Big R Fly Shop eMagazine October 2012

OCTOBER 2012

Layer Up

» Stay Warm This Fall and Winter

October Caddis

» Don’t Miss One of the Best Hatches

Hunt for Browns in October » Fall Spawner and Ethics

Farm Store Fly Fishing

 iFish

playlist

Click to Listen

3

The Hook Point Contributor’s Corner

4

iFish Playlist Music Currently Playing in Our Ears

5

Rifishulousness Fishing Video of the Month

6

Layer Up Stay Warm This Fall

10

Fly Shop Gear Simms and Patagonia...mmm, Tasty!

18

Fall Fishing Methow and Okanogan Valley, Washington

20

October Caddis Trophy Trout Time

22

October Browns Fall Spawners and Ethics

25

Alaska 2012 Photo Update From Fred Telleen

28

Killer Trout Candy Fall Patterns For Trout and Steelies

30

Bugshot A Closer Look at This Bug’s Mug

32

Creature Feature October Caddis Emerger by Dustin Bise

34

Hidden in Plain View We Review Extraordinary Eateries

A Division of Big R Stores

ON THE COVER Sam Wike with a Fall Brown on the Missouri River Craig, MT Photo Sam Wike

October 2012 • Volume 5, Issue 9

BIG R FLY SHOP Great Falls, MT (406) 761-7918 4400 10th Ave. S Great Falls, MT 59405

BIG R FLY SHOP Ponderay, ID (208) 255-5757 477181 N Hwy 95 Ponderay, ID 83852

Keaten “Cornfed” Labrel Calvin Fuller Jerrin Uecker Dustin Bise

EDITOR PUBLISHER DESIGN & LAYOUT GENERAL INQUIRIES

BIG R FLY SHOP Omak, WA (509) 422-9840 1227 Koala Dr Omak, WA 83852 Stephan Avena Greg Bennett Tom McCormack

Sam Wike Alfonso Martinez John Ewald robg@csww.net/john.ewald@csww.net

CONTRIBUTORS Calvin Fuller, John Ewald, Dustin Bise, Greg Bennett

To keep current in fly shop happenings and the latest fishing reports, visit us @ www.bigrflyshop.com Big R Fly Shop Magazine is a free monthly electronic publication bringing the latest perspectives, events, blogs and products related to the sport and art of fly fishing. This magazine is published online @ www.bigrflyshop.com every month. To receive email notifications when new issues are released, enter your email address HERE. All email addresses will be kept strictly confidential and will only be used for purposes connected with Big R Fly Shop. © Copyright 2012 CSWW Inc., dba Big R Stores. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher.

HOOK POINT

ThE

HOOK POINT Contributor’s Corner October!

One of my favorite times of the year when the changing of the seasons seems to breathe new life into our local waters. We have that great hopper season at the end of a hot summer, but then what? Well, it all depends when fall decides to arrive. Luckily for us, it seems to have come at just the right time, early in the month to clear out the thick smoke I’m sure we all have gotten tired of breathing. With the change in temps comes change in aquatic life, causing a shift in foraging behavior for most fish, none more so than steelhead and browns as they prepare for their long upstream journey to their spawning grounds. Some would call it the end of the season as our local waters once again become ours, a little less crowded with guided trips and recreational floaters. For others, this is just the beginning of new opportunities.

Dealing with lowering temps, less day light, changing feeding patterns, etc. is just another intricate part of fly fishing. It is our ability to adapt to ever changing conditions that makes us successful fly fishermen. I once read a book in my early days of learning how to fly fish that actually mentioned if we weren’t constantly changing things up then we weren’t fly fishing correctly. Fishing doesn’t just come to an end because of some date on a calendar or a change in temperatures. Quite the opposite, new life has been given to everything around us, we just have to adapt and learn new techniques to take advantage of the opportunities put ahead of us. With Dustin’s article to regulating body temperature in new weather and one of the best hatches to target trophy trout, to John’s very well written piece on brown trout spawn and ethics new fishing opportunities are everywhere for us to get out and bring in the new season.

Alfonso Martinez

iFish

The iFish playlist is now mobile!

Download the 8tracks app for both iPhone and Android now!

What we currently listen to.

The Xx - Intro Muse - Madness Deftones - Tempest Dave Matthews Band - Mercy Various Cruelties - Neon Truth The Lumineers - Slow it Down Capital Cities - Safe and Sound Mumford and Sons - I Will Wait TV On The Radio - Staring at the Sun Monsters Calling Home - Monsters Calling Home Yeasayer - Madder Red Old Crow Medicine Show - Down Home Girl The Milk - Everytime We Fight The White Buffalo - The Woods Phillip Phillips - Home Skybox - In A Dream 4

Oct 2012

Click to Listen

RIFISHULOUSNESS

rifishulousness

[ri-phish-yuh-luhs-neyhs]

ri•fish•u•lous•ness

-noun

ridiculously fishy, causing or worthy of ridicule; absurd; preposterous; laughable, insane, full of

The entirety of this production was created by: Ivan Orsic http://vimeo.com/33193497 www.yukongoesfishing.com

Oct 2012

5

LAYER UP

for fre

FOR

Fall written by Dustin Bise

With summer coming to an end, the days are getting shorter and the temps are starting to fall. The days of wet wading in shorts are behind us and we must now consider how to dress to get the most out of the season. Fall days require us to be warm in the mornings and to stay cool in the afternoons. This requires layering properly. As the day warms up, put the mid layer or the outerwear away before you start to overheat, and then get them back on as the evening falls and you start to cook dinner. Here is my guide on what to wear. The colder the day, the thicker base layer and mid layers should be used. On warmer days, adjust to a lightweight base and mid layer.

P

ver it is ove

wea We Sim und con sta ava enc use fro dou cold

Patagonia Capilene Mid Weight Top & Bottom

ry thin so s super easy to add layers er the top as needed.

For a mid-layer, I like to ar a fleece pant/sweater. e have them available from mms, designed for wearing der waders. The fleece will Simms Waderwick Fleece Top and Bottom ntinue to wick moisture, ays warm when wet, and is ailable in many styles and thickness to match your preferce. The other option for a mid-layer, and what I prefer to e, is a synthetic fill “puff jacket”. We have them available om Simms and Patagonia. When it gets real cold, I will uble up my mid layer. Fleece under a puff jacket is a great ld weather combo.

After the mid layer lot of options insulated new S i m m s

comes the shell. There are a available for shells, from Gore-tex shells like the Bulkley jacket, to light weight waterproof hardshells from Patagonia. In wet conditions, go with a breathable gortex or H2No fabric.

When the wind Simms Goretex Headwaters Jacket blows and its cold, a Gore Windstopper soft-shell will work great, but will not have the complete waterproofing that you get with a hooded hard-shell.

LAYER UP

Patagonia Capilene in a light or medium weight is king r the fall. A comfortable, durable base layer that provides eedom of movement, moisture wicking, and a good amount of insulation is ideal for the fall. Put these on first thing in the morning (while you’re still in your sleeping bag!) and you will be a happy camper. I use this both on the top and bottom and then forget about it. If it gets really hot, this is the only layer you need, and it is

For socks there are a few ways to go. If you are prone to blisters, I recommend a lightweight silk sock as a base then a heavy wool sock over it. This will reduce the friction when walking and help to prevent blisters. If you are not prone to blisters, pick your favorite wool blend sock (I like SmartWool) in the thickness appropriate for the expedition temperature. Generally I use an weight sock for the extra warmth and soft cushioning.

Wigwam 40 Below Sock

Oct 2012

7

LAYER UP

they provide. For extra warmth, I wear an oversized fleece sock over the ragwool. Be careful that your boots are not too tight, because if you compress the fabrics or cut off circulation you will not have warm feet. Using a silk sock, heavy wool sock, and a fleece sock I can float tube for about 3 hours before taking a foot-warming break at ice off. Yep, 33 degree water and a float tube, good times!

Hats are simple, a good Gore Windstopper hat or wool hat is all you need. In the rain, the hood from your hard-shell will keep your hat dry. Pick whatever hat you prefer, and wear it when it is cold! Gloves are also up to personal choice, though I recommend either a folding finger ragwool glove, or a fleece lined neoprene glove.

Whatever you choose make sure you can still have access to the tips of your fingers so you can tie knots without taking the gloves on and off.

Simms Windstopper Foldover Mitts

Simms Freestone Foldover Mitts

Simms Trout Visor Beanie

8

Oct 2012

Following this system will let you fish all day in any conditions. Nothing better than being warm and comfortable as the 35 degree sleet blows diagonal as you swing for fall steelhead while your buddy sits in the truck crying about the weather in his wet cotton sweatpants. You get the run all to yourself!

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHT

Simms WaderWick™ fleece layers keep you warm on those cold fishing days.

99 $39 HFM10564

• 2-way 200 series stretch Microfleece offers excellent warmth, breathability and mobility • Exceptionally soft microfleece • High-performance wicking construction to pull moisture away from the body quickly • 100% Polyester

Windstopper Foldover Mitt

$49

99

LMB10811

• Ergonomic fit for better dexterity when casting & the anatomical fit ensures less bulk between fingers • Durable, lightweight, quick-drying Soft Shell fabric with DWR finish and WINDSTOPPER ® membrane • Palm and cuff areas feature Polartec® WindPro® Hardface fabric for enhanced dexterity, durability, comfort, wind resistance and water repellency • Integrated heater pack pocket located on interior of cuff • 3M® light reflective logo details for additional safety • Fold over mitt, fold back thumb

10

Oct 2012

Great Falls, Ponderay and Omak stores only.

Waderwick Fleece Top

We reserve the right to limit quantities and correct printing errors. Prices are subject to change without notice. Some items limited to stock onv hand. Prices quoted in US currency.

Hea

Montana’s their own as these class form Monta tersTM Jacke liance, shea mance 2-lay deluge, and turns frigid

• GORE-TEX taffeta liner • Plastic YKK water use • 2 tool atta • Generous c • Fleece-line • Comfortab

10001-305

adwaters Gore-Tex Jacket

99 $149 10001-305

Gallatin, Jefferson, and Madison rivers stand on as three of the finest fisheries in the Lower 48. When sic headwaters converge—near Three Forks—they ana’s powerhouse Missouri River. The new Headwaet is built along this same multi-pronged path to brilathing a fleece & taffeta liner in GORE-TEX® Perforyer shell fabric for superior protection from a freak d afterhours warmth when the sun dips and fishing d.

X® Performance 2-layer shell with comfortable fleece & r K® zippers & zipper sliders minimize corrosion from salt-

achment points under pocket flaps chest pockets accept large fly boxes and other gear ed hand warmer pockets ble, water-resistant, easy cinch cuffs and gathered waist

Fall Run Jacket

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHT

99 $199

Fall migrations go in several directions. Upstream for giant browns en route to their natal dancing grounds.

And virtually any points north, east, south, and west, depending on which direction you travel to intercept banner autumn fishing. Wherever you roam, throw on a Simms’ Fall Run Jacket for lightweight, packable performance in the form of PrimaLoft® One insulation.

Jackets feature a winning warmth-to-weight ratio and the water repellency to take on wet conditions the world over.

• Lightweight, packable PrimaLoft® One insulation to keep you warm even in wet conditions • PrimaLoft® One insulation offers the best warmth-to-weight ratio available and has superior water-repellency • PrimaLoft® One fibers are highly compressible & soft - like goose down yet maintains insulating properties even when wet • Hand warmer pockets and zippered chest pocket • Classic diamond quilting pattern with reflective logos •Corrosion-resistant YKK® zippers utilize nylon coil and slider Oct 2012

11

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHT

$149

95

84700 CHB

T O H Y! BU 12

Oct 2012

Down Sweater Full Zip Hoody When the sun dips and the wind kicks, nothing beats high-loft down. The Down Sweater Full-Zip Hoody features 800-fill-power down, stabilized through a quilted construction and protected by a superlight but tough, windproof and water-resistant shell (100% recycled polyester ripstop) with a Deluge® DWR (durable water repellent) finish. Pockets: two zippered handwarmers and one interior zippered stretch-mesh that doubles as a stuff sack with carabiner clip-in loop. With a single-pull, 2-way adjustable helmet-compatible hood and a drawcord hem.

• Superlight, windproof shell has high tear-strength and is treated with a Deluge DWR (durable water repellent) finish • Quilted construction stabilizes 800-fill-power premium European goose down • Single draw hood accommodates a helmet • Zippered pockets: Two handwarmers and one stretch mesh stuff-sack (with a reinforced carabiner clip-in loop) • Nylon-bound elastic cuffs and drawcord hem seal in warmth, seal out drafts • Drawcord hem seals in warmth, seals out wind • Shell and lining: 1.4-oz 22-denier 100% recycled polyester ripstop with a Deluge® DWR (durable water repellent) finish. Insulation: 800-fill-power premium European goose down

$48

99 each

top 44421 BLK bottom 44321 BLK

The only time you’ll want to take off this crew is when you slip into Buckeye Hot Springs for a soak. The most versatile and fastest-wicking of Patagonia’s Capilene weights, soft and compressible Capilene® 3 Midweight performance baselayers stretch, dry quickly, resist wear, and provide excellent insulation and next-to-skin comfort. Brushed on the inside for warmth, with a jersey exterior that glides under layers, this crew also features a rib-knit collar, raglan sleeves with underarm panels for unlimited mobility, and a tuckable hem. Made of 5.4-oz Polartec® Power Dry® polyester double knit, with Gladiodor® odor control for the garment.

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHT

Capilene 3 Midweight Crew Top & Bottom

• Stretchy, double-weave fabric wicks extremely well • Durable smooth jersey face slides easily beneath layers • Fabric is brushed for warmth, softness and compressibility; provides excellent insulation and breathability • Rib collar • Raglan sleeves and single-piece shoulder panel merge out of the way of pack straps • Machine-wash cold, tumble dry at low temperature • Solids: 5.4-oz Polartec® Power Dry® 100% polyester (Solids: 65% recycled; Heathers: 51% recycled; Stripes: 56% recycled) double-knit. All with Gladiodor® odor control for the garment

Great Falls, Ponderay and Omak stores only.

We reserve the right to limit quantities and correct printing errors. Prices are subject to change without notice. Some items limited to stock on hand. Prices quoted in US currency.

Oct 2012

13

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHT

Men’s Piolet Jacket

$149

95

T O H Y! BU 14

Oct 2012

83380-NHG

High-country all-arounders understand a simple truth: From spring through summer, anything goes. Rain, snow and sun, hike, ski and bike – for all but the day-end soak in the hot springs, Patagonia’s Piolet Jacket protects, moves and breathes with a 2-layer nylon waterproof/breathable GORE-TEX® fabric that uses a DWR (durable water repellent) finish. The hanging lining gives terrific comfort, the helmet-compatible, 2-way adjustable hood has a laminated visor for optimal visibility, and the Touch Point System™ embedded cord locks in the hood and hem allow quick adjustment without opening the jacket. Finer details include extremely low-bulk, watertight, coated zippers on the pit zips and three external pockets (the jacket also has an internal zippered security pocket), low-profile cuff closures and full-reach gusseted underarm panels for mobility.

• 2-layer nylon waterproof/breathable GORE-TEX fabric repels moisture • Helmet-compatible Optimal Visibility Hood™ with laminated visor provides good visibility in poor conditions • Touch Point System™ with embedded cord locks in hood and hem for quick-and-easy adjustment • Gusseted underarm panels let you reach without raising the body of the jacket • Harness and pack-compatible pockets and pit zips feature supple, watertight-coated Slim Zips that reduce bulk and weight; internal zipper pocket • Pleated Gasket Dry Cuffs provide a tight, low-profile wrist seal • Shell: 2-layer, 2.7-oz 40-denier 100% nylon GORE-TEX® fabric. Reinforcements: 2-layer, 4.3-oz 70-denier 100% nylon GORE-TEX fabric.

• Shell and reinforcements have a DWR (durable water repellent) finish

$59

95

83930-FGE

T O H Y! BU

Amazon downpour, Rocky Mountain squall, gutter spray at the bus stop – wet is wet. Pull shelter from your pack with the ultimate emergency rainwear: the Torrentshell Pullover.

This H2No® Performance Standard nylon ripstop pullover is pared down, lightweight and simple – it’s focused on protection with 2.5-layer nylon fabric that has a ® waterproof/breathable barrier, a Deluge DWR (durable water repellent) finish and minimalist features. It packs into its single chest pocket (with a carabiner clip-in loop), has elastic cuffs, a drawcord hem and an adjustable, roll-down hood with laminated visor.

• H2No® Performance Standard 2.5-layer nylon ripstop shell with a waterproof/breathable barrier • 2-way-adjustable hood with laminated visor rolls down and stows • Microfleece-lined neck provides comfort and protects waterproof/ breathable barrier • Center-front zipper with storm flaps to keep water out • Secure elasticized cuffs • Stows in zippered chest pocket • Drawcord hem • H2No® Performance Standard shell: 2.5-layer, 2.6-oz 50-denier 100% nylon ripstop with a waterproof/breathable barrier and a Deluge® DWR (durable water repellent) finish

Oct 2012

15

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHT

Men’s Torrentshell Jacket

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHT

Women’s Down Sweater

$119

95

84682-MAG

Shaded late-fall belays in the Valley, predawn starts in the Canadian Rockies and hut tours in the High Sierra: Anywhere brisk, the Down Sweater delivers featherweight, superbly compressible high-loft warmth. The polyester ripstop shell with a Deluge® DWR (durable water repellent) finish does more than look sharp; it's tear-resistant, windproof and made from 100% polyester. Details include top-quality 800-fill-power goose down, a quilted-through construction, two exterior zippered pockets and a stretch-mesh interior chest pocket that doubles as a zippered stuff sack and has a carabiner clip-in loop. Nylonbound elastic cuffs and drawcord hem seal in warmth.

• Superlight, windproof shell fabric with high tear-strength has a Deluge® DWR (durable water repellent) finish • Quilted construction stabilizes 800-fill-power premium European goose down

T O H Y! BU 16

Oct 2012

• Two handwarmer pockets with Deluge DWR-coated zippers • Zippered stretch mesh stuff-sack pocket with a reinforced carabiner clip-in loop • Nylon-bound elastic cuffs and drawcord hem seals out drafts • Shell and lining: 1.4-oz 22-denier 100% recycled polyester ripstop with a Deluge® DWR (durable water repellent) finish.

• Insulation: 800-fill-power premium European goose down

$99

95

84025-CUA

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHT

Women’s Nano Puff Pullover Sleek, light and surprisingly warm, the Nano Puff® Pullover blocks wind, sheds snow and traps heat with the best available synthetic insulation. A deep-venting half-zip avoids harness-line bulk and minimizes weight, and the 100% recycled polyester ripstop shell glides effortlessly, whether worn as an outer or midlayer. It's weather-resistant and windproof enough to wear as an insulated shell in a sudden squall, trim enough to pull on for chilly rock pitches (and still see your footholds) and warm enough for light belay parka duty on quick alpine dashes. Low-bulk, hydrophobic, highly compressible PrimaLoft® ONE (60-g) insulation traps heat with remarkable efficiency, even when wet. The Nano Puff® Pullover packs down to practically nothing and stuffs into a single chest pocket that has a carabiner clip-in loop. Elasticized cuffs and hem seal out wind and trap warmth.

• Ultralight ripstop recycled polyester shell fabric has a Deluge® DWR (durable water repellent) finish • Lightweight 60-g PrimaLoft ONE insulation provides excellent warmth

T O H Y! BU

and compressibility • Deep center-front zipper allows for easy ventilation • Stuffs into zippered self-storage chest pocket with a reinforced carabiner clip-in loop • Elasticized cuffs and hem seals out wind • Shell: 1-oz 15-denier 100% recycled polyester. Insulation: 60-g PrimaLoft® ONE 100% polyester (70% recycled). Lining: 1.4-oz 22-denier 100% recycled polyester. Shell and lining have a Deluge® DWR (durable water repellent) finish Oct 2012

17

FALL FISHING

Fall Fishing in Okanogan and Methow Valley

written by Greg Bennett Big R Fishing Dept. Omak, WA

Methow River in Autumn 18

Oct 2012

above: green darner dragonfly left: The author holds a Lahotan Cutthroat from Omak Lake

Then, there are the rivers to hit to tune you up before Steelhead season. The Sandpoil, Kettle, and Methow are all great trout waters to swing in. The water is low and clear so use long skinny leaders and big floating flies like Wike's Big R Golden #8 and stimulators, the Cuttys and Bows will love you for them and just maybe pull out that Brown that has eluded you all season hiding in the deep shadows.

Now that you are all tuned up and the leaves are turning, it’s time to think big. It's time to pull out the switch or spey rod and chase some Steelies. The numbers are looking good again after passing the last of the 6 dams. These giants are heading for the spring spawning gravel, before heading back to the big blue sea in late spring. Rip some lips and skate some surface flies like Gerath's Curbfeelers or Finnerty's Steelhead Skaters until the water temps fall deep into the 40s. Swing the waters with one of Greg’s flies, That Will Work or Bennett’s Halo, both of these have been proven time and time again by many. You can find all these and many more of your favorites in our large fly bins.

Oct 2012

19

FALL FISHING

It’s time to pull out the pontoon boats and fins again and start hitting the lakes, before Steelhead season. Big Blue in the Sinlaheken Valley, Chopaka, Aeneas, The Greens, Omak and anglers over in the Methow Valley better hit Davis, Twin lakes and don’t forget Rat Lake. Pull out the Water Boatmen (corixidae) #10-14 and the Backswimmers (nofonectidae) #8-12 for a fast action time. Both of these I tie on hard foam and fish a type II sinking line, to give them that swimming action. But lets not forget about the top water action with Darner Dragonflies #2-4 for that big splash and take, or the tiny hard to tie on your tippet Tricos #18-24 for that slurp and go tight lines.

OCTOBER CADDIS

October Caddis written by Dustin Bise

Every year as t summer draws to an end begin to look for one of m favorite hatches of the year, t October Caddis. This cadd from the family Dicosmoec inhabits the northwest corn of the USA from north Calif nia to BC. The key time to fi this pattern is from Septemb to December, but the em gence can continue well in the winter and in some system even carry over to the spring

The life cycle of an Oct their eggs by dancing in riffle bottom. The young caddis, th marily of algae, twigs, and o the river via a layer of silk. D source. As the larva grow an larva shed their plant home added weight of the new cas and provides a natural cam bottom eating decaying fish, primarily in June, July and A leave their case and make a fr build one last case before m caddis spread throughout th this free drift period, which pupa dead drifted and twitch beneath them.

20

Oct 2012

tober Caddis begins in the evening, when the adults lay e water and depositing the eggs to drift and settle on the hrough the winter, will form protective cases made priother plant matter. The case is held onto the bottom of During this stage the larva are tiny, and not a major food nd high spring water begins it journey to the pacific, the es and rebuild their case out of sand and pebbles, the se helps them stay planted on the bottom of the stream mouflage. Here they will remain, crawling along the insects, and plants, as they grow. Then, as summer hits, August, the larva become available to wise trout. They ree drift in the current to a new location where they will making their fall emergence. This helps distribute the he river and ensures the survival of the species. During happens daily in the afternoons, a large orange caddis hed can be extremely effective in riffles and the pools

After regaining the bottom and building a case, the larva, now pupa, become ready to hatch again in September and October. The emergence behavior is diverse, and generally they will crawl and swim to shore and then emerge, but a smaller percentage will emerge mid river as well. When you start to see left over shucks on streamside rocks you know the hatch is underway, and it can pay off to fish a large pumpkin orange stimulator even if you don’t see many naturals around. If you have no luck with the dries on a dead drift, trying skating them or fishing an emerger (like the creature feature fly) on a dropper or as part of a double nymph rig. After the adults hatch, they tend to sit on streamside vegetation until the low light hours of the evening, when they take flight and begin to lay eggs. Drifting an adult dry under bankside vegetation can be super productive during the morning and afternoon, as fish are used to seeing them fall off the plants, especially on windy days. Key characteristics to imitate are folded tent style wing cases (usually brown/grey mottled), two eyes on the head of the fly (burned maxima chameleon works well) and two large front antennae. The front legs of the adult are also prominent so adding a couple rubber legs to your offerings can’t hurt.

OCTOBER CADDIS

the d, I my the dis, cus, ner forfish ber mernto ems g.

Take advantage of the hatch by fishing the nymphs in the morning and switching to stimulators with an emerger pattern in the evening and always, always, swing your offerings at the end of your drift. If Gary Lafontaine says this hatch is one of an angler’s best opportunity to target trophy trout then I think it must be worth exploring.

Oct 2012

21

FALL SPAWN

The

Hunt For Browns

IN OCTOBER: Fall Spawners written by John Ewald

Summer is over. The leaves on riverside trees soon will change from faded greens to golds , reds, yellows and brow leaves, the brown trouts appearance begins to change colors to get ready for it’s fall spawning run. Rusty browns will darken brighten into pumpkin orange, and maroon spots will emerge like bright blood red paint daubs upon a scaly canvas. The day nights get cooler, and the water temperatures drop, prompting brown trout to return to their spawning grounds to begin the again. This time period begins as early as mid to late September and can last as long as mid January to early February with th in early spring when water temps begin to warm. This is a time two extremes, the leaves on the tress are dying, while new life i the rivers and streams.

22

Oct 2012

Once the male and female brown trout reach their spawning area, the female begins to dig a depression into the gravelly bottom. The area is very important to where the trout chooses to lay her eggs. Ideally, water temperatures need to be within the 40s and no higher than around 49 degrees. The water flow needs to be at about walking pace and more oxygenated than normal. A depth of

about 6 to 16 inches deep is also ideal for just the right amount of light penetration and to help keep an oxygenated flow over the eggs, especially during flow influx. This combination of water temp, oxygenation, depth and graveled bottom is crucial to the survival rate of the eggs to hatch.

During this time, males will compete for the right to release his milt or sperm over the eggs in the redd. Sooner or later, one male will chase off the others and own the right to the redd. The females then gently cover the fertilized eggs with sand and silt using her tail. This is thought to clean the gravel and to allow just the right amount of flow and oxygen through the eggs. Usually anywhere from 4,000 to 14,000 eggs, dependent upon her size, will be deposited and fertilized. It is estimated that only about 10 percent of the eggs survive under ideal conditions.

These conditions include non-damaging gravel, a balance of ideal current flow and a silty barrier, surviving predatory fish, sperm reaching the egg, nonexposure to shallow or exposed eggs that can freeze, and surviving fungal threats.

The eggs, when water temps rise will begin to hatch in the spring. The tiny alevins will hatch and continue to grow while surviving and using nutrients from the attached belly sac. The will then grow into small fry who will leave the redd to find food for themselves.

Jul 2012 Oct

19 23

FALL SPAWN

wns. Just like the n, buttery yellows ys get shorter, the e cycle of life once he hatch beginning is beginning within

Prior to the spawn, both male and female brown trout will begin to forage for as much food as possible. Not only will this help them prepare for the long journey of swimming upstream to their spawning grounds, it also aids in the development of the eggs in the females and the sperm in the males. The long journey ahead could take as much as a day or even a week depending on how far each trout has travelled from it’s very own place of birth.

FALL FALLSPAWN SPAWN

This becomes a dangerous time for the fry.

They must begin to learn to survive and fend for themselves as they grow further into Parr and finally into adolescent trout.

Pre spawn could be a very good time to increase your catch rate during the fall. Trout are stocking up on larger insects, baitfish and crayfish in order to sustain the energy it takes for the spawning process. I’ve heard more stories of large brown trout being caught on large streamers or crayfish patterns in the fall than any other time of year. Browns also tend to get very aggressive and territorial just before the spawning run. Chemical changes happen within the trout’s brain this time of year and there’s nothing better than hooking into a pissed off brown with a 6 inch streamer pattern. Fishing before the spawn could end up being a better time to fish for these pre 24

Oct 2012

spawn browns to avoid unethical and controversial fishing practices. It’s best to use your own judgment when fishing during the fall spawn. If you are going to target brown trout during this time period, practice safe handling and release the trout as quickly as possible without keeping it out of the water for a long period of time.

This will increase the chances of survival and the chance that the trout, whether male or female, will return to the redd to protect the vulnerable eggs if actual spawning has commenced. Although it is unknown how much time a male or female will stay on a redd, it’s best to minimize your interference with Mother Nature as much as possible. An angler must use caution while wading as one wrong footstep could disrupt and completely wipeout an already vulnerable redd. We as anglers must use our own discretion when fishing for trout this time of year. How many fish caught is too many?

When a person catches 5 or 10 in as many as 10 or 15 casts; enough is enough. This isn’t really sport fishing and is no longer challenging when the hard earned reward and challenge is what really makes the allure of the sport of fly fishing so great. We all must do our part as ambassadors for the sport, and do our best to put conservation first and retain a sense of integrity in order to secure what we love as anglers and outdoorsman for many generations to come.

The value of what you decide to put on this issue is up to you, just remember ethics and conservation should be in the forefront of your mind when considering your actions.

ALASKA

How’s the Fishing?

Fred Telleen from the fly shop in Great Falls has been guiding all summer in Alaska on the Kenai River, among other rivers, so we thought we would show you what he’s been up to.

Just another day at the office! Those are some pigs Fred!

Alaska 2012

Oct 2012

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ALASKA 26

Oct 2012

ALASKA

Oct 2012

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TROUT CANDY

killer

Candy

Euphoria Brown

Hickmans

Oct 2012 Sept 2012

any trou Kingreys

Andersons

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T

Flesh Eating Sculpin

Better Foam Ca

Hartwicks

Duck Turd

Oc

ut with this ďŹ ne selection of SAVORY

TROUT CANDY

Tantalize

synthetic morsels.

addis

Harrops

last Last Chance Cripple Mahogany

ctober Caddis October

October Caddis Sparkle Pupa Oct 2012

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BUGSHOT

Anax Junius: Green Darner Dragony

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Oct 2012

Bugshot

We have back issues!

Not those kinda back issues, previous issues you can read if you missed one!

Farm Store Fly Fishing

MAY 2012

We Mean Business in Omak

» Meet the Crew, The Third Big R Fly Shop is Now Open!

Freshwater Wolves

» Spring Pike Fishing is in Full Moon

Rod Sense

» Our Rod Inventory Makes Sense

CREATURE FEATURE

Farm Store Fly Fishing

AUGUST 2012

Big R Fly Shop

SEPTEMBER 2012

Farm Store Fly Fishing

Hopper Mania Presents

Watch on Pag

e8

HOPPER ISSUE

2

0

1

Stop! Hopper Time

2

» Oh-Oh-Oh-Oh-Oh-Oh, We Break it Down

rish Mor er Hopp

Idaho Metalhead

» Steelheading in Idaho

Hopper Mania

Steelhead Lifecycle

BugShot

The Cast: Spey Casting Video Series

» Big R Fly Shop Presents a Short Film » Killer Closeups of Hoppers in Their Habitat

» 900 Miles From Start to Finish » Learn to Spey Cast with Calvin Fuller

t x ne

h t n mo

GEAR NIGHT

Got an issue!?

CREATURE FEATURE

CREATURE FEATURE

Dustin Bise ties up his October Caddis Pupa

Fly Recipe: Thread: UTC 140 FL. Orange Hook: Size 8 Orange Mini Body Stretch Scud Back Orange, UV Hot Orange Steelhead Ice Dub Black Rabbit Zonker UV Orange Krystal Flash Dyed Pheasant Rump Black Hares Ear Dubbing Dustin’s October Caddis Pupa fly pattern is a great fly to swing for steelhead and even trout at the end of September just prior to the emergence of the adult October caddis. It is best to coordinate your timing will the falling of the the leaves. October caddis are already an unpredictable hatch, but the pupa become active when they notice temperatures falling. Also, look for pupal shucks along bankside rocks and you will know the time is right.

Sometimes fishing a pupa pattern versus the actual adult on the surface will produce more strikes since it is the easier take for steelhead. Fish this pattern with confidence and hang on!

Have you ever wondered how that Royal Wulff or Parachute Adams you use so much was tied or how to tie it?

EMAIL US. We would be more than happy to tie up the pattern as close to the original as possible for your viewing pleasure.

Describe the fly as best as possible or better yet, send along a pic of the fly and the name of it.

Don’t forget to check out the fly tying section up on the Big R Fly Shop website HERE. We upload a new fly tying video weekly as our featured Fly of the Week, and the fly tying section continues to grow with some of our most popular fly patterns.

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Oct 2012

Did you Know?!

The Big R Fly Shop Website Provides Up-to-Date Info on : Area Waters, Fishing Reports and Stream Flows.

UPDATE YOUR

MIND

NOW!

You Can Also Find Other Fun and Informative Info :

Photo & Video Galleries, Fly Fishing Destinations, Quick Tip Videos, Fly Tying Videos, Fly of the Week, Bug Blog and Upcoming News and Events!

EVANS BROTHERS

Evans Brothers Coffee

by Dustin Bise - Big R Fly Shop of Ponderay, ID

Evans Brothers Coffee is a locally owned artisan coffee roaster located in downtown Sandpoint, Idaho. The doors opened in September of 2009, and Sandpoint was picked by the owners for its access to the outdoors and family friendly community. The local ski hill being a short trip away also didn’t hurt.

Evans Brothers serves certified organic coffee, with beans sourced both from fair trade importers, and more recently direct trade. They take the time to visit the plantations, meet the farmers, and do business with them directly to ensure quality products and help the farmers earn fair market value from their crops. Once the beans arrive they are roasted in house using a variety of techniques to bring out desired qualities of the beans. Each bean has its own roast profile and undergoes a series of sample roasts and taste tests before being released. After roasting, beans are set aside to rest for 2-3 days while they release stored CO2.

On average, there are eight single origin roasts, four blends, and a limited run Roasters Reserve bean ready to be brewed into your favorite type of coffee. To best experience the flavor profiles, try a cup of their pour over coffee, black. This is the staple cup of coffee that Evans is known for, and they take great care to ensure every cup comes out with a perfect three minute, temperature controlled

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Oct 2012

Evans focus is on coffee, but they also have fresh baked goods and breakfast burritos to round out your morning. In addition to coffee, Evans is a community staple. They host a local art gallery inside, as well as various parties, fundraisers, and community events throughout the year with live music, beer on tap, dancing, and more.

EVANS BROTHERS

brew. If you prefer a latte or espresso, they have you covered as well, and the baristas are all versed in pouring “latte art� so your drink looks as good as it tastes.

Evans is open from 7-5 Mon-Fri, and 8-2 on Saturday. Although they intended to stay local, you can order beans online at evansbrotherscoffee.com. I recommend any of the Ethiopian Single Origins or the Chair 6 Breakfast Blend.

Oct 2012

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Great Falls, MT

Ponderay, ID

Omak, WA

4400 10th Ave South ( 406 ) 761.7441

477181 North Hwy 95 ( 208 ) 255.5757

1227 Koala Dr ( 509 ) 422.9840

www.bigrflyshop.com

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