Friday, January 29, 2016

Summer Run

Summer Run





34" Summer Run Steelhead 1993



East Fork of the Satsup River

Olympic Peninsula



Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Tying Ralph's Tactical Caddis

Ralph's Tactical Caddis



So I have this tin. Just a basic Altoids tin, with magnets Zap-A-Gap'd in place. It is my test bin, where new patterns go to live or die based on how they work. The past two seasons there has been one pattern that remained through all 4 seasons of fishing, catching fish Spring through Winter.



The Test Bin



The Tactical Caddis, or at least the remaining 3 of the 7 flies tied. 


After two trout seasons and 18 months in the tin, it will remain a keeper in my box. Give it a try on your home waters and by all means let me know how the pattern works for you.

RTC Recipe

Hook:  #14 Orvis Wide gape Tactical
Thread:  8/0 Black
Bead: Gold Tungsten
Weight:  .015 Lead wire
Rib:  Tan Micro-tubing
Abdomen: #11 Olive Hareline
Thorax:  Peacock / Black Ice-Dub
Hackle:  Furnace Hen hackle



Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Tying the Frenchie

The Frenchie



The Frenchie is a proven pattern both here and in Europe. Brought by the French during tournament fishing, it is to them what the Hot-spot Pheasant Tail has been for us. Tied in a myriad of colors, this version is by far the most effective on local waters for me.


Frenchie Recipe


Hook:  #14 Orvis Tactical Wide Gape
Thread:  Fluorescent Orange 70 Denier Ultra
Bead: Gold Tungsten
Tail:  Medium Pardo CDL
Rib:  Fine Gold Wire
Abdomen: Natural Pheasant Tail
Thorax:  Shrimp UV Ice-Dub


Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Winter Troutfest 2016

Rendezvous at Mayfly Meadows



2016 MLK weekend has come and gone with another Winter Troutfest in the books. The gathering commenced at Ron's place throughout the day Saturday, and folks wasted no time getting on water. The crew of 6 hit the water on a couple different locations depending on time of arrival. Most went to Little Fishing Creek, while later arrivals such as myself hit the water near the camp.



"Steak & Eggs" was the main course for me most of the trip, with the Apricot/Steelhead orange McFly egg bringing fish to the net.



While on the Little Fishing Creek the main crew was hitting them hard, bring some big fish to the net.



Ron with a 20" fish in the middle of winter. How do you beat that?


I think the smile says it all. Nice fish Len!


Great water and great fish. The weather was our friend for sure.



Once again, Jim plants a stake in the ground with another big fish of the trip. How does he do that while taking all these pictures?

Great fish!

And thanks for the camera work!


Once thawed out, fed and spirits in hand, the tying table is the evening schedule.


As the tying ensues, Ron checks the weather.


Your's truly, navigating the tying world of Bifocals and Guinness.


Day 2 began a tad bit colder, but still not your normal northeast January.


But look close and you can see whispers of what's to come.


Living the dream!


Back to Little Fishing Creek

Fishing was a bit slower on day 2 with colder temps and lower water. But the quality of fish were the same.


After a few missed attempts, the call for a "LARGER NET" was made.


The landing crew (Doug and Chris)
Many thanks Gents!


The man with the net!


Another fat rainbow


"Great fish, Great friends & Great water"?



Monday, January 18, 2016

Cabelas CGR 7'6" 5/6 Review

Cabelas CGR 7'6" 5/6 Weight



This weekend was the first opportunity to get the new CGR on the water. I was not disappointed. Teamed with an Heddon 320 and an Orvis Hydros WF6 line, the little rod impressed.

Average rig was a tandem bead-head configuration, or a single bead-head and egg dropper with split-shot. It handled all very well. The only shortcoming it has (no pun intended) was the length had to be managed when picking up the heaviest rigs downstream. An issue with most shorter rods when heavy nymphing, although even more so with glass.



Playing big fish made this rod a standout for a 7'6" Glass Rod



The rod was christened on a heavy brown day one, and then several 20+ rainbow on the second day. An amazing rod once fish are hooked!  Not a single broken tippet and an absolute blast to work big fish on.

Terminal gear was a 5' hand-twisted leader built with 3X Orvis Superstrong tippet, and Rio Flouroflex Plus 5X tippet.Big fish, big runs....the rod shined.
Smooth casting, well built and priced right. This rod shines in the Glass arena in my opinion.


Thursday, January 14, 2016

Tying the Thread Pupa

Thread Pupa



The Thread Pupa is nothing new to the midging world of fly fishing. Here is my favorite representation of an age old pattern, that proves it's worth year after year.


Thread Pupa Recipe

Hook:  #14-16 Orvis Tactical Dry
Thread:  8/0 Black & White Uni-thread
Head:  Bug Bond



Monday, January 11, 2016

2015 Moment To Remember

Preserving Memories


Jake's 1st Opening Day Trout






Some things just stay with you. 
The first fish you catch 100% on your own is one of those things.

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Twisting Bass Leaders (With Video)

Twisting Bass Leaders



Now's the time to restock those pouches and bins that were depleted throughout the warm-water months.  One of which for me was my leader pouch. 90% of my bass fishing is done with a simple hand-furled mono leader. Last season I began adding the micro-swivels for ease of tippet management.   




I twist mine with 16 feet of 12# Trilene Big Game Green. Which provides me with a 5'6" tapered leader with a 12# looped-swivel termination. Perfect for a 3-to-4 foot 8# or 10# tippet. 




All the tools needed to complete the task. 

The leaders are nearly indestructible and cast perfectly on my 6wt & 7wt glass rigs. The swivels are optional and are on about 50% of my leaders. Without them I use a simple overhand loop on my tippet with a handshake connection. 



Monday, January 4, 2016

Tying the Brahma and Squirrel Nymph

Brahma & Squirrel


The B&S Nymph is a great all around search pattern that has done well in my box for 2-3 years now. The movement of the Brahma Wing-Case is what I believe makes this pattern. I prefer to fish this pattern alone, with additional weight below and indicator. 

B&S Recipe

Hook:  #16-12 Standard Nymph 
Thread:  Black 8/0
Tail:  Natural Pheasant Tail
Body:  Natural Grey Squirrel
Rib:  Fine Gold Wire
Wing-Case:  Natural Brahma Hen