Staying Busy During the Cold Weather

 I thought I would share some of the projects I’ve been working on during the cold month of January. As many of you know, one of my hobbies is woodworking, and during the winter months I spend a lot of time in my wood shop. Too cold to fish this time of the yearfor me, especially when the temps are in the mid 50's or lower during the day. I remember being on the water during those cold temp days when I was younger but not anymore. That is why my fishing season begins now the last week in March. 

Cathey wanted a small bench for our back porch, which I made using scrap pine. I seldom throw away lumber that I think I can use one day for a project such as this bench. I needed a larger shelf to store some of my fishing items. Everything you see on the shelf had been taking up space in the bottom of my boat. The hat rack was a must!

I've been doing a lot of fly tying lately. These are the better ones I am willling to share. I am not worried about a traditional color, but just in the experiment stage now. The colors are a little far-fetched, and probably doesn't relate to a particular bug or insect. I have learned one thing since I started tying: is the videos on line make it look so easy, but for me it has been a fun challenge, not frustrating. It will be interesting in the Spring to see which one of these beauties will attract a take. I will be trying some of these patterns on the tailrace as soon the temps warm.  

What to Get The Fly Fisherman Who Has Everything

 Fly fishermen, like most anglers, are always searching for the perfect gear—whether it’s the rod, reel, flies, line, leader, tippet, waders, or boots. The list could go on, but you get the idea. Over the years, I’ve told my family not to buy me fishing equipment for Christmas or any other holiday, since I already have everything I’ll ever need for the rest of my fishing days.

That said, after watching a video from one of the fly fishing channels I follow, I realized there’s one item every fly fisherman should add to their arsenal for the coming season: You can never have too much of this stuff*****Check out the video below.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Bad, Fair, and Better

 Bad, Fair, and Better is how I am going to evaluate my fly-tying classes. I have spent the last couple of days experimenting with different wooly bugger patterns that are fairly easy to tie. I have found the best way for me to learn how to tie a decent fly is to watch the video of the fly I am trying to duplicate. I didn’t realize how many fly-tying videos are available on the internet, serving as the perfect instructor. 

These flies were some of the first I finished and were mainly an exercise in learning how to use the tools, which resulted in some really bad wooly buggers.

You can see with these two wooly buggers I was improving some.

These are better, but I still need to improve, and the only way to do that is to keep practicing!

Why I Like Fishing With a 2 Wt. Fly Rod

 

As most of you know, I have always been drawn to light fishing tackle, whether it's my 7½-foot micro-lite rods or my 2-weight, 7½-foot Redington fly rod. There’s something special about a 2-weight fly rod. Is it the lightness, the delicacy, the sensitivity, or the simple fact that no other fly rod can provide such a connection with the fish when fighting it? This rod isn’t designed for power or distance; rather, it reminds me that fly fishing isn’t about domination. It’s about truly experiencing the fight, especially when a fish overpowers the rod, challenging me to land it. 

Simply put, I enjoy the challenge. Will I win the fight today, or will the fish? You don't need to catch a monster fish to appreciate this fly rod; even landing a small brook trout, rainbow or a small bluegill brings a thrill. I learned a long time ago that it's not about the size or quantity of the fish but about the experience of the moment.

A 2-weight rod excels in small creeks, lakes, and ponds. Just a gentle flick of the wrist can send a tiny dry fly or tiny popper under a low-hanging limb where a hungry fish awaits your offering.

If you’ve never tried a 2-weight rod, I encourage you to take one to your favorite stream, pond, or small lake and rediscover the quiet side of fly fishing—the side that made me thankful I had a Dad that taught me to fly fish in our five acre pond when I was a young child.

P.S. The image above was taken on Walker Lake last Spring. Five months away before I wet the fly again on Walker Lake or Smith Lake, in the meantime, I will be preparing for another great fishing season!

I Am Still Here

 

Hey everyone, I just wanted to check in. Cathey and I have been supervising a renovation project at our son's house, which started in late September. Unfortunately, this has really disrupted my fall fishing plans. However, as the saying goes, you'll do anything for your children. 

 Jason works in California and doesn't get home often, but when he does, he tries to fish as much as he can. So, the renovation project was something he didn't want to handle himself. Being retired allows Cathey and me to follow a flexible schedule, so we were glad to help him out. 

I hope to go on a couple of fishing trips before the weather gets too cold for me to cast a popper at those spotted bass on Smith. I'm looking forward to learning how to tie some flies for the upcoming spring and sharing them with you all soon. 

The Fall Popper-Action is Close On Smith Lake

Jeff and I made an early morning trip to Smith Lake this past Thursday to test the top action for the bass and some giant bluegill. We were surprised to get some action even with the surface temps still near 80 degrees. The cool nights have started to cool the water somewhat, but not to the point where the hits are more like spring or late fall, as of yet. 

Sorry for the vertical video, my camera was not set a 0 when filming this video. 

The first hit of the morning was this 16" plus spotted bass soft-hitting Jeff's double-barrel popper. The fish put a bend in Jeff's 5wt. rod. Landing these fish never gets old. Even an 11 or 12" can give you a thrill on the fly rod.  

The big bluegill were locked in on the size six black boogle bug popper. I had a feeling they thought it was a black grasshopper or bug. Don't count on them hitting the same colored popper on the next trip: it could be a different color or even a different style popper. I was using my 9ft. 4 wt. Streamflex, which was a blast landing this size bluegill. The side maneuvering using their wide bodies for resistance makes you think you are fighting a spotted bass. The top action will only get better as the water temps start to cool during this month and on into October. Fishing surface poppers in the fall is second only to the Spring action on beautiful Smith Lake!