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Caddis fishing in the Pacific Northwest

Thank you so much for the wonderful story that accompanied the page with Goddards Green Caddis. I live in the Pacific Northwest of the US here in Oregon near the well-known McKenzie River. The Caddis is the dominant fly to be fished on this river. Your story could have been an instruction manual for fishing our river. When fishing from a boat on this river we often do what is called a re-float, gently lifting the rod tip and just letting the fly skip back towards you for a few feet while staying awake for a strike at any moment. Often the trout jump out of the water and down onto the fly causing many fisherman (like me) to try setting the hook before the fish has fly in it's mouth. Our re-float is done by picking the fly rod tip up after caddis fly is on the water. This gently skips the fly back towards the fisherman who then lowers the rod tip and once again lets the fly drift. Besides imitating the natural habit of a caddis laying eggs on the water, it increases the time spent fishing instead of casting resulting in much more water covered (fished) by the fly. My knife making student has guided fly fishing on Oregon Rivers for 30 years. He is about as good as they get. Our trade is I teach him to make knives, he takes me fishing, he is the one who taught me the re-float.

I'll have to think hard about the top ten flies fished on our river, I could fish trout year around with just several. First is the elk hair caddis with several body colors, size 10 or 12's in dry fly. This is a very simply tied fly. Next fly is the Parachute Adams tied size 12 (Tiemco 100s I think) with white calfs tail post for better visibility.  After that the secret fly for spring is a Black Ant with a bit of orange or yellow on top for a marker, tied dry fly hook in 12 or 14. We get a big Flying Carpenter Ant hatch in the early spring after the first few warm days. The McKenzie River comes down out of the Cascade Mountains and has a lot of old growth Douglas Fir timber standing on each side of the steep canyon walls. The ants live well in the fallen dead snags that often reach out into the water. Ants fall or are blown in the river by wind and trout love them. Some of my friends (very good fly fisherman and also guides) swear by a Soft Hackle. I haven't tied this fly yet but just got all the proper stuff to do it. This sparse tied fly is designed to imitate a caddis that is having trouble getting up through the waters surface when making transition from water to air. I'm told this is the best fly late evening on this river. I have been having some very good luck with some bead head nymphs this last year. I'm excited about my new tied down Caddis with glass bead body in size 12-14 hook that I will have to get the proper no. or style from.

My fly tying area is in the knife shop and I haven't gotten out there yet this morning. This last summer while high up in the Steens Mountains of deep south eastern Oregon I put on a fishing clinic in front of some friends using only a size 10 Humpy with red body. I don't think the color mattered because the evening turned dark and it was still catching fish. I caught enough "keepers" to feed a camp of 7 men while between the rest of them they got two fish. I also was smart enough to tell everyone else it was just an accident and never said anything about that run of good luck the rest of the trip. Here is the value of that last story, we arrived at Fish Lake which is at 7000 ft. elevation. Local wisdom said only very small sparse tied flies would catch fish, patterns like Mosquitoes in size 18. On this trip I kept losing my dry fly floatant somewhere in my pack or tent, just couldn't keep track of it at all (must have been the elevation). I needed a fly that would float on it's own so I picked one of my size 10 hook "Brush Pile Humpys" (tied just a bit more fully than standard). This fly floats after being in a fish's mouth, just rinse off in the water, blow on it once and it stays on top again. I need to tie some more of those too. This is far short of ten flies, please let me write the list after inspecting my fly box.

I only looked at your Goddards Green Caddis last night. I just saw the entire selection list and looked at some other caddis's, They look great! I love the white caddis with clipped hair body. Based on my observations of live caddis's on the river and your clipped hair bodies, my instincts are that this fly may work great for more than one reason. The flotation would be high. Parts of our river are fast water over big rocks, the higher flotation is important. Visibility is another problem until sunset because for example the McKenzie River runs almost true west which means on sunny days we are always trying to look onto water that is reflecting bright sun, this makes tracking your dry fly difficult. We learn to set hook whenever any rise happens near where we think the fly should be. I've been trained to set the hook just like we are picking up for a backcast so when I miss the hook set I just follow thru on the next cast.

Back to that fast water part, one of the fun ways of fishing is to stand in the knee braces at the front of the drift boat and cast to the backside of boulders as we go by fast. This is fun because it helps me make fast accurate casts, I'm not claiming great competence but I sure do have fun. Sometimes a hooked fish takes up quite a bit of water to bring in because we can't stop the boat in the rapids. Yes, my guide will take his McKenzie River drift boat down through class 4 rapids. I've done that with him.

Back to the sun problem, this is why we don't often fish flies smaller than 12's on this river and I make what I call here a "Signal Caddis" by using a tuft of bright orange just in front of the elk hair wing. This helps a little. We also seek the shaded banks when we can on bright days and always look forward to an overcast because fishing gets much better. Rain doesn't bother us either.

I also looked and saw you have all the flies we need for the Pacific Northwest. As you know each fisherman will have his/her own preferences in flies and will stick with what they think. I fish with a guide friend who kind of has to get folks to catch fish or they don't come back.  This tends to get right to the point of what catches fish when it comes to flies and techniques. We also have a lot of fun and are careful with the "resource" (fishes). Even while fishing for trout in the summer here, the rule is NEVER set you rod down while you have a fly on the water because we have steelhead in the river too. If a steelhead should strike, which they sometimes do while we are looking for trout, the rod, reel and line will just go away down the river if your not paying attention. This October I landed a 10 lb. steelhead on the McKenzie, (we were fishing for them specifically) it was like snagging a log that turned into a torpedo. As you could find out on the Internet, I do a lot of knife work for our special operations forces. I am the designer of the "Yarborough" knife now issued to the United States Army Green Beret. This is the first ever issued knife to the this group. I've done work for individuals in your SAS also. The reason I mention this is in case I "Disappear" off the email for a while, it's quite simply workload in the shop, like it's been for over a year now.

William W. Harsey, Jr. Knifemaker
(The knifemaking started because I wanted a better knife for fishing back in 1979)

Ps: about that re-float, some days we have drifted down the river right behind a guided boat with some fisherman flogging the water pretty hard for fish with no strikes. We stay back a hundred yards or enough that river etiquette says we are not crowding them and fish the exact same holes they just drifted over. Using the re-float I have hooked fish where they could get no strikes. This is an old method of fishing the caddis fly on the McKenzie river.

Streamers in Virginia and Maine

After retiring, I moved to Virginia where I live now....do a bunch of fishing for rainbows and browns in the rivers here....lots of  brookies here in the mountains, but they're small, so I do most of the fishing for the larger ones in Maine. That's what most of the flies I'll be ordering are for....the Mickey Finn and black and gray ghost streamers particularly.  Here are some pictures of the Maine brookies I got this past fall. The flies we used were a #4 marabou Mickey Finn streamer, and a #14 olive caddis nymph. We also got others using size 16 and 18 pheasant tail nymphs, and a size 18 green serendipity. In a fall trip in 2001, we used a fly (nymph) call a muskrat. The muskrats were by far the best fly, but for some reason, they wouldn't touch it this past fall. The brookies would hit from about sunrise till around 9 a.m., and then shut down until late afternoon. Once the sun got on the water, that was it. Take care.
Ken Bohling

Red butts

Well Adrian, to answer your question about my high point in fly fishing this year I would have to mention two different times. First really swell event for me was Tarpon fishing in Costa Rica. I managed to bring in two, the biggest was about 130lbs. On the same trip I also had fun with a 42 lb jack. It took and hour and 45 minutes to persuade him to give up. Second major highlight of last year was my annual fishing trip to Newfoundland. This recent fly order was to replenish my supply from the flies that I got from you last year before going to NF. The reason that it was a more memorable trip than usual was that I had a red butt single hook fly #8 that I got from you that was just a killer. I don't know why it worked when everything else pretty much got ignored, but it did. It was like a silver doctor but with a red butt. I only had a couple so I ran out quickly, but while they lasted I had the pool's attention. If I had had a gross, I could of sold them for $10 each. You'll notice that in my current order, I am well supplied with red butted flies. 'Course this year they may only want purple. I fish the Salmon River at Tuckamore Lodge in the north eastern tip of NF. Been going there each year for about five years. The people are great, the lodge is in the wilderness, it is a lot cooler than Florida and the fishing is usually good if there is enough water in the rivers (they call them brooks). Funny thing about Newfoundland, they have no rivers or lakes - just brooks and ponds.
Stephen Bronstein, Florida, USA

Visit the English Fly Fishing Shop www.flyfishing-flies.com

Fly Fishing in Malaysia

Fishing in my country is very much different. Firstly, there are no trout or salmon or bass. Clear streams are very rare. However, our Malaysian rivers (those which are not polluted) contain a variety of huge and powerful river fishes. The granddaddy of them all is the "Tapah", a species of giant catfish which may grow to a length in excess of 10 ft. (There are photographs of specimens caught on rod and reel which measure 7 ft) This is only bested by the Thai Giant River Catfish. More common ones are a variety of riverine carps, although sadly is being threatened by commercial trapping and netting. Most urban fisherman have now resorted to artificial ponds that they pay money to fish in. Is this a horrific prelude of the future? Anyway, there are two predatory fish here called the "haruan" and "toman" (snakehead variety) that I have seen being caught with flies & flyrods, and after speaking to the fly fisherman, it seems that a small variety of our local fish can be fished using flies. Hence my interest and frantic search on the internet for flies that led to your website.
Vincent Wan, Malaysia

Float-tube fishing

I have been flyfishing now for only one year, but have already become an addict. Flyfishing in the US is allegedly the fastest growing sport amongst women, but in all my times out on the water I've seen only a couple of women besides myself. Where are they? Are the a lot of women flyfishers in England? My high point was float-tube fishing after work this summer on a small pond located about 30 minutes from Portland, OR in the Columbia River Gorge. As I paddled out from shore, I dropped my line in the water and immediately caught a fish. I unhooked it, released it and then dropped my line again. Another fish. This scenario continued into the evening. I must have caught and released a fish every couple of minutes for a couple of hours. It was getting monotonous! They would not stay off the line with both drys and nymphs. It was an experience I'll never forget and probably never repeat.
Carmen Smith, USA

Chuck gold bead head flies!

I like fishing with bead heads of all kinds. I also like fishing in the faster wasters as it empties into deep pools. Usually, the larger fish are on the bottom which means they are lazy. Take any bead head, place a tungsten bead head ahead of your fly as if it is a slip weight. It will be worth the try, believe me.
Chuck Mounts, Iowa, USA

Order on-line at the English Fly Fishing Shop www.flyfishing-flies.com

Lake Possum Kingdom, Texas

Most of my fishing is done at Lake Possum Kingdom, in Palo Pinto County, Texas USA. The smallmouth, largemouth, stripped bass are the fish of choice. As the weather warms up I shall spend most weekends at Possum Kingdom. My favorite fish to catch is the stripped bass. As you already know that is an introduced fish. The Texas parks and wildlife introduce this species annually. I have caught small stripers on crickets, joe's hopper, and the clouser minnow. The odd catfish will strike at the clouser minnow. This fly must be white and chartreuse. The bass poppers will be used when the stripers are chasing minnows on the surface. An 8 or 9 wt rod is a must here, as the stripers are generally 3-6 lbs. Hope this is helpful to you.
Sincerely...
Paul D. Hurt, Texas, USA

Drift, strip and pause in Arizona !

I'm using size 12 olive soft hackle fishing in the fast water. If no hits during the drift I use 3-4 short strips, pause 3-4 pause, for about a 6 ft. retrieve and recast. I've been getting fish up to 18" as of 17. Jan. I just tied up some size 10's to try, I've been getting to many small fish with the 12's, have to try something different.
Robert Krause, Mountain Home, Ar. USA

Fly fishing in the Catskill Mountains of New York

I am fortunate to fish the beautiful Beaverkill River in the Catskill Mountains of New York, U.S.A. Clear limestone waters and an adequate supply of insect life in the spring and early summer make for a fly fishermans paradise. Almost all no kill, the trout smarten up quickly . With no constant supply of cold water (other interests using up the supply of spring water) the Beaverkill is reduced to a small stream with water temps in the 70 degree area. during July and August. Only a few wily brown trout survive this 2 month drought. The trout are so wary now due to more fishermen and sophisticated equipment, that I seldom use dry flies, even during the spring hatches. The fish can only be caught with nymphs . The last big hatch of March Browns was 3 years ago and every fish in the river was aggressively..Every year I meet smarter and better fly fisherman on the stream. There is no end to this challenging sport. Your limits are only in your head.
Dana Wright, USA 

Fly fishing on Cloud River, Newfoundland

A group of 4 of us fished the Cloud river and three others that flow into Canada Bay in Roddickton Newfoundland the week of July 7 - 13.  We had high water the first part of the week but a water levels dropped the fishing improved.  In all 36 hooked, 18 landed.  I took my fish on  Hairwing Blue Charms and Hairy Marys.  Other successful flies were Bombers and Black Bear Silvertips.  #4's, 6's and 8's.  I fish for Stocked Browns and Rainbows in Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee and Kentucky.  My "Go To" flies and Black and Olive Wooly Buggers and Bead head Prince's. BWO's, Adams and Deerhair Caddis for Drys. There are no Salmon runs here in The Southeast U.S. Prime time in NF is July through August.  The season opens in early June. Most of my fishing out of State or this area is in the Salt including the Florida Keys, Bahamas, Caribbean and Yucatan. .
Mr J. Michael Wilson

Over 600 flies stocked at the English Fly Fishing Shop www.flyfishing-flies.com

Fly fishing Abaco, Bahamas - Bonefishing

I received your flies this past Tuesday, which was quite fast.  They look great and I will take them to my club, the Atlanta Fly Fishing Club, next Wednesday to show to all of our members.  I've seen your advertisements before, but you recently received a very favorable review in a new magazine "Wild on the Fly" so I thought I should try you.  I tie most of my own flies but after about a size 18 I give up.

My best moment was last September when I went to Abaco Bahamas Bonefishing.  Most were caught on Crazy Charlie's and Gotcha's that I tied myself.  My largest was just over 5 lbs but one was caught that was between 11 and 12 lbs.  Another member caught a 22 lb. Permit.  There is a fly that was developed by a local guide called the Shrimp Scampi by Henry Cowen and we had good success with that one.  He also developed a stripped bass fly called the coyote which he sells to Orvis.  You might want to consider those two. 

I'm going to the San Juan River in New Mexico in late October and am excited about that trip.  Some of the flies I purchased will be used there.  Some flies that I will source elsewhere, unless I overlooked them on your site, are brassies and Copper John's in several colors:  copper, red, green, black, and brown.  I believe you had a few of these.  Three streamers that were recommended also were Spruce, Ballou Special, and Sparrow but I have no idea if they are used in many locations.

Your quality and prices are very good so I'll be back for more over time.

Navy Bonefishing

Adrian,
As my experience grows, so will my fly selection I'm sure.  For now, in this locale, the lighter weight crazy charlies in white and tan (either 6 or 4 hook size) are working like gangbusters on the bones.  The yellow ones get more looks than bites.  I am targeting a single species, which, by the way have never seen a hook and are easy to coax if fly placement is not right on top of their head. Will let you know as my needs change.

Amazed by the sheer numbers of fish, rays, and sharks that cruise the low water spring flats in Diego Garcia.  Just wish I had access to some of the conservation area on the south end of the island for a little catch and release.  Of course that's where the best flats are.  Your British representatives have been doing well preserving the ecology but I drool everytime I fly over it. (I'm a U S Navy Pilot by the way)  Last trip was very fatiguing - On my casting arm that is.  15+ bonefish in a couple of hours will wear anyone out - pure joy.  I'll be so spoiled by the time I get back to Florida (my permanent home) that I might become frustrated. I doubt it.

I'm ordering while I still have a supply so I should be OK even with some delay.  Wanted to have them mailed direct, but all our mailing addresses go through a fleet post office system vice direct to Diego. No worries about faster delivery.  I'll keep you posted.

Cheers
Erik  

Maine Smallmouth fishing

Hi Craig,

As you could probably tell from my order I target bass, and specifically smallmouth bass, although I do pick up an occasional largemouth from time to time.  The northeast US is prime smallmouth country, and I mostly fish Maine for smallies.  It is my opinion that Maine has some of the best smallmouth fishing in the US. Which is why I drive 1700+ km each way to fish for them.  My all time personal best catching experience was 2 yrs ago on the Kennebec river in Maine, where I put my boat in and went no farther than 50 or 60 feet from the boat launch and caught a 19" largemouth bass followed in less than 5 minutes by a 19" smallmouth.  They were relating to an old downed tree at waters edge in no more than 3 feet of water.  Last year a friend and I did a 9 hour float trip on the Androscoggin river (Maine) and I caught smallmouth until my arm was sore.  These fish were not especially big, ranging from 13 to 15 inches but they are such fighters, never giving up until the very end of their endurance.  One memorable incident was where I had a fish hit my topwater bug, then proceeded to tailwalk for at least 10 feet, dove for the bottom and broke me off.  This was my fault as I had a wind knot that had gone unnoticed.  By far, most fishermen in Maine target all species of trout, including brown, brook,  rainbow and of course, salmon.  Which, of course, leaves all those wonderful smallmouth to a minority of flyfishers like me.  Wonderful!  BTW, 99% of my fishing is on top for these acrobats as I've noticed they will put on a much better aerial display when hooked on top.  Using streamers of any sort, they will hit and then bore for the bottom in most cases, maybe giving a jump or two near the end.  I use a 9 foot 5 wt. graphite flyrod most of the time, but in windy conditions I will go to a 6 o7 wt rod to get those bugs out there. Just recently commissioned a split bamboo rod to be made for me, and should be in my hands later this month.  This should be fun on those bass later this spring.  The prime time in Maine begins in late May and runs through June when the fish are in shallow water for spawning.  Later they move out to deeper water, but cruise the shallows looking for food early in the morning or late in the evening.  They are voracious eaters of crawfish, minnows and leaches...and anything that hits the water that remotely resembles food.

Over 600 flies stocked at the English Fly Fishing Shop www.flyfishing-flies.com

You can e-mail us at fly.fishing@blueyonder.co.uk

The English Fly Fishing Shop
Estate and Country Sports Equipment Ltd, 5 Woodland Way, Morden,
Surrey SM4 4DS, England (Established 1978)