Fly Tying: Wet Fly + CDC trailing

I posted this pattern back in October. I have since tied the same basic wet with a tan, light green and root beer Krystal Flash abdomen, also ribbed. I have not included a bead head on this pattern.

Fly Fishing: the beginnings, the reality, the transition

Came across this photo. Don’t know them. But, thought it so typifies the beginning stages of introducing people, particularly kids to the sport. It is a time of transitions. Gear, technique, observing, mentoring, patience….lots of patience. It is a time, if you are the mentor, to set aside your needs and totally investing in someone else. Either it takes or it doesn’t. It may take years to see if it did.

Fly Fishing: Small Waterproof digitals

I have used a Pentax Optio W60 and my son has had success with the W30. There are several other waterproof digital cameras out there that are, I am sure, comparable. They are small and easily tucked in out of the way. I have not experimented with the underwater capacity that much….the most hyped feature. I am equally sold on the camera’s capacity to endure in wet, winter days and heavy rains. Take the time to experiment during down, slow times with the video components, the macro capabilities, the zoom quality. The cameras are not full proof so a little experimenting will better prepare you to cruise through the settings to the necessary setting for that special moment. Several of these cameras (Optio W80, Olympus, Fuji WP) are owned by friends and they are all reasonably satisfied. Not that I need it, but I like the looks of the new Pentax W90.

Petro Bras~Brazil?

(I am certain the ever vigilant Ted Williams is on this….right?)

Fly Tying & Fishing the Bottom Roller (Anchor Fly)

Burk's Hare's Ear Bottom Roller (www.gbflycasters.org)

Via Colorado Fly Fishing Report to Front Range Angler a vid on the Bottom Roller Pattern. The heavily weighted ‘anchor fly’ provides the mean to sink one to three flies while dredging nymphs. This stems from competitions, in which no attached weights (like split shot) are allowed.

I like Czech Nymphs for Scud/Caddis like patterns. Could not embed the Andy Burk Bottom Roller vid.…but linked it and it gives good explanation on tying the anchor pattern.

Fly Fishing: Rivers (Breaking It Down)

Willamette River, Eugene, Oregon (Courtesy of M.P.)

A piece here at The Headhunters Fly Shop re the big Missouri River. The article presents the pieces to the bigger picture and suggests ways to read the water. This is so critical whether the river is big or small.

“Seams, the obvious spot for trout on any stream, are the first place to look. Seams are evident on the shore lines, and also spread throughout the width too. Any slow/fast water interface is a damn likely feeding lane. Think of them even as invisible rocks…the rock may not be there, but the current change is. So slow down and look for these situations. You will soon notice that there are seams everywhere. During hatches, there will almost always be fish holding in these spots, even if not actively feeding on the surface at that time. Seams can also be created by subsurface structure.”

Fly Fishing Book: ‘Reel Women’ Lyla Foggia

Don’t Click to Look Inside..Need to Buy It

Reviews: “The book makes for a fascinating read, and I enjoyed learning just how influential women have been. The resource directory for women at the end of the book is a wealth of information.”

“And to those readers of the gentle gender who like to fish but have never been able to adequately explain the urge to anyone, Foggia is a kindred soul who can articulate reasons and expound on the philosophy of fishing, which is really a wordless meditation that restores the soul. It is the quintessence of patient waiting, without investment in outcome. You’re just fishing. If you enjoyed A River Runs Through It, you’ll love Reel Women.”