Next Project: Build a wooden landing net

I made a landing net from a kit over 30 years ago.  The kit was purchased at the World Fishing and Outdoor Exposition at Rockland Community College.  The kit consisted of a frame, net, line for attaching the net and a French Clip for carrying the net.

Besides buying the net, that was the exposition where I almost met Lee Wulff.  I heard that he would be there, but I was still stunned when he entered the main building.  I was sitting in the bleachers near the casting pool area just taking a break and suddenly there he was.  He was walking by with a small group of people and all I had to do was stand up, extend my hand and introduce myself – I froze!  All I could do was watch my fly fishing hero walk past.

French Clip

As for the net - the frame was already constructed with the holes drilled for attaching the net.  All I had to do was sand, stain and varnish the net and then attach the French clip. 

Rainbow on a DFB Sparkle Stone

It was an easy way to get a really nice, semi-custom landing net.  And, it’s served me well for over 30 years.

The net is designed for trout.  The opening is a narrow teardrop shape 15” long, 8” wide and the net bag is now 12 inches deep. 

My net against my Orvis vest

 
I replaced the net bag about 16 years ago.  The original cotton net had pretty wide openings and got a few snags and after re-tying too many holes, I replaced it with a “catch and release” style poly net that is still in great shape.

Original net bag under a Brown and Brookie 

I don’t always use a net – I've learned that if you can cradle the fish belly up they usually calm down and you can easily unhook and release.  But, sometimes you need a net. 

I use this net strictly for trout.  While I've fished for Steelhead for years, the only time I ever used a net on steelhead is when fishing from a boat.  When fishing a stream or river, I usually just lead them to the shore.  But, I’m not sure that is best for the Steelhead, so I thought I’d build a wooden landing net for Steelhead with the latest rubber catch and release net bag.  

Since I tie flies, build rods and build fly benches – why not a net?

I started doing some research online, and it may take a while to get this thing off the ground and under a Steelhead.  I welcome any info on making a wooden landing net, and I’ll keep you posted on my progress.  

Good fishing!

Another East Branch Easter

My nephew James has talked about fishing the East Branch of the Croton with me for several years now.  However, since he’s not an avid angler, it was always a last minute thought and too late to buy a license and get a DEP fishing permit.  This year, he planned ahead and with the help of the internet had a NYS fishing license and DEP permit.  I brought extra gear – fly, spin and Tenkara – so he had some choices.

We got to the river around 10 a.m. I pulled on my brand new Orvis Silver Sonic waders and RiverGuard boots, rigged up a spinning rod for James and my 4 weight solid boron fiber fly rod (blank by Don Phillips and wrapped by me) with my classic Orvis CFO IV reel for me. 

CFO IV Reel and Don Phillips/Dave rod

Conditions were OK – hazy sunshine about 45 degrees, breezy but fishable wind.

 As always, my first move is to check the river from the Sodom Road Bridge for any signs of trout. This was the first time in over thirty years that I did not see a single trout – even though the water was relatively clear and a bit on the low side.  Not a good omen!

Sodom Road Bridge from the Bathtub looking downstream

James near the Route 22 bridge

We started upstream of the Sodom Road Bridge under the Route 22 Bridge.  We worked our way downstream through the bathtub and downstream as far as the Phoebe hole.

Dave in the Bathtub

After fishing for about an hour James decided, via a boot full of very cold water, that his calf-high boots were not as waterproof as he hoped.  So, he decided to go buy some higher boots.  

Dick’s Sporting Goods at the Danbury Mall was only about 15 minutes away, so James took a break to upgrade his equipment.  45 minutes later he was back with a new pair of hip waders.  He must have been having a good time - along with the waders, he said that the next time he might have a new fly rod.  I'd recommend Orvis as a great place for anything fishy. Orvis Clearwater 5-weight 10' Fly Rod- Fishing (Google Affiliate Ad)

James with his new hippers

Both of us stayed dry, but fishless.  The only action came around 4:30 p.m.  We moved one more time downstream and I noticed a seam near a fallen tree that just looked fishy.  I told James how to approach the spot, but he opted to go further downstream.   

After about 6 casts with a pair of midge nymphs (#20 and #22), my drift stopped and I felt the headshake of a trout.  Full bend to my rod and I could see the fish flashing and then breaking the surface – about 18 inches of rainbow!  I called out to James, but by the time he heard me it was all over – a long-line release without the benefit of a photo.  But come Memorial Day, we’ll meet again!

Sandy got to the East Branch First

I just returned from my annual Easter trip to the East Branch of the Croton River at Brewster, NY.  

I wasn't alone – in more ways than one.  First of all, I was joined by my nephew James.  And, there were a dozen or so other cars at the pull-out where I parked at the bridge on Sodom Road, just downstream of the “Bathtub.”  But, there was plenty of room to fish this beautiful stream.

The one visitor that I didn't expect and was very sorry arrived at all was Sandy – of super storm fame – or infamy.  My family lives nearby in Connecticut as well as in New York City.  Some kept their power during Sandy and others were out of electricity for up to 7 days during and after the storm.  They all fared well enough to be telling stories about it now, but I didn't realize that the East Branch was hit so hard.

I fished the East Branch well before Sandy, on the 4^th of July, 2012, with decent success.  

One of several Brown Trout on #8 DFB Leech, 07/04/12

There are always a few trees that are slowly moving closer to the river due to erosion, 

 

     East Branch Croton, Easter 2012

East Branch Croton, Easter 2013

but, there were trees down all over the place.  Big trees with root systems up to 10 feet in diameter, ripped from the ground.  Fortunately, most did not fall across the river.  

I don’t know how much rain fell during that time, but last weekend, water levels were moderate and relatively clear. 

The river was full of suckers, so Sandy didn't have an effect on them.  But everyone I talked to had the same question – “was it stocked yet?”  At the time I didn't know, or care, since holdovers are bigger, more challenging, and more fun, but I have since learned that 1,600 rainbows and 300 browns were stocked in March (http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/23296.html).  But, different from last Easter, I couldn't see any of the stockers in the usual places. 

The few people who caught fish said that it was best downstream closer to Diverting Reservoir.  Usually, the Bathtub and under the bridge are filled with trout after a stocking.  The major difference I noticed this year was that both sides of the East Branch at the Bathtub were clear cut of any trees or shrubs from the water’s edge up the stone and back about 20 feet. 

Bathtub sans overhead cover

Did the lack of overhead cover push the trout downstream? Something did.   

James and I fished from the naked Bathtub to the Phoebe hole, but that’s another story.

How old is that fish?

Steel head return to rivers when they are five or six and can live up to 8 years.  (credit http://www.salmonfishingnow.com/steelhead-trout-biology/)

Chinook Salmon don’t live as long and return to rivers when they are typically around 4 years old – give or take a year. 

Chinook Salmon age comparison photo from the University of Washington

(credit http://courses.washington.edu/fish450/Lecture%20PDFs/Salmon_age_and_size_at_maturity.pdf)

The fish I’m holding below is quite a bit older than any steelhead or salmon or trout I've ever caught – it’s even older than I am! 

Fossil Fish - age????????

My eldest daughter went to a Gem and Mineral show and found this “Rock Fish” (no – not the Stripers found in Chesapeake Bay) and bought it for me.  

I have no idea what species it is or if it’s full grown or just a baby.  But, it’s really a wonderful gift and will be cherished forever – Thank you!

Waders, waders everywhere, but which are right for you?

I believe I have the answer to that question for me.  But, it came with a lot of trial and error over many years and many waders with a variety of styles and prices, and a lot of research on the internet.

Last weekend as I was standing in the middle of Oak Orchard Creek casting to phantom steelhead at the Archery Club pool, I realized that to get there, I struggled to get into a pair of boot foot insulated waders, carefully and awkwardly navigated a very steep hill to get to and from the water, and to top it off, my feet were freezing!

Waders are a very personal item and what’s good for your fishing buddy may not be right for you.  I started my wader quest with 35 years of wader experience and a budget in mind.  I narrowed my search, printed my choices of brands and stores and after work on Friday I went shopping.  This was not something I trusted to an internet order.

My first choice turned out to be the right one.  I went to Orvis at Eastern Hills Mall in Williamsville, NY.  I go there frequently to buy fly tying material and to check out the many wonderful items they carry – including waders.  I've had my eye on their Silver Sonic Convertible-top stocking foot waders since Thanksgiving. 

 A critical element in buying a quality pair of waders is the sales person.  Do they have the knowledge and experience to allow you to make a purchase or do they push you to the most expensive item regardless of what you want or need?

Adam S. at Orvis has what it takes.  Even though I probably caught my first steelhead before he was born, he has a wealth of fishing experience in Western New York and beyond, uses the products he sells and is passionate about fly fishing, his job at Orvis and helping others enjoy the sport.

He was very patient while I looked and questioned and second guessed if I really needed another pair of waders.  

And, he gave me good advice as I tried on several sizes of waders and then boots – I got Riverguard Ultralights to go with the Silver Sonic waders.  Adam made sure I was comfortable in the waders and boots before my purchase.  (Photos from Orvis website)

I plan to use my new waders and boots on the East Branch of the Croton River during my family’s annual Easter trip to visit relatives in Brookfield, CT.  Will my new Silver Sonic Convertible-top stocking foot waders and Riverguard Ultralight boots help me catch more trout?  

That’s another story.

Finally!

Well - it wasn't exactly like it was in my dreams, but I did finally make it to Oak Orchard Creek.  I had too many things to do around the house, but I think my wife just didn't want to hear me whine about it any more and told me to go fishing - works for me!

Oak Orchard Creek - March 9, 2013

As I met other anglers, the word was always the same - SLOW.  With about 2 feet visibility  "you had to bump them on the nose to get their attention."

I heard of two Steelhead caught and saw one landed.  One was taken on a very bright pink and silver fly that was totally new to me, and the other two were taken on eggs - not egg pattern flies - salmon eggs.

But, it is a beautiful, fishy looking piece of water and in the words of the Terminator - "I'll be back!"

Oak Orchard Dreams

I first heard of Oak Orchard Creek in the late 80's.  A friend had fished it and came back with unbelievable stories.  The pictures, however, made me a believer, and that's when I started dreaming about my dream trip to the Oak while living in Croton-on-Hudson, NY.  My trip was going to be picture perfect – because that’s all I saw – pictures.

It was just a short seven hour drive, but before I could head north for a weekend on a classic stream with monster browns and steelhead navigating upstream between kings and Cohos and maybe even an Atlantic, I moved to Portland, Oregon.  The Oak was put on the back burner for about 26 years while I caught my first steelhead and salmon on a fly – with a rod I built – a 39” King on my 4 weight using a 10 lb. tippet with a #8 natural, Teeny nymph tied by yours truly, but that’s another story.

After fishing in Oregon and Washington and one trip to Alaska, 

Steelhead - Cowlitz River, WA 

Halibut - Ketchikan, AK

A new job forced me to move my family to the San Francisco Bay area, and then another job took us to Buffalo, NY.  I knew that Western New York had a wealth of fishing opportunities, and when I read an article in New York Sportsman magazine that referred to Oak Orchard as the next “famous trout stream” - the dream was alive again - and only a short drive away! How lucky could I be!  Not very.  

Job, family, responsibilities and really good local fishing kept me from thinking about Oak Orchard, until I was organizing my basement recently and came across the article from 1998 – I’m a bit of a pack rat – my wife calls me a hoarder – I prefer to think of it as preserving history.

                        "Fish of the Orchard" -  New York Sportsman, August 1998

The important thing is that I rekindled my Oak Orchard dream.  I only live about 1-1/2 hours away, but have yet to hit the Oak.  However, a friend has been fishing it for years and is headed there this weekend (3/9/13).  I’m looking forward to her report, especially on several flies I tied and gave to her to field test. 

Dave's Fly Bench flies - wooly bugger, spoon fly, DFB laser eggs and minnows, leeches

And while she fishes the Oak, I’ll be prepping for my dream trip.