The Wet Fly Swing

This past week I rounded out my Newfoundland/Labrador trip at Tuckamore Lodge located near Main Brook on the eastern shore of the northern peninsula.  I was there filming another episode of The New Fly Fisher featuring Atlantic salmon.

The drive from Deer Lake to Tuckamore Lodge is scenic

Tuckamore Lodge is a luxurious four star destination that is popular not only with fly fishers but hunters during the fall months.  The food and accommodation was outstanding.  While we were there each evening saw a different group at dinner as tourists traveling Newfoundland used Tuckamore as a rest stop during their travels.

Tuckamore Lodge provides luxurious four star accommodation and food

The area offers lots of tourism opportunities including whale watching, ice berg tours and cultural tours including L'Anse aux Meadows, North America's only authenticated Norse settlement.  A visit to Tuckamore’s website details a host of opportunities to experience.

The region, like most of Newfoundland is home to a dense moose population.  These huge animals are a common site along the road side and caution should be exercised when traveling in the early morning or evening.  High speed night travel is not recommended as these animals cause serious damage and injury should you collide with one.

Newfoundland and the region around Tuckamore in particular is home to countless moose

As for the fishing our schedule had us there at the tail end of the season.  Waters were beginning to drop and temperatures where beginning to rise, close to 70F in some stretches.  The salmon had been in the river for a while and where becoming more focused on their reproductive task at hand than chasing our flies.  When Atlantic’s are active the traditional methods involve either a dead drifted dry fly or riffle hitched wet fly.  Both of these presentation styles are predicated on taking advantage of a fresh salmon’s aggressive nature.  We did have some success with the dead drifted dry fly.  A White Wulff was particularly effective as was the reliable Bomber.  The trick with the dry fly was to repeatedly cover an area known to be holding salmon.  Short 6-8 foot drifts over a particular stretch worked better than trying for the world’s longest drag free drift.  My cameraman James was quick to adapt. It took me a while to accept this approach as I always aim for long drag free drifts when using dry flies.

But as our week progressed our dry fly success dwindled.  We resorted to a traditional method, the wet fly swing.  Our challenge was getting the fly down to the fish.  In Newfoundland and Labrador you are only allowed to use un-weighted flies and floating lines.  Strike indicators are also a no no. 

I switched to an Steelhead/Salmon Fluorocarbon leader to help get the fly down and a larger #6 sparsely dressed dark fly such as a Blue Charm.  This combination offered me the best chance to get my fly down in the water column to where the fish were holding.  We could see them from time to time flashing in the run and of course the odd rise or jump really helped!  Atlantic salmon also love to hold in front of large rocks.  A trait learned early in life as we observed parr holding in front of rocks beside us in the runs were fishing on the Salmon River.

Atlantic salmon parr learn early on about the value of holding in front of boulders

I placed a cross current reach cast and added additional mends, typically upstream, to help sink the fly.  As the line and fly drifted downstream the takes typically occurred in the lower quarter when the fly was at its deepest just before starting its cross current swing as it came under tension.  Takes were very subtle.  I recall one where I only saw the tip of the fly line move suspiciously upstream.  I struck more out of instinct.  The water erupted. A large salmon went airborne immediately.  They aren’t known as the ‘leaper’ for nothing.  Two cartwheel jumps were followed by an energetic sprint down stream.  Within seconds it was over.  I swear the fish turned its head back toward me and spat the fly out complete with a look of disgust.  Oh well, better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all!

A grilse that feel to a swung Blue Charm

I managed to persevere and land fish and we will have some great footage for an informative educational show The New Fly Fisher is known for.  In the future I will make a point of visiting Newfoundland Labrador in July when the runs are at their peak!

Labrador Atlantic's

This past week found me in Labrador chasing Atlantic salmon for the first time as I filmed an episode of The New Fly Fisher.  I have caught all five species of Pacific salmon and steelhead on the fly.  The chance to exchange blows with Atlantic salmon was too good to pass up.  Landing one would complete my list of anadromous salmonids on the fly.

The view downstream from the spectacular Forteau Falls

During my week long visit I stayed at the Labrador Salmon and Lucky Strike lodges courtesy of new owner Paul-Amie Joncas.  We began filming at the Labrador Salmon Lodge fishing the Forteau River.  Labrador Salmon Lodge is a very comfortable facility with a traditional cozy feel to it.  The food was fantastic and provided much need fuel for our treks up and down the banks of the Forteau River.  The scallop savichy was perhaps my favorite.  Served on the half shell they just melted in my mouth!

 

From left to right; Armand, James, myself, George, Dawn and Herman

James, my cameraman and I were joined by four other fly fishers, Armand (Paul Aime’s brother) his friend Herman, George and Dawn.  Together we hit it off immediately and our trip was filled with good hearted banter, laughter and new found friendship.  James and I managed to defend our ‘mainlanders’ honor over a five game crib tourney with Newfoundlanders George and Dawn.  I am fortunate to have made five new friends from my Labrador experience.

Our trip for both lodges was at the tail end of the season, peak season on most Atlantic salmon rivers in Labrador and Newfoundland.  Atlantic's were still in the river but they had lost some of their aggressive tendencies and were beginning to focus on their primary reason for being there, reproduction.  July apparently was one of the most memorable on record with numerous reports of high catch rates and some large fish. 

During my two and half days on the Forteau I managed to hook five fish.  All on dead drifted dry flies, a favorite method for many, myself included!  Of the fish I hooked, including a chrome bullet we estimated well over 10 pounds on the first morning.  Unfortunately I was not able to land any salmon.  Three where lost right at my boot laces.  The common practice is to use a glove to tail the fish to minimize any risk of injury from a traditional knotted landing net.  While I understand some of the reasoning behind this practice I know that if we had a good quality catch and release net we would have landed all three fish.  Successfully tailing a large spirited Atlantic requires delicate fish fighting to tire the fish enough to grab them.  I personally believe that using a proper catch and release net would result in less stress to the fish as the fighting time would be less.

The Blue Charm hair wing, a Labrador favorite

While on the Forteau my guide Cecil provide comprehensive lessons on how to properly swing wet flies using a riffle hitch.  The riffle hitch places two half hitches behind and under the hook eye at the rear of the fly’s head.  The hitches cause the fly to plane and wake at the surface when swung under tension.  It is heart stopping to watch the wake of a large Atlantic salmon pursue the fly as it swings across a run.  I had a few ‘chasers’ but none resulted in hook ups.

Half way through our week long trip we drove up the Labrador coast to the Lucky Strike Lodge based a short drive from the Pinware River.  As with Labrador Salmon Lodge the accommodations at Lucky Strike were very comfortable and a welcome sight at the end of a day’s fishing.

The Pinware River, big rugged water

The Pinware is a completely different river to the smaller gentler Forteau River.  Rugged and fast, the boulder strewn Pinware is home to some huge salmon.  Humping camera gear up and down its steep banks along its rocky shorelines burned more than a few calories.  A good thing as our fantastic cuisine followed us as well.    Gorging on fresh Atlantic lobster is a treat I seldom pass up. We went up and down one stretch affectionately called ‘Heart Attack Hill’.  A fact I didn’t learn until the trip was complete.

James works Chute Pool

The Pinware is home to the legendary Chute Pool, a huge expanse of water beneath a large waterfall that holds large numbers of Atlantic salmon.  As with the Forteau, dead drifting dry flies such as spun deer hair Bombers and Bugs and hitching hair wing wet flies was standard practice.  I was amazed that Atlantic salmon would rise up from the depths of Chute Pool to pluck dry flies floating amongst the foam the falls produced.  The rise of a large Atlantic is as delicate as a trout rise and is easily confused with the large numbers of aggressive parr that are maturing in the river.  I soon learned to strike at anything as I missed some large fish during my first hours on the Forteau earlier in the week passing them off as tiny salmon parr not worth setting on.  Another lesson involved knowing where Atlantic salmon prefer to hold, in front of large boulders protected by the hydro-dynamic cushion the flow creates as it splits around a rock.

On my first day on the Pinware I had a couple of rises that I missed and I hooked two fish riffle hitching a #8 Blue Charm.  As with the Forteau, I lost another fish in the shallows as it came unbuttoned while we attempted to tail the fish.  I was beginning to wonder if we would be able to land a fish for the camera.  We had some great takes on both rivers along with cart wheeling salmon but we needed something in our hands to provide closure.  We were down to our last day.

A Humpback sounds

In the summer months whale sightings along the Labrador coast are common

As we ate dinner James and I discussed the plans for the next day.  Paul-Aime told us that whales were close to shore and he had made plans for us to do a little whale watching.  Large humpbacks and bottlenose dolphins worked as a team herding capelin, a small smelt-like fish.  It was an impressive sight as humpbacks in excess of 40 feet passed with yards of our boat.  The dolphins zoomed past us in groups of 5-10.  We estimated that there were five humpbacks and well over 20 dolphins working around us.  Humpbacks are great to film as they dive elegantly, bodies arched and huge tail flukes almost waving good bye.  It was an awesome humbling experience.

Bombers and Bugs, a must for any Atlantic salmon fly box

The next morning we scrambled over the large boulders and rock edges up to Chute Pool to try our luck once again.  I chose my 10 foot seven weight Sage SLT as it was already strung up with a large #6 orange Bomber.  My guide Dennis positioned me so I could cover the large boulder that the water leaving Chute Pool rushed over.  I had made probably half a dozen casts when I had a rise to the fly.  I was too quick and missed the hook up.  Thankfully I didn’t stick the fish.  I knew if I placed the fly back in harms way the salmon would probably return.  A few casts later the fish rose.  Once again I was premature.  It is common for an interested fish to rise repeatedly, Atlantic salmon are that aggressive.  I continued casting and as the fly approached the leading edge of the boulder the fish rose again.  This time I delayed my response, I managed to drive the orange Bomber home.  The fish surged upstream, hidden beneath the surface.  As it started to run I realized that I had the drag on my Islander locked down.  I had to back off the drag fast or I was going to break the fish off before the fight started.  In my excitement gave the drag knob such a hard twist I now had hardly any drag at all.  My reel overran and I had to put my head down, hold the fish tight by pinching the line against the cork handle and get my reel ready for the fight.  During this time the fish jumped.  I did not see it as I was preoccupied with getting my line under control.  All I heard Dennis say, “That’s a big fish!”

Chute Pool is a vast expanse of water

With the reel now under control I gathered the loose line, and got the fish onto the reel as fast as I could.  The power of the fish was incredible and it became obvious that I would not be able to contain this fish within Chute Pool.  Within seconds the fish shot downstream through the chute at the end of pool and into a large run known as the ‘Black Hole’.  Line and backing pealed off in short order.  Rod held high to avoid the midstream boulders I jumped and hopped across boulders the size of cars and trucks I had cautiously navigated minutes before as I scrambled into position.  Now in position on a huge boulder at the head of Black Hole Dennis directed me to hold my ground and stop the fish from running, easier said than done.  The long rod proved its worth as I was able to keep the line high and avoid catching the line or sawing the leader on the ragged edge of a boulder.  The salmon and I began an exhaustive tug of war.  It ran into my backing three times, cart wheeled at least 3-4 times and ran across the run at least twice.  My forearms were on fire, I felt for sure I would never see this fish.  But as the battle wore on I began to gain the upper hand.  Dennis had jumped down into a calm stretch of the pool and after a few anxious moments tailed the fish.  I passed the rod onto the other members of my group who had gathered to watch the fight and jumped down to my waiting prize.

What a fish!

It was a magnificent fish, silver bright with a pearlescent blue iridescent stripe running along its sides that I will never forget.  As I held it in my hands we measured the fish, 34 inches and an estimated 15 pounds.  My heart was beating like a hamster.  My first Atlantic on the fly and it was a prize.  James my cameraman followed the battle throughout hopping about the rocks with the camera.  He recorded it all, in his words it was, “Epic!”  I can’t wait to see the footage.  It gave the show the explosive closure we needed.  What a fish!

Prowling the Parklands. The Sequel!

In the spring of this year I provided a Blog entry regarding the 12 fly fishers from central Alberta who accompanied me to the Parklands region of Manitoba.  For those of you who perhaps aren't aware the productive lakes located in the southwest corner of the province near the towns of Russell and Roblin are producing arguably the finest stillwater fly fishing in North America.

  

Patterson Lake, home to trophy rainbow and brown trout

From the remoteness of the experience, the average size of the fish and species diversity lakes such as Patterson, Tokaryk, Twin, and Pybus are tough to beat.  The lakes in this region are home to trophy rainbows, browns and the ultra aggressive tiger trout.

Tiger Trout

The response to my spring trip was overwhelming with many of the group who accompanied me wishing to return in the fall.  So once again I am  leading a group of fly fishers back to the Parklands this fall from September 2-6. We will enjoy three full days of fishing the regions lakes based out of  the Barn in the Bush situated between the towns of Russell and Roblin.  The trophy lakes we will be targeting on a daily basis are less than 40 minutes away!

An average Parkland Rainbow!

In addition to spending quality time on three different venues I will be providing a series of seminars each day along with a daily debrief.  I will also be available to provide assistance at the lake as well.  Here is an idea of what we will be covering.

• Understanding Stillwaters-The Fall Perspective
• Indicator Tactics for Stillwaters 
• Fall Food Sources including Boatman and Back Swimmers Scuds and Leeches Instruction regarding retrieves and gear set-up

Fall offers the chance to catch a true trophy

The cost for this fun and educational long weekend is only $575.00 CDN.  This fee includes accommodation, food and all seminars.  Your only additional cost would be alcohol and your transportation to and from the Parklands region of Manitoba.

Space is limited to 12 and only five spaces remain!

If you need any further information please don't hesitate to contact me either at flycraft@shaw.ca. It promises to be comprehensive, fun and informative weekend.  I hope to see some of you there.

Dry Lines and Long Leaders

This past week I visited some of my local stillwaters.  The weather was hot and muggy, trout are beginning to slow down and go deep.  Our lakes are hovering at a surface temperature of 70F.  Right on the boundary for safe survival for stillwater trout.  As water temperature increases its ability to hold oxygen decreases.  Trout become lethargic and if hooked often become stressed and unable to recover.  It is time to consider rivers or targeting species such that are tolerant of higher water temperatures.  Until the water temperatures drop I will be choosing one of the two considerations I mentioned.

On one of the stillwaters I visited I expected trout to be deep and would need coaxing to the fly.  I believed they would chase an active fly, depth and retrieve speed would be my keys to success.  I focused on the windward shore as the lee shore would have the warmer water pushed into it by the stiff breeze that was blowing that day.  A degree or two can make all the difference.

Pond Rainbow
(Courtesy of Nick Sliwkanich)

I opted for perhaps my favorite presentation method, a floating line and long leader to work up the gradual slope I was fishing.  I anchored in 15 feet of water and cast into 20 plus feet of water.  My sounder was invaluable in telling me not only the depth I was anchored but the depth my flies would be working through and the bottom slope.  In these situations I would be blind without the information my sounder provides.

Using my 4 weight 10 foot Helios and Rio Indicator line I began with roughly 2-feet of .020” butt material Nail Knotted directly to my fly line.  From there I added a 2X 12-foot tapered leader via a Blood knot.  I added approximately 3-feet of 2x tippet via Triple Surgeons knot.  Using an improved clinch knot I attached a #12 black barrel swivel.  .  To the bottom end of the barrel swivel I added another 4-5 feet of 2X Flouroflex Plus tippet.  Barrel swivels add an inline weight, help reduce leader twist and when using fluorocarbon tippets as I often do eliminate any knot concerns with nylon leader material as the two never meet.  My total leader length from fly line to bottom fly was approximately 21 feet.  I placed a balanced Sparkle Leech on the point and a #12 black and Red Ice Cream Cone on a 10-inch Looped Tippet or Sliding dropper just above the barrel swivel.

Floating lines, long leaders are a personal favorite!
(Photo Courtesy of Brian Wiebe)

The thicker butt section and butt section of the tapered leader helps in part turn long leaders over.  Your casting stroke needs a degree of modification.  Break your wrist slightly to open the casting loop.  Tight loops are a recipe for nasty tangles.  Allow the fly line to completely roll out on the back cast and maintain a smooth powerful casting stroke.  Only cast what you comfortably can, avoid the urge to cast across the planet!  If possible allow the line to shoot to the reel or pinch the line tight to slingshot the flies and leader over.  As the flies land look for three distinct separate splashes of the flies and swivel.  If the splash down is concentrated strip the line in and see if there is a tangle.  Deal with tangles early and they can often be addressed repeated casting leads to frustration and exponential leader and tippet consumption.

Once the flies had landed I counted my flies down using my watch, 30 seconds is a standard starting point.  I then began a painstakingly slow retrieve.  I want to ‘drag’ the fly line across the surface without causing a disturbance.  When you think you are slow enough cut the pace in half again and you should be in the game.  Make sure there is no slack in the fly line.  If you go too fast your flies no longer track horizontally but rather track toward the surface out of the depth zone the fish are holding.

Presentation depth and retrieve speed are critical to stillwater success
(Photo Courtesy of Brian Wiebe)

Watch the line for signs of a take.  Takes with this method are often seen before they are felt.  Most of my takes felt like a dragging sensation as though the leader was being pulled through a phone book.  A smooth rod raise drives the hook home.  Fish are typically hooked in the upper lip, top dead center.  All my takes in deeper water were to the balanced leech.  As the flies worked up the slope at the end of the cast the chironomid became the fly of choice.  I pumped one fish and it had about 15 chironomid and Chaoborus pupa along with one lone caddis adult.  A sure sign fish were feeding predominately at depth.

A throat sample confirms the presentation method

This method once mastered is deadly and extremely versatile.  I managed well over 10 fish in roughly four hours of fishing.  I use it for chironomid pupa and larva, caddis pupa, mayfly nymphs, damsel nymphs, and leeches.  Give it floating lines and long leaders a try it is a deadly versatile method.  And quite addictive too!

Bucket List Hexagenia

This past week found me in central Alberta filming an upcoming episode of the New Fly Fisher.  Each year I host or co-host a number of the 26 episodes we film annually. Tom Rosenbauer, Marketing Director for Orvis Rod and Tackle joined me as we hosted an episode entitled "Hunting Trout".  We were guided by Dave and Amelia Jensen from Fly Fish Alberta.  Dave and Amelia know this region like few others.  It was one of my most memorable shoots and fishing trips all wrapped up into one.  We based ourselves out of the Black Knight Inn in Red Deer, an ideal location for targeting central Alberta's blue ribbon trout streams.

 Tom Rosenbauer and Dave Jensen with an 'average' brown.

Since moving to Alberta one of my goals involved spending more time exploring its world class rivers and streams, especially those containing brown trout.  An item on my bucket list if you will.  In addition, I wanted to experience new hatch opportunities such as the legendary Hexagenia emergence.  I had experienced a Hexagenia (Hex) hatch once previously but not in the biblical proportions we had on this trip.  For those not familiar with Hex, they are one mutant mayfly.

Hexagenia Dun

We sampled nymphs that were easily two inches long.  These burrowing nymphs are accomplished swimmers.  They propel themselves through the water using rapid undulations in combination with their interlocking external gills located along the sides of their bodies.  A serious mouthful for any trout.

Hexagenia Nymph

The adults are slightly smaller, their bodies are just over an inch long.  Due to their large size we managed numerous takes of large brown trout lips poking through the surface to pluck the duns and spinners into their waiting jaws.  We managed to film some spectacular takes to both naturals and our dun patterns on camera.  Dave provided us with a unique foam based pattern we christened the 'Get R Dun'.  Casting a buoyant #6 dun imitation is my idea of dry fly fishing!  The 'eats' to both the naturals and our impostors were unbelievable.

Tom hooks up

Another natural bites the dust!

During the course of our stay, cloudy overcast days increased the hatch intensity and the browns were quick to slide out from the undercut banks to dine at their leisure.  When darkness fell things went from good to stupid on some nights.

When darkness falls the big boys come out to play.

Placing the landing net in the water at the surface for a few seconds gathered staggering numbers of duns.  The browns went nuts and we followed suit, leap frogging each other along the banks targeting the sounds of large slurps that filled out ears.

10 seconds of landing net sampling.

My only regret was that our time passed too fast and that the hatch is short in duration only lasting a couple of weeks.  Don't worry my calendar has already been circled for 2011!

Casting Indicators on Stillwaters

This past week, I spent some time on a local private pond courtesy of a friend.  These waters were mere minutes from my house and proved a welcome change.  Small personal ponds like the one I fished allowed me to fish from shore, a rarity for most of the lakes and ponds I fish.  Often there is little or no back cast room or the bottom is so soft that one step into the shallows could be your last.

I chose a two fly set up, a damsel nymph on the point and a Pearl Shrimp on the dropper.  When I looked around the shallows I saw a fair numbers of small scuds scurrying about and the odd damselfly nymph. Recent throat samples confirmed that the fish cruising the margins were picking of stray scuds who ventured too far from the protection of the weedy carpet that covered the lake floor.  At one point I swapped the Pearl Shrimp for a #12 gold bead Pheasant Tail (GBPT) and started hooking fish consistently.  Landing them proved to be another issue at times but enough came to hand to keep me satisfied.  I figured the added weight of the gold bead got the fly down deep enough.  With about half an hour to go I finally relented and swapped up to a balanced leech beneath an indicator, a presentation method that has proved to be perhaps my most consistent producer.  For my guide trips earlier this year suspending leeches or chironomids below an indicator has proved itself to be the right choice time and time again.

(Photo courtesy of Nick Sliwkanich)

Most people casting indicators on stillwaters often get themselves into trouble in regards to tangles.  From my observations this is a result of trying to cast too far.  My preferred line for this method without a doubt is Rio's Indicator line.  This weight forward line features a light green front section and an ivory running line.  Its construction and configuration is all about casting indicators and the paraphernalia that seems to accompany them.  The junction of these two colors is the maximum you need to cast.

(Photo courtesy of Nick Sliwkanich)

Repeated false casts is one of the primary causes of tangles.   Modern weight forward lines are designed to shoot to the target.  Unlike the multiple false casts common to casting double taper lines, let the weight forward section load the rod and then shoot the line to the target.  Keep in mind, the slender running line behind the weight forward section is not designed to false cast, it is intended to shoot.   An indicator, swivel or split shot and a couple of flies, where permitted, is not a natural combination for a fly rod. It tends to fight back.  Reducing the casting distance reduces false casts there by lessening the tangle factor.  In addition the closer you are to your indicator the better able you are to see the subtle strikes that would not be visible at distance.  Using a smaller indicator keeps you honest too.  Use powerful smooth stroke and avoid 'punching' the line as this leads to tailing loops and tangles. Watch your back cast.  Make sure it unfolds completely behind you so the energy transfer from your casting motion can take place.

Finally, if you are using a Quick Release Indicator place the plastic peg on the fly side of the indicator.  This placement results in less tangles as the tippet and flies roll away from the indicator.  If you through a tailing loop it should not catch the peg.  When using Quick Release Indicators place a small swivel between your indicator and fly or flies, it provides a number of benefits.  The swivel acts as a stopper and should you break off the dense black peg will not slide off the leader and sink.

In many instances the short distances best suited for success can be covered with a roll cast. When hanging flies in deeper water, say over 10 feet, you may have to roll cast the line successively to cycle the fly or flies up through the water column.  Once clear of the water make one false cast and allow the weight forward line to do what it is designed to do, shoot to the target.  As the indicator and flies land watch for the distinct separate plops of the flies or flies, swivel and indicator.  If they land within inches of each other, strip in and investigate.  The tangle is often in its infancy and can be quickly cured.  Pinching the line or allowing it to shoot tight to the reel slingshots the indicator and flies providing the necessary separation for proper presentation and reduced tangles

To summarize;

1. Avoid excessive false casts. Let the weight forward line do what it is designed to do.  No more than two false casts and shoot to the target on three.  After some practice you should be able load the rod with one false cast and shoot to the target.
2. Try to cast only the weight forward section of your fly line.  Watching your indicator from a distance is not necessary and in many instances you miss subtle takes.  Not all indicators are the firm bubble trails to the depths we dream off.
3. Let your back cast unroll in the same manner as the front cast to ensure complete energy transfer.  I am bad for this one at times!
4. Place the indicator peg when using Quick Release Indicators on the fly side of the indicator.  The unfurling leader and flies has less to catch in the event of a tailing loop.
5. Pinch the line or allow the it to shoot to the reel to slingshot the indicator, swivel and flies or fly over.  Look for separation between the components as a clue to a tangle free cast.

Dangling chironomids, leeches, scuds and other patterns beneath an indicator is deadly.  Particularly when fish seem dour and unwilling to chase a fly moving at a faster pace, such as when water temperatures are cool or unsettled weather disrupts normal feeding activity.  The next time you are struggling with your indicator setup consider these tips.  You should hopefully spend more time watching your indicator disappear beneath the surface than fumbling with a frustrating tangle that might have been prevented.

Some Fish are Meant to be Caught!

Last Thursday evening I accompanied Dave and Amelia Jensen as we prospected a central Alberta stream.  We were scouting potential location for an upcoming episode of The New Fly Fisher which I will be filming with Dave and Amelia along with Tom Rosenbauer from Orvis during the week of July 19th.  Our goal for the evening was to drift and search for snouts sipping quietly along the river's edge.  As there was goldeye in the river as well I had to learn to distinguish the difference between the somewhat aggressive concentrated rises of gold eye verses the individual slurp of a large brown.

(Photo Courtesy of Amelia Jensen)

The brown trout population is sparse so a keen eye was required by all.  It is amazing how subtle rises can pass unnoticed if you are not prepared to look and study a section of water.  Just as darkness approached we found a small number of browns rising along the edge of a high grass bank.  As Dave had yet to cast to a trout it was his turn.  Amelia and I had targeted a couple of risers with no success earlier in the evening.  Dave made one cast and as his fly drifted into the trout's window it disappeared in a confident deliberate rise.  After a spirited battle the large, 25-inch plus brown lay at our feet.  She was, beautiful fat and healthy.

 

Another trout rose a few yards upstream from where Dave had taken his gorgeous brown. Now it was my turn.  Since my rod was downstream in the boat Dave offered me his rod.  After all, his large brown drake imitation had already proven its worth.  Up steps challenge number one.  Dave prefers double taper lines, I have been using weight forward lines for years. I didn't realize this right away and it took me a number of casts for me to get used to casting a double taper once again.  Finally I was able to get the distance and accuracy needed to cover the fish.  My fly drifted down to where we had seen the fish move and it was taken in a gentle deliberate slurp.  I let the fish take the fly and game on.  Up steps challenge number two.  As the fish bolted I realized that Dave's reel was set up for right hand retrieve.  As lefty hybrid who casts right handed, the product of being brought up in a right-handed world, my reel is set up to retrieve left handed.  I was not able to gather line and control the fish as I would have liked.  Up steps challenge number three.  Another fish was rising upstream of this fish so I did not want my fish to spook that fish as Amelia was next up to bat.  Due to my trying not to have the fish bolt upstream and my battle trying to reel right-handed I was not forceful enough with the fish and it forged its way out into the main current and proceeded to wrap itself around a rock.  The fish was still attached as I could feel it throbbing through the line.  Now what?  Well thankfully, at over 6-feet tall, Dave offered and was able to wade out and above the fish and free the line.  Game on again.  Up steps challenge number four, my final challenge.  Now the fish took off down stream and decided that under our anchored boat was good place to go.  The leader rubbed against the anchor rope which we were able to free and not soon after the fish was in the net resting and recovering before being released.

(Photo Courtesy of Amelia Jensen)

I couldn't believe I had been fortunate enough to land this fish.  By all rights I should have lost it on at least three or four occasions.  I guess some fish are just meant to be caught.   The moral of this story is to use your own equipment or at least get comfortable with and know what you are borrowing before going live!

Amelia stepped up to bat after my adventure but darkness had taken over and the swarm of mosquitoes was intensifying with every minute despite our multiple applications of bug juice.  I felt bad as my bumbling had consumed valuable time and daylight.  Next time Amelia goes first!