Wild On The Fly Premiere's January 1, 2011

What to do on New Years day (besides sleeping in), well if you manage to wake up before 1:30PM you may want to ease in to your day with some Trout Porn, (no wait) I meant to say a new angling adventure series Wild On The Fly.

Wild On The Fly, presented by Grizzly Hackle Fly Shop in Missoula, Montana is debuting on the Outdoor Channel on January 1, 2011 at 1:30PM. Wild On The Fly  is a new 13-episode series of angling adventures from all around the world.

Here is the schedule:

1. January 1, 2011 Trout Mecca Missoula - Trout slaying on the Clark Fork, Bitterroot and Blackfoot Rivers; 2011 Season Preview
   
2. January 8, 2011 Angling For Gold – Golden dorado on the Rio Juramento in northern Argentina
   
3. January 15, 2011 Rainbow Rhapsody – Massive bears and monster 'bows wilderness float trip in Bristol Bay, Alaska
   
4. January 22, 2011 In Search of Sabalitos - Baby tarpon at San Felipe in northern Yucatan, Mexico
   
5. January 29, 2011 Tamin’ Taimen – Wild river expedition for huge taimen in Mongolia
   
6. February 5, 2011 Musky Madness – Trophy muskies on the fly in the north woods of Wisconsin
   
7. February 12, 2011 Mexico Largemouth – Largemouth bass in El Salto and Mateos reservoirs on mainland Mexico
   
8. February 19, 2011 West of Key West – Tarpon and sharks on a live-aboard in the Marquesas, southwest of the Florida Keys
   
9. February 26, 2011 Nile Perch – Monster perch on the fly in the shadow of the Egyptian Pharaohs
   
10. March 5, 2011 Patagonia Unplugged – Early season browns, rainbows and perca on the Rio Chimehuin in Argentne Patagonia
    
11. March 12, 2011 Permit Passion – A week chasing permit at the legendary Palometa Club in Ascension Bay Mexico
    
12. March 19, 2011 Redfish Requiem – Rediscovering redfish after "the spill" in marshes of Louisiana
    
13. March 26, 2011 Amazonia – Peacock bass in the Rio Negro headwater jungles of Amazonia, Brazil

Now I've only previewed the show on YouTube and on Wild On The Fly web site and it looks good. They are covering most of the fly fishing destination and species you would want to log before your worm food.  The winter months are after all for preparing for the upcoming season, and this series looks to be a good way to fight off cabin fever.   Check your local listings for times.

Review 2010

Now that most of the holidays have passed I starting my review of some of my most effective patterns. One fly that has done well this year is my Tan UV Caddis which has become my go to anchor fly on my Polish/Czech or if you like Euro-Nymphing setup. Not only does it get the other flies down on the bottom but fish take it regularly.



Hook – Jig Head
Size – 1/125 – 1/80
Thread –8/0 Orange
Body – Ice Dub UV Tan
Hot Spot – Hot Orange
Rib – .32 gauge Brown or Copper Wire
Legs – Rust Dun CDC Fibers

One of the last Brown's that fell victim to the Tan UV Caddis.

You may notice most of the gold is worn off the fly.

I don't know if it's the the tan UV Ice Dub, the Hot Spot, the CDC legs or all of the above, but it works.  I went through all the flies I tied last winter, and I'm going to tie double this winter.

Happy Holidays

Happy Holidays from Fly and Fin

Everyone have a safe and healthy Holiday.

The Grubber

Here is a pattern I found in the November 2010 issue of Trout & Salmon (Bauer Media) in an article by Paul Procter "The Wild Side of Town."

The Grubber

Size – 14 - 16 Grub Hook
Thread – 8/0 Black (Here I used 8/0 Brown)
Head – Tungsten Bead 2.3 mm,  Orange
Body – Hare's Ear Dubbing

Mash down the barb, place bead and apply thread.

Dub abdomen whip finish and push bead over abdomen.

Re-attach thread and dub thorax and whip finish.

As far as fly's that follow the K.I.S.S. rule, well it's obvious this fly is there.  It will make a good addition to the Czech nymph box.  I'm going to give it a try as soon as possible.

Release II

Just having some fun with videos Rick sent me from our last outing. These release shots are the same fish from the Grip and Grin post.

Enjoy.

K.I.S.S. Scud

Scud's are translucent and range from tan to light olive.

This is a scud from one of my local streams. Scud's are an overlooked food source by many anglers, it's very abundant an in the streams year round.

Most Czech nymphs imitate Caddis larva but they also imitate scuds. I use fluorescent orange thread to add a small hot spot on the rear and behind the bead.

This K.I.S.S. pattern is easy and a quick tie.



Size – 14 - 16 Grub Hook
Thread – Danville Flymaster Plus 210,  Fluorescent Orange 503
Head – Tungsten Bead 2.3 mm,  Gold
Body – Hairline Ice Dub UV Tan
Shell Back – Pearl Flashabou
Rib – Fine Copper Wire

Tenkara: High Sticking

Here is another video of Rick fishing Tenkara.

You can see the line and drift control you can achieve when fishing Tenkara. It would have been nice if Rick landed this fish, but that's why we call it fishing.

The one down side I see with Tenkara is once you touch the line to land the fish you lose the spring of the rod. Allowing the fish to pull or break off. Rick commented how the fish went bonkers (usually a massive head shake) when he grabbed the line. This seem to be a problem with fish over 18 inches.

Grip and Grin

It's not offend that when I'm fishing with a buddy that they are near by to take a shot on a nice fish.  Most of the time it's fumbling with the camera, trying to be a "Trout Whisperer", and warming cold hands to move.  So it's nice to get a shot of myself with an nice "Brown".

I've managed the grip but still need work on the grin.

Now Rick got them both, and yes he was fishing Tenkara.

The normal shot I use when you buddy is up river.

 

It's hard to know when the Trout is out if the scene with out going for a swim.

Classic Wet Flies Class with Don Bastian

I've known Don Bastian for 10+ years. He’s recognized as one of the best nymph fishers in the states and an authority on Ray Bergman.

Don has been tying wet flies for 45 years and has contributed to Paul Schmookler’s 1999 book, Forgotten Flies, DVDs - Classic Wet Flies and Traditional Streamers & Bucktails, and the magazine, Hatches. His blog is Don Bastian Wet Flies.

On February 11 – 13, 2011, he's hosting a class at Fishing Creek Angler Fly Shop & Bed & Breakfast.

Classic Wet Flies Fly Tying Class

You can learn about wings, such as: quill, mixed, married, herl, and flank feather, Don’s proprietary wingquill method, materials and techniques for working with floss, tinsel, wing quills, goose shoulder, and other materials, plus proper proportions, material selection, grading, and working around and through any fly tying problems.

You can kick back and relax at the B&B with informal tying sessions, your favorite libations and home-cooked meals.

The package price is $325.00, based on double-occupancy, which includes room tax, dinner on Friday and Saturday and full breakfasts on Saturday and Sunday. A 50% deposit is required to secure a reservation.

Fishing Creek Angler Fly Shop & Bed & Breakfast

314 St. Gabriel’s Road Benton PA 17814 570-925-2709 infofca@epix.net

Below are a dozen files my boys picked out from Ray Bergman’s Trout (1938), tied by Don in 2008. The close-ups are some of my favorites.

A Selection of Wet Flies for Bergman’s Trout

Sliver Doctor

Bergman Fontinalis

Professor

Kype Magazine Volume 2 Issue 2

Here is the latest Issue of Kype Volume 2 Issue 2, a quarterly magazine on salmon, trout, and steelheading.

In this issue I like the article by Michael McAuliffe, Learn What Trout Really Eat.  Mike stomach pumps trout through out the season to see what's on the menu.  I don't want to spoil your read but make sure you have your +1.5 cheaters when your on the water.  Make sure you check out the Featured Tier, Aileen Ellis who provides step-by-step instruction on tying a Split Case PMD.

Enjoy.

Open publication

Tenkara: Nymph Style

I've been trying to get out with the camera to do some filming for the longest time. Finally, a good weather day and a friend to film mid week (to many anglers out on the weekend).

So here is a short video of my friend Rick fishing Tenkara and landing a 14 inch Brown Trout.

Enjoy.

Kevin Compton ties the "Tungsten Torpedo"

At the International Fly Tiers Symposium several tiers where gracious to allow me to film them tying some of their patterns.

The second fly in the series is by Kevin Compton. Kevin is a fly designer for Solitude Fly Company a commercial tier, author, speaker, and tying instructor. He splits his time between Ohio, chasing Steelhead in the Great Lakes , and the other half in Rocky Mountains of Colorado for Trout. He's also on the international pro team for Partridge Hooks. Kevin's company, Performance Flies, distributes specialty tying materials and hooks, including the DOHIKU European barbless hooks, throughout North America.

His flies have been featured in the Fly Fishing and Tying Journal and you can read his article Going Barbless which appeared in the August 2008 issue of Hatches Magazine. Recently Kevin finished second in the first "Iron Fly" completion at the International Fly Tackle Dealer Show (Charlie Craven won “Iron Fly”).

"Tungsten Torpedo"



Size – 10 - 18 DOHIKU Standard Nymph Hook (302)
Thread – Benecchi 12/0 Olive
Head – Tungsten Bead 3.8 mm
Thorax – Jan Siman’s Peacock Bronze
Wing Case –Sybai Pearl Braidback Peacock 4.5mm
Body – Benecchi 12/0 Olive
Tail – Coq de Leon Fibers
Rib – Sulky Sliver Metallic Thread Black followed by Fine Copper Wire

Sad News: Little Lehigh Fly Shop to close on December 20th

While checking my news feeds this Sunday morning I came across some sad news.

The Little Lehigh Fly Shop is closing after 17 years. Rod Rohrbach the owner said to the Allentown, PA The Morning Call "Business has been bad" and he is planning to move out west where his three sons live.

Starting on December 3rd the shop will be open Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Mondays only. There last day of operations will be December 20, and everything will be 50% off. No credit cards, no checks.

Rod you and your shop will be missed.

Feather-Craft Holiday Giveaway

Here is another give-a-way from Feather-Craft Fly Fishing.  For the Holiday Giveaway 4 individuals will get a $100 gift certificate valid for anything in their Christmas catalog.  Go to http://flyfishinggiveaway.com/blog/2010/11/24/holiday-giveaway/ for info and to enter.

I'd looked everywhere but could not find the closing date. Good Luck.

Post Turkey and Trout weekend

Thanksgiving is over and here are some post highlights of my weekend adventures with my boys. Friday was an recovery day from Thursday's food and family.  Both boys want to go fishing so we headed out on Saturday and Sunday.  Both boys were cold until the first fish was on the line, Zach landed a trophy Smallmouth (I'd say it was  2 1/2 pounds), and I've never caught one over 1 pound class.  His brother who wanted to go moments before now wanted to stay.  David managed to hook several fish but got none to the net.  I told him to blame the gillie, a.k.a. dad.  Before we left Zach managed a to land a Brown Trout.  In the car the boys were planning Sunday's trip, the spots, flies and time we should fish.

Trophy Bronzeback

Colorful Brown Trout to end the day.

Sunday wasn't any warmer than Saturday but the fishing was hotter.

David with a nice Rainbow

Nice Brown Zach.

NICE 22" Bow Zach!!!

Not to be out done by his older brother David landed this 20+ Bow.

The day ended when Zach hooked a monster screamed line off the reel and broke off after the first run.  The sun was about to set so we decided to headed home for dinner.

Red Cabin Pottery Surprise Delivery

While out at the International Fly Tackle Dealer Show there was a coffee mug I wanted from Red Cabin Pottery, but when I went to there booth to purchase they were sold out.  We traded contact info and told them I'd be in touch to pick-up the Brook Trout mug, as you might gather it totally slipped my mind.

So I was totally surprised today when on my door step was a box (I didn't order anything), I was in a daze what could it be.  The name on the box did not ring any bells. Scratching my head I was wondering what could it be?  Wait look there is a packing slip, and it clicked when I was Red Cabin Pottery (Denver, coffee mug).  Surprise again, not one but three mugs, a Brook, Rainbow and Brown mug.  Now wait I didn't pay for them in Denver, a gift?  I could not find an invoice so I'm thinking gift. I have to say the folks at Red Cabin Pottery are a class act. 

So what could I do but to say thanks the folks at Red Cabin Pottery on the blog. 

Red Cabin Pottery THANK YOU!!!

Red Cabin Pottery Mugs

Rainbow

Brook Trout

Brown

Red Cabin Pottery

Red Cabin Pottery ceramics are manufactured by Jersey Pottery located on a small Island of Jersey off the coast of France using Czech porcelains.  With watercolors by Richard Bramble of Great Britain.


Portions of all sales go towards conservation through Trout Unlimited.

Red Cabin Pottery is located in Texas, for more info go to their web site http://www.redcabinpottery.com/ or contact them via email at info@redcabinpottery.com
or by phone at (877) 540-2643. 

If your looking for a gift for your angler, I'd recommend you visit Red Cabin Pottery.

Aaron Jasper ties his "Fire Fly"

While at the International Fly Tiers Symposium several tiers where gracious to allow me to film them tying some of their patterns.

The first in a series will be Aaron Jasper co-founder of Trout Predator Online (TPO) a New Jersey native and Euro-Nymphing master.  Aaron cut his teeth on Flat Brook, Ramapo and Pequest Rivers and now writes, and educates angles on Euro-Nymphing through TPO, speaking engagements, and shows.

The "Fire Fly"



Size – 16 DOHIKU D301 Barbless
Thread – 8/0 or 6/0 Dark Brown
Head – Tungsten Bead 2.3mm (Fluorescent Orange)
Thorax – Jan Siman’s Peacock Bronze
Body – Pheasant tail died Brown
Tail – Wood Duck fibers
Rib – Copper wire

As a variation of the beloved Pheasant Tail nymph it's a sure winner.  I like it for that an it follows the K.I.S.S. rule.  So here is Aaron tying his "Fire Fly," enjoy.

Happy Thanksgiving and Safe Travels

First happy Thanksgiving and safe travels to all during this holiday long weekend.

Beside the football games, loads of food, fishing and hunting getaways (before, after and during), I've done all three, and there is shopping. While many seek deals on flat panel TV's, holiday gifts and other electronic, why not fishing gear. Well West Branch Angler's is offering a 24 Hour Black Friday Sale!! All Fly Fishing Gear 20% Off* Gift Cards 10% Off Online Only This Friday 11/26!

*Excludes Sage

I get there newsletter and there was no mention of a offer code or coupon code. This posting is an FYI and you'll need to check out if the extra 20% off is a real deal. This it not an endorsement of West Branch Angler's, I'm just passing the info along, and who knows you may find a deal.

Thank you Bugs of the Underworld and the Ice Pink Larva

Back in July I developed the Ice Pink Larva from watching Ralph and Lisa Cutter's DVD "Bugs of the Underworld".  I did not test the pattern until recently, and I must say it did produce.  While I take some Rainbows the majority were Browns

Image from "Bugs of the Underworld"

Ice Pink Larva

First Trout on the Ice Pink Larva

Taker number two.

Third time is the charm.

International Fly Tying Symposium Summary

Well the International Fly Tying Symposium is over and I'm still processing the last two days.  Day one was one big social. I could not walk five feet before bumping into a friend and starting a conversation. (This went on all day.)  Day two was filming tiers and some of their patterns. (Posting will become available as I edit.)  My material's list was short.   I wasn't planning to buy much, but managed to spend more than a few dollars.  Most was spent on Czech nymph materials, Hungarian Partridge skins, and books.  Here are a few photographs of patterns that caught my eye, and as you can see, these don't follow the K.I.S.S. rule. One day when I have more time (retirement maybe), I'll take up tying Salmon flies and such.

Jock Scott By Charles A. Chute

Crayfish by Max Birnkammer

Mosquito by Robert Schreiner

Stevens Streamers by Greg Heffner

Sir Herbert by Paul Rossman

Getting out before the International Fly Tying Symposium

Since the International Fly Tying Symposium opens tomorrow there was only one thing I could do today...

I went fishing and had a great day, no one pattern fished better than another but the fish were one. Later in the day when the water warmed up (46º F was the high) BWO were out an about.  Since  I was Euro-Nymphing  (a.k.a. Czech Nymphing) I did not have the rig to switch over to dries but no worries because they were on the nymph as well.

It was a great day out the start of a splendid weekend.   The rig I used today was mu Rock Work on the dropper,  and a my variarion of Hans Stephenson's "Bomb" as the anchor and a size 20 bead head BWO flash back nymph on the point.

Here are some of the results:

Tomorrow I'll try to post some live feeds the blog and my twitter feed for the International Fly Tying Symposium.

Night Fishing - Fish Porn

I was night fishing recently (which is happening more since the time change).  I wasn't surprised by the Browns, its been a while since I caught a rock bass (old red eyes) which is one of our native species.

Dead drifting and swinging streamers is my most effective method of taking fish at night. So here is some fish porn of my night forays.

Old Red Eye

A nice Brown

The Pig of the pool.