Fly Fish New England

I’ve had some free time from work this past month, and did a lot of research on fly tying.  I’ve always wanted to tie flies but always felt that I didn’t have the patience for fly tying.  Way back in college I bought a really cheap starter kit that I barley used and I think ended up throwing it away; I’m sure after one of my many apartment moves.  Now don’t ask me why I had to move, that’s not really important here.  Anyways, this past year fishing the Farmington River with Scott and tying flies on his set; I felt I needed my own set, to become a better fisherman.

So off to every web site on fly tying vices.  Saw many different styles and in many different price ranges.  Which one to buy?…….  I finely settled on a Renzetti Travel Vice with cam and base at a cost of $189.  First of all my feeling is that I didn’t want a cheap vise and what I mean by this is low quality;  I wanted one that would last and was well crafted.  I’m a Chef by trade and if you want to cook well, you have to start with quality tools and ingredients; as a fly fishermen I hold on to this maxim as well.  Now I won’t go into all of the specs, because you can find them at the Renzetti web sight.  What really struck me, is the fact that the Renzetti Travel Vice is pretty much exactly the same as the full model but half the price.   Now as a beginner fly tyer I want a vice I can grow into and not the other way around.  I’m sure I’m not gonna use half of the features of this vice for some time but it will give me a goal to strive for. 

Now what about the tools?…..  The hooks, thread, body, cape…..  Well I’m half way there to getting everything I need to start tying.  I stopped in at the Orvis store in Manchester a few weeks ago and bought a set of tools $80 which I thought wasn’t bad and picked up a multi pack of dry body material and dry hooks size 14-20.  Now I’m sure you’re asking why didn’t I just save myself the hassle and just buy a premium fly tying kit?  Well this time around I wanted to go through the whole process.  I feel that I learn better working for something than just having it handed to me.  Also if I didn’t like something then I have no one else to blame.  Not the kit, the company, not the author of the tying book.  

Now for the books I bought, “Fly Tying for Beginners” by Peter Gathercole and “Trout Flies for the 21st Century” by Dick Talleur.  Again I want to work hard on the basics but have the resources and motivation to work towards more difficult flies.  Just on a side note the web is filled with video on fly tying and is also a great resource, especially you tube; you can find everything!  Wish me luck and I’ll post my first fly on my new vice soon!

On Sunday, an unseasonably warm November day found the FishingChef and I wading in the 50 degree waters of the Farmington River. We worked the Campground pool for a couple hours, to avoid the crowds lower on the river at Church Pool, and Greenwood Pool. In the late afternoon, we headed down the dirt road, past the parking area for Greenwood pool, and parked at the gate. We then proceeded further on foot, about a 15 minute walk down to an area of the river below the center riffle, called the Boneyard.

I was very impressed with this stretch of river. It was a little less accessible (read less busy) than other areas of the river, but offered some real deep areas, and plenty of rises. I had one hit on a Blue Winged Olive (size 20) but wasn’t quick enough to land the fish. I saw one very large trout working an area behind a large boulder, and taking something off the top of the water with exuberance. He however was smart enough to not be fooled by anything that I was offering. All in all, a great day of late season fishing on the Farmington River, and discovery of a new pool that I will definitely return to!

 
This past Friday (Oct 23) I had a few hours to kill and decided that I would try the Millers river off of route 2 just west of Erving center. I had just parked and was preparing to open the trunk of my car when another car pulled up. It seemed he had the same plans as I did. Working a new stretch of the river and trying to find some large browns. After a few quick words I opened the trunk of my car. Now I’m not sure how many fly-fishermen out there have said this “Where is my fly reel?” After an extensive search of my car only then did I realize that my primary fly rod was missing as well. After a few moments of questioning my self only then did I realize that I must of left it at the Swift river the week before.

The Orvis Store in Manchester, VT

I must of leaned my rod with my reel against my car, got out of my waders, put on my shoes and like an idiot forgot to stow my pole and reel away in the trunk. How stupid am I !!! That was about a $600 hundred dollar mistake that for sure I won’t be making any time soon.

So today off I went to the Orvis Manchester store. I had hoped to buy a new fly tying vise but instead ended up replacing my reel. I made pretty good time and I do have to admit the drive to Manchester is quite nice even on a cold and rainy day like it was today.

Now I would have bought a new rod as well but just could not afford to do so at this time. Plus my back up rod is more than good enough. Kyle the clerk and fly-casting instructor felt my pain after telling him the story about my rod and reel. Now I know what some of you are saying Orvis, is blue blooded and high nosed but my experiences have always been good if not great. I even got an invite to fish with him on the Battenkill this spring.

To sum up everything:
1. Lost my favorite rod and reel. Power Matrix 4 weight, Battenkill Large Arbor reel.
2. If you have seen my rod and reel please e-mail me
3. It really sucks buying equipment twice!