We got our first big snow fall last night. As you can see it was still snowing this morning but the good news is it's winding down. Total snow on the deck is going to be about 10 inches.
I'm not one for New Years resolutions. Most times it's because I can't keep them. Oh like others I'm steadfast in the thought of this is the year but come February it's all forgotten. This year I made a resolution that I think I have a good chance at fulfilling. That resolution I will share with you.
As soon as the warmer weather returns I am going to focus on the pursuit of warm water fish, bluegills and bass. I have a large variety of local ponds where I can find these fish. This is not such a big challenge but what will make it a bit more of a challenge is the way I will fish for them and what I will use
Hot Cream of Wheat on a snowy winters morn.....
Typical warm water pond...chances are bluegills and bass will be at home here.
A Pumpkinseed ....as beautiful as a wild brookie and quite the fighter on a 3wt fiberglass rod.
What I intend to use to make my resolution a challenge is I will only use those sparsely tied North Country spiders. Silk bodies, hares mask thorax and two wraps of hackle....
My early thoughts are that the bluegills will take these flies, but will the bass?
Brk Trt, I too have/had these type of resolution as you appear to be making. Mine was during last years fly fishing season. Last year I made a season long commitment of only using my own hand tied flies vs the many boxes of commercially tied flies that I had on hand and vowed not to use. 1st, it encouraged me to tie more flies, patterns and more often. 2nd, though I didn't have those fall back boxes of flies that I often relied on during years past, it was very rewarding catching a finicky trout on one of your own. So needless to say, the same commitment this year, and my flies and patterns are looking like they are suppose to with all my practice.
ReplyDeleteYour commitment to warm water fish will be a fun challenge....Phil
DRYFLYGUY
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Phil that was a great idea. And a resolution you kept. Catching a wise old fish on one of your creations is the tops.
I'm looking forward to the warm water challenge.
Hi Alan,
ReplyDeletePumpkinseed are real characters. We had them in the aquatics store I worked when I Was at uni and they became quite tame and inquisitive. We had them for years as no one was really interested in them for pets. That fella you have brought to hand has some stunning colours!
Take care and stay safe
Alistair
Anonymous
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Alistair yet another species revealed. Even in the wild the pumpkinseed is inquisitive. Anything that drops into the water is quickly studied and most times eaten.
Hi, I really enjoy fishing for bluegills and would recommend reading "Bluegill...Fly Fishing & Flies" by Terry and Roxanne Wilson. All Bluegills love the Bully's Bluegill Spider, best color for me is yellow.
ReplyDeleteEdge
Edge
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Edge I'm going to check out that book, along with the fly pattern you suggested. Yellow you say, OK
Great idea! I had one particularly good day last spring catching bleugills and pumpkinseeds on a small soft hackle fly. I too have been thinking about making more of an effort to seek them out this spring. I bet there will be some bass too that will put a serious bend in a 3 wt (or perhaps even the new 2 wt I have on backorder).
ReplyDeleteShawn
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Shawn a 2wt, care to tell us about it?
I know during those hot days of summer the bluegills and friends offer some fine fishing.
Received (on backorder) an Orvis Superfine 6'6" 2 wt as a Christmas present. I am split between being grateful for this fantastic gift and feeling guilty because it is too fancy.
DeleteHi Alan,
ReplyDeleteAs a bass and panfish fisherman here in the Midwest, I can say you're in for a real treat. However, be forewarned. Landing an 18 inch smallmouth on a 3 wt. fly rod in a stream no less is not for the faint of heart. Speaking from experience, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised on what these warm water fish will bite on. Enjoy the ride.
John V.
John V
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John a 18 inch smallie is impressive. So as I gather you have a bit of knowledge in warm water fly fishing. We are going to enjoy your insight.
Looking forward to your adventures.
ReplyDeleteMark Kautz
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Mark I hope to provide some reports. Fun for sure.
Alan,
ReplyDeleteI think you will find that the bass are equally receptive to wet flies as panfish are. I decided to up my bass game last year and purchased a zero weight sage dart for fishing wet flies and smaller nymphs. This rod is a blast for panfish and bass. You would be surprised at how large of a fish can be landed with the right pressure. I would also recommend a u-boat to go along with that 3 weight to get into places you will be wishing you could get to from shore. Looking forward to reading of your escapades and outings this year!
Aaron Y
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Aaron I know that those small insects play a part in both bass and bluegills diet. It's amazing how a big fish stays on a fly so small. I'm going to be looking forward to bringing you my adventures.
Alan, 5" of snow here...not too bad. I like your idea of spending time on warm water species this year. They are plenty fun on the fly rod.
ReplyDeleteLast year a few fish were rising amongst some fallen branches, all of them in very tough spots to get a fly to. There was one though that I thought I had a chance to get to without getting hung up. Uncharacteristically, I made an accurate cast between two branches and got a take. Thinking I had fooled a brown which live there, I sure was surprised to see it was a fat bluegill when I brought it in. It made a good account of itself though and took that fly just like a trout, with a little sip.
Best Regards, Sam
Sam
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Sam just stop and think of how many small ponds you pass by. Most times those ponds can be fished and will keep you busy for a few hours.
Bluegills sipping flies, a nice title for a blog.
They tell me more snow on the way for Sunday?
You are so right, Alan. Nice water is everywhere, and much of it you don't even have to wade, along with plenty of back cast room. Your post gives me some things to think about. Heck, any thoughts of fly fishing in the depths of winter is definitely a good thing, that and tying some flies.
ReplyDeleteI did fish for a couple hours last evening though, drifting weighted nymphs. Had two hits, but both were off quickly which suited me fine. Saved my hands from getting colder than they were already. Felt nice to feel the connections if only briefly.
Best, Sam
Sam
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those points you made as far as room and a dry area to fish are a real blessing and add to the pond fishing experience. Kudos to you for fishing on a cold evening. A hit seems to be very welcomed, along with some hot coffee.
Alan
ReplyDeleteI know you will have success fishing the soft hackle pattern for the bluegills, but to get the bass to hit, I'm thinking you will have to use a different fly pattern.
I have only landed a few bass over the years fishing different fly patterns on Walker Lake. I hope I can find a fly that will get some hits from the bass fishing Walker Lake come Spring. Complete opposite on Smith Lake, the Walker Lake is a bit more of a challenge. Thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell
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Bill you have a lot of experience fishing warm water. I enjoy your posts and look forward to the future. Your Spring looks a lot closer then ours here. 15 degrees with wind this morning.
There are a few isolated colonies of imported pumpkinseeds in the UK. I'd like to catch one to see those colours in the flesh.
ReplyDeleteBureboyblog
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Stephen I did not know that until today. They are a beautiful brilliant fish, that will battle you from first hit until you bring them to hand.
A really good book on panfish is The Sunfishes by Jack Ellis. You won't be sorry.
ReplyDeletebillp
DeleteThanks, I'll put that one on my list. I ordered "Bluegill Fly Fishing & Flies"....
Cream of Wheat? Wow. That brings back childhood memories! I doused it with brown sugar. Haha. I hope that I can catch a pumpkinseed this summer. They are just beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThe River Damsel
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Emily my daughter liked it lumpy with maple syrup. I can't wait to start the warm water challenge, maybe it's because i can't wait for the warm weather.
I hear ya, there! Hahahaha
DeleteAlan,
ReplyDeleteI am sooo glad to hear your dedicating a year or more to warm water fly fishing! I too think you will be surprised at the occasional large mouth bass that will "sip" a size 14 soft-hackle! Bringing them to hand is quite another story! As you all know, bigger fish on lighter tackle simply means alternative tactics! The pumpkinseed is striking in appearance for sure! They seem quite suited to pond/lake life and I do run across them in the streams that I haunt!
Cream of Wheat.....that brings back some fond memories from my youth! It is excellent with real maple syrup not the store bought stuff that is out there!
Your post above is simply excellent Alan! Please keep it up! Great stuff covered here!
Doug
Dougsden
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Doug while I will be using smaller flies targeting bluegills I know to be prepared for the lager fish to take one. If need be I can go to a 7' 5wt. Do you have a special fly that you like to use for these fish? Our maple syrup guy is local, right next to a brookie stream....
Also, the two books mentioned above by the guys are excellent! I know that you will enjoy them both!
ReplyDeleteDougsden
DeleteI already ordered one of them. can't wait to start reading it.
Personally, don’t bother with New Year’s resolutions, for any number of reasons, principal among them being the fact that it would be unlikely I would stick with them, but yours Alan has staying power! I think the bluegills and pumpkinseeds will go for the soft hackles but you might want to tie them in a size 10 or bigger for the bass!
ReplyDeleteKevin
Ned Zeppelin
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Kevin it's quite an easy resolution to keep and I'm sure I'll enjoy the outcome. I have some Firehole sticks in size 10, they are pretty stout and should work. I'll be posting some soon.