Big R Fly Shop - March eMagazine

FARM STORE FLY FISHING EXCLISIVE: Idaho Photographer TIM PASK

MARCH 2013

ATTACK of the AQUATIC INVADERS

BY MATT GUTZMANN

Being prepared can save you hours

TRAILER HUB REPLACEMENT

BY FRED TELLEEN

Steelhead on the Clearwater River, ID

The ANATOMY of SPEY

BY CALVIN FULLER

Belize Edition

WHAT’S in the BOX?

BY SAM WIKE

WAGERS on the WATER

BY BRIAN NEILSEN

.....

.

Pg14

CONTENTS

MARCH 2013 • VOL 6, ISSUE 3 bigrflyshop.com

FEATURES

9 The Anatomy of Spey by Calvin Fuller

Spey casting for steelhead on the Clearwater River in Idaho

DEPARTMENTS

13 Gambling & Fishing by Brian Neilsen

12 Tying Technique with Fred Telleen

16 Idaho Artist Spotlight Interview by Calvin Fuller

13 Creature Feature with Calvin Fuller

17 What’s in the Box by Sam Wike

14 Mandatory Trailer Maintenance with Fred Telleen

Put your money where your trout is

Photographer TIM PASK exposes himself in this month’s local artist profile Fly recommendations for Belize, Mexico

Whip finishing 101

Calvin ties a Crazy Charlie Variant, perfect for our upcoming Belize trip

Spend more time on the water, not broken down on the side of the road

27 Attack of the Aquatic Invaders by Matt Gutzmann

Photo by John Ewald

Awareness of aquatic invasive species is the first step towards prevention

ON THE COVER Bahamian Bonefish • Photo by Tim Pask

F ISHF UL

THINKIN G

From

PONDERAY

“S pring is around the corner”

Photo by Rob Guevarra

March is a month of transitions. It marks the end of my snow season, and the beginning of fishing for the year. As the snow melts off the mountains and the rivers swell, the fish begin to migrate upstream to spawn. The cutthroat and the rainbows are searching out clean gravel to form reds, and the bull trout are taking advantage of the high water to push them as far up into the mountain streams as possible, where they will reside for the summer and eventually spawn in the fall. The days get warmer and longer and the access to the river gets better with every hour of sun melting the snow. In March I start to look for skwala hatches, green drakes, and yellow sallies.

I’ll still be nymphing in most of March, but you will find foam dries in my vice as I begin to refill my boxes, anticipating eager cutthroat slashing at my offerings on a remote mountain stream. The bass will be warming up too, as the water temps in the lakes begin to rise. Last year’s smolts will begin to head downstream, carried along by the snowmelt, and will become a major food source at the mouths of their natal streams for big hungry bulls and browns.

Elsewhere, steelhead will be making their final push into Idaho and Eastern Washington, migrating up the Columbia and Snake River drainages, marking an end to their great journey up rivers like the Methow and Middle Fork of the Salmon. On the coast, chrome bright steelhead, sea lice still attached, will be pushing into the glacial fed rivers of the Olympic Mountains, and many anglers will make a migration of their own to land one of these ghosts. These otherworldly, almost mystical fish, haunt any angler who has felt there presence deep in the rainforest. If you can endure the rains, the floods, and the long days with no fish, then rivers like the Hoh and Sol Duc can be some of the very best fisheries in the Northwest.

I will still be hoping for some of the seasons last big snowfalls in the mountains, but unlike December I will great them with mixed emotion. On one hand, I will miss the powder and lack of biting insects while I battle against the heat of August. On the other, I will be praying for warm rains to clear the mountain passes of the snow so I can reach my favorite trout streams.

The weather can be unpredictable in March, and it is best to be prepared for anything and make the most of it. Fishing in a 35 degree rain and wind is brutal, but the fish don’t seem to mind… and there is nothing like a 60 degree day of sunshine after a cold winter. On these days when the hatches get going and the fish are keyed into the surface, I will most certainly not miss winter.

I hope you all have a great month of fishing,

Dustin Bise Big R Fly Shop | March 2013

pg 2

T N I O P D N SA

FLY

FEST M L I F G th FISHIN th & 20 9 1 l i r p A

IDAHO

Doors Open @ 6pm • Show Time @ 7pm • BOTH NIGHTS •

F3T Tickets:

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IF4 Tickets:

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15 in Advance • $18 @ Door

Tickets available at

• Big R of Ponderay • 477181 N. Hwy 95 • 208 255-5757 www.flyfilmtour.com pg 3

•

• Eichardt’s Pub • 212 Cedar St • 208 263-4005 www.flyfilmfest.com/IF4

Big R Fly Shop | March 2013

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Big R Fly Shop | March 2013

pg 4

ishers Banquet 2013 Missouri River Flyf

iver came from Friends of the Missouri R tana and Canada all over the state of Mon uri River Flyfor the 31st annual Misso Falls. The event fishers banquet in Great les, a silent auction offered door prizes, raff t auction of its and the only fly fishing ar evening was due to e th of s es cc su e Th . nd ki RF, especially M e th of s rt fo ef s es el the tir d Scotty McNeil. chairmen Erik Haugen an al artist, Katy Last month's featured loc the “Best in Show� th wi ay aw e m ca ad st un L tik on masonite award for her acrylic tryp which also fetched titled "booties on the fly", t. the highest bid of the nigh

Well hello, ladies...

il T a ra b e th M cN e

lls Heritage Inn - Great Fa pg 5

Er

Paul Considine & John Ewald

Gutzman Jerrin Uecker, Matt & Dana ed” LaBrel Keaton “Cornf

rik Haugen & Scotty McNeil

Bob Warneke, Denny Hanson, Brian Holum & Sam Schmidt

Fred Telleen pg 6

In Anatomy of Spey, we demonstrate a specific spey configuration for a specific purpose. This month, Calvin Fuller in Ponderay, ID disects his setup for

Spey Casting for Steelhead on the Clearwater River

Rio SlickShooter 7.99

Rio AFS Shooting Head 49.99

Starting out with the fly reel, I really like loud reels with just enough tension so they won’t backlash when line is stripped off quickly. The sound that a Hardy Salmon Marquis makes, when a hot fish is hooked, is second to none.

For backing, I prefer 50# gel spun filled accordingly.

Usually you can get several hundred yards on one spool and you will not have to change it out for years. I connect my running line via a loop-to-loop connection with a bimini twist in both the running line and the backing.

For my running line, I prefer a low stretch line. Rio Slick shooter has lower stretch than most other running lines and shoots through the guides with ease. Some running lines out there have no stretch, however their coatings tend to peel easily when knotted. For a cheaper option running line, Berkley Big Game in 30# or 40# is a good option. I will, once again, use a bimini twist on the other end of the running line connecting a loop-to-loop connection with the factory loop in my spey line.

Airflo Scandi Compact 49.99

pgpg 2 7

Big R Shop Fly Shop | March2013 2013 Big R Fly | February

For my line I prefer the Rio AFS Shooting Head. This line tends to land much softer on the water than most other Scandi’s and Compact Scandi lines. However, they can be more difficult to cast in windy situations. It is always a good idea to have an Airflow Scandi Compact as a back-up. On the end of my AFS or Scandi Compact, I run a 10ft. floating section of line, which is usually a floating Airflow PolyLeader or Rio VersiLeader. These are connected by factory loop-to-loop connections.

Off the end of my VersiLeader/PolyLeader is run a chunk of 20# maxima, ultra-green, mono. I connect the mono to the VersiLeader with a nail-knot. I will run anywhere from 4-6 feet of 20# maxima, then connect whatever tippet section I feel like using. For the most part I run 4-5 feet of 15# Trouthunter Fluorocarbon for my tippet section. Then I connect the fly with a non-slip mono loop.

Maxima Ultragreen 3.99

14’ Airflo Polyleader 14.99

Hardy Marquis #2 358.99

Big 2013 BigRRFly FlyShop Shop| |March February 2013

Trouthunter Fluorocarbon 0x 16.99

pg pg 8 2

TYING TECHNIQUE

W

pg 9

H

IP

IT

O G

O

D Most fly tyers know how to whip finish.

But not all of us do. Or maybe you’re familiar with how to use a whip finishing tool, but haven’t tried doing it by hand. In this month’s tying tech, Fred Telleen at the Great Falls Shop demonstrates his methods of whip finishing. And for your viewing enjoyment, we’ve thrown Matt Gutzman into the video, behaving strangely.

Big R Fly Shop | March 2013

MISSOURI’S MOST WANTED Brand New Patterns Hand-Picked by the

Great Falls Fly Shop Crew The spring shipment of flies

A. C.

B.

D.

E.

OO OO

just hit the bins and we've got some exciting new patterns.

These are just a small sampling of what's now available. Make sure and drop by your Big R Fly Shop and see the rest of what's new and what's hot!

A. Sobota’s Rainbow Swimmin’ Jimmy B. Bloom’s Sculpin Bugger C. Abram’s Lil Kim D. Ish’s Grand Master Flash E. Ish’s Swinger Cray

Big R Fly Shop | March 2013

pg 10

GUIDED BY VOICES

Gambling & Fishing

by Missouri River Guide Brian Neilsen

I have been guiding for 21 years and have accepted the fact that gambling amongst buddies during the course of a day of fishing is as common as casting. Good or bad, it will always be a part of the trip. So, here are some basic types of fishing bets and two brief gambling stories: 1. Most fish 2. Biggest fish 3. Combination bet: biggest/smallest and worst tangle 4. Point System: Brown = 2, Rainbow = 1, Whitefish = -1, either species on a dry is worth double the value On the last morning of a five day trip, a bet was organized in the parking lot among seven guests for biggest fish of the day. Each angler anteed up $100.00 and swore to tell the truth. Hands were shook and everyone promised to be as accurate and honest as possible to the ¼ inch. “We’re all friends here, no BS,” one angler said. “Honor system, boys,” said another. I was impressed with their honesty. I drew a single angler that day and the morning bite was excellent.

Within a half hour we were into five or six fish, but no monsters. The next Rainbow was not a winner, but a nice fish that taped barely 19 ¼ inchs. As I taped the fish, I watched the angler realize that none of his pals were there to witness his catch, and victory was surely his. As fact and opportunity registered, he looked up from the Rainbow in my hands, canned his earlier oaths and morals, and said “what do you say we call it twenty?” Disgusted, I suggested we call it 23” win the bet for sure, get off the water and spend the rest of the day in the cool shad“The itsy-bitsy spider climbed up the water spout” pg 11

Big R Fly Shop | March 2013

owed confines of Joe’s Bar. There is no honor among anglers fishing by themselves.

I was outfitting a trip for four old friends and during lunch they determined dinner would be bought by the losing boat of the “point system” bet. Rules were outlined and the other boat pushed into the current confident they’d win dinner. As the boat rowed away, my friend Mason yelled, “Whitey to the back of the head is five points!” I laughed and thought nothing of it. The two boats separated briefly. Fishing was good and an hour later the competitor’s boat caught us anchored mid-river and asked what our count was. “Five” I replied. “Five points?” asked Scott, who was the angler in the back of the other boat. “Yup” said Mason. After a barrage of insults and trash talk erupted from the two boats, a solid 17” Whitefish quietly appeared from the hand of Scott and was then thrown hard and accurate from boat to boat crossing 20 or 30 feet of water to the side of Mason’s grinning face. Stunned, Mason coolly lifted himself up from the floor of my boat, calmly picked up the Whitey and said “Well played…well played.” “Looks like we’re all tied up,” Scott said as they pulled anchor and drifted downstream. P

One point for Gryffindor

“eeny, meeny, miny...San Juan Worm!”

Big R Fly Shop | March 2013

pg 12

C R E A T U R E

F E A T U R E

Calvin Fuller’s

Crazy Charlie Variant Calvin from the Ponderay Fly Shop is on the vise in this month’s Creature Feature with a salty little nibble called the Crazy Charlie. This fly’s namesake and creator is none other than legendary Bahamian fly fishing guide, Charlie Smith (see “the guy who defined fly fishing in the Bahamas).

RECIPE • Hook: Gamakatsu SL11-3H, Size 8 • Stainless Steel Bead Chain Eyes - Small • Larva Lace Nymph Rib - Clear • Wing: Steve Farrar’s Flash Blend - Light Pink • Light Pink Thread

pg 13

Big R Fly Shop | March 2013

Whether powering casts on windy saltwater flats, turning over bass and pike flies in tight target zones, or making that perfect presentation to mister selective, one of the following Echo Single handed rods will fill the bill.

CARBON: One of the best "deals" in the world of Fly Fishing. The ECHO Carbon rods are ultra smooth casting along with being of bullet proof durability. Echo’s most popular rod series in company history.

Carbon 8’ 4wt, 8’6” 5wt REGULAR PRICE $169.99

59

$

Ion 9’ 6wt, 9’ 8wt, 9’ 10wt or 10’ 6wt

99

69

$

99

REGULAR PRICE $189.99 ION: Fast, tough, get after it kind of rod series.

The Ion has always had that "Work Horse" air when it comes to durability and function. But do not make the mistake thinking this rod is a beast and not fun to cast and fish, it will surprise you.

Big R Fly Shop | March 2013

pg 14

COVER STORY

Reel Friends Spokane, WA with Tim Pask, Calvin Fuller and Dustin Bise during the 2012 FFF Fair

PHOTOGRAPHER . WORLD TRAVELER . STRONG WITH THE FORCE

TIM PASK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

I met photographer and fly fisherman Tim Pask in 2009 at my old fly shop in Ponderay, ID through a mutual friend, Justin Crump. The two of them had just returned from Mongolia where they were filming for the the Trout Bum Diaries. Crump kept insisting I meet this Tim guy, being that we were both fish folk. Fast forward a

pg 15

Photo by Rob Guevarra Interview by Calvin Fuller

few years and you’ll find us hunting together mostly. Although we have fished in Baja Mexico, Northern Idaho and have some fishing trips planned in the near future. I love spending time in the outdoors with Tim as he always makes things more interesting. Needless to say, we have become very good friends since our first meeting. I sit down with the globe trekking, fly fishing man behind the lens to try and get the bigger picture.

Big R Fly Shop | February 2013

"I have met most of my best friends while traveling the globe with a backpack full of camera gear. I can’t explain how it happens, but I seem to meet great people while traveling to beautiful places. So if you run into somebody you know in places like Rio Gallegos, Argentina and then Ulanbaataar, Mongolia in the same year, you just might have our affliction and I’ll tell you now that there is no cure, so buckle up and enjoy the ride." -Tim Pask

Los Pakadores: Tim and wife Sonya in Baja, Mexico 2012. Photo by Josh Tarr

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

BRFS: How old were you when you started fly fishing?

TP: My grandfather worked for Bronson Reels, and I still remember him giving me my first fly rod and reel when I was 11. Not much double hauling was happening, but as far as the bluegills were concerned, I was Darth Vader and the Force was strong within me.

BRFS: You’ve fished mamy places since then. What’s your favorite river in the world?

TP: I'd have to say that the Skeena River is my favorite. The biggest wild steelhead in the world all head up the Skeena, and I love knowing that my next swing could come tight on 30 pounds chrome.

BRFS: What’s in the works for you presently?

TP: In 2003 I was running a heli-fishing operation on the Kola Peninsula, and we flew over these crazy military guys who were all wearing black berets. As we lowered to pick them up I noticed they all were carrying fly rods. I told one of the guys that I thought they were military, and he replied, "We are, were the Loop Army!" I have been in the Loop Army ever since and am currently assisting them on the development of the North American market.

BRFS: What’s your favorite species of fish?

TP: There are so many fish I love to fly fish for, but if I could only chose one, I'd have to chase tarpon. Sight fishing is a lot like hunting, and targeting the Silver King on the flats is as cool as it gets in my world.

There isn't a single thing about them that is easy, and I've cast hundreds of times with out even a look, but when the King decides he is hungry, you better be ready. Hundreds of yards of backing melt off your reel, and jumps that will test every aspect of your skill and tackle. Yeah, for my very last trip I hope to go meet the King one last time..

BRFS: Do you have an equipment preference?

TP: I shoot all Nikon gear, but personally don't think it matters on the brand. All these new digital cameras are insanely good, and getting better all the time. Being creative and learning to know when the light is good is the real key to getting great images. That and being lucky enough to be in beautiful locations and having great anglers around you. The last thing I'd mention is to take hundreds of images if the conditions are right. I usually take over 1,000 per day. You will be really surprised to find that stuff you thought would be great, is terrible, and stuff you that would be terrible, is great.

Big R Fly Shop | February 2013

pg 16

TIM PASK

Š

pg 17

P H O T O G R A P H Y

Big R Fly Shop | March 2013

Photo by Rob Guevarra

TIM PASK

© P H O T O G R A P H Y

Big R Fly Shop | March 2013

pg 18

TIM PASK

Š P H O T O G R A P H Y

pg 19

Big R Fly Shop | March 2013

Photo by Rob Guevarra

TIM PASK

© P H O T O G R A P H Y

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Big R Fly Shop | March 2013

pg 20

TIM PASK

Š P H O T O G R A P H Y

pg 21

Big R Fly Shop | March 2013

Photo by Rob Guevarra

TIM PASK

© P H O T O G R A P H Y

Big R Fly Shop | March 2013

pg 22

TIM PASK

© P H O T O G R A P H Y

pg 23

Big R Fly Shop | March 2013

TIM PASK

© P H O T O G R A P H Y

Big R Fly Shop | March 2013

pg 24

Photo by Sam Wike

.................

BY SA M WIKE

I think these are good starting point �lies for people headed to Belize. Of course if you are a tier like me, you will most likely spend hundreds of dollars on fancy materials to tie a few hundred “secrets”, in which case 2 or 3 may grace your tippet for a few casts until your guide says “change �lies”.

6.

1.

11.

2.

7.

10.

3.

12.

What I love about Belize fishing

13.

4.

8.

9.

14.

5.

pg 25

16.

15.

Big R Fly Shop | March 2013

is how many different kinds of fish you get to take shots at. The challenge lies in how to narrow your gear down to a couple of 50lb bags with gear for Tarpon, Bones, Permit, Cudas, Sharks, Jacks, and even Bluewater species if you want to get after it and the waves past the reefs are calm enough.

The flies I recommend are from what I have used. BUT, I have also learned that no matter what you bring on any saltwater trip, the guides will inevitably tell you that your box containing 10 times the amount of flies to ever touch tippet on a trip, are mostly all wrong. So consider these guidelines, and if you are a tier, bring materials.

Bonefish Flies Belize has huge quantities of bonefish, not known for their size, necessarily, but their willingness to eat a fly; most of the time. Necessary flies in my box for Belize include Crazy Charlies in a variety of colors from size 8-10 with and without bead chain eyes. Charlies without eyes are called “Blind Charlies”.

Maybe the most important fly on any Bonefish trip would have to be the Gotcha. I would carry Gotchas in size 6-10 in regular synthetic wings, and with cream or tan bunny strip backs. The bunny fur version is often called “The Bonefish Bug”. If you are a tier, Belize bonefish are one of the best fish to test your patterns on as well, so the rest of my box consists mostly of creativity.

Enrico Puglisi makes really small bonefish patterns called Turneffe Micro Shrimp that have small plastic eyes. Because of the size and lightness of the fly, these are great when you are targeting tailing fish in extremely shallow water.

Permit Flies Probably the number one pattern that I have in all colors is the EP Spawning Shrimp. I’ve seen more permit caught on that fly than any other.

After that, I always have some larger size 2-4 Epoxy Shrimp, Del’s Permit Crabs, and a small variety of other crabs on hand. However, I can say that almost every guide we’ve been with will choose the spawning shrimp first.

Sam’s Tarpon box

Tarpon and Snook Flies Although Belize is often not seen as a Tarpon destination, they do have large migratory adults and lots of mangrove baby tarpon. In the same places where you often find baby tarpon, you will most likely get at least a few shots at some really big snook. You could write a whole book about what you should bring for migratory Tarpon, Snook, and Baby Tarpon, but there are probably a couple essentials. I bring a variety of Tarpon Toads, mostly smaller ones like 1 – 0/1. The guide that I fish with in Belize loves the Black Death fly as well as Cockroaches, so I bring some of those as well. I mostly focus on a big variety of sizes and colors from the tying bench after that. In my experience, when Snook have locked jaw, they don’t eat, so the big variety gives me a lot of things to try and pass the time; putting endless casts right in front of their humungous eyeballs, occasionally locking in to some very grippy mangrove leaves, and then begging our guide to look for other fish to chase as I eventually shamelessly admit unworthiness to the Snook.

Random Flies I bring on all saltwater trips I also bring a selection of Clousers, Deceivers, and a few cuda flies on most saltwater trips. You will inevitably run into a big school of jacks or a barracuda that you will want to take some shots at. Both are great species. You may find yourself blind casting in bad weather, and for a general pattern, a Clouser is a good choice. My best 60 minutes of Tarpon fishing started by blind casting a Clouser in similar contitions.

THE BUGS 1. Clouser 2. Deceiver 3. Cockroach 4. Marabou Toad

5. Cuda Fly 6. Black Death 7. Rabbit Toad 8. EP Micro Crab

9. EP Turneffe Micro Shrimp 10. Crazy Charlie 11. Spawning Shrimp 12. Epoxy Shrimp Big R Fly Shop | March 2013

13. Bonefish Bug 14. Gotcha 15. Del’s Permit Crab 16. EP Crab pg 26

DEEP WADING JACKET

119

$

95

REGULAR PRICE $249

This ultra lightweight 2.5-layer H2No® Performance Standard nylon fishing jacket is waterproof and breathable, and features zippered pockets set high for wading.

Go light. Go deep. Go fish. And better yet, stay dry in the process. Our ultralightweight Deep Wading Jacket is cut above the waist for serious wading.

DETAILS • H2No® Performance Standard 2.5-layer tear-resistant nylon with a waterproof/breathable barrier, Deluge® DWR (durable water repellent) finish and sealed seams; jacket is packable and lightweight • Visibility/Houdini® drawcord hood with single-pull adjustment • Glued-in, coated, reverse coil, center-front zipper and chest pocket zipper are both highly water-resistant • Zippered chest pockets (set high for wading and with drain holes), brushed polyester-lined handwarmer pockets, hanging accessory loop inside right pocket • Reverse StretchCoat cuffs • D-ring on back; hidden daisy chain on left side of chest above heat-transfer label • H2No® Performance Standard shell: 2.5-layer, 2.5-oz 50-denier 100% nylon ripstop with a waterproof/breathable barrier and a Deluge® DWR (durable water repellent) finish. Cuffs: Reverse StretchCoat®

pg 27

Big R Fly Shop | March 2013

WATERMASTER WADERS

149

$

95

REGULAR PRICE $299

Going the extra mile for fish – whether on foot or in the air – requires light, highly breathable waders that pack easy and stand up to abuse.

These tough, ultra lightweight waders are made with a combination of durable H2No® Performance Standard waterproof/breathable fabrics (lightest weight on top and midweight throughout the body).

DETAILS • H2No® Performance Standard polyester microfiber shell features proprietary waterproof/breathable barrier with a Deluge® DWR (durable water repellent) finish • Waist-mounted EZ-Lock suspenders allow for easy conversion from chest to waist height, and provides quick relief without having to remove jacket or fight hard-to-operate zippers; TPU slide-and-lock design on front and back of suspenders offer security when wading deep and for roll down, waist-high comfort • Inside zippered pocket flips out for quick access • Stretch Wading Belt with a quick-release DuraFlex® Stealth-V buckle provides smooth function and an easy-to-adjust fit • Built-in, heavyweight reinforcement fabric gravel guards with abrasion resistant scuff zones; gripper elastic gravel guard cuffs; concealed stainless steel, locking boot hooks secure cuff to boot and avoid line catch; anatomically curved knees; inside leg seams are positioned away from wear zones • Anatomically curved knees; custom fit for left and right booties with abrasion-resistant soles • Laser cut Hypalon® utility keeper for easy access to tools, nippers, etc.; field repair kit included Big R Fly Shop | March 2013

pg 28

Aquatic invasive species are no game, and not too fun for our environment either, MATT GUTZMANN

gets into what’s getting into our waters.

Zebra Mussel: Randy West brooks, U.S. Geological Survey, Bugwood.org

We’ve all been told to dry our waders, clean our boats, and that our

felt soles will transport bad things. Milfoil, Zebra Mussel, and Asian Carp might come to mind. But what issues directly affect us here in the Northwest region?

Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are aquatic and terrestrial organisms and plants that have been introduced into new ecosystems and are harming both the natural resources in these ecosystems and threatening the human use of these resources. The terms invasive, nuisance and exotic species are usually used interchangeably. There area multiple ways invasive species can enter our ecosystem but for the most part they enter from large transoceanic ships entering Great Lakes ports and dumping infested ballast water or by people simply dumping aquarium water and plants into their local waterways.

According to Dave Parrish, resident fisheries program in Idaho, the largest and fastest growing issues that our area currently deals with are Eurasion Watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) and Asian Clams

pg 29

(Corbicula fluminea). Eurasion Watermilfoil were introduced to the United States in the 1940’s and, like most invasive species, out compete native plants for survival. The Eurasion Watermilfoil can grow in such thick mats that they both shade the native undergrowth vegetation from sunlight so they cannot survive, and the thick mat can prevent oxygen rich surface water from mixing with the deeper water creating anaerobic conditions in the water preventing organisms from living. This lack of mixing increases pH levels and decreases the amount of oxygen resulting in fish and native plant kills. One of the toughest battles in dealing with the Eurasian Watermilfoil is that it easily reproduces by fragmentation, meaning it only takes a small piece of the plant to break off, about the size of a nickel, to take root and form a new colony. These colonies grow by spreading shoots underground and creating new sprouts and are almost impossible to eradicate once they have been well established. Eurasian Watermilfoil is established in quite a few areas including the Okanogan,

Big R Fly Shop | March 2013

Zebra Mussel: James F. Lubner, Univ. of Wisconsin Sea Grant Inst., Bugwood.org

Eurasion Watermilfoil: Alison Fox, Univ. of Florida, Bugwood.org Quagga Mussel: Wen Baldwin, Lake Mead Boat Owners Assc., Bugwood.org

Columbia, Snake and Pend Oreille rivers in Washington. In Idaho, Montana, it has already been established in many parts of Washingareas include Lake Pend Oreille, Cocolalla Lake, Hayden Lake and ton including areas of the Columbia River, the Snake River in both other nearby waters. Toston Dam area on the Missouri River, Beaver Idaho and Washington, and has recently been found Lake Pend Lake, sections of the Jefferson River and Fort Oreille, Idaho.

Peck Reservoir have Eurasian Watermilfoil Parrish says that the largest AIS threat “the Asian Clam is one of the populations in Montana. According to the largest invasive species issues to our water is the Zebra Mussel (Dreissena polyClark Fork Coalition, a single wisp of milfoil morpha), and the closely related Quagga Mussel we’re dealing with right now” plant can multiply into 250 million new plants.

(Dreissena bugensis). These mussels were introEurasian Watermilfoil can live up to a week out of water if it stays duced to the US in the 1980’s from ships releasing their ballast water moist on objects like a carpeted bunk on a boat trailer, livewells, or felt from their hulls at port in the Great Lakes and quickly spread soled boots. throughout the Great Lakes and Midwest regions. Now they inhabit Parrish adds that the Asian Clam is one of the largest invasive nearly every major river in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic. The musspecies issues we’re dealing with right now. Parrish says the clams are sels had not reached the western United States until it was found in filter feeders that remove plankton from the water. Juvenile fish rely Lake Mead, Nevada in 2007. The problem created is similar to the on plankton as a food source and when the clams consume the plankEurasian Watermilfoil in that these mussels filter feed up to a quart ton, it has population impacts on the fish.” While not yet found in of water per day. When you multiply that by millions of mussels (a

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Big R Fly Shop | March 2013

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single adult female Zebra Mussel will produce between 30,000 and 1 million eggs per year) you end up with very little algae left for native fish and other organisms. So far there have not been any reports of Zebra or Quagga Mussels in Montana, Idaho, or Washington.

In the grand scheme of things, there are a whole lot of things that have the capability of transporting AIS. The issue with felt soled boots is that the felt takes a long time to dry. If you only fish once a month, shame on you, but at least you can be sure that your equipment is probably dry. If you fish more often than that, you have to take measures to be safe. Fishing with rubber-soled boots is a start, but you have to do more. Realize that cleaning, drying and inspecting your anchor rope might literally help an entire water system from falling apart. You need to be aware and look for weeds and snails in your gaiter guards and laces every time you get out of the water before you put your stuff away. And if you fish in an area that is known to have any AIS threats, you have to do this and tell your buddies at the bar about it. Aquatic invasive species are a threat to fishing and recreation for years and generations to come and it is up to us to do something about it today.

MORE TO LOOK OUT FOR Dittymo (Didymosphenia geminata), which is wreaking havoc on many streams in the east, is currently in select western streams and, while it is not known for sure if the algae is native to the area, it does not seem to pose a very large or immediate threat to our local waters productivity. Dittymo, also known as rock snot, can create algae blooms on river bottoms which can become so thick that it chokes out native organisms and can inhibit food sources for fish.

Whirling Disease (Myxobolus cerebralis) is a parasite that causes skeletal deformation and neurological damage. The parasite stores in the fish until the fish dies, where it is released into the water and infects other fish. The deformation of the fish’s skeleton causes the fish to swim in a corkscrew or whirling pattern, making it difficult pg 31

to find food and making for easy targets for predators.

VHS (viral hemorrhagic septicemia) is an infectious disease in fish which causes hemorrhaging of their internal organs. They may have signs of boated abdomens or a reddish Asian Clam: Shawn Liston, Audubon of Florida, Bugwood.org hue in their eyes, skin and gills or even open sores. The virus can be transmitted through the water, contaminated eggs, and the consumption of an infected fish. VHS, which so far has been confined to the Great Lakes region, has caused large scale kills of freshwater drum, New Zealnd Mud Snail: Mohammed El Damir, muskies, bluegill, bass and Pest Management, Bugwood.org many other fish.

Asian Carp (a general name which includes silver, bighead, grass and black carp) were brought over in the 1970’s as a way to filter the water in fish farms. Flooding in the 1980’s introduced these fish to the wild. They are and aggressive fish and consume up to 20% of their body weight (some weighing over 100 lbs) per day in plankton. They have zero natural predators and female fish lay half a million eggs each time they spawn. Their populations are growing very rapidly and are out competing many native fish in middle US and some worry that if the carp reach the Great Lakes, they would consume so much plankton that the native aquatic ecosystem would collapse.

New Zealand Mud Snail is a snail that is usually 4-6mm, but can grow to 12mm, in length that feeds on animal detritus, algae and plankton. While their exact impacts on aquatic ecosystems are not certain, their dense populations, which can exceed 500,000 snails per

Big R Fly Shop | March 2013

States that ban felt as of 2013 Alaska, Maryland, Rhode Island, Vermont All have banned felt use in all state waters and on March 1st, Missouri will have banned felt in specific trout waters. Other states also have specific rivers and streams which have banned felt soled boots.

States with felt ban bills on the table Maine, Montana, New Mexico, Idaho, Oregon

square meter, can displace native invertebrates while inhibiting food production for fish. Eradication of the snail, which can live 24 hours without water and up to 50 days on damp surfaces, is almost impossible once the snail is present in a watershed. All western state, except New Mexico, have the NZMS and it is present in the Missouri, Madison, Snake, and Columbia Rivers as well as many other lakes and rivers.

If you boat at all in Idaho (resident or non-resident) and your boat (or canoe, kayak, drift boat, inflatable, etc.) is over 10 feet whether it has a motor or not, you must purchase an Idaho Invasive Species Foudation (IISF) sticker and put it on your vesselThe money you spend on that sticker goes toward Idaho marine law enforcement and waterway projects. Sticker prices range from $7 to $22.

Prevent the transport of nuisance species.

Clean all recreational equipment. www.ProtectYourWaters.net

When you leave a body of water:

• Remove any visible mud, plants, fish or animals before transporting equipment.

• Eliminate water from equipment before

transporting • Clean and dry anything that comes into contact with water (boats,trailers, equipment, clothing, dogs, etc.).

• Never release plants, fish or animals into a body of water unless they came out of that body of water.

Big R Fly Shop | March 2013

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Simms’ New Digs

Words and photos

by Paul Considine

When our new Simms rep, Michael Whte, invited

the Big R crew down to Bozeman to tour Simms’ new facility, there was no hesitation. Who wouldn’t jump at the opportunity to view the production of some of the best waders on the market, from R&D to completion on the production line?

So we made the 3 hour journey from Great Falls to Bozeman. First thought? This place is impressive! Pulling into the parking lot and walking into the spacious foyer, I could tell Simms wanted to make a statement. The foyer features a glass wall, allowing visitors to view the production room – I think most of us would have been satisfied watching this all day.

We met up with Michael and some other fly shops and were led on the grand tour by Simms veteran Diane Bristol. This is a do-it-all, state of the art shop. Our tour led us through customer service, shipping, research and product development, marketing, custom logo manufacturing, the production area, and the showroom. Notable highlights included watching the repair of some “well-worn” waders, the custom logo embroidery machines in action, and the layout and cutting of the wader Gore-Tex. We finished the day with a viewing of the fall line – there are some great new pieces coming out - and a feedback session on where Simms wants to improve and in what direction they are headed.

My first Simms tour was a great experience. It was an excellent opportunity to meet the people who work everyday to create fantastic fishing products.

g 2013 line

Presenting the sprin

Die-cutting pockets

Wader repair

Cutting through layers of Gore pg 33

Big R Fly Shop | March 2013

e-tex

senting Big R

pre Wil l Jordan re

More wader repair

Fly Shop!

Workin’ the booties

Big R Fly Shop | March 2013

pg 34

MANDATORY MANTENANCE

10

Minute WHEEL HUB REPLACEMENT Could Save You Hours of Headache

BY ROB GUEVARRA

sounds like someone left a tin can full of marbles knocking around in your boat. With a little preparedness, a few tools and a replacement wheel hub kit, you can be back on the road in literally minutes flat. Watch the video and see just how simple it is to install.

Everything Fred uses to perform this hub replacement can be found in the automotive section at your local Big R store.

Fly fishermen have a lot to think about

when it comes to our addiction. I’m usually devoting cerebral output towards things like perfecting my spey cast or tying a respectable streamer pattern. The one thing I know I don’t pay enough attention to is my boat trailer. Alas, I am but a Friday-to-Sunday fisherman. For some of us however, our boats are our livelyhood. Fred Telleen, a face you’ve undoubtedly seen quite often if you’ve ever read this publication, relies heavily on his watercraft. In the last 15 years of guiding on the Kenai River in Alaska, Fred has put over 300,000 miles on his boat trailer, shuttling it between Great Falls and Anchorage. No stranger to the road and its hazards, Fred shares one bit of invaluable advice with you, our friends: bring along at least one hub replacement kit. Imagine if you will, driving down the highway, hours away from civilization in any direction, out of cell phone range, when suddenly it

pg 35

Big R Fly Shop | March 2013

Bearing Protector • R607-040/234485 $16.99 12 Ton Bottle Jack • W1632/49211 $39.99 Replacement Wheel Hub Kit • 545/21443 $49.99 Lever Grease Gun • 30-150/681890 $10.99

Big R Fly Shop | March 2013

pg 36

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Big R Fly Shop Magazine is a free monthly electronic publication bringing the latest perspectives, events, blogs and products related to the sport and art of fly fishing. This magazine is published online @ www.bigrflyshop.com every month. To receive email notifications when new issues are released, enter your email address HERE. All email addresses will be kept strictly confidential and will only be used for purposes connected with Big R Fly Shop. Š Copyright 2013 CSWW Inc., dba Big R Stores. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher.