The Caddis Fly: Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

Lower Mckenzie River Fly Fishing Report

Posted on March 3, 2015 by Lou Verdugo

Its been a few years for a February to bring such sunny and warm weather. This unusual weather pattern has brought attention to the Lower Mckenzie much sooner than anticipated. On a recent trip the Lower Mckenzie produced a couple of fine specimens. Both fell prey to nymphs. The larger beast fell to a Mega Prince and the other to the possie bugger.

Despite the sunny skies, there was little insect activity on the surface. In fact, no fish were seen rising. Before you ask: No March Browns were seen on this day. It felt like they should have been hatching but I suspect, the daylight hours not quite long enough, water temp still cool and not enough drizzly days, may have the bugs holding off.

The current forecast shows a couple of rainy days and a sunny weekend ahead. Its a good time to get outside and enjoy the weather.The long term forecast for March shows the latter part of the month to be cold and wet. Either way, its time for the March Brown hatch to get going.

Posted in McKenzie River | Leave a comment

Summer Turns to Fall on The South Island

Posted on March 2, 2015 by Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

The month of February was extremely dry on the South Island. Numerous fires have been started by lawn mowers and tractors simply hitting rocks and sparking dry grass into a blaze. We have been fortunate at Cedar Lodge. The Makarora Valley has remained green and without fires. Despite little rain and low water we have had some very nice fishing and… a few tougher days thrown into the mix of February.

Cicada’s are still chirping in the native beech on most of the rivers we fish from Cedar Lodge but prime Cicada time has definitely past. We are now fishing more small hoppers, crickets and mayflies. March 1st brought plenty of rain, rivers have been refreshed and Fall fishing should be fantastic!

Posted in Fly Fishing Travel | Leave a comment

Pacific City Lingcod fly fishing report Feb 2015

Posted on February 25, 2015 by Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

Yep, the lingcod are here in the ocean off Pacific City and ready to eat flies anytime the surf and swell allow my friends to launch their dory boats. Spring is the best time to flyfish for lingcod because they are inshore to spawn and it is more reasonable to present a fly at 40 – 60 ft depths than at 100 ft depths on a fly line.

Some of these fish are as shallow as 20 ft too, and those are the best. Our fishing was spotty but engaging, Each of us fishing flies hooked at least one ling and our gear fisher companion hooked something like 5 or so. Two very large fish were hooked on flies and both, sadly, were lost.

Gear: we fished 8 to 10 wt rods for lingcod, not so much because all the fish are huge (they are not generally), but to accommodate the stress of fishing sinking fly lines in the 500-700 gr wt class. We fished RIO Striper line 550 gr and the AIRFLO Depth finder Big Game 700 gr lines. The Striper line has a sink tip in the 22 ft range and the AIRFLO sink tip is about 30 ft long. I fished RIO Alloy Hard leader because it is very abrasion resistant, and fished 16 lb tippets. Ed fished Maxima 15 lb Ultragreen leader.

Rods: ECHO 3 SW and PRIME (one piece), SAGE Salt.

Reels: Hatch 9; Nautilus NV 10-11.

Flies: Clousers, naturally, 3-5″, with white, chartreuse, pink, and blue Steve Farrar’s blend materials plus Mirage Lateral Scale.

Leader Length: Hummm. I was fishing 6-8 ft leaders and these were, in retrospect, too long. Why? The line sinks faster than the fly even though the fly is heavily weighted. As a result, there was, I think, slack leader when I was working my fly at depth, because I got my fly “bit” often by fish of assuredly large proportion, but NEVER FELT THE BITE.

So. I hereby resolve to use shorter leaders next time out and see if it helps strike detection.

There were a few other boats out last week and they seemed to be doing quite well fishing jigs and herring. We all caught black rockfish in addition to the lings.

Evidence: I was getting my fly “bit” by fish that I never felt, and this was apparent because my fly was fouled as the material will be when a fish takes it into its mouth and chomps on it and then spits it out. I would fish my fly for 5 minutes or so and then bring it up to take a look and find it in a messy wad of material, but had never felt the take. Meaning the fish were eating on the drop and spitting it just that fast too.

We found a group of working birds on some sort of bait but it did not produce fish for us even though these events are always enticing. There were probably fish under the birds but we got no proof so that’s that.

The big ling story is a bit of a mystery. Ed hooked a monster, then I hooked a monster, then the two fish got fouled together. Or his fish ate my fly. Whatever, we were surely fouled together and then it all went slack, his fly pulled free and my leader broke. We can’t be sure what happened but it was exciting for a while. Lingcod are great tasty fish and they pull harder then a black rockfish so that is part of the challenge, and I’m still hoping for one of those 30 – plus pounders one of these days.

Hope to get out again in the next week or so, and find more of these beasties and figure out how to avoid the sneaky eat habits they apparently are working to perfect.

Meanwhile, there are steelhead out there to be caught even though the water is low and clear. Yesterday (24 Feb), I hooked a kelt on the swing and it literally jumped into my boat! Had to scramble around and grab the silvery hen and put here back in the river ASAP.

Some people may be so cool that they do not appreciate a kelt. Not me. This was my fish of the entire day, I saw the take on the swing and got a nice adrenaline rush plus the excitement of the into the boat leap. Not quite qualified for the NFS contest, but not my fault. Anyway, strange things happen and this fish was my day brightener. I’ll be out after them again, hoping for a bigger chroma fish but enjoying the hunt no matter what comes my way.

Best Luck to all of you as you venture forth.

Jay Nicholas, February 25, 2015

Dory fly fishing charters are available though Pacific City Fly Fishing and Capt. John Harrell. Contact the Caddis Fly Shop if you have questions about tackle and such and I can promise you will have a great trip out there if you decide to go.

Posted in Fishing Reports, Oregon Saltwater Fishing | 2 Comments

2015 NW Fly Tyer & Fly Fishing Expo

Posted on February 23, 2015 by Lou Verdugo

The 2015 Northwest Fly Tyer & Fly Fishing Expo, held March 13 and 14 at the Linn County Expo Center in Albany, Oregon, celebrates its 27th year and is one of the nation’s largest fly-fishing events. As usual, this expansive event features vendors, classes, and demonstrations, but the cornerstone of the Expo is the amazing collection of more than 200 demonstration fly tiers dressing everything from the tiniest trout flies to the showiest steelhead and Atlantic salmon patterns.

Over 50 classes in Casting, Fishing, and Fly Tying can be purchased on the website.

In addition, banquet tickets and merchandise can be purchased on the website.

The Expo serves as a fundraiser for the Oregon Council International Federation of Fly Fishers. Proceeds are used for fisheries scholarships, conservation grants and grants to member clubs.

For more information, contact John Kreft, 2015 Expo Chair at jckreft@gmail.com.

Posted in Fly Tying, Oregon Fly Fishing Clubs and Events | 2 Comments

Native Fish Society’s Keep ‘Em Wet Campaign

Posted on February 20, 2015 by Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

This is going to take some time to change, but definitely worth considering…

From the Native Fish Society:

This winter, Native Fish Society is launching our “Keep ‘Em Wet” campaign to increase angler awareness about the negative effects of air exposure to wild fish.

Now don’t get us wrong, we’ve all taken fish out of the water to snap a photo, Native Fish Society staff members included. But the more we learn about these issues and take care of the fish we love the more healthy wild fish there will be to catch. Right!?

Even when anglers are taking precautionary measures, like crushing the barb, prolonged air exposure can make it difficult for fish to recover and there are delayed negative effects that may not be apparent even if the fish seems fine when it swims away.

Studies have shown that the longer a fish is exposed to air after exhausting exercise the higher their mortality rates are (Ferguson and Tufts, 1992; Gale et al, 2011). Even 30 seconds of air exposure reduces a trout’s ability to recover and can provide a significant additional stress even when catch and release fishing (Ferguson and Tufts, 1992).

So, let’s get creative with the way we photograph our wild fish by keeping them wet and in the water. From January 1 to May 31st 2015, NFS will be holding a photo contest for the best picture of a wild, native fish from the Pacific Northwest with at minimum its gills in the water.

See rules and entry details here.

Posted in Oregon Conservation News | 3 Comments

Fly Tying Contest to Benefit Leukeumia and Lymphoma Society

Posted on February 18, 2015 by Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

The Caddis Fly Angling Shop is proud to announce our 2015 Fly Tying Contest to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Come enter your flies in one, or all of the classes, stop by to see the flies being entered, and help benefit a great cause!

The Caddis Fly Tying Contest to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society begins today; entries will be accepted until April 15th, 2015. We will announce the winners at the Caddis Fly Angling Shop on April 17th from 7-9pm. We have a lot of choices for you fly tyers out there, including a Trout division and Open Division featuring a Steelhead, Spun Hair, and Foam Fly. Check out the patterns on our Entry Form to choose your entry flies. Get those creative juices flowing, choose your areas of interest, and get tying!

THE RULES AND ENTRY FORMS ARE TWO SEPARATE PDFs: Entry pg1 and Entry pg2

Prizes will be awarded to those placing in each division. At the end of the night we will have a drawing for some really cool prizes! We are still receiving donations, so the prizes will be revealed at a later time, but here are a few items up to win or draw: Patagonia Jacket, Echo Glass Rod, and a Sage Fly Reel.

There is no entry fee, and all tyers are welcome! Please mail or drop off your entries to:

The Caddis Fly Angling Shop
168 West 6th Ave.
Eugene, OR, 97401
541-342-7005

In 2010 I was diagnosed with Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia, and the Lymphoma and Leukemia Society was there to support our family during some difficult times. Currently, my leukemia is in remission to due recent advances in the treatment of APL. As a Registered Nurse, and Leukemia patient, I felt a strong desire to give back to the organization committed to finding a cure for Lymphoma and Leukemia. If you can’t enter, and still want to help The Lymphoma and Leukemia society, please click on this link.

T. Torrence, R.N.

February 2015

Posted in Classes and Instruction, Fly Tying | 2 Comments

Changes at the top: Oregon politics and fisheries

Posted on February 17, 2015 by Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission has chosen Curt Melcher as its choice to be the next director for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. The Commission’s decision was announced during the Commission’s regular meeting in Salem. Melcher has served as ODFW Interim Director since September 2014.

Commission Chair Mike Finley and Melcher will meet to discuss the terms of his employment later this month.

Melcher was among three finalists being considered for the position following a national search for candidates. The other finalists were Edward Bowles, Fish Division Administrator, ODFW; and Krystyna Wolniakowski, former Director, Western Partnership Office, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

“We are very pleased at the prospect of having Curt as the new director and are confident he is the right person to lead this premiere fish and wildlife agency,” said Mike Finley. Full press release here.

John Kitzhaber

No governor since Tom McCall has done as much for Oregon fisheries. Vic Atiyeh and Barbara Roberts were good for fish, but not as passionately and persistently as the man who emotionally faced his state on the worst Friday the 13th of his life (and the day before Valentine’s/Oregon’s birthday).

From Bill Monroe at the Oregonian:

What will these changes mean for Oregon’s wild fish? We’ll have to wait and see.

Posted in Oregon Conservation News | Leave a comment

Lower Umpqua Flycasters Fly Tying Expo 2015

Posted on February 13, 2015 by Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

The annual Reedsport Flyfishing Expo presented by the Lower Umpqua Flycasters will be held on Saturday, February 28th from 9-3 at the Reedsport Charter School.

There will be over a dozen fly tiers from throughout the Pacific Northwest, presentations about fly fishing for smallmouth bass and fishing the Oregon dune lakes. There will also be a showing of the movie from Uncage the Soul Video Production, “Mending the Line” featuring Frank Moore . There will also be several informational and fishing equipment displays. Admission is FREE!!

Posted in Fly Tying, Oregon Fly Fishing Clubs and Events | Leave a comment

CDC Biot Callibaetis Fly Tying Video

Posted on February 12, 2015 by Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

The Callibaetis is king on many of the lakes, rivers, and streams across the U.S. Tony Torrence demonstrates how to tie this very effective Callibaetis Dun. While CDC and biot bodies aren’t the most durable materials, they are one of the most realistic. This pattern has proven to catch fish during a hatch that gives the fish all day to evaluate your offering. CDC floats high and provides a profile that glistens like a real wing.

CDC Biot Callibaetis

Hook: TMC 100 12-16
Thread: Dun Veevus 12/0
Tail: Hareline’s Barred Dun Mayfly Tail
Abdomen: Hareline Turkey Biots Callibaetis
Thorax: Hareline Microfine Dubbing Callibaetis
Wing: Light Dun CDC and Mallard Flank

Posted in Fly Tying, Fly Tying Materials and Supplies | Leave a comment

ODFW switches to new trout stocking regime for Hosmer Lake

Posted on February 11, 2015 by Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife will outline changes to the fish stocking program at Hosmer Lake at a Feb. 17 meeting in Bend. The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Central Oregon Community College Campus, Health Careers Center, Room 230.

The trout stocking program at Hosmer Lake was changed in 2013 to see if cutthroat and “Cranebow” rainbow trout would provide a better fishing experience than the Atlantic salmon. Atlantic salmon had been stocked in Hosmer since the 1950s, but in recent years they have performed poorly in the fishery – rarely attaining the size or catch rate favored by anglers. In 2014 ODFW did not collect any Atlantic salmon eggs but continued to monitor the new cutthroat and Cranebow fisheries. Cranebow rainbow trout are hatchery fish derived from wild redband trout found in Crane Prairie Reservoir.

After a year of monitoring and angler surveys, ODFW plans to discontinue stocking Atlantic salmon in favor of cutthroat and Cranebow trout. ODFW staff will present the results of a 2014 survey of Hosmer Lake anglers and describe future stocking plans for the lake.

“Our management objective for Hosmer Lake calls for us to provide a unique, quality fishing experience,” said Brett Hodgson, ODFW fish biologist. “During the last season we have been evaluating which featured species could provide the best fishing experience.”

Based on information collected during the 2014 season, only 16 percent of anglers at Hosmer Lake specifically targeted Atlantic salmon. In fact, a majority of the anglers had no preference as to species. In addition, 81 percent of those surveyed rated the quality of the fishing as good or extremely good.

For years, Hosmer Lake has been the only place in Oregon where anglers could fish for Atlantic salmon and Hodgson said he also considered the cost of the Atlantic salmon stocking program when making his decision. Dedicating space at Wizard Falls hatchery to raise only 3,000 Atlantic salmon was not a very efficient use of resources, he said.

“I understand that there are anglers disappointed about ending the Atlantic salmon program,” Hodgson said. “But I’ve also heard from many anglers who like the idea of fishing for big Cranebows in the lake.”

Despite changes in the stocking program, some popular elements of the fishery at Hosmer Lake will not change.

“ODFW will continue to manage Hosmer Lake as a fly angling only fishery,” Hodgson said. “And beginning in 2016, it will be catch-and-release only for rainbow and cutthroat trout.

Historically, Hosmer Lake did not have a native fish population. ODFW began stocking the lake in 1929 in order to provide additional fishing opportunity in this scenic mountain lake. Over the years, Hosmer has been stocked with rainbow trout, Atlantic salmon and brook trout. While ODFW no longer stocks brook trout, a naturally-reproducing population is part of a very popular fishery.

Posted in Central Oregon Fishing Report, Oregon High Lakes | Leave a comment

Saltwater Crease Fly Tying Video Baitfish Pattern for Albacore, Salmon and Rockfish using cure goo

Posted on February 10, 2015 by Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

A few of my friends chide me about this Crease fly – they say it isn’t really a fly, calling it a Gummy Minnow. Don’t particularly care. My total immersion into saltwater fly styles over the last year led me to dabble with the Crease fly, Gurglers, Divers, and Bombers. This Crease fly seems ridiculously simple to tie but I have found it a challenge still.

First Challenge: I prefer to use a size 1/0 Crease cutter on a # 2/0 Hook. Maybe it’s just me but the sizing I show in this fly video seems to create a perfectly proportioned fly, so be prepared to make this decision for yourself depending on your choice of hooks and shank length. Second Challenge: I have only worked with Thick Adhesive Crystal Skin and I LOVE the stuff. That said, the material is very sticky so it will leave a gummy residue on my crease cutter tool that has to be cleaned off or else the pattern will stick and can tear when I try to pull it out. Final Challenge: I found that I achieved the best results when inverting my hook shank in the vise and VERY CAREFULLY aligning the lower edges of the pattern.

I prefer (at this stage in my crease fly education) crafting this fly with the Pearlescent Crystal Skin, because it lets the eyes show through the semi transparent material and the hook with Bucktail and Krystal Flash act as a spine on the baitfish.

Remember to cut a “V” shape in the back of the pattern to accommodate the tail. BTW: I forgot to cut the “V” in the video. The fly still fishes entirely effectively, but it is much nicer to cut a slot for the tail as shown in the Cutter Pattern Instruction sheet.

What to fish for with this fly in the North Pacific? Silvers and Black Rockfish fall to the Crease Fly and that’s a great day fishing in my game book. The fly has a unique appearance and looks pretty fishy; I like it and sure would like to catch a King on it this fall. Wish me luck.

Jay Nicholas

Crease Fly
Thread: Fine Mono
Hook: Mustad #2/0 or Gamakatsu SC 15
Belly/Spine: Bucktail – Fl. Blue over Chartreuse
Tail Topping: Smolt Blue Krystal Flash
Crease Fly Body Cutter: Size 1 (1/0) in my opinion this is a good fit on # 2/0 hook
Crease Fly Body Material: Thick Adhesive Crystal Skin – Pearlescent
Copic Marker: FL. Blue
Cure Goo: Hydro, Tack Free Flex

Posted in Fly Tying, Fly Tying Materials and Supplies | 1 Comment

Hareline Dubbin’s Blend Your Own Custom Dubbing Kit

Posted on February 9, 2015 by Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

Yep, I have been a fan of custom blending for roughly forty of my fifty or so years tying flies. That first decade was light on blending dubbing because I was mostly using Mohlon Yarn for fly bodies and had no need to blend anything. That was long before I was tying Hare’s Ears Nymphs too.

Since the 1980s, however, custom blends of dubbing have been a big part of both trout and steelhead flies I was tying. Original blends for the Green Rock Worm and Steelhead Simplicity are prime examples.

The little coffee grinder was my tool of choice for most of that time, although in the beginning I did use Poly Rosborough’s method of mixing hair in soapy water and then drying it to make a blend. Quite a mess if I remember properly.

Now my friends at Hareline Dubbin of Monroe Oregon have released a new tool kit for custom dubbing that I believe surpasses the coffee grinder. I liked the looks of the gizmo when I first saw the product release sheet and ordered one immediately. Today, I ripped open the package and put it to work. My young son Jackson read the instructions to me as I began to blend, and hastily took a few photos along the way.

The instructions are simple. Slap the dubbing on the big comb. Stoke against the grain to blend. Run the small comb with the grain of the big one to release the material. Repeat several times.

I started right out with my signature blend of Hareline STS colors that compose the Stargate Blue Steelhead Simplicity. The results were perfect and faster than I could have achieved with a coffee grinder.

The Kit includes a sample of dubbings as shown, and I added a pinch of Steelie blue Ice Dub to my blend and love the results. Normally, the long fibers of this metallic blue Ice Dub would need to be cut or else risk tangling in the coffee grinder, but the comb gave me a perfect blend immediately.

Next thing I did was to tie one of my favorite traditional summer steelhead flies with this fresh batch of dubbing. Here is my fly.

Hareline’s Blend Your own Custom Dubbing Kit is a great product, highly recommended for dubbing freaks who want the perfectly unique blend no one else has ever imagined. And yes, it is a HUGE IMPROVEMENT over the coffee grinder.

Jay Nicholas, February 2015

Posted in Fly Tying, Fly Tying Materials and Supplies | Leave a comment

F3T Corvallis February 21st

Posted on February 6, 2015 by Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

The Blueback Chapter of Trout Unlimited, based out of Corvallis, will host their second annual showing of the Fly Fishing Film Tour at the Whiteside Theatre on Saturday, February 21st. “F3T” as the tour is known to those familiar with the event started in 2007 and has grown more than 30% each year since then to reach a nationwide audience of over 50,000 anglers during the 2014 tour. F3T offers a collection of short- and mid-length films that showcase some of the world’s premier fly-fishing destinations, top guides, and well know fly-fishing personalities.

This year’s tour will include a showing of “Wild Fish Works” from Sage Lion Media based out of Denver Colorado. Filmed entirely on the Oregon Coast, “WildFish Works” tells the story of how wild steelhead and salmon are important to more than just anglers and have represent significant social, cultural and economic ties up and down the Oregon coast. Filmmakers Russell Schnitzer and Alan Moore will be on hand to discuss the film and what they learned about the importance of wild steelhead and salmon through their efforts on “Wild Fish Works.”

Wild Fish Works: Oregon Coast (Official Trailer) from Russ Schnitzer on Vimeo.

All profits from the Corvallis F3T event will help fund steelhead monitoring and habitat conservation work in the Siletz Basin. During the film, the Bluebacks will be offering a 50% discount on introductory memberships to Trout Unlimited for first-time members for $17.50. Members of TU can participate in Bluebacks events including steelhead spawn surveys and snorkel surveys, receive a quarterly magazine from the organization, and join a community of conservation-minded anglers in the Corvallis area.

Doors will open at 6:30pm and the show will start at 8pm. Advance tickets are available for $10 online at or at Watershed Fly Shop in Corvallis, or for $15 at the door. There will be an after-party at Cloud and Kelly’s (126 Southwest 1st Street, Corvallis) following the conclusion of the film tour.

Posted in Oregon Conservation News, Oregon Fly Fishing Clubs and Events | Leave a comment

Monday Feb 9th: TU National Senior Scientist Jack Williams

Posted on February 3, 2015 by Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

The Redsides Chapter of Trout Limited February meeting will be held at Izzy’s Pizza 1930 Mohawk Boulevard Springfield, OR 97477. The general meeting will be held at 7:00pm – 9:00pm, and is open to the public. The board meeting will follow the general meeting after a short recess. All TU members are welcome to attend the board meeting.

This month’s presentation will be given by Jack Williams, Trout Unlimited National Senior Scientist. The presentation will be about steelheading.

We’ll be holding a special election during the general meeting. Nominations for President, Vice President, and Resource Chair will be open.

We will be talking about upcoming projects and fund raising opportunities as well.

Hope to see you there!

Posted in Oregon Conservation News, Oregon Fly Fishing Clubs and Events | Leave a comment

Fly Fishing New Zealand’s South Island at Cedar Lodge

Posted on January 31, 2015 by Oregon Fly Fishing Blog

We waded across to carefully look for him. I’d seen the dark colored alligator brown trout in the run just leaving the gorge on another day, but had never had him to the net. The fish was crafty and sitting in a brutal spot for a natural drift of any length. After I confirmed his position I called to the guests, “who’s up?”.

Cammie started to come over and I quickly waded over to grab her hand to lead her across the waist deep slot of medium fast current.

I showed her the fish and we discussed our attack. During our brief strategy session he gave himself away a bit. He slid out from behind the massive boulder and swam downstream in quick water about 12 feet to grab a small banana floating speedily away from him. The banana was either a massive cicada or a yellowing beach leaf but either way he engulfed the object and easily slid back into the eddy behind the rock.

After three casts that fell short enough not to spook him, she shot the line across the emerald green glide and the fish went for broke! Chasing her cicada pattern downstream just as he had the yellow leaf. To her credit she waited long enough for him to eat the fly and begin swimming back to home.

The alligator instantly went deep behind a boulder, rubbing the leader on a submerged rock. Cammie had both hands on the rod and reel and I needed her to move towards the fish. She is very light and wading on the slippery rocks in waist high water wasn’t easy for her, she just couldn’t move fast enough towards the fish!

I grabbed her under her arms and pushed her out toward the fish. We are both in deep water now and it’s not a place to be for long. We coax the fish upstream and away from the submerged hazard and I continue to help/lift her towards “safer” footing.

Down she goes and out my feet go from under me. Rod and reel remain fixed in her hands, reeling and adjusting for the fish just enough. I get my feet and lift her to better footing. The fish has been battling a bit now, but we have more rocks, a down log, and a rapid below to deal with.

I go for a premature net job thinking it’s my best shot before the fish leaves the glide or wraps us on a log or rock. Downstream it’s faster and deeper, and while I love my net it’s not lightening fast scooping fish when your more than waist deep in fast flowing water. After my first failed attempt I finally get a break when the alligator comes towards the surface enough to be gobbled up by the “purse seiner”.

Success! A serious circus show but managed in the end.

The second half of our Cedar Lodge season is well under way and fishing has been very good. Despite two tough days of weather in the late teens of January fish have been pretty dialed to large cicada patterns. It’s hard to beat the upstream dry fly take of a 4-5lbs brown or rainbow trout. Fish are so convinced that your cicada imitation is the real thing that they engulf your imitation entirely with wide-open jaws pushing through the surface. Fish move “miles”, 6-12 feet to take these easy to see ridiculously large patterns.