What a day

this is going to be I thought.  First six casts, two fish.  It was a pretty day, so like about 100 other fishermen, I headed to Taneycomo.  This was my first trip there this year. About 2 and a half hours after those first six casts, and at least 10 or 12 fly changes, I still had only two takes.  Like I said "what a day".

I had arrived too late to get into my favorite spots without crowding others, so I started a little downstream from where I normaly fish.  At first this seemed like it would be fine, but then they just quit.  Meanwhile, the two guys just upstream where I wanted to be were landing one fish after another.  I knew they were fishing a different type fly than what I was using because they were both using indicators.  Finally, while I had stopped to tie on another fly, I noticed their casts.  About 3 or 4 feet upstream, then dodge the indicator as it came toward them and if they hadn't picked up a fish by 6 or 8 feet downstream, start all over again. Yes, they were even doing a little dance with each fish they caught...I think its called the "Taneycomo Shuffle".

Even worse, just upstream from them was another shuffler, no indicator and he was "snagging" fish at his feet.  The only time his line was more than 3 feet from him is when he had a fish on.  I used the term snagging because I saw at least 2 fish that were foul hooked.

Well, in spite of all the shufflers, the fishing was good even if the catching wasn't.  It was a beautiful day on the water.  Just downstream from me was a large flock of gulls and one time there was a flock of blue heron, at least 12 or 15 flying around.  Also, I just got a new 4wt rod from Backcountry Outfitters and it was casting beautifully, just not where the fish were.

Now I'm going to try something to see what happens.  This site has a Facebook button and I'm going to see what happens when I try that. Will there be a link to the blog on Facebook or will the entire blog appear.  Maybe neither, I don't know.  But I'm about to find out.

First ties for Alaska

The trip is still months off, but I'm getting excited.  Shown below are the first four flies I've tied.  These were recommended by the lodge owners.







The Battle Creek




Polar Shrimp





Green Butt Skunk



Pink  Butt Skunk

This was the first time I tied any of these patterns.  They sure are colorful.  I'll tie several of each pattern then try a few different ones.  If you look close at these, you'll discover one of the reasons I sometimes call myself the ugly fly tyer.  At least they usually catch fish.



Busy Weekend

MTFA tied flies at the Springfield Nature Center yesterday from 1 until 4.  We had lots of interested viewers and hopefully will gain a few new members.  Lots of youngsters tied their first flies with the help of members. I took advantage of the demonstration to tie patterns for my upcoming Alaska trip,  I tied both green-butt and red-butt skunks, battle creeks, and polar shrimp.  I think everyone involved had a good time.

Today SMFF had their annual winter trip to Roaring River.  I had a slow day on the water, only one good hook-up ( on a Royal Wulff of all things).  Lots of good fish present, but they were particular. I tried soft hackles, woollies, Griffin's Gnats, patriots, and crackle backs.  Lots of looks, few takes.

It was a cold day, but pausing at noon for chili, brats, and lots of other goodies with fellow club members made it a good day. The highlight of the lunch break though was a bald eagle that flew above the river when I arrived at the pavilion.