Friday, February 5, 2021

A Little Frustration Mixed With Landing a Few Rainbows

 


I didn't think I was going to make the Sipsey trip today, because of numerous distractions in the form of few jobs. Once at the tailrace I suited up and enter the gorge at access 5. I was joined by 5 other fly fishermen fishing access six and seven. I was actually glad they were quite a distance from me because I was really having trouble learning the Euro Nymphing technique. I've been reading and watching videos centering around Euro Nymphing for the past couple of weeks and I thought I had the technique under control. After a few casts, I realize I need MORE time to learn how to master Euro Nymphing. I won't go into the details but to put it mildly, my patience ran OUT!! I will cover the experience in another post. 

There was no surface activity at all on the smooth super clear water surface. So I went deep for the trout today using my 10 ft. fly rod intended for the Euro experience----I found out it lands trout just as well as my 9 ft. 
The first trout that touched the net in the 2 1/2 hours I had to fish the Sipsey this afternoon.
An excellent seam located at the entrance of access five where I started my Euro Nymphing technique. I could see trout below the high boulder, but no luck in getting a take. The time spent in this area will hopefully help me correct some of my mistakes in future trips.
I've noticed that the stock trout from Dale Hollow are not as colorful as some of the other hatchery trout that are stocked here. There was no mistaking the takes from the trout I landed today, in other words, jarring hits!! 
The last trout of the evening that escaped an aerial attack or a down under creature swimming in the tailrace. It did have a little more color. I lost one other trout in the same run where I caught this trout. At times I was fishing with weights to get the nymphs down to the trout's level. 
I remember reading a short essay by George Daniel this week, where he stated that most of the time it's not the flies you are using that attract a take it's the depth you're fishing. That statement proved true for me this afternoon!

9 comments:

  1. Awesome catch there. Bill there is a great deal of satisfaction in trying something new. Your attempt at euro-nymphing will get better the more you do it. And the school of choice has great teachers.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Alan
    It was good to be back on the Sipsey and have a little success. Hopefully, when I make my next trip I will be a little more acclimated to the Euro Nymphing. Thanks for the comment

    ReplyDelete
  3. It's always a learning experience. Nice Bow's.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Mark
    I think I can land more trout on the Sipsey if I can learn the technique. It looks easy but one has to really concentrate when fishing Euro nymphing. Hope you guys are staying safe. Thanks for the comment

    ReplyDelete
  5. Good for you, pal. I haven't touched my 10' nymph rod in years. I didn't have the patience for it. Looks like you are making progress, so keep up with it! Have a good week.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi Emily
    The Euro, Czech, High Sticking or whatever method you want to call it is a challenge for sure. What got me interesting in this type fishing was fishing close to me and keeping the fly in the area for a longer period of time. Good to hear from you and I hope you your family are staying safe----Thanks for the comment

    ReplyDelete
  7. I'm sure you will nail it soon, Bill. It isn't a very "relaxing" method of fishing to me, so I never stuck with it. But it is a very efficient method of catching fish! All the best.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Justin
    From what I have read about Euro Nymphing it is used a lot on streams and tailraces that are fished a lot. The Sipsey where I fish falls into that category. I'm going to keep trying to master the main element of the Euro Nymphing which is the feel for a take. That part for me is the hardest to learn. Looking forward to your season which I assume will begin soon. Thanks for the comment

    ReplyDelete
  9. Whether it's a new technique or a more traditional strategy employed, it's fun to practice & gain new experience-- especially at this time of year when northerners, like myself, have to bide their time & only dream about getting back into the water. Keep at it, Bill, and thanks!

    ReplyDelete