Fly Fishing

**Roguish Lawyer** · 02-03-2006, 20:10

Catwoman is sending me and her Dad to a fly fishing school as a gift to him (poor guy). I need to pick from the following locations, and I would appreciate any general thoughts on fishing and other things in these places:

Manchester, VT (Battenkill River)
Cape Cod, MA (seashore)
Homestead, VA (Cascades Stream)
Coeur d´Alene, ID
Ridgedale, MO (Branson, Missouri, Little Indian and Dogwood creeks)
Traverse City, MI (Manistee, Boardman and Platte Rivers)
Sandanona, NY (Sandanona Sporting Grounds)

Of course, I was supposed to make a decision weeks ago according to CW, so now I have to decide by tomorrow! Any thoughts would be most appreciated. Thanks.

jatx · 02-03-2006, 20:17

When are you going and what outfitters do you have to choose from?

Sdiver · 02-03-2006, 20:19

Well, seeing as she hasn't included anything in montana, like the Western part between Helena and Kilaspil,

I'd have to go with Coeur d' Alene ID.

That get's my vote.

**Roguish Lawyer** · 02-03-2006, 20:21

It's Orvis -- these are the locations they have. Leaning to Michigan so we can visit family in Detroit, but . . .

SDiver, tell me why you picked Idaho.

**Roguish Lawyer** · 02-03-2006, 20:22

jatx -- different locations have different time slots, but it likely will be summer or early fall.

jatx · 02-03-2006, 20:29

If you are going with Orvis, it is hard to beat Manchester, VT. Beautiful place and classic New England experience fishing for brookies, etc. The weather will be pleasant during the summer.

Idaho would be my next choice, mainly because you have nothing listed in Montana.

Avoid Branson at all costs, the crowds and commercialism will drive you mad. Also recommend against Cape Cod. If you want to learn to fish in salt water, you should pick a clearwater tropical location like the Bahamas.

Sdiver · 02-03-2006, 20:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roguish Lawyer

SDiver, tell me why you picked Idaho.

First off....Cape Cod for fly fishing...Never really saw that when I was out there. More along the lines of Deep see....besides, you eat that fish out there, you just might start working for the ACLU.

As far as VT, NY, and VA spots, don't know that much about them.

Same goes with MI and MO.

I'm partial to ID, because it's like MT, as far as the fishing is concerned. I know I'm gonna get flamed for suggesting this, but watch A River Runs Through It, shot around Western MT and parts of ID.

Fishing is good, you've got great scenery, fishing is great, people are friendly, and the Fishing is Awesome.

**Roguish Lawyer** · 02-03-2006, 20:33

Thanks, guys. Anyone else?

**Team Sergeant** · 02-03-2006, 20:44

Coeur d´Alene, ID

Idaho is by far the best for what you wish to do. The only way to beat Idaho is by going to Alaska. Hey why isn't OR on that list?

Sten · 02-03-2006, 21:13

Traverse city is on the other side of the state from Motown. It is beautiful country and I have had great luck fishing all over that part of the state. Up that way in Lake Michigan even has some great cold water (dry suit cold) wreck diving.

Maytime · 02-03-2006, 23:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Team Sergeant

The only way to beat Idaho is by going to Alaska.

This is true, we have some of the best fly fishing in the world, but you have to be willing to shell out the extra $$ to get the most out of the experience. Afterwards you will not be sorry you did though.

**Jack Moroney (RIP)** · 02-04-2006, 06:11

Orvis will teach you in the Battenkill up here in Vermont and its main fish is the brookie, but they do have rainbows and browns. I have never fished the Battenkill but it is a nice area. Never needed lessons in fly fishing because my techniques are so unique that the fish laugh so hard they float to the surface and all I have to do is scoop them up in my net.

Of course, I also am not in the league of fisherfolk outfitted by Orvis. I have seen them on the sections of the White River and its tributaries that I haunt and they sort of shun me. They look great though with all their high speed wadders, floatation vests, multi-colored store bought flys and every kind of gadget imaginable. Then of course are the rods and reels whose cost approaches the GNP of some developing countries. Then there is me-no wadders, jungle boots, jungle fatiques, old ammo vest with limited kit full of whatever I chose to use for the day, patrol cap, drive on rag, and greased up with old-woodsman fly dope that apparently is offensive to their haute couture sensibilities.

So I guess the choice really is do you want the gentleman's course and look good or do you want the outback course and be able to live off your catch

**Bill Harsey** · 02-04-2006, 07:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Team Sergeant

Cur d´Alene, ID

Idaho is by far the best for what you wish to do. The only way to beat Idaho is by going to Alaska. Hey why isn't OR on that list?

Why isn't Oregon on the list? I know why, Orvis isn't allowed here.

If you really want to learn how to fly fish without making it more complicated than it has to be you need to get hooked up with the river guide Dan Stucky in Springfield Oregon and fish the world class McKenzie River with him.

I'm with Jack Moroney when it comes to acceptance by the well heeled fly fishers but we out fish the "Orvis" crowd at least 5 to 1 under any conditions on any day.

You will have fun no matter where you go but you'd have more fun here cathing fish until your arm hurts.

Jo Sul · 02-04-2006, 08:34

Idaho is probably a good choice as several here have said. If you are not locked in to Orvis there are many other places you could go with - most guides will be glad teach you as well. I know some good ones in northern New Mexico and Colorodo.

Here is a link to a good fly-fishing message board - this is a great source of information on specific areas, guide services, etc.
http://outdoorsbest.zeroforum.com/zeromain?id=8

**Team Sergeant** · 02-04-2006, 08:53

Last point, I've fished trout in New England, they don't come close to the size of trout out west....

Go west.....