Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Tough, challenging, beautiful, and worth the trip! The South Platte in CO.

I was privleged to fish the South Platte at Deckers near Denver this week.  The fish won, well, in some aspects.  The water was running about 170cfm, gin clear, sunny days, big fish, no hatches.  This time of year is stonefly time, and of course, it's always midge time.  Several of the guys caught some 20"+ rainbows, most caught nothing.  Sorry to say, I was one of those- however, I learn something everytime, and this was no exception.  Since Deckers is only 1.5 hours from the Denver airport, it is an excellent day trip.  Flies and Lies in Deckers is good for information and tips, and they have really reasonably priced guide trips.  Cheesman Canyon is a short hike over the mountain, and is another worthwhile trip.  At both, you have a chance at really big fish...really smart? fish.   keep the rod bent...

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Ramblings....

Just sittin in the Sound View Cafe in Pike's Place Market in Seattle, having a coffee, wanting to be wading...Cool here today, some rain, some snow, but peaceful.  Fishing is good here in the sound, but today I didn't have the time.  Tomorrow, gonna grab the 5 wt. and hit the local lakes for some bass or bluegill, or whatever takes the bug.  Taking my grandson, he's a fly fishing buff too.  Brings a point to mind...teaching a kid to fish is one of the best things you can do to build their character.  Fishing teaches patience, and a deep appreciation for the things of nature - where we come from.  Plus, the bond you create between you and them cannot be broken.  Go fishing...

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Truckee Trials, or, not this time...

Flowing between Lake Tahoe and Pyramid Lake in northern Nevada, in the Reno area, is the Truckee River, well known for its beauty and fish. This time of the year, flows are pretty low, but there are still lots of riffles and pools where the trout will hang out. The best tools are winter stone flies, midges and BWOs, fished more slowly than usual, with a little more stealth because of the clear water. Having said all this, I walked away with a goose egg this time, even knowing the right things. However...it was a beautiful day, and I was fishing on my birthday, which is the way it should be. maybe next time.

Here's a pic of the Truckee in Verdi, NV at Crystal Bridge Park.


keep castin'

Monday, February 7, 2011

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Getting Ready...

Like most of us do, I spent last evening going through all my flies, reorganizing and sorting. It's amazing how many flies we accumulate in our efforts to have everything we need to 'match the hatch'. Interestingly enough, I find, as many have, that we could probably get by with just a few: GR Hare's Ear, Stonefly, Caddis, Baetis, scuds, Prince Nymph, wooly buggers, midges, spinners, all in both dries and nymphs, in cream/white, black, brown, and olive. I personally believe that in many cases, the shade and silouette are the most important features that trout key in on, coupled with size, of course. And , size is probably the most important factor. Agree or disagree? leave a comment and let us know.

keep the fly on the water, not in the air...

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Winter is killing me...

Boy, I cannot wait for winter to be over, or at least to be sent somewhere where I can get my fishin fix. Fortunately, I'll be in Houston this month, and I plan on taking my 8wt. to Galveston Bay... the specks and redfish spawn and run this time of year, especially around Bolivar Point. Using a fly rod in Galveston Bay can be challenging, due to the winds that blow almost all the time. I have found that horizontal casting parallel and close to the water works for those long casts needed. Clouser minnow in blue/white, chartreuse/white and gray/white tend to work well. I have caught fish on small fly spoons, with a touch of hair as a tail. Baitfish are the key. Hopefully, the birds will help me find a fish or two. Good luck this winter season with your fishing.
keep your rod bent...ed