CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVER

As fly fishing for trout begins to dwindle a bit in the northern US, one needs to look no further then the southern US for opportunities to get away a bit and fish some new waters. One such place is the Chattahoochee River in Georgia. The 'Hooch' is one of the most productive tailwater fisheries in south, and is renowned for its beauty as well.

The 48 mile stretch below Buford Dam is managed for year around trout fishery, with a near constant temperature of 54 degrees. 15 miles of this stretch is artificial lures only. Late fall and winter are a perfect time to plan your trip, as the reservoir is low and water levels are on the tailwater are too.

Dry fly action midges, bwos, and even some salmonflies. While below surface try standard hare's ears and pheasant tails. See our hatch chart Chattahoochee River for more info.

Positioning

Where you physically stand before you even cast can make the difference between catching fish and not. It is the foundation of a realistic hassle free drift. It is also very overlooked by anxius fly fishers. I prefer to limit or even avoid mending, given that it is many times unavoidable, yet positioning yourself to minmize it is very possible. For example standing downstream from your targeted water, when dealing with varying current speeds, you can cast a belly in the line on the faster current and have a drag free drift through your desired spot. With even current standing across from the fish lie will help in your drift. For slow clear water I often stand upstream to prevent spooking fish and allow the fly to drift over the water before any fly line, this works well for dry fly fishing.

There are as many variations on the above strategies as there are fishing spots. But a little thought before casting can greatly aid in your ability to present the fly in a manner which is desriable.

Kokanee in the fall.

Its Kokanee time on the Gunnison River and the South Platte, in Colorado. These landlocked salmon, roam through the Blue Mesa (Gunnison) and Elevenmile (south Platte) reservoirs for 3 or so years and then like their saltwater cousins return in the autumn to spawn and then die. These are truly a unique fishing opportunity. Popular flies for these include midge nymph patterns and small Bh Glo Bugs, a double rigging is common.

Saltwater fly fishing for the do it yourselfer.

Marco Island may always live in the shadows of Florida’s more renowned fly fishing locales. And that may be alright for those who vacation there and take in a little fly fishing. To be sure it isn’t the Keys, there isn’t a fly shop, nor are there much in the way of fly fishing guides, although a few will take you fly fishing. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t fly fishing opportunities, and it is tailor made for the do it yourselfer on a budget.

Speaking of budget you can get a fairly extravagant hotel for under $150 a night, and there are also decent accommodations to be had at a more modest price. But I have found when traveling with a non-fly fishing companion the extravagant hotel room, allows for more hours on the water. Besides a happier companion the nicer hotels also allow you beach access. And beach access is fly fishing access. There are three spots to concentrate on. And they are the southern tip of the island at Caxambas Pass, which is within walking distance of many of the beach front hotels. Expect to see Redfish and Snook within an easy cast. Early mornings and late evenings are best for the least skittish fish, but sight casting is fun and readily available almost always.

To the North is Tigertail Beach, a public access point for which you are charged a parking fee. Plan for an hour or so walk to the North tip of this beautiful spot, until lands end. Snook and redfish fill these channels especially in the evening and morning try to plan around the tides, as low tides leaves water levels extremely low. Summer months also bring baby tarpon.

If the backcountry is your ticket, you are in the right spot. To the south of Marco Island is an endless maze of canals that fill in the evening with snook. Late fall through late spring provide hot fishing action with evening of twenty five fish or more common. High tides are best, and watch your backcast as you are literally fishing on the highway in many spots. Tamiami canal along highway 41 may lack the pristine beauty of a Montana lake, but it makes up for it in diversity of species, and do watch out for the occasional alligator.

From this area the Everglades National Park and 10,000 Islands can be reached. Which offers perhaps a lifetime of fishing opportunity, guides are plentiful although finding a fly fishing only guide is doubtful. There are numerous guides that do fly fishing trips, though they tend to be booked in advance.

Back at Marco Island, if you are desperate for night fishing the island canals offer plenty of lighted docks that often fill with snook. Generally one cast is all you get, so accuracy and presentation are a must. Too close and they are spooked, too far and they not interested.

Necessary flies include the clouser’s deceivers, and seaducers, in a variety of colors. Also some shrimp patterns and crab patterns and you should be set. Six to eight weight fly rods are plenty, floating line 12-17 pound test and away you go.

Marco Island seems to be in a constant growth pattern, yet remains compact, with miles of wilderness just a short drive away. Scenery is spectacular and you can feel like you are lost in a faraway land without too much effort. For the fly fisher on a budget, it features some exotic fly fishing opportunity without expense of guides and remote travel.

And by the way there are some excellent restaurants there too.

For more info on fly fishing some lesser pressured Florida spots click on the picture at the top of the page.

Unseasonal Hatches

Anyone watching the Yankees play at Cleveland last Friday couldn't help but notice the massive hatch that was plaguing the pitchers and batters. Discussion around our living room was how to match it. We thought a 16 Griffith Gnat might work.

Huge hatches can occur at unseasonable times to be sure. Although Midges are noted for their year around activity, it usually takes an uncommonly mild stretch or even warm to bring out that kind of activity in the northern regions through the winter, but they can occur.

BWO's are also noted for their penchant for hatching during the winter or anytime for that matter. If you spend enough time on the water you become accustomed to these not quite so unusual occurrences. And relish them when they do occur. One thing nice about unexpected hatches is there are not throngs throwing the same patterns at them as you are. That is why the fly box that nothing but tiny dry flies never leaves my vest. You never know when a warm wind will bring them out.

October Hot Flies

October 2007:


This month finds us tons of great fishing throughout North America and undoubtedly the world.
Diversity of species is the name of the game right now and through October. This is just a sampling of what is going on in the great world of fly fishing. We are featuring the following patterns:
Egg-Sucking Leech- For everywhere Steelies are turning upstream, and also for those late Alaska trips this pattern is hard to beat.
In many places October means Chinook and Coho be ready with the Flash Fly, Popsicle, Comets, Steelhead Egg-Sucking Leech.
Tricos-Tricos are hatching everywhere now, if you are near a Trico river consider yourself blessed, (sometimes you may feel cursed), but catching a large fish on a small fly with light tippet is a skill and a thrill. Click Tricos, Parachute Tricos, CDC Trico emerger, CDC Comparadun Trico, Poxyback Trico.
Sulphurs- Still out, still tempting, still catching fish. Sulphurs, Parachute Sulphurs, Sulphur Emerger.
Streamers-Often over looked, but large fish love the cool white water this time of year. And a streamer is just the ticket to get their satiated fins swimming. Some great fall favorites for Browns and others are Marabou Muddler, Sculpins and of course Woolly Buggers.
Green Butt Skunk- One of many steelie flies waiting to be cast towards this annual west coast treat.
BWO's-The hatch that just keeps on giving. BWO, BWO Thorax, Parachute BWO, Foam Post Emerger BWO, Spinner BWO, Loop Wing Emerger BWO, BWO Wet Fly, Pheasant Tail, Poxyback BWO, BH Pheasant Tail Emerger.
Hoppers-One thing fish and kids have in common they both love to catch these annual treats. Foam Hopper or Dave's Hopper or Parachute Hopper
Florida Saltwater-A smorgasboard can be found and near shore fishing can be explosive for snook, tarpon, jack, reds, etc. Sea Habit Herring, Surf Candy, Hot Flash Minnow, and other Sea Habits as well can be tossed to this melting pot of fishing activity.
Ants-Fall like pennies from heaven. Flying Ants or Turcks Power Ant
Caddis-Our summer favorite has yet to fold up their tent wings. Elk Hair Caddis, EZ Caddis, Henryville Special, Goddard Caddis, Emergent Sparkle Pupa, Lawson Caddis Emerger, Caddis Larva, BH Caddis Pupa XCAddis, BH Caddis Poopah.
Orange Stimulators- For that October caddis hatch
Midges-Hatch everywhere late summer. Don't forget sub-surface midges; Disco Midge, RS2 Foamback, WD-40.

Salmon River Flies

A beautiful Salmon, from the infamous Salmon River NY. This particular fish was landed using a Blue Charm. Other favorites include, Steelhead Egg-Sucking Leech, General Practitioner, Flash Fly, Cosseboom, Green Highlander, Popsicle and many other patterns found on our Salmon/Steelhead page.