The Magog Smelt

Hot, Low And Crowded

I fish on rivers that have the same problem each year.  All over New England we have control dams for  holding lake levels that provide constant summer fun and safety yet prove the same result time and time again.  The summer moves forward and the rivers lose their water.  They get Hot, Low And Crowded.

Yesterday, on Independence Day, I went to such a river for the five hours before dark.  I was told the July 4th caddis hatch late in the day was a must experience.  The flow was the lowest so far this year and the water temperature was seventy nine degrees.  Being a resort area, there was little pressure on the river except for a few first timers.  I wasn't surprised what I found.

I started in a run where I had taken a twenty two inch fish a few days before when the flow was twice that of today.  I worked a number of flies and all proved unacceptable.  Some looks but no takers.  Then down to the next rapid and again the same thing.  Splashes and rises but no takers.  Dropping down a tippet size and using a Double Davy knot for assured strength also did not work.  It just had to be that the water was Hot, Low and the fish were packed into small areas that seemed Crowded.

The predicted light show started and the sky opened with substantial down pours.  I fled for the car as the wind picked up and the thunder cracked overhead.  The sound of the early summer leaves being thrashed about is one of those unique sounds of danger that can make the hairs on my arms stand at attention.

As the front passed, I made my way back where I left off.  The rain was substantial enough to color the water a bit yet only decreased the temperature by one degree.  My hope was for that caddis hatch.that had not happened yet.  A few here and there but not what I would call prolific.

First cast with an olive Gary LaFantaine Sparkel Emergent Pupa Dry Fly produced a strong rise but no take.  The second drift put a solid fish on the line and after a sluggish  fight my measure net said eighteen inches.  The warm water was obviously taking a toll on these beautiful fish. A short while later I had another fish of the same size and the evening came to a close.  The hatch never happened.

Most years, this location would be finished for the year weeks ago.  We are always wondering where the fish go.  After coming down from the lake I always thought that when the water started to warm the fish traveled down river.  They vacated to bigger water where cool springs saved their lives.  You know that thing about Rainbows and Salmon being travelers.  Now I am sad to think that they just plain die.

I think that there is a line that I should stop crossing.  This, my thirty sixth day on the fiver since January first should be the last for a while.  That is unless we get some rain soon.

That line is the one that gets to Hot, Low And Crowded just before it gets Hot, Low And Void.

The Pheasant Tail Nymph

There are many versions of this wonderful nymph.  Frank Sawyer's original fly was created to imitate the Baitis family of of May Flies found on the chalk streams of England.  Today, the fly is tied to replicate many different species and works very well in all forms.

Most of my use of this fly is done in the most drab form with only a copper color rib on the abdomen.  I find that it is the most effective was to fish the fly.  One of the ways that I give a bit of life is to use nail polish that has holographic flecks embedded in the liquid.  I put a small amount on top of the wing case to look like the bubbles that are naturally created to assist the nymph to rise to the surface when changing to adult.

For larger species as Steelhead and Atlantic Salmon Broodstock I tie the fly on larger sizes and add some sparkle to the top of the wing case.  Also by using different color dubbing you can add some color.

Simple Pheasant Tail Video
Salmon River Steelhead Pheasant Tail Video

The Hatches Have Started

The Blue Wing Olives and Midges are in full motion. Every time the sun poured over the gravel a hatch created some activity.

I went small yesterday with size 16-18 Feedinator's, Caddis Larva and Jailbirds. The fish were off the eggs and worms willing to eat some tiny emerging fare. It is really feeling like spring and seeing all the bugs made it look that way as well.

This 20" fish ate a #18 Olive Feedinator. 

What was most important was how perfect this fish was. Not a blemish from nose to tail.

The sun felt warm as I made the release.

Fly Tying Tip #115

The late Gary LaFontane was a master of the caddis fly.  He created the Deep Sparkle Pupa and the Sparkle Emerger.  Two of my absolute go to flies.  The patterns for these flies and others are very similar.  The Pupa is meant to fish deep as the caddis are starting to get ready to float to the surface.  They must release themselves from the bottom of the river.  The Emerger version has an added tail or breaking of the body shuck and a bit more wing over the top.

So, here's the tip.  Only construct the Emerger version.  When fishing clip the tail and the top of the wing when you want to tumble along the bottom pre normal hatch time for your river.  When you see caddis coming off the water switch to the emerger and remove some weight.  The body of this fly is to simulate the gas bubble that forms on the insect that enables it to float to the surface.

Wooly Bugger becomes a leech,  Emergers become nymphs, dry flies become emergers.  I have done this even with Atlantic Salmon flies when I need a smaller fly or even trimming down a fly to only a body and tail.

Look in your fly box now,  you will start to notice some new and exciting flies that you didn't know you had.

William

Trout Fishing Has It's Moments, Some Teach Humility

I woke up this morning and yesterday was on my mind.  My gut is just in a knot over the events that happened and I am totally baffled.  Let me explain.

I arrived at the river at 7am, not early and not that late either. My friend, Al, was a few minutes ahead of me and crossed over to river right.  Things looked as perfect as can be for the river to fish well and the recent high water should have brought some bright ones down from the lake.  I decided to take up a well know position on river left.  I was in a wonderful frame of mind and starting the day with great anticipation.

Within a few moments, Al was into fish number one.  When he landed number three I crossed over as I figured all the fish must be there as the reason for my lack of connection.  I would work the run, Al would step in behind me and hook a fish.  I would put on a curtain fly, Al would do the same and hook a fish.  This was getting very troubling as I played gillie netting fish after fish for this well accomplished and knowledgeable angler. I was being schooled.

I did everything possible to get the set up correct.  I changed leader lengths, added weight, removed weight. went through dozens of flies, even ones I had Al give me from his box, and nothing, not one take could I make happen even though I worked as hard as possible..

The day came to a conclusion when a couple with two big dogs showed up and thought it would be a good thing to throw rocks and big sticks in the pool.  I guess dogs are more important than people at times.  Maybe this was the fate of my day.  Put me off the water and out of my misery.

Al finished the day with ten hooked and eight landed ranging from eighteen to twenty one inches.  All rainbows and very beautiful.

I will continue to figure this out.  It seems like I will have to evaluate every aspect of my setup.

Al left the river in a state of total bliss.  Like he was a child again in full appreciation for what just happened.  This was a very good thing to see.   Me, on the other hand am haunted by this day and by the experience.  Can't wait till Sunday for another dose of humility.

William