Monday, July 24, 2017

big water, small water

Hi Folks, I had a fun weekend guiding in very different environments.  Spent some time in the smaller trout water with nice cool temperatures and then some time on the big warm water chasing smallmouth bass.  The contrast between the two is extreme.  The small brooks I visited were between 59 and 62 degrees.  The big water was 75 degrees.  River flows are just above the seasonal average flow.  Lots of #8-#10 stone fly shucks on rocks.  We cast a #12 foam yellow sally dry fly in the brooks as well as #14 chartreuse bodied stimulator.  Both flies worked effectively catching wild rainbows and native brook trout.  Tight casting and the ability to roll cast and place the fly accurately is and was very important.  The bass fishing is so different as you can really open up the cast and not worry about trees and bushes and being as accurate. Double hauling is helpful for distance and casting big wind resistant bass bugs in the big water.  A #8 yellow bodied grog popper was really effective.  Love watching smallmouth explode on a surface fly.  I am off to chase bass this morning.  Remember to clean your gear and keep the non-native species at home.  Have Fun, Willy