Some patterns just stand out.

Our streams close for three weeks before the state opener (this year 4/9/11), but I managed to get three hours in before it closed.  I noticed after reviewing my photos for the which pattern was the most effective.  Drum roll...Ice Pheasent Tail Jig. Now credit needs to be given to Johan Klingberg; he taught me the pattern. Many thanks Johan; it's a winner.  I've found it to be a great early season pattern. Here are some photos from that day:

Tie up some I know you'll be glad you did.

Fly and Fin - CDC Prince

 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.

Little Black Stone Fly

Little Black Stone

Depending on the weather February through April the Little Black Stone Fly is the first top water action of the season.  It happens quick so be prepared.  Trout do key in on these little morsels, especially the fluttering and skittering females returning to lay their eggs. With the recent cold spell and spring snow these bugs should be around well into April.

They range in size from this chunky size 14 down to 20.

A pattern I've use with great success is my CDC Little Black Stone tied in sizes 14 - 18.  It's best fished slightly upstream and skittering it across the pool.  This pattern works well as a black caddis imitation.

Authentic Tenkara Net Auction to aid Japan Relief Efforts

In the wake of the recent earthquake and tsunami TenkaraUSA is auctioning off a very rare authentic Tenkara net.

The net was made by Ikichi-san, one of the last tenkara net makers in Japan. It is made from a single branch of the Kaya tree. Tenkara nets are becoming rarer with few makers and fewer trees with the right shapes and angles. This may be the only opportunity to acquire this type of net in the US.

The net is being auctioned on eBay and will end on March 19, 2011 at 19:54:02 PDT.  To bid on this net and aid in the Japan relief efforts go to http://cgi.ebay.com/RARE-Authentic-Tenkara-Net-Japan-Relief-donation-/320670445593.

100% of the proceeds will go to the relief efforts.

Opening window between storms.

Here in New Jersey we've been hit with a lot of rain this past week. As you can see from my "Finally a Day on the Water - NOT" there was a lot of water in our system. Here is a graph from the USGS of the stream I frequent.

Now I typically monitor several streams I fish to determine which has the best water so I can have a better fishing. Factor in time of year and temperatures you'll have a good chance in predicting hatches with this information. Cabin fever is a funny thing. Normally don't fish this river when it's above 7 feet, because is wading is hell, but the fever had me in it's hold so I went for it.

The best that could happen is I get a few fish, and the worst is I going for a swim and bouncing down stream. Neither happen. What transpired was a unbelievable day . Once I found the fish it was hard keeping them off off. The sad note was I lost two 24" fish. A rainbow that shot out to fast water and took off down stream (I could do nothing unless I want to go for a swim), and a brown I lost at the net when my point fly got hooked the net, and the brown broke off. No regrets like I said it was an incredible day. The top producer was a black rubber leg stone fly. All the fish were in great shape thanks to all the snow and rain this winter.

Here are a few photos.

This Bow took the UV Chewee Rock Worm.

This Bow took the Black Rubber Leg.

Healthy brown.

Another on a Black Rubber Leg.

A healthy Rainbow.

This Bow took the The Gubbler.

My Green Rock Work worked this time.

The Release.

Yet another on a Black Rubber Leg.

Finally a Day on the Water - NOT

It's been a cold long winter here in the east.  Finally, the temperatures rose and the snow started to melt, but than came the rains.  Because it was so cold for so long and the melt was slow the streams are in great shape.  The ground water seems to be recharged and I thought I could get out, but then the rains came.

Flood stage is at 10' the USGS gauge
read 9.8' when I took this photo.

Sunny day, temperatures in the high forties, but way am I going to get my flies on the bottom and forget fishing the edges.  Too boot there is more rain on the way I'm crossing my fingers that I can squeeze in some time before the next storm. I love to have water in the system, but I've got cabin fever.

Racquet River--"Adirondacks"

Published by Currier & Ives, [between 1840 and 1880]

Here is another print from the Library of Congress's digital collection that I found while a while back.  As winter loosens it's grip on the east I start getting the itch to head out and wet a line.

The last rain storm has put a cramp in my plans to head out (only for a day or two), but my mind is wondering on where I want to fish this year.  Here is one of the places on my list the Racquet River in Upstate NY.  In the past I've gone up to the to fish the St. Lawrence River every May (before kids) to fish for Northern Pike but never made it to the Racquet River, maybe this year.

I did clean up the image removing the some of the patina but a water make remains.

Enjoy.

Spring Fishing Weekend – Mar 18 - Mar 20 at L.L. Bean

The winter months coming to a close but in some areas trout fishing many still be a ways off.

L.L. Bean in Freeport, ME from hosting their Spring Fishing Weekend for March 18th thru the 20th.  During these 3 days there are a plethora of events and something for all.  At 6:00 P.M. on Friday sit back and enjoy the The Drake Fly-Fishing Films at the Camping Atrium, Flagship Store.  At 7:00 P.M. Free Friday Night Fly-Tying Clinic with Special Guest Tyer, Don Bastian on the second floor, at the Hunting & Fishing Store.  On Saturday choose from seminars on The Life Cycle of Caddis and Mayflies, participate in the Fly-Tying Contest, watch master tiers Sam Kenney, Don Bastian, and Dave Klausmeyer tying there favorite patterns, or get books signed and autographs from Lefty Kreh, Dave Whitlock and Emily Whitlock.  Throught out the day free fly-tying lessons for kids with Merrymeeting Bay Chapter of Trout Unlimited. On Sunday discover Maine’s wild and native Brook Trout lakes and ponds and learn about the fly fishers worst enemy the "wind".  Yes, you may want to do some shopping.

For more info visit: http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/1000001706

 

Or download this PDF: Spring Fishing Weekend.

Jay "Fishy" Fullum ties his "Peel-and-Stick"

Filmed at the International Fly Tiers Symposium, Fly and Fin presents Jay "Fishy" Fullum ties his "Peel-and-Stick"

Many know Jay "Fishy" Fullum from his “Creative Tying” column in "Fly Tyer", but he’s also the "artist in residence" at the magazine.  He shops for most of his materials at craft stores and the big box home improvement centers.  While he will tie with feathers, dubbing and other items we all find in our favorite fly shop, Fishy love to use non-traditional materials for his creations, such as meat trays and sandwich wrappers to kickboards and fake fingernails.  As an example a dry cleaning garment bag become an endless supply of bodies for his “Bitsy Spider.”

He is the author of “Fishy's Favorites for Bass, Trout, and Salt Water” and “Fishy's Flies.” He gives fly-tying classes and seminars and is a featured tier and lecturer at the International Fly Tying Symposium.  His innovative patterns catch everything from bluegills to bonefish.

Enjoy.

Tenkara Summit, August 27th, 2011

Tenkara Summit, August 27th, 2011
in West Yellowstone, MT.

Tenkara USA is holding it's first Tenkara Summit in West Yellowstone, MT on Saturday August 27th, 2011.   This one day summit will be hosted by Tenkara USA, with support from Backpacking Light, Tenkara Bum.  The keynote speaker is  Dr Hisao Ishigaki, who will takk and demonstrate Tenkara techniques.  Other participates are Chris "Tenkara Bum" Stewart, Craig Mathews (Blue Ribbon Flies), Ryan Jordan (Backpacking Light), Tom Sadler and more.

For registration and information on the summit go to:  http://www.tenkarausa.com/summit.php

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, August 27th, 2011
Location: Holiday Inn, West Yellowstone
315 Yellowstone Avenue
West Yellowstone, MT 59758

Tenkara USA negotiated a rate at these two hotels:

Holiday Inn, (406) 646-7365, $179.00 (2-Queen beds)
Gray Wolf Inn & Suites, (406) 646-0000, $149.00 (2-Queen beds)

Fontinalis Fin

Fontinalis Fin

Recipe:

Hook – Mustad 3399
Size – 6 - 12
Tail – White
Rib – Flat Silver Tinsel
Body – Orange Wool or Floss
Hackle – Furnace
Wing – Married Orange, dark slate and white

The Fontinalis Fin is an imitation of a clipped brook trout fin (a.k.a. bait). This version is from Bergman, R. Trout (1938) and is tied with an orange wool body.

Start off with a white thread base.

Tie in your tail.

Tie in your orange wool or silk and silver rib.

Wind forward your wool or silk.

Wrap forward your rib in 5 open wraps and whip finish.

Tie in black tread and hackle by tip.

Wrap hackle 2-3 turns and with your thumb nail push fiber down.

Marry your quill fibers place on top of hook shank and secure.

Trim waist at a 45 and build your head and whip finish.

Second wet tying class with Don Bastian Cancled

My apologies for not posting this sooner. The second classic wet tying class with Don Bastian is canceled. The class was canceled on February 6th, Don had emailed after the class and I dropped the ball on getting it posted.  If Don offers another class I'll be sure to post it as soon as possible.

Review of "Fish Like a Guide - The Rules" By George Douglas

My marked up copy of
Fish Like a Guide - The Rules

Fish Like a Guide - The Rules
By George Douglas

Elizabeth Douglas, the Marketing Director at Kype Fishing Magazine asked if I would review George's latest book, “Fish Like a Guide - The Rules.”  I said yes and shortly there after a copy was at my door.  It sat on my desk for a good two weeks before was able to devote the proper time to read and review his book. 

Straight away I like his direct and simple prose.  He follows the K.I.S.S. rule, avoiding overly complicated examples, and strikes a good balance between the rules and the stories that bring out the importance of the rules.  His book is intuitive, instructive and a pleasure to read.  His common sense rules will help you become a successful fisher. 

The book starts out with preparing for your day’s fishing, and lets face it most of the time we don’t prepare at all, we just head out.  For example know your knots before you head out on the water.  When is the last time you practiced your knots?  You wished you did when you need to change flies or tippet in low light and fish rising all around.

You’ll learn where to fish, which starts before you head out the door, how to approach the water and adjust to the conditions. The meat of book is in Chapter 6 “The Rules” (there are rules throughout).   One of the best rules in this section is in the section “Keep Your Line Wet” which is some think most anglers forget, they spend to much time untangling a leader when replacing it is faster.

In the gear section it starts with the most important items your clothing.  Staying dry and warm equals more focused time on the water.  When it comes to fighting fish George does not just focuses on steering and turning a fish but the proper method of reviving you trophy before release.

In my honest opinion Fish Like a Guide - The Rules, By George Douglas will advance your skills as a fisher making your next outing more productive and enjoyable. I highly recommed adding it to your fishing library.

Lou DiGena
Fly and Fin

If you like a copy of Fish Like a Guide - The Rules, By George Douglas visit http://www.kypemagazine.com/

In ful disclosure Kype Magazine and I exchange links and I promote the magazine on my side bar (no compensation is given for this promotion).  This is my honest review of Fish Like a Guide - The Rules By George Douglas.

Method of Dressing Nymphs

Method of Dressing Nymphs comes from THE WAY OF A TROUT WITH A FLY by Skues, G. E. M. (George Edward Mackenzie), published in London, A. & C. Black, ltd. in 1921.  I found this brilliant plate while researching some traditional wet fly patterns.  I find inspiration in looking at old patterns and intrigued with the methods used to tie these pattens.  Enjoy the plate and description.

Plate II. METHOD OF DRESSING NYMPHS.
From a water-colour drawing by St. Barbe Goldsmith.

"Placing your hook—say, a Limerick No. 16—in your vice, begin whipping near the eye, and whip nearly halfway down the shank. Tie in here, with point towards head of hook, a bunch of six or eight fibres of feather of suitable colour, regulating the length so that when the fibre is bent over to the eye of the hook and tied down there will be enough of the points left to be pressed out on either side to represent the legs. Then pass the silk under the ends of the fibres of feather on the side of the bend of the hook, and whip on the bare hook to the tail; tie in two short, stout, soft whisks of suitable colour, tie in gold or silverwire, twirl on dubbing thinly, and wind to the place where the fibre is tied in; wind on the wire in regular spacing to the same point, and secure on the head side of the place where the fibre is tied in ; thicken the dubbing, and wind over roots of feather fibre to head. Then divide the points equally, and press backward from the eye; bring over the feather fibre to the head, tie it down with two turns, including a half-hitch, cut off the waste ends, and finish with a whip finish on the eye. Thus the legs are forced to stand out at right angles, or rather more backward, from the eye, and below the level of the hook shank, andthe effect of wing cases is produced. (See Plate II.)" –  Page126  THE WAY OF A TROUT WITH A FLY

UV Chewee Rock Worm

UV Chewee Rock Worm

Hook – Any Heavy Grub hook
Size – 8 - 12
Thread – 8/0 or 6/0 Black or Olive
Head – Black Tungsten Bead
Thorax – Hairline Black UV Ice Dub
Abdomen – Caddis-Green UV Chewee Skin
Rib – .32 gauge Green Parawire

While tying at a CJTU meeting I started playing around with UV Chewee Skin.  I've seen it on the web and at the shows, so I've decided adapted it with one of my most productive patterns (Green Rock Worm).  Rhyacophila larvae are abundant in most freestone streams and because of behavioural drift they are always breaking free from the bottom and tumbling down stream.  This pattern and all Rhyacophila patterns work great in a Czech/Euro nymph set-up.  It's a quick pattern to tie and follow the K.I.S.S. rule.

 1. Mash down barb, slide on bead and secure in wire.

 2. Tie in UV Chewee Skin.

3. Wrap UV Chewee Skin forward.

 4. Wind wire forward to create a ribbing.

5. Dub Thorax and whip finish.