Shorter Days Longer Casts

End of fly fishing on streams and rivers here in California is a splendid time to cement memories and count blessings... Water levels down, Fall colors blazing reds and orange forming the final natural Opera before Winter’s white robes close the door. Time for extra long quiet casting and total stealth as trout are now weary and tired of rubber boots in their face! Streamers, nymphs, caddis, attractors and the always deadly humble Mosquito rule the waters now that hatches are scarce. Best news for those void of Herd Instinct, rivers and streams suffer far less human contact and waters are often abandoned until next year...

Streamers and Attractor Patterns dominate on most rivers and streams as they can be moved around and entice those hard headed fish who simply hide under rocks along stream edges and in deep pockets. Not to take anything away from these ancient standard patterns that cover much water and often entice picky piscatorial investigation. Those fly fishers who wish to abandon endless casting of that heavy Wolly Bugger Streamer and get back to basics! Take an assortment of your regions deep water nymphs and if applicable bring along or tie several larger/gaudier Caddis patterns. I have been experimenting with these larger bolder Caddis like the one featured this month.

Nymphs usually are built much smaller then my new patterns size 14 or larger sumptuous in good wing structure and full underbody, a stone killer my friends. Resident trout are so curious of these steroid pumped creatures that they hit them out of pure meanness! Extra care must be taken building these patterns strong and tight, wings ought to be tied and glued. If the effort is put forth and one studies real Caddis observing how they often gently flap back and forth drying in the sun, results can be inspiring. I have attempted to replicate this natural easy movement with line jerks and pulls as it takes some practice. Be advised not to be too influenced by throwing and seeking only established regional patterns. Your local trout have already seen everything your friends have thrown at them. Why not pick four or five most used patterns and redo them? Why not try slightly different color or size or feathers or?

Adopt the habit of taking many scoops with your hands or net under rocks and along stream edges, then take the material home and let it dry out before identifying the insects; larvae, spent casings, any evidence of resident bugs? Take the material to your tying bench and under a magnifying glass study the most whole complete specimens. You will quickly notice almost always the bugs or larvae are dressed in muted browns, black and darker colors. Rarely are vivid colors displayed ( exceptions exist ) found in the sludge? Because most loud colors are found on mature insects not in the emerging or larval stage. ( natural protection like spots on fawns )

Soon you will with study and maybe a bit of reading understand exactly what real world insects look like and act like. I like to unload my extensive fly box’s on a new stream or river and find out how many of my patterns are close to the real thing. It is common for new fly fishers to rely too much on what has been created before their arrival. The pure joy of this esoteric activity must be the impulse to invent and reinvent as you adventure. It takes time and it takes much patience to solve these mysteries my friends... If you really truly wish to sink deep into the minutia at the core...

Not enough is mentioned in regard to exactly how complex, difficult this sport can be for all of us.. In my outdoor life many so called experts have come and gone. In my mind no one will ever master this sport in totality, no one! Because every stream, river, lake has its own characteristics usually known only to locals. You may have complete understanding of every aspect of fly fishing, fly tying, presentation of your offering, water currents, and on and on. Matters not my friends how deep your skill bank, you will be humbled and bowed. Perhaps world class chess, yachting come close in detail, complexity, nuance. This sport is not easy on the high end, if one first afford to spend 100 plus days on the water, travel, hotels, equipment very expensive way to roll Pilgrims. I would not trade one minute of my life on the water for anything man has created period! Endless moments becoming a small part of the natural order has become my religion...

Its Our House Pilgrim’s

If all of us begin to understand how easily foreign mollusks, bacteria, even alien fish can be transplanted to waters they don’t belong in! Perhaps we can address a serious issue for all outdoors men in this century, alien species introduction is the next big thing! Upon arriving home one must carefully clean boats, waders, boots, anything that gets in the water has to be cleaned before your next trip! Easy to grasp this scenario sportsfans, all that dried mud on your boots, boat is a perfect place for any alien creatures to hide and wait for your next fly trip, their new home. It would seem absolute minimum mandatory for every boat owner to be extra careful when washing boat, engines, trailers, especially under boats and trailers backed into rivers, streams to be released. Boats and boots and waders are top offenders in the foreign specie forced introduction game!

Himalayan Outback Fly Fishing Adventure

On my short list of world class exotic fly fishing in true pristene ancient waters, Master Guide Misty Dillon’s operation based in the Himalayan outback is quite the challenge fearless fly fishers! A piscatorial genetic cousin to the African Barbell, North American cat fish, African Barbell, the Mighty Mahseer ( BarbusTor Putitora, world record 75 lbs ) is one of the main targets. Misty has tied mice offerings that drive these boys crazy.. Trips of 6, 10, 14 days can be arranged with the fly angler in mind. For instance a 14 day trip down one of the many rivers with short hiking side trips keep the most experinced discriminate angler very happy and into wild fish contantly! I have known about this operation for many years and highly recommend it. In 2008 I will be hosting with Misty guiding several trips which will become major feature articles in this column and elsewhere.If your interested in the real thing my friends, exotic, true adventure and you will become a character in one of the many fishy tales waiting to be experienced as Misty and I get real fly fishy. Join us for a trip no one can offer in this game, no one! Dates are February through May, September Through November 2008. All transportation from New Delhi Airport and back to New Delhi International Airport. You want fly fishing adventure stories for the boys Cowboy? Saddle up and ride with Mr. Wolf as we get busy in India’s still wild wilderness! Contact Misty Dhillon > [email protected]

WOLF CADILLAC CADDIS BABY!