JASON AKI - FLY TIER

Jason Aki self taught fly tier grew up in Toronto Canada, where he could easily commute to almost endless lakes and streams and observe exactly what living breathing insects look like. It has been my privilege to know many master fly tiers whose reputations are known in regard to technique and understanding this most intricate skill. A.K.Best was my featured guest at last years breast cancer fly event in Fall River Mills California, my other featured guest was Jay Fair. Both these distinguished fly tying masters would love to see Mr. Aki’s work as he has taken the time and studied insects enough to come up with this innovative, unique Damsel pattern that features carefully trimmed and sculpted wings flared and spaced as if the Damsel were in flight. Most realistic and according to Jason a trout magnet when allowed to dead drift.

I especially like Jason’s work because he is not focused on only traditional tying methods and confined to creating exact replicas that would look fine to other fly fishers, though maybe a little too perfect to fool trout! In my mind a great many of the known master tier’s have created patterns that don’t actually look like any natural insect known on this planet. Of course their work garners rave reviews, yet few trout or salmon rise to their appearance.. Mr. Aki’s work has two distinct attributes, first his flies consistently catch fish and he has developed many skills other’s might want to investigate...

Jay’s Jewelwing ( Caloteryx Mucalata )

1. Hook: Mustad 37160, Size #16
2. Tail: twisted green nylon
3. Eye’s: Black bead chain links
4. Abdomen: 2 strands Peacock Hurl
5. Shellback: Muscovy Duck Feather
6. Thread: Black 6/0
7. Legs: Paint Brush bristles
8. Wings: 4 black hackles

Swinger ( Tipulidae )

1. Hook : Mustad, Size #12
2. Thread: Uni-thread Size # 8/0
3. Body” Tan sabbit dubbing
4. Legs: four stripped Grouse soft feathers
5. Hackle: Soft grouse wing feather

The “ Swinger “ is very buggy thanks to careful dubbing and the four soft Grouse feathers that have been precisely carved and shaved as to simulate actual insect antenna. I love this effect and after throwing this fly in fast and slow waters, it does catch trout and looks like a real bug as it starts to slowly sink. This pattern works, the fan carved Grouse feathers are what fools fish, an extra skill Jason seems to have mastered. Jason sent me one dozen of his tried and true salmon, trout flies, all of them are of this high quality and they are tyed to stay together after many casts and caught fish.

Mr. Aki likes to fish small streams and like most of us has become slightly enchanted with all things water bound and the natural order ballet going on every day as trout try to out smart insects. Jason has advanced degree’s in Laboratory Science and has been actively tying flies for local lodges and fly shops. In my mind Jason is just the type of modern tier the sport needs, he studies actual insects and closely replicates what he see’s. Contact Jason Aki, E-Mail [email protected]. Phone ( 715)-682-3371

EASTERN SIERRA FLY FISHING REPORT

The news from the year round fly fishing California jewel Owens River is fishy to say the least. Gary Gunsolley always accurate report has the Lower Owens looking good for deep water nymphing when the rain lets up. Water Temps have hovered around 46 which is near perfect, fly fishers have to get real deep to arouse these sleeping Snow-Bows! The Owens River Gorge water temp at 42, best bet is two fly rig with a hopper or a parachute up top and tiny emerger on the bottom. Those who seek a more peaceful area without crowds would be happy throwing bugs in the Gorge. In California few public year round fly fisher hot spots exist, though many private trout clubs are available for a fat fee. The whole lower Owens River system when weather permits is quality habitat open all year. Contact Gary Gunsolley at www.brocksflyfish.com

California in general from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite National Park including the Mighty Carson River and the American are all going to be in great shape this season. The rain has been steady and most reservoirs are full or almost full. This year may be one of the best in recent memory for fly fishers and those who love fast running clean water. My good friend Jim Tompkins “ The Duke of Diggercreek “ sent these two fat trout photos taken in the last few weeks. Because the California official river / stream opener is still a few weeks away ( last Saturday in April ) Diggercreek Ranch in Shingletown is a special trout sanctuary worth a look see. Huge trout taken from the same nursery as the behemoth Eagle Lake strain makes Diggercreek a must go to for serious fly fishers. Contact Jim at ( 530) 242-6744 or on the Web www.diggercreekranch.com

CLEAN WATER

Those readers of this monthly fly column who have responded to my plea to evaluate the health of your home waters seem to experience as I have, local school kids especially love to get their hands and minds into local water awareness programs. When adults take kids to a polluted stream or river and take water samples ( using clean bottles ), and then await results from either state or local agencies. It is a wonderful learning model to first determine the cause of the pollution and then actually begin fixing the problem. When youngsters begin cleaning stream edges and taking refuse out of waters close to home, it leaves a clean taste in their mouths and a new understanding of how vital clean water is to all of us! If anyone out there would like to get started and make a difference? Simply organize a class or two of elementary or high school students and start taking a close look at your home waters, are they clean and unpolluted?

Click Here for this month's story line of

“ ADVENTURES OF FLETCHER QUILL “