I’m a lucky guy to have so many people who look forward to reading what I have to say. You’ve been so patient with me as I’ve navigated the twists and turns of my first book project, and for that I am truly grateful. So many of you have come to see me tie, teach, and talk at shows or club meetings — so I’m sending more gratitude your way. And it’s a thrill to be spotted out on the river when I’m fishing (as happened this week in Pulaski multiple times — yes, the book is coming!) by people who follow currentseams. Always, always, please come say hello.
Wishing you a happy, healthy Thanksgiving. Dig in and enjoy the food. Savor your beverage of choice. Smoke ’em if you’ve got ’em. And I’ll see you next week with my Pulaski steelhead report.
I’m thankful for every steelhead I release. May we meet again!
Much to talk about today. I’m currently recovering from last weekend’s International Fly Tying Symposium. That is, I’ve unpacked everything, gotten back to my regular sleep and eating (and coffee!) schedule, and here I am, clacking away at my keyboard on currentseams.com.
While this is the largest fly tying show in the world, there’s a sense of intimacy about IFTS that resonates with me. (If Goldilocks tied flies, she’d be all over this show.) I behaved myself wallet-wise, coming away only with a pack of size 14 Ahrex North Country Spider hooks (LE810). My Saturday seminar on Tying and Fishing Wet Flies was very well-attended, and I want to thank everyone for showing up and for asking so many thoughtful questions. I couldn’t have asked for a better tying bench mate than Peter Simonson, who specializes in classic Carrie Stevens-style streamers. I spent the rest of the day tying wet flies and soft hackles and socializing and answering questions about the Farmington River book.
The view from my bench Saturday morning. What a treat to reconnect with so many old and newer friends, and to put faces to names of currentseams subscribers.
After a delicious banquet Saturday evening — complete with a wonderful fly tying swag bag from show sponsor J.Stockard — I was featured fly tier Sunday morning. The subject was Farmington River Favorites, and we managed to get through each of the four food groups (nymph, wet, dry, streamer). Again, many thanks to everyone who attended. I truly appreciate your support.
But the highlight of the show for me was formally becoming a member of the Regal Pro Staff. I’ve been tying on a custom Regal Revolution for years, so this was particularly gratifying. Those of you who know me know that I don’t endorse anything on these pages that I don’t use and love, and I’ll be talking more about my Regal vise in future posts.
And now, me too! There are so many incredibly talented tiers in this group, and I’m honored to be a part of the team.
Finally, I’m back on the book for a bit: page proofs are in! These are basically an e-version of the layout of the book, complete with photos and other visual reference. I go through it, make minor corrections as needed, send it back to the publisher, and the whole shebang goes to press early next year. Exciting times! People stopping by the table showed a lot of interest in the book, and even if you don’t fish the Farmington a lot, I’m comfortable telling you that much of it — fly patterns, how to, hatches — is applicable to southern New England trout streams.
We had a quarter inch of rain overnight, so we decided to roll the dice on some fresh fish entering the system. Sometimes, it doesn’t take much to trigger a migration in steelhead alley. So we headed to a spot in PA about a mile away from the lake. We had to move well upstream to distance ourselves from the crowds, but we were in position at 6:45am, normally a little late but just right for today. We strategically carpet bombed a deeper hole, but that turned up blank. (We saw only one other fish landed the entire time we fished this general section, and it came from this hole.) Undaunted, we moved downstream to a swift run, more of a slot, that bordered a bleached tree trunk which created an enticing current break.
I had just made the comment that, with the climbing sun in my face, it was a wee bit difficult to see the indicator — but not to worry, because with the current moving so fast, the fish would set themselves. On cue, indicator down and fish on! I lost this steelhead to a snapped tippet, another when it ran between a pinch point of two submerged boulders, and two more to the whims of the steelhead gods. But I brought three to net, and, bad luck aside, considered myself ahead in the bargain.
Silver in the gold of the morning light. Clearly, this first pod of fish came in from the lake overnight — newly-minted coin bright, aggressive takes, and spirited runs. Their freshness, the speed of the water, and the rocky bottom made for some challenging landing conditions. They weren’t bashful about leaping out of the water, or peeling off line in a hurry. Each one brought to net was a hard fought victory; each release a moment to savor, coupled with the thought that we might cross paths again this winter.
As the action tapered off, we declared victory, and headed to Ohio. The rains had missed there, and the water was low but fishable. Unfortunately, the low flows meant far fewer fish in the system; Holes, pools, slots, and runs that normally would have at least a few occupants were barren.
This steelhead was part of a pod of a half dozen fish that we rousted from beneath a ledge. We let them resettle, and came back a hour later to fish for them. She was the only one we could get to eat. The Ohio fish were far more dour than the morning group in PA; I had as many fouls as fair eats. We managed four properly hooked fish, and three cigars. That’s a win.
My intention was to get up early and fish a few hours before driving back to Connecticut. But I was dragging. What’s more, I was dreading having to battle crowds and jockey for position. So I made the command decision to head back to PA and fish until dark. At first, it seemed like I’d sent myself on a futile excursion. I couldn’t find fish in any of the usual places. The water is a highly popular mark, but I only encountered three anglers over a 750 yard stretch; as it grew darker, I had the whole place to myself. Being the stubborn sort, I went back a favorite slot hard against a submerged ledge beneath a fly-eating tree. Second cast, the indicator disappeared, and I buried the hook in the steelhead’s jaw. A fine, fresh camera-shy hen who bolted the moment I removed the hook.
I’m not sure what I liked more: catching that fish, or sleeping in the next morning.
In the UK, they celebrate November 5th — Guy Fawkes Day — with fireworks. In western PA, the day wasn’t nearly as explosive. Low, clear water; the approaching cold front lockjaw syndrome; wind and leaves; and the need for highly technical presentations were all formidable obstacles. But I can be the kind of angler who likes a challenge, even more so when I know the fish are there.
We fished Elk Creek, and the good news/bad news was significantly more water than this time last year, but far fewer fish. Places last year where the steelhead were wedged in like sardines were this year distressingly empty. Low, clear flows on these creeks require a certain level of stealth, and technical casts and drifts. To get dour, on-high-alert steelhead to eat, you’ve got to nail a perfect cast, then make all kinds of technical mends to keep the fly on target. Weight and indicator adjustments are a constant dance you perform until the judges tell you that you’ve got it right.
The first fish in the hoop is always a relief. I’ve been known to say that all I need is one steelhead to make me happy, and on most days that’s true. I had seven eats in the first three hours, and sealed the deal on three. Not a great batting average, but I did have some bad luck in the form of a snapped tippet, and another that mysteriously wriggled off after I slammed it with a powerful hookset. Blood Dot eggs, size 14, were the menu item of choice. By late morning, we decided to take a break and seek our pleasures elsewhere.
We did a bit of walking to try to get away from other anglers, but the story on new ground was the same: low, clear flows, leaves, and precious few fish that we could see. We finally located a pod of about a dozen fish, but in addition to the previously mentioned lockjaw, these steelhead seemed more interested in canoodling than eating. Two darker alpha males set the tone in the pool, chasing fish away from their lies, with the pod constantly shifting position after their antics.
Then, the rains came. This was a boon to the bite; the fouler the weather, the more takes. When bite windows open, you’ve got to jump on them, and so we did. I had one epic eat from a fish that was part of pod hiding under a ledge. The presentation was tricky. I had to cast into the main current, then drag the flies toward the ledge in front of me, resume dead drift, and hope the team of two would pass through the strike zone unimpeded by the edge of the shale barrier. As the flies moved into position, I had to switch to a quasi tight-line presentation. Of the dozens of attempts I made throughout the afternoon, one worked. That was my favorite fish of the day.
One of the alpha males that — finally! — made a mistake. Guy’s got some shoulders, and clearly, he’s been in the system for a few weeks. I lost a substantial chrome hen to a hysterical display of leaps and rolls. When I stuck the hookset, she bolted upstream like a dragster coming off the line. One, two, then three spectacular leaps worthy of a tarpon had us cackling with delight. She made a beeline for a shale ledge and rolled, then did it again, and on the second one she spit the hook. What tremendous sport! I finished the day with nine to hand, which I considered a major victory given the conditions. Yup. I love steelheading.
I’m thrilled and honored to again be named as a Featured Tier at the International Fly Tying Symposium. This year’s IFTS is Nov. 15-16, and I’ll be Featured Tier on Sunday at 10:15am. The subject is “Farmington River Favorites,” but the patterns I’ll be tying will work throughout the northeast. The morning slot gives you plenty of time to see me, hit the show floor, grab some swag, and be back in time for the second half of the 1pm NFL games!
I’m humbled to be a part of this lineup. But you can also see any of the dozens of other master fly tyers on the show floor any time over the weekend.
“Farmington River Favorites” will detail four patterns — more if time allows — that cover major hatches and fly styles. You’ll get a wet fly, a dry, a nymph, and a streamer. All are high-confidence, proven guide flies, fairly simple to tie, and staples in my box. As I mentioned, there’s an excellent chance these patterns will shine on your home waters. I’m looking forward to seeing you, so please be sure to come say hello.
You can see me live, and on the big screen! We’ll do Q&A, and if you want to hear about my new book, “Fly Fishing Guide to the Farmington River,” we can do that, too.
One of the better values in fly fishing is the admission price you pay at the Fly Fishing Show — and in this case, its sister show, the International Fly Tying Symposium. IFTS is Nov. 15-16 in Somerset, NJ. For just 20 bucks –15 on Sunday — you get the chance to learn how to tie and fish from some of the best fly anglers around. In addition to formal tying demos, you can walk the show floor and see so many masters of the craft spinning up wondrous creations. And then, there are the seminars, which are included in your admission price.
Not a bad lineup. Think you could learn something from these people? Although, I’d watch out for that Culton guy….
On Saturday, Nov. 15 at 1:45pm, I’ll be presenting “Tying and Fishing Wet Flies.” This seminar is exactly what its title suggests. I’ll teach you about wet fly types, and the kinds of feathers, furs, and materials you’ll need to tie them (and where you can find them on the show floor). Then, we’ll do the next best thing to going on a stream, as I take you through some basic wet fly presentations, strategies, and tactics. You’ll want to know how to build a wet fly team leader, and I’ve got you covered. And of course, we’ll do Q&A after.
If you’re not fishing wet flies, you’re not catching nearly as many fish as you could be. Even if you currently tie and fish wet flies, I guarantee you’ll learn something new. See you there!
I spent a few hours the last few days restocking my steelhead boxes, mostly egg patterns. But I did whip up a batch of White Death Zonkers as well. (What an appropriate name on Halloween!) I also tied a few new patterns, because I like to occasionally experiment with flies and steelhead and conditions. It’s a never-ending project, and while I’ve made huge strides in the last five years toward mastering that fish, steelhead remain wonderfully enigmatic and fickle and subject to the whims and caprices of nature.
First up this year will be the Erie tribs. On that fishery, I use a different leader system than I use in Ontario tribs. I learned it from steelhead guide extraordinaire Bob Packey. The butt of the leader is a 9-foot stepped down taper: 4′ of 20lb., 3′ of 17lb., then 2′ of 12lb., terminating in a power swivel. I use clear Stren nylon for the butt. From there, it’s tippet, typically 6lb. fluorocarbon, 12″-18″ to the first fly (you can fish two flies in PA and OH), then about 16″ of tippet tied from the bend of the top fly, terminating in the point fly. Steelhead fly fishing is one of the few instances where I’ll use fluorocarbon.
If you don’t have this book, you should.
Your shot goes on the butt section just above the power swivel. In normal-to-higher flows, the top fly is typically a brass bead head. In low-to-trickle flows, I may not use any weight, and both flies will be unweighted and sparse. I like wingless shot. I struggle with seeing white and certain shades of orange, so my indicator must be bright or fluorescent yellow. Missed takes are missed fish! If I can, I like to use my own yarn indicators. In base flows, conditions dictate that I use one of those foam tab indicators.
The vast majority of hookups come on the point fly, so that’s typically my high-confidence pattern of the moment. Blood Dot Eggs in egg with an apricot supreme dot are a favorite, along with White Death Zonkers if the flows are good. You can see more on “Building a more Erie tribs-Appropriate Fly Box.”
Steelhead fly fishing is one of those endeavors where you can do everything right and still have things go wrong. However, the more things you do right, the more you tend to have success. Confidence catches fish, and having a proven leader system takes rigging guesswork out of the equation. Fish on!
If you want to be a rock star, you can’t just hang out with Aerosmith for the weekend. But if you tie flies, and want to get better, here’s your chance to do the equivalent with some of the best tiers in the world. You know a lot of the names: Tim Cammisa; Barry Ord Clarke; Tim Flagler; Cheech Pierce; Jeff Rowley; Son Tao. Those are just six of the dozens of work-class tiers who will be there. There are tying demos, seminars, and tying classes. But in its best, purest form, IFTS lets you walk the show floor and meet and greet and watch and learn and talk with all of these people.
If you want to become a better tier — or just learn a few pro tips — go hang out with my buddies Lou DiGena and Bart Lombardo. They’re two of the nicest, most skilled tyers in the world, and they’ll both be at the IFTS this year.
I’ll be on the show floor tying — please come say hello — and I’m honored to be doing a Seminar and making a Featured Tier appearance. The seminar is Saturday, Nov 15 at 1:45pm — Tying and Fishing Wet Flies. It’s free with your show admission. Sunday Nov 16 at 10:15am, I’m Featured Tier presenting Farmington River Favorites. That’s also part of your admission. I don’t mind telling you that I’ll be giving away some flies to a few random attendees over the weekend, so there’s some more incentive for you to attend.
If you’re not fishing LaFontaine’s Diving Caddis, you’re missing the chance to rack up impressive numbers. I’ll show you how to tie this and other high-confidence patterns at this year’s IFTS!
And did I mention the vendors? Every year I come away from this show with some hard-to-find material (s). Bring a shopping list! Naturally, if you’re there, please come say hello. It’s always gratifying to place faces to names.
The Housatonic spiked at about 500cfs yesterday and was running with a light tea stain. Perfect streamer conditions, wouldn’t you say? I would, so I headed out with surfcaster extraordinaire Toby Lapinski, both of us dedicated to the streamer cause.
We started about 12:30pm, in the northern part of the TMA. I was fishing a Black Ghost soft-hackled streamer, and right away I was into a fish, the sharp tug of the strike and head shake sending an electric current of excitement through my body. The joy was short lived. Moments later, whatever was on came off, and this was to be the pattern fro the afternoon. At this first pool, we had ten (seemingly) quality hits between us, with zero conversions. I can’t remember that ever happening while streamer fishing.
Proof that I do, in fact, know what the hell I’m doing. Same streamer template, hook size, and river, from almost the exact same date 11 years ago.
I tried to figure it out. Stocked fish that hadn’t quite figured out how to eat a fleeing baitfish? Maybe, but they’ve been in the water for nearly a month. Streamer too large? I’ve been catching Housy trout for decades on a size 6 streamer hook. Dull hook point? Nope. I was all over that. Bad luck? Maybe, but we had well over a dozen hits each with no conversions.
We fished four marks and confirmed trout in three of them, so we never felt like we were wasting our time. I know where these fish live. And, as a famous cyborg once said, “I’ll be back.”
The first thing I’d like you to do after reading this opening paragraph is head over the ASGA website and sign their official letter calling for major reductions to the menhaden harvest. It will take you less than five minutes, and it’s an excellent use of your time. Long story short: Atlantic menhaden are a critical bait and ecosystem fish; they’ve been grossly over harvested; that needs to stop now. Please do this, even if you don’t fish for striped bass. We need all the voices we can get.
Galley copy for the Fly Fishing Guide to the Farmington River has been reviewed by yours truly and sent back to the editors. This was simply my review and comments on their edits. I was pleased to discover that the edits weren’t substantial, and book flowed from one subject to another like…a river? There. I’ve made my unfunny joke of the day. Maps were also reviewed, and I really like the artwork. If you don’t know the river, you’ll find them highly useful. Next steps: the whole shebang gets put into page layout, then reviewed. That should happen in November. We’re getting closer!
A successful spawn means more of these. This fish was sampled by DEEP last September during broodstock collection for the Survivor Strain program. If you see a redd and canoodling trout, be like The Beatles and let it be.
Speaking of the Farmington river, the spawn has begun. If you’re fishing, please be on the lookout for redds! They are generally lighter, oval-shaped patches surrounded by dark substrate. Keep a safe distance. And of course, never target spawning fish. That’s just bad form.
A reminder that the International Fly Tying Symposium is November 15-16, now just over two weeks away. I’m doing a wet fly seminar on Saturday and a Farmington River tying demo on Sunday. More on those coming soon.
currentseams.com 