Posted: Nov 15, 2004  08:39

On the last day all fishermen are akin to pallbearers; worse yet, they are pallbearers at their own funerals.

Robert Traver

It's all about dry flies and leaky waders.

Patrick P. Pickens

By Slim Pickens,

It is almost official; general river and stream fishing season is about to close here in North Idaho and elsewhere. Stream reports vary, and the fishing will probably remain pretty slow over the last two weeks. Going underwater with nymphs or streamers will be your best bet.

For many fly fishermen, the end of the fishing season is a time to hang up (or for some of us, air-out) the waders and fly vest. We look at nearly empty fly boxes and the knotted up leader hanging out of pockets. Is this the same vest that looked so tidy in June?

Others will again subscribe to their favorite fishing magazine that expired when the Green Drakes came out months ago. We look through the mail-order catalogs for all the must haves, which would probably never get used if actually purchased.

Still others will pull on their long underwear and take advantage of the winter stream season available on numerous North Idaho rivers beginning December 1. This is catch and release only for trout, whitefish and brook trout can be harvested. Check for gear restrictions that apply to the river during the general season.

Brookies can be harvested on many streams.

The North Idaho Region winter stream season applies to:

* Clark Fork River below Railroad Bridge
* Coeur d'Alene River
* Little North Fork Coeur d¡ŠAlene River
* North Fork Coeur d'Alene River
* Moyie River
* St. Joe River
* St. Maries River

Trout are quite finicky in the winter and are somewhat lethargic. Besides the obvious danger of fishing an ice-cold river, the fishing can be difficult. Most of my time is spent getting the ice out of ferrules. There are some windows of opportunity, and hitting the river on a good day will probably bring you back. Winter stream season, say, on the North Fork of the Coeur d'Alene, can be an enjoyable experience.

Compared to trout, the Mountain Whitefish are pretty active. Going after them may not be glorious, but it can sure put the winter doldrums to rest. Targeting Whitefish can sometimes surprise you when a large trout decides to take charge.

Suggested winter flies:

* Hare's Ear Nymph 14-18
* Prince Nymph 14-18
* Griffith's Gnat (Dry) 18-22
* For Whitefish, try a Chamois Fly 12-16. (Yes, the body is made from the same material you dry the car off with and add a little pheasant tail at the head.)

If you are a new to fly fishing or a person that likes to do research over the winter, I recommend becoming familiar with the U.S. Geological Survey on the USGS website. While it may not be the most reader friendly site on the net, it can be a tremendous help to navigating river conditions throughout the year.

Two weeks ago, I blindly went up to a favorite fishing spot on the Coeur d'Alene River. When I got there, I was surprised to find the trail completely under water. I resigned myself to some Idaho Nachos and college football at the Snake Pit in Kingston. Later that evening, I reviewed the website.

Trails are often gone fast in the off-season.

According to the USGS, on Nov. 6, the river was running at approximately 2800 cubic square feet! What does that mean? I am not really sure. I can tell you that the USGS average over the last 65 years for this part of the river, on that date, was closer to 400 cubic square feet. So, 2800 is more like early June. I guess I still would have gone, just with a different idea about fishing conditions and lunch.

I would also like to respond to some people who have asked my opinion about barbed vs. barbless hooks. I do have one.

I have read numerous articles over the years regarding this issue. I have seen statistics for and against barbless hooks. Some say you may increase mortality rates with barbless hooks. Others say your catch rate will be improved with a barbed hook.

I don't know if any theory can be systematically proven, given all the variations from fisherman to fisherman and situation to situation.

I know people who rant and rave over going barbless, only to overplay the fish so much that recovery chances are slim pickens.

I sure seem to lose more fish going barbless. Especially if it is really jumping and being erratic. But it could be my fault I lose them as well (i.e. rod tip not up high enough.)

Personally, I almost always go barbless. When I tie flies, I always crimp the barb as my first step. I also spend winter days crimping the barbs on flies I get as gifts. The reason I do it is a simple one that has nothing to do with science: I do not like pain.

If you spend enough time fly-fishing, you are guaranteed to sink a fly into yourself (or a buddy) at some time or another. As might be expected, barbless hooks can be much easier to expel from your backside then a barbed one.

I get them in my fingers all the time. On a windy day last year, I pierced my ear with a size 12 wooly bugger. My mom has had one through the bridge of her nose.

My dog has taken her share. She has a keen interest in my back cast. Normally just offering constructive criticism, but sometimes she gets too nosey. I am sure you have a story, too. My point is: I am selfish. I would rather be catching trout on barbless hooks, rather then myself or others on a barbed one.

I look forward to hearing from RuralNorthwest.com readers as our fishing season slows down and winter marches in. Sit down with a mug of coffee, read the column, and send me an e-mail on your winter fishing exploits or thoughts.

Slim