We have the good fortune of one of the finest tailwaters in the northeast. The Farmington River is a gem but it can get crowded especially on weekends. I have fished certain places on the river where I can find solitude all week, and last Sunday when I drove to that spot there were 3 gents fishing in that sweet spot.
So yesterday I drove past the river and fished someplace where I know the crowds are not. I would like to tell you I had a banner day in terms of fish caught but that's not true. The banner was flying in how many were taken on a certain fly. There are times when I'll open my fly box and a certain fly catches my eye, most times I skip that fly and choose another, this day I tied on that first fly.
The fly chosen was a size 14 soft hackle dry fly. It gave me the chance to bring a hand full of these guys to hand. They were all about the same size but were a joy on the GCR 3wt.
I was also pleasantly surprised to hook this rainbow. Don't know how long it was in the water, but it was some time. It had perfect fins and a gorgeous spotted tail.
Pretty simple fly.
I found the solitude I was seeking, but one other fisherman showed up later. I think he was a local.
Nice rainbow, and I bet the smallmouth put up a bit of a scrap.
ReplyDeleteRM Lytle
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Rowan, I had a blast with those smallish smallies. They were all about the same size but were very acrobatic.
Alan
ReplyDeleteThe soft hackle is becoming one of my go to flies when the trout are finicky and especially when they are feeding subsurface. As you stated it is a very simply pattern, but has just enough pattern to get the trout's attention. What technique were you using with the hackle? Thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell
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Bill they will indeed get the attention of trout. I would cast the fly out and allow it to drift naturally. Then I retrieve it in short pulses to give the fly some action. The strikes come at different times.
Sometimes weekends are just too crowded. That's why I try to fish only during the week.
ReplyDeleteMark Kautz-Shoreman
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Mark we are fortunate that we can do that. Fish all week, BBQ on the weekend.
I think next time I go fishing I'm going to try that. I hope I remember to bring a box of flies instead of my discards.
ReplyDeleteHoward Levett
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Howard that would help, the right box that is.
Beautiful flower. I have not tried fishing. But i have seen people doing fishing. Need patience to do it...
ReplyDeleteWeekend-Windup
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Yes patience is a requirement, but look at all that's out there between fish.
I don't mind sharing the water with "locals" like that. In my mind peace and solitude is always a good tradeoff for a little slower fishing.
ReplyDeleteHighPlainsFlyFisher
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Jeff those local are always welcomed. A trade off this angler appreciates.
Alan, which feathers do you use for your soft hackle dry flies? Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteKlags
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Adam I use several types of feathers. Most are tied with partridge. I like grouse, starling, and hen.
Adam, I missed the question. For the SHDF I use Whiting cock hackle, and partridge. I also use wood duck when I tie the Cinberg.
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