INTO SPRING…

These are a few more fly patterns that I have been working on for this Springs’ fly fishing in the Eastern Sierras and, hopefully - beyond…

This would be one of my ( and the kids) favorite spots to pull into, fishing upstream or downstream from this point…

HOT GO 2 PRINCE

SPIRIT RIVER HOT BEADS

I sense that fishing this pattern dead drift or swung would produce in this area…

EVIL WEEVIL

Michael might consider the Evil Weevil for this location…there are some nice deep slots in here…

Ally is treading the boulders and passing some excellent water that would yield some nice Trout when Amber Caddis are hatching and fluttering about…say, about 5PM onwards…

This is what I would swing through those boulders to her right…and in this water -  from whence, she had come..

GLASS BEAD SOFT AMBER

More patterns to tie – then I’ll reshoot the flies and post the recipes…

PT/TB

TOWARDS A NEW YEAR…

Three things are on my wish list, well… the one I am writing up for Santa:

1. I’d like a trip up and over here to look for little black, pointy thingees with Ally….

That’s ANGELO, playing with a pine cone in the snow, just off the main road in the White Mountains that leads from Big Pine into Deep Springs Valley. – one of the places I really love to visit in Winter when a melting fresh snow exposes obsidian on the ground…

2. Something on the order of a 10′, 4Wt,, BII-MX from this place in Twin Bridges, MT…

3. And, finally, a trip up to this water to use that new rod – this coming year…

The Stillwater River,MT at Moraine, a wonderful place to try out a new nymphing rod in late May – before the runoff starts…

Hmmmm…Either one of these might be good possibilities to wind up on the end of my tippet there…

HULA PRINCESS…

ICE DUB (and SLF PRISM) Weevil

For those of ya’ who might be contemplating tying up some new attractor patterns, check out Pop’s Custom Ties at LET IT FLY in Pagosa Springs, CO…Nice!!!

YO’, SANTA, ya’ listening???

PT/TB

LAVORI IN CORSO…

Works in progress… Some variations on Jeremy Davies’ “Evil Weevil”, Walter Wiese’s ” Turkey Vac”, “Hula Princess”, ” Deep Super Softy”, “Glass Caddis” and “Neu Cowdung” and ,some ideas of my own on – attractor patterns for Spring and Summer…

Michael slurps his approval prior to hitting the road…

NEU COWDUNG...

TURKEY VAC…

BLACK WEEVIL…

KF WEEVIL…

These two guys are more interested in steak - THAN FLIES…

Tying instructions and ingredients on these patterns and more will be posted in the next week or so…

One of my favorite spots on the Wild Trout section of the Owens River…a good place to let some of the above patterns  – “DROP IN”…

PT/TB

BEING DIPTERA…

Well, MIDGES (from Maine Fly Fishing)- the most prolific bug in,on and around water…especially NOW…

Michael, freezing on the Owens River in January. 2004…

Here are some patterns I have whipped up based on the proven ties by a bunch of fellows I will mention in the text of this post . Here is some background on the bugs which Jeremy Barella produced for FAOL:

DIPTERA

This – just in (my inbox) from Tom Loe at Sierra Drifters (12.05.09):

Hot Creek:

Access continues to be excellent and this is a great time to fish here for love struck browns! Take your time and scout out the open runs and channels in the weeds. The low sun angle this time of year gives you more latitude for sight fishing the staged up brownies. Any significant snowfall this time of year will make the canyon section a pain in the caboose to hike into so get it while you can. Work scud, egg, or dubbed nymph patterns with red or orange built in.

Red or Orange – Hmmmmm…

PEARL MIDGE

HOOK: TMC 2488, # 18 – #24

THREAD: Gordon Griffiths, 14/0, Sheer White

ABDOMEN: Pearl Krystal Flash

BEAD: Killer Caddis, Black, x-sm

Based on a Pat Dorsey pattern that was developed for Colorado waters…Might look a bit like this.

AQUACHIRONO MIDGE

HOOK: Mustad, C49S , #18 -#22

THREAD: Gordon Griffiths, 14/0 Sheer White and Black

ABDOMEN: White Tying Thread

RIB: 1 strand of Chironomid Pearl Braid Red

THORAX: Peacock Herl

BEAD: Spirit River, Ruby Red, X-SM

COATING: 2 coats of Aquahead on abdomen before tying in Peacock Herl twisted over black thread

I tied this pattern specifically for the East Walker River where I have enjoyed success with red ribbed midges on a white base abdomen. Chironomid Pearl Braid comes in many colors from Hareline. It is fragile. I use the Aquahead to enhance fly durability and to add a medium of translucency to the finished product.

BROWN BRAID JF

HOOK: Mustad, C49S, #18 – # 24

THREAD: Gordon Griffith, 14/0, Sheer Brown

RIB: Chironomid Braid Pearl Peacock

WING: 2 Strands of Pearl Krystal Flash

ABDOMEN: Tying Thread

THORAX: SLF PRISM Peacock

BEAD: Killer Caddis, Gun Metal, X-SM

COATING: Aquahead

Based on the Jude Duran, Johnny Flash Midge which originated on the San Juan River. I added an SLF PRISM thorax (thank you Davy Wotton) because this material is extremely effective on ANY pattern to which it is affixed. That has been my experience. The Gun Metal Bead has worked for me on many patterns that I have used on the Owens River…why mess with a good thing? I have the utmost confidence in this Fly…

VIN KF HOT

HOOK: Daiichi, 1130,#18- # 20

THREAD: Gordon Griffiths, 14/0 Sheer Red

ABDOMEN: Tying thread

RIB: Rusty Brown Krystal Flash, 2 trands, twisted, 6 turns

OVERABDOMEN: UTC, Vinyl Rib, MDG, Clear

BEAD: Spirit River, Ruby Red, X-SM

Another pattern for the East Walker River in cold weather, similar to many patterns in Red that are used on the San Juan. I like the definition that Vinyl Rib provides to the fly. A number of San Juan Red Midge Pupa and Larva may be viewed on this site:

Mike Mora

TUBE FLASHER SLF

HOOK: Daiichi 1130, #18 – #22

THREAD: Gordon Griffiths, 14/0, Sheer Black

ABDOMEN: UTC Mylar Tinsel, Silver side, SM

RIB: Hareline Stalcup’s Micro Tubing, Amber

THORAX: SLF Prism, Olive/Brown

BEAD: Gold, 5/64 or 1/16

A Davy Wotton pattern for the White River in Arkansas – they work just fine on Eastern Sierra Tailwaters.It may also be tied using Black, Red , Green or Peacock tubing using the appropriate SLF PRISM for the Thorax – appropriate being in the mind of the TROUT…

ICE CREME SLF (Black)

HOOK: Mustad C49S, #18-# 20

THREAD: Gordon Griffiths, 14/0, Sheer Black

ABDOMEN: Tying Thread

RIB: Lagartun ,Silver, SM or X-SM

THORAX: SLF PRISM Black

BEAD: Spirit River, White, 5/64 or 1/16

I tied these up for use on the Owens River for late February and early March when there is a preponderance of tiny Black Midges in the River’s Biomass. They would also be effective fished deep on some high elevation lakes that are in the backcountry – later in the year…

ICE TUBE

HOOK: Mustad, C49S, # 18 -# 22

THREAD: Gordon Griffiths, 14/0. Sheer Black

ABDOMEN: Chironomid Braid Pearl Black

RIB: Hareline Stalcup’s Micro Tubing, Black, 6-7 turns

THORAX: 50/50 Mix, Black Ice Dub and SLF PRISM Black

BEAD: Silver, 5/64 or 1/16

Another pattern for the East Walker and Owens River for the Winter and into early Spring. They have not seen this one before…

MB CHIRONO JF

HOOK: Mustad, C49S, # 18 – # 20

THREAD: Uni, 8/0, Camel

ABDOMEN: Tying Thread

RIB: Chironomid Braid Pearl Chartreuse

COATING: Aquahead, 2 coats

WING: Pearl Krystal Flash, 3 strands

THORAX: Olive /Brown Ice Dub

Bead: Spirit River Metallic Brown, SM

A midge when the Trout want shades of BROWN in the Johnny Flash style. It would also be a passable BWO pattern in the Spring in some spots on the Lower “O”…

KEITH’S PURPLE DISBELIEF

HOOK: Mustad C49S, #18 – # 22

THREAD: Gordon Griffiths 14/0 Sheer Black, UTC 70, Dark Gray

ABDOMEN: Gray Tying Thread

OVERABDOMEN: Hareline Stalcup’s Micro Tubing, Clear

RIB: Wapsi, Wine, X-SM

WING: Royal Blue Krystal Flash, 3 strands

THORAX: ICE DUB, UV Dun

BEAD: Spirit River, Charcoal Metallic, SM

There is an acquaintance of mine named KEITH who squawked “PURPLE?” when he saw this pattern on my FB page. Well, he will squawk directly to his vise when I post some photos on his wall of just what this fly, in this color, can do. And, having named it after him, I will live rent free in his head…forever…heh,heh – This is an old RAM Caddis color…It has resurfaced on the Madison in a Mayfly pattern known as the ” Purple Haze“…

Available at: MRFC

CHARTY TUBE

HOOK: Daiichi, 1140, # 18 -# 22

THREAD: Danville 6/0, Chartreuse – Gordon Griffiths 14/0 Sheer Black

UNDER RIB: Chironomid Braid Pearl Chartreuse, 5 turns

OVER ABDOMEN: Hareline Stalcup’s Micro Tubing, Chartreuse

THORAX: One strand Peacock Herl twisted around black thread

BEAD: Killer Caddis, Caddis Green

Someone once said, ” If it is CHARTREUSE it works”…THE END

CREME RB OZ

HOOK: TMC 200R, # 18 – # 22

THREAD: Gordon Griffith’s 14/0 Sheer White, 14/0 Brown

ABDOMEN: White tying thread

RIB: 3 strands twisted Pearl Krystal Flash

OVERABDOMEN: Hareline Stalcup’s Micro Tubing, Cream

THORAX: Brown Ostrich Herl

BEAD: Killer Caddis, Rootbeer, SM or X-SM

Wanted a Midge in Cream with a hint of gas beneath, hence the Pearl KF and some motion at the thorax. This may work as a good Micro Caddis at the right time of the year,,,

TUBE # 47

HOOK: MUSTAD, C49S, # 18 -# 22

THREAD: Danville # 47, 6/0, Gordon Griffith’s 14/0 Sheer Brown

TAIL: 1 strand of Pearl Krystal Flash

Abdomen: # 47 Tying Thread

OVER ABDOMEN: Hareline Salcup’s Micro Tubing Pheasant Tail

RIB: Wapsi Silver X-SM or Lagartun X Fine

THORAX: Olive/Brown Ice Dub

WINGCASE: 6 Strands of Pearl FireFly

BEAD: Black Nickel, 5/64 or 1/16

A small Midge or Mayfly pattern that has that magical ingredient of Danville # 47 thread. This is an adaptation of the Vince Wilcox VW pattern…his flies slay…

GB HOLO CHARTY

Hook: Daiichi, 1130, #18 -# 22

Thread: Gordon Griffith’s 14/0 Sheer Olive

ABDOMEM: SLF PRISM Light Olive

RIB: Hareline Stalcup’s Micro Tubing, Olive

THORAX: Ice Dub Caddis Green

WING: Sparkle Emerger Yarn, Clear White

BEAD: Spirit River, Emerald, SM or X-SM

Flashy – in that color that seems to work just about…anywhere…

GLASSHEAD OLIVE GILLIE

HOOK: TMC 220R, # 18 – # 22

THREAD: Gordon Griffith’s 14/0, Sheer Olive

BREATHER: Sparkle Emerger Yarn Clear/White

TAIL: 1 strand Pearl Krystal Flash

ABDOMEN: Tying Thread

OVERABDOMEN: Hareline Stalcup’s Micro Tubing, Clear

RIB: Wapsi Silver Wire, X-sm

WINGPADS: Goose Biots , Tan Orange or Brown

THORAX: ICE DUB ,Peacock

BEAD: Mercury Silver, Spirit River, X-SM

I have pictured this pattern in a previous post. It may be tied in a great number of colors. This fly is a good one…

BLACK RB GILLIE

HOOK: Daiichi 1130 or Mustad C49S, # 18 – # 22

THREAD: Gordon Griffith’s 14/0 Sheer Black

TAIL: 1 Strand, Pearl Krystal Flash

ABDOMEN: Tying Thread

RIB: Wapsi, Red Metallic Wire, X-SM

WINGPADS: Goose Biot, Tan, Brown or Orange

THORAX: SLF PRISM Peacock

BEAD: Killer Caddis, Scarlet

A variation on the Gille without the breathers at the bend. One’s imagination could drift…

RED KEY

HOOK: Mustad C49S, # 18 – # 22

THREAD: Gordon Griffith’s 14/0 Sheer Red

TAIL: 1 Strand Purple Krystal Flash

ABDOMEN: Tying Thread

RIB: 3 Strands purple Krystal Flash ,Twisted

OVERABDOMEN: Hareline Stalcup’s Micro Tubing, Clear

WING: Sparkle Emerger Yarn Clear/ White

THORAX: ICE DUB Black

Another in the series of Red Midges that I use. This one is for the East Walker River, below the “Glory Hole”.

PALINISTA – (apologies to EVA)

HOOK: Mustad C49S, #18 -#20

THREAD: Gordon Griffith’s 14/0, Red, White

TAIL: 1 Strand Pearl Krystal Flash

ABDOMEN:White Thread

OVERABDOMEN: Hareline Stalcup’s Micro Tubing, Clear

RIB: Wapsi Silver Wire, X-SM

WING: Grizzly Krystal Flash Back and White

THORAX: Arizona Diamond Hair Pearl Green or Blue

BEAD: Silver, 5/64 or 1/16

OK, I know…the colors are proven – Rainbows like blue…and, it might even work in Argentina…

RUSTY RED RIB

HOOK: Mustad C49S, #18 – # 22

THREAD: Gordon Griffith’s 14/0, Sheer Red

TAIL: Rusty Brown Krystal Flash

ABDOMEN: Tying Thread

OVERABDOMEN: Hareline Stalcup’s Micro Tubing ,Clear

RIB: Wapsi, Red Metallic, X-SM

WING: Sparkle Emerger Yarn, Clear/White

THORAX: Firestar Red/Orange

BEAD: Ruby Red, X-SM

A firey Red Midge for all Eastern Sierra waters and beyond…

SIMPLE FLO

HOOK: TMC 2488, # 18 – # 24

ABDOMEN: UTC 70, Fl. White

BEAD: Killer Caddis Black, SM or X-SM

Yes, it works….

MORE MIDGES

Time to get crackin’ on some “EVIL WEEVILS“…

PT/TB

MICHAEL AND PT – gone FLY FISHIN’…

The first time I introduced my son to Fly Fishing was on Father’s Day weekend in June, 1987. Jean and I went to Bridgeport, CA to try our luck at Virginia Lakes, the East Walker River and Green Creek. Michael was four at the time and was required to put on an overly large orange life jacket to go out in a boat on the waters of Little Virginia Lake. He looked like the “stay puffed” marshmallow man… Michael has a video of this excursion, that Jean put together, which I will post herein when he brings it to me and shows his computer illiterate Father how to do it…There is a portion of the clip in which I bring a dry, # 18, beetle caught Trout to the boat, lift it up and swing it back – boinking the tot directly in the kisser..what an intro to FF!!!

This is PT, Michael and “PINKY” at the Mt. Whitney Fish Hatchery, near Independence, CA on Oak Creek, in 1985. I weaned the “Moo” on trips to this location so he could see the life cycle of hatchery raised Trout. He always got a nickel to buy the little brown pellets to feed to the brood stock in the pond behind us. That is where Michael saw his first “rising” big fish…

Michael -AKA: “MOO”, scoping out the Brook Trout in a holding pen…

I believe that to get kids interested in Fly Fishing, they must first have the experience of feeling the tug of a Trout on the end of their line. This is Michael on a trip to lone Pine, CA with PT and my Father at the Symms Creek Sandtrap. This a great location to introfish with kids – swivel, bubble, 5x tippet , #20 treble hook and POWERBAIT… the fish are stockers…My Dad would chide Michael by saying, “You puttin’ bubble gum on that hook again?“…

My first Tout was caught on a Bamboo pole with an Eagle Claw hook in a pond at the Sportsman’s Lodge on Ventura Blvd. in Studio City, CA using bread dough…

It did not look like this back in the early 1950’s…but it was really close – I could ride my bike down the hill to get there..

Later, in June 1987, Jean, Michael and I spent a long camping weekend up at Monache Meadows, on the South Fork of the Kern River. Michael went out with me and learned how to drift a cripple Caddis behind boulders to entice the Golden/Rainbow hybrids up and out of their lairs…

Michael, crashed out after a nice long hike up along the South Fork of the Kern River..

Within a year, Michael had learned how to tie a Uni Knot and set up his rig for Fly Fishing. His next trip up to Monache resulted in his first Golden – unassisted…

“MOO” with his first Golden Trout…

Working the water on the South Fork of the Kern…with a Winston 7 1/2′ Fiberglass Rod and Hardy Reel..

Michael learned how to “read” water by walking directly down the middle of Lone Pine Creek, below Mt. Whitney with a fly rod, six inches of 5x tippet, #20 treble hook and, salmon eggs or red worms. Here he is instructing his sister Ally on the method…

When we were not fishing, we pursued another favorite pastime – looking for arrowheads in the blistering heat of the Qwens Valley…

Michael sucking on a Villa Rica, GA product standing at “Charlie’s Butte” in the Owens Valley…

Michael soon learned the fine art of nymphing, swinging wet flies, dry fly tactics and bugger and streamer draggin’. Here, he works a wet along the bank of the East Walker River in Bridgeport, CA using a 10′, 5wt, Scott “G” Series and a RAM Caddis…

Ally, of course, was not to be left out. While Michael fished with a fly and bubble on Trumbull Lake, Ally went to the bubble and POWERBAIT technique which netted her this nice Rainbow stocker which she allowed her brother to hold…

Through the years, Michael has become quite accomplished at FF…here is a series of his experiences on some wonderful rivers, creeks and lakes throughout the West…

Michael at Hot Creek,CA…

Michael with his “Alpers” Trout at Little Virginia Lake, Bridgeport, CA…

Michael and Ally overlooking the Madison River Valley after a “FINE” meal at the Continental Divide in Ennis, MT…

Michael and Ally getting ready to wet a line at North Lake, Bishop, CA in the snow…

Cookie munchers at the Palisades, along the Madison River on a very cold and windy day…

Michael and Ally after a day of FF on the Boulder River, MT….

Michael on the Boulder River, MT…

Michael, freaking Ally out with a gift on the Stillwater River, MT…

Rigging a Wooly Bugger, Owens River, below Five Bridges…

Michael, working an # 18 H & L Variant on the Stillwater River, MT during a PMD hatch…

H & L Variant ( River Stone Gallery)…

In the Madison River, below Varney Bridge, Cameron, MT…

With a nice Brown, imitating Brad Pitt, above $3.00 Bridge, Madison River, MT…

A feisty Brown on The Madison…

“Which Fly should I use, Dad”,,,Wild Trout Section, Owens River…

Stillwater River, MT…a fish to hand…

“One last cast, Dad?”…Zipping a Seal Bugger with a Fly and Bubble, Lone Pine Creek Sand Trap…

DR’S SEAL BUGGER:

Creme Brule at the Continental Divide in Ennis, MT…

Michael’s “other” favorite pastime, Absarokee, MT…

In the “Honey Hole”, Madison River, MT…

Fishing up through a run on the Lower Owens River, Bishop, CA…

Michael on the West Walker River, above Bridgeport, CA…

PT makes a pit stop on the Owens River, below Five Bridges…

Angelo and Michael on the Lower Owens River…

That Place…

Hot Creek, as an adult…

A freezing day on the Upper Owens River…

On the East Walker River…shmutz on the Fly…

Michael and Ally on the Madison River…

Goose Lake, looking for the Obsidian thingees that are pointy…

Chest high in the Wild Trout Section, Owens River…

The GIFT I got….

“Children may fail to listen to what you say, they will NEVER fail to watch what you do “…

PT/TB

OLIVE GH GILLIE…

Midge time!!!

This is a Bruce A. Smith pattern that has found it’s niche in Eastern Sierra waters. Tom Loe offers these guys on his site ( SIERRA DRIFTERS). They are a fairly easy tie…That ,will follow, when I put up another eighteen Midge Patterns…Soon….

Glasshead Gillie - Olive…

In the meantime, here are some thoughts to consider when tying Midge Pupa patterns:

Thoughts # 1

Thoughts # 2

Thoughts # 3

And, some thoughts on great VISES under $200.00 from FLY FISH OHIO

With thanks to Ray Kunz at the FFF

PT/TB

BREAK TIME…

I love cooking for my kids. This is what I did on my Veteran’s Day…

Ally…

Ally’s BF, Josh…

And, took a BREAK from these MIDGE recipes which are almost done…

Here: are some MIDGE PATTERNS that I put up last Fall…For Midge Maniacs, here is an interesting article on “How to hook fish on tiny flies”…

PT/TB

STAYin’ WARM…

I don’t like being cold or wet when I am Fly Fishing. What follows are some products which have served me well through the years – snow flying sideways, blowing, horizontal rain and ice in the guides…

Patagonia:

Talus Jacket

I use this as an outer layer and underneath this if it is snowing or raining:

Simms Guide Jacket

I have been using the same Simms Guide (Gore Tex ) Jacket that I picked up in 2001… Don’t need the bells and whistles. I like their products!!!

For base layers, I go with the Fred Segal T- Shirts ( “Mod -O-Doc” ) that are ONLY available at their shop on Melrose because they are the softest T-Shirts that I have ever found – ( and because. the eye candy therein is absolutely unbelievable when browsing that store and restaurant)…I cover it with:

Patagonia R1 Pullover

If it is REALLY cold, I add this:

Patagonia Nano Puff Pullover

Which compresses well under the Talus Jacket…

Bottoms are: Patagonia Capilene 1,2,3,or 4

covered with:

Simms Guide Fleece Pant

Head

This is very important , it is where a majority of the body’s heat can escape…

Patagonia Synchilla Alpine Hat

or:

Patagonia Warm One Beanie

Hands:

Simms Windstopper Half – Finger Gloves

Cloudveil, Run Don’t Walk Glove

SEALSKINZ Waterproof Gloves

I am fortunate to live in Los Angeles. There are many locations where I may find these products, I especially like to go up to Ventura and drop in at Great Pacific Ironworks, the first Patagonia Store – which I have visited for many years…And, the proprietor likes to FF…
Mighty Midget Emerger

A Yvon Chouinard Pattern, From Blue Ribbon Flies Newsletter…

PT/TB

COMING ATTRACTIONS…

After I get the story of Michael up ( finally) – I will be posting some new Midge patterns and then some variations on Jeremy Davies’ famous ” Evil Weevil”…seen here:

Instructions for tying may be found at:

Hipwader

Right now, I kinda’ feel like this guy…

Angelo “Diablo” Barker, hunkered down in the snow, White Mtns., Eastern Sierras…

New stuff to play with…

Hump-Bak™ Glass Beads
Designed with an offset hole, these beads are the ticket for Bubble-Bak™ or Flash-Bak™ patterns. Perfect for sizes 12 – 18.
Available in the colors below
177 Blue 251 Smoke 257 Copper Sheen 250 Clear Rainbow 254 Roe Red 471 Pearl

PT/TB

A SQUAD OF BRASSIES from DW…

Dave Wiltshire, DW Fly Fishing & Tying, ties great patterns. Here is a selection of BRASSIES that he recently added to his BLOG . They certainly would be appropriate for imitating Midges in the upcoming cold weather season. Give him a visit, He also has some interesting Baetis patterns that I find provoking…

 

The tying sequence for this pattern may be found at:

FRONT RANGE ANGLERS

PT/TB