – East of the Divide
by John Holt
These books cover all the major waters on the east and the west sides of the Montana Continental Divide. Each
major river has its own chapter –the Bitteroot, Clark Fork, Flathead, and Glacier National Park (the West). The Beaverhead, Big Hole, Gallatin, Madison, Missouri, and Yellowstone (East). Great maps of all the major drainages are included.
With the information and the maps in these volumes of the Montana Fly Fishing Guide, West and East, you’ll
be able to go to the right place at the right time. There’s so much solid fly fishing advice, in John Holt’s eminently readable style, that you’ll have a good idea about how and what to fish when you get there. In short, a Don’t Miss selection
from the Book Mailer — indispensable for anyone who is going to fish in Montana.
These books are quality softcover ~~ nearly 300 pages ~~ over 1,500 waters covered
fine black & white photography ~~ maps of each drainage ~~ hatch charts ~~ fly recommendations
a complete index of all waters
Montana Fly Fishing Guide – Vol. I (West of the Divide)
(#B4125) softcover
Price -- $22.95
Montana Fly Fishing Guide – Vol. II (East of the Divide)
(#B4126) softcover
Price -- $22.95
------------------------------------------------------------
New!
HOT!
Probasco’s Favorite Northwest Flies
Seasons of the Metolius
by John Judy
Judy’s written the natural history of central Oregon’s
Metolius river, a Deschutes tributary. Includes nearby fishing
opportunites. The seemingly uninteresting acts of nature, that
make fly anglers drool, make for engaging and enlightening
reading.
softcover; 8 x 10 1/2; b/w illus.; 112 pages
(#B4173)
Price -- $20.95
------------------------------------------------------------
by Steve Probasco
Poking into someone else’s fly box can be a valuable experience, providing inspiration for the next time you sit at your
tying bench. In this book, Steve Probasco-- who has fished
the Northwest’s waters for over 40 years-- opens up his fly
boxes and shares his most productive fly patterns for 9 different fish species, most of which are found across the country.
Some flies are of his own design, some are standards, some
designed by friends, and some are of unknown origin, but
ALL are proven fish-catchers. Take a peek, then gather up
your fly-tying materials and experiment with the materials and
techniques you find within these pages.
spiral softcover ; 11 x 8 1/2; 87 pages;
(#B4122)
Price -- $29.95
------------------------------------------------------------
Beautiful Book--
Unforgettable Days
Montana Trout Fishing
Stunning color photos capture the essence of trout fishing in
fabled waters. Every river has an incredible photo along with a
quote from angling authors young and old. Photographers include Denver Bryan, Neal Misler, Dale C. Spartas, and a host
of other great ones.Think fo this as the fly fisher’s dream book.
We could while away many an hour browsing through this
book, but then you wouldn’t be enjoying this Book Mailer--
First in a pattern series!
Dry Fly Patterns for the New Millennium
by The Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum
Okay, we admit it. For all our nymph fishing, watching a fish
take our fly on the surface is still right at the top of fly fishing
fun. This volume is an important update on modern dry fly
patterns. Over 350 dry fly patterns from contributors across
the country make this book useful to fly anglers all over the
United States.
hardcover; all color; 8 1/2 x 11 inches; 90 pages
(#B4133)
Price -- $29.95
65 color photos; 7 x 7 inches, 72 pages
(#B4140)
Price -- $14.95
-----------------------------------------------------------Fishing is better than sex because . . .
You can have a fishing calender on your wall at the office, tell fishing jokes, and invite coworkers to fish with you without getting sued
for harassment.
- 29 -
Destination and Guidebooks for your fishing pleasure. Don’t forget, for extra fun, let us pick a fly selection
or two for you. Read about Private Label Fly Selections on p. 25. 1-800-874-4171 or www.greycliff.com
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Hot!
Canada --
The Essential Guide To
Fly Fishing British Columbia
by various authors
This is the 2nd edition to this guidebook to two great trout
states, Wisconsin and Minnesota. Information on tackle, flies,
tactics, hatches, and access points.
Seven noted angling experts & veteran writers have pooled
300 years of fly-fishing experience to craft the most comprehensive treasure trove of fishing opportunities in British
Columbia. Where & when to go, how to select a winning
destination & which patterns are consistently most productive.
From remote wilderness settings to destinations suitable for
comfortable family vacations, The Essential Guide to Fly
Fishing British Columbia offers insider advice for anyone
who has ever yearned to cast a fly.
softcover; 6 x 9; 288 pages; b & w photos; maps
(#B4073)
••••••••••••••
More than a thousand premier and lesser known lakes and
streams -- both coastal and inland. Maps, fish distribution,
access points, fish species and habitat, and more. This book
has a lot of information. We are impressed with Dr. Wong.
Price -- $19.95
softcover; 8 1/2 X 11; color insert; 165 pages
2002/2003 British Columbia
Fishing Directory & Atlas: Freshwater
(#B4080)
British Columbia’s most complete freshwater fishing guide.
Updated annually with full data on 5,000 lakes, rivers, &
streams, all cross-referenced to 56 bathymetry & digital maps.
b/w illus.; color maps; 8 1/2 x11; 162 pages.
(#B4064)
Price -- $25.00
••••••••••••••
Winner!
Trout Streams of Southern
New England
by Tom Fuller
This is a complete guide, the first of its kind for this region.
There is an amazing amount of great fly fishing throughout the
southern New England states and this book covers not only
the well-known waters but many of the smaller streams and
ponds.
6 x 9; 40 illustrations; 19 maps; 240 pages
(#B909) softcover
Price -- $18.95
Price -- $14.95
••••••••••••••
Destination Guide—
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Fly-Fishing Guide
by Ian Rutter
••••••••••••••
The streams of the Great Smoky Mountains differ
greatly from trout streams in other parts of the country.
Rutter shares descriptions of streams, effective techniques, game fish, fishing seasons, trout flies, and more.
softcover; 8 1/2 x 11 inches; 64 pages
(#B4128)
Price -- $19.95
Bestseller!
Trout Streams of Northern New England
by David Klausmeyer
This is a great guidebook to the best fly fishing for trout and
land-locked salmon in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.
It covers famous waters, but also many little-known tributaries, cold-water ponds, and lakes. Detailed access directions
and a listing of local fly shops.
••••••••••••••
Fly Fishing Lees Ferry
by Dave Foster
~~ an invaluable guidebook ~~
softcover; 6 x 9; b/w photos; maps; 224 pages
The complete guide to fishing and boating the Colorado
River below Glen Canyon Dam. This book includes a mileby-mile description of the 15 miles of fishing below the dam,
as well as covering the river’s history, geology, and nearby
fishing. Great maps.
softcover; 8 x 10 1/2; b/w photos; illus.; 104 pages
(#B4177)
Price -- $19.95
••••••••••••••
Fly Fishing Northern California Waters
by Lily Tso Wong
hardcover; 6 x 9 inches, 256 pages
(#B4050)
An Angler's Guide to Trout Streams
of Wisconsin and Minnesota
by Jim Humphrey & Bill Shogren
(#B4062)
Price -- $18.95
••••••••••••••
One for the single male anglers . . .
When family and friends bug you about being single and poke
you in the chest at weddings and say "You’re next!"
Price -- $21.95
Start staying the same thing to them at funerals.
- 30 -
The TeleReel Deal
(Hoppers -- continued from page 2)
An Urgent Plea from the Book Mailer Staff --
Were there times when the Joe’s Hopper didn’t work well?
Large numbers of aquatic nymphs in the flow, due to a hatch
or a behavioral-drift response, made the trout key on a food
form with a very different appearance. At these times a Joe’s
Hopper became suddenly one of the worst flies to use, much
less effective than a general nymph pattern.
It doesn’t matter to most anglers how well the sunken Joe’s
Hopper works on their trout steam. They won’t use it. These
people are either unskilled at nymph tactics, or else they are
so enamored with the commotion of a trout taking a grasshopper on top that they gladly sacrifice numbers of fish for visual
excitement.
When a trout feeds aggressively on grasshoppers, it never
clearly sees a natural or an imitation. It reacts to the splat! of
the insect, the fall that creates a shower of light streaks on the
meniscus, and immediately decides to accept the object. In
slow water the fish is more likely to move towards the source
of the disturbance, but even in fast water it lifts up, planing
higher in the current, and takes the fly indiscriminately.
But the quality of the imitation does become a factor during
slower fishing periods. The trout waits for a fly, studying it not
so much critically, but looking instead for a confirmation, a
trait or sequence of events, that proves to him that this is a real
food item.
In grasshopper imitations, the size of the fly is important.
The general silhouette, showing the ragged wing shape over
the back legs, also has to be right for fussy trout. Color should
be generally correct, usually a yellow, green, brown or gray
hue, but enough variation exists among the naturals, even
within a particular species, so that exact shades are not necessary.
What is the right size and color on a given day? Those summers of chumming live grasshoppers proved how critical these
secondary factors can be. They always preferred the mature
specimens of the most abundant streamside species, refusing
larger grasshoppers (for example, the huge 2 1/2-inch flying
variety) and even smaller grasshoppers of the dominant type.
They also keyed on the color of the most numerous species.
Gary always had to watch Cheapshot like a hawk. Cheapshot
always had a sharp eye for the dumb idea. First it was an index
for the Book Mailer. Then it was Montana Fatwood, and last
winter, the Fly Fishing Sombrero. Gary liked to spread blame
across the entire staff, but it was really Cheapshot. Fortunately,
we have always been able to put those ideas to you, our loyal
readers, and then toss them onto the growing trash heap of
Cheapshot’s bad ideas. Unfortunately, Cheapshot, (who occasionally masquerades as our boss) is still at it.
Every year we attend the fly fishing industry’s trade show,
supposedly to find new books, videos, and worthwhile fishing
and tying gear. Mostly it’s to see old friends and meet new
ones. But at every show there are always a few products that
are clearly results of a fevered imagination. We try to keep
Cheapshot away from those booths, but he occasionally slips
his leash.
Well, he got away from us this year and struck up a friendship with an electronics geek who had all manner of computerized toys -- palm pilots programmed with the recipes for
every fly ever invented, emerger patterns with microchips to
make them twitch and stutter "just like the real thing" --you
get the idea. Now we’re paying the price. It seems he found
what he calls the "perfect blend of telecommunications and
fly fishing technology." A combination large arbor reel and
cellular phone. Cheapshot has dubbed it the "TeleReel." We
call it "Asinine" and have threatened to give him one for his
birthday if he doesn’t lose the idea. Being stubborn as well as
politically correct, he has suggested we leave this vote up to
you, the reader, much as we have done in the past. Here’s all
you have to do:
Call, e-mail, fax or snail mail your order between
February 10th and February 21st
and vote NO TeleReel, and we’ll send you a free sample fly
of our newest "Superfly." Please call and stop him before he
hurts somebody, or we hurt him.
Now, unfortunately, we have to let Cheapshot respond--"What’s not to like? Picture yourself on the Missouri in the
middle of a Trico blizzard, playing a 20-inch fish on a 6X
tippet. Wouldn’t you like to share the moment with your best
buddy-who-welshed-out-on-the-trip-and-stuck-you-withthe-entire-guide-fee? Well now you can. Just flip open the
attractive anodized gate on the side of the reel, hit speed dial,
bring the reel deftly to your ear (watch out for the reel handle
though, if your trophy starts to run--you want to avoid that
cauliflower-ear look) and give that jerk a blow-by-blow of
what he’s missing. What could be sweeter?
"Vote yes for the TeleReel and we’ll send you a free sample
of Paul Stimpson’s latest "Superfly." I am confident that, with
technology on our side, we’ll blow those ingrates on the Book
Mailer staff right out of the water in a landslide vote."
The sudden awakening to terrestrial insects in this country
during the 1950’s provided awareness of, without understanding for, grasshoppers. Maybe everything about them seemed
too obvious— the fisherman only had to know that those
all-too-familiar grasshoppers ended up on the water. Such an
attitude precluded the type of careful thinking and research
that has characterized the work on aquatic insects during the
last three decades.
(continued on page 48)
••••••••••••••
Old? Who me?
1973: Long hair 2003: Longing for hair
1973: The Grateful Dead 2003: Dr. Kavorkian
1973: Killer weed 2003: Weed killer
1973: Rolling Stones 2003: Kidney Stones
1973: KEG 2003: EKG
1973: Hoping for a BMW 2003: Hoping for a BM
(this means Book Mailer!)
Please help-- you’re our only hope. Let’s overwhelm the
"boss" with your opinion. Keep in mind, the "ingrates" process
your orders and votes, and we will only be sending free flies to
those whose votes we can manipulate.
1-800-874-4171
1-406-443-0788 fax
•
[email protected]
- 31 -
The hottest fly rods in the country! The Stealth Rods are becoming legendary. As more of these beautiful fly casting creations
reach the streams, and more and more fly fishermen see them, the word is spreading. These are great fly rods. We are now
taking orders for the latest shipment.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Why a Stealth Rod?
Casting? This is so far and away the best rod ever made for dry fly and shallow water nymphing that nothing compares to it (not even the rods made by the biggest brand names in fly fishing -- not just our opinion, but the opinion of the
expert casters that tried this rod for us at the Fly Tackle Dealer Show). The Stealth is a perfect taper made out of the finest
graphite scrim in the world. Sweet action -- great for close, accurate casting and powerful enough to reach way out.
Cosmetics? This fly rod will not cost you fish on the stream or lake. It is beautifully finished, but it doesn’t shine like
a warning beacon when you’re waving it around. The Stealth has a matte finish, black Fuji double-foot guides, and an
anodized reel seat (ebony insert).
Grip is a Full Wells with a front taper -- handle has an uplocking reel seat.
Each rod comes with a spare tip -- this is our revolutionary way of protecting you.
Price includes the Stealth rod (with extra tip), cloth rod bag, and cordura rod case.
Available Now!
the 4-Piece Stealth Rod
The 4-piece, 4-weight and 4-piece, 5-weight Stealth travel rods are in stock. Just in time for the new restrictions in air
travel, the 4-piece travel rods are in even greater demand than anticipated.
We have received many requests for a multipiece fly rod from anglers who travel around the world. This marvelous
Stealth Rod is our standard d-taper modulus design. It flexes beautifully all the way down into the butt and also has amazing casting power.
4 piece 4-wt. Stealth Rod (alone) Price -- $480.00 (#R289) Includes extra tip
4 piece 4-wt. Stealth Rod Ultimate Package (with Pro Series Fly Line and two #3 Furled Leaders) Price -- $510.00 (#S3289)
4 piece 5-wt. Stealth Rod (alone) Price -- $480.00 (#R290) Includes extra tip
The award-winning Stealth Rod is matte finish -- every metal part is low gloss. Because there is no flash, this is one
fly rod that will not cost you trout on the stream. Get close to the fish and make sweet, delicate, accurate casts. This is the
perfect fly rod for presenting the fly.
the 2- Piece Stealth Rod
5-weight -- 9 foot two-piece (2.95 oz) Price -- $390.00 (#R296) the Stealth 590 d-taper series
4-weight -- 9 foot two-piece (2.85 oz) Price -- $405.00 (#R295) the Stealth 490 d-taper series
Fully guaranteed against manufacturing defects.
(free insured shipping -- please provide a street address with order)
Limited Number Available!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------Questions ~~
How can the greatest fly rod ever made be so much cheaper than the rods of the top companies? No ridiculous lifetime guarantee,
no full-color advertising campaign in all the fly fishing magazines, no network of commissioned dealer representatives, and no expensive celebrity endorsers (just Gary, and he came pretty cheap).
- 32 -
At the Book Mailer we’re aware that the purchase of a rod is very much a personal choice. You really want to feel the rod in your
hands before making a decision. Here is our confidence policy on the Stealth rods: If you’re unsure, talk to us about it. • (1-800-8744171) • We’ll sell you the rod on the understanding that if it’s not what you’ve been drooling about, you can send the rod back for a
full refund. We’ll pay shipping to you, you’ll have to pay shipping to get it back to us, but it’s fairly minimal and we’ll both know
we’ve put forth our best efforts.
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
~~ the powerful P-Taper 6-weight Stealth Rod ~~
Winter shipment has arrived!! 2-piece P-Taper 6-weights in stock now
The P-Taper 6 Weight is as revolutionary in its way as our 4- and 5-weight D-Taper series. The "P" stands for "power". The
"D" stands for "delicate". This graphite scrim is a technological advance — with it we can make a rod flex and store more energy in
the casting stroke than any other rod available on the market. The way it bends, deep into the mid-section, makes it perfect not only
for throwing a long line, but for casting weighted nymphs and streamers.
We’ve received so many comments on the power in our 4- and 5-weight D-Taper rods. Yes, they will out-cast rods by other manufacturers. But wait until you see the 6-weight in the P-Taper series. It will out-cast those rods by other manufacturers even farther
with no extra effort on the part of the caster.
It’s a revolution.
6-weight -- 9 foot two-piece (3.2 oz) (#R266) the Stealth 690 P-taper series -- two tips with each rod
Price -- $475.00 (free insured shipping -- please provide a street address with order)
We will be trying to complete the Stealth line with a 3-piece, 6-weight P-taper Stealth Rod.
6-weight -- 9 foot three-piece (2.85 oz) (#R288) Price -- $550.00 Call and reserve your travel 6-weight today.
the Stealth 690 P-taper series
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
We get letters about the Stealth rods . .
and more letters . .
"My Stealth 6-weight arrived in time for two days of fishing on California’s Fall River. The Fall River is spring-fed,
slow-moving, and holds thousands of trophy trout. The rod
preformed exactly as advertised--which is a high compliment
-- since your description is rather colorful and uncompromising. I easily cast to targets at will while seated in a drift boat,
far beyond the range of my accustomed limits. Amazingly,
even at long distances the twenty-foot leader always unfurled
perfectly. And nary once did I break the 7x tippet on the many
fish brought to the net, which ranged up to 16 inches.
"As a footnote: I was motivated in part to make the pilgrimage to the Fall River to pay respects to my old boss, the late
Walton Powell, who spent many years fishing these waters and
recently died there. When asked about how to remember him,
he said to "go fishing" and so that is what I decided to do. It
is truly ironic that as part of my farewell to a great rod maker
that I had an outstanding field day with a wonderful instrument, the Stealth.
" I would appreciate it if you could forward these unconditional accolades to everyone who worked in the Stealth
project. I am no so-called "expert" -- just an ordinary guy
who likes to fish. But I’ve been around the block enough to
know when a fly rod is exceptional, and the Stealth is indeed
exceptional."
Joel Baiocchi (CA)
"I love the rod, I’ve been flyfishing for a long time and have
become very particular about my equipment. The Stealth
4-weight provides the delicacy I enjoy, yet it has the reserve
power available when needed. I fish the Muskegon River,
which is a large tailwater fishery in Michigan. Since I’ve been
using my Stealth, I feel prepared equipment wise, for whatever
conditions the river throws my way."
Paul Szymusiak (MI)
"THE STEALTH WORKS!"
"As promised, attached is a photo of my first fish on the 5weight Stealth. It was a beautiful wild Delaware River Brown
on a #16 Sulphur Emerger. About 19 inches or so. It sure
beats working. Thanks for all your help and I look forward to
putting the rod to many years of good use. Maybe someday in
your neck of the woods."
John Boag (NJ)
You guys say it best, we sure enjoy your feedback.
••••••••••••••••
A Montana State Law . . .
In Montana, it is illegal for married women to go fishing
alone on Sundays, and illegal for unmarried women to fish
alone at all.
Thanks Joel, we appreciate the kudos and agree entirely.
- 33 -
Wow! Buy three or more books, video tapes or audio tapes and take a 10% discount on each title you order.
Call 1-800-874-4171 for the best books at the best prices. Go to www.greycliff.com for excerpts, review quotes and
the best fly fishing tips online!
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Hot!
~ the greatest Leaders!
Keep 'em floating!
BT’s Float-EZY
~ Furled Leaders ~
You have used tons of BT’s Tacky Wax, so as you’d expect,
BT’s Float-EZY is simply the best fly flotant available. Like
all other fly flotants it floats the fly very well but it has two
additional unique properties. It does not melt on a hot day and
is still quite usable on a cool fall morning. Below 38 degrees it
gets fairly stiff. But then, so do we.
An ancient idea. Modern materials. Put them together and
you have the finest leader for dry fly fishing and shallow water
nymphing. The Furled Leader is absolutely the greatest design
for transmitting power between the fly line and the tippet. It
allows the angler to cast accurately and delicately with slack
line presentations in all conditions at varying distances.
Furled Leaders have been around since the 18th century,
when they were made from horse hair. They are very different
from braided leaders. The weaving process itself is different
-- and as a result a Furled Leader is solid. There is no hollow
center.
(#C3035)
Price -- $3.95
------------------------------------------
Boxing time!
Private Label Fly Boxes
we get phone calls~
"Awesome leaders!"
Wayne Pray (IL)
~~ the Bristle-Tac Lifetime Fly Box ~~
There’s never been a fly box like this great Bristle-Tac system.
It’s called the "Lifetime Box" because it will literally last indefinitely. The revolutionary Bristle-Tac material holds any regular
wire hook from #20 to #4. It flicks away water, helping to eliminate problems with rusty hooks. It holds barbless hooks firmly
because it grabs the wire of the hook, not the barb. The BristleTac material never gets torn up by the hooks.
These new boxes are imprinted with the Private Label Flies
design in gold lettering. The boxes themselves are a stealthy
black and have a metal hinge system.
We sometimes get samples of fly boxes in at the office, hoping
for consideration from the Book Mailer. We always test ’em out.
That’s fair. A new box is an excuse to reorganize flies on a windy
evening and anticipate the next chance to fish. We still like the
Bristle-Tac system. Putting the fly away is just as easy as getting
one out. Although it’s alot more fun getting the fly out.
We’ve been using theses boxes since Gary found them.
Cheapshot is sometimes hard on his equipment and is not the
most graceful of men, but his boxes are holding up great! It’s
really too bad his feet are so big.
And he hasn’t figured out all those pockets in his vest yet.
His wife Glenda gave him the vest knowing he would have to
investigate those pockets every time they fished together. It’s a
pretty fancy one, I stopped counting at eleven zippers. But it gets
Glenda on the water two hours ahead of him. We helped him out
big time when we hooked him up with a Bristle-Tac Fly Patch.
As Gary would say, "He’s not very bright, but he’s slow."
Furled Leaders are amazing. They’re solid, don’t spray
water, transmit power and turn over the fly beautifully. Even
in windy conditions. Quality materials and construction give
this leader 3 times the life expectancy vs. tapered leaders.
#2 Small; 9 ft. Olive Furled Leader (#L117)
(for 2 wt. to 4 wt. rods; and for 5X to 8X tippets)
#3 Medium; 9 ft. Olive Furled Leader (#L138)
#4 Heavy; 9 ft. Olive Furled Leader (#L162)
Furled Leaders -- $12.00 each
------------------~ Fast-Sinking Fluorocarbon Furled Leaders ~
These fast-sinking fluorocarbon Furled Leaders are tremendous for deep water nymphing and streamer techniques. They
kick air–resistant, weighted flies over wonderfully; and they
cut through the currents to carry those patterns deep.
But the greatest use for fast-sinking fluorocarbon Furled
Leaders is for stillwater fly fishing. In lakes these leaders
sink straight, without a belly; and that is such an incredible
advantage when it comes to setting the hook. Our fluorocarbon Furled Leaders will increase your catch rate by 15 to 25
percent in stillwaters simply because you will set the hook so
much quicker.
Small (2 3/4 x 4) Bristle-Tac Fly Box -- (#3060) $13.00
Med. (3 3/4 x 5 1/2) Bristle-Tac Fly Box -- (#3061) $16.00
Large (4 x 8) Bristle-Tac Fly Box -- (#3062) $23.00
Bristle-Tac Fly Patch -- (#3065) $6.00
#3 Medium; 6 ft. Fast-Sinking Leader (#L413)
#4 Heavy; 6 ft. Fast-Sinking Leader (#L417)
(Because of its black color and porosity, it will dry flies out faster
than any other patch on the market)
((for 6 wt. to 8 wt. rods; and for 2X to 5X tippets)
Bristle-Tac Boat Patch -- (#3066) $7.50
Fluorocarbon Furled Leaders -- $15.00 each
(Comes with an adhesive backing and can be attached to
any flat surface on a boat, float tube, or a kick boat)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Listing available with a full line of furled leaders for all types of
fly fishing. Ask about it! (also downloadable from our website)
Switch to Bristle-Tac -- no more rusty hooks!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
- 34 -
— in search of the ideal Fly Line
The Fisherman’s Ultimate Knot Guide
You know, it was the salesman who called us, and kept
calling us, again, and again . . . who managed to get this item
into our line of sight and into the Book Mailer. Reference
phone calls found this little item flying off the shelves at both
the retail and wholesale levels. So, Cathy put one in her vest.
She’s had it out several times since. (BIG BIG FISH) This is
three water proof plastic cards, linked together to unfold into
a handy 12 inch ruler, plus illustrations of the top ten fishing
knots. Including leader to line, line to line, and loop knots. It’s
very handy. It was a quick reference in the pouring rain when
a snag took tippet and all. Of course, you may need two of
these if your fish are often over 12 inches. But it’s light, you
won’t even know it’s there until you have to prove the size of
your fish!
(#3091)
~~ for anyone who seems to be getting
fussier all the time about his fly fishing equipment~~
It’s not good enough anymore for a piece of equipment
to just be suitable. This might be an offshoot of looking for
"better" flies. Now that the patterns that Gary developed are
catching the fish that should be caught (or so we believe),
there’s no excuse for the basic equipment messing up your
chances.
We wanted the perfect line for dry fly and shallow nymph
fishing. What’s perfect? It can’t scare the fish. And it has
to present the fly accurately and delicately. Jim Teeny, the
man who knows as much about designing fly lines as anyone
around, asked Gary to develop a floating line with him.
Gary’s part was simple – all he had to do was describe exactly
what he wanted in a fly line. Jim’s part was hard – he had to
keep bringing Gary his designs to test out.
Price -- $3.95
---------------------------------------------------------------Redesigned Reels!
Introducing the New J.Ryall QUICK series. With large
arbors in all models the QUICK series is truly quicker in the
retrieve. Outfitted with the patented J.Ryall "Drum Drag"
braking system, the new QUICK series embodies the heart of
the J.Ryall Reel. These reels continue the legacy of a J.Ryall
reel from lightweight yet durable to sleek and classic design.
Maintaining the J.Ryall standard of a Type III hard green and
hard black anodizing, the QUICK reels remain rugged and
salt resistant. Check out the "true large arbor" recommended
capacities and the unbelievable pricing in the list below.
MODEL
WEIGHT
CAPACITY
DIAMETER:
ARBOR
OUTSIDE
The technology of line manufacture has advanced with
computer applications. Much more precise tapers are now
possible; much greater consistency is now possible. The result
of Gary and Jim’s collaboration is a Professional Series line
(with Gary’s name on it) from Teeny Nymph Co. for dry fly
and nymph fishing.
Q4
Q6
6.2 oz.
7 oz.
WF5F/75 yds. 20 lb. WF7F/75 yds. 20 lb.
1.65 in.
3.25 in.
2 in.
3.5 in.
1.
It is not only olive colored but it also has a dull surface.
It won’t reflect light and send out those flashes that scare
trout.
2.
It is a precise Weight Forward taper. It turns over a leader
(even a long one) as nice as can be; and yet it is so perfectly balanced that it doesn’t hit the water hard like some
weight forward designs. ~~ It is the most accurate and
precise line that we have ever used for dry fly and nymph
presentation.
These are available to our customers — and they carry the
full Book Mailer guarantee.
Quick Series Fly Reels
– high floating, delicate taper Weight Forward –
Q4 -- for 4 & 5 wt. rods -- (#Z291)
Price -- $240.00
extra spool for Q4 (#G293) -- $140.00
Size range
Q6 -- for 6 & 7 wt. rods -- (#Z292)
Price -- $270.00
extra spool for Q6 (#G294) -- $145.00
2 weight (#L236)
3 weight (#L237)
4 weight (#L238)
5 weight (#L239)
6 weight (#L240)
recommended for dry fly and nymph fishing
Still a top quality reel at a midline price, Cheapshot just
couldn’t be happier --
Price -- $44.95
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------A Book Mailer Staff Favorite!
Black Diamond Moonlight
We have used it all season long and it’s every bit as good as we thought it would be. Waterproof, adjustable, and
weighing less than a Power Bar, this light fits comfortably on your head, leaving your hands free to tie on a fly, set up or
break down your rod, or find something in the bottom of your bag. It uses those new LED bulbs with a life expectancy of
several years. And the batteries last up to 70 hours! Nothing comes close to it.
weighs 3.2 ounces, three AAA batteries included, on/off switch located to prevent accidental turn-ons
headlamp (#S3068)
Price-- $34.95
- 35 -
BT’S FOUR-PIECE RODS
A great gift for the starting angler!
We love our Stealth Rods. They are everything Gary wanted in a rod. Crisp, forgiving, a world class rod with a midclass price, and stealthy, with a distinctive matte black finish and black Fuji guides. We have lots of happy customers who
love them and frequently tell us so.
But we also have a commitment to making this sport accessible to people who may be taken with the idea of fly fishing, but aren’t ready to invest in high-end equipment. So we’ve been on the hunt for an inexpensive, good-casting, high
quality alternative. This is it.
All the BT’s rods have two ceramic stripping guides, stainless steel guides and tip top, and a rich brown finish. The
3- and 5/6-weights have wooden reel seats, the 7/8- and 8/9-weights have black metal reel seats and fighting butts. Rod
case included.
•••••••••
BT’S 4-PIECE RODS
3-weight, 3-piece, 7.5’ (#S3101)
7/8-weight, 4-piece, 9’ (#S3103)
Price -- $150.00
Price -- $150.00
Price -- $150.00
Price -- $150.00
5/6-weight, 4-piece, 9’ (#S3102)
8/9-weight, 4-piece, 9’ (#S3104)
All rods are guaranteed against manufacturer defects and if you happen to break it through some stroke of bad luck,
we will replace the broken piece at our cost plus shipping. Rod case included.
A Definitive Work!
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Trout and Salmon of North America
by Robert J. Behnke, Ph. D
A beautiful, definitive guide that brings together the world’s leading expert in native North American trout and salmon
and the foremost illustrator in this field, Joseph R. Tomelleri.
North America has the greatest diversity of trout and salmon on earth. More than seventy types of trout exist here–how
they are related, what makes them unique and so breathtaking is the story of Trout and Salmon of North America.
Behnke’s text is a distillation of 50 years of research and writing. No one better understands the diversity and the biological complexities of the these amazing fish. Tomelleri’s illustrations pay masterful attention to detail, adding depth and
pleasure to the eye. The perfect book for anglers who appreciate natural history; a master guide to the beauty and science
of native fishes.
hardcover; 9 3/4 x 9; 100 full color illus.; 45 maps; bibliography; glossary; 352 pages
(#B4174)
NEW!!
Price -- $40.00
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Tying Jack Dennis’s Newest Patterns
by Jack Dennis
This two hour video not only features Jack tying ten new patterns you won’t find anywhere else, he also hits the water and demonstrates how best to fish these patterns.
Learn the the secret of the Para-Wulff dry fly, a split wing parachute that transforms the famous Wulff series of flies into deadly
spring creek and still water killers. Kystal Caddis , Amy’s Ant , BTA Crane Fly , and 6 more new flies tied in detail.
(#V3654) 120 min. video
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Price -- $19.95
"I did get a headlamp and liked it so much I sent one as a gift to a buddy in Arkansas. He hosted me on a trip for striped bass a year
ago. The headlamp would come in real handy because they fish for stripers (not to be confused with the two-legged strippers in town)
at night. And the headlamp would free up the angler’s hands for the usual fishing tasks."
-- Randy Stalker (WY)
- 36 -
~~ the perfect Stealth Sunglasses ~~
It’s pretty well settled that a good pair of polarized glasses are key to effective trout fishing. And there are some darn good ones
out there, if you are willing to pay a lot. Well, we found a model at the fly fishing trade show that won’t break the bank. Needed was a
comfortable fit-over (since some wear glasses), as well as a style for our 20/20 friends. Most fit-overs tend to be heavy and klunky, but
these "Stealth" models are light, durable, and have comfort-flex, adjustable earpieces. The polarized lenses are top notch, too. (Stan,
techno-wizard that he is, asked if they could be had in "stealth mode" with matte black lenses. The rep looked at him like he was an
idiot. A good judge of character, that rep . . .)
The style for our 20/20 friends and contact lens wearers fit close to the face to protect against sun, wind, and errant flies. Both
types proved themselves on the ski slopes last winter, too.
a high-quality fly fishing tool -- the perfect Stealth Sunglasses
complete with case
each size -- Price -- $49.95
Sunglasses
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Small (5-1/16"w) gray lense
Medium (5-3/16"w) gray lense
Large (5-3/8"w) gray lense
(#K3071)
(#K3072)
(#K3073)
Small (5-1/16"w) amber lense
Meduim (5-3/16"w) amber lense
Large (5-3/8"w) amber lense
(#K3074)
(#K3075)
(#K3076)
Fit-overs
Small (5"w x 1-3/8"h) gray lense
Medium (5-1/8"w x 1-1/2"h) gray lense
Medium/Large (5-1/2"w x 1-7/8"h) gray lense
Extra Large (5-5/8"w x 2"h) gray only
(#K3077)
(#K3078)
(#K3079)
(#K3080)
Small (5"w x 1-3/8"h) amber lense
(#K3081)
Medium (5-1/8"w x 1-1/2"h) amber lense
(#K3082)
Medium/Large (5-1/2"w x 1-7/8"h) amber lense
(#K3083)
Extra Large not available in amber
Measurement provided is the width from temple to temple just behind the hinge.
Grey lenses transmit all colors evenly so there is no color distortion. Great for bright, sunny days.
Amber lenses improve contrast and visual acuity. Great for low light situations or overcast days.
NEW!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shane Stalcup Videos
Shane has a series of videos available on tying flies. And they rank at the top of the video food chain, so to speak. With his
great new book, Mayflies: Top to Bottom, (front cover), we thought you might like catching one or two. Shane has been tying
for over 20 years and provides articles to Fly Tier and Fly Fishing and Tying Journal. Today he stands at the front rank of fly
tiers and designers in the United States.
Tying Mayflies
In this tape three of the five patterns incorporate loose fibre for legs on dry flies. While the idea is not new, Shane’s modifications are
revolutionay. (#V3651) VHS; 70 minutes
Mayfly Emergers
There is nothing like the feeling of fooling a trout with a dry fly. To actually see the fish rise & take your offering is what fly fishing
is all about. (#V3650) VHS; 55 minutes
Stalcup’s Mayfly Life Cyle (newest!)
Mayflies are the first insects that one thinks about when the subject of fly fishing is brought up. Shane’s latest video takes the tyer
from the nymphal stage of the insect through the adult and spinner phases. (#V3652) VHS; 70 minutes
Each video is -- $19.95 or and remember -- 10% off if you order all three!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Steamside conversation . . .
Four married guys go fishing. After an hour, the following conversation takes place:
Guy #1: "You have no idea what I had to do to be able to come out fishing this weekend. I had to promise my wife I would paint
every room in the house next weekend."
Guy #2: "That’s nothing. I had to promise my wife that I will build her a new deck for the pool."
Guy #3: "Man, you both have it easy! I had to promise my wife I would remodel the kitchen for her."
They continued to fish when they realized that the fourth guy has not said a word. So they asked him, "You haven’t said anything
about what you had to do to be able to come fishing this weekend. What’s the deal?"
Guy #4: "I set my alarm for 5:30 a.m. When it buzzed, I gave the wife a nudge and said, "Fishing or sex?" She said, "Wear a sweater."
- 37 -
The Video Page -- Garys’ LaFontaine Originals Video Series (pg. 21 and 22) has sparked a lot of interest in fly fishing videos.
We’re watching a few and selecting ones we think you will find useful. If you are looking for one you don’t find here, let us
know. We should be able to find it for you and remember the 10% discount on any three or more videos, books, or audio tapes.
This includes special orders.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Wonderful reviews!
2003 Release?
Successful Fly Fishing Strategies
Gary, Mike and Jack
On video!
Volume I and Volume II
with Gary LaFontaine and Dick Sharon
Fly Fishing Tips for the Traveling Fly Fisherman
(and Chester, the dog-face boy)
New and Expanded version
The two volumes show different waters and different situ"During this past Christmas season I have been working
ations.
With Dick Sharon concentrating on nymphing techon a Revised Version of the tips from the Traveling Fly
niques
and
Gary concentrating on dry fly techniques, they hit
Fishermen video. Adding new footage of Gary that has
both
famous
and unknown waters of western Montana to demnever been seen before. As I’ve been working, many of
onstrate
their
favorite methods and patterns. The result is a lot
the memories of my travels with Gary and Mike have come
back to me and I realized how blessed I was being a part of
of fun -- and a tremendous learning experience for the viewer.
this dynamic threesome."
--Jack Dennis
Customers have written us about these videos:
"I know you are a real expert on fly fishing. I watched your
tapes, Successful Fly Fishing Strategies, a million times. I love
those videos!
—Jeremiah Lo (e-mail)
We are going to see this video when Jack gets it done. Until
then, pre-orders are welcome. Jack’s timetable is his own and
we will get the video when Jack says it’s perfect.
(#V4108) 120-minute video
Price -- $19.95
"This duo produced so much excellent information with so
much fun and laughter"
----------------------------------------------------------------------
—Dave Hughes, Fly Fishing and Tying Journal
Great instruction!
These videos are about tactics. Each one shows different techniques on different water types.
Fishing and Tying Caddisflies
with Gary LaFontaine and friends
(#V492) Two Videos, 52 & 53 minutes
Still hot! This has sold tremendously well to our customers — and just as important, they have written or called to say
how much they enjoyed the whole package of instructional
information.
~~ and now on DVD ~~
Successful Fly Fishing Stratgies
Volume I and Volume II
This video is the best way to learn how to tie all of the patterns in Caddisflies.
Price -- $29.95
All together in one great DVD- bonus . . .
Price -- $19.95
(#D4181) DVD, 1-hour 40 minutes
-------------------
Price -- $29.95
----------------------------------------------------------------------
More video excitement!
Video on the salt--
Fishing and Tying Attractors
with Gary LaFontaine and friends
(and his wonder dog, Chester)
Coastal Fly Fishing
with Ken Hanley and friends
Great fishing scenes ~~ great fly tying sequences ~~ full
explanation of the Theory of Attraction. This video has been a
best-seller.
Great review in the January 2003 Fly Rod and Reel by Seth
Norman. "I liked what I saw the first time, but was more
impressed the second time around . . ."
All fishing sequences were filmed on the Green River in
Utah and we never noticed the gale whipping around us. But
the wild air does show up on the audio of the tape – it sounds
like we are in a wind tunnel. It wasn’t our intention in Fishing
and Tying Attractors, but the video ends up being excellent
instruction on how to cope with windy situations (note the
high back cast and driving forward cast).
Waters covered include the Texas Gulf Coast, Florida, Rhode
Island, and Boston Harbor. A little piece of coast for anyone
who has the pleasure to fly fish coatal wasters. ~Recommended
----------------------------------------------------------------------
This video features the Double Wing, Mohawk, Air Head,
and Wiggler – all fine dry fly attractors.
Price -- $34.95
"I was married by a judge, I should have asked for a jury."
-- George Burns
Price -- $19.95
- 38 -
From our friend Mike Lawson-If you are familiar with Gary, you know he palled around with Jack Dennis and Mike Lawson for many years, attending fly
fishing shows all across the country. Mike and Gary produced the River Rap audio tape on the Henry’s Fork and also turned it into a
River Series title, Fly Fishing the Henry’s Fork. Gary was merciless about pushing Mike to write a book on spring creeks. Mike is
hard at work on this title and we can’t wait to see it. In fact, we’re hoping to wheedle an excerpt out of him for the Book Mailer and
the website. But in the meantime, we’d like to share more of Mike and Jack with you. We’re expanding our video selection to include
their best efforts on VHS.
Tying Flies for Spring Creeks and Tailwaters
by Mike Lawson and Jack Dennis
In this video Mike unlocks the secrets of tying spring creek flies. Mike not only shares his fly tying expertise but also explains
why he developed each pattern and under what circumstances to use each fly. This is a must for any spring creek fisherman.
(#V4142)
120-minute video
Price -- $19.95
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Some of the great patterns shown on the video, Tying Flies for Spring Creek and Tailwaters by Mike and Jack
E-Z Caddis
No Hackle
HalfBack Emerger
Olive
size 16 (#F1800)
18 (#F1801)
Gray/Olive
size 20 (#F1804)
22 (#F1805)
Tan
size 14 (#F1802)
16 (#F1803)
Gray/Yellow
size 16 (#F1806)
18 (#F1807)
E-Z Caddis– Mike’s E-Z Caddis
is simply his famous Partidge Caddis with a parachute. Great for low
light situations and for aging eyes, it
incorporates Antron into the body to
pull fish to it.
No-Hackle– Maybe Mike’s best
known pattern. Olive for the BWO,
Pale Yellow for the PMD. Mike says
it’s okay to separate the wing fibers. In
fact it makes a better fly if you do.
These sell in packs of six, just like Gary’s patterns
WOW!!
BWO
size 18 (#F1808)
20 (#F1809)
HalfBack Emerger– incorporates deer
hair pulled over the back of the fly.
Great for tailwater and spring creek
fishing. Mike developed this pattern to
resemble a Humpy. A great match for a
Pale Morning Dun hatch.
Price -- $11.00 per pack
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
NEW!
Taking Trout:
Tying Flies with Jack Dennis and Friends - Vol I
Good, Solid, Practical Advice for Fly Fishing Streams
and Still Waters
by Jack Dennis
by Dave Hughes
In this video join Jack and several of his fly tying buddies
as they steer you through the maze of new patterns and tying
methods. Learn flies such as the famous Turck’s Tarantula,
Chernobyl Ant, and Snake River Muddler. The techniques
taught, such as cross cut dubbing, parachute tying, and a number of others, will increase your knowledge of fly tying and
also help you tie some of your own patterns better.
This guy has written twenty-five books on fly fishing; what
could he possibly have left to say? Plenty, as it turns out. This
book is packed with sound advice from one who has made
all the mistakes and overcome them. Written in an engaging,
anecdotal style that will keep you on the page. It is another
Hughes masterpiece.
softcover; 224 pages; 6 X 9 inches
(#B4131)
Price -- $19.95
Price -- $19.95
Tying Flies with Jack Dennis and Friends - Vol II
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
by Jack Dennis
A young woman came home from a date rather sad and told
her mother her boyfriend had just proposed.
Volume two in the series highlights new flies and features
tying step by step some of their favorite patterns. New flies
from Mike Lawson, Gary LaFontaine, Guy Turck, Jack Dennis, Jay Buchner, and some surprise guests. 10 new flies from
Jack’s tying friends.
"Then why are you so sad?" asked her mother.
"Because he also told me he is an atheist. He doesn’t even
believe in Hell."
Her wise mother replied, "Marry him anyway. Between the
two of us, we’ll show him just how wrong he is."
- 39 -
Price -- $19.95
We’re excited about our "new" website: www.greycliff.com. It still has the same look, but is faster with lots of new items.
For monthly website specials along with great tips, send your e-mail address to us at [email protected] and we’ll
get you signed up!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Fine Reading Literature
•••••••••••••••
Great fun--
There’s More to Fishing
(Than Catching Fish)
Fun!
by Jay Hill
by Tom Alkire
In the Gentlemen’s Society of Angling, first-time author
Jay Hill introduces us to a group of men whose love for fishing was lived out on the banks of a limestone creek in Pennsylvania. You’ll recognize the characters, their passion for fly
fishing, tall tales, camaraderie, and their unanimous goal to
preserve the waters they loved. All would have been forgotten
had they not kept a journal—a journal found by two friends on
a fishing trip decades later.
Alkire writes about the many things that go with fishing-lightening storms, cold beer, dressing for success, camp dining, fish tales (lies), and much more.
hardcover; 6 x 8 3/4; 179 pages
(#B4145)
Price -- $24.95
----------------------------------------------
Cathy thoroughly enjoyed this book. Each character, each
chapter brought something to the story. She didn’t want it to
end. For fly fishing literature, this one I will remembered for a
long, long time.
from the author of Habitat of Rivers -Jerusalem Creek:
Journeys Into Driftless Country
softcover; 5 1/2 x 7 1/2 inches; 160 pages
by Ted Leeson
(#B4179)
"Every existence has its pulse points," writes Ted Leeson in
this brilliant new book, "those places where life rises somehow closer to the surface and makes itself more keenly felt.
Spring creeks have been mine."
NEW!
A collection of stories that define the meaning of passionate
pursuit. A one-time high school teacher, now a full-time fisherman and bamboo rod builder for Winston - Kustich shares all
the good lessons learned out on the water.
hardcover; 6 x 9 inches; 215 pages
(#B4220)
Price -- $22.95
----------------------------------------------
Price -- $24.95
NEW!
Fishing with Faeries
by Robert J. Romano Jr.
----------------------------------------------
A delightful diary account, part fact, part fiction, of flyfishing
for trout on an ‘enchanted’ stream in the northeast and the
author’s misadventures with spirits who inhabit the region.
Return to Travers Corners
by Scott Waldie
What a great explanation for picking up a snag and losing
your fly and tippet, or accidently stumbling and breaking your
rod— all this time I thought I was just clumsy. Bob Romano is
a "LaFontainatic" and a Book Mailer customer. This personal
accounting of his fly fishing joys explores what we are all doing out there on the stream. Testing flies, conversing with the
grandfathers of our great pasttime and just having fun.
The sequel to the highly praised Travers Corners. Stories of
love and fishing dories, of famous fishermen full of hot air and
simple ones filled with awe. From the explosive businessman
who gets his due to the humble genius whose fondest desire
comes true, we’re privileged to fish with them all.
Travers Corners is an outpost for all things wild and beautiful--rivers and creeks, wildlife, cattle ranches, glaciated
benchlands sweeping into the timbered mountains. Travers is a
fly-fishing paradise.
sofftcover; 6 x 9; 220 pages
(#B4176)
(#B4221)
At the River’s Edge
by Jerry Kustich
hardcover; 6 X 9 inches; 256 pages
NEW!
Price -- $18.00
----------------------------------------------
Jerusalem Creek is an exploration into the unique landscape and "driftless area" of Wisconsin. Left untouched by
a succession of glaciers that continually reshaped the surrounding territory, the driftless area slowly weathered into a
region of hundreds of narrow valleys carved by hundreds of
small spring creeks that, taken together, make up ten thousand
square miles of trout country.
(#B4139)
The Gentlemen’s Society of Angling
Price -- $22.95
- 40 -
Price -- $18.95
---------------------------------------------We don’t approve of political jokes...
We’ve seen too many of them get elected.
Warmwater Selections
••••••••••••••••••••••
Recommended!
Bluegills: Fly Fishing and Flies
Terry and Roxanne Wilson
Currier’s Quick and Easy Guide
to Warmwater Fly Fishing
Here is the truth -- large bluegills can be as selective as
trout in the toughest waters. This fine book on a great fly rod
species tells you everything you need to know about the habits
and behaviors of bluegills, the best flies for bluegills, the
proper equipment for bluegills, and much more.
by Jeff Currier
With thirty years of experience chasing warmwater gamefish with a fly rod throughout North America and the far
corners of the globe, Jeff has put together a book that will
be an asset to any fly fisherman’s collection.
Along with great how-to information, Jeff has over fifty
color photos and twenty-five full color fish paintings for
field identification and tactics to catch them. Step by step
knot illustrations, fly casting techniques from the basic to
the double haul and twenty of Jeff’s favorite warmwater fly
patterns with recipes to tie them.
softcover; 6 x 9 inches; 16 page color insert; 151 pages
(#B938)
Price - $16.95
----------------------------------
Bass Bug Fishing
by William G. Tapply
Bass Bug Fishing looks exclusively at top-water fly fishing for smallmouth and largemouth bass. There is no more
fun in the whole world than bugging bass — and here you
have everything you need to know to find spectacular surface
action. His insights on where and when bass are willing to
feed on top are great.
softcover; 6 x 9; full-color; 160 pages;
(#B667)
Sight Fishing For Striped Bass
hardcover; 6 x 9 format; 176 pages
(#B923)
by Alan Caolo
Price -- $25.00
----------------------------------
Topics cover sight-fishing waters, striped bass behavior,
fly patterns, natural food, spotting the fish, presentations and
retrieves. A great book, way beyond anything that’s been done
before. Spectacular photography and great descriptions.
Largemouth Bass Fly Fishing
by Terry and Roxanne Wilson
This is the book that takes you beyond the basics. Fishing
the shallows, the vertical drops, the mid-depths, the deep slots
-- with all the methods and fly patterns you’ll need.
(#B4070) softcover
Price -- $25.00
----------------------------------
NEW!
(#B4023) softcover
Price-- $16.00
----------------------------------
Orvis Pocket Guide to Fly Fishing for Bass
by William G. Tapply
Smallmouth Strategies for the Fly Rod
Everything you need to know about bass fishing with a fly
rod. 4 x 6 1/4 format; 128 pages.
by Will Ryan
The core of this fine book is a very thorough study of
smallmouth behavior, forage, and movements. Excellent!
(#B4215) softcover
Price -- $16.95
---------------------------------Bug Making
by C. Boyd Pfeiffer
(#B530) hardcover
Price -- $25.00
---------------------------------Carp on the Fly
by Reynolds, Befus, & Berryman
A must for all panfish, bass, pike, and saltwater fishermen!
It’s fun making bugs.
(#B305) softcover
Price -- $14.95
The authors explain everything you need to know to be in
the right place at the right time to catch carp. A great book!
----------------------------------
(#B663) softcover
Price -- $17.50
----------------------------------
NEW!! 200 Missouri Smallmouth Adventures
by Chuck Tyron
Pike on the Fly
Narratives detailing 1,400 access sites on 3,700 miles of
Missouri smallmouth streams. Nearby motels, campgrounds,
restaurants, and canoe liveries for each stream, with phone
numbers so you can call ahead. Additional information on
smallmouth biology, fly-fishing equipment, best smallmouth
flies, angling regulations, and the Smallmouth Alliance.
by Barry Reynolds and John Berryman
This has been an amazingly consistent seller for us -- and
that is a tribute to the interest in pike fishing.
(#B376) softcover
Price -- $26.95
----------------------------------
Price -- $16.95
----------------------------------
Television: substitute for thought.
(#B4219)
- 41 -
Price -- 17.95
Wow! Buy three or more books, video tapes or audio tapes and take a 10% discount on each title you order.
Call 1-800-874-4171 for the best books at the best prices.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The John Gierach Collection
Incredible sales . . .
Fishing Bamboo
This book isn’t just for the bamboo rod lover.
(#B639) softcover
Price -- $14.95
Catching On: Love with an Avid Fly Fisher
Trout Bum
His "breakout" book; his first best-seller that brought him
fame and fortune, but thankfully did not change him.
(#B309) hardcover
Price -- $25.00
Catching On is touted for the spouse of a fly fisherman, but
everyone will find pleasure in these short stories. The author,
Carol Morrison, is a "passion priority consultant." Gary would
have loved that! Her husband is an avid fly fisherman and in
eighteen entertaining vignettes, Carol attempts to understand
her husband’s fly fishing passion and how she fits into it.
by Carol J. Morrison
Dances with Trout
John’s search for the defining fishing experience.
(#B308) softcover
Price -- $12.00
Death, Taxes and Leaky Waders
Smash hit now available in softcover.
(#B4061) softcover
(#B4141) softcover
Price -- $14.95
------------------------------------------------------
Becoming a Fly Fisher
Price -- $14.00
by John Randolph
Sex, Death and Fly Fishing
Smile all the way through this book with a true rebel.
(#B383) softcover
Price -- $13.00
A riveting memoir of precisely how one begins to fly fish,
learns the necessary skills, and advances to true mastery.
Standing in a River Waving a Stick
From the Colorado foothills to British Columbia.
(#B849) softcover
Price -- $13.00
(#B4065) hardcover
Price -- $24.95
------------------------------------------------------
Where the Trout Are as Long as Your Leg
A look at those buried motivations behind fly fishing fever.
(#B599) hardcover
Price -- $19.95
NEW!!
A Fly Fisher’s Reflection
by John Goddard
Good Flies
October 2002 softcover release!
Look into Gierach’s personal fly box and see what works
and why.
(#B4143) softcover
Price -- $14.95
Brilliant accounts of new fly patterns & techniques, rare
adventures worldwide, and deep-sea fishing by one of the
world’s greatest anglers. Pointed observations on a lifelong
commitment to finding better fly patterns.
Even Brook Trout Get the Blues
As only he can, Gierach writes about the hard life of a
brook trout in the Rockies
(#B332)
Price -- $13.00
hardcover; 6 x 9; 290 pages; color and b&w illustrations
(#B4226)
Price -- $24.95
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
~ the Bible on mayflies!
Mayflies
by Malcolm Knopp and Robert Cormier
This is the work that tops all others when it comes to mayflies. It is massive and beautiful, a combination of text, illustrations,
and photographs presenting information on the nymph, dun, and spinner life stages. It is accurate -- the only angling entomology
since Caddisflies to be proofread by professional entomologists before publication. It is complete, a powerful fly fishing work combining the information on insects, fly patterns, and angling techniques into an amazing work of instruction.
~~ this is the book you have to have ~~
Special: Each of the six chapters has an exciting "lead-in" section by a great fly fisherman -- a fly shop owner (such
as Mike Lawson), a guide (such as Justin Baker), or an author (such as Carl Richards) -- talks in depth about how, where, and when
to fish his favorite mayfly hatch.
Free fly: When we feature a book that we know is going to be a popular gift item we like to include a bonus for our
loyal customers. So we asked Malcolm Knopp to choose the "best new mayfly pattern of the past ten years."
Free with every order ~~ the fly that matches the underwater egg-laying of the Baetis mayfly ~~
the new and effective Diving Blue-Winged Olive Egg-Layer
Get the hardcover edition while it’s still available!
hardcover; 384 pages; illustrations; black & white photographs; color plates; hatch charts, 8 1/2 x 11 inches
(#B620)
Price -- $49.95
- 42 -
Our Fall 2002 Trout Book Selection!
Hatches Made Simple
A Universal Guide to Selecting the Proper Fly at the Right Time
by Charles R. Meck
"Finally, a modern book that breaks down fly selection to the match-the-hatch essentials. Charlie Meck has tossed all of the entomology and bug Latin into a great funnel, and out of the narrow end comes pure fishing logic."
—David Klausmeyer, editor, Fly Tyer magazine
"Hatches Made Simple takes much of the guesswork out of pattern selection. It will help you decide what color pattern to use
and when and where to use it. Simply put, Hatches Made Simple should help you catch more trout with less frustration."
—Charlie Meck
Get this book, read it and you’ll never again think the same way about fishing hatches. Thank you, Charlie Meck.
(#B4130) hardcover; 6 X 9; b & w photos; illustrations; 260 pages
Price -- $35.00
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
101 Innovative Fly Tying Tips:
NEW—More Meck!
How to Tie Flies Quickly, Easily and Professionally
by Charles R. Meck
Believing that simplicity is the surest route to tying a successful fly, Charles Meck offers some of his best tips from fifty years of
practicing the art. Meck goes over using synthetic materials like Z-Lon, poly, and Antron, as well as giving advice on using the classics. In addition to general tips, learn more than twenty-five highly productive patterns, like the Beadhead Glo Bug, the Deer Head
Caddis, and the Twisted Dun. Each pattern highlights some of Meck’s new techniques. Without a doubt, Meck’s manual will find an
important place on every fly tyer’s bench.
softcover; 6 x 9; full color; 192 pages
(#B4214)
Price -- $24.95
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
No Hatch to Match
Hatch Guide to New England Streams
by Rich Osthoff
by Thomas Ames, Jr.
No Hatch to Match teaches you how to think and approach
a stream aggressively when there are no insects on the water.
That is the key (along with techniques that cover the full water
column) to catching fish.
The fly fishermen of New England trout streams finally
have a superb book for their home waters. Thomas Ames,
a brilliant photographer and naturalist, covers not only the
insects but also presentation, water types, and even night fishing. The left-hand page of the book tells you everything about
the insects, and on the right-hand page you get the best flies to
imitate and tips on effective techniques.
~~ Highly Recommended ~~
(#B4051) softcover
Price-- $16.95
••••••••••••••••
(#B995) hardcover, 272 pages; full color
Matching Mayflies
••••••••••••••••
by Dave Hughes
How to wash the cat . . .
The basics on the cycle of fly fishing’s most essential insect.
Incredible photographs, comprehensive patterns, and presentation techniques. Benefit from Dave’s 30+ years of vast
on-stream knowledge.
(#B4058) softcover
Price -- $25.00
1.
2.
3.
4.
••••••••••••••••
5.
Fishing the Midge
6.
7.
by Ed Koch
The classic work on midges. Covers small flies and light
tackle -- as well as advice on tools and techniques, tackle
selection, and nymph fishing tactics.
(#B4096) softcover
Price -- $29.95
8.
Price -- $14.95
Thoroughly clean the toilet.
Lift both lids and add shampoo.
Find and soothe the cat as you enter the bathroom.
Quickly place cat in toilet, close lid and stand on
top so cat can’t escape.
Cat will self agitate and produce ample suds.
(Ignore ruckus, everything is fine.)
Flush 3-4 times, effective power rinse.
Open outside door, stand as far away as possible
and quickly lift both lids.
Clean cat will rocket out of the toilet and head outdoors
where he will quickly air dry.
(Tip: complete steps 4 - 8 in under two minutes)
- 43 -
~ Saltwater Selections ~
••••••••••••••••••••••
Our Bestselling Saltwater Book ~~
We get letters about flies…
Currier’s Quick and Easy Guide
"All it took was one look at the description of the action
of the Beadhead Marabou Worm to know that Gary’s flies
work in saltwater too! When the "Worm Hatch" occurs the
Striped Bass go on a binge, and it’s hard to get their attention
when the top foot of the water column is littered with literally
millions of squirming red worms (believe me, it’s worse than
fishing a blanket BWO hatch, because the fish doing the slurping on the surface can top 40 inches).
to Saltwater Fly Fishing
by Jeff Currier
the finest saltwater book ever done for helping the angler
make the transition from freshwater to saltwater fly fishing
No other book about saltwater fly fishing gives the novice
the basic information as well as Currier’s Quick and Easy
Guide to Saltwater Fly Fishing. After years of introducing
freshwater anglers to saltwater fly fishing, Jeff Currier is the
perfect person to write this practical introduction to the sport.
The Beadhead Marabou Worm, with some minor modifications works perfectly - use a black beadhead (the worm’s
head is black), and color the piece of foam at the back with
a red marker. Use red, or reddish brown marabou. Cast it
towards working fish and let it do its magic!"
Peter Goodman (NJ)
----------------------------------
quality softcover; 136 pages; 6 x 9
full-color -- gorgeous photographs and beautiful illustrations
(#B673)
Price -- $22.95
False Albacore
NEW!
by Tom Gilmore
----------------------------------
Innovative!
Contemporary Saltwater Fly Patterns
False Albacore: A Comprehensive Guide to Fly Fishing’s
Hottest Fish is the first and only book to reveal when, where,
and how to catch the amazing false albacore. It explores the
life history, biology, migratory patterns, and feeding habits of
this strong and lightning-fast fish, as well as the tricks, tackle,
and techniques needed to catch them. This is the one book
dedicated exclusively to the pursuit of this exciting species.
by David Klausmeyer
Complete illustrated step-by-step instructions and sequence
photos for tying a wide variety of the newest and best saltwater patterns: baitfish imitations, flats flies, epoxy flies, topwater flies, and more. Hundreds of photographs and complete
recipes. The first book to bring together new saltwater flies,
complete illustrated tying instructions, and sage advice from
guides.
hardcover; 7 x 10; 224 pages; b & w, and color photos
(#B4218)
hardcover; 8 1/2 x 11; full color; index; 160 pages
(#B4175)
Price -- $45.00
----------------------------------
NEW!!
Sea Level
Adventures of a Saltwater Angler
by Jeff Cardenas
A Landmark Work at a Bargin Price!
Fly Fishing the Pacific Inshore
With an introduction by Jimmy Buffet (personal hero).
A remarkable and comprehensive collection of the author’s
uniquely-crafted essays written over the past twenty years.
Taken together, these form a portrait of an artist, a writer, an
expert angler and guide, pursuing and living a life of sport
and reflection that most of us can only aspire to. But it is the
voice—the quiet, observant and steady hand—that captivates.
There is not much of consequence that passes by the author
unnoticed. So jump into the skiff and take a ride with Jeff into
the world of saltwater fly fishing.
by Ken Hanley
Fly Fishing the Pacific Inshore is about a paradise that
many fly fishermen don’t know exists -- and yet that incredible
fishing is there in the bays, estuaries, and beaches that rim the
Pacific Ocean on the West Coast of the United States. These
waters can often be fished with the same equipment, the 5- to
8-weight rods and reels, used for freshwater. This is wade and
shallow-water-boat fishing minutes away from so many fly
fishermen living in Washington, Oregon, and California.
slipcase hardcover; 6 x 9; 186 pages
Fly Fishing the Pacific Inshore is the complete and brilliant new work on this fishery. This book covers everything
-- the waters, the techniques, the game species, the food organisms, and the flies.
(#B4224)
regular price -- $39.95
Price -- $50.00
--------------------------------------------------------------------------Thoughts on aging . . .
hardcover; 8 1/2 x 11 inches; illustrations; b & w photographs;
color photographs; 190 pages
(#B984)
Price -- $35.00
----------------------------------
You know you are getting old when you bend over to tie
your shoes and you stop to think about what else you can do
while you are down there.
NOW-- $34.95
- 44 -
Here is a little bit of fun, great buys, mysteries and a video just for the wife. We’ve got you covered.
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Critically acclaimed!
An exceptional book!
Best Flies for Idaho
The Dry Fly and Fast Water
by George LaBranche
by Greg Thomas
This edition of The Dry Fly and Fast Water is not simply a
reprint of the classic. Even in its original this is still one of the
finest how-to works on American fly fishing (everyone should
study it for the revolutionary ideas). This is a fully modernized,
updated remake with illustrations and an into by Paul Schullery.
Best Flies for Idaho gives the fly fisherman the complete
blueprint for putting together a fly box for this great state.
Covers all the popular flies in Idaho, both traditional and new,
for all types of waters. Patterns that the best fly fishermen
and fly tyers in Idaho (people such as Rene Harrop and Bruce
Staples) are using for the toughest situations.
The Dry Fly and Fast Water is recommended completely to
anyone who wants to become a better fly fisherman.
softcover; 6 x 9; 160 pages; b &w photos; color plates
256 pages; 6 x 9 inches
Quality softcover (#B721)
(#B854)
Was -- $24.95 Now -- $20.00
Slip-cased hardcover (#B688) Was -- $50.00
Regular Price -- $19.95
Now -- $40.00
•••• Fly Fishing Murder Mysteries ••••
-------------------------------
Rave Reviews!
Wonderful fiction!
Cast from the Edge
Cork on the Water
by Scott Sadil
by Macdonald Hastings
Meet Francis Theodore Sepic, a mysterious fly fisherman of
legendary proportions who dwells on life’s edges—the edge of
society, the edge of respectability, and at times the edge of sanity.
This guy could be any of us.
Who is the corpse fished from the best salmon-fishing beat
in northern Scotland? Why do sinister people queue up to
foil Montague Cork’s investigation? Impelled to sniff out the
truth, Cork and his cohorts take you on a romp through the
Scottish countryside in a tale of international intrigue.
hardcover; 6 x 9 inches; 192 pages
(#B878)
Was -- $24.95
(#B879) softcover
Now -- $19.95
Now -- $9.95
Our best-selling fly fishing mystery! Still!
River Safety
A Floaters Guide
by Stan Bradshaw
A Crooked Man
by Christopher Lehmann-Haupt
A Crooked Man is a thump-thump, page-turning masterpiece of intricate plotting. This has been in the Book Mailer
mystery selection for a long time, but we still sell the heck out
of this book!
Cheapshot’s passion for fly fishing is matched only by his
love for paddling and teaching others to paddle. This makes
him the perfect resource for this topic. Cathy has taken his
class and recommends this one as a must.
(#B926) softcover; 150 pages
Was -- $14.95
Now -- $10.95
(#B508) mass market paper
Price -- $6.95
----------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------
Hard hitting!
Sunset Limited
by James Lee Burke
NEW!! Here’s an idea—
There are scenes of fly fishing for bluegills, crappie, and
bass in the bayous of Louisiana. ~~ Long ago when the Book
Mailer execs were in collage at the University of Montana,
Jim Burke taught Creative Writing. You all know Gary picked
up a pointer or two in his class, so we’re not missing the
chance to put the this best-selling, Dave Robicheaux murder
mysteries in our newsletter. This is a fast-paced, often violent,
vividly drawn look at the underbelly of the New Orleans area.
Women and Fly Fishing
by Jennifer Olsson
This is a thirty minute video designed for women who think
they may be interested in fly fishing. It is not intended to be
instructional but aims to help you understand why fly fishing
is so popular and what you will need to in order to get started.
Most importantly, it also tells you what you don’t need to
worry about. Meet the heroines of fly fishing and learn how
they got started and why they are still out there casting away
and loving the sport of fly fishing.
(#V4225) VHS; 30 min.
Reg. Price -- $12.95
---------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------Essential Info!
Now -- $14.95
---------------------------------------------------------------
(#B916) mass market paper
Price--$8.95
---------------------------------------------------------------Sometimes the majority means
that all the fools are on one side.
Price -- $11.95
- 45 -
• • • • • Fine Reading • • • • •
Blue Ribbon Bow
by Jim McLennan
Everything the you need to know to
successfully master one of the great trout
streams of North America. Information on
access, techniques, hatches, patterns, and
seasons.
(#B323) softcover
Price -- $19.95
Lessons of Fairsized Creek
by John Huber
Fly-fishing guide John Huber teaches
how to respond to today’s tougher fishing
with better techniques and more awareness
of what is happening around you.
(#B4055)hardcover
Price--$24.95
The Teeny Technique
for Steelhead and Salmon
by Jim Teeny
Captures the essence of the world’s
foremost expert on the subject. Covers
effective methods on approach, casting, retrieving, and hooking Salmon and
Steelhead.
(#B4039) softcover
Price -- $17.95
Fly Fishing the West’s Best
Trophy Lakes
by Denny Rickards
Great blueprint for catching large trout
in the finest trout lakes in the western
states. Rickards does a tremendous job
presenting information on seasons, techniques, and fly patterns for the 50 greatest
stillwaters in the West.
(#B949) hardcover
Price -- $34.95
Fly Fishing Stillwaters for Trophy
Trout
by Denny Rickards
This book is an amazingly comprehensive system for catching trophy-size trout
in lakes and ponds on flies.
(#B582) hardcover
Price -- $34.95
Curtis Creek Manifesto
by Sheridan Anderson
Zany -- Wonderful -- Practical. The
finest beginner’s guide to fly fishing.
(#B328) softcover
Price -- $7.95
The Fly Fisher’s Guide to
Warmwater Lakes
by Cliff Hauptman
A thorough book-- Explores cover,
structure and shorelines of warmwater
lakes and ponds; the question of light; the
annual cycles of lakes; the biology of bass,
pickerel and other species; the best flies
and how to use them.
(#B476) softcover
Price -- $16.95
On the Fly Guide to the Northwest
Oregon and Washington
Pacific Northwest Weather
by George R. Miller
Meteorologist George Miller explains
the unexplainable -- the weather of the Pacific Northwest. Miller does an excellent
job of making a complicated subject easy
for all to understand and he may just set
you up for the perfect fishing day.
(#B4121) softcover
Price -- $25.00
Midge Magic
by Don Holbrook and Ed Koch
Describes the 40 best waters in Oregon
and Washington. Over 300 pages, with
detailed maps, over 100 photographs.
Don Holbrook has the mind of a scientist. Ed Koch is the master of fishing the
midge.Together they will teach all about
the techniques needed for catching large
trout all year long on micro-patterns.
(#B4010) softcover
(#B4049) hardcover
by John Shewey
Price -- $26.95
Price -- $29.95
Big Trout
Essential Trout Flies
by Bernie Taylor
by Dave Hughes
A unique and valuable book on how to
target trophy trout. Taylor explains how
to locate waters likely to hold big trout,
choose the right equipment, and how big
trout hunt their prey. Special sections
cover tactics and flies, and select trout
waters throughout North America.
(#B4095) hardcover
Price -- $24.95
Fly Fishing Midwestern Spring
Creeks
by Ross Mueller
One of the finest researchers in the
Midwest has looked at the spring creeks
in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa. Ross
Mueller explores all the great spring creek
fishing in these three states.
(#B950) soft cover
Price -- $15.95
How Fish Work
by Thomas Sholseth, DVM
This is a truly unique book for anglers,
biologists, and anyone else with an interest in the biology of fish. Sholseth takes a
scientific approach to understanding fish
and their habits and behaviors. Knowing
this information will bring more fish to
your line.
(#B4134) softcover
Price -- $19.95
------------------------------------------------Country Western song-I still miss you baby, but my aims
getting better.
- 46 -
Gary’s favorite author picks 31 of
the most effective trout patterns, from
dry flies to streamers, that will catch trout
anywhere, in every season.
(#B932) softcover
Price --$19.95
Micropatterns
by Darrell Martin
The author explores every facet of
fishing and tying small flies -- size 18 and
under -- for the ultraselective trout of our
hard fished waters.
(#B869) softcover
Price -- $29.95
Drag Free Drift
by Joe Kissane
To fool a trout, a leader must drop a fly
lightly on or in the water and then let it
drift naturally without drag. Drag-Free
Drift is the answer to achieving that final
moment when a trout takes the fly. Any
angler is going to be a better fly fisherman
after reading this fine, definitive work on
the most important aspects of presentation.
(#B4093)hardcover
Price -- $24.95
------------------------------------------------Fishing is better than sex because—
When you see a really good angler,
you don’t have to feel guilty about
imagining the two of you fly
fishing together.
~~ Fine Reading Books ~~
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Fly-Fishing the Rocky Mountain
Backcountry
by Rich Osthoff
Guide to places in MT, WY, CO, UT, ID,
and OR that can only be reached on horseback or by foot.
(#B841) softcover
Price -- $19.95
Big Indian Creek
by Dave Hughes
The fly fishing observations of one of
the finest writers of modern angling.
(#B954) hardcover
Price -- $19.95
The Fly Fisher’s Guide to Crimes
of Passion
by Seth Norman
The author writes with a rare depth
about the fly fishing life.
(#B989) hardcover
Price -- $24.95
Fly Fishing the Sierra Nevada
by Bill Sunderland
(#B867) softcover
Price -- $24.95
Exploring Wisconsin
Trout Streams
by Steve Born, Jeff Mayers, Andy Morton,
and Bill Sonzogni
(#B692) softcover
Price -- $19.95
Fly Fishing Colorado’s
Front Range
by Todd Hosman
(#B866) softcover
Price -- $18.95
Fly Fishing in Southern
New Mexico
by R. Johnson, R. Smorynski
(#B840) softcover
Price -- $15.95
Upper Midwest Flies that Catch Trout
by Ross Mueller
Superb book of 85 fly patterns designed
for the Midwest angler. With fishing notes.
(#B561) softcover
Price -- $14.95
Fly Fishing Southern Colorado
by C. Martin, T. Knopick, & J. Flick
(#B590) softcover
Price -- $18.95
Fly Fishing the Texas Coast
by C. Scales, P. Shook
(#B874) softcover
Price -- $18.95
New York Fly Fishing Guide
by Rob Streeter
Species, still and moving waters; fly plates;
histories of the famed waters of American
fly-fishing pioneers Theodore Gordon and
Lee Wulff.
(#B4098) softcover
Price -- $19.95
Fly Fishing for Great Lakes Steelhead
by Rick Kustich and Jerry Kustich
All the special techniques, all the fly patterns, all the rivers on the Great Lakes.
(#B951) hardcover
Price -- $39.95
Hatch Guide for Lakes
by Jim Schollmeyer
A treasure for the lake angler. The
photographs strip away mysteries of insect
life in lakes.
(#B525) hardcover
Price -- $21.95
How to Fish from Top to Bottom
by Sid Gordon
An honored classic back in print! This
book is an essential work in the education of
a fly fisherman.
(#B628) hardcover
Price -- $19.95
Mountain Water
by Craig Martin
A fly fisherman’s how-to for solving the
problems presented by all types of high
mountain fisheries -- from lakes to streams to
beaver ponds.
(#B937) softcover
Price --$18.95
Morris and Chan on
Fly Fishing Trout Lakes
by Skip Morris and Brian Chan
A concise guide on fishing stillwaters for
trout. A great section on how to approach
and learn new lakes.
(#B912) softcover
Price -- $24.95
Yosemite Trout Fishing Guide
by Charles Beck
(#B559) softcover
Price -- $14.95
Trout Streams of Alberta
by Jim McLennan
(#B589) softcover
- 47 -
Price -- $17.95
Naturals
by Gary Borger
The author is so complete and thorough.
Any reader will pick up gems of information.
(#B372) hardcover
Price -- $19.95
Nymph Fishing
by Dave Hughes
Fine writing about this fussy (and quickly
evolving) art. It is full of new tricks for
presenting nymphs properly.
(#B460) (softcover)
Price -- $19.95
Nymph Fishing for Larger Trout
by Charles Brooks
A totally different approach for catching
the largest trout. A very important book for
any fly fisherman who wants to go beyond
the basic methods.
(#B503) (softcover)
Price -- $18.95
Nymphing
by Gary Borger
Highly acclaimed -- a great book to start
with for the new nymph fisherman, but so
complete that even the experienced angler
can learn from it.
(#B304) hardcover
Price -- $19.95
Nymphs: Tying & Fishing
by Larry Tullis
Covers the essentials, then it adds some
exciting, advanced observations.
(#B557) softcover
Price -- $12.95
Presentation
by Gary Borger
Gary’s opinion? This will be considered one of the classic how-to works of
America fly fishing. It really tells the angler
how to show the trout a fly
(#B420) hardcover
Price -- $34.95
Stalking Western Trout
by Neale Streeks
A western guide that will turn you from a
trout fisherman to a trout hunter. This book
is about sight fishing for nymphing and surface feeding trout -- great instruction.
(#B4018) softcover
Price -- $15.95
Strategies for Stillwater
by Dave Hughes
It covers every approach -- dry flies,
nymphs, wet flies, and streamers. This is an
important book.
(#B393) hardcover
Price -- $21.95
(Hoppers -- continued from page 31)
~~The Pocket Guide Series~~
Now you can take it with you
These amazing little books stand up to water, wind,
dirt, and abuse in the field, and pack an amazing amount
of information into a perfect, easy–to–carry format. The
Pocket Guides are printed on tough, waterproof plastic,
spiral bound to lay flat when open, and subject-tabbed for
finding information instantly.
Fly fishermen can catch more fish with grasshopper imitations in at least four ways:
1. A properly designed hinged hook would reduce the refusals to
rigid imitations of all large food forms, the appeal of that active body overcoming the reluctant nature of these fish. (Book
Mailer readers will recognize this as a description of the Flex
Hopper Gary developed in response to his research.)
2. A feel for the daily predatory moods of trout will let an angler
tailor his grasshopper approach. When fish search the surface,
hitting anything resembling a grasshopper with a rush, a fisherman can cover water quickly and pick up every aggressive
feeder. But when fish rise half-heartedly, if at all, he can drum
them up by employing teasing tactics at specific holds.
It’s truly pocket sized at 3 5⁄8" x 4 1⁄2" x 1⁄4"
The Pocket Guide to Fly Fishing—#B4150
The Pocket Guide to Saltwater Fly Fishing—#B4157
The Pocket Guide to Fly Casting—#B4152
The Pocket Guide to Dry Fly Fishing—#B4151
The Pocket Guide to Fly Fishing the Lakes—#B4154
The Pocket Guide to Fly Fishing for
Largemouth Bass—#B4155
The Pocket Guide to Fly Fishing for Steelhead—#B4158
The Pocket Guide to Walleye Fishing in Lakes—#B4170
The Pocket Guide to Fly Fishing Knots—#B4153
The Pocket Guide to Auto Maintenance
and Emergency Repair—#B4161
The Pocket Guide to Outdoor Survival—#B4166
The Pocket Guide to Outdoor Photography—#B4165
The Pocket Guide to Animal Tracks—#B4160
The Pocket Guide to Basic
Fly Tying Techniques—#B4159
The Pocket Guide to Field Dressing Game—#B4164
The Pocket Guide to Weather Forecasting— #B4168
The Pocket Guide to Emergency Bike Repair—#B4162
The Pocket Guide to Basic Canoeing—#B4171
The Pocket Guide to Golf—#B4172
The Pocket Guide to Lure Fishing—#B4169
The Pocket Guide to Emergency First Aid—#B4163
3. Mastering the skip cast, and pounding the brushy recesses of
a stream with it, will mean more trout every day for a grasshopper fisherman. Careful use of the carom splash, a strong
attraction, and the gentle landing, a subtle attraction, manages
to alert trout without frightening them.
4. Nothing can have a greater effect on grasshopper success than
a basic understanding of the year-to-year population dynamics
of the insect. Any angler who is mobile enough to pick where
he is going to fish should pinpoint areas of infestation. The flyfishing is always incredible somewhere in this country because
of grasshopper plagues.
An angler only has to throw away the old notions of grasshopper fishing as a simple sport. With all the new strategies,
including wet-fly as well as dry fly tactics, he increases his
productive hours and days on the water. And he wonders how
he could have ever been satisfied with the random trout he
caught with mindless flailing.
--The end
-----------------------------------------------
Priced to Move!!
~~ the Amazing Stealth Fly Reel ~~
in one size only!
We have limited quantites of the logo Stealth Reel in a
size 8. This reel fits 6 or 7 weight rods. It is large arbor,
matte black with a patented drum drag system and comes
with a lifetime warranty. This reel handles the delicate
tippets necessary for dry flies and small nymphs -- the
drag is like butter; and those heavy fish you hook on
heavier tippets and bigger flies, --no problem. Of course,
with a large arbor, slack line gathers quickly while you
are playing fish.
Special offer:
offer
Buy 1 Pocket Guide for $12.95 or
buy 2 or more for only $11.00 each.
10% discount for orders of three or more videos and books does not
apply with Pocket Guide special pricing of $11.00.
A top quality reel at a blow out price. All the pluses,
none of the wallet woes. Easy right to left hand conversion. Excellent reel for saltwater and heavier fish.
-----------------------------------------------
New terminology . . .
Stealth Fly Reel (with bag)
PRAIRIE DOGGING- When someone yells or drops something
in a cube farm and people’s heads pop up over the walls to see
what is going on.
limited quantities
Which leads me to my next thought . . . Cube Farm???
#8 -- for 6 & 7 wt. rods (#Z292)
Was -- $265.00
Now -- $199.00
extra spool for #8 (#G294) Was -- $145.00 Now -$105.00
I think I’ll keep my job at the Book Mailer.
You will never find this JRyall reel at a better price.
- 48 -
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I almost wondered whether it was only doing so in some synergistic
fashion because of the odd combination of line, rod and leader, and
the slightly weighted nymph. All of those sorts of thoughts vanished
when I saw the leader dart sideways and a nice 16-inch rainbow
took off with the Cheap Lazy Bastard. All that mattered was that the
improvisation was a success.
In my haste I even left my hat on top of the car, and the effects of
the sun on my untanned face would have been greater had my schedule not demanded that I stop soon. So after ten or twelve exercises of
"this will be my last cast," I finally reeled in my line to leave. I had
landed six fish in two hours, the largest was just shy of 17 inches, and
the smallest just over 13 inches.
I rehearsed the talk I would give that afternoon in my head as I
drove north toward Rolla. After a change of clothes, I looked into
the mirror and noticed that the morning’s sun had left its impression
on my face. The talk went well, and that evening I reflected on how
much could have gone wrong. I could have listened to the guy who
said it was too hot for fly fishing. I could have used the excuse of being ill-prepared, not having the right equipment. I am not a comfortable public speaker, and the talk could have bombed. But as it was,
I spent an enjoyable morning with a Cheap Lazy Bastard and a
half dozen trout, and spent the afternoon with some interested young
adults talking about the tunnels under Chicago.
Not A Boy Scout’s Way
by Joe Kissane
I was never a Boy Scout. That means I have not always ascribed to
the motto "Be prepared," it also means that I have to really think to
tie anything but an overhand knot. These factors entered into a recent
trip where I combined business and fly fishing in Missouri.
I was invited to present a seminar to seniors in Geological Engineering on the Tunnel and Reservoir Project in Chicago. I saw this
as an opportunity to combine business and pleasure, on a somewhat
tight schedule. The Current River, an hour south of town, was my
fly fishing refuge for two semesters in Rolla in graduate school, so
I planned to go back and have a go at it while I was in there. But
the distractions of the season’s first cold virus, putting together the
seminar, and scheduling an immediate trip to Canada deprived me of
the time necessary to be thorough in my packing.
The night before I left Chicago I hastily threw together what I
would need for the fishing part of the trip — a 4-piece travel rod,
reel, vest with flies and assorted gadgets, and waders. What I failed
to remember was that I reshuffled rods and equipment from an earlier
trip. The vest that I thought had everything I needed, in fact had very
little, and the rod tube that should have held my 4-weight rod, held an
8-weight. The reels were fitted with 4-weight and a 6-weight lines.
And I had only three spools of leader materials. None of this was
discovered until I was unloading the trunk of the car to put on my
waders at streamside.
Oh well. I resigned myself to making do. The 6-weight line would
cast light on the 8-weight rod, and I fabricated a leader with three
progressively shorter lengths of material (30-, 18- and 12-inch segments jointed by surgeon’s knots), followed by two 18-inch segments of the 4X material and a 30-inch section of 6X, all joined by
surgeon’s knots. This strange configuration would produce a leader
I could turn over with the rod and line I had available, and the use of
surgeon’s knots not only made it quick to tie, but by having several of
them (even connecting the sections of the same size materials) added
enough bends in the leader to add slack or force "S" curves into the
leader.
It was around 10:00 a.m. by the time I started fishing and no
surface activity was evident. Because there is nearly always some
caddis activity on the Current, I broke my traditional use of a favorite dry fly and opted to start with a caddis pupa pattern I call the
Cheap Lazy Bastard. It is not named for me, although some might
argue otherwise. The name refers to the fact that it uses inexpensive (cheap) materials, is tied using shortcuts rather than elaborate
techniques (lazy), and it is based on a bastardized combination of
LaFontaine’s caddis pupa and a bead head Prince Nymph.
The cheap part is the use of craft-shop fake plastic pearl beads in
the smallest of sizes for #14-#16 flies, instead of brass beads. They
go for about $1.99 for 100 of them, as opposed to $5 or so for 25
of the fly shop variety, hence the "cheap" aspect. The plastic beads
weigh less than brass beads, giving me the option of how heavily it is
weighted (you can always add split shot to get it down deeper). For
the body I use peacock herl for the green variety and pheasant tail
for the brown variety, as a lazy man’s alternative to dubbing. I use
Antron dubbing (light olive for the green and tan for the brown) as
the overbody loose sparse sheath with some fibers trailing as a shuck.
I use a few strands of dyed (imitation) wood duck on either side of
the fly as "wings" or hackles or legs. If I want it greener, a felt tip is
used to color the feathers, but I’m not sold on whether that makes
any difference. So it is a kind of bastardized pattern tied with cheap
materials using shortcuts to make it easier to tie.
My first couple of casts were slightly awkward, but not as completely uncoordinated as I feared, given the mismatched combination of line and rod. I was relieved there was little wind, and by
the third or fourth cast I had my rhythm in synchronization with the
outfit. The improvised leader was performing surprisingly well, and
Joe wrote this piece for his local TU chapter and we are very
pleased to be able to share his article with you. His "events" on
this trip sound like everyone’s glitches on any given day. It is
all about attitude and how we make the pieces of the puzzle fit
together—you go Joe! We’re all right behind you.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(Gary the Athlete, continued from page 22)
I don’t know how to explain it. It was a moment like the 1980
hockey victory at the Olympics. It was a moment like when Mohammed Ali knocked out Sonny Liston. It was one of those rare moments
in time when the unbelievable can happen. Why? Because that was
the last point in three games those two pilots ever scored. To this day
I have never seen a performance like it. As a crowd started to gather,
the tension built as this older man started to nail these young pilots
to the wall with no help from me. Soon every person in the room
was watching. Gary did things with the puck I didn’t believe were
humanly possible. He literally destroyed those guys. We now had $80
tucked in our pockets and two very embarrassed naval pilots shrunk
from the room as the crowd roared in appreciation. Soon, up walked
Mike. "Where did you guys go? The banquet’s over." He sees the
hockey table "Oh air hockey. Man, I love that. And I’m pretty good
at it." I looked over at Gary and he just smiled and said, "Mike, I only
play for money." Mike shot back " Hey, I’m on." Gary quickly hides
the stash of twentys from Mike’s sight and unfolded the old twentydollar bill.
Gary said, "I think you had better have Jack to make it fair." Mike
looked over and said, "What? I don’t need him." I said, "Ahhh, Mike
believe me. You’re going to need me." He just shook his head. Well,
the rest is history. Mike was soon $40 poorer. We would later tell
him the story of the naval air pilots. He just shook his head and said,
"Man, I’ve really had an evening of hard work. You guys played. I
lost money and I’ve got to win something." Just then he looked up
and saw an electronic skeet range where you actually use full-size
over-and-under shotguns to shoot in this incredible electronic skeet
game. Mike, who is in avid turkey and upland game bird hunter loves
the sport of hunting about as well as fly-fishing. He looked at me and
said, "You haven’t hunted bird in how many years?" I said, "about
seven or eight years." And Gary said, "Hey, I’ve only shot a gun
a few times in my life." Mike exclaimed, "Look, we’re going over
there and we’re gonna shoot skeet."
(and we’ll bring you the rest of the story in our next issue . . .)
- 51 -
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The often-funny, sometimes-warped, never-boring, always-full-of-great-books
| Winter 2003 Newsletter |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------You’re just jealous cause the voices are talking to us
Winter is always such a fun edition of the Book Mailer! It’s time to vote! We have a great new "superfly" we can’t wait to show you—so be sure to read "how to vote" (pg 31). This fly is guaranteed to catch
fish like crazy all over the country. And after a two-year wait we have a new Gierach title (pg 3)! We can’t
wait to put this book in your hands. Charlie Meck is at it again with a how-to on fly tying, 101 Innovative
Tying Tips (pg 43). Harry Murray has a sweet little guide, Trout Stream Fly Fishing (pg 3). The fabulous
Danvise has been out fitted with an assortment of fly tying tools (pg. 4 and 5). And the word Cheap is everywhere in this issue, you can’t miss it! But what cheap really means is your own interpretation.
--------------------------Shane Stalcup’s new book, Mayflies: Top to BotWe would say it may be your new favorite pattern
tom made the front cover because this how-to title
except we have a new superfly pattern. Hard call, we‘ll
really was the best "new" one we could find. We also
wait to hear from you. Our friend Jack Dennis has a two
included his three top selling videos (p. 37). There
new videos. (p. 39) and the Fly Fishing Strategies Vol
is great literature for your reading pleasure—like
l & ll are now available on a single DVD, a great way
the limited edition of FlyLines (p. 3) and Return to
to enjoy all that information. You might notice the new
Travers Corner by Scott Waldi (p. 40). The River
pricing on the VHS version (p. 38). No excuses not to
Series Journal has a new book on the Grand River in
have this in your library now.
Michigan (p.27), and there is a new destination guide
Cheapshot checks in, once as a nice guy-(p. 3) Then
on British Columbia, Famous British Columbia Fly
he returns as our "sometimes" boss on page 31. Hang in
Fishing Waters by Art Lingren (p. 26).
here with us, we can get rid of him on one unanimous
We’ve added a fluorescent green yarn to our yarn
selection (p. 6) and lo and behold, we found Swedish Dry Fly Hooks for the Dancing Caddis patterns
(p.7)!!! Paul Stimpson shares great secrets about the
sometimes overlooked Twist Nymph (p.12). We are
sure this pattern won’t be overlooked this season.
vote! or we can be kind and offer him space if he promises to think like us! Anywhere you see cheap, he’s at it.
We have destination guides, how-to titles and fly tying
selections. You can’t miss in this issue. It’s designed to
get you at the bench so you’ll be fully prepared for the
spring season. We even have the jokes to take along. Sit
back, relax, read and enjoy!—
Tie up those flies, read all the great how-to books and have an awesome winter season.
Stan, Glenda, Marcy, Cathy, Rachel, and Marnee

2003 Winter - the Book Mailer

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