Just picked up one of these from eBay. I needed a better 5 wt so I hope this one is good. For 59, it wouldn't be much of a loss even if it wasn't better than the ones I already have.

Fly Logic - fly rods & fly reels with logic

Try the Search box over in the righthand side of the page. It only searches on fly fishing sites that I have in my bookmarks, therefore the results are very targeted. It works great for finding fly patterns. If you know of any other good sites to add, let me know.

Smith's Creek

Kevin and I took off at 7:00AM on Monday to Smith's Creek outside of Harrisonberg. It was a brutely cold and windy day but we fools took off work and we weren't going to miss out on a day of fishing.

We met Billy at Blue Ridge Anglers who gave us a map to the place and let us know that we were really going to enjoy it. He was right. We had a great time. The water was a little murky, but it helped us hide from the trout. It had been raining the last few days so we were lucky that the water was fishable at all. The place hadn't been fished in 2 weeks so it was ready for us novices.

You can't ask for a better maintained stream. It had easy access. It had fast water sections and still water. It was like a completely made up place. Couldn't get any better as far as I am concerned. I caught 2 browns and a huge rainbow (that got away - my mistake). Kevin caught a bunch more along the lines of 8 browns and 3 or 4 rainbows. He pulled in at least one 16 incher. I'm sure there were some much larger ones in there but on my 5 wt, it was a blast. I was planning to use my 5'6" 3 wt which I am glad I didn't. We were most successful with black wooley buggers, murray strymphs and bh prince nymphs.. all pretty large. I wasn't planning on fishing with larger flies so didn't tie any. And if you are interested, I did try the fuggly bugger and no, it didn't work. The damn thing floated. Anyway, here are the pictures. I have some more that I took on a disposable camera that I'll post later. Anyway, I love that place. I'll be back.

I had to post it. I call it the "Fuggly Bugger".

I wanted to make a really loud fly to get the brown trout's attention in Smith Creek. I think I succeeded. I only hope that if I decide to use it, that I don't ruin the fishing for the rest of the day.

Have you ever heard "if it doesn't fit, don't force it"?

Well, I have but I didn't listen.

I wanted to make some progress on finishing up my St. Croix SCIV rod last night so I worked at getting the handle on the rod. I must not have the proper tools as it was very difficult to bore out the cork. I got it within 5 inches of the handle and pushed a little too hard and POP, the cork split in two. About all I could do at that time was push it back down and hope the glue keeps the top cork close to the bottom cork. I checked it this morning, and it isn't bad, but I haven't got to the line guides yet so more room for goof ups.

I'm almost set for the outting on Monday. Got a pair of new waders from LL Bean. I typically don't splurge on the best stuff, but they had some waders that Simms made for them at half price. Couldn't pass it up. Also got a new vest and some flies. My fly tying is going slow, so I'll probably have to pick up the rest of the recommended flies when I stop by Blue Ridge Angler on Monday morning.

We had a massive round of layoffs at the company I (and Kevin, my fishing partner) work for. Neither of us were affected. So, our trip continues as planned.

Smith Creek Article - I'm getting excited!

Flyfishing Entomology

A comprehensive, and very scientific, entomology web site that I ran across today. It may be a little too technical for me. Troutnut.com is more up my alley, but as a reference, this is an excellent site.

I FINALLY get to go fishing! I'm very excited about this trip because it is for a full day (taking off from work), a new stream, and I'm paying a per rod fee so it better be good. We (me and Kevin) are going to Smith Creek near Harrisonburg a week from Monday for the whole day. More info about the stream is at Billy Kingsley's fly shop (www.blueridgeangler.com). If I tie some decent flies over the next week, I'll post some pics.