Most folks fishing here report good success, so no big changes. Take a look at our previous reports for more details. One thing for sure is that as we move toward the winter season, it’s a good idea to check road and weather conditions before traveling to the lake.
We are assembling our Saturday fly tying demo schedule for the winter season. A demo will be held each Saturday, beginning November 17th, 2012 and going through March 30, 2013. In a few days we will announce the schedule for the remainder of 2012. The demos are free to the public, usually run from 10 AM to 1 PM, and attending them is a great way to keep up with new materials and techniques as well as review both of these, tried and true. Each tier to be featured has great experience tying and presenting the patterns they will demonstrate. Each is also ready and willing to share their knowledge and skills with you.
Last day of the fishing season here is November 4th. A few days remain to enjoy browns migrating in the Madison, Lewis, Snake, and Gardner river systems. Big streamers and bugger types work well them. It’s a good idea to check the Park web site to observe road and weather conditions before traveling into the interior here.
We have stories of good fishing success at Chesterfield Reservoir, but some fish caught are recent planters for next year. Others range to over twenty inches. Streamers, fly rod jigs, wooly bugger types, midge pupa patterns under indicators; all seem to work. Hawkins Reservoir continues to produce some nice fish for those presenting streamers and wooly bugger types.
Browns are active throughout the lower river, and streamers are the best way to encounter them especially under low light conditions. For a change of pace try, BWO life cycle patterns especially during overcast conditions.
Flows were dropped to 2,500 cfs. Blue Wing Olive hatches have been going off fairly regularly. The moss is still heavy and getting in the way. Streamers still seem to be the ticket for the big fish.
Wanted to give you all a heads up that we are wanting to do a beginning fly tying session in November. The class will start on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2012. The class is $50. Students must provide their own materials and tools. We sell a kit designed specifically for the course. Call the shop to get signed up.
Bank fishing has been so good at Chesterfield Reservoir that a boat is not needed. Fish up through trophy sizes seem to respond equally well to midge pupa under and indicator, streamers, or nymphs. Which works best depends on which stories you wish to believe. Fishing success is also holding up well on Hawkins Reservoir where streamers and wooly bugger types are bringing action.
Weather may bring an end to the comfortable fly fishing season here, but a trip to enjoy some top water fishing may be in order with flows out of Mackay Dam around the 100 cfs mark. Brookies and bows are responding well to BWO and midge activity. Small bead head nymphs are making for action, too.
Recent storms have shut down access to many in the back country. So the season on many is over until next spring. Here are a few exceptions. All are near well-maintained highways, but be sure to check road conditions before you venture to them. Warm River in the Three Rivers area and Buffalo River around the campground will offer responses to good BWO activity. Birch Creek in the family area will do the same, and all these waters hold fish that will respond to small nymph pattern with & without bead heads.