04-09-2014, 06:20 PM
About the only places I have been that are "fly fishing only" are that way because it was a condition for access. Two places that have that designation that I can think of are Harriman State Park on the Henry's Fork and the Nature Conservancy Section on Silver Cr.
The Harrimans required the Fly Fishing Only designation as a stipulation to turning it over to the state. And the Nature Conservancy requires it to allow public access.
Too narrow in my opinion also, but it is what it is.
The "the single hook barbless artificial lures and flies" designation protects the fish enough in sensitive areas. Most states now days use this designation rather than the more restrictive "fly fishing only" if they can.
Now for my extra $.05 on fly fishing beyond the catch.
There will always be some who are jerks and snobs whether it is the model of car they drive or how they fish. Just ignore them.
Everyone fishes for somewhat different reasons as well as for some similar reasons. For many that fly fish, it isn't just the catching that counts, it is the challenge of each individual situation. To some that challenge may be to use only dry flies. That doesn't necessarily mean that they are snooty or so blind that they can't see the writing on the wall (or the fish on the bottom). It is just that's the goal that they have set for themselves, and they want to accomplish it more than just catching. That isn't me, but I can understand it.
I fly fish because I get much more "involved". I am constantly analyzing the challenge as I see it. Whether it is lake fishing or stream fishing, I am looking at the conditions and what bugs are out, whether fish are taking food on the surface or just under it. How big are the bugs, what color, do I have a fly, or can I create something that will fool them. I am moving pretty much all the time too. Casting, stripping the line in, mending, and trying different depths, areas, and the next pool around the corner. And on and on there are always new mysteries to solve. New things to learn.
What I really like though is the challenge of "fish hunting"; like in small clear mountain streams. The area is beautiful, but generally the fish are smaller. I can frequently see the fish, they are spooky, the pools are difficult to cast to, you have to be right on the money with your presentation. Each new pool around the corner is a new challenge. It is constantly changing.
It isn't how everyone fishes, nor do I expect everyone to. It's how I enjoy fishing for now. That may change in the future who knows, but for now it is some of what makes this fly fisher tick.
[signature]
The Harrimans required the Fly Fishing Only designation as a stipulation to turning it over to the state. And the Nature Conservancy requires it to allow public access.
Too narrow in my opinion also, but it is what it is.
The "the single hook barbless artificial lures and flies" designation protects the fish enough in sensitive areas. Most states now days use this designation rather than the more restrictive "fly fishing only" if they can.
Now for my extra $.05 on fly fishing beyond the catch.
There will always be some who are jerks and snobs whether it is the model of car they drive or how they fish. Just ignore them.
Everyone fishes for somewhat different reasons as well as for some similar reasons. For many that fly fish, it isn't just the catching that counts, it is the challenge of each individual situation. To some that challenge may be to use only dry flies. That doesn't necessarily mean that they are snooty or so blind that they can't see the writing on the wall (or the fish on the bottom). It is just that's the goal that they have set for themselves, and they want to accomplish it more than just catching. That isn't me, but I can understand it.
I fly fish because I get much more "involved". I am constantly analyzing the challenge as I see it. Whether it is lake fishing or stream fishing, I am looking at the conditions and what bugs are out, whether fish are taking food on the surface or just under it. How big are the bugs, what color, do I have a fly, or can I create something that will fool them. I am moving pretty much all the time too. Casting, stripping the line in, mending, and trying different depths, areas, and the next pool around the corner. And on and on there are always new mysteries to solve. New things to learn.
What I really like though is the challenge of "fish hunting"; like in small clear mountain streams. The area is beautiful, but generally the fish are smaller. I can frequently see the fish, they are spooky, the pools are difficult to cast to, you have to be right on the money with your presentation. Each new pool around the corner is a new challenge. It is constantly changing.
It isn't how everyone fishes, nor do I expect everyone to. It's how I enjoy fishing for now. That may change in the future who knows, but for now it is some of what makes this fly fisher tick.
[signature]