Weekend

Had a 2 state weekend, with not too much action at first. It ended way better though.
Went West for some Manistees, and we thought it was going to be great fishing. Turns out we were horribly wrong. We hit 2 medium sized flows, with angling pressure out the waa-zoo. I walked for miles and miles (literally) with no signs of spawning pairs. I guess we'll have to wait another week or two. We did get to see a lot of new water, which is never bad in my book. I feel that we can definitely do well upon returning to the first waters. That is, as long as the fish are there. I caught 3 fish at these 2 places. 2 at river A, and 1 at stream B.
Beautiful Morning








We later went to yet another spot. I think my buddy landed 6, and I landed 5, in the hours that we were there. For the amount of fish that were there (not tons at all), it was AWESOME! They were paired up everywhere, and the males were as aggressive as ever to defend their ladies. I only hooked into 2 females all afternoon. But the males we caught were strong and fought like hell. Biggest was around 30 in. and 10 lbs
A few pics...
Trebuchet

There is still snow in some places

Nice male

1/19/10 in DHALO

I woke up expecting the best of conditions on my home waters, and found out I was wrong. First of all, it was a lot colder than the weather called for. Second, the stream was high, and very cloudy. I didn't expect much, but I still gave 'er a go. Walked down to the first spot, and left quickly because it was too fast and I didn't have much confidence in it. So, me and the dog cruised downstream to another good spot. I was happy to see that it was flowing moderately fast, but not too fast to get a good drift. So, I casted out the same nymph (can't help it, the thing works), and within the first 10 casts, I had a small bow. I proceeded to get 2 more very quickly following the first, and that was it for the day. Of course I didn't expect to be shut off for the next 4 hours. But, it was fun regardless. I was pretty happy to even have landed 3 fish, given the conditions. And as always, being outside on the stream cures some of the cabin fever. Even if it isn't Steel.

1/7/10

These are the same patterns as the last time I posted, just sized up for Steelhead and Brownies in Erie and Ontario. Also, this time I've included a new pattern, and the tutorials of how to tie the wiggle nymphs.

San Juan Worms made out of blood red v-rib or substitute (one is ribbed for her pleasure)

Wiggle Prince

Hook: any nymph hook 2x strong 1x long sizes 10-18
Thread: black 6/0
1st hook:
Tail: black goose biots
Body: peacock herl
Rib: copper wire
When finished, cut the whole hook bend off.

2nd hook:Scud hook sizes 10-18
First, start off by wrapping back to about the barb. Next, put a little piece of mono through the first hook eye, double it over itself. and tie into the 2nd hook. The rest is in order.
Wingcase: 9-10 strands of pearl flash
Body: peacock or olive ice dubbing (wrap in between tails and wings)
Tails (2 sets): yellow goose biots
Then, wrap the wingcase of flash over everything.
Wings are 2 white goose biots, and then tie off.

Wiggle Stone

white version

Hooks: same as above
Thread: Black 6/0

1st hook:
Tail: black goose biots
Body: black or white dubbing
Rib: mono
Cut off hook, and tie in the same as the first pattern.

2nd hook:
Wingcase: 8-10 strands of flash
Body: blue or peacock ice dubbing
Wings: black goose biots


"PT Cruiser"

Hooks: same

1st hook:
Thread: brown or black 6/0
Tail: Pheasant
Body:Pheasant
Rib: copper wire
Tie in same as above

2nd hook:
Wingcase: pearl flash
Body: peacock or olive ice dubbing
Wings: two black goose biots

I hope to get out and test them sometime soon. Being realistic would say more like a month. I'll post again as soon as I break some new ground or get out there.

Joe