Lessons for Tailwater Flow Watching
I stumbled on this article, linked below, on how big browns react to the variable flows typical of tailwaters like our Grand River. Fly fisherman are wise to monitor river flows and adjust their strategies accordingly. On the Upper Grand, river flows are published live by the GRCA and can be viewed here.
Another handy way to monitor stream flows is to add an app to your smartphone such as River App, then select the rivers you wish to monitor.
Here’s the link to the full article from Hatch Magazine on strategies for clear versus high water conditions and how to adjust your strategies, particularly your retrieve. The Season opens in just four months from now! Tight lines.
The Grey Fox Hatch | Dan Kennaley Fly Fishing
I have been fishing the Grey Fox Hatch this week, which is described as a late May hatch below. But the Grey Fox flies I’ve been throwing at a popular riffle on the Grand River have been voraciously attacked by some small Browns this last two weeks, despite being listed as an earlier hatch. I’m sticking with the Foxes, not to mention the Cahills which are equally numerous.
The Grey Fox Hatch | Dan Kennaley Fly Fishing
— Read on http://www.dankennaleyflyfishing.com/the-grey-fox-hatch/
Dry flies need slack: So give it to ’em, George Harvey style | Hatch Magazine – Fly Fishing, etc.
Drag kills drifts. On the surface or under, it’s an enemy to every fly fisher, destroying the elusive dead drift and turning good presentations bad. Luckily, the right leader, tippet and casting stroke can beat drag long enough to trick even the fussiest fish. Imitating a naturally drifting insect is at the heart of fly fishing and for many is the baseline approach. Let’s set aside swung wet flies, nymphs and streamers for a while, and deal with the roots— the top water game—the foundation of modern fly fishing.
— Read on www.hatchmag.com/articles/dry-flies-need-slack/7714405
Releasing a nice brown trout back into the river. Kirk Deeter photo. Is catch-and-release angling overrated? It is if the only thing that matters is
— Read on www.tu.org/magazine/is-catch-and-release-angling-all-its-cracked-up-to-be/
Whether the calendar agrees or not, summer has arrived to much of trout country, and it won’t be long before we start hearing about heat-induced fishing restrictions, or fishing closures altogether. Many eastern locales have experienced a rain-starved spring, leading to below-normal streamflows and reservoir levels, and above-normal stream temperatures. In the West, it’s another lean water year in a series of lean water years.
— Read on www.hatchmag.com/articles/trout-are-hot-water-2021/7715279
It’s up to us to know when the waters we fish might be working against the trout we’re after. Arm yourself with a water temperature thermometer, and by all means use it
— Read on www.tu.org/magazine/put-a-thermometer-in-your-pack-and-use-it/
For those Upper Grand Fly Fishers who regularly stalk the little stocked Brown Trout and the big ones in the Tailwater, the last 2 weeks of above seasonal temperatures have likely raised the water temperatures below the Shand Dam more quickly than usual. Check your temperatures before you fish with a thermometer. You’ll also be able to key in on trout feeding and the insects knowing this information. See the Grand River Conservation river flows and temperature pages to assist.
River Flows: https://apps.grandriver.ca/waterdata/kiwischarts/rf_uppergrand.aspx
Temperatures: https://apps.grandriver.ca/waterdata/kiwischarts/wq_temp.aspx
In this edition of ‘Behind the Cover’ artist Alana Louise Lyons talks about her inspiration and pursuit of native fish which led to the most recent cover of TROUT Magazine.
— Read on www.tu.org/magazine/behind-the-cover-alana-louise-lyons/
I’ve got the bug now, to catch some of the trout I’ve never caught on a fly. Cutthroat, Bull, Dolly Varden after reading about this inspiring adventure!
It’s the Opening Day here in Ontario. Here’s a really great list, from the world’s foremost fly fishers, on what NOT to do! Read on!
Let’s say you hope to become a better fly fisher. You want to improve your skills, and catch more trout, and have more fun. And let’s say you have a chance to ask some of the world’s most acclaimed fly fishers one question. Just one. What would it be? Would you ask them where you should fish, or what fly to use, or which rod to buy? Would you ask about knots, or fly lines, or techniques, or how to improve your casting? Or would Winston Churchill’s admonition that “only wise men learn from their mistakes” echo through your subconscious as you tried to frame your question?
— Read on www.hatchmag.com/articles/seven-deadly-sins-fly-fishing/7715256
What is the number one thing fly fishers can do to improve? | Hatch Magazine – Fly Fishing, etc.
One of the advantages to running a small, twice-a-year fly fishing school with some of the world’s most acclaimed anglers is that I can reach out with trout-related questions whenever I get the itch. Last week, I asked our School of Trout instructors if they’d be willing to share their thoughts on the following question:
— Read on www.hatchmag.com/articles/what-number-one-thing-fly-fishers-can-do-improve/7715247
Tim’s short video tips are as helpful as his full length recipe videos and are really useful for beginners and veterans alike. Here’s some tips on essential tools and tool storage.
The Rodcast 