This month...coming to a riffle near you: "The Early Brown Stonefly Show." A benthic movement that has been fascinating to watch on the Muskegon River in the spring is the early brown stonefly. It is referred to by many different names (early brown stonefly, winter stonefly, winter black stonefly, early winter stonefly, and so on), but it is specifically the taeniopteryx nivalis stonefly. This month, we focus on the nymphal stage of the bug since it will be the most important for our fly fishing. Hatching of the early brown stoneflies won't usually take place until around the end of the month and into early April.

As spring starts to show itself, so do these small brown stoneflies that become a major food source for the trout and steelhead that inhabit the Muskegon. This is due to longer daylight hours that gradually increase the metabolic activity stoneflies, causing more naturals to become available to trout and steelhead. In fact, stomach samples (obtained via stomach pumping, not killing fish) in the past few weeks have already revealed this increase in availability of stoneflies to trout and steelhead. Fish seem to relish stoneflies, so understanding their importance to our fishery is crucial to success.  

One reason stoneflies are so important, when compared to other food sources in the MO (scuds and midge), is because they are large and easy to capture. Many of the steelhead  in the river system have been there for quite some time and and as a result, have become more trout-like in their feeding habits. As the month goes by and as fish see more and more of the natural flies drifting by, look for them to key on them. 

Fish imitations (#10 - #12) with an indicator or upstream nymphing techniques (czech nymphing or "chuck-n-duck") on the bottom in runs where the nymphs are likely to be swept into during foraging and drift periods. Most dark-colored stonefly imitations will work, but I've included a picture of the one that has been catching a good number of trout and steelhead for me personally. Don't be afraid to fish these small nymphs (compared to the larger leech patterns, hex nymphs, and egg bugs). Be assured that the trout and steelhead that lurk in the winter runs of the MO can and do see them. For more on winter stoneflies, see "Discovering the Cipher - Winter Stoneflies," a three-part video series that details sampling, tying, and catching fish during this awesome benthic movement. 

-Jay Allen, RiverQuest Charters guide.  

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Strong words are common in the world of fly fishermen.  We toss adjectives and buzz words around as if they were streamers.  Big, bold phrases, some profane others not, flow through our tales.  We use these words to describe, tackle, fish, water, companions, and, of course, the weather.  We use them to make excuses when the angling is less than expected and to pontificate our triumphs. Words such as "football" and "shoulders" paint pictures of fish.  We speak of rods as "quick," reels "smooth" and streamers "gaudy."  We pull out all the adjectives in describing the dimples of heads sipping on diminutive spinners or a blistering run of a steelhead on a Christmas-hued Spey fly.  But when it comes to nymphs and nymph fishing, it seems the adjectives are left in the boat bag.  Whether you are indicator fishing or bottom bouncing, the takes are subtle. You don't have a powerful grab or a splashy rise to describe. 

A new book from Headwaters Books, a division of Stackpole Publishing, will change this. Dynamic Nymphing, authored by George Daniel, is a detailed look at all forms of nymph fishing and flies from around the world. This 240 page book with four color pictures and crisp line drawings discusses not only our American style of nymphing but also discusses Czech, Polish, French, and Spanish nymphing tactics and techniques.  With this European angling insight, the author delivers concise and helpful concepts to the American angler.  Topics covered are detailed and look not only at the basics of nymph leaders, rigging, and indicators but also address nymphing in both shallow and high water, as well as nymphing in cold weather, which we all do from November to April here in Michigan.  The author has added 62 nymph patterns from around the world. These patterns display the creativity of anglers on the other side of the pond.

The author was a member of the United States Fly Fishing Team from 2006 to 2010 and placed fifth at the 2006 World Fly Fishing Championships.  In this book he has graciously allowed his readers access of what he has learned from angling throughout the world.   Dynamic Nymphing is just that-dynamic.  This is a fresh and complete look at nymph fishing and is a title that will help your game improve.  This book retails for $40.00.

Glen  

To purchase this book or one of Glens previously reviewed books call 616.866.6060 or simply email.