Jay at the vise.
It is short notice, but I’ll be at the Caddis Fly Shop on Thursday from noon to four on Thursday September 29th. I’ll be tying salmon flies but looking forward to visiting with old and new friends about fly tying, fishing and life. I hope that you can drop by and say hello but if not, I’ll be back shortly and there will be plenty of opportunities to visit this winter.
Jay Nicholas, 28 September, 2016
The Dory Gold Comet slides off the trailer on 21 september, 2016.
The only reason(s) the dory season out of Pacific City is tapering off (are)
1. too many days with rough seas
2. too many people booking salmon trips in the river
The seas were supposed to be rough this morning, but after meeting John Harrell for coffee, we drove down to Cape Kiwanda to see what the real conditions were – compared to the forecast.
“Let’s go fishing” John said as we sat in his white suburban on the beach watching the surf.
Jack Harrell steadies the dory before shoving us off.
30 minutes later, we launched and were through the surf heading for schools of Pacific black rockfish that were cruising 15-30 feet deep in the waters a bare half mile offshore.
It took us a mere five or ten minutes to find receptive bass and the game was on for the three of us that fished.
Capt John Harrell unhooks one of my bass. Gosh it was good to be back out on the ocean today.
A few of the bass were small but many were very respectable sized, all took Clousers with a little blue in them and flies in the 3 inch size class.
Jack Harrell and bass.
Jack only fished a little but had bass pulling on his fly most of the time he had a fly in the water.
Jay and Tom on the ocean in calm seas.
Tom shows off a nice black bass.
Unloading the crab pot.
Limits of bass in the box, it was time to pull crab pots and head for the beach. The crab were abundant, firm, and big.
Taking the dory out with Haystack Rock in the background.
The ODFW creel checker counts our catch of bass and crab.
Pacific black bass are a game species that pull hard and offer unique challenges to the fly angler – and taste great too!
A few charters are may still be possible this fall, depending on the weather, but it is time to call and book dates for spring and summer of 2017 already.
Thanks for a great day on the ocean John, it was just what I needed today.
Jay Nicholas – September 21st, 2016
This years Two Fly Tournament kicks off this Friday. As part of the events fund raising we are donating 10% of our sales this Friday to the McKenzie River Trust. Come by, have a beer, spend a bunch and support a great non profit land trust. All Friday Sept 30th, 2016.
Our favorite fly fishing gear and clothing company Patagonia has stepped up as a key sponsor of the Two Fly Tournament. We will have many of their new fall line items in the shop this Friday. Help support two great environmental concerns this Friday all day at The Caddis Fly.
Town Lake trout on 20 September, 2016.
While many anglers thoughts turn to salmon or sea run cutthroat, there are still opportunities to fish for nice lake-bound trout on the coast. A small but dedicated cadre of fly anglers pursue these fish and I found myself fleeing the estuary on a recent day. Too much wind. Too many people in my favorite fishing holes. So I snuck off to the lake and found some quality trout that took a slow stripped brown bugger.
Two fish came to hand that afternoon – and brought a smile.
Camera shy trout.
I encourage you trout anglers to get out and explore your local waters now that water temperatures are cooling as the nights get longer and the rains begin to fresher our creeks and lakes. Opportunities for fall trout fishing exist all over Oregon– not just the coast range.
Jay Nicholas
Low water, low light, and good insect hatches have the McKenzie River fishing great. A great variety of hatches have the fish active throughout the warmest hours of the day. No need to get up early 10-4 is prime time with the cooler temps the last couple of days. As we warm a bit in the coming days evening fishing will hold up a bit longer.
Best Patterns of Late
Short Winged Stoneflies – Chubby Chernobyl
Grey Drakes – Parachute Adams
Pale Evening Duns – PMD Patterns – Purple Parachutes
October Caddis – Stimulators – Parachute Madam X and Foam Patterns
Jigged Prince Nymphs
This September I was fortunate enough to be invited by my friend Daniel Bellinson of Fly Fishing Caribe to join a group of anglers at two of Untamed Angling’s camps on the Secure River in Bolivia. This unforgettable jungle fishing experience blew my mind! Special thanks to Florian Kaiser and Luciano our guide from the Aqua Negra camp for their photos (they took the good ones).
I got a chance to use a bunch of cool new gear on this trip.
Highlights included the new SAGE X 9ft 9wt and Winston 9ft 9wt B3 Plus rods that were phenomenal at casting the huge flies required to push water and move fish. Double Barreled Surface Seducer Poppers are fantastic to fish and easy to work with in terms of creating a “castable” large popper. Ahrex Predator Stinger Hooks held up to the vicious Golden Dorado perfectly. Greg Senyo’s Barred Predator wrap made creating huge streamers a piece of cake.
CD
Recent rainfall bumped up the flows on most North Coastal rivers.
As we move into days that are shorter, nights longer and cooler, we have had our first rainfall of the late summer season. The graph above shows the change, one that seems very slight, but to the fish it is a huge incentive to move upriver and out of tidewater.
This means that sea-run cutthroat anglers may now find fish spreading out upriver in traditional holding pools in rivers like the Alsea, Siuslaw, Siletz, and Nestucca.
Summer steelhead anglers may find their blood stirred by cooler waters and just a hint of increased flows that also stir the fish their of warm water doldrums.
Granted, this is just a little bump on the Siletz, but this is the sort of thing that anxious fish and anglers need to find motivation at the end of a hot spell, and sometimes this is all it takes to move the fish.
you can check streamflows by searching advanced hydrologic prediction ________ and typing in the name of your favorite river.
The Alsea barely budged last weekend.
As this graph shows, the bump on the Alsea was barely detectable and it is less likely that fish moved upriver on the Alsea than the Nestucca.
I hope this helps by providing a tool that can help you understand the movement of anadromous fish into our coastal rivers at the end of the summer.
Jay Nicholas – 19 September
This is a partial clip – a hatchery fish that was not expertly clipped because the adipose fin is only barely nipped on the top. Still, this is indeed a hatchery Chinook.
Mid september full moon. Time for strangeness and a few salmon to trickle in on the leading edge of the fall run. I’d like to share a few thoughts and photos from the last few days.
The photos will speak for themselves, and I wish you all a fine fall season.
Jay Nicholas – September 18th 2016
The sea runs are in rivers all up and down the coast. Fishing is best on cloudy or rainy days.
Not all salmon are large – all are fun to catch.
The long tail sea lice at the base of the anal fin are sure indication of a salmon that is fresh from the sea.
This is a different type of sea lice that is mobile and only found on fish (this on a cutthroat) that are hours from the ocean. These small sea lice are darker and very mobile and not found at the base of the anal fin like the larger lice shown in a previous photo.
The adipose clip on this hatchery salmon was clean and complete and is fully healed over.
Dorsal view of healed over area where adipose fin was clipped on a hatchery Chinook.
Sometimes you get lucky – really lucky. This salmon was held by the thread of skin shown here, and it is a wonder that the fish made it into the net. My thanks for this great gift born of humans and nature.
If you fish a Spey or Switch rod like I do, I bet there are times when you get confused by the wide variety of sink tips that you may choose among.
I fish tips by RIO, AIRFLO, and OPST, the latter option is one only available in the last few months and many readers may not be aware of.
I also normally carry at least a dozen tips when I’m steelhead swing fishing, but rather than going into all of these, I’d rather note three tips that I consider ESSENTIAL to the swing angler. Brand is a matter of opinion, personal history, and our personality quirks, which for most of us anglers are many.
If forced to choose three tips to carry when winter steelhead fishing I would choose as follows:
OPST – T-14 (riffle, run, and bucket tips).
AIRFLO – FLO tips at T-10; T-14; and T-18
RIO – MOW 10 ft T-14; 10 ft T-11, and iMOW T-11 (2.5 ft I + 7.5 ft T-11)
The following is provided by Ben Paull of OPST – thanks Ben.
__________________
OPST now offers Commando Tips, completing your Pure Skagit system from hook to reel. It’s a fact that not every hole calls for the fastest, heaviest sink tip. Riffles and shallower runs are extremely important too, especially in high water. In such conditions a shallower, yet still level, sink is the way to go. Commando Tips will make you a more complete angler by allowing you to choose, within a grain weight, from between three different sink rates: Riffle, Run and Bucket, for shallow, medium and deep water. Our tips are 12 feet long to enhance water load and prevent blown anchors, and come with strong welded loops at both ends for easy rigging. The rear ends come with color-coded line IDs to identify both grain weight and sink rate. 96 Grains are looped with Yellow, 132 grains with Light Blue, and 168 Grains are Tan. Within those three grain weights are the three sink rates (Riffle, Run, and Bucket) for each weight. See the image below.
Those familiar with MOW tips will be able to choose from three different grain weights: 96 grain, 132 grain and 168 grain, (T8, T11 and T14 grains per foot) for use on 2 weight switch rods up to 9 weight two handers.
You will notice that the designations are S2/3, S5/6, etc- meaning the back half of the line is a Type 2 (2 inches per second), and the front half is a Type 3 (3 inches per second). This produces a straighter sink to the fly and reduces the belly effect that occurs in level sink tips. Here are the specifications:
|
96 Grain, 12 foot (T8): |
132 grain, 12 foot (T11): |
168 Grain, 12 foot (T14): |
|
Rod Size: 2-6 |
Rod Size: 5-8 |
Rod Size: 7-10 |
|
Color: Yellow |
Color: Light Blue |
Color: Tan |
|
Riffle: S2/3 |
Riffle: S2/3 |
Riffle: S2/3 |
|
Run: S3/4 |
Run: S5/6 |
Run: S5/6 |
|
Bucket: S5/6 |
Bucket: S8/9 |
Bucket: S8/9 |
Tyler Allen of Rajeff Sports provided the following – thank you Tyler.
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AIRFLO provides several different sink tip options:
CCT (Custom Cut Tips):
10 ft and 18 ft: T7, T10, T14, T18. Looped one one end. Level diameter, single density. #30 core.
20 ft: 220 gr (T11), 330 gr (T16.5), 470 gr (T23.5). Looped at both ends. Level diameter, single density. #30 core. Can be cut into two tips.
FLO-Tips:
10 ft: T7, T10, T14, T18. Looped at one end. 2.5 ft of intermediate (1.5 ips) material mated to 7.5 ft of level-sink material. #30 core. Helps to create a shallower hinge angle and keep your fly from getting caught on the stream bottom.
Sinking-density Polyleaders: Tapered design for improved turnover. Built on abrasion-resistant mono core.
Salmon/Steelhead: #24 core. Extra-strong version (#40 core) is available in all densities, 10 ft. length only.
Intermediate (1.5 ips), 5 ft., 10 ft. and 14 ft.
Slow Sink (2.6 ips), 5 ft., 10 ft.
Fast Sink (3.9 ips), 5 ft., 10 ft. and 14 ft.
Super Fast Sink (4.9 ips), 5 ft., 10 ft. and 14 ft.
Extra Super Fast Sink (6.1 ips), 5 ft., 10 ft. and 14 ft.
___________________________________
RIO offers MOW, iMOW, and both 10 ft and 15 ft sink tips. MOW tips that have options for combining floating and sinking material – and iMOW tips that have options for combining intermediate and sinking material.
___________________________________
Summary: three manufacturers offer a great range of sink tip options for the swing angler – you are sure to find great choices for the water you will fish. Drop by the Caddis Fly and discuss your local fishing challenges if you would like help selecting a few of the most likely sink tips to suit your needs.
I apologize for barely touching on these sink tip options here, but would be willing to help anyone who calls or emails me to get more detailed advice.
Jay Nicholas – 14 September 2016
Frustrated by the lack of superior materials to tie my own Spruce Flies plus my increasingly deteriorating abilities to do so, I placed a special order through Solitude for Size 6 and size 8 spruce flies tied to suit my own style preferences.
Just received these Spruce flies at the Caddis Fly and they are SUPER! I will be fishing these in the next two weeks and the Sea-runs are already in based on reliable reports the full breadth of the coast.
The purpose of this blog post is to let our readers know that we now carry not only the Borden Special but also the traditional (improved) Spruce flies at the shop. Drop by or call to order while they last! And you ought to add a few small muddlers and a variety of buggers to your order before you head out the door after Sea-run cutthaort too – plus a few foam hoppers!
Have fun out there and enjoy the Spruce flies.
Jay Nicholas – September 2016
As an American, you own 670 million acres of wildlands. 19 states are trying to sell these lands to the highest bidder.
From the Wilderness Society: Special interest groups are trying to seize Our Wild. We have to keep it public.
America’s national forests, wildlife refuges, parks, and public lands are part of our national identity. Our public lands were created so all Americans, regardless of wealth or social status, would be able to enjoy access to the outdoors in perpetuity. That our public lands should be open to everyone to experience is one of our nation’s proudest and most sacred traditions.
The same sentiment that fueled an armed takeover of a wildlife refuge in Oregon has now spread into 19 states across the U.S., where our American heritage—defended by generations of bipartisan leaders—is under attack from industry-funded groups and their allies in Washington, D.C. These special interests have been lobbying state governments and Congress to seize America’s public lands so they can be privatized or auctioned for drilling, mining and logging. Learn more about threats near you.
“The idea that our public lands should be open for everyone to experience is under attack by extremists and their allies in Washington, D.C.”
The 2015 budget resolution in the House of Representatives expresses support for this idea: “The budget resolution supports reducing the Federal estate, and giving States and localities more control over the resources within their boundaries. This will lead to increased resource production and allow States and localities to take advantage of the benefits of increased economic activity.”
This broader anti-conservation agenda seeks to suppress Americans’ rights to access and enjoy the lands that belong to all of us—whether we live in Maine, Montana, or Mississippi.
This is a blast from the past—at least five years ago—I interviewed friend and fellow biologist/tyer/angler Dave Stewart. This is our barely edited conversation.
Dave is Doug Stewart’s son. Doug developed the Macks Canyon Special and owned Stewart’s Fly Shop for years.
Thanks Dave.
Jay Nicholas – September 2016
Dave Stewart In Canada
Tyer: Dave Stewart
Year of birth: 1975
Place of birth: Portland, OR
Occupation: Fisheries Biologist
About what year did you start tying flies? 1983
Current annual fly production: 12 doz.
First fly vise: Thompson
Favorite current vise: Regal rotary
Current fly emphasis: salmon, steelhead, sea-runs.
Why did you start tying flies? Hanging around my father’s fly shop
Did you learn from books, from other tyers, classes, or —? Around the fly shop
What type of flies were you tying? Trout flies (wooly buggers/leaches)
Where did you get your materials when you started tying flies? Dad’s fly shop
Talk a little about tools and hooks you have used over the years, do you find the newer equipment an improvement?
I have used the same tools and equipment I have used since I was 8. My dad always stressed using your hands as tools. It allowed you to tie the same flies and save a little money. Basic vise, bobbin, and my hands as the whip finisher.
Do you have favorite hooks these days? I have always used Mustad, but use Gamakatsu or Owners for my egg patterns and stingers have been good.
How important do you think hooks are to the finished fly? Not very. A sharp hook is more important. I think all of the hooks do a pretty good job. If you are a good fisherman you should be able to hook some fish.
Tell a story about a memorable fish that took a memorable fly.
The largest steelhead I ever landed was on the Skeena basin. I landed a hot fish in the upper teens on a huge fly I was using because a super nice local BC fellow was giving me information and patterns to fish the rivers. His name is “Big Red” and although I never met him, he helped me out tremendously in fishing the Northern Country. I started using a Spey rod on that trip because it was the only way to cast a 3/0 hook. My dad always frowned upon using these large rods, but it got me some nice fish in Canada. I’ll call the fly Big Reds egg sucker.
Are there tyers who have particularly inspired you? My dad.
What is your current fly tying passion? Steelhead flies traditional
What is your next fly tying challenge? Articulated super large mega creations
Do you enjoy tying flies? Is it a chore to get done?
Once I sit down and start I really enjoy it.
Can you describe how you feel when you sit down and tie flies?
It’s relaxing. I usually have a goal to tie a certain number of flies. This allows me to get the flies done for the next trip. I usually end up tying more than my goal for the session.
Do your favorite patterns change much from year to year, do you see your favorites evolving, or do you stick with the flies that have worked for you in the past?
I stick with the flies that have worked in the past.
Please describe your motivations to design, develop, or experiment with new fly patterns.
I am in contact with a number of people and their influence usually inspires me to change it up a bit. I love the community I am involved with in friends and family dedicated to trying to catch fish. I’ve learned a lot from some of my good gear fishing buddies as well. They’ve caught a lot of fish and it doesn’t usually matter whether it’s a fly or spoon to learn a little about the species we are targeting.
Is fly tying a solitary practice for you, or do you tie with other folks?
When my friends are down to float the river the next day, we usually celebrate by tying a few flies for the next days fishing.
Do you ever fish commercially tied flies, or do you only fish flies you have tied?
I will usually buy a few flies from whichever fly shop I am in at the time. I always feel that I should buy something and flies are usually the ticket for me.
If you had to tie one type of fly and only one type, what would it be?
Steelhead.
What do you consider your primary Home Waters? Is such a thing possible for you?
The Deschutes. It’s almost not possible. I consider the North Coast and the streams I fish there my home waters as well. The Hood or the Klick may become my home waters. Probably the Big D. How can you beat it?
Anything you would like to add at this time?
My tying experiences have been developed from being around the fly shop. Some great memories are of some of my best friends late at night heading down to my family fly shop late at night to tie flies for the trip the next day. My buddies and I spent more than a few nights crashing at the shop because we stayed up so late tying flies. Everyone should have their own local shop.
Dave Stewart
The past week of cooler weather has spurned some very good fishing in our area. Grey Drakes and Mahogany Duns have been hatching daily on the McKenzie. It’s time to fish October Caddis pupae deep as fish are gorging on the high calorie subsurface “morsels”.
Best Patterns
Parachute Adams
Parachute Purple
Parachute Caddis
October Caddis Pupae
Reverse Marabou
Mini Intruder
Steelheading has improved with some cooler nights, and there are plenty of fish around to keep folks busy on the McKenzie and Willamette Rivers. Reverse Marabou and Marabou Tube patterns are working well.
It’s just the beginning of fall! Get out there and enjoy!
I took this fly (the Marsden Mohican) from our fellow fly anglers who fish in the UK – often in lakes for stocked trout of huge size. They seem to fish this fly as a “fry” imitator or a general attractor pattern. My own experience fishing various rabbit strip flies for steelhead and trout assures me that this fly will be a great addition to the steelhead and trout boxes we stock here in Oregon and anywhere salmonids swim.
The pattern should be tied as simply as shown, and is amenable to variations in the rabbit strip as wide as your imagination or the locally available food resources of the waters where you will fish.
Enjoy! And don’t be put off by the simple nature of the fly, it is a very promising pattern.
Jay Nicholas – summer 2016.
Marsden Mohican Rabbit Strip Fly
Hook: Daiichi 1560 #4-10
Thread: Lagartun 95d black
Body: Lagartun Flat Braid
Thorax: Senyo’s Fusion Dub
Wing: Black Rabbit Strip
Going into Labor Day weekend, there are fishing opportunities in many nearby locations across Oregon.
Smallmouth bass on the Umpqua has been very good.
High Lakes trout (Crane Prairie photos below) is challenging but rewarding on dries and nymphs.
Diamond lake has been slow but steady.
Dechutes summer steelhead are pesky devils but there are a few around to be caught.
Rogue River steelhead fishing has been decent in the upper river.
Summer steelhead in the Santiams, McKenzie, and Town run is perking up with cloudy days and fish that are starting to behave more like trout again.
McKenzie trout fishing has been very good.
Sea Run Cutthroat are in the estuaries up and down the coast.
Offshore Pacific Rockfish have been very consistent.
Coastal River chinook are slowly showing up now.
There’s more, of course, and we can offer suggestions if you drop by the shop on your way out of town too.
Meanwhile, here are just a few photos of recent outings from our friends.
Have fun out there and let us know what you find when you get back after the weekend!
JN & CD
