Wind Knots and Tailing Loops

Was surprised when I realized that two weeks had gone by since my last Q & A session. Last week I substituted the Beaverkill piece as I thought it raised interesting questions.  

Will comment one last time on it before moving on to the latest questions.  Not sure if everyone is aware of how good a predator man is. When I began fishing and the DEC stocked only yearling trout and everyone kept their limit of ten.  A 12 inch trout was a trophy on most streams and a 14 incher was fish of the year. It was not until catch and release fishing became popular that catching larger fish became possible. The lower section of the Bk was not heavily fished when I started fishing there and catch and release was just getting popular. That there were some big trout in most pools was a combination of catch and release and light fishing pressure. Although I saw the Hendrickson hatch decline after the three major floods of the early 2000's the population of big fish (especially the 'bows) continued to grow, until the onslaught of fish harvesters. Understand that the BK, for many reasons, will never be home to a large number of trout but with good management it could today provide countless hours of quality fishing for both wild brown and rainbow trout. With liberal creel limits a very few fishermen can (and do) eliminate that possibility. The DEC acknowledges that over 95% of the fishermen practice no-kill, yet they allow excessive taking of trout on most of the BK water. I suggested to the DEC that they  do their stocking in that portion of the river that receives the most "casual fisherman" pressure and allow the taking of fish there. Doing so would allow anglers to enjoy success and keep their trout for dinner if they choose. Also suggested  making the downstream section no kill, leaving it's population dependent on wild trout reproduction. 

Mike from Maryland - Welcome to the blog, if you read it long enough you will learn that my intentions are good but my information is often a day late.

Keith - Ho-hum to the UEB.  Would you believe that just two years ago I caught more fish there than in the WB? I do believe that the big hatchery fish now residing there are a serious problem for the young wild trout and that they will delay the recovery time for the wild trout fishery but I have not a clue about the disappearance of good summer sulfur and olive hatches.

Ed S. - I think I answered your question last week. It was surprisingly good where and when I fished. 

Keith - Ephemeroptera, really, it's not even in my dictionary. Good one! 

Jason - Thank God it's not that easy, every boat and wade fisherman would be in the same pool at the same time.  Jim N. knows but he isn't telling.

Jim V. - Gave serious thought to taking the last one home but found I just couldn't - even though I should have.

Jim N. - At least you have experienced it.  When it's on, the number of fish that just "appear" is astounding and it is fun (sorta) to watch them come up (often with open mouths) and just say no.  As to what fly they are eating, sulfurs of course (the ones without hooks) If you are getting looks, changing size might help but unless you can tie flies that float on six legs with their body and tail out of the water you'll just have to put up with refusals (they're better than ignores). 

If you or anyone else wants the book signed just leave it with Dave at the Troutfitter, I'll stop by and sign it. He'll hold it 'til you come by to pick it up.  Sorry I missed you on the rainy day.

Dennis - As always thanks for your river reports, for sure, you have suffered more than  most by following my well intended but often untimely or misleading suggestions.

Ken T., Dick, Ed S., Keith and Chris P., thanks for your BK thoughts.