Castaway Flies...Tie One On!

This site is dedicated to fly fishing , fly tying, and the men and women who enjoy doing both.  I have been blessed with a number of people who have shared much of their knowledge on the topic of fly fishing, both on the water and on the vise.  I've shared many emotions; helping an 11-year-old make the perfect cast to catch and release a huge brown on a small stream; walking off the river skunked one day, going home that night to tie a fly that would match that hatch that skunked me, finally to catch over 20 fish the next day.

     This site is my attempt to give something back. I hope as you peruse the links, you will gain some knowledge, and share some of my emotions on my adventures, both on the water and at the vise.

Welcome! June 24, 2009

Fish On!

Flies make great gifts for fly fishers. Talk about thoughtful.. a selection of flies WILL be the best gift they receive for any occasion.  Let me send you an assortment to present to your favorite fly caster.

Recently I got out fishing with our resident Authority on fishing for Big Game species with a fly, Drew Price.  We were after Carp and Bowfin the other day and I caught my 1st Bowfin.  I haven't had the interest in pursuing these species. After a day with Drew, I plan on spending more time hunting more of the fish which interests him the most, and has more knowledge of where to go and how to catch them than anyone.  This type of fishing is starting to heat up, It's hunting with a fishing rod and your prey is a fish that explodes on a fly, fights like a pit bull and all of this happens right next to the canoe. If your looking for something different to tighten your line then you need to book a trip with Drew at Stream and Brook Fly Fishing. 

*Gladstone House

 A Great place to stay for spring fishing and white water rafting. Also summer family vacations.

I am happy to make available to adventurous outdoor types, or people who want a quite place to relax, a house that has been in my wife’s family for over 40 years.  Gladstone House is only 30 minutes off Rt. 87 the NYS Northway in a town called North River in the Adirondack State Park.  It  sleeps 8 - 10 comfortably with 4 bedrooms and two bathrooms and all the amenities of home. I've always considered the Gladstone House my base camp without the tent.  From this house you are minutes away from something every member of the family will enjoy, numerous Adirondack High Peaks hikes, White water rafting on the upper Hudson River, fishing, canoeing, kayaking on Thirteenth Lake, and a number of ponds and streams and 55k trails for cross country skiing and biking at the Garnet Hill Lodge.  All this and more and only 45 minutes to Great Escape Theme Park and Splash Water Kingdom, shopping and dining in Lake George, the Saratoga Race Track.  Only 1 ½ hours to Lake Placid for all it has to offer including great antiquing and best of all, fishing the West Branch of the Ausable.  Call or e-mail me for more information.  Mention hearing about the Gladstone House through Castaway Flies and receive a 10 percent discount on rentals. 

**VERY IMPORTANT! 

If you haven't started cleaning your gear yet, it's time to start taking this a little more serious, and not just if you've fish the Connecticut or White. Every time! If you fish daily, where soaking and allowing to dry is not possible, you might want to go back to rubber boots or have 2 sets of gear. It's the felt soles that we all love for greater traction on slippery rocks that are the big contributor to the transporting of this algae, however it can also be relocated by your fly line. There are a number of manufacturers that make rubber sole boots that have cleats. The state of VT and NH appear to be taking it seriously so should we.

This is for anyone who does any kind of recreational activity on the rivers in Vermont. It's REAL that many rivers have established a very invasive algae called Didymo.  From what I've read the algae forms a tan colored mat that covers the river bottom. It particularly likes clear infertile water and clings to rocks with such ferocity that it chokes out ALL organisms that call the river bed home. The wild trout fishing on these rivers and fishing in general will be impacted greatly. This is really bad news. The Connecticut is one off my favorite pieces of water. I don't know what the future of the these rivers will be. It appears that nothing can be done to get rid of this algae.  What I do know is that we can not allow this to spread to ruin more beautiful water in this state or any other.  go to www.biosecurity.govt.nz. for more information. and soak any gear you can particularly waders and felt sole boots in a 5% bleach, 5% saline, 5% laundry detergent and very hot water for a minimum of 40 min.. Any thing that has touched the water and can not soak, you should clean with the same solution. Things like reels, line, canoe, paddles etc.   Don't be lazy on this one. Get the word out. The thought that you could be the one who transferred this stuff to another river systems should scare you enough. 

Jus Fishin'

Brian Zinger, Owner

Fly-fishing Guide and Custom Fly Tyer

Home-802-879-9974

Cell 802-999-6759