In Volume I-Strike Indicator Techniques Brian and I introduced you to chironomids, unquestionably, one of the most if not the most significant trout food sources found in lakes or stillwaters worldwide. Chironomids possess all of the qualities to make them a favorite prey item. There is a huge diversity of species available in lakes right across North America and the world for that matter. Hatching in large numbers chironomids provide significant daily and seasonal emergences. Chironomids are also available throughout their larval, pupal and adult life stages. Best of all, fish find chironomids easy to eat and as they are rich in calories a healthy chironomid diet helps stillwater trout pack on the pounds. Even the largest fish in the lake gorge themselves on chironomids. In order to successfully fly fish stillwaters you need to come to terms with understanding and using a variety of techniques to take advantage of this hatch.
Brian and I couldn't have completed with the support of our key sponsors; RIO, Mystic Fly Rods, Montana Fly Company, Islander Reels, Outcast Sporting Gear, Minn Kota, Humminbird, The Russell Inn, River City Marine and Yamaha.
In Volume II-Advanced Techniques, Brian and I invite you to continue your educational journey as we reveal our advanced chironomid tactics, tricks and presentation techniques. Over the DVD’s 107 minute running time Brian and I introduce you to advanced methods such as deep water indicator tactics using no-stretch leaders, floating line long leader techniques, sinking line tactics using both slow and fast sinking lines, dry fly and emerger strategies and integrating droppers into your presentation. Brian and I show you not only how to use these techniques but when to use them too.
Whenever possible drone footage was used to support and illustrate the DVD concepts.
The special features section includes additional information including a selection of our favorite recipes and images of Phil and Brian’s favorite larva, pupa, emerger and adult patterns, how to maintain your Islander Reel, how to use and incorporate Humminbird sounders into your stillwater presentations along with informational segments on Mystic’s M-Series rods and Outcast's new Stealth Pro Pontoon Boat.
Additional filming was required during the heat of summer. Sun protection was a must!
To order your copy pick up Volume I or other stillwater specific products please visit mine and Brian’s on-line Stillwater Fly Fishing Store.
Brian Chan and I are pleased to announce the release of our latest instructional fly fishing DVD “Conquering Chironomids Volume 1”. Brian and I are fortunate to be recognized as leading educators in the field of fly fishing in stillwaters. Our latest effort takes advantage of a combined 60 years of experience in fishing lakes and in particular our fascination with mastering chironomid emergences.
Chironomids or midges are undoubtedly the most prolific and prolonged insect emergence found in productive stillwaters. Trout, char and other game fish take advantage of this abundant easily captured food source. Emergences can last from a few months during the spring and early summer period to year- long hatches. Understanding and mastering this important food source will not only increase the numbers of fish you catch but provide the satisfaction of understanding why you are being so successful.
Volume 1 is focused on fishing with strike indicators, one of the most effective ways to fish chironomid larva and pupa.This DVD is broken down into 12 chapters that cover a wide range of topics including the chironomid life cycle, equipment selection including rods, lines and reels, leaders and their construction, how to use a throat pump, selecting the right strike indicator, casting tips, depth sounders and anchoring, presentation tactics, recognizing takes and selecting the right fly. The special features section of the DVD offers a selection of our favorite larva and pupa patterns with tying recipes. Many of the patterns we feature are currently available through our on line Stillwater Fly Fishing store. In addition the special features section includes animated graphics detailing our favorite knots including two versions of the non-slip loop knot.
At over 70 minutes in length, Brian and I have packed in a ton of information that will hopefully shorten your learning curve as you conquer chironomids. Once hooked on chironomid fishing it will become an obsession!
Conquering Chironomids Volume 1 is currently available through Brian and Phil's online Stillwater Fly Fishing Store for a price of $19.95. Dealer inquiries are also welcome.
Please check out the DVD preview on You Tube.
For additional information please contact Phil or Brian via email.
As you can probably tell by my last post regarding mine and Brian's Chan's new partnership with Montana Fly Company the past few months have been busy to say the least.
In addition to closing our relationship with the Stillwater Solutions program I have been kept in motion by speaking engagements, seminars and schools. My recent travels have taken me to Bend Oregon, Lynnwood Washington, Pleasanton California, Abottsford B.C. and most recently Phoenix, Arizona for a week long trip with my family.
In between dates on my busy schedule I have also begun work on the first of a series of instructional fly tying videos on my You Tube channel. My goal with these videos is to provide a selection of my favorite patterns that feature specific tying techniques along with a little chatter on how I like to fish them. I have long been a fan of You Tube for my own education and tying.
Many of the patterns I will be featuring will come from what I already have listed in the Fly Tying section of my website. Many of these patterns can also be purchased through mine and Brian's Stillwater Fly Fishing Store.
So far you can see tying videos for my Bullet Proof Prince, Holo Worm and Strip Tease Damsel. If you notice down the right margin of my blog page links to these patterns along with Facebook, Twitter and You Tube channel can also be found.
Although the videos will have a definite stillwater slant, I plan on featuring other patterns. Including salt water and rivers and stream patterns.
If you have seen or heard of a pattern of mine that you would like me to feature please send me an email and I will make every effort to add it to my list and then up onto my You Tube Channel.
I hope you enjoy what you see and find the videos helpful to your tying and pattern designs. I look forward to your feedback and comments.
