Sunrise up North

There's little that is more excited than an approaching season.  Some wait for ski season, some wait for beach season, and others for fishing season.  In places like Colorado, New York, and California the action exists through the winter in a subdued version of its exuberant summertime self.

In Alaska, however, fishing is more volcanic - dormant for the majority of time and then absolutely explosive.  Two weeks ago the action was imperceptible, dormant except for a few awakening twitches.  Come summer, the Kenai and the rest of the frontier waters will be explosive with bent rods, gip and grins, combat zones, trophies, and fulfilled dreams.  There are days when we can't empty the net fast enough, when we can fish any fly in the box and hook up, when I lose count before 8 am.  This is the explosion.  Its not daily, some days it's just smokey, but sometimes it's just on fire.

At Angle 45 we're getting ready for our season on the Kenai.  Rods are coming down, lines, waders, and boots are being washed, reels re-spooled, boxes organized, flies tied, and boats dug out.  Dormancy is melting off the shoulders of spring.  After more than 11 feet of snow it's taking some work to dig out camp, but warm weather, many hands and a few cold drinks make for quick work.

We're ready to hit the water - excited to see some returning friends again and make some new ones on the river.

c. DFisher

The Academic Fisher

I cut my teeth on this water, fishing it after hours, after dark, blizzard conditions, throughout the year.  South Park's like that - its own world you never want to leave.  The grass is never greener on the other side when you're on the Dream Stream.

Thousands of people fish this segment every year, using the same gear, the same flies, the same techniques, targeting the same fish - but they don't catch them like Landon does.

Do you know you're home waters this well?  We've all got work to do.

Guest Post from Larry: Mousing For Trout

A few weeks ago Larry asked me if he could write a post for my blog - of course he can.  Here you go:

Mousing for Trout

There is no denying that fish are aggressive predators much like a wolf or jungle cat.  Proof can be seen in the reaction that a mouse pattern creates among hungry rainbow trouts.  If you haven’t tested this rodent like lure it might be a good back-up plan for you the next time you are searching for a trophy fish.

Basic Appearance

Some of the mouse patterns available in the commercial market will actually have nose, whiskers and ears on top that really look like a rodent.  However, the main appeal of the lure is the bulky body covered in hair along with a long tail.  Since the fish will likely catch a glimpse of the lure from underneath or at a slight angle, the top of the pattern can vary a little bit and still be effective.

Movement of the Lure

Mice, as you know, have 4 legs.  So they can jump, swim, crawl and skitter on just about any surface.  Thus, moving the lure like a swimming, sputtering, jumping mice is the attraction that leads to big strikes.  Imitating movements of a mouse will likely lead to some strong reactions from the trout that could leave you breathless and laughing at the same time!

Getting a Good Hook Set

Rainbows will often hit this lure in hopes of drowning it and then circling around in search for the lure.  Therefore, it is important to be alert and watch the fish.  If you see a huge mouth opening up to snatch the lure, the fish is likely trying to get it in a single pass.  Otherwise, you may have to wait a second or two to give the fish a chance to actually get the lure in its mouth.  Once you feel that familiar tug, sweep your rod hard to one side in order to really get a good hook set.  Avoid setting the hook when you first see the fish take the lure.  You will likely pull the mouse away too soon.

Places to Try Mousing

One of the best places to try your hand at the mouse pattern is during the month of August in Alaska.  The spawn in on full force and fish are hungry for protein.  If you are in Alaska at all during the summer months, a mouse pattern can produce a good bite.

But Alaska is not the only place to use these ingenious lures on beautiful rainbows.  Any body of water that holds trout along with lemmings, mice and voles is a good spot to try.  Yellowstone reported good results from mouse patterns in 2009 during a time when coyote numbers were down and the mice population was up.  Penns Creek in Pennsylvania has boasted a trout of 24 inches caught with the rodent lure.  And Steamboat, Colorado has good waters on the Yampa River that are perfect for landing a nice trout.

You can try your hand at tying a mouse pattern using readily available information on the internet or you can buy one from one of the big manufacturers.  Either way, give it a try.  It is a new way of fishing and could lead to a new trophy for you.

Larry Chandler is an outdoor writer for upstate New York fishing guide.

Simms Ice Out 2012

Simms Ice Out is here.  Checking over the itinerary it look something like this:

Day 1


Drinking
Watching fish porn
Drinking while watching fish porn

Day 2

Product testing (fishing)
Fish porn watching
Guide Olympics (lawn games)
More fish porn
Drinking

Day 3

Same as Day 2
Possibly more drinking while watching fish porn

There are a few things I'll point out.  Robert Younghanz knows his little critters and will be giving a presentation on streamside ecology.  He guides out of Anglers Covey in Colorado Springs, good friend and good flyfisher.

I'll be here in DC, but you should go.

Urban Angler Grand Opening; Simms & Anglers All Trout Clave

For those in Colorado, make sure you check this out.

 

Join Simms at Anglers All April 21, 2012 for the 3rd Annual Anglers  All Trout Clave! Beginner and expert fly anglers are welcome to  come explore the wealth of information provided by a collection of signature fly tyers, guides and angling personalities. Trained Simms staff will be there to assist you with the exciting  2012 line of Simms products. In addition, there's a lot more at Anglers All: 50% off Trout Flies from 9am to 11am Spey Casting demonstration with Dec Hogan Fly Tying and Rigging Techniques with Frank Smethurst Anglers All Guide Service Presentation on Streamer Fishing 15% off guide trips booked during the event! Fly Fishing Turneffe Flats with Wes Osborne Wader fitting for men and women by Simms Trained staff Win a $500 Simms Shopping Spree! - Must be present to win Winter clothing clearance sale Door buster specials, free hot dogs & drinks End-of-Day Gear Giveaways - Prizes TBD, Must be present to win We hope to see you at this one-day-only event to help get the 2012 fishing season started in great shape. Anglers All 3rd Annual Trout Clave April 21, 2012 9:00am - 5:00pm 5211 S. Santa Fe Dr. Littleton, CO 80120 OPEN TO THE PUBLIC - BRING A FRIEND! And if you're in DC, VA, MD Urban Angler is having their Grand Opening this weekend. Saturday, April 14th from 6:00-8:00pm. Come share in the fun and enter to win some great stuff! Raffle prizes that that will be given away at the party: The Grand Prize is a 3 Night/2 Day trip for two to Five Rivers Lodge*in Dillon, Mt Sage 4200 series reel of your choice Pair of Simms G3 Guide Waders Pair of Smith sunglasses of your choice Patagonia Great Divider bag A day trip with Eastern Trophies guide service *The winner can arrange to visit Five Rivers Lodge anytime  during the 2012 or 2013 fishing season, subject to availability.  Airfare and ground transportation not included. Please join us...this is one party you won't want to miss! Grab a drink and help us celebrate our wonderful new store. See you on Saturday. Urban Angler - Alexandria VA 108 N. Washington Street, 2nd Floor Alexandria , VA 22314 Phone: (800) 800-2018 or (703) 527-2524

(At) The End Of The World

Patagonia's new Spring Journal is a few days late, but read on...

The Patagonia Journal, Spring 2012

News to Me

Apparently P:T got some press on OBN a while back that I was unaware of...

Check it out: OBN

And if you haven't had your fill of blogs there are a lot more here.

P:T Goes Abroad

P:T GOES ABROAD.  Announcing P:T's first ever international fly fishing adventure.  Where too? The Philippines.  The Philippines is not sold as one of the world's premier salt water fly fishing destinations, but with over 7,000 islands and world class diving there must be something to target on the fly.  That's right, I will be traveling to the Philippines, officially to work with a UK-based community conservation organization and unofficially to test myself in the waters of the South Pacific.  Giant Trevaliy, sail fish, exotic reef species, await my catch.

I will be located in Salvacion on the island of Busuanga, southwest of the Capital Manila.  My stay extends from October 15th or so until just before Christmas.

http://siargaofishing.com/

I will be traveling with an 8wt and a 12wt, floating and intermediate lines.  My knowledge of this corner of the world is limited, I know only of boxing, my grandfather's WWII stories, and the sort.  So a plea to anyone with word to share, hand me some intel.  Any insight into the fishing, people, culture, food, beverage, sailing, will help in my presence.

http://siargaofishing.com

Playing the Blues

It is often over looked, but New England, that provincial corner of the US known for it's yankee way, thick tradition, Ivy Leagues and maple syrup sports some of the best Salt Water fishing off the shores of  the USA.  New England's industry was built on fish, cod mostly but haddock, scup, swordfish and lobster as well.  With the demise of the commercial fishery, whether correlated or not, sport fish have gained recognition and attract pursuers to the North East waters.

Striped Bass are the king but there are others in the court.  False Albacore, most notably, along with Blue Fish, Tuna, Black Sea Bass, Swordfish and others.  The word has been that the Ablies are in thick and they are a rush on the fly, to be sure.  That being said the weather has not been favorable and should continue to piss on us for the foreseeable future.  I took out the MaryLou and with her low profile and short length I was content to stay within the break water off Watch Hill, RI.  Birds were active, the wind was steady and the tide was outgoing.  Not the most favorable conditions for a day on the water.  I put in some time and shrugged the frustration of not being able to go where the fish were, beyond the protection of the point and the breakwater, but managed to land and few nonetheless.

This gaudy bait pattern is reminiscent of a coho fly out of my AK box

Blue Fish don't have the sport fish aura but they are fun, blitz hard, and
are eager to please

Some don't like to eat Blue Fish but as for me, it's tasty.  It can be a little oily but that keeps it moist on the grill.  Some simple seasoning and a side of couscous, and a Narragansett Beer.

Stormy weather over the sound

Tying bait patterns doesn't require the finesse and dexterity demanded by midge patterns and dries.  They are bold, even gaudy at times (see above), but do take a certain type of attention.  Shape, size and color all matter but just like all fly angling the presentation, and in the salt, the retrieve is what separates the catches from the catch-nots.  I picked up some Enrico Puglisi Fibers at River & Riptide Angler in Coventry, RI (great place by the way) and have fallen in love again.  Paired with Yak Hair, Krystal Flash, Flashabou, Eyes, Deer Hair, whatever, it ties and fishes great.  At $5.99 it better.

Home-made rainbow anchovy pattern, as long as it looks
good and has eyes it'll work

EP Mullet patten

I swear by Black after dark.  Stripers love it; I love it

Tying station, if you haven't used EP Fibers for bait patterns, pick some up

Sharpies can add barring and gills of these patterns easily.  I carry a few for on-the-water alterations.

Check out Elliot's blog for some Albie action: eliotjenkinsfishing. (He's got a bigger boat.)  A new comer to NE, he's making it happen.  GreasyBeaksFlyFishing.

In The Flesh

When salmon carcass is thick in the river, when fishing for trophy trout, nothing beats the flesh fly.  It might be a bit bold or lacking in the sophistication many newer trout flies possess but it catches fish.

It's a quick and easy tie, and you'll want a box full

These are about as small as you'll see them.  Some are 4"-6" inches long, articulated and weighted, but these are considered micro.  They are simply wrapped rabbit fur strips in colors that mimic the rotting flesh that fills the waters.

You don't need to be a perfectionist to tie a flesh fly that will catch fish

Don't be surprised by high numbers of big trout

6 Manly Ways to Settle Your Mind: Fly Fishing

The Art of Manliness offers a great read for friends, wives, family members, girlfriends or anyone left repeatedly by a fly fisher.

Source: Life

Sockeye Fever

Sockeye fever is simple.  People want to fill the freezer, and with a limit of 3 fish per day it can happen quickly.  It means 3 am mornings, standing thigh deep in glacial melt swinging ounces of led and a snagging hook with an 8wt  for hours on end.

Regulations say you can't use a bare hook but it wouldn't matter for catching them

A good wide gap and short shank make for great hooking and holding power

Pound for pound sockeye (red) salmon are the hardest fighting fish out there.  The first run salmon average about 8 lbs and we use 25 lb mono to construct a 9' leader.  With the drag cranked these guys still peel line.

I put this one through my finger

The pliers come in handy for removing hooks (from fingers)
and the scissors I use to bleed the salmon before knocking them

The second run of reds started in just the last 2 or 3 days.  By now there are over 700,000 salmon in the Kenai River and working their way to its headwaters.  The Kenai River automated fish count reports can be heard at (907) 262-9097.  The fish in this run average 14 pounds or so and put everything into the fight.

This is sockeye fishing at it's worst.  Combat, shoulder to shoulder,
what ever you call it I prefer trout

These salmon run the gauntlet as they battle upstream to their spawning grounds

There are places where the crowds dissipate and fish still hold.  They way to access these little places is by hiking a little or using a drift boat to get to gravel bars along the Kenai.  There are a dozen ways to prepare salmon, from the grill, smoker, canner, hung dried, cold smoked, etc.  They are all delicious.

The pay-off is a smoker full of fresh salmon.

The second run of King Salmon is in hard as well. About 1,000 to 1,500 kings enter the Kenai every day  now.