What fly to use?

[Modocer]

My husband and I need some help.  We started fly-fishing about a year ago and are really enjoying it.  I enjoy tying flies, so I have many that I think will work well in our area (extreme North-eastern california), in the local reservoirs, lakes and small streams.  Our current method of choosing a fly is to open our fly boxes and randomly pick one that looks about right (based on nothing).  Does anyone out there have any suggestions on how to effectively choose the correct fly for the current situation and conditions?  Does anyone know any good websites, forums, or books that can help with this?  We're tired of getting skunked?  Thanks for your help!

 

[idaho]

Hi, If you can see what kind of bugs are hatching out and get a fly that will resemble it will be good. In the middle of summer when grasshoppers are out a grasshopper fly works real well. Up here in Idaho my favorites are the Renegrades, Royal Coachman, and Royal Coachman bucktail, Grey Hackle Peacock, and Mosquito.  These are what I use 95% of the time. All my other flies I just pack around most of the time. Go to some of the local sporting good stores or tackle shop and they might be able to tell you what is the hot fly also. Sometimes they are real nice helping you out, and other times not so good. I hope I helped you out.

 

[spectr17]

Modocer,

Here are some fly fishing links I have found that are real helpful.

http://www.jesseshuntingpage.com/calfish.html#flyfishing

 

[Modocer]

Thanks for your help - I'll check out the site.  

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to fly fish lakes and reservoirs for rainbow and brown trout?

 

[wildlifedesigner]

When I choose a fly I try to pick one that will have no trouble floating for long periods of time and one I will be able to see. I usually use Elk hair cattis, mosquitos- or some grey colored flys, black ant for nymphs I use hellgramites or any nasty looking flycritter. For fishing in lakes use light line and stay out of the fishes site. The clear calm water makes them even smarter.

 

[hronk]

For an unfamiliar lake, try either a sink tip line or full sink and a Wooly Bugger or Matuka in size 8 to 12  to start with and then experiment.  The wooly bugger can imitate any thing From Damsel fly larvae to Catapillars and other munchy critters and the Matukas imitate a variety of small minnows.  Use short jerky retrieves and then change pace often 'til you find a retrieve that the like.  Get down near the bottom if possible......hronk

 

[Modocer]

Thanks for all your help!  Went fishing in a nearby reservoir last night - had a lot of fun.  I put on a scud and had a bite on almost every cast.  Then all of a sudden, mayflies by the thousands came out.  Of course I had on a sink tip line, so I had to change lines, and flies.  When I finally got situated, the mayflies went "to bed" and it got dark.  I never caught a fish, but I had a lot of bites and a lot of fun.  Hopefully tonight will be more successful.

If anyone else has any more suggestions - please let me know.  I've only been flyfishing for a year and I love it, but always need help and pointers!!!

 

[jerry d]

Modocer,

Go to http://www.vaughnfly.com for what's happening around N.E. Calif.(Hat Creek Area).

He usually has good info which should also work in your area.

A friend that ties flys gave me something called a zug-bug that worked like a champ til I lose it on a "tree fish" that I caught on a back cast. :ABG

As you can guess I'm a rookie at flyfishing but I give it my best effort. Sometimes I catch um, sometimes not - but I always have fun.

For an "out of the hat selection" I've had some good results with an elk hair caddis but when all else fails, I go to a black ant and pray.

Good luck and catch the big one.........

 

[idaho]

In lakes and reservoirs, a bubble and a fly works real well. A bubble is a litte plastic torpedo shaped float. Some of them you can put water in so you can cast a little further. Drop a fly 18 to 24 inches on the tail end of it and use a spinning pole and throw out as far as you can or want. Retreive it a little at a time. Works real well. Use the lightest line that you can cast.

 

[jerry d]

I use the setup Idaho described for trout stream fishing. I fill the bubble half full of water to make it ride the water better. Put on a cricket, cast upstream, let the current pull the line out through the bubble as it floats down stream, get ready for action!!!

Works real well in streams with deep holes since the line feeding out through the bubble allows the cricket to sink and move through the bottom of the hole where that big brown like to hangout.

Hot Dang, only 2 more weeks til a week of chasing um around Hat Creek and surrounding area. :dancinred

 

[Fly Slinger]

for streams and small rivers, try a beadhead, or something like a flashback pheasant tail..  beadhead price will work well, get em small too, until you know the size of the fish your going after.  but mostly small flashbacks and beadheads will produce in the streams and rivers.  and the wooly bugger idea with the lakes is good too.  you'll get those big browns on the bugger.. good luck.