Pineywoods Fly Fishers

Founded 1988

President Kenneth Baker

V-President Royce Feaster Chapter of the Southern Council of the Federation of Fly Fishers

Sec./Tres. Bill Heugel

http://freepages.outdoors.rootsweb.com/~wem1

November 2001

My article this month will deal mainly with personal things. I have not been able to do anything connected to fly fishing or much of anything else except “Doctors” since September 23^rd.

As most of you know, I had a heart attack the next morning after tying flies at the Forest Festival. It was totally unexpected. I had no pain or other warning signs. I had a stint put in one artery; and around the first week in November I will probably have another stint and quite possibly a by-pass. I will find out during the first week in November when I have a heart catheterization performed. I hope you will give me your prayers and warm thoughts during this time.

I really appreciate the concern you have shown me. The visits, cards, and phone calls have been very uplifting. Thank you so much. You are really a great bunch of guys.

I am taking this means to ask our club vice president, Royce Feaster, to act for me until I am able to once again function. I hope it will be soon. At least by January, depending on my next procedure and my recovery.

I am also asking Linda McLendon and Royce to be in charge of the Christmas meeting. I know they will do a great job. I hope to at least be able to attend.

I encourage you to pay your club dues if you haven’t already done so. Either bring it to the next meeting or mail it to PWFF, P.O. Box 153651, Lufkin, TX 75915-3651.

I also encourage you to attend the Rendezvous if you can. Read Walter’s article below.

I did not get to attend the Conclave as I had planned, so I am looking forward to this newsletter as I understand the ones that did attend are going to have articles concerning not only the Conclave, but also their trip up and back. I know they did some fishing and I am anxious t hear about that.

Thanks again for your concern, and believe me : “ A Bad Day Fishing Is Better Than A Good Day Just Sitting Around”!

Well, I received a phone call the other day from one of our members, and it was not hard to know that he was about to bust wide open, even over the phone. When you get to the meeting next Tuesday, immediately go over to Randy McBride and ask him to see the picture of his buck that he got with a bow this year. I’ll bet that he may have the picture out in front of you before you can ask! I haven’t seen it yet, but I am looking forward to seeing it. Getting a deer with a bow was one of the things I never accomplished. I tried, but I never got one. Good Going Randy!

Since Ken will not be functioning as President for a while, I am going to need plenty of help remembering what I am supposed to accomplish. Ken will have a heart catherization done Monday, November 5^th and at that time the Dr. will decide what should be done. We should have a report for the meeting on the 6^th.

Jared Satterwhite and I went fishing last week and had a ball! I do apologize to him for cutting his trip short, but I managed to pull my back putting the boat trailer on the hitch, and it had begun to bother me late in the trip. I will do better next time Jared, I promise.

Jared and I met a new prospective fly fisherman and his son while fishing off his shoreline. We told him about the club and we said that we would be back to help him get the hang of fly fishing. His backyard is on the lake, and will be great for a teaching area. Maybe club membership will follow, but if not, we will still do our best to teach him what he wants to know.

Our time is near (Nov 2-4) so here is a map to Rendezvous at Lake Bistineau. It is about 50 miles southeast of Shreveport. We will be in Area #1 with 20 cabins, as shown below. Visit our Rendezvous website http://freepages.travel.rootsweb.com/~wem1 For you new comers, please read what to bring so you will not be overloaded. Linda and I look forward to seeing you all, its been a long year!

Lake Bistineau State Park--(103 State Park Road, Doyline, LA 71023; 318-745-3503 or 1-888-677-2478) is located southeast of Shreveport just off LA 163 south of Doyline. From I-20 at Minden take LA 7 south to Sibley, LA 164 west to Doyline, and LA 163 south to LA177 to the park. Enjoy a multitude of recreational opportunities in the midst of a beautiful woodland on the edge of a 200-year-old lake. To reserve a cabin, campsite, group camp, picnic pavilion or the lodge, call 1-877-CAMP-N-LA toll free (877-226-7652).

It’s time to consider our next class and when to schedule it. The next class will be on dry flies. We will be covering more about tails, wings, dubbing and hackle. These flies are good for Bream, Trout, and Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass.

Some of the future classes planned will include pencil poppers, foam flies, and saltwater flies. We can also go back and revisit the deer hair.

Open House

We have talked much about the desire to reorient this spring activity to a club activity instead of an East Texas event on flyfishing. Ken Baker asked us to consider a name change for the event. After thinking about it Walter and I came up with two names to be considered. Fly Fishing Workshop or Fly Fishing Clinic. Let’s try and settle on a name at the next meeting. Bring any thoughts you may have as well.

Dying to Dye?

At the soon to be renamed open house we can dye some materials. You need to be collecting duck feathers, squirrel tails, and deer tails. Then during that unnamed event, we could spend some time coloring those or others you have purchased and want to have a different color. We have available in the quality dye, olive, black, and yellow. We might even try some of the Rit dye and the latest which is Kool Aid Dye. This activity will require some preparation the night before in order to get the materials ready for the process. Lets talk about it at the November meeting. I will if you will!!!!

It’s now official, I am your fly tying coach. Please call me or email me about any questions you may have. I get to Lufkin and Nacogdoches at other than meeting nights and we could schedule some hands on events during those times. If I don’t know the answer, I know where to find it or who to ask. Lets make this job work for all of us.

Tying Tips

When adding materials such as chenille or tinsel to the hook, place it under the hook shank. This will eliminate any lumps that show on the top of the hook. Makes the fly look better. Also build transitions between materials of differing thickness. For example when you put lead on the hook shank build a transition to the hook shank with thread.

Let’s Build Rods

How would you like to build yourself or some lucky friend or relative a custom rod? We have members who have all the skills. It would take a few nights to work on it and maybe some time at home. By working together we can save some money on the cost of bulk materials like glue, thread, and tools.

The cost of the rod would depend on the quality of the blank, guides, grip and reel seat. Prices can start around $50.00 for the H&H beginner rods and go up from there. Hook and Hackle has blanks from Pacific Bay, St Croix, and Diamondback in 2-piece and 4-piece rods. In addition to the standard rods there are some with spigot ferrules.

There are other rod blanks available from other catalog suppliers including NetCraft and Cabela’s. You might also want to rework some old rod you have. The techniques we will employ are not limited to fly rods. Casting and Spinning rods could also be built or reworked.

Come to the meeting in November and lets talk about it and see about scheduling the activity.

Hey guys & gals, here is a deal! Contact Tom with any questions and how to get one or two rods. All Star rods are impressively designed and built. You sure can't build one for these prices. Tom is with the Texas Fly Fishers in Houston and his wife has kin all over Huntington (mostly Boot's family), but don't hold that against him!

Conclave Fishing

Jimmy Lee joined Bill Heugel and I on our annual trek to Mountain Home this year. We camped in our tents and Jimmy in his pickup bunk at Dynamite Hill at the Narrows in Murfreesboro and cooked our meals. It was tough fishing there because the water was clear and slow moving with almost no wind to ripple the water. The trout were all around us but not much on rising. By the way, they had not stocked fish since June. They will start stocking again about November 1^st.

On Tuesday evening, a nice Light Cahill hatch erupted and the fish literally jumped straight up out of the water, over and over, but refused any of our offerings. During the day, Bill and Jimmy managed a few fish but not for me until we returned there on our way back. On Wednesday night it got cold and I joined in with the Arkansas Game & Fish crew to shock the Narrows for trout that night. Two guys mounted generators on their backs while Jeff Guerin and I manned the nets. They had never used the generators before so we had quite a time adjusting the right amps of output and cycles per minute to get any results. In the end, we only got 5 trout and I netted 3 of them in one spot, all at once. The next morning, they all returned to fly fish for enough to get a decent count to submit. Bill contributed the 11th trout that morning so they had 16 to report on and they were all right at 13 inches. One thing is for sure, those were the most colorful, beautiful trout you will ever see, all Rainbows with bright red fins and stripes.

We fished Cotter on Sunday morning and I limited out which is not surprising as many times as I have fished the place. I know every hole and nook & cranny. Jimmy got into them in the rapids and got hooked on trout fishing right there, I believe. We left about noon so we could get back to the Narrows to setup camp again. We all did pretty good this time around. The fishing was still very hard but we were learning what to do. That is what makes trout fishing so much fun. Every time is different and you have to get smarter to get them.

Conclave was great again. I don’t know why I say that, it never seems to influence any of you to take a couple of days to make the trip. Bill and I have made the trip many times and now Jimmy will be joining us.

This year I attend the Southern Council Conclave in Mountain Home Arkansas for the first time since joining the Federation of Fly Fishers and the Piney Woods Fly Fishers. Once my decision was made to attend, I ask Walter and Bill about any short cuts to get to Mountain Home. They suggested I go with them and fish for trout along the way. I immediately accepted the offer and experienced one of the finest fishing trips I have ever been on. We did not catch a lot of fish or any big fish, but the learning experience was fantastic. We arrived at Narrows Dam on Lake Greeson Tuesday afternoon. After setting up camp we headed for the catch and release area on the Little Missouri River below Narrows Dam. Walter and Bill told me the fish in this area were hold over fish from the last stocking of trout in the river, and were well educationed. This I found hard to believe, boy was I wrong. I had always heard how selective trout could be, but to actually see the fish a few feet from you and not catch them is a very humbling experience. You could follow the trout and tell the area they were traveling to, cast into that area and come away empty-handed time after time. This is when “my” education began.

Walter and Bill were more than eager to share their knowledge of trout fishing with me. We discussed mayflies and other insects and how trout respond to them. I learned that a 7 or 8-foot leader is too short, the size, color, and presentation of the fly can make a world of difference. When fishing for warm water and salt-water fish, these things may not be of great importance, but when fishing for trout that know where you are, and what you are there for, makes a world of difference. Needless to say the rest of our trip was a learning experience for me. After a few stream side lessons I actually caught a trout, beginners luck. We fished till dark that afternoon, and discussed fishing techniques with Jeff Guerin, who guides on the river.

That night as Bill and I watched, Walter, Jeff and three members of the Arkansas Fish and Game Commission did a fish count on the river. This was done by wading with an electrode powered by a backpack gasoline engine. The results were very poor. What did they expect, every fish in the river was running out of range of the electrode. They were making enough noise to scare anything away. The next morning continued my trout education with Bill and Walter sharing tricks and techniques, but none of us catching many trout. At noon we stopped for a much needed break and lunch. Jeff joined us for lunch and great conversion. We ended up talking and just enjoying the beauty of the area because they started generating in the afternoon, and the water became too high to fish. We fished till noon the next day, and then headed for Mountain Home.

I was following Bill and Walter, who I assumed knew the route to Mountain Home. After missing turn offs and not stopping until I was well passed the bursting stage, and taking a short cut that was thirty-eight miles long, but fifteen miles from point to point as the crow flies we arrived at Mt. Home. (Saw a lot of beautiful country) We met up with Royce and Judy, Jay and Geraldine at the Ramada Inn, we ate and enjoyed the evening’s activities. On Friday morning after registering for the conclave I made the rounds of vendors, fly tiers, and classes that were offered. Having never been to a conclave before, I really did not know what to expect, and I was not disappointed. To say I enjoyed the conclave would be a gross understatement, there is so much to do and see, the two days flew by and before I knew it we leaving and headed for the White River to try our luck.

Walter had fished the area we went to, so he acted as our guide. I must say he did put us onto fish and did a great job of explaining how to fish that area of the White. We all caught fish and took a few away with us when we left. The fish here were not as selective as the fish on the Little Missouri River, but neither did they just jump on your fly. We left this area around noon and headed back to Narrows Dam to try our luck again. We arrived about six in the evening and set up camp but did not fish, too tired I guess. The next morning found us out on the river, where fishing was again very tough. But just to be out at this time of the year and enjoy the natural beauty of this area of Arkansas is reward enough. We did catch a few more fish than the first few days we were there. Walter sat on a rock and talked with Tom Landry and caught three fish, while Bill and I labored to make a catch. Tom joined us for lunch (fresh fish) and while we were eating the siren sounded signaling the start of the generating process. Walter and I left Bill and Tom at camp while we took a tour of the river. Since they were generating we were unable to tell exactly what the other access points looked like and how we would fish them. We did however see beautiful areas of the river, which for me was unknown country. We fished again the next morning with Walter and Bill catching fish, I may have caught one. The time flew by and it was noon before I knew it. We ate lunch and broke camp and headed home, having completed from my point of view a very successful trip.

I have maps of Lake Nacogdoches for everyone in the club. They have only been out about a month. They are not bad for a local effort. I will have them at the next meeting.

After our fishing activity on the Little Mo. Walter and Jimmy and I headed for Mountain Home and the fellowship and food available on the opening night. Taking some back roads we managed to just get there in time after a Mario Andretti style drive. We managed to catch up with our other club members at the event as well as some of our friends from other clubs.

The next day Walter was at the tying coaches table and I went to a class on distance casting. As we got into the casting activity the sky opened up and dumped on us. So much for distance casting. In the first half hour of the class I did learn a few things that should help. After that, it’s supposed to be work on my part.

One of the big advantages of the Conclave is seeing some of the outstanding tiers and also visiting with the vendors. Tom Whiting was there. He is the owner and operator of the Whiting fly tying materials. I have never seen such beautiful capes anywhere. The prices were also very low for the show. Each of us managed to find some vendors who had things we just could not live without.

Saturday morning I had my turn at the coach’s table. Biggest problem there seemed to be that most folks did not get involved with the coaching activity. No one signed up. We just got some passers by. I did have one gentleman who had some problems he wanted to discuss. Seems to me some more thinking needs to go into the coaching approach. Maybe a class of some sort.

By Sunday we were all ready to fish. Walter took us to Cotter and I managed one fish there, while Walter and Jimmy were having regular hookups.

The conclave is a great place to meet folks, learn new techniques and see new materials. It’s a grand experience and I recommend it for all.

Fishing With Feaster

Since Royce Feaster is Publisher/Editor for the PWFF newsletter, I have no way of knowing if my original draft will be printed as submitted or if Royce will exercise editor’s privilege. Anyway, I’m taking some risk here since anything I say might get turned around and after spending the afternoon fishing with Royce, I wouldn’t be surprised.

Unlike Jay and I, we did show up at the same lake and at the same time. And unlike Ken and I, there was no question who would be in front and who in back of the boat. Royce instructed me to put my gear in the back of the boat where I would be fishing!

I thought, at least it’s been my experience, that fly fishermen fished out of pirogues, flat-bottoms, float tubes, kayaks, etc. That center console Kenner Rig of Royce’s is like fishing from a pier, solid as a rock – what a nice rig and easy to fish from – of course I’ve got no idea how it fishes from the front.

Royce and I prepared to launch his boat at Lake Nacogdoches and these two guys were leaving at the same time – about 1:00 p.m. “Slow Day, real slow day,”- just what we wanted to hear. The wind is blowing and the water is off color and it’s mid-day; other than that conditions are just fine. I started off with my favorite – an olive bead head nymph and Royce was throwing some big white thing. Those guys at the ramp were right--we had trolled hundreds of yards before we got the first bump. I know I lost a lot of credibility when one of my favorite spots netted zero fish. Royce was sure gracious for a while but then informed me to roll in – that we’re going to the other side of the lake. While we picked up a fish here and there, Royce’s spots weren’t much better. Later in the afternoon things started to change – the wind laid and we began to catch some nice Brim and small Bass.

Who would guess that on such a slow day Royce and I would both have our personal best days on Crappie. We must have caught ten or twelve crappie – what a surprise. Just goes to show you never know. All in all, we caught Brim, Bass and Crappie – not a bad day on Lake Nacogdoches with almost all of the action coming late in the day.

What a good time -- and it’s always special to fish with someone for the first time. Whether it’s fishing, camping, hunting or whatever, people find out little things about each other that help create friendships and this was certainly the case with Royce. (Royce, hope you remembered to take those Snickers candy wrappers out of your pocket before you got home.)

Oh, I almost forgot! A huge ball of shad surfaced four or five feet from the rear of the boat. I’m just kind of watching them when this large bass plows through – shad and shad parts are flying out of the water. Royce hollers, “throw at ‘um!” I’ve still got a #12 nymph on – wish I would have had a big white thing to throw. I’ll get him next time.

Royce, thanks again for a great afternoon and I know I am light years ahead of where I would have been if it weren’t for club members helping me along the way.

Mark your calendar for our club meetings, Every First Tuesday of each Month,

November 3^rd - 4^th Rendezvous... This year it is being held at Lake Bistineau State Park in La.

Model	Series	# of Pieces	Length	Line	Retail	Asking
EF764-4	Elite	4	7'6"	4	$ 159.95	$ 80.00
AF904-4	Austin	4	9'	4	$ 299.95	$ 150.00
EF908-4	Elite	4	9'	8	$ 169.95	$ 85.00
EF864-2	Elite	2	8'6"	4	$ 129.95	$ 65.00
EF905-2	Elite	2	9'	5	$ 129.95	$ 65.00
EF905-4	Elite	4	9'	5	$ 159.95	$ 80.00
EF907-2	Elite	2	9'	7	$ 139.95	$ 70.00
AF905-2	Austin	2	9'	5	$ 269.95	$ 135.00
Ef793-2	Elite	2	7'9"	3	$ 129.95	$ 65.00
AF909-9	Austin	2	9'	9	$ 279.95	$ 140.00
E6415-SXRL	Elite	1	5'4"	4-8lb,1/8-3/8oz	$ 59.95	$ 30.00
E6015-	Elite	1	5'	2-6lb, 1/16-1/4oz	$ 59.95	$ 30.00
St. Croix	Premier P556ULM2	2	5'6"	1/32-3/16 oz, 2-4lb	$ 59.95	$ 30.00