issue 1
november 2016
Souther nTr out
“Ozark Edition”
Davey Wotten:
Wet Flies for the Ozarks www.southerntrout.com
Spring River Confessions
ATL ANTA FEBRUARY 3 & 4, 2017
INFINITE ENERGY CENTER
Fly Fishing is NOT part of the show
IT IS THE SHOW!
flyfishingshow.com
PHOTO COURTESY OF BARRY AND CATHY BECK.
Publisher’s message
Welcome Ya’ll
This is the premier launch issue of Southern Trout “Ozark Edition” (STOE) Magazine. The new title will be published bimonthly (the months that Southern Trout Magazine (STEM) does not come out, i.e. Nov, Jan, March, April, June and September). Entirely devoted to fly fishing for trout and bass in the Ozarks, STOE is starting out as a toddler, and hopefully we dodge the “terrible two’s” growing pains we struggled with early on with STM. I certainly hope so, as the local “likker” stores no longer allows me to purchase essentials on credit. Over the last four years since STM was birthed, our baby developed into a content glutton, beginning at about 100 pages, but in no time at all, it ballooned to over 200 pages. Efforts to slim down STM have not worked too well, partly because I am a pushover publisher. I rarely say “No”
to a freelance writer pitching an article idea. Odds are I will not change my ways, and STOE will swell sooner than later. Hi ho, so it goes. STM’s original mission statement was to cover fly fishing for trout from the Mason/Dixon then south to northern Georgia and then leapfrog the Mississippi River to do the same in the Ozarks. Following our first trip to the Sowbug Festival, what was learned shattered any longterm thoughts we might have had to put these two regions of the South under one roof. At best it was a “shotgun” wedding where neither party had much more in common than a shared fondness of alcohol and tobacco. STOE will feature a lot more content on smallmouth bass than has been found in STM. In fact, we’re open to the coverage of rock bass, warmouth, spotted bass and even ole big ugly, the largemouth bass. Unlike the prevailing trend in fly fishing that has glorified the buglemouth bass, (i.e. carp), odds are that we’ll sidestep devoting content to these fish. We’re a little “old school” when it comes to fly fishing in our region, so we’re drawing the line there. STOE and STM are not typical “hook ‘n bullet” publications that rarely wander into editorial pursuits not directly related to “where to go” and “how to do it.” Rather, the goal is to create a lifestyle publication where “how to do it” and “where to go” are its foundations, and coverage of great lodges and resorts, local breweries and wineries, and our rich fly fishing history are also part of the editorial mix.
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Publisher’s Letter (cont.)
Publisher Don Kirk Editor Craig Haney Managing Editor Leah Kirk Special Projects Dir. Loryn Lathem Photographer/Writer Adam Patterson Editorial Consultant Olive K. Nynne
Contributors Trent Fleming Keith Gann FIELD STAFF
Ron Gaddy Columnist Craig Haney Columnist Jimmy Jacobs, Georgia Editor Roger Lowe Columnist Bob Mallard Columnist Steve Moore Columnist Bob Borgwat Columnist
What you can expect to find in future issues of STOE is articles on businesses, fly shops and guides with deep Ozark roots. The destinations covered in the publication will be all Ozark, all of the time. The techniques and tactics also will be homegrown, not from the West Coast or Great Lakes. “What’s new” coverage is likely to features items you have not read about anywhere else. We are open to getting to know all of the talented fly fishing writers in the Ozarks— the newer they are to the craft, the better we are likely to partner up with them. You are not likely to often see the so-called big name writers retreading their articles here. STOE will be uniquely Ozark oriented. There simply is way too much in the Ozarks worthy of coverage for STOE to bore you with Siberian trout or Atlantic salmon In Scotland (oh, yeah, we dream about those too, but laundering a host trip to repay a generous host is a big no-no at STOE).
ON THE COVER:
Duped - Brown Trout
Southern Trout Ozark Edition is a publication of Southern Unlimited, Artwork courtesy of Mark A. Susinno & Wild LLC. Copyright 2016 Southern Unlimited LLC. All rights reserved. Wings http://www.natureartists.com/mark_susinno.asp 4 l November 2016 l STOE l www.SouthernTrout.com
THIS ISSUE From the Publisher
3
HALL OF FAME VOTE NOW
6
Fishing the Long Shadows 10 of Fall Pecan Crusted Trout
20
Featured Fly 22 Mopping Out the Trout Spring River Confession 28 Fishing not Catching Flying Fisherman Passport 40 Fly Rod L. L. Bean Flyweight Boot Foot Waders
46
The Importance of the Wet Fly and Why You Should Learn to Fish Them
52
Fish Dry Run Creek
62
Tying the Sowscud
70
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“LEGENDS O
HALL O
The Southern Trout “Legends of the Fly” Hall of Fame is first to recognize and commemorate southern trout anglers’ historical contributions to fly fishing. On February 3rd at The Fly Fishing Show in Atlanta, Georgia a ceremony will be held to officially induct six grandfathered in anglers as well as announce GRANDFATHERED INDUCTEES
CHARLEY ELLIOTT Georgia native, Elliot was the longest serving editor at Outdoor Life Magazine and an avid fly fisherman. There is a small museum of this office at Georgia’s Charley Elliot Wildlife Center.
DAVE WHITLOCK Oklahoma native, Whitlock not only is the best known trout artist in the Ozarks, but he is also credited by many with putting Ozark trout fishing on the world stage.
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DON PFITZER Tennessee native, Pfitzer was his state’s first cold water fisheries biologist and is credited with pioneering tailwater trout fishing in the TVA system.
OF THE FLY”
OF FAME
six additional inductees chosen by online balloting. Grandfathered inductees represent the tip of the iceberg of individuals whose passion for trout is reflected in their contributions to the sport. GRANDFATHERED INDUCTEES
HARRY MIDDLETON Alabama native, Middleton is regarded by many has the most widely read and revered author of fly fishing related books in the South.
JIM GASTON Arkansas native, Gaston founded and operated Gaston’s White River Resort. He was one of his state’s most influential members of trout fishing tourism.
ERNEST PECKINBAUGH Tennessee native, Peckinbaugh is well known as the creator of the cork popping bug from the early 1900s. He also had what is believed to be the first commercial trout fly tying business in the South.
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FILL OUT THE BALLOT ON SOUTHERNTROUT.COM AND CAST YOUR VOTE! Southern Trout is humbled by the opportunity to be a part of bringing much deserved recognition to the rich heritage and tradition of fly fishing for trout in the South. This a people’s choice recognition program. Inductees are chosen by online balloting. Everyone is encouraged to vote for up to six anglers who names and biographic information is provided. Balloting runs from September through December. Future nominations are accepted May through August. INDUCTEE CANDIDATES
CHARLEY DICKEY CHUCK TRYON
HARRY MURRAY
HARRY SLONE
CURTIS FLEMING
J. WAYNE FEARS
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HERBERT HOOVER
JIM CASADA
JIMMY JACOBS
MARK CATHY
ROGER LOWE
WALTER BABB
JOHN BERRY
REX WILSON
NAT WINSTON
JOE MANLEY
WILEY OAKLEY
KEVIN HOWELL
JIM GASQUE
SOC CLAY
EDDY GEORGE
BEN CRAIG
DAVY WOOTON
DON HOWELL
GARY MERRIMAN RAY BALL
FRED HALL
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Fishing the Long
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Shadows of Fall S
Keith Gann
omehow 40 years ago I made a good decision. Not always noted for doing the right thing in the early years of our marriage, I was finally able to convince my wife that country living was the right thing to do, and we bought some acres out on the edge of the city, built a house and a barn, had some kids, planted some fruit trees, then got busy with life, and let all of the trees and wilderness grow and close in around us. Late one fall afternoon, I walked down to the campfire ring with some coffee fixings, started an apple wood fire, put the pot on to boil while I hiked back up the hill to my shop and tied a few flies. I sat on an upturned log, sipped my coffee and began to think about fishing, fall fly-fishing in my Missouri Ozarks. Fall fly fishing in the Ozarks with its accompaniment of split oak campfires is one of my most pleasant experiences. The campground at Montauk State Park, headwaters of the Current River, closes for the season on the last day of October. The three-mile stretch of Current River that runs through the park closes for only two weeks, and then opens up again each weekend for a three-month period of “catch and release.” The pit toilets are still available and camping and campfires and the glory of the Ozarks in autumn are all still there to enjoy. Days climb into the low sixties and late afternoons bring the kind of sun that makes you roll your shirt sleeves up, then quickly roll them back down again in the shade. Nights dip into the forties and high thirties, and wool caps are pulled over exposed ears as you snuggle down into your sleeping bag for a night’s sleep that rivals anything you’ve ever experienced at an expensive hotel. www.SouthernTrout.com l STOE l November 2016 l 11
Seventeen miles of the Current River outside the park never close. The first nine miles are almost catch and release, since bait fishermen are not allowed and the daily limit is only one eighteen-incher, and catching one of the big ones on dries or nymphs is not an easy task. The river is stocked each spring with several thousand nine to ten-inch fish, and they will grow a couple of inches by fall. As the river has gradually returned to a more natural state, the number of varmints that eat fish has increased along with the fish numbers. Now, river otters, mink, turtles, and water snakes all feed themselves and their families off of the added food source. Poorly handled released fish die eventually too, so 350 trout per mile is about all the river seems to maintain. Anyway, the Current has officially had trout since the 1920’s but probably before if other Ozark streams are any indicator. Crane Creek, 150 miles to the west, has had rainbows since the 1880’s.
The Current was the first river added to the National Scenic Riverways System back in the early 1970’s. Since then, it has been administered by the National Forest Service and has been allowed to return to a pristine state. Most of the land along both banks of the river was acquired, and what isn’t owned by all of us, has been somehow kept in private hands but with full access to the water.
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The upper nine miles has five access points each supported by gravel roads or a short easy hiking trail. Other access points are available if you know how to find them, but many cross private lands and are mostly entry trails used by the several horse wranglers who provide saddle rides to tourists. Once you are on the water, or within a few hundred yards of it, you are on land and water that you own a tiny part of.
18 that the fish will rise to them. Tiny #20-#22 BWO’s often come off in the evening along with a dense cloud of midges. Since I can’t see anything that small, I stay with some type of #14-16 caddis pattern and struggle on.
Tuesday and Wednesday are always a good time to go camping. It’s the “quiet period” of the week and prime camping spots are easy to find. We had camp set up by noon, and headed down to the first access point, a parking lot on the lower edge of the south camping area. It’s a short hike down to the park’s boundary line, then another hike down river about three-eighths of a mile to a section we call “The Rock Garden”.
A series of limestone boulders form a long stretch of holding water, and get enough oxygen stirred up to attract some caddis and Light Cahill nymphs. They in turn attract a mix of rainbows and browns. In mid to late October, caddis still come off the water in the mid to late afternoon. Even though the caddis hatches are past their summer prime, both a green bodied and a tan bodied are still thick enough in a size 16-
My fishing partner Bob Sadrakula and I both caught a couple browns, with enough rising fish around us to hold our interest. We quit a little after 6:00 so we could get back to the woodlot before it closed (7:00pm). A warm campfire to accompany our chilled bourbon is really important on cool fall nights. The next morning, we lazed around camp until 9:30 or 10:00 then drove down to Baptist Camp access. We hiked the one and a half miles downstream to the mouth of Ashley Creek, and entered the water. It was classic Current River fishing, rainbows in the faster water, browns in the slower stuff. Bob landed an 18” brown above Ashley, and we both lost a nice fish at a river dogleg
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further up. At Baptist, after a fast late lunch, we finally headed up river after 4:00. We worked several shallow riffles before reaching the “Bluff Hole”, where Bob hooked a rising 11” brown on his first cast to the hole’s east bank. As we worked further up river, a so-so caddis hatch was just ending, and we both landed two more fish each, all browns in the 10 to 12” range. As always, we fished too long, and twilight dimmed into darkness. But it had been a bright clear day, and the lack of clouds helped hold a faint light as we picked our way carefully down river, both of us in weary silence, feeling the gentle push of the current as it eased us along lessening the burden on our tired leg muscles. On Thursday, we drove to Parker Ford. This is a drive of four to five miles downriver. It’s a beautiful drive in the fall. The Ozark hardwoods shed a constant drift of bright foliage, and the narrow gravel road is carpeted with inches’ deep 14 l November 2016 l STOE l www.SouthernTrout.com
layers of oak, hickory and ash leaves. At the ford, we waded across, and hiked upstream a few hundred yards to our first hole. Two browns came quickly, and we worked up a good two miles before turning around and cutting through the woods to a faint horse trail heading back down river. While wading the ford across to the truck, the sun through evening clouds turned the western sky to gray purpled splotches on a rose pink canvas. Friday, we drove down to Cedargrove and its low water slab bridge. There’s two ways to get to Cedar, both roundabout, but that’s the way of life in the Ozarks. All roads were once wagon roads and they ran the tops of ridges, dropping down to the river only to cross it at various fords. The counties simply graveled or asphalted the old roads. I suspect that there is no square piece of land anywhere south of Jeff City. Most of the local land deed descriptions use terms like “27 acres, more or less”. www.SouthernTrout.com l STOE l November 2016 l 15
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However you are able to find Cedargrove, below the bridge is the bait fishing area. You can keep five fish per day, and the locals know when the stocking truck has been there. If you want to catch fish in this section, get a Zebco, a treble hook and some worms. Otherwise, head up stream.
an oak and hickory log fire, unfolded our camp chairs, iced our glasses out of the coolers, and poured them brim full with bourbon and spring water. A full harvest moon rose in the east above the string of low mountains that guarded the east side of the river. It was clean and ivory colored and its brilliance lighted This stretch is normally the valley that sparkled wadable and gets most of with the sprinkling of other its pressure from canoeists, campfires that dotted and they are mostly beer the edge of the now drinking college students dark river. A crisp breeze from Rolla, so several of occasionally picked up the riffles hold a number of a few of the multicolored good fish that rarely see a leaves that covered the fisherman. We finally got ground and swirled them out just below Parker Ford, up and over our fire. and then hiked an old 4WD Long to our north, a fall road that runs along the thunderstorm moved north or east side of the slowly toward the east, river back down to Cedar. it’s muffled sounds faint murmurs and its slow Since we were leaving rolling lightening flashes the next morning, we subdued and muted. We got back to camp fairly snuggled deeper into our early so we could fix a camp chairs, sipped our big community meal with drinks, and laughed and our friends. Hot showers hooted at old jokes and were followed by a huge old stories that we had pot of spicy gumbo with shared so many times Cajun sausage, salad and before around so many iced bottled beer. We built fall fly fishing campfires. www.SouthernTrout.com l STOE l November 2016 l 17
Yep, it’s just that easy with Western North Carolina’s premier fly shop and guide service. Kevin Howell and his experienced staff have been fishing the surrounding 500 miles of prime trout waters so long, they know all the fish on first name basis. And they’ll be more than happy to make a few introductions.
PISGAH FOREST, NC
GUIDE SERVICES | ONLINE & RETAIL STORE | LESSONS
Pecan Crusted T
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Trout L. Kirk
I
n the Kirk household, cooking trout has become not just a common meal, but it is also a challenge -- a challenge to come up with new ways to serve the scrumptious tidbit. Of course, frying the little bugger is the easiest and fastest way to get to a licked plate. However, frying is messy, and it removes much of the nutrients that trout can provide. Therefore, we are on a quest to find new and better methods to land our regular supply of trout on our dinner table.
1 1/2 lbs trout filets 2 cups pecan halves 2 large eggs - beaten 1 2 teaspoon smoked paprika 3 tbsp all-purpose flour 1/2 tsp black pepper 1 tsp salt Heat oven to 400. Coat baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray. Coarsely chop the pecans. Mix pecan with the flour, black pepper and salt. Dredge the filet in this seasoned flour/pecan mixture, then the beaten eggs, then the coarsely chopped pecans. Use three separate bowls and both hands: one dry hand and one wet hand. In other words, use one hand to dip into the flour. Use the second hand to dip into the beaten egg. Use the first hand to coat in the crushed pecans. This will save you from losing your mind/washing your hands between each filet. Things may still get a little messy! Bake for 8-10 minutes, then turn. Bake for an additional 6-8 minutes. Cooking times may vary. You don’t want to burn the pecans. Check to make sure they are cooked through. www.SouthernTrout.com l STOE l November 2016 l 21
Mopping Up the Trout
Is the Mop Fly the next super-duper, surefire, can’t-miss, killer-diller, trout fly? Craig Haney - Editor
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It is not hard for me to feel dumb, probably because I have had a lifetime of practice. It just comes natural to me. I would like to think I’m on top of what is going on with trout fishing in the southern Appalachians, but apparently, I’m not up to speed on what could be the hottest fly to come along in years, the Mop Fly. I was looking at the trout flies in the local Orvis store when a fellow angler walked up and started a conversation. “You been lately,” he asked. “Not recently,” I replied, “but I’m headed to the Spring River, Arkansas area to fish in a couple of weeks. How about you?” He responded that he had fished streams in the area with considerable success the past weekend. My first question was “What pattern worked best for you?” “A cream colored Mop Fly with a gold beadhead,” he quickly replied, I’ve got one in my truck. I’ll be right back,” he said as he quickly turned and headed for the door. He was quickly back in the store with his Mop Fly, eager to show it to me. As soon as I saw the fly, I knew where it got its’ name. It was tied from a micro fiber chenille finger from a dust mop. It was tied on a #10 scud hook with a gold bead and a collar of black ice dub. My new friend said his guide had given it to him to try and he had not used anything else for two days. The trout loved the pattern and he was now thinking about taking up fly tying because it looked so easy to tie. To make it worse, he showed me pictures of a number of the trout he had caught. I could not believe I had not come across this pattern. Google dumb looks and you will see my face. I became a man on a mission. The mission was to find every color of dust mop that I could and create a lifetime inventory of mop flies. You never know when the government might ban the sale of microfiber material because laboratory mice died when they ate it and surely it was bad for us all. I started by stopping at a Dollar General on the way home knowing I would find a couple of different color dust mops. They didn’t have any. Unbelievable! Detouring a few miles out of the way home, I went to Walmart with high hopes of finding several colors of dust mops. The only color available was cream which I quickly grabbed and headed for the checkout. Since I was already late for supper, I decided I had better head home and not upset my wife any more than usual. www.SouthernTrout.com l STOE l November 2016 l 23
Over the next several days, I told my fishing buddies about the Mop Fly. None of them were familiar with the fly except Sammie who said “I can’t believe you haven’t seen this fly as much as you stay on top of things. It is a killer pattern.” There I am feeling stupid again. Thanks Sammie! “When our daughter moved to her new apartment, I ‘forgot’ to pack her tan microfiber bath mat,” said Sammie. “It has probably 5 years of Mop Fly fingers on it or 3 years’ worth if you fish a lot. I’ll bring you some next time I know I’m going to see you.” He later a brought me a piece of the confiscated bath mat that had over 100 fingers on it. Again, I grinned like a kid at Christmas. Over the next week or so, I pretty much filled out my selection of dust mop colors. I have chartreuse, cream, tan, blue (looks real good with a chartreuse ice dub collar), brown, yellow and pink. There are a few more colors I would like but I don’t want my buddies to think I’m obsessed with the pattern. My wife, however, thinks I’ve gotten obsessed with the Mop fly but I tell her that’s only because she is not a fisherman and doesn’t understand. She then gives me ‘the look’ which makes dogs howl and ice melt off your windshield. Sharing the Mop Fly has been fun. There is a loose knit group of us that meet the fifth Monday night of the month to tie flies and tell lies. The last time we got together, I brought different colors of mops to share with the guys. Most tied the ‘basic’ Mop Fly in a variety of colors and dubbings. However, the two most notable departures from the standard pattern were Wesley’s Soft Hackle Mop Fly and the Manning’s Mistake Mop Fly. Wesley’s soft hackle version looks real fishy while Manning’s Mistake looks, uh, well uh, it’s different. I’m sure it will catch fish, however since it puts three fishy parts together for the fly: popper head, wooly bugger body and legs at the back to dangle and slowly seduce the fish. For Father’s Day, I received mops in colors of Kelly Green, white and fuchsia from my kids. From my wife, she gave me the lecture, once again, about being obsessed with a “stupid fly.” I told her I wasn’t obsessed because I don’t go to a meeting on Thursday nights where I stand up and say “My name is Craig and I’m obsessed with Mop Flies.” Since she gave me ‘the look’, I assumed she didn’t like my answer and I headed to the basement to tie flies. I think the fuchsia body with pearl ice dub and a black bead will probably be the best color yet. 24 l November 2016 l STOE l www.SouthernTrout.com
Drop what you are doing...
12th Annual Derby City Fly Fishers’
Kentuckiana Fly Fishing Show January 28, 2017 Shepherdsville, Kentucky
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Spring River H
idden in the rolling hills of the Ozark Plateau is Grand Gulf State Park. The namesake feature is a prominent 250 foot natural bridge, formed by the collapse of a large cave in time gone by. Visitors can avail themselves of several good hiking trails, offering great views of the bridge, the hillsides, and the flora and fauna of the area.
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Confession: Trent Fleming
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Grand Gulf has a critical role to play in the watershed of the country side. Rain water is collected and forced through an underground network of streams, ultimately rising near the Arkansas - Missouri border as Mammoth Spring. Aptly named, the spring discharges over 9 million gallons per hour of of cold, slightly cloudy water, reminiscent of glacier run off, unless stained by a sudden rush of muddy water carried in by heavy rains. It is, in fact, the seventh largest spring in the world. Here is the headwater of the Spring River, which will find its way to the Gulf of Mexico via the White River and ultimately the Mississippi. Mammoth Spring, Arkansas became popular in the late 1800s, with the coming of the railroad, as a retreat from the sweltering heat of summer in the city, and many rode the train from Memphis and other points to enjoy the cooler, hilly surroundings. Musicians played on a regular basis, and the railroad was a significant force in the growth of the area. Passenger service ended in 1968, but tourism continued, fishing being an important component of that. Today, the park around the spring affords picnic facilities, and the old train station is an excellent museum describing the history of the region. A relatively new feature is an aquarium that presents local species in their natural habits. Weekend and permanent homes also follow the river, many built on stilts to manage the periodic flooding, brought on primarily by heavy rains in the winter and spring. These homes enjoy both a scenic view of the river, and easy access for fishing and boating. Another appeal for many is the BNSF rail line that follows the river on its journey from Springfield to Memphis and beyond. This line sees heavy traffic, from coal to containers to grain, and provides a periodic, albeit noisy, interruption that is welcomed by those of us who have not lost our childhood fascination with the iron horse. 30 l November 2016 l STOE l www.SouthernTrout.com
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Back to the spring. After forming up in a small series of lakes, the cold water plunges over a non-working hydroelectric dam and forms a 57 mile long river that affords both fishing and floating opportunities. Several campgrounds dot the river, beginning very near the source and continuing downstream for miles. Water sports concessions offer canoes, kayaks, and transportation to allow for full day or longer floats down the river. In the summer, anglers are jokingly warned to beware of the aluminum hatch. The best trout water - where the water stays predictability cold - is the first few miles of the river downstream from the spring itself. I’ve been staying at a campground near the source, that offers direct access to the river. Several campgrounds, motels, and resorts are available in the area, and an Internet search will quickly yield much information. Years ago, someone drove a slotted piece of angle iron into the ground to support the corner of a wire fence. The fence is long gone, but the angle iron provides a great support for an angler taking that first step down the bank into the fast flowing water, onto the sand and gravel bottom. On this particular day, I arose early, out of respect for the heat and humidity of a July afternoon. Wading into the river, supported by the aforementioned fence post, I sought the complex of water that flows around an abandoned dam, now in disrepair. Fingers of current mingled below the dam, providing ample opportunities for trout to feed. I had taken trout here before. www.SouthernTrout.com l STOE l November 2016 l 33
A fog hung low to the water, its density curious, as if an umbrella above me, but allowing me a view of the river near me. Seeking larger trout, I had tied on an olive wooly bugger with a bead head, and began working it near a seam of current that separated the fast water near me from a slower, eddying patch about 20 yards away. Cast, drift, strip. Cast, drift, strip. Rinse, lather and repeat. Nothing. 20 minutes later, I tied on a new fly, a Y2K, essentially an egg pattern, pink and yellow. Standing in the fog, which thickened near sunrise, I again began working the seam, trying to be methodical and patient. Time passed. The sun rose and fog began to burn off. About 30 yards downstream, very near to where I had waded in, the river split and gave way to an island. One spot that appealed to me, along the closer bank, was a spot where a small spring seemed to well up from the riverbed and join the current. The influx of even slightly cooler water might be attractive to trout. I stood near the split, and cast across to the close bank of the island, letting the Y2K drift down. Again, nothing, in what should be good trout water. Behind me on the bank, a group of teenagers emerged from their tents, grabbed spinning gear, and waded in wet, in spite of the 58 degree water. They were polite, and passed well above me and across to the far bank, where a pool formed in the lee of the far point of the island. Soon they were catching fish, with bright, attractive spinners. So there were trout in the river! I was glad for the young men.
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I moved downstream where long ribbons of vegetation grew and fluttered in the current, bending over to essentially form caves, under which I knew to be trout. Channels of bare gravel, washed by the current, interlaced with the caves of greenery. I worked my fly (by this time I had tried a couple of nymph patterns and was back to an olive wooly bugger) along the edge of the vegetation, and was rewarded once or twice by the flash of a fish in the morning sun, but no strikes. As you can imagine, I was also rewarded with several hang ups that took time to disentangle. This was difficult fishing, no doubt in part due to my lack of presentation skills, but it did offer the solitude of a flowing river, and the opportunity to cast a fly, something my everyday life does not provide. I’ve often said that the places that hold trout are places I want to be, and the Spring River is no different. I try to learn from every outing, and from this one I learned that patience and effort are not always rewarded with a tight line. There are trout in the river, there for the taking if you want to ensure a catch, and the recreational and historical aspects of the region can easily fill a weekend for an individual or a family. I hope you will take time to explore the Spring River. www.SouthernTrout.com l STOE l November 2016 l 37
IT COSTS NO MORE T O G O F I R S T C L A S S ... America’s #1 Trout Fishing Resort is Gaston’s. Our White River float trips for lunker trout are legendary from coast to coast. We do the work. All you do is fish – in style and comfort. Then there are the extras that make “resort” our last name. First-class lodging. One of the South’s finest restaurants, featuring a spectacular view. A private club. Tennis and a pool. A nature trail. A conference lodge for your group meetings or parties. Even a private landing strip for fly-in guests.
1777 River Road • Lakeview, Arkansas 72642 (870) 431-5202 • E-Mail gastons@gastons.com Lat 36 20' 55" N Long 92 33' 25" W
www.gastons.com
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Flying Fisherman
PASSPORT Fly Rod
O
ur annual pilgrimage to the ICAST Show in Orlando, Florida is a three day endurance trek to see what is new in the world of kayak and fly fishing. Over the years we have gotten to know a number of manufacturers quite well. We always anticipate seeing the latest products. At ICAST one of our favorite sunglasses stops is the Flying Fisherman booth where Linda Sheldon is always pleased to show us her company’s newest shades for anglers. Flying Fisherman is well known for its popularly priced, yet high quality sunglasses. Loosing or breaking a pair of $20-$40 sunglasses is far less traumatic than dealing with the loss of a $200-$300 pair of sunglasses. This summer, Linda was pleased as punch to show us Fly Fisherman’s first entry into the top tier sunglasses market for anglers. Their new Bahia 7394 RX Master Angler polarized polycarbonate “Rhinolens” and AcuTint stack up with any top tier sunglasses on the market. However, this is not a sunglasses review. It is a fly rod review which gets us to something Linda showed us that was totally unanticipated. Flying Fisherman is now a manufacturer of high quality fly rods. Their new Passport series of fly rods is the Islamorada, Florida-based company’s first toe in the water of the fly rod making world. If the Passport is the harbinger of what will come from Flying Fisherman in the future, odds are that in a short time you will see lots of these flashy fly rods on Ozark waters. www.SouthernTrout.com l STOE l November 2016 l 41
There’s a great misconception in fly fishing culture that great fly rods begin at around $700 and from there rise in price. The fly rod companies with names of status offer their rods through dealers who are insured that “rod w” or “rod s” will never be sold to the great unwashed who frequent big box stores, or worse, still do business with some sales motivated entrepreneur with a newly created account on Amazon. This is not said to speak against or diminish the importance of fly shops or the even protected dealer system. If your heart is set on a $700 4wt you saw on the local fly shop, by all means by it. Local fly shops are the backbone of fly fishing in the Ozark and deserve patronage from us all. On the other hand, perhaps you have a son, daughter, girl friend or grandchild you’d like to properly outfit with a great rod. The recipient of your generosity may not be as conscious and careful with an expensive
fly rod as one might hope. A $220-$250 ceiling on your investment is certainly an option. What really impressed us about Flying Fisherman’s Passport series of fly rods was that there is no sacrifice in quality or performance. In a nutshell, you get a lot of bang for your bucks. “To find the difference between a good rod and a great rod, you need look no further than the engineer sitting right beside the rod designer and both working within the manufacturing process,” explains Linda. “This is what we did to create the Passport rods. Our design, prototype testing, sampling and final production process is held under high quality standards to assure the best quality with minimum costs.” “We know that rod performance is only as good as the design behind it and before sending these rods into production, we made sure that the time in the design department and on the water met the highest standards,” she continued. “From the onset, the goal was to engineer
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fly rods that outperformed all others. The Passport utilizes extremely efficient materials that add power to the blank with minimal weight, and allows the minimization of the diameter of these rods. The result is the lightest, most sensitive and strongest multiple piece rods on the planet.” When it comes to fly rods, the proof is in the puddling, which is why STOE does fly rod reviews in the first place. From a purely mechanical, aesthetic perspective, here’s the skinny. The Passport fly rod features that impressed us include the use of high-quality Portuguese cork for the grip with a FUJI reel seat and TX SIC guides. Okay, so we acknowledge there is not much you can do to top that other than perhaps adding a few diamonds and rubies. Unless you’re an engineer, Flying Fisherman’s description of the physics and chemistry of the Passport’s blanks “extraordinary high modulus/high strain, Japanese graphite with
nano resin” and “connections reinforced with exotic carbon fibers” could easily go in one ear and then out the other. STOE’s layman translation of this technical jargon (which by the way also applies to any fly rod maker) is as follows: “We build these fly rods from the best damned carbon graphite
money can buy—period. To tell you more technical terms would a lot of smoke and mirrors that would confuse you more than you already are.” ‘Nuff said on that, eh? Much the same could be said on tapers to us laymen. If you truly understand tapers (and they are all different and have specific applications), odds are you are already building your own fly rods and are reading this to see if we are going blow smoke up your rump.
Nope, it’s not going to happen here, other than to say we like the taper of Passport, noting that it has exceptional sensitivity, high loading strength and delivers a level of performance that is a notch or two better than your typical production fly rod. The Passport certainly qualifies as pretty fast. (It is listed as Xfast.)
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Casting scored an 8.5 out of 10, and accuracy was pleasant, scoring 9 out of 10. We admit this is an unstructured, not overly objective evaluation, but it is calling it like we see it. The Passport is not the world’s greatest fly rod, but it’s the best for this asking price. If there is a shortcoming in the Passport series of fly rods, it is that the workhorses are only available in three models: Light 9-ft, 6wt; Medium 9-ft, 8wt; and Heavy 9-ft, 10wt. We’d love to see a 4wt Passport. We were impressed with the Flying Fisherman’s Passport warranty that replaces any broken piece for $50.00. Flying Fisherman’s target market is anglers seeking an affordable great fly rod that is easily taken along on trips. This 4-piece rod can be purchased with a travel bag, which is pretty handy for on the go Ozark fly rodders. Flying Fisherman’s Passport series of fly rods, get a two thumbs up from STOE. For more visit www. flyingfisherman.com
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I
n the back of my SUV is a slightly odorous duffle back that contains12 years old pair of L.L. Bean stocking feet waders that have been “rode hard ‘n put up wet” more times than a sane person would admit to doing. During the years since I have bought my Beanies, I’ve field tested over a dozen similar stocking feet waders that carried an asking price of $150 to $600. Without exception they all leaked or ripped or were punctured or failed in one way or another, and this include my Beanies. The difference is, on three occasions L.L. Bean accepted the return of my waders, honored their Lifetime Warranty, and sent me a new pair of waders.
Flyweight Boot46 l November 2016 l STOE l www.SouthernTrout.com
-Foot Waders www.SouthernTrout.com l STOE l November 2016 l 47
The point is that in my experience (and in the experience shared with by semireliable fishing companions) is that after 10-15 fishing trips, a decent to top-tier pair of breathable waders are leaking enough to dump out about a cup of water from the boot every time you wade a river. Many times the return policy on waders is 30 days—were I blessed to fish 10-15 days in a 30 period, this policy might make since. L.L. Bean has a lifetime warranty on their products, so if they do leak or break down, then you can take them back and get a new pair. Such a policy would be worthless if the waders were not a great choice in the first place, but being of strong Scottish ancestry, pinching every penny I have until Honest Abe has tears in his eyes makes little things like lifetime warranties at big fat, hairy deal to me. I’m a recovering wader abuser. Some manufacturers of waders have told me that Isis is more considerate of its hostages than I am to waders. Apparently “bullet proof” is not in the lexicon of the folks working in their wader research and development departments. For me, there is need to achieve balance between my expectations of the performance of breathable waders relative to the purchase price, which is where L.L. Beans’ Flyweight Boot-Foot Waders first caught my attention. 48 l November 2016 l STOE l www.SouthernTrout.com
At a suggested retail price of $239, the Flyweight Boot-Foot Waders can hardly be looked upon as “budget busters.” In fact, when you take a close look at the Flyweight Boot-Foot Waders, they really deliver a lot of high-tech bang for the buck. In use these popularly priced breathable, boot-foots were very comfortable and provided great footing (even uphill). The booties feature “aquastealth” rubber soles that can be spiked if you chose, but try them before you do so, as good footing right out of the box is likely. Insofar as I am slower and less cocksure in the water and out than I was 40 years ago, the Flyweight BootFoot Waders met my expectation in terms of durability. Short of shooting them with a shotgun at 50 yards, determining the durability of waders is a pretty subjective undertaking (and as of late my next door neighbors’ tolerance for shooting firearms is at an all-time low). The nuts and bolts particulars of the L.L. Beans’ Flyweight Boot-Foot Waders speak for themselves. The waterproof/ breathable outers are constructed of state-of-the-art light four-layer polyester that make movement easy. The sliding H-back, elasticized web suspenders on the Flyweight Boot-Foot Waders deliver daylong comfort, while the elasticized top and scooped underarms ensure comfortable freedom of movement. The quick-release buckles on the suspenders make putting on and taking off these waders a pretty easy chore.
From an on-the-water perspective, the designers of the Flyweight Boot-Foot Waders were on the ball and forward thinking. A large 5” x 6 3/4” inner chest pocket is well located and has sufficient room to conveniently hold fly boxes and tippet spools for handy access. The Flyweight Boot-Foot Waders are well-designed for fly fishermen who anticipate covering a lot of water on their outings. Like many fly fishermen, we switch hit between stocking feet and bootfoot waders. One reason for a lot of fly fishermen switching to stocking feet waders is unpleasant experiences with the boot design/performance of some boot-foot waders. We were pleased to find ergonomically shaped booties of the Flyweight Boot-Foot Waders exceeded our expectations. Featuring 3.5 mm neoprene construction, they keep feet warm in some quite cold waters. Another plus to the booties was L.L. Beans’s top ranked, signature self-fabric gravel guards. L.L. Beans’ Flyweight Boot-Foot Waders get our endorsement for fly fishermen seeking maximum value. They deliver to your expectations, and if something ever goes afoul, the company’s lifetime guaranty is quite the safety net. For more visit www.llbean.com
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The Importance of the Wet Fly and Why You Should Learn How to Fish Them if You Wish to Become an All Round Skilled Flyfisher
Davy Wotton
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Editor’s Note: Davy Wotton started his fishing in Wales in the United Kingdom, and there’s not much water anywhere in the world that he has not laid a fly line upon. He has come to make the White River in North Arkansas his home waters, and he has brought his wide range of fishing knowledge to the trout anglers of the United States. We asked Davy to share with us at Southern Trout his thoughts on a technique that he feels is especially productive and appropriate for the Ozark trout waters. And by the way, this wet fly fishing will work anywhere trout are found. www.SouthernTrout.com l STOE l November 2016 l 53
In the Beginning... It was back in the 1950s when l was first saw sight of a man fly fishing for the wild browns that were to be found in the stream that ran through the family farm. No doubt it intrigued me to watch how this man cast his line, worked his team of flies to induce those fish to take his flies. From that point on l was, to say the least, hooked at least for use of the fly rod. Before this introduction, fishing had been a passion of mine with at the time live bait such as worms and maggots, both of which are deadly baits for all species of freshwater fish found in the UK. Place both in front of a trout and l doubt he will refuse it. I cannot remember the name of the old man who l spent time with when he came to the farm to fish, but it was he who gave me an old bamboo rod and taught me at the time how to cast and fish the flies. To this day l still remember the name of the fly l caught my first trout with- it was the Alexandra, which is still one of my all time favorite wet flies.
Why Fish Wet Flies? Make no mistake that wet fly fishing is a skill unlike any other technique of fly fishing, and there will be days when it will by far out fish all other methods used, but there will also be days when the trout are less inclined as they are for any other method. It is combinations of knowledge that require the angler to understand the habits of the fish, the food sources abundant at the time, the understanding of the prevailing conditions and how the fish may react to the choice of flies used and how they are presented. which is by far two of the most important aspects of wet fly fishing. It’s not as simple as casting a line across stream and stripping the flies back which is unfortunately the manner in which most practice fishing winged wets and soft hackles. Granted, it may catch some fish. That said, further acquired skills will greatly increase both the numbers of fish caught and the enjoyment attained from the true art of wet fly fishing. Check out a fly fisher’s fly box now days and l doubt you will find much in the way of traditional winged wet flies. Back in the 1800s and early 1900s that would have been a very different story. Briefly, the history of the winged wet fly has its relationship to fly fishing for brown trout, the indigenous trout species of Europe, all be it, the majority of fly patterns innovated come from the UK, be it England, Ireland, Wales and Scotland. 54 l November 2016 l STOE l www.SouthernTrout.com
Long before the days when the now well-established rainbow trout found its way around the world, these were the fly patterns that caught the vast majority of brown trout, sea trout and Atlantic salmon. Wet flies were innovated to cover a very wide application of uses, both for the large natural lakes and loughs, major river systems to small brooks. Many were directly related to species while in other cases flies were adorned with flash and color. In that respect you could say that the traditional winged wet fly represents three primary uses: Imitators, such as those tied to represent a particular species such as the March Brown and Iron Blue Dun. Attractors, such as the Alexandra and Dunkeld, and Deceivers such as the Whickams and Peter Ross. www.SouthernTrout.com l STOE l November 2016 l 55
That said, add to the list spiders and soft hackles which are true wingless wet flies, and the list of patterns amounts to many thousands worldwide by today’s standards. Without complicating the issue further, many of the known flies of the past were very much associated with a geographic location, that being the particular water they were favored to fish. Back in the old days it was common practice for the angler to visit the local fly shop and there purchase his cast of wet flies. By cast, that is the definition of the team of flies-usually three- which were tied ready to go to the gut leader, often as not also seasonally related. So early season we may see the cast of flies contain imitations of the Olives and Grannom caddis. As the season progressed and more natural species became abundant, the imitations of other species would be found on the cast and maybe one or two attractors or deceivers, often as not also to include terrestrials such as beetles, and land born winged species.
Universally Effective Fact of the matter is, a skilled wet fly angler will have the ability to catch trout in any water system in the world they are to be found, no matter what time of year, what nature of food is known to be present in that body of water, taking further into consideration the prevailing conditions, which will include many issues such as climate, water temperature, time of day, relative angle of sun, main food source at the time the trout are interested in and so on. Add to that correct choice of fly or flies and method of presentation, the former being the crux of the matter which will largely determine a good or a bad day, that is, catch rate- wise if your days are measured by that means. Make no mistake that the skills of wet fly fishing do not come easy; it’s simply not a question of a cast across stream and stripping the flies back toward you. Certainly that method will catch you some fish, but nowhere near as many as you would catch if you learn the skills of fishing wet fly at all angles to the stream from dead drift upstream to dead drift down stream. In between these presentations there are many other subtle movements which incorporate both use of the rod and non rod hand to bring life to the flies as they track the water, in other words animation. These are just some of the subtle movements that can bring your fly to life and promote interest and a positive take from the fish.
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And the Gear? Choice of rod is important; the ideal rod for wet fly fishing should incorporate a soft tip for that factor allows transfer of movement to the flies with a short wrist movement, followed by a mid flex through action. Distance is not the objective; the primary objective is to be able to fish the flies in a lifelike manner. A fast tip action rod will not allow that, think what you will otherwise. Further such a rod demands a slower casting stroke and will allow for a wider loop to be formed. That will also reduce tangles when fishing long leaders and permutations of two to four flies spaced 24 to 30 inches apart. www.SouthernTrout.com l STOE l November 2016 l 57
That is not to say l cannot cast such a team of flies to ranges well in excess of 60 feet, for l can. Rod line weights ideal for still waters are 5 or 6, 3 or 4wts for river and stream are desirable, in the case of needed delicate presentations when fishing spiders and soft hackles to 5/6x tippets, l choose the 3wt; other than that, the 4wt is best for general overall wet fly fishing for streams and rivers. Rod length also very important. Long rods ten or eleven feet provide for way more line and fly control than shorter rods, assuming you are not fishing in close cover where a long rod is not practical. Lines are a important consideration. There are two the wet fly angler should never be without. A DT and an Intermediate, that is a line with a IPS of 1 to 2 inches per second sink rate. Rio Aqualux is about the best. Sink tips and full sink lines most certainly have applications at times, but more so for still water techniques. I prefer wide arbor reels, what is important to me is a drag system that can be set almost to free spool.
And Why this Technique is Important for Ozarks Anglers? There are two main reasons- one is the water here is often very clear and that allows for trout to see both natural and artificial flies at longer ranges than compared to waters that are stained or clouded. Second is that for the most part trout here feed on organisms that are at the river bedcrustaceans, scuds, snails, sowbugs, crawfish, not to mention sculpins. Granted there may be for short periods hatches of caddis, midge and mayfly which bring about surface feeding activity. That said, at times terrestrials such as ants, hoppers, spiders, beetles and so on are included, which is mainly the reason why trout here will look to the surface for food sources, and the reason why fishing wet flies and soft hackles can be very productive. I might add that the manner in which wet flies are correctly fished is very effective to induce brown trout, not surprising, as historically both the flies and techniques were introduced to catch the wild brown trout of Europe.
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And For More information from Davy Fly fish TV is the business of Gene- my friend who did the shoots and edit for my DVDs.
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Natural State Fly Shop is located within walking distance of the fabled White River, just up the road from the Cotter boat launch and public access. A full-service retailer and outfitter, Natural State Fly Shop offer flies, tackle, rental driftboats, shuttles, guided float trips on the White and Norfork Rivers, and guided wade trips on Dry Run Creek. Featuring products by Winston, Ross, Galvan, TroutHunter, Catch Fly Fishing, and many more; Natural State Fly Shop offers everything that the visiting fly fisherman needs. Natural State Fly Shop Shop: (870) 471-9111 Shop: 870-471-9111
3392 Cotter Road Mobile:870-706-0820 870.321.2792 Mobile:
Cotter, Arkansas
www.naturalstateflyshop.com flyfishcotter@gmail.com
2441 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 (865) 868-1000 www.bullfishgrill.com
Fishing Dry
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Run Creek John Berry
R
ecently I was in a pleasantly unique position. I had a booking to take four boys to Dry Run Creek. For the uninitiated, Dry Run Creek is a tributary of the Norfork River that is the oldest catch and release stream in Arkansas. It is set aside for kids under sixteen and the handicapped. It is loaded with huge fish. It is without a doubt the best stretch of water that I have ever seen. Over the years, I have introduced several young people to the stream including my daughter, Katherine. Through trial and error I have figured out a few things that make the process easier and more successful. Consider if the child is ready. The best age to start someone is different for every individual. There is a certain level of concentration and motor skill required. The earliest age is probably six. I have had a great deal of success with kids that old and older. Without a doubt, the best student I ever had was an eight year old girl. Rachel was intense. She caught sixty seven trout. The last one was a twenty seven inch monster rainbow. This was the first day she ever held a fly rod. You should also consider if you are the best person to introduce this child to fly fishing. Do you possess the necessary skills and patience? If not, consider hiring a guide.
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Keep in mind the attention span of the student. Some kids will not maintain their interest in fishing all day. The younger the student the shorter the attention span (this is a general statement and there are plenty of exceptions). The thing to remember is that this is a not a forced march. You are there to have fun. If your student wants to take a break and run around, let them. When Katherine was of age, we would fish every day for a week and leave the water when she lost interest. We would retreat to the indoor pool at the Ramada Inn and swim. Over time, her interest in fishing grew and she would eventually stay all day Be patient! No matter how many times they catch their fly in a tree or tangle their line (it will happen), calmly retrieve the fly, untangle the knot, or re-rig the line. Calmly explain to them what caused the problem and how to avoid it in the future. Tell them that these things occasionally happen to you. Keep things simple. I have found that a simple roll cast or high sticking technique is very effective. I generally use larger tippets than I normally would so that if they hook a fish they would have an easier time landing it. (On Dry Run Creek, I rig my clients with 4X tippet while I would use 6X if I were fishing the same fly on the Norfork.) For the same reason, I prefer large gap hooks (always barb less). The dominant food source is sow bugs. I have found that they can run pretty large, as big as size 12. I always pump the stomachs of the first couple of fish we catch to verify this. I have also had a lot of luck with attractors like San Juan worms and Y2Ks.
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Take a big net with you. Most of the fish are lost while trying to land them. A net with a long handle and deep bag will enable you to land the fish more quickly. This is better for the fish and for you. I carry a boat net with a four foot handle and a huge bag. Take a camera. There will be photo opportunities. My favorite picture of Katherine was taken on Dry Run Creek. It was incredibly cold and she was wearing everything she owned. She is holding a twenty nine inch rainbow and it is a memory she still talks about years after it happened. Create a memory of your own. On my last guide there, my you client landed two ten pound rainbows, plus landed twelve fish over twenty four inches long and twenty five fish over twenty inches long. How many in total? I have no idea. With that many kids fishing it was impossible to keep up with the count. If you want to introduce a youngster to the art of fly fishing, this is the place!
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THE BEST TROUT FISHING RESORT ON THE
LITTLE RED RIVER FOR NEARLY 50 Y EA R S
All cabin and motel units completely remodeled. All new, expanded Pot O’ Gold Restaurant, office and retail store complete with apparel and fishing supplies.
350 Rainbow Loop • Heber Springs, AR 72543
(501) 362-3139 For Reservations Only:
1-800-305-8790
Located off Hwy. 25 North past the dam on the Little Red River.
LINDSEYSRESORT.COM
Cody Townsend
p: Tal Roberts
2441 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 (865) 868-1000 www.bullfishgrill.com
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Tying the
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Sowscud
Davey Wotton
Scuds and Sows
Almost all freshwater systems in the world will contain freshwater shrimp of some kind. Sow bugs may be localized in some cases. Water systems with a good PH are generally the most favored for high concentrations of scuds. Those with a high acidic content, less so. Either way, both are important food sources for many species of fish, not just the salmonids.
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For the fly fisherman they form a very important part so far as the artificial is concerned, and also will enable many fish to be caught. Fly fishers generally refer to the fishing of such flies under the generic term of nymph fishing though this, of course, is not true in this case as scuds and sows are not nymphs. There are many fly patterns that exist that represent both scuds and sows but many more so in the case of the scud. The naturals do vary in coloration and also size, overall shades in the light tan to tones of olive and olive gray will cover most needs if you want to represent a natural. No scuds contain the elements of bead heads and other fancy colors that are sometimes used, but as we know they will catch fish at times. The White River system here in Arkansas has a massive population of both species and in consequence form a staple diet for the trout in the system. It makes sense to fish such artificial to catch those fish. I am going to give you, for this month, a fly pattern that will work for both scuds and sows. Fish will not choose one over the other. If both species are found in the same body of water then the fish will eat them accordingly as they are found. This pattern essentially represents both. Overall, the majority of scuds and sows will be an olive/ gray coloration and the basis for this fly represents that factor. So far as hooks are concerned, it is popular to use curved bend hooks for scuds. The only real advantage is that a curved hook is less likely to hook up on the river bed. So far as the fish's eye is concerned l have yet to be convinced that it makes any difference, and l doubt that l ever will. Out of choice l use a regular straight shank of a given size and weight. Hook sizes between sizes 12 to 16 for scuds and 14 to 18 for sows. 72 l November 2016 l STOE l www.SouthernTrout.com
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Tying the Sowscud
Over the years, l have messed about with many variations of scud patterns and have come to a number of conclusions so far as the artificial is concerned. I do not now consider that any material is necessary for the back of the fly such as plastic film or any of the other products sold for that purpose. Neither do l adorn the fly with a wound hackle or forward hackle fibers to the eye of the hook. The naturals of scud and sow bug are simple forms of life and are easy prey for fish to feed on. Overall a good representation of the size and color will work fine. You have, of course, options within the general tying, which may include the addition of weight or bead heads. Ribbing mediums may be of thread, wire, crystal hair, etc. and the choice of dubbing, color and texture, being the two factors to consider. I have available my own specific sowscud dubbing blend that 95% of the time covers the general color tone found. It is a dubbing blend that contains olive gray with sparkle and a soft texture.
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Tying the DW Sowscud
Thread shade should be either of an olive or gray tone. Hook is of your choice size and profile and wire weight. If you intend to weight the hook then do so before you commence the tying of the fly. For the tail I use some of the fiber found on the feather from a jungle cock neck but if you do not have those available then a dark shade of grizzle or dun hackle fiber will work. After the tail has been tied in, tie in at the tail end of the fly the material you have chosen for the rib of the fly. Next stage is to form the body definition with the dubbing of your choice to a position behind the hook eye. The legs of the fly are represented using ostrich herl. You will need the shade of natural which is a dark dun color tone. Tie this in at the head end of the fly and wind it back toward the tail, when you have reached that point the ribbing is brought back in the opposite spiral to the head of the fly. At that point the material is secured and the head of the fly is finished. You may choose now to cut the ostrich herl only above the fly body close to the body, you may also tease out some of the dubbing to the underside of your completed fly. It is a very simple fly to tie but as you will find out a very effective one to fish with. If you would like to obtain my SOWSCUD dubbing it is available from me at a cost of $3.50 per pack inclusive of mailing cost. Click here for mailing address. 76 l November 2016 l STOE l www.SouthernTrout.com
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Moose Creek Rods and Knives *Classic Bamboo Fly Rods *Custom Sheaths *Bamboo Display Rods and Reels *Handcrafted Knives *Custom Fly Tying Tools *Bamboo Rods *Restored and Repaired kmgann@sw bell.net 913-299-960 w w w.moosecreekrodsandknives.com