As part of my fall pox recovery, fish gods, have prescribed a trip to Montana. Part of this process is preparation or more precisely anticipation. When today dawned cool and overcast it only deepened the desire to cure the fall pox dilemma and the trip anticipation.
This morning the vise is burning hot with temptation. Hooks-ready, materials-check, time-yep coffee-hot, and beer-cold. Its going to be a tying marathon, so preparation is the key. Well getting to work. Thinking back of falls past, visions of many fine days of various mayflies dancing and fish rising in slack and shallow water fill the head.
Today the pattern tying will concentrate on sparse lightly dressed cripples and parachutes to match the fall hatch. In order to cover the vast options, small-(BWO), med-(PH), and large-(GD) will be the focus.
Dries-check:
It may be hard to believe, but it is a little hard to concentrate on the dry fly action sure to come in Montana. Since fall has seemed to arrive Steal is calling too. What to do, it is a good time to be a fly addict.
Just checking the box and it is a little sad, so my days will be filled with a lot of coffee, numb butt, and preparations. Soon after returning from the September trip to the Big Sky Country life will be consumed by chasing big heads.
Options-got em:
Thanks to the great NW my addictions can be kept in check. Best micro's, trout, stealhead, whatever. Never will leave-ashes to the river when gone.
Gotta go now, fall pox outbreak, need to medicate!
Showing posts with label Stealhead. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Stealhead. Show all posts
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Stillwater Trout
Well, for the Chronicle this is a new adventure. Previously I was truly introduced to fly fishing one day when a group of my friends took me to a group of lakes know as Big 4. Actually a lot of what was learned that day is still with me today. After which my fly fishing adventures took me away to such exotic locations as So-Cal, Wyoming, Montana, Nor-Cal, etc. Since moving back to the old college day home town new options have opened up to me never before known.
One of which is stillwater. It must be confessed at first a little bit of judgment was leveled upon this kick boat mafia members, but last week the toes were dipped so to speak. Somewhat unnerving to take that first shove backwards into the deep blue and see the bottom quickly disappear beneath. Now of all the adventures to date the stealhead has gotten under the skin, but stillwater is itching its own itch.
A lake presents all sorts of new problems to a dry fly addict such as me. It is fun, lately I have been working my vice red hot with new patterns never before seen. An uncommon advantage has help. All my local fishing buddies from the college days have not left and in order to scratch the fishing itch an extreme amount of leg work has been put in and some real time tested and proven patterns are at my finger tips.
What patterns you ask well, in the world of stillwater the patterns are of a holy grail the likes of stealheaders, and more so than those secrets of the dry fly fishermen.
So trip two is fast approaching and the location is not yet determined, but the targets will be either big lahontan cutthroat, a native to Nevada/California, but now planted here in Eastern Washington or triploid rainbows.
My fly box needs some more attention. Be back soon.
One of which is stillwater. It must be confessed at first a little bit of judgment was leveled upon this kick boat mafia members, but last week the toes were dipped so to speak. Somewhat unnerving to take that first shove backwards into the deep blue and see the bottom quickly disappear beneath. Now of all the adventures to date the stealhead has gotten under the skin, but stillwater is itching its own itch.
A lake presents all sorts of new problems to a dry fly addict such as me. It is fun, lately I have been working my vice red hot with new patterns never before seen. An uncommon advantage has help. All my local fishing buddies from the college days have not left and in order to scratch the fishing itch an extreme amount of leg work has been put in and some real time tested and proven patterns are at my finger tips.
What patterns you ask well, in the world of stillwater the patterns are of a holy grail the likes of stealheaders, and more so than those secrets of the dry fly fishermen.
So trip two is fast approaching and the location is not yet determined, but the targets will be either big lahontan cutthroat, a native to Nevada/California, but now planted here in Eastern Washington or triploid rainbows.
My fly box needs some more attention. Be back soon.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Methow Fishing Trip Pt. 2 Day 1
Well, this Valentines weekend was spend waist deep with one of my many loves. It just so happens that a fishing buddy had the weekend off from family life; when the wife had planned a girls only weekend. So when an opportunity presents itself it is must fish.
The trip started with the 5 hour drive north into the Washington Okanogan country to fish cold turkey on water not seen by either of us. The Methow River flows east out of North Cascades National Park toward the mighty Columbia. It's Steelhead are the typical variety ranging in sizes from 24 to 30+ inches. It is not confirmed that some of the fish are B run fish, but a large steelhead is always possible.
This two angler exploratory/fishing party started the trip on day one floating what was supposed to be a short 5 mile stretch from Upper Burma Rd. down river to the next highway bridge. Not much knowledge of the river or it's fish was available so it was planned to take all day to finish off this stretch trying to find fishing water. It took all day in fact almost into night after a pontoon on the vessel sprang a fast leak requiring fill up every ten minutes or so. Nonetheless, the boat issues did not deter the two hearty souls from fishing as much water as possible. As night drew nearer a fellow angler was spotted fishing a run ahead. Also it was noted that a vehicle was present. In short order it was decided to ask for a lift to where the shuttle had parked our ride home.
Really the boat is not the story here. After all, we were here to do some fishing. The Methow is a real intimate river with extremely clear water with typical free stone stream structure. Running from riffle to pool the river set up for good water. After trying to fish the first few good steelhead runs without success finally in a classic looking and fishing run produced the first fish of the day. This first fish was nothing of note except it was the first fish on new water. Which if you have ever fished much water for steelhead it is something to note. Noticing the the speed, depth and structure of this hook-up led to future attempts. After a few more stops without success frustration began to set in. Then rounding a corner behind the town of Methow a picture perfect run lie ahead.
As the river divided into three, around two small gravel bars, the largest of the fingers run into the corner against a very large and steep cliff and ran 20 yards or so before merging with the middle of the three fingers creating expectational holding water with large structure making for good hiding spots for large fish. If that was not wonderful enough the third came into the run making the middle section of this run something of a dream. On the inside bend of this corner a large eddy was formed requiring deep but not difficult wading. Setting up a cast into the moving water against the hillside opposite of Methow. If there were a thousand words to describe the run they would appear here, but words would not do justice to the set up for this hole.
Surely luck was about to change. Lady luck was gracious. The first drift in the large pool was going well as the indicator floated with good speed just short of the inside foam line seam. After being warned at the local fly shop to look for the subtle takes imagine our surprise when the indicator dunked under the water and began to swim upstream. Well, so much for subtle takes. After spending close two hours fishing this run which was easily a few hundred yards long. Five fish were brought to hand. The largest, a gorgeous, native buck of 30+ inches required help in landing. The future was looking bright.
Alas, it was mere minutes after leaving nirvana that the leak in the boat was discovered. Not deterred each promising looking hole was worked hard with no luck. After each stop air was put in the boat advancing the anglers down stream short distances each time. After several fill ups the fellow angler was found resulting in the ride to the shuttle. After inquiring of the possibility of a ride no time was wasted in getting the line into this promising looking hole. while waiting for this fine gentleman to fishing up fishing the run, in which, he claimed to have hook three. One more fish was hooked and only a few head shakes felt. By this time our ride was leaving.
After hauling the boat over rough terrain for a hundred yard and up the bank to the guardrail day 2 was looking bright. A plan was agreed to while driving down the Columbia to where sleep awaited.
The trip started with the 5 hour drive north into the Washington Okanogan country to fish cold turkey on water not seen by either of us. The Methow River flows east out of North Cascades National Park toward the mighty Columbia. It's Steelhead are the typical variety ranging in sizes from 24 to 30+ inches. It is not confirmed that some of the fish are B run fish, but a large steelhead is always possible.
This two angler exploratory/fishing party started the trip on day one floating what was supposed to be a short 5 mile stretch from Upper Burma Rd. down river to the next highway bridge. Not much knowledge of the river or it's fish was available so it was planned to take all day to finish off this stretch trying to find fishing water. It took all day in fact almost into night after a pontoon on the vessel sprang a fast leak requiring fill up every ten minutes or so. Nonetheless, the boat issues did not deter the two hearty souls from fishing as much water as possible. As night drew nearer a fellow angler was spotted fishing a run ahead. Also it was noted that a vehicle was present. In short order it was decided to ask for a lift to where the shuttle had parked our ride home.
Really the boat is not the story here. After all, we were here to do some fishing. The Methow is a real intimate river with extremely clear water with typical free stone stream structure. Running from riffle to pool the river set up for good water. After trying to fish the first few good steelhead runs without success finally in a classic looking and fishing run produced the first fish of the day. This first fish was nothing of note except it was the first fish on new water. Which if you have ever fished much water for steelhead it is something to note. Noticing the the speed, depth and structure of this hook-up led to future attempts. After a few more stops without success frustration began to set in. Then rounding a corner behind the town of Methow a picture perfect run lie ahead.
As the river divided into three, around two small gravel bars, the largest of the fingers run into the corner against a very large and steep cliff and ran 20 yards or so before merging with the middle of the three fingers creating expectational holding water with large structure making for good hiding spots for large fish. If that was not wonderful enough the third came into the run making the middle section of this run something of a dream. On the inside bend of this corner a large eddy was formed requiring deep but not difficult wading. Setting up a cast into the moving water against the hillside opposite of Methow. If there were a thousand words to describe the run they would appear here, but words would not do justice to the set up for this hole.
Surely luck was about to change. Lady luck was gracious. The first drift in the large pool was going well as the indicator floated with good speed just short of the inside foam line seam. After being warned at the local fly shop to look for the subtle takes imagine our surprise when the indicator dunked under the water and began to swim upstream. Well, so much for subtle takes. After spending close two hours fishing this run which was easily a few hundred yards long. Five fish were brought to hand. The largest, a gorgeous, native buck of 30+ inches required help in landing. The future was looking bright.
Alas, it was mere minutes after leaving nirvana that the leak in the boat was discovered. Not deterred each promising looking hole was worked hard with no luck. After each stop air was put in the boat advancing the anglers down stream short distances each time. After several fill ups the fellow angler was found resulting in the ride to the shuttle. After inquiring of the possibility of a ride no time was wasted in getting the line into this promising looking hole. while waiting for this fine gentleman to fishing up fishing the run, in which, he claimed to have hook three. One more fish was hooked and only a few head shakes felt. By this time our ride was leaving.
After hauling the boat over rough terrain for a hundred yard and up the bank to the guardrail day 2 was looking bright. A plan was agreed to while driving down the Columbia to where sleep awaited.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Meanwhile...
Let this wet your appetite!
By now you might be asking...
fish?!
WHAT is that in the background Scotty...
Young children may want to look away...
The allusive double shot...can you pick out the wild fish out to the line up. A clue...there are two!
By now you can tell why the look in our faces...
How sweet it is to have friends! Peace you all. ROOKIES. Now a new annual trip, only this one takes place on consecutive weekends in Oct/Nov! The days in between don't count, they are only recovery period.
Look forward to seeing you all soon.
By now you might be asking...
fish?!
WHAT is that in the background Scotty...
Young children may want to look away...
The allusive double shot...can you pick out the wild fish out to the line up. A clue...there are two!
By now you can tell why the look in our faces...
How sweet it is to have friends! Peace you all. ROOKIES. Now a new annual trip, only this one takes place on consecutive weekends in Oct/Nov! The days in between don't count, they are only recovery period.
Look forward to seeing you all soon.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Pre Trip Prep
I know it did not take me long to find a way to go fishing upon arrival. I would have gone the day after arriving, but the trip took a bit more time then expected. So one short week after arriving I will be taking maybe a last Stealhead trip of the year (depends on weather). This time we will be taking camping gear and staying over night (BURRRR). Never fear we are prepared.
In taking inventory while packing for the trip I became very aware of how unorganized my fishing gear was after the summer. It is funny, but it seems that at the beginning of each season the gear is all in its place clean, neat, organized, and present. Now on the other hand I had to go and search for stuff and found most of it, but some was left behind in Montana. I guess because I really was not planning on needing it until returning next summer.
Nonetheless, plans changed. We have since lost jobs, like everyone else, moved to Walla Walla and now I need my fishing gear. Lesson hear, always pack your fishing gear with you wherever you go.
In taking inventory while packing for the trip I became very aware of how unorganized my fishing gear was after the summer. It is funny, but it seems that at the beginning of each season the gear is all in its place clean, neat, organized, and present. Now on the other hand I had to go and search for stuff and found most of it, but some was left behind in Montana. I guess because I really was not planning on needing it until returning next summer.
Nonetheless, plans changed. We have since lost jobs, like everyone else, moved to Walla Walla and now I need my fishing gear. Lesson hear, always pack your fishing gear with you wherever you go.
The Stealhead box has plenty of flies in it, but it never fails each new trip brings anticipation and panic that you may not have enough. In this case it led me to scrounge around in the garage full of boxes, rubbermaid containers, and a washer/dryer to find tying materials. What I came up with was some Prince Nymphs tied heavy and flashing. The patterns are tied in different colors as an experiment. Not so sure that this is the time for experiments, but I could not help it.
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