Determined to Make The Trout Take What I Know They Should Hit???

Just when you think you have this trout fishing solved, it throws you a curve ball. My trip last Thursday proved that I have some more work to do in learning water reads, and matching fly patterns, with a particular hatch. The hatch was a few tiny flies, which I haven’t a clue as to the name, flying around most of the morning.  When I say tiny I am referring to a fly pattern in size 22 range; I know the following phase is a familiar theme with you guys “nothing was happening on top”, with the exception of an occasional sip at the surface once every 20 to 30 minutes. I tried to match the hatch with a tiny Gnat, Renegade, and a tiny PMD; knowing I was convinced that these series of flies were what the trout should be eating. These trout this day was going to show me that they had no interest in anything dry and wanted me to offer them something a bit more appetizing. So the process of elimination begin.

This area is moss covered and always has trout early and late in the day. I decided to give the run a try because I had landed a couple of trout here 3 weeks ago. So with the Zebra Midge tied on and using an indicator to stay just above the moss I begin casting. After some missed fish and problems with moss I decided to move onto another likely run.

I am so impressed with the breaks and small pockets here. This area is the closest I can get to western and eastern fishing.

The Zebra Midge got this trout's attention in one of the small pockets in this run. I missed numbers of trout in this segment of the tailrace, because it was really difficult for me to detect a take in some of the fast seams. This is the type water one needs to master using an indicator to be successful fishing tiny nymphs; I discovered today I need some work in this department.

I so enthralled with dry fly fishing today I even brought my little 7.6 ft. Redington with the matching Redington Drift reel. This little reel is only 3.5 oz. and is 2 1/2" in dia. The rod/reel combo weights in at 5.2 oz. and is a breeze to cast, and land this size trout here. I prefer my 9 ft. 3 wt. if I am fishing nymphs, but today I improvised with this little setup.

The bees were out today stocking up on the sweet nectar.

 

Howard over at Windknots and Tangled Lines ask me the other day how I fared with this years bluegill quest; CHECK OUT THE YEAR OF THE BLUEGILL

 

 

 

 

Techniques and Tips on Catch and Release of Trout

I am always experimenting when it comes to fishing and Thursday’s trip to the Sipsey was no exception. I decided I would not touch any of the trout today, and just release all the trout I landed using the forceps. My last trip resulted in having to resuscitate most of the trout I landed; which is something I willing to do to save the fish. There are numerous little puddles of water along the edge of the tailrace I fish, that can be used to steer the trout into, to get the picture and simple reach down and remove the fly and nudge him on his way. All the trout I landed Thursday swim away without any help from me. I know there will be times when I will have to handle the fish, but if there is a way to get the picture without the touch, I will try that first.

The following video serves as a great example of techniques and tips used in protecting the trout after the landing.

 

 

Dead Drifting Nymphs in Pocket Water

How many of you guys like to fish pocket water with a little depth? Well that was the ticket for Thursday’s trip to the Sipsey Tailrace. I skipped the usual areas where a lot of the guys fish and went directly to some deep pocket water with submerged logs and large boulders. I choose the Seal Leech again today, because I felt I needed the extra weight of the beadhead to descend right below the current drop. There was nothing fancy here; just letting the Leech dead drift towards the edge of the current and dropping into the pocket. After a few short hits, I finally made a connection, this time with the maroon Leech. I tried the grey color today but couldn’t attract any interest, so tying on the maroon pattern proved that color really matters.

The deep pocket in this run right below the log make it an excellent place to hold quality rainbow. I saw some trout in access of 14 to 16 inch here, but no takers.

This nice rainbow was using the pocket to inhale anything coming its way. In this case it was the maroon Leech. The grey Leech was getting attention in the form of short hits, which cause me to tie on the maroon pattern. This trout was quite a test for the 3 wt. especially against the current.

These colorful rocks can be found in the shallow areas of the tailrace. Both rocks made it home with me and now have a new place to rest in my rock fountain.

 Numerous ferns line the banks up and down the tailrace

Another nice bow from the log pocket on the maroon Leech. All the takes came as I slowly worked the Leech back to me. Notice I am not handling any of these trout.

I just had to stop at this spot on my way back to the truck, and see if a dry could muster a hit. I waded out a few feet from the steps that take you back up the hill to the truck. I was about ready to leave after ten minutes of casting, when I had a subtle take with the size 16 Parachute Adams. 

There was absolutely no dry action at all when I arrived and none when I left, with the exception of this trout. I got the perfect drift for this take, which lead me to believe their would more bows landed today on the dry, but it was not to be. Notice I didn't handle any of these trout today, my next post will address why.

 

 

 

 

Learning to Fish Fast Water Runs and Seams

I made it out to the Sipsey Tailrace Friday morning a couple of hours earlier than last week. The 6 AM start gave me a chance to miss the high humidity that one can’t escape if you live in the Deep South in September. I noticed immediately that there was no hatch at all, but that didn’t keep me from tying on the Bomber and letting it drip through a few runs. With only two hours to fish I knew that I couldn’t spend too much time with one pattern if it wasn’t producing. So with no takes on the dry, I left the run and went to the bank to try and come up with a game plan that would be productive for the time I had left. While sitting there enjoying the cool misty breeze coming off the water, I decided I would abandon the dries, nymphs and wet flies for the rest of the morning, and totally concentrate on the fast water up above me using nothing but the Seal Leech. I had used this pattern during the Trout Derby and had success with it in some slower water. So today would be its first test in the fast water above me.  

The water directly behind this boulder was less than a foot deep which became my position I used to cast up stream and let the Leech drift down and swing through the run in front of me. This run was fast but not anything like the water above me. So this run became my learning curve to get ready for the really fast water I knew I would encounter as I worked my way up this section. I really liked this water because of the deep pocket directly out in front of me. I had fish this area with a nymph and dry before without success so the Leech would get to test it today. First cast resulted in the Leech landing up and on the other side of the run. I stood here for at least 10 minutes working this one area. I was determined to give this water its due and at the same time work the area thoroughly with the Leech. 

My patience paid off as I made an extremely long cast close to the far bank and then let the Leech slowly swing through the deep pocket. I knew I had a take when I saw my line go and as I set the hook this guy went airborne. He posed for the pic a few seconds and then he was gone to fight another day.

I knew this area was going to be a challenge because of the rocks above and below I had to navigate through as I worked the Leech through some of the narrow runs and seams. If you notice this piece of water, it has numerous seams that can hold trout, and getting the right drift was a bit tricky here. The deepest water in this area was a couple of feet deep with some really fast water a foot or less. I had never fish here before. I always wanted to fish the place but was always intimidated by the current here. I am glad I had my wading staff, because most the rocks were covered with slick green moss. I knew I needed to hurry and get some cast in before the sun overtook the place. I begin casting to each seam and working it slowly, but at the same time giving the Leech time to worked its magic. I started immediately missing trout, I could see their sides as they would chase the Leech, and miss or short hit the fly----very frustrating!!

 

This trout broke the intimidation factor as I worked it close enough to use my forceps to release it. I decided not to net the fish because it was just too much work to get it to hand in this type water. As the forceps released the fly from his mouth the trout dropped into the water and poised briefly for this shot. This trout proved to me that I can actually fish some really fast water with success. In fact I have never seen anyone fish this area before.

 

Another fatty from this same area, which was quite a tussle bringing him back through the current with my 9 ft. 3 wt. I did manage to work him back to this rock for a quick pic. I waded a fine line here between the moss covered rocks and working this trout in position for a pic. I thought I was out West here guys; seeing the acrobatic show he displayed. As I brought this trout to hand I realize why we as fly fishermen and women love this sport so much. It is truly amazing!!!

This is an amazing little fly that can be used in either fast or slow water dead drifting. I found that most all the takes occured on the swing as you worked it back to you. I lost numbers of trout this morning because of short hits and of course me learning to fish a different type of water. I did find out that if you are going to fish this fly, get ready for some false casting. As you work the fly back to you line is building up at your feet; to make that long cast and get that great drift on your next cast that line has to go somewhere, hence false casting. In the end this lesson today was worth it.

As I was leaving I notice this little guy in a small puddle of water. I had never seen this type fish in the tailrace; I assume it may be some type of minnow. Does anyone have a name for this little fellow?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BULLETIN on REDINGTON CLASSIC TROUT FLY RODS!!!

Guys I have been watching Cabala’s website now for the past month for a drop in their Redington Classic Trout fly rods. Well today they drop the price from 100.00 to 74.97.  I was viewing Redington website this morning and they still have the same fly rod for 149.95, which is the full price for this rod. I also talk to Cabala’s to find out why they had dropped the price of their Classic Trout Redington and they told me that it is a special that will only be good until the first of October. So if you of you guys are looking for an outstanding fly rod without the heavy price tag this is the fly rod. I own 4 Redington fly rods and I can honestly say that it is one of the best fly rods I have ever used. I am so impressed with the workmanship of the rod and the lightness the fly rod possesses. I landed a 3 ½ lb. spot back in the spring using my 5 wt –9 ft. The 5 wt. rod weights in at 2.9 oz. Their 7 ½ ft. 3 wt. is 2.3 oz. I get nothing from Redginton for passing this information along to the fishing community. I just wanted to let you guys in on what I think is a fantastic deal. By the way pair this rod with there lightweight reel and you will have a nice setup.

Landing Crappie in the Summer Months

I went on one of my classic crappie fishing trips this week in Mississippi with my brother. We were using the Spider Fishing technique, which my brother has perfected to the next level when it comes to landing crappie. We both thought it was going to be extremely slow, because of the time of year, because one doesn’t land that many crappie in the summer months. Fall, spring and winter are your better months.

This boat is the perfect vessel to spider fish from. Notice the rod holders in the back and front. For ease of fishing my brother added two high back arm rest seats that will enable you to fish all day without tiring. Four long 11 ft. poles out back and four from the front, all are rigged with the color jig that my brother has determined will attract the hit for this time of year. I have my own personal guide and get to fish from one unique boat rigged to the tilt for this type fishing.

First crappie of the morning on a black/purple tube jig tipped with a crappie nibbet, a killer combination. Notice the rods out front. This is the easier fishing I have ever tried; because all one has to do is sit and watch the tip of the rod. When the tip goes under you simple play the fish down and boat it.

Another nice slab on the purple tube jig; these fish are not only fun to catch, but the table fare is unreal.

The only crappie on the crayfish color, everything else was on the dark colored jigs. Yes color does make a difference especially on slow days in the summer.

The shallow part of this lake is still cover with lily pads all along the edges and in the back. The Legion spent 11,000.00 to eliminate the pads in the early spring with no success. They are discussing distributing a herbicide on the pads which is suppose to kill them for good.

These are part of the group of 16 we kept to dress for a big fish fry later in the fall. I think the crappie is best of the best when it comes to eats mixed with fries, slaw, hush puppies and of course ice cold tea or your favorite brew.

Fishing the Bomber & Mystery Nymph Patterns

I finally got back on the Sipsey Tailrace today, a little late by my standards but 7 AM was the best I could manage. I notice as soon as I arrived that the 7 AM was a BIG mistake. I counted eight empty vehicles meaning everyone was on the water. Not to be discouraged I suited up and knew I was going to start the morning fishing one of my favorite holes right above the pump station. As I approached the area I notice 3 other fishermen already in place so I moved up towards the dam with a size 14 Adams tied on. No hatch no where means the one go to dry fly on the Sip is the Adams which I had tied on.

Heavy fishing pressure, and water a little high made for a true test today--this is one of my favorite runs. Missed a couple here on the Adams

First bow of the morning on Alan's Bomber--I changed dries because I was missing takes with the smaller Adams--the Bomber gave a bigger profile---second cast I landed this bow with the Bomber--

The dry action started to slow as the morning flew by causing me to tie on, David's Mystery Copper nymph pattern

The Copper Mystery nymph pattern produced one of my better trout this year on the Sip---thanks to one of the individuals near me for captioning this moment--a fitting end to a productive outing

The long way up to the top, makes me glad I work out in the gym three days a week--quite a workout here

I notice while walking back to the truck the Deer plots were already in place for the upcoming season--I hope to make this walk many times between now and winter.

 

 

Missed my Quest Again This Season

The bluegill quest is over this year for me, and I didn’t make the count for the third year. A little bit discouraging but at the same time very appreciative that I got to land 40 monster bluegills. This is my lowest number since I started my quest 3 years ago.

Aside from the trout, the bluegill has to be my second love with the fly rod. The sheer fight this fish can put forth makes it a worthy opponent on a 3 or 4 weight fly rod. Very seldom does the fight occur above the surface of the water, but below. The power a big male bluegill can put on a light weight fly rod by swimming side to side is astounding. No jumping here just raw power with their wide bodies. After numerous break offs with the 5X tippet, I now fish the 4X most all the time when going after the big spawning males in the early spring. I thought I would share with you guys a few worthy of a picture this season.

An early morning beauty on the Wulff Dry

The Road Kill landed this monster on Walker Lake early this year in March, I remember this fish on my 4 wt

The huge ice cube and five males and one nice female, all on top

These fish were especially memorable because of the size of the big male here compared to the other fish in this image. I remember I only counted two fish from this catch.

I usually don't count females but this one was so special, I just had to enter her in the quest. I also remember this fish, because of the slow morning I was having. She nailed a  tiny size 10 yellow bellied Humphy. The dry fly sits motionless for what I thought was an eternity, and then she exploded on the surface to inhale the dry---heart pounding action guys!!!!!

CAN'T WAIT UNTIL NEXT YEAR

 

 

Budget Shopping and Deck Building

I guess most of you have notice my fishing post have been lacking lately. My son-in-law asked me a couple of weeks ago to help him build a 16 ft. square deck onto their present deck. So I volunteered my service. This has turned out to be quite a project. We should finish it up by this Labor Day weekend, and then back to some serious fishing.

I did manage to make a trip to the Bass Pro this past week. My wife’s car needed some repairs, which was going to take the better part of the morning; so with the loan car Ford gave me I headed out to the Bass Pro Shop to do some browsing. I was not on the search for anything special. I knew that the first place I was going to visit when I arrived was the fly fishing department. As I entered the department, one of the clerks asked me if I had seen the new chest packs they just got in. I told him no, so he proceeded to show me all the different sizes and brands they had on display. Being a budget minded retiree my eyes immediately focused in on the thirty bucks White River chest packs. I knew the William Joseph, Sage, and Simms that was on display were a cut above White River, but for a starter pack this one was in my price range.

 

 

As I get older I have discovered that fishing light is the best fit for me especially if I am wading. This smaller chest pack is going to be much lighter for me as oppose to my present fishing vest.

 

 

I also purchased White Rivers small fly box for 5.50 which measures out to be 4 ½” X 3” ------this smaller box fits well in the chest pack along with the other essentials items I would carry along for a morning or afternoon outing. I will be testing both of these items out later this week on the tailrace.

 

 

 

New Fly Fishing Show by Orvis Worth the Watch

I was scanning through the guide channels last night and came across an interesting fly fishing show called, “The Orvis Guide to Fly Fishing” on the World Fishing Network. It covers everything from areas of the country to fish, equipment, fly patterns, reading streams, fishing lakes for trout and much more. Check your channel guide for the listing; it is worth the watch.

Extending my Bluegill Quest Until the end of August

Well guys I finally made it back out on the lake today. I have decided to continue my bluegill quest until the end of this month. The trip my wife and I made out west cut into some of my bluegill quest time. I would have to pull a miracle to accomplish the quest for this year, because the spawn is over, and now landing random bluegills from area to area in the lake makes it more difficult.

If one is fishing larger impoundments this time of year you will be dealing with falling water, which was the case today. Usually the big lakes this time of year start their yearly drawdown. That can lasts for four to six weeks or even longer depending on the amount of rain the area is receiving, and here in Alabama we have received our share for this summer. The drawdown has also put a damper on any trout fishing below the dam because it is just too dangerous.

With all that said today’s trip was a typical drawdown day with me getting to count only one large bluegill for the quest. Of course there were numerous little bass and bluegills, which helped my casting and landing skills.

I left the house at 4:30 AM and arrived at the lake at 5 AM. I had 30 minutes to kill before I could see to travel safely on the water so I made a stop at this floating peer. I had landed some nice bluegill here earlier in the year but no catch today. Only one little guy under the lights, which told me it was going to be tough.

This was my keeper for the morning taken on the given name Muddler Minnow or what I like to call it the Moth. I tried numerous poppers and nymphs without success before landing this bluegill. As soon as I landed this fish I thought I might have found the fly for some more action, but it never happened. I am now 60 away.

Guys I just can’t close this post without showing you one last set of images of the Redwoods in Northwest California. These trees are something that my wife and I will never forget. Thanks for viewing