Colorado Fly Fishing Blog - The Flyfisher

Getting Ready for Fly Fishing One Season at a Time

Overview:  Springtime in the Rockies is known as big fish time.
This is the season when many of the largest fish of the season will be hooked and landed. Ice off usurers in the spring spawning season for cutthroats, cutbows and rainbows and with the days lengthen and eggs in the water trout will grow more in the April and May then they will all year. This is perhaps the most productive, most aggressive big fish fishing on the entire season as well as the most productive deep nymphing of the season takes place from now until the end of runoff. Remember after runoff the best fishing may not long be deep nymphing and your techniques should change accordingly.

 

Flies:  Organize your fly box. Most of us have not looked at our boxes since last fall. Now is the time to re-stock and organize to make the most of our time this spring. Take a look back at the fishing reports from 2008 and 2007 and see what bugs where working when. Make sure you have those bugs in stock and be sure you have enough to lose a few to the river. My favorites for spring include eggs, caddis, micro black stoneflies, bwos and midges in that order. As we move toward runoff and the water swells it is time for large stoneflies. Ready yourselves with olive, brown, black and golden stones in sizes 2-10. PMD’s will be hot on their tail as the water starts to recede along with green, brown and gray drakes. 

 Line, Leaders and Tippet: Fly lines should be checked for cracks and cleaned. It is also a good idea to pull the line off the spool and stretch it and let it lay out for a couple days before your first trip. This will help get the coil memory out of the line before it causes you a problem on the river. Make sure you have leaders in 7 ½ feet for water conditions up to about 400 CFS and 9 1/2 foot leaders for deeper swifter moving flows. I prefer to start with a 3X leader and cut it back as necessary to get to the diameter best suited for tying in the tippet I plan to use that day. You should be prepared with tippets ranging from 4X in the low water following ice off to 1X or heaver during runoff. Remember that monofilament leaders and tippets go bad over time for exposure to sun and the elements. It is a good rule of thumb to start the season with new mono if that is you tippet material of choice. Fluorocarbon on the other hand never goes bad so you should be good with late year’s batch. Remember the longevity of fluoro when you are working with it streamside. Whatever you leave behind will be there for your children’s children.

 

Rods and Reels:  Farrell wax is a nice way to prepare your rods for a new season. Simply apply a bit of the wax on the male end of the connecting rod section and you will be sure to have good, non-slip, easy to remove rod sections for the season. Cork grips can be clean with a mild detergent and some elbow grease, cleaning your grips each year can extend the life of your cork. Preparing your reels for the season varies depending on the model and manufacturer, read up on their recommendations before cleaning or oiling a reel.  

 

Nets:  For those of you using rubberized baskets you should take a minute to check and be sure there no cracks in the plastic or hole in the bag. Unlike cloth mesh nets the holes or cracks that turn into hole in rubber baskets stretch under the weight of the water and fish so what looks like a very small hole can be large enough to allow even the best 10 pound fish to escape. I speak from experience on this one!

 

Waders and Boots:  It is always nice to start the season smelling great. Gortex waders can be washed in the machine using powder detergent. Revivex can be used to restore the “bead up” ability of water on the outside of the waders. The new Revivex is much easier to apply and achieves great results. Check the laces in your boots, especially in Simms boots; they are good for one season at the most. New laces and a good rinse off with 409 will ensure you are not transporting aquatic hitchhikers.

 

Fishing License: Remember that all 2009 fishing licenses expire at the end of March 2010; be sure to renew your license before you go fishing the DOW will be out in force between now and run off.

Thanks to our affiliate Catch Magazine for the photos.

Mastering Moffitt One River At A Time

    About 4 months ago, we were formally introduced to the Moffitt Angling System at the Federation of Fly Fishers Conclave in Loveland, Colorado. It was obvious from the start that the Moffitt System was a very innovative and fish friendly way to take fish on a fly. The hookless fly system employs a patented circle hook at the end of the tippet that hooks the fish through the mouth, resulting in far fewer fatalities. The system also allows you to fish multiple fly rigs with ease. I was invited to fish the Moffitt System at the FFF Conclave and was instantly intrigued. Watch the video. 

By the time the Fly Fishing Retailers show came to Denver, the industry was abuzz with talk about the Moffitt System, and despite a "slower" show, the Moffitt Angling System booth was slammed with people wanting to know more about it. At the show, we decided to get to know the Moffitt System by taking it to our home waters, and since then have fished it on Colorado favorites including Cheesman Canyon (South Platte River), the Blue River, Big Thompson, St. Vrain, and South Boulder Creek. After experiencing success with the system, we decided to stretch our legs a bit and take the Moffitt System to some of the better known destinations in the Rockies to increase our knowledge and understanding for future use and instruction. After all, if this is the next step in fly fishing's evolution, we want to be able to teach others how to fish it! The first destination on our list was my old stomping grounds; Utah's Green River. 

   Matthew Burkett and I arranged to have Green River master, Charlie Card of Spinner Fall Guide Service take us down the river on October 27th and 28th. Charlie is an old friend of mine and it was very easy to see why he is now the most requested guide on the Green. He was great on the oars, and NOBODY knows the river better than him. We immediately hooked fish on Moffitt nymph rigs, despite the wintery conditions, but we soon found ourselves switching to streamers and a longer Moffitt Contact Leader...GAME ON! The fish were attacking Sculpin patterns with a vengeance and we did our part by hooking and landing fish after fish on the Moffitt System. We fished until dark, pounding the banks and hooking tons of big browns on the patented circle hooks, releasing fish with ease to fight another day. It was almost dark when we hit the ramp and temperatures in the canyon had dropped into the 20's, but nothing was going to steal the excitement or pleasure that was ours from an amazing day of fishing.

We made the most of our time with Charlie and we relaxed in the warmth of Flaming Gorge Resort and talked about the finer points of fishing the Green and even exchanged patterns. We talked steelheading, saltwater, fishing the West, and how the fish on the Green are bigger and more abundant than in recent years. Inevitably, our conversation drifted to Moffitt and how it can be applied best on the tailwater below Flaming Gorge Dam. Charlie had some great ideas of how he will put the system into play when he hits the water again. I am excited to hear his reports!

   In the end, it was easy to see why Pat Moffitt developed the fishing system. An angler can get better drifts using the contact leaders, fish are hooked in safer parts of the mouth, they fight better, and are easily released from the circle hook. We gained great understanding of the system as well, and plan on offering Moffitt classes and lesson beginning in 2010. Our Angling University will debut its Moffitt Fly Fishing classes at the International Sportsmans Expo in January.

Look for more info about the Moffitt Angling System, and learning opportunities in blogs to come.

Ethan Emery
Director, Angling University

Cliff Outdoors Dry Fly Rehab Center Fly Fishing Product Preview/Review

Preview 2007 - Cliff Outdoors is known for taking simple ideas and making products that work for us all. The Dry Fly Rehab Center (DFRC) is a good example of that in action. We like this because it gives you everything needed to enjoy a day fishing dries. The DFRC combines two Cliff products the Strait-N-Dry and Cliff's Wonder Dust (WD) into a convenient maintenance option. Cost: $12.95
Preseason Preview: 3 out of 5 - Don't we have this combo already.

First Impressions, 2 Day - Here is how it works and it comes with directions just in case. First, use the WD to waterproof your fly. Second, use the "Cram-N-Float" method meaning cram your fly into the WD with your fingers and you are ready to go. As needed clean and dry your fly with the water absorbing pads on the Strait-N-Dry, then cram-n-float into the WD and you are back in business. Take note here that they recommended the cram-n-float, which is different from the traditional dip, brush or shake methods and noticeably harder on your fly. The benefit of the DFRC is how fast you can dress a slimy, sinking or waterlogged fly. It does work and it is quick because everything is in the same place. Cost: $12.95
Preseason Preview: 3 out of 5 - Don't we have this combo already.
1st Impression, Day 6: 3.5 out of 5 - Think of a quick draw gun fight... more fly time on the water.

30 Days In - As we have concluded with other floatant products, they work best when used in conjunction with the other type either a gel or powder. WD is no exception. The cram-n-float method is very hard on the fly (maybe I am too rough) and it is hard for more to destroy fly after fly trying to get it to float. I'm going to the shake method from here on out. Cost: $12.95
Preseason Preview: 3 out of 5 - Don't we have this combo already.
1st Impression, Day 6: 3.5 out of 5 - Think of a quick draw gun fight... more fly time on the water.
30 Days in Service: 3 out of 5 - The cram-n-float method is killing my delicate flies.

120 Days In - The shake method is working OK. They are right is advising the cram-n-float method for the WD product, it does work better but, as far as I am concerned, preservation of the flies is more important than having to dress is a few more times a day. The strait-n-dry works very well for prepping leaders and drying out the fly after a fish is landed. Cost: $12.95
Preseason Preview: 3 out of 5 - Don't we have this combo already.
1st Impression, Day 6: 3.5 out of 5 - Think of a quick draw gun fight... more fly time on the water.
30 Days in Service: 3 out of 5 - The cram-n-float method is killing my delicate flies.
120 Days in Service: 3 out of 5 - The highlight is that everything is in one place.

End of Season 2008 180+ Days In - Overall this is a useful product that combines the basics needed to wade your favorite stream with nothing buy a few flies and the DFRC. I would like to see Cliff improve this product by adding two more essentials that would make this the ultimate in fly care. A gel of some sort for the initial dressing of the fly and very light and powdery dust, like a Frog's Fanny, for touching up the fly between drifts, that would allow use of the WD on the initial dressing and maybe a time or two during the day, avoiding having to use the cram-n-float method too often. Cost: $12.95
Preseason Preview: 3 out of 5 - Don't we have this combo already.
1st Impression, Day 6: 3.5 out of 5 - Think of a quick draw gun fight... more fly time on the water.
30 Days in Service: 3 out of 5 - The cram-n-float method is killing my delicate flies.
120 Days in Service: 3 out of 5 - The highlight is that everything is in one place.
End of Season 180+ Days in Service: 3 out of 5 - Nothing new but, like peanut butter and jelly it works well together.

mattieb

2008-09 Scientific Angler Sharkskin Fly Line Fly Fishing Product Preview/Review

Preview 2008 - For Colorado trout guides we smile at 60 foot casts and sometimes struggle when we get to saltwater. Not anymore, even our weakest link can put out 100 feet with a 5 weight and this line on the platform. I guess $100 bucks can buy, even a Colorado guy, a great casting distance. We will have to wait to see how it fishes. Cost: $100
Preseason Preview: 3 out of 5 - Casting ain't everything, especially in Colorado.

First Impressions, 2 Day - Man this line make a lot of noise. If your the kind of person who like peace and quite on the river this line may not be for you. Also you will want to watch out and not hang on too tight because this line will cut you if your not careful. This line indeed breaks new ground if casts like nothing I have ever seen, it floats very high and mends easily.
Preseason Preview: 3 out of 5 - Casting ain't everything, especially in Colorado. Cost: $100
1st Impression, Day 1: 3.5 out of 5 - Very nice performance but it's still making a lot of noise.

30 Days In - If you like the sound of screaming reels you are going to like this line. Imagine a thousand screaming reels... well maybe not that many. The danger in those screaming reels is that the Sharkskin will cut the creases in your fingers and palms if you are not careful and I am speaking from experience. Cost: $100
Preseason Preview: 3 out of 5 - Casting ain't everything, especially in Colorado.
1st Impression, Day 1: 3.5 out of 5 - Very nice performance but it's still making a lot of noise.
30 Days in Service: 4 out of 5 - The sound of the line against the guides is growing on me, especially when a big fish is running.

120 Days In - Like all fly lines the tip of the Sharkskin begin to loose flotation when the welded loop end cracks or is cut off. Cost: $100
Preseason Preview: 3 out of 5 - Casting ain't everything, especially in Colorado.
1st Impression, Day 1: 3.5 out of 5 - Very nice performance but it's still making a lot of noise.
30 Days in Service: 4 out of 5 - The sound of the line against the guides is growing on me, especially when a big fish is running.
120 Days in Service: 3.5 out of 5 - The tip still sinks when the loop is cut off.

End of Season 180+ Days In - This may be the worst cold weather line we have ever tested. Turns out that all that sharkskin carries more water to your guides which in freezing weather conditions causes your guides to freeze sooner than usual. All that additional water also caused the line to freeze before any of the other lines we tested. When the Sharkskin does freeze it turns into a solid rope that used to be the line. Cost: $100
Preseason Preview: 3 out of 5 - Casting ain't everything, especially in Colorado.
1st Impression, Day 1: 3.5 out of 5 - Very nice performance but it's still making a lot of noise.
30 Days in Service: 4 out of 5 - The sound of the line against the guides is growing on me, especially when a big fish is running.
120 Days in Service: 3.5 out of 5 - The tip still sinks when the loop is cut off.
End of Season 180+ Days in Service: 3 out of 5 - It is the best casting line I have ever looped and it may be the worst performing cold weather line I have ever fished.

mattieb

Tiemco Dry Magic Super Powder Fly Floatant Fly Fishing Product Review

Preview 2008 - There are a ton of options when it comes to keeping your fly floating. I am excited to try Dry Magic because it is presented in a new container, something different than the standard and I like that, it will force me to find a new place to carry it among all the other necessities I have with me on the water everyday. I am not sure why they call it super powder since it is a gel. Cost: $8.95
Preseason Preview: 4 out of 5 - Because I like the shape of the bottle but super power is misleading.

First Impressions, 2 Day - Very easy to dispense from the soft plastic bottle and it seems to hold its consistency pretty well in cold weather. We will wait till summer to see how it does in the heat. So far so good, it is helping my midges float like a charm.
Preseason Preview: 4 out of 5 - Because I like the shape of the bottle.
1st Impression, Day 2: 4 out of 5 - Very easy to dispense from the soft plastic bottle.

30 Days In - For a grease this product is not greasy. It is not going to leave stains on my waders and although it was all over my fingers I never felt sloppy and it was never running all over my hands. It is floating the flies great everything from a #26 gnat to a #16 caddis. Stay tuned to see how it does with hoppers and stones late this year. It is also doing a good job floating the leader when fishing emergers in the film. Cost: $8.95
Preseason Preview: 4 out of 5 - Because I like the shape of the bottle.
1st Impression, Day 2: 4 out of 5 - Very easy to dispense from the soft plastic bottle.
30 Days in Service: 4.5 out of 5 - A very clean gel.

120 Days In - The bigger the fly the faster it sinks. All good things come to an end and after about 10 or so good drifts the bigger flies begin to sink and need to be redressed. I still really like the bottle it is very easy to use and I finally found the perfect spot to carry it! I find this to be a fine floatant at least if not more useful than the other well known brands. Dry Magic held its consistency up to the low 80's where it began to get a bit liquid and harder to work with. Cost: $8.95
Preseason Preview: 4 out of 5 - Because I like the shape of the bottle.
1st Impression, Day 2: 4 out of 5 - Very easy to dispense from the soft plastic bottle.
30 Days in Service: 4 out of 5 - A very clean gel.
120 Days in Service: 4 out of 5 - Works best in combination with Frog's Fanny.

End of Season 180+ Days In - We are always looking for a better product, even when we are satisfied with what is currently available. I have gone through a lot of different floatants over the years: Aquel, Frog's Fanny, Gink, Shimazaki and Superfloat just to name a few. None of them work perfectly alone and usually a combination of a gel and a powder works best, especially once a fish or two are caught. Dry Magic is no exception and its real value is the unique shape of the bottle and the ease with which it can be dispensed. Cost: $8.95
Preseason Preview: 4 out of 5 - Because I like the shape of the bottle.
1st Impression, Day 2: 4 out of 5 - Very easy to dispense from the soft plastic bottle.
30 Days in Service: 4 out of 5 - A very clean gel.
120 Days in Service: 4 out of 5 - Works best in combination with Frog's Fanny.
End of Season 180+ Days in Service: 4 out of 5 - Dry Magic is worth checking out if for nothing more than the bottle.

mattieb

2008-09 Thingamabobber Indicator Fishing Product Preview/Review

Preview - The guides on the Green River in Utah have been working on the balloon concept for may years. This is one balloon we can get behind. They are great for hungry feeding fish. There is no maintenance and they last for about 5 or 6 fishing days before the metal rig pops out and like most other indicators go floating down the river. Do not throw them out when the line begins to cut through the plastic at the ring, they actually fish much more sensitively when they are half filled with water (remember the fly and a bubble). The down side to this indicator is that if you are dealing with subtle strikes you will miss everything. Cost: SRP $4.99 for a pack of 5
Preseason Preview: 3 out of 5 - A balloon we can float.

First Impressions, 1 Day - I must say I liked the Thingamabobber (TAB), well I hate the name, but TAB performed very well. It is extremely low maintenance compared to the standard yarn we have used on our guide trips and in our school in the past. We fished the medium size and it worked very well. Granted the fish were really eating hard today so the strikes were easy to see. I'm not sure how TAB will perform when the strikes are subtle.
Preseason Preview: 3 out of 5 - A balloon we can float.
1st Impression, Day 1: 3.5 out of 5 - Move over yarn there is a a low maintenance alternative.

30 Days In - I am learning how to fish these bad boys. It needs to be mentioned that they come in three different sizes. Most conditions in the fall, winter and spring call for the small size and it can easily float two AB size weights. You can detect most strikes but as will all indicators there are a number of strikes you miss so watching the fish is still critical. The most noticeable difference is how well they cast. You do not feel like you have a water logged weight on your line.
Preseason Preview: 3 out of 5 - A balloon we can float.
1st Impression, Day 1: 3.5 out of 5 - Move over yarn there is a a low maintenance alternative.
30 Days in Service: 4 out of 5 - This thing is getting better and better.

120 Days In - The large size really excelled in the monster high runoff flow of the spring, carrying almost 3 ounces of weight without problem. The medium has its place in the average flows of summer, however, if the strike is subtle switch to the small. The plastic will eventually split where line connects through ring and I have found that they are more sensitive when half full of water (the fly and a bubble concept). We kept fishing them until they came off casting or more frequently setting the hook Cost: $4.99 to 5.95 for a 5 pack depending on the location.
Preseason Preview: 3 out of 5 - A balloon we can float.
1st Impression, Day 1: 3.5 out of 5 - Move over yarn there is a low maintenance alternative.
30 Days in Service: 4 out of 5 - This thing is getting better and better.
120 Days in Service: 3.5 out of 5 - A great value for the money and a good product to help you hook fish.

End of Season 180+ Days In - We have official made the switch to TAB for our Angling University classes and almost all of our guides have also made the switch using TAB almost exclusively on our guided trips. The reason for the change is clear following a season of experimentation. They are much easier to cast, they are easily adjusted on the line and they are durable and low maintenance. Learning to detect the strike takes a bit of getting used too and is slightly harder to teach to a new angler, however, the benefit created by more time in the water with the flies brings more strikes and more fish. We previewed the new for 2009 glow in the dark version and found it to be the best nighttime indicator we have tested to date.
Preseason Preview: 3 out of 5 - A balloon we can float.
1st Impression, Day 1: 3.5 out of 5 - Move over yarn there is a low maintenance alternative.
30 Days in Service: 4 out of 5 - This thing is getting better and better.
120 Days in Service: 3.5 out of 5 - A great value for the money and a good product to help you hook fish.
End of Season 180+ Days in Service: 4 out of 5 - Quality, fishy indicator we only wish it had a more sophisticated name.

mattieb

March is Fly Fishing Gear | Equipment | Terminal Tackle Review Month

Stay tuned as we roll out out fly fishing product reviews this month. Week one we review wading boots, the most heavily used piece of our gear. A good boot can often be the difference between getting wet and staying focused on the next strike. Week two we report on a few essential pieces terminal tackle like indicators and fly lines. Week three we report on waders and wading jackets, the pieces fit like a poplar suit and always keep you dry both inside and out. Week four we look at rods and reels, that whitch connects us to the fish.