A while back Kevin Compton owner of Performance Flies and I got together to film him tying up some of the patterns he is best known for and popularizing. These patterns are staples in the competition scene. Kevin is always refining these patterns and making them simpler to tie.
At Performance Flies, you will find materials and patterns from the competitive fly fishing scene. Also, Kevin has Jack Mickievicz's original materials such as Honeybug Cotton Chenille, Jack's original dubbing blends and DuPont Antron yarn.
The Cinnamon Toast Baetis nymph is a BWO (Blue-Winged Olives) nymph. BWO’s are staples in most if not all rivers. These nymphs are an important food source for trout because of their high number, and multi-broods. The fact that many BWO’s are multi-brood means they are available to trout year round. Baetis are streamlined swimmers, and the nymph pattern should be slender.
Here Kevin ties his Cinnamon Toast Baetis Nymph, which is a deadly BWO nymph.
Compton's Cinnamon Toast Baetis Nymph
Materials:
Hook: Hanak H230BL #14-16
Head: 3/32 Gold Tungsten Bead
Thread: FLY DK 80 Brown
Tails: Golden Olive Coq de Leon Fibers
Rib: XFine Copper Wire
Body: Brown-Olive Condor Substitute
Thorax: Jan Siman Peacock Dubbing, Peacock Bronze
For materials visit http://www.performanceflies.com/
In the recent episode of How It's Made (Season 20 Episode 10) we get to see how the Regal Vise is made.
REGAL VISE - The World’s Best Fly Tying Vises and accessories.
REGAL VISE is a family owned business New England. All vises and accessories are are manufactured in U.S.A.
All their products are made by fly tiers and anglers for tiers and anglers.
Last year Kevin Compton owner of Performance Flies and I got together to film him tying up some of the patterns he is best know for and popularizing.
Kevin is bring some of best materials and patterns from the European competitive fly fishing scene to the states. As well as introducing tiers and anglers to these new materials and methods he is also has Jack Mickievicz's original materials such as Honeybug Cotton Chenille, Jack's original dubbing blends and genuine DuPont Antron yarn.
MFPD Pocket Picker Nymph is a pattern designed by Peter Durisik of Slovakia and tied here by Kevin.
Enjoy.
MFPD Pocket Picker Nymph
Materials:
Hook: Hanak H230BL #14-16
Head: 3/32 Gold Tungsten Bead
Thread: UTC 70 Watery Olive
Tails: Coq de Leon Fibers, Medium Prodo
Rib #1: Synthetic Quill Body, Graphite
Rib #2: Sybai XF Gold Wire
Tip: Glo-Brite Floss, Hot Orange #6
Body: UTC 70 Watery Olive Thread
Thorax: Pine Squirrel with UV Flash
Tim Flagler of Tightline Productions posted this great video with a sample of he bugs found in the South Branch of the Raritan.
First appearing is a willow nymph, or early black stone fly nymph. The early black stone is makes it's first appearance in February and March when temperatures start to rise in the late afternoon. This hatch offers some great winter dry fly fishing, but don't forget the nymphs which are in the stream all year.
Next is the Isonychia bicolor, also called Iso, Slate Drake, or Lead Wing. Found in fast moving riffles in highly oxygenated water, these nymphs are fast swimmers that dart along the stream bottom. These mayflies start emerging in midsummer and hatch in to the fall. Followed by one of my favorite bugs the scud because they are very abundant an in the streams year round. Tim's video show how prominent the orange is in the natural.
Then there are two may fly nymphs one from the genus Ephemerella (Sulpher) and the other from the genus Maccaffertium (March Brown or Cahill).
Trichoptera (Caddisflies) are next on the scene with Hydropsyche, which is a free living net builder, which are important because they get dislodged from time-to-time and drift down stream during times of behavioral drift.
Finally a Gastropoda or snail which float and crawl most of our streams.
The one bug I did not mention was the Water Penny, which is a beetle larva that the Sulpher nymph was riding. I don't know the type of beetle it becomes, but a cress bug imitation should represent this bug quite well.
Tim's South Branch Sampler 1/17/14 is a wonderful sample to the food available to trout in our streams in New Jersey and a great reference to use when designing fly patterns.
The Underwater World of Trout Series is an informative video collection, that every angler should own. Don't take my word here's what Lefty Kreh, Gary Borger, Jay "Fishy" Fullum, and Ed Jaworowski said.
“Not just trout fishermen but any fly fishermen stalking fish (bonefish, redfish and more) should buy and absorb what Ozzie has so well presented“. - Lefty Kreh
“For most of us, this DVD by Ozzie Ozefovich, will provide a highly informative view of the world through the trout's window—a view that we all need to understand, but one that few have seen. Be certain that you see this DVD, it will make you a better angler“. - Gary Borger - Trout Vision & Refraction
“After viewing Feeding Lies,I plan to take a second look at stretches of water I passed up in the past. I will also re-think some of my presentations to the fish residing in these areas.” - Jay "Fishy" Fullum - Feeding Lies
“Feeding Lies will revolutionize trout fishing…no more guessing or imagining what goes on in the trout’s world.The most important trout video to date.” - Ed Jaworowski - Feeding Lies
Wendell "Ozzie" Ozefovich has been filming and videotaping for more than four decades, so he has the skill and equipment to produce a quality experience. He is an accomplished fly fisherman who looks at a river not just as an angler, but also as a filmmaker. He asks the same questions you do—sometimes finding answers, sometimes finding more questions to ask.
There are no staged aquarium shots; these trout are in their natural environment. There is also footage of sea-run rainbow and brown trout. There are wild fish and stocked fish, fighting fish and spawning fish. You will see beneath the surface as trout feed on drifting invertebrates and surface flies, and how a trout views an angler through its window.
There is a segment on electrofishing and stream bank restoration, which will show that anglers, together with private conservation organizations and government agencies, can work together toward a common goal. This is one of the few presentations that almost everyone from rank beginner to crusty old cuss walks away having learned something!
The Sulphur this year are two weeks earlier than last year. Mind you last year was wet and cooler than this year, but with the low water this year everything is early. It make it a little harder trying to time the hatches, but that's life.
As The Jersey Angler said to me in his last tweet "that's old news dude. Where have you been." It's obvious I've not been on the stream at the beginning of the Sulphur hatch, but I do make up for lost time.
In 2010 the Sulphur hatch started around May 22, and in 2011 because of the wet spring it was May 28 and by The Jersey Angler accounts this years hatch started around May 11, 2012. That's a big spread, but I'm afraid with funky weather patterns this is going to be the norm.
Sulphur Spinner returning to lay eggs.
Here is a short hypnotic video of this years spinners returning back in the evening to lay eggs.
The last thing to add is make sure you have some Rusty spinners.
I think everyone knows the Pheasant Tail Nymph, but I'm not sure how many know Sawyers Pheasant tail nymph. The pattern is dead simple. And. like most patterns I tie, it follows the K.I.S.S. rule.
For those who don't know the pattern, it's a killer. It was designed by Frank Sawyers to "Baetis" nymph, or "olives." I've found it's also a good imitation of the "Ephemerella" nymphs, which include the Hendricksons and Sulphurs nymphs. For the "Baetis," tie the nymph in sizes 18 - 20, and for the "Ephemerella," tie in 14 - 16. If you have long Pheasant tail, than a size 12 is possible.
Tim Flagler of Tightline Productions filmed me tying the Sawyers Pheasant tail nymph at the Annual Sparse Grey Matter Fly Tying Festival on February 26th, 2012.
It was a cold morning, 28º F at the start of the event, a low 50º F by the final round. Each participant drew a number which gave them times and beats to fish. Each fisher had two beats to fish in the morning. The 3 top scorers would advance to the finals.
The first beat for was was slow - only one 14.75" Rainbow. This gave me 20 points for the first session. The second morning session was much better. I hooked 4 fish and landed 2. This gave me an additional 38 points to put me in second place.
Official Score Board
Warren Weglinski was in first. I was second, and Angelo Conti was in third.
In the final session, the points from the morning didn't rollover like last year's and the fishing was slow. We all rotated through the same three 20-minute beats. Warren was the only one to hook and land a Rainbow in the first rotation, worth 14 points. We all went fish-less in the second session. In the last session with around 5 minutes left, I hook and landed a 13" Brookie worth 18.2 points. Around the same time my fish was landed, Angelo hooked and landed a 19" Rainbow worth 19 points. With that, he won the 2nd Annual NJ Fly Fisherman of the year for 2011.
Here's a shameless video shot of "me only" during the event.
It was truly a fun event. I'd like to thank all the judges, Bill, Shannon's and NJTU for all their hard work.
The 2nd Annual NJ Fly Fisherman of the Year one fly contest is this Saturday November 12, 2011. Like last year's event it will take place at the Raritan Inn Bed & Breakfast, in Califon, NJ. The contest is held on the Inn’s mile of private waters on the South Branch of the Raritan River. This year 10 New Jersey chapter of Trout Unlimited and local Watershed Associations, select one angler each to participate.
Last year The Jersey Angler represented the Central Jersey Chapter of TU. This year I have the honors of and will represent CJTU.
Wish me luck and tight lines.
Here is a clip I put together of The Jersey Angler from last years event.
A banquet will follow follow the competition in celebration of NJTU's 40th Anniversary.
Come out for an evening of fun, auctions and tales of lore as we celebrate the winner of the one fly contest review 2011 fly fishing year or the "rain / water year" as we have come to know.
Here is a short video from my trip out west this year. It's the first shot with my new GoPro HD camera while using the chest harness. The Rainbow took a double bead black stone fly nymph. The current was moving and the trout used it well.
In Yellowstone country there are many great rivers to fish for trout, but there are many great lakes, other than Yellowstone Lake. These lakes require you to hike in a few miles, most have well groomed trails, but make sure you have your bear spray while in the back country (see The Jersey Angler's post "Brookies and Bears").
These high mountain are have many insects, Callibaetis, Damsels, as well as Caddis. The hatch can be tremendous, and if your there at the right time you'll have a glorious day. Well that's just what happen on our hike to a undisclosed lake in Yellowstone country with Grayling. (There is only one lake in Yellowstone country with Grayling*.)
On pattern that worked splendidly, was my K.I.S.S. Damsel, it's simple, extremely fast to tie and works everywhere there are Damsels.
K.I.S.S. Damsel
Hook: Nymph hook 4x long (200R*)
Size 8 - 12
Thread: Olive
Tail:Olive Marabou
Body: Olive Marabou
Rib: Gold Wire
Head: Tungsten Bead sized to hook * I've found 200R hooks with a bead ride hook point up.
Slide bead on to the hook and attach thread.
Tie in wire rib.
Tie in Olive Marabou and form a short tail.
Wrap the marabou forward and tie off.
Counter wrap your wire forward and secure with several wraps.
Whip finish and your Damsel nymph is completed.
While in West Yellowstone we (Jersey Angler, Rick and I) would tie up some of the patterns we would use the next day.
Tying session in the cabin.
This Rainbow smashed the K.I.S.S. Damsel
Greyling takes the Damsel
*The undisclosed lake is name at the end of the video.
Caddis are abundant on most rivers, but the Madison and other rivers in Yellowstone country there can have blizzard hatches. Never leave home with out a caddis pattern in your box. Here is one that is quick, easy to see, and floats like a cork.
CDC UV Caddis
Hook: Standard Dry Fly Hook Size 10 - 10
Thread: Tan
Body: Hairline Tan UV Ice Dub
Under Wing: Natural CDC (3-4 feathers)
Wing: Elk or Deer Hair
This is a another pattern which follows the K.I.S.S. rule. It's simple, fast to tie and works everywhere. You can variety the color of the body to match the caddis in your area, the UV dubbing adds some nice sparkle to the pattern, you can also substitute the UV dubbing with an Anton blend for similar results.
While fishing in Yellowstone country this past July this was my go to caddis pattern if I wasn't throwing large Salmon Files.
It caught selective trout in the Henry's Fork, Brook Trout, Rainbows and Grayling in the park.
Attach your thread.
Dub the body.
Tie in the CDC under wing.
Tie in your Deer hair.
Trim Deer hair and whip finish.
Below are some of the trout taken with the CDC UV Caddis.
While I haven't been posting regularly this spring, I've managed to get out an wet a line. Here is a little video I shot on one of the few sunny days we had this spring. I was fishing across for "The Jersey Angler" so I put down the rod and shot this footage. Enjoy.
The wooly bugger is a classic pattern. It's one of the easiest to tie and catches trout, bass, carp, and panfish. Tie it with or without a bead. Experiment with materials and tie it in colors to match your home waters. You can't go wrong with Black, Brown, and Olive, they all work. A great fly for the beginning fly tier. It's a quick pattern to tie and follows the K.I.S.S. rule.
Filmed at the International Fly Tiers Symposium, Fly and Fin presents Bill Skilton ties his "Bill's Hellgrammite"
Many know Bill Skilton for his foam patterns using the unique materials he’s developed. Bill is an all-around fly tier, fisher and entrepreneur. He raises is chickens for hackle (personal use), develops new fly tying materials, and maintains an eight acre of pond with huge blue-gills, large catfish, large-mouth bass, small-mouth bass, and, best of all, hybrid stripers, which he rents it out to fly-fishing groups. He guided the streams of Central PA, like Yellow Breeches, Letort and the under-appreciated Susquehanna River.
Bill is wonderful instructor who as you’ll share’s all his knowledge and the “why” behind it all.
He gives fly-tying demonstrate and is a featured tier at the International Fly Tying Symposium. His Hellgrammite pattern catches everything from bluegills, bass and trout.
For the last four years The Fly Fishing Film Tour has become the fishing entertainment event. The Film Tour is making it's New York City stop on April 6th, 2011 (sorry for the late notice). The tour showcases some of the best independent outdoor film makers.
The Film Tour will be hosted by Urban Angler in New York, NY at the Helen Mills Theater - 139 West 26th Street (between 6th & 7th Avenue) New York, NY 10001
This is my variation on a classic prince nymph pattern. I use red wire and substitute rust CDC for the traditional hen. The CDC add a lot of motion to the fly and it's one of my most productive early season patterns. Tie some with or with out the bead and let me know how it works for you.
Filmed at International Fly Tiers Symposium here's Ben Turpin ties his Bead Head Pheasant Tail Nymph
Ben Turpin is a guide and rod builder based on the Delaware River system. He guides in PA, NJ and NY. He's turned his 20 years of year-round fly fishing obsession in to Ben Turpin Custom Rod Building and Guide Service, established in 1997. Ben offers guided fly fishing trips in the scenic Pocono Mountains, Delaware River (East, West & Main) and Northwest New Jersey.
Ben's Bead Head PT
Size – 16 - 18 Scud Hook
Thread – 8/0 or 6/0 Brown
Head – 5/64 Copper Bead
Body – Pheasant Tail Fibers
Tail – Pheasant Tail Fibers
Another 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 Bed tying his Bead Head Pheasant Tail enjoy.
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:
January 1, 2011 Trout Mecca Missoula - Trout slaying on the Clark Fork, Bitterroot and Blackfoot Rivers; 2011 Season Preview
January 8, 2011 Angling For Gold – Golden dorado on the Rio Juramento in northern Argentina
January 15, 2011 Rainbow Rhapsody – Massive bears and monster 'bows wilderness float trip in Bristol Bay, Alaska
January 22, 2011 In Search of Sabalitos - Baby tarpon at San Felipe in northern Yucatan, Mexico
January 29, 2011 Tamin’ Taimen – Wild river expedition for huge taimen in Mongolia
February 5, 2011 Musky Madness – Trophy muskies on the fly in the north woods of Wisconsin
February 12, 2011 Mexico Largemouth – Largemouth bass in El Salto and Mateos reservoirs on mainland Mexico
February 19, 2011 West of Key West – Tarpon and sharks on a live-aboard in the Marquesas, southwest of the Florida Keys
February 26, 2011 Nile Perch – Monster perch on the fly in the shadow of the Egyptian Pharaohs
March 5, 2011 Patagonia Unplugged – Early season browns, rainbows and perca on the Rio Chimehuin in Argentne Patagonia
March 12, 2011 Permit Passion – A week chasing permit at the legendary Palometa Club in Ascension Bay Mexico
March 19, 2011 Redfish Requiem – Rediscovering redfish after "the spill" in marshes of Louisiana
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 onWild 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.
camera while using the chest harness. The Rainbow took a double bead black stone fly nymph. The current was moving and the trout used it well.
