April 27, 2011

Korda Kandy

Had a few goodie bags roll in through the mail recently. Unfortunately, I haven't been able get to them all and give them the love that they all deserve. Here's a start, some Korda kandy courtesy of USCARPPRO Magazine.

Korda Kaptors
Korda Kaptors are the bomb. They are not only ultra sharp, but they come in great profiles like the Kurv, and also feature an industry first: a colored teflon finish. Looks like I'll be cooking it up with "Weed Green". These hooks must be sharp, as they come with their very own point protectors. Can't go wrong with a hook that packs its own prophylactic.

Korda Kandy
Carp hook jimmy hats, cause that's how I roll...

April 25, 2011

ol' whitey

No not that Whitey, but the white sucker.

whitey
I got into a large group of whiteys holding in a deep pool a few weeks ago. This spot warms up long before other spring sucker spots turn hot, largely due to the wide shallow channel common in this reach. The shallow muddy shoreline is lined with cattails and red osier dogwood, the dark bottom warming up much quicker than other parts of the sandy, rocky stream substrate. This warmer bottom helps heat up the water sooner in these shallow reaches, drawing in eager fish staging to spawn.

the pool
whitey
The 7 weight Level Series from Rise that I used to subdue these beasts may have been a bit overkill, but it still performed flawlessly. The tip was nimble enough to effectively tightline nymph my tungsten bombs through the current seams. One fish actually got down into the heavy current near a fast run and nearly had me into my backing. The rod doubled over. Half in surprise, I enjoyed fighting the fish in the rough stuff and the rod handled the rough stuff like a porn star. The first true test of fighting roughfish and the Rise rod rose to the challenge. Well done.

April 24, 2011

In the Drink

Sucker Creek
Finally had a day near 60 degrees and free of rain or snow. A rarity for this spring. Grabbed the kids and headed down to a small spring creek. It was a great day for a hike.

Investigating
Sucker Creek
Watching
The boy had a great time down by the water exploring, investigating, and watching the stream flow. Must have gotten a little carried away as seconds after this photo was taken he went in for an unexpected dunk into the frigid waters of this coldwater stream. Poor little guy was scared, understandably so, but he handled himself well as he bobbed along in the current until he could get back up on his feet. What a champ.

micro stone
Found a few Plecoptera flying around. Intolerant of water pollution stoneflies are an excellent indicator of good water quality. Always reassuring to know that a few streams within our watershed are still healthy.

micro stone
Didn't spot any fish, though the runs we jaunted through were shallow and didn't provide much for cover. I have yet to find a brownie hiding within any reach of the stream. The last time I ventured furthuer upstream with rod in hand, I nearly broke my femurs several times traversing the interwoven crags of downed tamaracs and spruce logs covered over by grass. Not sure I'm up for another risky venture especially since threading a fly through those snaggy runs is about as difficult as escaping injury.

The water is still a bit cold, so vernal spawners like the white sucker likely aren't in the lower reaches of the river yet. In all due time....

April 20, 2011

FLY FISHING FILM TOUR 2011 - Minneapolis

F3T
The F3T tour is making its rounds to Minneapolis on Thursday, April 21. I'll be heading down to the Parkway Theater to make an appearance and represent. I hope to see some of you folks there.

Parkway Theater
4814 Chicago Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55407

Doors Open: 6:30PM
Show Starts: 7:00PM

April 19, 2011

Free Parking

Free Parking
The Red River of the North at 34.47', post crest. Moorhead, MN.

April 18, 2011

Improved Armored Car

armored car in claret
The tweaked out Armored Car San Juan Worm. A little homebrew wine dubbing added for the thorax.

claret dub
Like a good merlot, this fly is soft and velvety, paired well with fresh fish.

April 11, 2011

Soda Pop

Soda Pop wire edge ribbon
So, it's not exactly my genius idea, but I'll share it anyway. Thanks to the fine folks from the Fly Chuckers fly club of St. Paul, MN to pointing this one out to me: Offray Soda Pop wire edge ribbon. All you need to do is pull the wire out from each edge of the ribbon and you the makings for a perfect baitfish body. If you want, you can separate each individual strand of flash and you have an endless supply of tinsel, much like the Kreinik or Sulky Holoshimmer. At $2.97 for nine feet of ribbon, there's plenty to go around before needing to re-stock.

Soda Pop wire edge ribbon
Soda Pop wire edge ribbon
Soda Pop wire edge ribbon
Excuse me, I've got a few delicious bass I need to go tease with some shiny, sparkly goodness. Peace out.