"The Essence of Fly Fishing Nurtures The Whole of Our Being"

FLY FISHING EQUIPMENT RECOMMENDED by DAN FALLON

   Those who have faithfully followed my monthly column are aware of my undying reverence and love of fine handmade Bamboo fly rods. In my sporting life I have the supreme privilege of owning and using Bamboo made by the legendary godfather of modern Bamboo, Walt Powell. I have fished with Mr. Powell and had the honor of carrying his near perfect 4-5-6 weight Bamboo from Alaska to California. My past adventures with Bamboo include trips to Alaska after King Salmon carrying Winston Bamboo fashioned by the master rod maker Glenn Brackett. Glenn has been making many of the finest Bamboo rods I have ever seen. In this rarefied master craftsmen realm another solid Bamboo artist comes to mind from the town of Fall River Mills. James Reams is known to have magic hands that can build from scratch or repair Bamboo as well as anyone alive. These fellows are at the top of the Bamboo making hierarchy. Last year I got the bright idea to FAX ten of the leading Bamboo Rod makers and see if any of them might like to lend me several of their very expensive Bamboo Rods to go after King Salmon light tippet records in Lake Marie Alaska. Glenn Brackett of Winston Rods was he only guy to say "Sounds great Dan, how many Bamboo rods do you require?" Those rods all seven of them were put to the toughest tests imaginable. In a weeks time I had hooked and played many Kings in the 28-45 pound class and those Winston Bamboo Fly Rods never failed. Within the mysterious confines of world class fly fishing Bamboo made well and fished hard is still the weapon of choice for every fly fishing maniac I know.

 The 27 time Vogue Magazine Cover Girl and Estee Lauder spokesperson Karen Graham. Whom I wrote about last year has revered Bamboo and became a featured fly fisher in the prestigious Bamboo Fly Rod Magazine run by a good friend Mark Metcalf.

 Mark is a Bamboo warrior of sorts in as much as his excellent magazine raised the bar when it comes to all things relating to fine Bamboo. Mark and I have worked on several projects around Bamboo and I hold him in high esteem. Famous sportsmen from Bing Crosby to Clint Eastwood have used Bamboo. The Hollywood sports set and many world leaders, ex American presidents have all used and cherished this almost mythical fly rod. Why exactly is that you may be thinking ? Bamboo a natural grass like plant grows in or near good water. The ability to translate the slightest movement straight to your heart & soul has captivated many who have fly fished with fine Bamboo. In my world the finest equipment has always played a role in the excitement of the sport. When I uncork any of my Bamboo Fly Rods and catch that first hint of old world varnish and feel the perfect balance. Its the best way to begin a day on the water. Those of you who wish to sample the very finest in graphite, take a look at my signature custom fly rod series created by famed rod maker Ira Stutzman up next in this update. I have asked our new President George Bush to accept the first rod in the series. I would love to fly fish with him and discuss my feelings on our great open spaces.

Limited edition signed fly rods by Ira Stutzman, design by Dan Fallon

 It gives me great pleasure to announce the honor bestowed upon me by the world renown fly rod maker Ira Stutzman owner of Hells Canyon Custom Rods" out of Oregon. Ira has been making special exotic wood handled fly rods for many years. Ira has made custom rods for President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalyn. The company has never offered this signed limited edition rod series to any other fly fisher, I'm truly humbled and urge all interested sportsmen to read my field test review of these artistic, yet fully functional works of art in last months column. Only 100 rods will be built and are offered as follows: Each rod is serial numbered and will include customers name with inlaid Chucker Feathers. Each rod comes complete with a balanced J. Austin Forbes Reel and Airflow Fly line. The rods will come with a special custom high grade leather case with brass cap. The cap will be engraved with customers name and serial number of rod. The rod is offered as a 7 foot 3 inch 3-4 weight- 3 piece graphite, with special Nickel Silver ferrules and hardware. A perfect traveling small stream rod that can become a hand me down treasured heirloom. This rod casts as well or better then any rod I have ever used and its quite special. If a customer would like another weight or length or any other special consideration? Ira will build to suit on request. The price is $2250,00, for more info contact Ira Stutzman at (541) 742-4828 or click on his web sight at www.hellscanyoncustomrods.com .

Signed Ira Stutzman & Dan Fallon

    I have taken Winston Bamboo Custom made Rods on many of the adventures written about in this monthly column which is about to enter its third year! These well made rods have never let me down including taking their fine Bamboo deep into the Alaskan woods to wrestle forty-pound kings all day. Of all the well known custom rod companies of which there is less then ten or so at the very top. Winston is in the top two percent in quality, craftsmanship and long range maintenance and repair. The skilled hands of master Bamboo maker Glenn Brackett recently repaired a famous Bamboo rod of mine. His work is superb and well worth the three-month wait. The art of living the ultimate fly fishing lifestyle that includes: fly fishing constantly, field testing and writing about all aspects of the sport. Is not fully appreciated without the very finest equipment available on the market. From 1929 on into 2001 Winston stands alone in customer satisfaction and quality work. One of the latest innovations to come from Winston is the unique Winston Elite true custom rod. You the discerning fly fisher consumer can now order your Winston Elite Fly Rod made to your own specifications including grip, wood inserts, style, inscribed with your name. Contact R.L. Winston Rod Company Phone: 406-684-5674 Fax: 406-684- 5533 www.winstonrods.com or E-Mail info@winstonrods.com.

 This months featured field tested fly rod is an Orvis Spruce Creek Full Flex 3 weight Bamboo which comes equipped with a well constructed CFO Reel in the Battenkill version. This handsome little six & a half footer came in to my hands via Hollywood and a pal actor who keeps all his rods in a special room with a handmade wall rack next to his pool table. I spent two days on the waters near South Lake Tahoe California throwing tiny midges and size 16 black stone emerger's and assorted nymphs in moderate to fast water. This rod retails for around $1,800, and it comes with two tips and the CFO reel.

Exclusive Orvis Bamboo

 I was in heaven from the start, I always move slowly with bamboo at first. These fine rods never need more then a gentle throw to get the maximum leverage. This rod easily tossed the tiny flies and 3-weight line even in a fairly stiff breeze. After an hour or so, I hooked into a two pound planted Rainbow that gave me a nice thrill. The rod was very whippy and made me hunger for a little more fight from a bigger fish. I quickly found the groove for 40 to 50 foot casts in light wind. The little bamboo was almost weightless to the feel, funny how I could not take my eyes off of the quality finish and maple wood with nicely sculpted cork swell. I looked carefully for any defects in varnish or eye raps, found none! The up-locking nickel reel seat is not only well put together, but easy on the eyes. If your the kind of fly fisher who gets serious about light bamboo and the magic of playing fish on a system you can hardly feel in your hands, this it. I have a soft spot for well made bamboo usually hand made by people who have the time, and know how to do it right. Orvis has been at it for many years. The cane used and the assembly is top notch, eye wraps are even and solid. I would buy this rod or recommend it as a good investment to be fished not hung on the wall. Contact Orvis at 1800-548-9548 or at their web sight at www.orvis.com

   Learning how to work any of the traditional early season streamers can be as difficult as learning how to cast in the wind. Those fly fishers who are either new to the sport or stuck in ancient deep diving nymph strategies may want to read further! The advantages of learning the secrets of choosing the correct streamer or early season terrestrials are many fold. To begin with, lets explode a few early season myths about enticing sleepy, cold, lethargic trout into hitting your meager offering. There are no exact techniques or systems which will catch trout during this early period. It depends on so many factors, it would take volumes to cover every possible situation. Those who are tried and true deep diving nymph fly fishers are missing out on the whole point of fly fishing. One must learn to quickly change flies and try every possible bug in your box , if nothing seems to work. I will almost always begin with one of my own streamer creations which are extremely buggy and gaudy. These patterns consisting of my "White Dragon" " Fallon Slayer" "Black Magic" and my never miss killer "Lady Di". Have never let me down in any situation on any water at any time of day! Why is that and how could anyone make such a bold statement? Because trout and all game fish are feeding opportunists and will on impulse hit almost anything they think will make an easy meal floating by. These buggy looking streamers I tie each season work well because they have the colors and the hairy insect look which trout cannot resist period.

1. Fallon Slayer, 2. Red Death, 3. Black Magic

 The two most believed myths about early season fly fishing are universal and have caused many boring mornings and afternoons for our sisters and brothers! First, has to be deep diving nymphs are best and have to be inched across the bottom with a twitch now and then. The other myth is one must use only sinking line to get the fly down and keep it down low. Bull----, if you get used to using floating line and nine foot leaders followed by six to seven feet of tippet with a split shot 15 inches above the fly which is also weighted. You my adventurous bug tosser will begin to get more slams and exploding hits then you can imagine. Why the hell is that you ask, because the floating line will keep the fly moving with the tension of the surface current and wind. Sinking line tends to cause the fly to move very sluggishly and hug the bottom. Floating line will keep your bug moving and acting wounded or lost. This sports fan is what drives sleepy trout wild and they can't help but hit your buggy presentation hard every single time!

When throwing these streamers it is important you never obey any rules as far as where or how to throw them. Why is that, wise ass outdoor writer you ask? Because these streamers work best in places you might never imagine fish would hide. Work these streamers up stream near stream edges and around boulders and across stream currents.
 

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