Fly Fishing I, OSU PAC 178, Fly Fishing I class
Michael Gorman, Instructor
Fly Fishing I PAC 178
(1 credit hour. Prerequisite: none)
Michael Gorman,
Instructor
phone: (541) 758-1687 email: mfgorman13@comcast.net No
campus office,
but inquire in PAC office, Langton Hall 123
This course is intended to acquaint
the student with the basic skills of fly fishing ---- rudimentary fly casting,
knowledge of nymphing, wet fly, dry fly techniques, essential equipment
appropriate to a given fish species, fly selection, knots, and simple fly-tying
methods. There will be a general overview of fly fishing for trout, salmon,
steelhead, warmwater species and saltwater gamefish. In addition to lectures,
demonstrations and discussions, there will be slide presentations and video
excerpts that will serve as learning aids in this course.
Upon
successful completion of FLY FISHING I the student will be able to:
*Execute and analyze a standard fly
cast.
*Identify adult aquatic insect groups important in the trout diet.
*Tie three basic fishing knots: double surgeon, clinch and nail knot.
*Name the basic components of an artificial fly, tie a simple fly, and identify
basic fly-tying tools.
*Discern the basic differences among these fly fishing techniques: wet fly, dry
fly and nymphing.
*Select appropriate fly rod/reel/line/leader/fly combinations for a given
species of freshwater fish in a given fly fishing situation.
*Name five streams or lakes in Oregon of fly fishing importance, their exact
location, fish species present, and appropriate time of year to fly fish these
with a reasonable chance of success.
WEEK 1
Slide presentation: Fly Fishing Around Oregon.
Review course outline & grading. Key fly fishing locations. General fly types:
wet, dry, nymph.
WEEK
2 Basic fly fishing equipment:
fly rods and lines. Fly fishing knots handout.
More basic fly fishing equipment: reels, backing, leaders, tippets.
WEEK 3
**Video excerpt from “Essence of Fly Casting”.
Outdoor casting session.
WEEK 4
**Video excerpt from “Fly Fishing for
Trout”.
Fishing photo ratings and the components and construction of a fly rod.
WEEK
5
Fly tying demonstration. Tuesday,
October 28: GRADING QUIZ
Class fly tying.
Prepare to cast today, Thursday, Oct. 30.
WEEK 6 **Video excerpts: wet fly, dry fly, nymphing
techniques.
Thursday, November 6: OPEN-NOTE MID TERM EXAM
WEEK 7
Slide presentation: “Fly fishing Lakes”.
The trout’s diet and aquatic entomology.
WEEK 8
Slide presentation: “Fly Fishing for Steelhead”. HLS introduction.
Slide presentation: “Fly Fishing for Salmon”. HLS continued.
WEEK 9 **Video excerpts
on fly fishing for warmwater gamefish..
Tuesday,
November 25: CLASS PROJECTS DEADLINE.
**Video excerpts
on fly fishing for saltwater gamefish.
WEEK 10
Important fly fishing accessories: vest, waders, technical clothing,
tools, etc.
Thursday, December 4: OPEN NOTE/OPEN BOOK FINAL EXAM.
GRADING FLY FISHING I, PAC 178
Instructor: Michael Gorman
mfgorman13@comcast.net
758-1687 Phone message
1. Grading: the final grade,
scored on a point basis. 230-250 points, A; 225-229 points, A-; 221-224,
B+; 205-220, B; 200-204, B-; 196-199, C+; 180-195, C; 175-179, C-; 171-174, D+;
155-170, D; 150-154, D-, 149 points or less, F.
The point total is determined by the sum
associated with the following criteria:
*Participation: 20 points. After the first week of the term, 1 point is
subtracted from a starting total of 20 for each absence from participation in
class.
*Grading quiz, week 5, Tuesday, October 28: 20 points.
*Timed open note/open book demonstration of knowledge (mid term exam), Thursday,
November 6: 50 points.
*Summary of fly fishing outing taken during the current term, due beginning of
class, Tuesday, : 30 points. (To fish public waters in Oregon, the
student must have a current, valid Oregon fishing license issued at most retail
stores that sell sporting goods. A one-day license is about $12 for
residents and nonresidents alike. Licenses of longer duration may be
obtained at great reductions in per day cost. Also, the student is responsible
for acquiring terminal gear, such as leaders and flies for their fishing outing.
At no cost, a rod, reel, and line may be checked out to the student from Langton
127 by the instructor only.)
*Satisfactory completion of one of the projects listed in #3 below, due
beginning of class, Tuesday, November 25: 30 points.
*End-of-term open note/open book demonstration of knowledge, week 10, Thursday,
December 4: 100 points.
Maximum point total: 250.
Students
must have an ONID account in order to access their grade at the campus
Blackboard site. To get an ONID account, go to
http://www.onid.orst.edu
Once the student has logged into Blackboard, access
this class. If you cannot access the course, you are not correctly registered
for this class. Again, you must have an ONID account in order to access your
final grade.
2.
Submit a type-written summary of a fly fishing outing taken during the
current term: 75 – 100 words indicating:
1) date and stream or
lake fished, and its general geographical location (5 points);
2) exact
equipment (rod model, reel model, type of fly line, leader specs, tippet
diameter) and fly names (5 points);
3) description of the fishing techniques/presentations (not
type of fly cast) of the fly
used to attempt to fool the fish (5 points); and,
4) significant fishing “lessons” learned (5
points).
5) Use spelling and grammar checks on your summary, AND
write at the bottom of the page: "I have used grammar and spell check when
writing this report", followed by your hand-written signature. (5 points).
6) Papers should include PAC course number and class meeting time, and papers should
not exceed more than half a page of 12-point typed text (5 points). Due at
the beginning of class Tuesday, November 25.
Only typed summaries submitted at the
beginning of class will be accepted. Late submissions for ANY
reason will receive no (zero) credit.
(To fish public waters in Oregon, the student must have a current, valid
Oregon fishing license issued at most retail stores that sell sporting goods.
A one-day license is about $12 for residents and nonresidents alike.
Licenses of longer duration may be obtained at great reductions in per day cost.
Also, the student is responsible for acquiring terminal gear, such as leaders
and flies for their fishing outing. At no cost, a rod, reel, and line may
be checked out to the student from Langton 127 by the instructor only.)
3.
Select, complete, and submit one of the following on or
before the beginning of your regular class meeting, Tuesday, November 25:
A. Typed summary of a fly fishing book (non-cartoon) of at least 100
pages, read during the current term. Include:
1) Book title (bold and underlined ), author, publisher and publishing date
(4 points)
2) a concise summary between 150 and 300 words, not
to exceed one page of 12-point text (5 points).
3) Refer to two or more specific items of particular interest to you, and a
brief summary of each (6 points)
4) Use spelling and
grammar checks on your summary (5 points).
5) Papers should include PAC
number (PAC 178) and class meeting time as part of the heading. (2
points)
6)
At the very bottom of the of your report type: “I have read this book in its
entirety during the current term”, and "I have used grammar and spell
check when writing this report". Place your hand-written signature
below them. (5 points)
B. Typed summary and review (150 – 300 words each)
of two different fly fishing videos/DVD's.
In addition to the video title,
include the name of the host/narrator and video-production company. Then,
follow exactly the guidelines stipulated in Project A, above, as you write
your summariess. Students must locate the videos outside class and OSU. NONE
ARE AVAILABLE FOR STUDENT USE FROM OSU OR PAC DEPARTMENT. Try City of
Corvallis Library. At the very bottom of the of your report type: “I have
viewed these videos or DVD's in their entirety during the current term”, and
"I have used grammar and spell check when writing this report". Place your hand-written signature
below them. (5 points)
C. A display of 12 different
(altering just the size or colors is NOT "different") fly patterns tied by the
student during the current term. These will be mounted and labeled (in type,
not
hand-written), and neatly displayed. Typed labeling accounts for 5
points of the total. Display method is the choice of the student. A
reminder: the difference between student-tied flies and purchased,
commercially-tied flies is usually very obvious to the instructor.
D. Collect 12 different aquatic organisms from
ponds, streams or lakes, each in its own glass vial (with 50/50 mixture of tap
water and rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol) available from OSU Bookstore. Each
organism must be at least 1/3" long. Eggs of any organism
are not acceptable. Your instructor will help with general identification
if done so at least one week prior to submission deadline.. Create a typed sheet
referencing each numbered vial with:
1) organism I.D. (examples: caddis larva; mayfly nymph; midge adult; midge pupa)
(2 points each for correct I.D.)
2) name of pond, lake or stream where it was captured (3 points)
3) general habitat for each--- examples: fast water, stony bottom, vegetation at
river's edge, slow water, on dead wood in water, etc.(3 points)
E. A critique and
written comments on 1) the Introduction AND 2) a short, one-chapter fishing
book manuscript chapter written by your instructor. The links are listed
immediately below the guidelines for this project.
1) Were the Introduction and chapter clear, complete in covering its
particular topic and helpful? Remember: Each chapter
covers only its topic of focus. A chapter on locating steelhead, for
instance, will not have details about fly selection, how to cast, or tying
knots. Such topics will be covered in other chapters. A single
chapter is not a book in itself.
2) How could they be improved? Were the introduction and manuscript chapter understandable? Explain and
give 2 examples.
3) Was the specific topic in the chapter discussed complete? Explain.
4) What specifically was left incomplete, or no thoroughly explained in
the chapter? Examples, if any.
5) Attempts at humor in the Intro or chapter--- did these work, or not?
Give 2 examples. (4 points) Suggestions in the humor department?
6) Were the pictures effective? Which were your 2 favorites?
Briefly describe each picture so the instructor has no doubt about which ones
you are referencing. (4 points)
7) Write some "general
remarks" about what you read in 1) the Introduction and 2) the specific chapter
you read. Be specific.
8) Please limit your TOTAL remarks to one page. 5 points deducted for
exceeding one page.
9) Use spelling and grammar checks on your summary,
AND write at the bottom of the page: "I have used grammar and spell check when
writing this report", followed by your hand-written signature. (5 points)
"Introduction to MG's Steelhead Book"
"A Typical
Winter Steelhead Fishing Day --- Start to Finish"
"A Typical Summer
Steelhead Fishing Day --- Start to Finish"
"Locating
Productive Steelhead Water and How to Fish It with a Fly"
"Are You Willing to Cowboy Up?"
"Know Your Quarry --- The Steelhead Life
Cycle"
"McKenzie River Flies"
"Fly
Fishing Equipment Basics"
Late submissions, for any
reason, will not be accepted for any credit, INCLUDING ABSENCE FROM CLASS.
All summaries and projects are due no later than the beginning of class Tuesday,
November 25.
Note: Students absent from class, for any reason, are responsible for securing
notes from another student in class.
If there should be an obvious typing error or conflict of dates concerning
deadline dates, or dates concerning the quiz, mid term exam, or final exam, the
student will not be excused for missing the deadline. Announcements will
be made in class lectures as deadlines or testing dates approach. These
announcements will supersede any typo errors. Students are responsible for
knowing this.
A few recommended books and
authors: A few
recommended video titles:
The Orvis Fly Fishing Guide by T. Rosenbauer
Fly Fishing for Trout, 3M
Fishing in Oregon by Casali and Dinesse
Strategies for Selective Trout, 3M
Western Hatches by Hafele and
Hughes Advanced
Strategies for Trout, 3M
Fly Casting Illustrated by F.
Amato Fly
Fishing for Bass, 3M
Lake Fishing with a Fly by Kaufmann and Cordes
Essence of Fly Casting, Kreiger
Steelhead Fly Fishing and Flies by T.
Combs Fly Fishing for
Pacific Steelhead, 3M
Please
note:
Oregon State University provides clear definition and sanctions for
academic dishonesty. As a result, academic dishonesty of any kind is not
tolerated. Students caught cheating, plagiarizing, or participating in any form
of academic dishonesty will receive an F on the assignment or test (and possibly
an F in the course). A formal report to the chair of the Department, to the
Dean, and to the Student Conduct Program will be made.
If
you have any questions about the extent and severity of sanctions that may
result from dishonest behavior, I suggest that you take time to read the OSU
Student Handbook or access the OSU Student Conduct Website at:
http://www.orst.edu/admin/stucon/achon.htm
Statement of Risk:
Risk is associated with many of life’s activities, including PAC classes. The
College of Health and Human Performance and Dept. of Exercise and Sport Science
will seek to minimize these risks by providing safe activity areas where
possible, adequate equipment, and capable instruction. It is highly
recommended that you provide yourself with a student health/accident insurance
policy. These are available through the University, private carriers, or
through a family policy. If uninsured, minor accidents or health problems can
lead to great expense. If you have a condition that might affect or be affected
by participation in this PAC class, you are encouraged to so inform your
instructor either verbally or in writing. Should you become ill or
injured during class time, please inform the instructor or have a fellow student
do so. If you must leave class because of illness or injury it is recommended
that another student accompany you.
Sharp hooks and tools used during this class have an obvious inherent danger.
Use common sense and precautions at all times. When on a fishing outing, common
sense and precautions are urged when using sharp hooks (wearing polarized eye
glasses is recommended at all times to protect your eyes and assist in safe
wading) and wading in swift currents or walking on slippery rocks. If you
perceive dangerous conditions that cannot be counteracted with common sense and
reasonable precautions, desist and/or speak with your instructor.
Statement for
Students with Disabilities
Accommodations are collaborative efforts between students, faculty
and Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD). Students with accommodations
approved through SSD are responsible for contacting the faculty member in charge
of the course prior to or during the first week of the term to discuss
accommodations. Students who believe they are eligible for accommodations but
who have not yet obtained approval through SSD should contact SSD immediately at
737-4098.
Focus Questions and Important Info to know --- Have in your notes!
*Name 10 Oregon streams or lakes
(and general locations) that have available year-round fly fishing
opportunities, and their general geographical location.
*Know something significant about the fishing and the general
location of the McKenzie, Alsea, Siletz, Metolius, Crooked, North Santiam, South
Santiam, Fall, lower Deschutes, the upper Willamette, and Middle Fork of the
Willamette Rivers, E.E. Wilson Pond and Olalla Reservoir.
*Identify/name the Top Six flies recommended in class. Be able to identify
an artificial dry fly from a wet fly from a nymph.
*Know: recommended fly rod lengths/weights for a given species of fish:
trout, salmon, steelhead, small warmwater fish, bass, smaller saltwater fish,
large to largest saltwater gamefish.
*Leader lengths --- ranges? Best overall? Monofilament vs. co-polymer vs.
fluorocarbon.
*Appropriate fly reel size for a given rod “weight”
*Different fly reel drag.
*Besides, recommended rod lengths and "weights", what qualities would you
look for in a good fly rod?
*What factors weigh into the retail price of a fly rod? Are all
rod-building graphite fibers the same? Appropriate number of guides on a quality
fly rod?
*Can you interpret "WF-6-F" as it relates to the attributes of a fly line?
DT-4-F?
WF-5-S? WF-5-F/S. Best choice in fly lines for streams? Lakes?
*Name three desirable attributes of braided Dacron as fly line backing.
*Leaders: appropriate length and diameter. How is diameter of tippet
commonly measured?
*Difference between leader and tippet. Correlate "X" number with inches.
Appropriate "X" number for hook size.
*Know the five guidelines for basic fly casting as discussed in class: Eat
The Apple With Care.
*What is a roll cast? How is it different from a
standard fly cast? When would you typically use a roll cast?
*Know the basic presentation method/strategy for dry flies, wet flies, and
nymphs.
*Best fly line for presenting stream nymphs; stream wet flies; stream
dry flies?
* Best fly line for presenting lake nymphs; lake wet flies; lake dry
flies?
*Best single fly line for fishing nymphs deep along a stream bottom?
Single best line recommended for fishing nymphs in lakes? What is
special about the Mastery Stillwater fly line? How quickly does it sink?
Interpret WF-4-S code. What do Type I, II, II, IV . . . refer to a they pertain
to a fly line?
*Can you tie a clinch knot, surgeon knot, and an Albright knot? In
assembling your backing/fly line/leader/fly system, where is each of the
aforementioned knots used?
*Black Bomber Leech: name materials and tools used to construct the fly.
Factoid: originally designed as a trout fly.
*What is a "hackle"? Bird (and gender) producing the most commonly used
hackles? From what bird do we get marabou feathers? What is a half-hitch knot?
*What is a "selectively-feeding" trout?
To a selectively-feeding fish, what is MOST important about
your artificial fly: color, size or shape?
*How is a fish stomach pump used? Minimum length of fish to prevent harm?
*Name the BIG FOUR aquatic insect groups. How would you
identify the adults of each group?
*What two readily-available liquids were recommended to be mixed for
preserving aquatic organisms?
*What immature aquatic insect may build a case/"home" from
tiny stones, sand, fir needles, leaf debris or small twigs?
*Which is the largest preserved aquatic insect we looked at
in class? What kind of lakes does it live in?
*What are some peculiar anatomical features and locomotion of
the dragonfly nymph?
*What is the difference between a nymph and a larva in terms
of incomplete and complete life cycle? Insect examples.
*Name 10 lakes to fly fish in Oregon as mentioned in class or
class handout.
*Why is it imperative to have a floating craft on most
stillwaters? What is the best (as recommended by your instructor) lake fly
line?
*What is a shock absorber leader? What advantage does
it give the angler?
*Besides the right fly line and right flies at the right
depth, what else is important to entice a lake trout to strike a fly?
*Monofilament vs. co-polymer vs. fluorocarbon leader.
Pros and cons of each.
*How do you use a fish stomach pump? Why would you use
it?
*Fishing glasses --- lens colors? What is polarization
and why is it important?
*What is a steelhead? Describe its life cycle briefly?
How is it's life cycle different from a pacific salmon?
*Name the five species of pacific salmon. Name
something unique about each. Which three are found in Oregon as sea-going
fish?
*Where will
you find chum salmon in Oregon? When is best time to fish for them?
*What rod/fly line weight is typically used for steelhead
fishing? What rod/fly line weight is typically used for Oregon salmon
fishing?
*What is the Hybrid Line System. Describe its
components. For what gamefish is the Hybrid Line System primarily used?
*Name 3 different "warmwater" gamefish in addition to the
smallmouth bass. Where can you find warmwater gamefish in Oregon?
*What rod/fly line weight is typically used for bass fishing?
Describe a bass popper fly.
*Describe the type of water and environment where you would
typically fish for bonefish.? Where in USA? Other locales worldwide?
*Which fish is known as the "Ghost of the Flats"? The
"Silver King"?
*What rod/fly line weight is typically used for bonefish?
What rod/fly line weight is typically used for tarpon fishing?
*Name three good reasons to wear polarized glasses
while fishing. What color lenses are best in low light, early morning or
late evening, or rainy times?
*Describe the two most common types (materials) of chest
wader materials? Advantages of each. Disadvantages. Which is
safest for an UNPLANNED swim?
*For good traction what material is needed on the soles of
your wading shoes or boots?
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