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.
Brian Chan and Phil Rowley are pleased to announce their new partnership with Montana Fly Company (MFC) who will be producing their proprietary fly patterns in the future. This is a great move for the stillwater specialists who are combining their expertise with Adam Trina and the MFC Team. In addition, Phil and Brian will also be working with Montana Fly Company to not only promote Montana’s existing line of fly tying materials, tools and accessories but working in partnership to design additional products as well.
Montana Fly Company has a long standing tradition of quality. Not only unique to their diverse selection of flies but also tying tools, accessories and other fly fishing products. Brian and Phil are proud to be associated with a company renowned for its reputation and commitment to quality.
Montana Fly Company will be the exclusive source of Brian and Phil’s stillwater fly designs, tied to their specific quality standards. Flies you would find within Brian and Phil’s fly boxes. Brian and Phil’s quality patterns will be available through all Montana Fly Company dealers in Canada and the United States in 2013, in addition to Phil and Brian’s on-line Stillwater Fly Fishing Store.
After more than 10 years working with Superfly International, Brian and Phil felt it was time for a change. Their Stillwater Solutions™ program of tying materials, flies, kits and companion recipe book will continue to be offered by Superfly International. Although they will no longer be developing new product for Superfly, Brian and Phil will remain affiliated with Superfly through their Pro Staff Program.
For additional information please visit Brian's website or Phil's website. You can also visit Phil and Brian's online stillwater store,
For additional information on Montana Fly Company please visit their website.
For additional information on Superfly International please visit their website.
I recently returned from my first speaking engagements of the year at the 2013 Denver Fly Fishing Show and the 2013 Western Idaho Tying Expo hosted by the Boise Valley Fly Fishers. Both events were well attended. In between my speaking and demonstrations I had a chance to catch up with a number of friends who I hadn’t seen in a while.
Rio's booth looked sharp featuring their new logos and branding
The Denver show ran from Friday January 4th through Sunday January 6th. This was my first time at this event and the interest in stillwater fly fishing was both impressive and overwhelming.
One of Rich's Foam Patterns
When I wasn’t giving my Going Deep-Strategies for Sinking Lines presentation or providing a tying demonstration you could find me nestled at a table amongst the fly tyers. My neighbour was fellow stillwater addict Richard Pilatzke. Rich spent the weekend demonstrating a number of stillwater patterns including some of his unique foam adult damsel and dragon patterns. Rich does well with these patterns on his local lakes. For the most part I don’t get the opportunity to fish dry dragons or damsels and his stories piqued my interest. I hope to spend some time with Rich in the future and hopefully hook a few trout on some of his designs.
A Bowl of Hopper Juans
I also was fortunate to meet Juan Ramirez, known to many through his Hopper Juan blog. Juan is a contract tyer with Montana Fly. He ties a number of innovative patterns and is particularly known for his foam hopper patterns including his namesake Hopper Juan and Hollywood Hopper. Juan has an excellent blog complete with a number of instructional tying videos. His blog is one of my favorites.
Juan Ramirez's Hollywood Hopper
I also spent some time with fellow authors Rick Takahashi and Jerry Hubka. Rick and Jerry co-authored the bestselling book, Modern Midges. If you ever wanted inspiration or to find a particular midge or chironomid pattern this is the reference you need. I feel fortunate that Rick and Jerry included some of my patterns within their book. Rick told me they are already working on another book project. I am looking forward to getting my hands on it as soon as it hits the book shelves.
The Western Idaho Tying Expo ran from Friday January 10 through Saturday January 11th. Over the course of two days over 1600 people dropped by to watch a number of local tyers, watch casting demonstrations and instructional seminars. Good friends Pete Erickson, Jeff Currier and I provided a number of seminars and casting demonstrations. Expo hosts, the Boise Valley Fly Fishers, kept us busy over the course of the two day event.
Jeff is a talented artist and fly fisher
One particular highlight of this year’s expo was spending time including a few beers with ‘legendary fly fisher’ Hank Patterson and his trusty side kick Reese. For those of you who don’t know Hank he provides a satirical look at the world of fly fishing. Make sure you check out his You Tube segments. At this year’s expo Hank helped and entertained onlooker with a Casting for Recovery fundraising event at the end of each day.
Reese,myself, Hank Patterson and Pete Erickson
This is my second year speaking at the Western Idaho Tying Expo. I enjoy the atmosphere and enthusiasm of this event. Hopefully, if they will have me, I can return next year.
While in Boise, I provided an evening tying demonstration to the ‘Pinocchio Group’, a dedicated collection of fly tyers and fishers. Pete Erickson provided ‘taxi’ services and we were treated to an enjoyable evening featuring great chili, home brew while I demonstrated some of my favorite stillwater patterns.
Pinocchio Hard at Work
The Pinocchio Group namesake is a metaphor based on the story telling and subsequent fish growth with each passing tale most fly fishers are famous for. After my presentation Pete and I were initiated into the group as we were provided with our ceremonial Pinocchio noses. Although easy to put on it was difficult to tie anything close at hand as the nose blocked the view. Now those who know me might think the nose in this picture was my real nose. While I don’t have the smallest nose on the planet I can assure you it was a fake.
This Year's Western Idaho Tying Expo Was a Busy Place
I am home for the next few weeks trying to catch up on some winter tying, an annual goal that I typically don’t meet. Once February hits I am traveling once again with show and speaking commitments in Oregon, Washington and California. Check my calendar to see if I am stopping by in your neck of the woods.
Well the holidays are done and dusted. The 2013 show season begins.
This weekend you can find me at the Denver Fly Fishing Show at the Denver Merchandise Mart. I will be providing a number of stillwater seminars on Saturday and Sunday along with a tying demo on Saturday afternoon. When I am not speaking or tying you should be able to find me amongst the tyers tables. If you plan on attending the show drop by and say hello. I should also have some of my DVD’s available too.
My next stop finds me at the Western Idaho Tying Expo in Boise, Friday January 11(10am-7pm) and Saturday January 12 (9:00-4pm). I will be providing seminars and casting presentations during both days of the show.
One of the highlights of the Expo is the fundraising banquet . This year’s banquet will be held on the evening of Saturday January 12th at the Red Lion Hotel. The banquet provides a great opportunity for everyone to bid on a variety of items while supporting the Boise Valley Fly Fishers and their conservation efforts.
Stay tuned for a summary of both shows including any new products and gear you should be aware of for the upcoming season.
January is just the beginning of my 2013 show and seminar calendar. I should have my website updated shortly outlining all of my seminar presentations and shows. So stay tuned.
This
past October proved to be one of my busiest.I spent time in Manitoba, Idaho and California providing seminars and
hosted trips.With each trip I was
fortunate to spend time on the water chasing the last stillwater trout of my
2012 season.
Staples such as bloodworm are an excellent fall pattern choice
Fall
is one of my favorite seasons when it comes to stillwater fly fishing. As frost begins to predominate the daily fall
forecasts, trout prowl the shallows continuing to build the fat reserves
that will carry them through the long cold winter ahead. At this time use
pattern and presentation techniques to suggest staple food items such as
leeches, forage fish, scuds, immature dragon and damsel fly nymphs and perhaps
the most underrated stillwater staple, chironomid larva (bloodworm).
Sheridan sample
Bloodworm
patterns are one of my favorite stillwater staples to imitate.During the fall months this bread and butter
prey item is often on the menu.When I was
down in Idaho I spent time on both Henry’s Lake and Sheridan Lake.Sheridan is a private fishery known for its
large rainbow trout.I had the pleasure
of fishing Sheridan last year and I was looking forward to fishing it once
again.
The
weather was perfect, bright clear skies and crisp just below zero temperatures
to start the day, my favorite combination for fall fishing.Water levels were low and fish were rolling
on the surface.It seemed to take
forever to get my gear ready and myYamaha G3 1756 VBW into the water.I loaded my first two students, Dustin and
Jared into the boat.Off we went in
search of trophy trout.
Large trout love chironomid larvae
Thankfully
we didn’t have to go far.The water was
clear as the frigid overnight temperatures caused the algae to clump and
sink.Fish were moving at the opening to
a large shallow bay that sloped gently into deeper water.As there was no definite structural
transition such as drop off I chose to take advantage of another form of
transition, light to dark.Trout love to
prowl in the cover of shadow or shade.In
low light conditions they hunt confidently and aren’t as spooky as if they were
in shallow clear water.With this
approach in mind we anchored the bow of the boat just where it was difficult to
make out the bottom.We anchored the
stern in dark, deep water.This placed
us in roughly 10-12 feet of water.
Floating
lines and indicators were the order of the day.Experience taught me that a leech or bloodworm pattern on the bottom with
a chironomid pupa on a dropper would be a good place to start.
As
three of us were in the boat we all positioned our flies at different depths to
quickly eliminate non-productive water.Dustin was into fish in short order.A healthy plump Sheridan rainbow took his
small black and red Ice Cream Cone roughly nine feet down.After a spirited fight the rainbow soon lay
in the net.
A
quick throat pump confirmed I was on the right track.Dustin’s rainbow was stuffed with #12-#10
bloodworm.The 5/8th’s to ¾’s
inch bloodworm were writhing like mad.Just
a few seconds ago they were moving just above the bottom or within the
tube-like homes they construct along the bottom.Trout have no issue vacuuming larvae right from
the relative safety of the their homes and if the bloodworm are free and moving
about their feeble head to tail swimming motion offers zero resistance to a
foraging trout.
Regurgitated bloodworm
Based
on this information we soon changed flies to represent bloodworm.Jared and Dustin each tied on Vernille or Plush
Chenille San Juan Worm and I swapped to a #10 Bionic Wormon the point and a
straight shank Holo Worm on the point.I wanted to see which shank profile trout preferred.If trout favor wriggling bloodworm then a
curved shank pattern is the better choice.Conversely, if trout are taking the bloodworm as they rest after
wriggling about, which they tend to do in an extended position, then a straight
shank pattern is the wiser option.If I
am fishing a long leader without an indicator I often start with straight
shank patterns as with this method the flies are pulled through the water
more than when using indicators.Some days
it doesn’t matter and either philosophy works.
Jerry McBride's Bionic Worm
Bloodworm
patterns don’t inspire angler confidence.To some they are nothing more than a slender red or maroon stick.Successful patterns need to be slender, just
like the naturals.If you want some tips
on bloodworm patterns please check out Bloodworm Basics in the Fly Patterns section of my website.
Bloodworm patterns need to be slender to match the naturals
As
bloodworm are found on or just above the bottom I left my point fly hanging
about one foot off the bottom and wasn’t having much success.Dustin had three or four takes in a row with
his flies at nine feet.That was enough
information for me and I slid my indicator down towards my flies and hung my
Bionic Worm at nine feet.This tactical
change was the ticket and we had a great couple of hours.Rainbows show a particular affinity for Jerry
McBride’s Bionic Worm.Make sure you
have more than a few rows in your fly box ready to go.
Sheridan rainbow loved Bionic Worms
This
approach continued throughout the day with each pair of students that joined me
in my boat.I went back to the same spot
each time and took fish.To quote an old
guide’s adage, “Don’t leave fish to find fish.”One large fish we caught regurgitated over
20 bloodworm in the landing net.They
were definitely the priority food that day on Sheridan.
Sam, with one of Sheridan's trophy rainbows taken on using a chironomid larva (bloodworm) pattern
The
next time you aren’t sure what pattern to tie on consider something that imitates
a staple prey item and bloodworm in particular. Chances are you won’t be disappointed
with the results.
One of my primary attractions towards fly fishing and tying
is the fact that you are constantly on a voyage of learning and discovery.It is such an ingrained philosophy that it is
the basis of my website slogan, “Because you never stop learning.”
Silvia Releases a stunning rainbow.
My recent trip to Manitoba was a prime example.As most of you probably know, I have been
running hosted educational trips to the Parklands region of S.W. Manitoba for
the past four and a half years.Students
from all over North America join me to experience some of the spectacular
stillwater fly fishing this region offers and to, perhaps most importantly,
improve their stillwater fly fishing skills.My students are not the only ones learning, with each trip or day on the
water I learn something too.
Ron Enjoying his Parklands Experience
Joining me on my fall trip was Jerry McBride from Spokane
Washington.Jerry is a member of the
Inland Empire Fly Fishing club and originator of balanced flies.Jerry’s balanced fly philosophy has had a
significant impact on my stillwater tying.I was looking forward to seeing Jerry once again and in particular spending
time on the water with him.Over the
past few years Jerry and I have communicated back and forth regarding balanced
flies but I have never had the good fortune of watching him tie of his
signature flies.
A typical Parklands rainbow
During the middle of our one week excursion Mother Nature
showed her maniacal side as strong 60 km/h plus (40 mph) winds buffeted the
region for the day.Winds so strong our
cabins shuddered and creaked throughout the day.The winds showed no sign of abating. Everyone
unanimously agreed, staying off the water was the only sane course of action.
Parkland browns are fat and healthy
To pass our ‘cabin day’ I provided a couple of seminars,
fellow Inland Empire club member Leon Buckles provided two entertaining
presentations he had on hand.Hawaiian
bonefish and the cutthroat slam are now on my bucket list.Actually it should be a barrel list with the
amount of stuff I have been putting in it of late!
I watch as Jerry demonstrates-Photo Courtesy of Bob Vanderwater
In addition to Leon’s presentations Jerry agreed to provide
a tying demonstration featuring a couple of balanced leeches and his devastating
Bionic Worm.I sat close by Jerry
watching him tie.Although I had been
tying balanced flies for a number of years now, Jerry demonstration proved a
welcome refresher and provided some tips that I have now added to my balanced
fly tying repertoire.
Here is what I noticed and learned from watching Jerry tie;
Most of my balanced flies, leeches in particular, use 7/64”
diameter tungsten beads.Jerry likes to
use much larger beads up to 5/32” on some of his leeches.Tied on these sizes the leeches looked
balanced and proportioned.Going forward
I will make use of larger beads as they sink much quicker especially in windy
conditions when circulation currents might slow down the sink rate of the fly.
After years of tying chironomids my instinctive method of
sliding the beads onto the pin was narrow end first.Jerry slides his beads onto the pin large end
first when using tapered beads.The pin
head disappears flush into the bead.This
also requires less thread to lock the bead tight against the pin head as the
narrow end of the bead is closer to the pin diameter.
I am a fan of up eye jig hooks, especially the Mustad32833BLN in sizes #10 or #8.Jerry prefers
to use standard shank down eye hooks feeling the wire is stronger and better
suited to the rigors of battling large trout.His current favorite is a 4X heavy wire Mustad R90.
Prior to discovering up eye jig hooks I used down eye hooks
all the time.The challenge is
remembering not to obscure the hook eye with the body materials so you can tie
the fly on.Jerry adjusts how he forms
the body to ensure the hook eye is clear.When using materials such as Crystal Chenille he pushes and compresses
the material to keep the hook eye clear.Standard shank hooks are ideal for tying smaller balanced flies such as
scuds as up eye jig hooks are tough to find smaller than size 10.
Jerry uses leeches tied using the small secondary aftershaft
or filoplume feathers on a pheasant rump feather.Once wet, these feathers spring to life providing
a seductive action trout find hard to resist.For years I used aftershaft based patterns, primarily damsel and dragon
nymphs along with leeches.Time to dust
of those materials and get them into the game more often.
Jerry's balanced flies
The learning opportunity our cabin day provided proved to be
one of the highlights of my trip.Proving once again, you never stop learning.
Jerry and I enjoying time on the water-Photo Courtesy of Scott Fink
If you are interested in joining me in 2013 for one of my on
the water educational stillwater seminar trips in Manitoba please let me
know.We are just finalizing our 2013 dates
but it looks like we will have a weekend trip during the first week of June
followed by two back to back week long trips.We will also be offering a week long fall trip.These trips book in the blink of an eye so
send me an email right away and I can get the pricing and seminar information to
you.
Join me in the Parklands in 2013
Here is a small informational video clip we put together
that provides some additional information too.
