Family Tradition

Papa roughfisher is in town from Hawaii and on the scene. Role reversal. Sonny boy packed the lunch, did the driving, and provided gear and tackle for pops. Twenty years gone.


Papa opted for tossing gear and kermits. Bass likey the frogs.


The roughfisher was still drawing blanks on the carps. Plenty of fish were spotted, but none were interested in the clam, a readhead, the worm, the midge, or the swimming nymph. Threw on one of Winona Fly Fishing's wonder bugs and settled for a scratch fish to raise the skunk.


Papa outfished the roughfisher 6 to 1. Just like old times.

Zebras

Inspired by Capt. Drew of the Vermont Brownliner Brigade, I developed a few prototypes for a zebra mussel imitation based on my Darth Clam pattern. Drew has so graciously volunteered field testing these flies on the zebra mussel infested Lake Champlain.


Zebra mussels are an invasive species that were unintentially introduced to North America in the ballast water of ocean-going ships in the Great Lakes. These nuisance species are notorious for attaching to boat hulls, docks, and anchors, clogging intake pipes, and displacing native mussel species.



One unexpected result of zebra mussel infestations is their proclivity to filter algae from the water column at an outstanding rate. Several infested lakes actually saw increases in yellow perch populations, as the filtered water allowed sunlight to penetrate greater depths resulting in increased native algae growth at lower depths. Ultimately, this highly efficient removal of phytoplankton can deprive other native aquatic species of food.



Zebra mussels have few natural predators in North America, though it has been documented that several species of diving ducks, crawfish, and fish forage on them. Of note, diet studies on freshwater drum in Lake Erie have shown a significant portion of their diet consisting of zebra mussels. Other molluscivorous fish of interest are the Greater Redhorse, Common Carp, White Sucker, Shovelnose and Lake Sturgeon, and Lake Whitefish.

I don't advocate the spread of invasive species, though when in Rome, fish as the Romans do. Fish a zebra.

redheads have more fun

Red's been the hot color this summer. Not that my fishing has been that hot, but the flies that have been catching fish have been of the ginger persuasion. Lucille put the saucy smackdown on some cyprinids last week, and even tamed a few gamefish in the process. There's something about this pattern that moves fish. Looks like Lucy has got some 'splainin to do.


The Rotten is Lucy's auburn brother, a raucous rebel punk who shares the namesake of Sex Pistols vocalist Johnny. If you don't watch your step, this fly will kick your ass. Assault and Battery.


The latest addition to the family is the Hot Donna. Anybody who has watched That 70s Show knows what I am talking about. The girl next door, Donna can beat you at a game of hoops yet she's classy enough to take to the Price Mart Ball. A loyal friend, she'll never dine and dash on your ass. Give that gal a promise ring.