KLG Report -- 1/19

[johnkk111]

Do people still care about fishing reports on this site? Yesterday I went out for the first time this year and caught this rainbow at the Gorge on a #18 Rainbow Warrior trailing a yellow Blood Dot egg. The fish was very deep in a slow pool. I hooked another one later but it came off because I had trouble pulling the line through frozen rod guides. I just read that you can put PAM on the guides to stop them from freezing over, does that work? Also, any strategies for keeping your feet warm? I had two pairs of socks on and still froze.

 

[Rusty Spinner]

Fishing reports are frowned upon on this site

As for your toes, I sometimes use the chemical toe or entire foot bed warmers. Try to stay out of the water as best you can which is relative and take occasional walks to get the blood flowing. As for frozen guides, I just live with it and will rub it off only when I can no longer cast. I've heard of all sorts or remedies, but never recall trying any over the years.

 

[golden beetle]

I just read that you can put PAM on the guides to stop them from freezing over, does that work? Also, any strategies for keeping your feet warm? I had two pairs of socks on and still froze.

View attachment 10172

If by PAM you mean the cooking oil spray, I would have to assume it would work if you used it as directed, and, after applying the PAM to the guides, put the rod in to the frying pan or directly on a grill.

 

[Pete]

Freezing Guides:
If the water is liquid, chances are, it's above freezing.
In a situation like you described, dip your rod in the water.
The guides will freeze again, but you may get time to make a cast, or land a fish. A big fish may need more than one "dip".

Pam? Oil repels water, BUT.... Test anything that comes in contact with your line, on a piece of old line of the same brand/type.
Make sure it's not going to damage the finish.

Cold Feet:
Boot Foot waders are less likely to restrict circulation. If you get them at least one size too large, you can put on more layers of socks (wool or polypropylene).

I've been meaning to try those chemical warming pads, but my wife always "just used" the last one for her back.
I can't complain, that's why we have them.
I've heard mixed reviews. One person complained they were too hot.

 

[tomfly]

Melted candle wax applied to the guides with a Q-tip is a solution to prevent ice accumulating on the guides. I have read that remedy a few times but have not tried it and I see no need to. Well because I don’t fish in subfreezing weather. Still the best solution for keeping ice out of the guides, and is time tested. If you keep the Fly rod in the tube, no ice will accumulate on the guides.

 

[baccala]

As far as keeping your feet warm, take it from an old beat(and bike) cop. I found that using a light sock made of silk or poly pro as a liner under a heavy wool sock works the best. the sweat will wick through the first layer keeping your feet dry. Don't tie your boots too tight you need to have good circulation in your feet( Some people buy boots a size up for this reason). The toe warmers work good but may make your feet sweat too much in turn making them cold. All in all, once your feet are cold your done until you warm them up. Good luck.

 

[sunsignarcher]

Yah, If your foot is layered up and snug inside your boot you're done.

There needs to be a good bit of breathing room around your foot inside the boot.

A single pair of socks with room to move beats layering up if there's no air moving around inside your boot.

 

[moosekid]

If you're in the water and your feet are getting cold, stamp your feet continuously and aggressively to get the blood flowing. If you start to stir up the bottom, you know you're doing it right. :looser:

 

[golden beetle]

If you're in the water and your feet are getting cold, stamp your feet continuously and aggressively to get the blood flowing. If you start to stir up the bottom, you know you're doing it right. :looser:

MKid, stomping will actually attract stocked bows, at least in the Swift River. I took some video and will post it if I can find it, after visiting the Swift during last years show at Marlborough.

 

[fluid1]

The foot pads that are about palm size work great...one on top and one on bottom....it's the hands that are the problem!

 

[PinelandsGillie]

I was there last thursday drifting and swinging streamers, I didn't catch a thing fishing the lower section and even fell in face first wading across(I am a rookie to this river). The water looked great though and a gentleman before me said he landed about three big rainbows on egg patterns and woolybuggers. Fished until dark and didn't see another soul except a blue heron.

 

[PinelandsGillie]

for frozen guides, I had this issue on the farmington last month, just put your guides underwater and shake the ice off (may only work in the farmington since its a tailwater and probably spooks the fish pretty well?) and for your feet just make sure your wearing thick merino wool and not cotton and keep moving

 

[dcabarle]

Fishing reports are frowned upon on this site

As for your toes, I sometimes use the chemical toe or entire foot bed warmers. Try to stay out of the water as best you can which is relative and take occasional walks to get the blood flowing. As for frozen guides, I just live with it and will rub it off only when I can no longer cast. I've heard of all sorts or remedies, but never recall trying any over the years.

You light weights crack me up. I don't fish until the water just about freezes over and then I wet wade.

 

[Future Fanatic]

Cold Feet:
Boot Foot waders are less likely to restrict circulation. If you get them at least one size too large, you can put on more layers of socks (wool or polypropylene).

WOOL? REALLY, Pete?
Speaking as an unbiased and thoroughly objective observer, WOOL is a four letter word...

 

[FIN-ITE 34]

Yea, wool is fine but Alpaca is the way to go if you want to stay warm. Alpaca is also higher on the fashion totem pole, good to know for guys like GB.

 

[Future Fanatic]

Yea, wool is fine but Alpaca is the way to go if you want to stay warm. Alpaca is also higher on the fashion totem pole, good to know for guys like GB.

Again, speaking as an unbiased and thoroughly objective observer, THAT is a highly astute observation(well, except for the GB part.) Take note, Pete...

 

[Trout Nazi]

Also, any strategies for keeping your feet warm? I had two pairs of socks on and still froze.

Harden the fuck up. I take my 6 year old skiing in the single digits to 0 in VT and he complains less about cold toes than you bitches.

 

[jcstikfish]

When your feet are cold, its time to take a walk. Loose fitting boots with some space, and make a conscious effort to keep your toes moving while you are standing still.

~James

 

[Oliver10]

I went out for the first time this year and caught this rainbow at the Gorge
View attachment 10172

I went out yesterday to the Rahway River and caught a boot, I had a sock on but it got off.

 

[golden beetle]

When your feet are cold, its time to take a walk. Loose fitting boots with some space, and make a conscious effort to keep your toes moving while you are standing still.

~James

Thanks, James.

Best to you.

 

[Oliver10]

GB - you know what I mean. I am just busting balls but, when did catching one cookie cutter stockie bow from one of the most popular and most stocked places become a reportable event? If you and I were reporting this it would have been more like this. "Fished the gorge ONLY caught one stockie, wtf is wrong with me!" probably wouldnt have bitched about the cold.

I am just busting in good fun.

 

[Rusty Spinner]

GB - you know what I mean. I am just busting balls but, when did catching one cookie cutter stockie bow from one of the most popular and most stocked places become a reportable event? If you and I were reporting this it would have been more like this. "Fished the gorge ONLY caught one stockie, wtf is wrong with me!" probably wouldnt have bitched about the cold.

I am just busting in good fun.

Or more like: Avoided the fast, steep gradient water and stayed up above the Gorge where some trout were willing to take my slow moving (insert favorite bottom-dredging fly name here) in the deeper, slower pools because everyone knows to avoid fast water in the deep of winter. Was rewarded with several nice, holdover bows and a few wild browns for my efforts. Can't wait for spring hatches.

 

[JeffK]

Brian, you are letting out all the secrets. I used to like going out below 10 because the crowds are way down. Did it the last polar vortex with good results, but this cold snap has worn me down and I'm staying in.

 

[MACFLY]

You light weights crack me up. I don't fish until the water just about freezes over and then I wet wade.

Hmm I recall a time in early summer when you wouldn't get out of the boat because quote You didn't want to freeze your nuts off end quote quote.