Tag Archives: fly tying

Salmon River Steelhead Report, 11/24-25: Working on that conversion rate

I’ve gotten to the point in my steelheading journey where I’m confident that if I get a good hookset, I have a better than 50-50 chance of landing the fish. Of course, steelhead behavior and flows being dynamic X-factors, it doesn’t alway work out that way. But you do your best and take what the river gives you.

In recent years, I’ve felt a sense of something between dread and lingering malaise with my trips up to Pulaski. Maybe it’s because the river isn’t particularly beautiful. (Wait until you’ve seen what they’ve done to the river from Altmar to Pineville. I can’t say that it’s an improvement.) Maybe it’s because the town itself can be a wee bit depressing. Maybe it’s the constant crowds and the resulting pressure. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but whatever. This year felt different. I was very much looking forward to fishing with old guide friend Row Jimmy and tussling with some Lake Ontario brawlers. Let’s do it!

Conditions were just about perfect: dam release of 750cfs, 39 degree water, air temps above freezing with no precipitation. We fished the upper river on the first day, not far from the Altmar launch. There were steelhead in the immediate vicinity, but most of them were in front of other boats. We pecked away with egg patterns, but I dropped the first four I hooked. That had me flummoxed and moderately concerned.

Ta-dah! Fifth time was the charm. I’m continuously mystified by fish that get off vs. fish that get into the hoop, as I’m doing nothing differently between the two. Stick that fish, let them run when they want, keep the rod cork pointed upstream, don’t let ’em breathe…why do some fish become unbuttoned and others not? Mysteries to contemplate over a cigar and single malt.

We finally got to slug it out with a pile of fish after a couple boats left. By this time, I was throwing the old favorite 60-Second Redhead, and the hits just kept on coming. However, the conversion ratio still stunk. I ended up going 2-for-11 on the day with one foul (I don’t count fouled fish as landed). Most of the fish came off well into the fight, and I suspect it was a combination of pressure from me and current…and maybe hook size? To be discussed further at another time…after I get over my terrible .181 batting average.

One that didn’t get away.

Day two was a bit of a curveball. Jim had to cancel due to an appointment that couldn’t be missed, so I did something I’ve never done before: floated the river with a different guide. Jason Julien proved to be most excellent. We returned to the scene of yesterday’s bonanza, but the action across the length of the pool was a shade of what it was a day before. The good news was that I stuck and landed the first two fish I touched. We hooked one more and lost it right as it was about to be netted, so It was hard to get upset about that. (If you’ve never fished from a drift boat, steelhead are far more difficult to land because you can’t get them out of the current and into softer water.) And 2/3 reads a lot better in a box score.

I’ll take two of those. After a couple hours of not-a-touch, I informed Jay that sometimes the key to hooking up is a cigar. Out Lady of Blessed Gispert Churchill came through. For those of you keeping score at home, we’re now at 282 steelhead landed.

IFTS 2025 redux, Regal Pro Staff, page proofs for the book are in!

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.

And now, I’m off to read.

Erie Tribs Steelhead Report, Nov 5: Of technical fishing, lockjaw, and persistence

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.

IFTS Featured Tier Sunday, Nov 16 at 10:15am: “Farmington River Favorites”

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.

IFTS Seminar: “Tying and Fishing Wet Flies,” Saturday, Nov. 15 at 1:45pm

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!

‘Tis the Season…for Steelhead. (And other musings on rigging for the Erie tribs)

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!

Just over two weeks away: International Fly Tying Symposium, Nov 15 &16

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.

Housy Streamer Frustration

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.”

Menhaden action alert, Farmington River book, IFTS, and other fishy goings on

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.

Cover reveal for “Fly Fishing Guide to the Farmington River”!!!

Is this exciting, or what?!? At least, I’m excited. I hope it meets with your approval, if not favor. I’m continuing to plug away at the copy edit review, so this will likely be my only currentseams post this week. I hope some of you are getting out on the water. And we need rain — let’s see those rain dances!