New Spring Midge Patterns

Over the past three months we've been fishing tough tailwater rivers in Colorado.  From the Blue to Cheesman, we all know how difficult it can be to get fish to eat our bugs.  Here are some flies that I've tied that can be very effective on those tough winter trout.

 This midge pattern in a sz. 26 has been one of the most productive film midges I've used this winter.  Other anglers have caught many fish on this little guy.  The "Ice Midge" is a great choice for tough sipping trout.  You can fish below a heavier nymph or just under a small dry fly.

In the spirit of Colorado, this RS-2 type fly offers good film fishing as well.  I've fished this guy as a dry as well as effective emerger.  I suggest using them is sizes 22 and 24.  

 The "Midge Magic" offers great profiles in the water.  Using fine blue wire and small hackles, you can fish this guy to very selective trout.  Some of my biggest winter fish have come from this fly.

 Pat Dorsey's "Top Secret" midge has been a great tailwater fly for years.  I've made some adjustments to how the wing looks, as well as offering some gold or silver body wraps instead of the traditional 6 or 8/0 thread.  Once again fish this fly as the last in a two or three fly rig.  When fish are sipping on the surface I fish this behind a size 24 Parachute Adams.

 Like the "Midge Magic" I've made this fly even simpler.  No hackle, but the addition of black crystal dubbing and a flashback wing-case gives this fly a simple look.

The Haskel/Dudek  Midge is a perfect dry fly during the winter months.  Z-Lon is a great material for wings because it captures light well.  Fish truly key in on this fly.  Make sure to use proper proportions when tying in the wings.

Effective winter midge fishing can be grueling, but the results are amazing.  Be patient, and confident in the flies that you are fishing.  As John Hazel says, "Learn to fish good water well."

Cheers,

A.J.

Angler's Covey 2011 Spring Fly Fishing Show

Next week I will be with Scott Hartkins of R.L. Winston Rods, where we will be putting on some casting and product clinics at the Angler's Covey in Colorado Springs.  This is a great spring event and the shop does a fabulous job of bringing in some great products, reps, and excitement for the upcoming season.  Come out and cast some new rods, drink some coffee, and have some fun talking about fly-fishing.

Cheers,

AJ

First Weekend in the Books!

Bass Pro Shop's "Spring Fishing Classic" is underway.  First Adventure was able to do some seminars and enjoy the collection of fine fly tyers, as well as industry reps.  It always nice to see some old friends, and hopefully I was able to connect with people about what we do.  Next weekend is our smallmouth weekend for First Adventure as well as my trip with Scott Hartkins (Winston, St. Croix, and Lamson rep.) to Anglers Covey for their Spring Kick Off.  The guide season is knocking on the door with hopes of a busy spring and summer.

I hope you guys have been able to get out and fish.  I will try to post some new reports soon.

Cheers,



AJ

Time on the Vise

Had some time on the vise this week. Some exciting fishing is just around the corner!

One is a variation of an intruder that fishes well for Steelhead and browns.  Carp season is coming up, so I had to tie some of Tim Landwehr's "Muppets."  The other is a lake streamer for when ice-out occurs.  The darker tones and silver body gives the fly a good profile.

Joining Blue Sky Furled Leaders Team

When guiding in the park I'm always looking for new ideas, products, or techniques to make my clients day more enjoyable and successful.  Over the years I've been accustom to using traditional 7.5 Ft. leaders in the park.  These leaders have treated me well, and there have been a good number of successful days on the water using them.  Within the past three years I've been using the Blue Sky Furled Leader as my go-to leader for guiding.  Unlike traditional mono leaders, the Blue Sky leader truly holds up well, casts great, and is easy for my clients to fish.  My leader never gets longer than seven feet, and my clients are getting more natural drifts using the Blue Sky leader.  I'm excited to join the Blue Sky family, and I hope that you get an opportunity to check out some of their products.  Currently you can find Blue Sky through Cabela's, as well as some traditional fly shop locations.  Check them out online at www.blueskyfly.com. If you have any questions about the product, use, or general information, please feel free to give me a call.

On another note, I was able to fish the Big T last week. Open water is popping up, and fish were quite responsive to midge patterns as well as my special egg pattern.  The rainbows should be getting ready to stage for the spawn within the next month or so.  I'm hoping to get out and fish the Eagle River for some big spring rainbows.  Snow is falling in the front range today, and Ainsley and I get the chance to hang out inside today!

Tight Lines,

A.J.