Rambling (again)

[DUBBN]

On my local streams and rivers, the flows are as low, slow and gin clear as they will ever be for the rest of the year. Sight fishing is common now (for me), and small flys are the norm. Not to say that dead drifting a rig under an indicator (bobber) to unseen fish in deep pools isnt productive either. Most years, I would be using flys in the 18 to 24 range. This year, because of this forum, I have dedicated myself to using Flymphs and Soft Hackles almost exclusively. Because of that and possibly due to other circumstances, my total numbers of fish and size of fish have been down this year.

I made my mind up a year ago this coming March to fish the Flymphs, and resist the urge to use standard nymphs , streamers and egg patterns for 1 year. To a large extent, I did that. Not exculsively, but enough to satisfy myself.

On another thread started by Otter, he asked for techniques for catching trout in deep pools. I can not answer that as I dont even know where he lives. I sat here for a minute or two, then scratched my head, then went and put on a pot of coffee. Now I sit here, sipping coffee, pondering what to say. I decided to go to my notes that I take when fly fishing. On my reports, it was no surprise at all that for the past 5 years, the average size of hook for taking trout from Valentines Day till St Patricks Day has been a size 20. My average trip produced on average 23 fish, with two fish being over 20 inches. As I said, this year my numbers are down a bit per trip. Especially during Winter. I have a suspicion that it is due to the subdued bug activity in the rivers I fish that has put a hamper on my productivity. Normally, size 22 midge larva and size 20 Baetis nymphs would be my patterns of choice from Christmas till next month.

I was going to answer Otter on his thread, but decided not to. Most answers were suggesting large nymphs or Streamers. Large is relavant, and I do not know what the other members consider "large". For me, at this time of year, I consider a size18 to be too big for my applications. I am not looking for a debate, and certainly not trying to provoke controversy, it's just the way I fish.

I am amazed at the gorgeous patterns that are displayed on this forum, and the care with which they are photographed , presented, and eventually show up on my computer screen. I know these are talents which I will never possess. I will never dedicate my time to be so profecient. That being said, I have put my time (gladly) on the water in the pursuit of trout. Someone once said, "God will always make room in heaven for one more good fly fisherman." I'm practicing like hell as it's the only way I am gonna make it through those Pearly Gates!



Hook -Unknown. Hand written on the package said size 24 I'm not gonna lose any sleep over it if it's a 22
Thread - Red 8/0 Uni Thread (Red)
Rib- Fine Silver wire used in Copying Machines
Hackle - Hen (brown)

[hankaye]

DUBBIN, Howdy;


That it ? Thought you was windin' up for a good long Ramble.....
Well, post more when the mood hits, as I'm sure you will...
Interesting points though...

hank

[DUBBN]

I tryed to be long winded! Attention span and caffeine ran out!

[hankaye]

DUBBIN, Howdy;



hank

[gingerdun]

Ramble any time you like. I'll read it gladly. And keep showing us the flies you're fishing.
I have yet to tackle a 22, let alone a 24. You're inspiring me to give it a try. I do have a tiny starling skin that might have the right size hackles.

Lance

[JohnP]

I can't tie flies that small. Nice work.

[DUBBN]

Took this guy an hour and a half ago. (20.5 inches, 11 inch girth), plus a half dozen other trout (carp to some)



he ate this in size 20 (light Olive) The fly in the pic is Lemon..


This fly was trailing this fly,



which was tyed in size 16, and accounted for a BUNCH of these...


Guess this Whitey took the little nymph instead. I thought they all took the little Stone.

I better go tye some bigger flys. These little guys are not worth a hoot.

[Otter]

Very good post Dubbn.

Incidentally, I didn't in the other thread say the trout were in deep pools, though some will be. Some will be a few feet down but will not move vertically much - if it ain't at their level they will for the most part not be interested.

My own local also requires small flies, though I hasten to say that I have seen size 20 hooks that are the same size as the short shank 16's that I use - so I always like to know what hooks another angler uses so I can relate his hook size to mine. Often this gets lost in translation

I for one believe that each angler should try and set targets for the season ahead and maybe try something different.

By the way Dubbn, was the enjoyment in any way enhanced with your self imposed restrictions ?

[DUBBN]

.

Incidentally, I didn't in the other thread say the trout were in deep pools, though some will be.

There I go, assuming again.

The Midge larva is on a Dai-Riki 135 size 20
The Stone is on a size 16 3906,

My Baetis emerger (WD-50) is tyed on a size 20 Mustad 3906 and a size 22 Dai-Riki 135.

[DUBBN]

This is about as small as I can photograph, and still have it look kinda like a fly. It is certainly the smallest hook I can tye on as it's the smallest I own.

Hook-Tiemco 2488 size 24
Thread- Brown UNI 8/0
Rib- Gold Corona Wire
Hackle- Brown Hen