New at this, any opinions?

Cohodependent · 06-17-2005, 03:25 PM

This is my first post here with you fly guys. I am taking my fiance camping on the Metolius next week for 4 days and would like to try and get her into fly fishing. As I don't have any fly gear any more, I thought that I would go over to GI Joes tomorrow and pick up a rod and reel along with some line and tippet.

Here is where I am looking for some help. While I am a frequest shopper at Joes, I have never really looked at the fly gear. Does Joes have some decent rods ect? I am thinking that I want a 5wt rod. At this point I don't want to spend the money on a Loomis, but am not wanting to go real cheap either. I would like to get some thing that will be a good all around rod for trout. I have been mostly a salmon, steelhead kind of guy if you know what I mean, but if I can get her hooked on fly fishing, then who knows.

I can't wait to see her in her waders and vest on that stream. I just love that place!

Thanks,

Andrew

Pete · 06-17-2005, 03:59 PM

I have several opinions :grin: ... and I'll share a couple.

First, the Metolius is beautiful. Make sure you spend the time to visit Wizard Falls hatchery and walk to the large ponds at the north end of the facility. Seeing all the HUGE fish there will light a fire for catching them. Another good spot to ogle the fish is at the bridge at Camp Sherman.

Second, the Metolius is a tough river. The fish there have been to college and it's not easy to fool them.

Third, fly fishing is about the fly. It takes a good line and a delicate enough leader to present the fly, but the rod is less important and the reel is only for keeping the line from tangling up your feet. Joe's should be able to gear you up pretty well, but I've also found that the best deals are in packages. For example, Cortland, Scientific Angler or Orvis have rod/reel/line packages that will save you money overall.

Fourth, local knowledge is indespensible. Plan to drop in the shop at Camp Sherman for fine-tuning; learning what flies, locations and techniques will work best for your visit.

Fifth, have FUN and enjoy everything else there, too!

Cohodependent · 06-17-2005, 04:18 PM

Thanks Pete!

I thought that I would get my flys at Camp Sherman. This has been an annual camping trip for me for years, but I generally do not fish it much. This is the first time that I am bringing my fiance. I had planned to do a lot of hiking and sight seeing with her and the hatchery was at the top of the list.

Thanks again for your input, I really appreciate it.

Andrew

TillamookChinook · 06-17-2005, 06:21 PM

What Pete said!

A nice hike is along the west side of the river between Canyon Creek Campground and Wizard Falls Hatchery. Great scenary, few other fishers (partly because it is hard to fish), some significant rapids and springs.

TC

Big Ben · 06-19-2005, 02:55 PM

For goodness sakes don't go to Joe's when you have the best fly shop in the world right there! Go to River City Fly Shop on Scholl's Ferry road and have them set her up. They will give you much better service, equipment, price and info than any other place on the planet. They can probably get her into a nice TFO with an Airflo line and leader for as much as a "kit" with much better quality.

The Metolius is not a river for beginners, take her bluegill fishing or something like that and DO NOT try to teach her to cast yourself. Get a guide or a friend who is a guide to help her with that (Don't ask me how I know).

MarlinMark · 06-19-2005, 06:33 PM

I second River City Fly Shop. Can't go wrong there.

Mark

06-19-2005, 07:33 PM

Quote:

I second River City Fly Shop. Can't go wrong there.

Mark

Ditto about River City Fly Shop. Don is in Alaska until the 28th but the other guys will be there to help you out :grin:

Cohodependent · 06-20-2005, 01:12 PM

Thanks you all! I will go by and check them out. Thanks for the help!

cphatts · 06-21-2005, 08:10 PM

Ditto on River City. If you have any extra time while down there, you may want to take her over to the Crooked below Bowman Dam. While it is a little bit of a drive and it is not as pretty as the Metolius, the fish cooperate much more which makes it better for beginners. Standard nymphs such as pheasant tails, copper johns, hares ears, prince nymphs and serindipties should get you into a few fish. If you are there in the evening, fish a caddis dry such as an Elk Hair Caddis.

have fun!