Davy Knot Wars

Of all the search results that get people to my blog, the Davy Knot is constantly number one.  The level of interest in the knot is very high and I have been a proponent for a long time.

When I first did this experiment I used a size 14 hook and 6X tippet.  The Davy Knot was the weakest and then it dawned on me.  The tippet was too small for the hook.  This is why I went for the 5X and the size 14 hook.  The end result of both attempts were exactly the same.  The Double Davy Knot was the clear winner even with the smaller diameter tippet.

I will not be looking any farther into this situation as I am fully convinced of the result.

Watch the Knot Wars video and comment if you have anything to add.

The Magog Smelt

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

Fly Tying Tip #105

There are certain patterns that are our go to flies. They need to constantly be replenished.  Some days, it seems, I lose enough of them to open a well stocked fly shop.  Because I don't ever want to run out, I am forced to the bench.  For those flies, shorten your time by gathering the materials and put everything in a zip top bag.  Label the bag and replenish materials as needed.  Easy start, easy finish.