Fly Fishing Report: July 12

The big bugs are here! Summer is also in full effect.  Find the shade and cool water temps and you will find the fish if your presentation is good.  There's a LOT of good fishing going on right now.  For trout waters, think big AND small.  Big stonefly dry patterns, small tan caddis patterns and small black/brown ant patterns are deadly right now.  Don't be afraid to bring a bunch of tippet and try lots of different patterns.  If you need to get deep, we've been using a new type of nymphing rig called "the drop shot rig".  This rig consists of about 4 feet of 12 lb mono with a tippet ring attached to it.  Then add 4 to 5 feet of Rio Fluorocarbon tippet, tie a triple surgeon knot to 12 inches of fluoro and put a small fly on the tag end.  Repeat this process and tie on a bigger nymph, like a Pat's rubber legs on the tag end.  At the very end, tie a knot and put one or two split shot above. Move your indicator above the tippet ring depending on the depth of the water.  One and a half times the water depth is the best placement for your indicator.  I know it's a lot, but fish are on the bottom and this where they feed a majority of the time.  

Summer smallmouth fishing is also going strong.  Poppers in the shade or chartreuse flies near the drop offs are the ticket.  Get out there and enjoy! We have some dates open for August and September.  Give us a call and let us show you how to get the job done!