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Streamside Notes
I've found success with streamers, bucktails and nymphs early in the season. The old classics like the Grey Nymph and the Gold-ribbed Hare's Ear are excellent choices. They are both "buggy" and work well in a wide range of water conditions. I like to work them around rocks and other structure that will hold the fish and often get strikes as I slowly retrieve then drop the fly back, trying to really cover that "fishy" looking water.
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 Shadcreek Flies
"Favorite Rocks"
I think most stream fishermen have a favorite rock- or even a few. I know I do. On the West Branch of the Penobscot, in Holbrook Pool, there is one particular rock that can be reached at a wide range of water levels. It is big enough and flat enough on top so it makes a great casting platform within easy reach of several nice currents. From the top of this rock, when the sun is right, you can see into the water, identify the rocks around which the salmon will be holding and have plenty of room to cast. I enjoy fishing an Orange Henryville Special (#14) upstream. Start with the closest current seam and work your casts out. A lot of water can be covered and it is exciting to see that fly disappear as a salmon rises up to take it.
There's another rock on a smaller river in Maine, which will remain un-named, that is probably my favorite. It's near the top of a small pool and is only one or two steps from shore. It is flat and stable. You can't backcast here except directly downstream because the trees are too thick. But you can roll cast and hit three current seams as they enter the head of the pool then split and flow through it. This is a spot to use a Black Ghost Marabou Streamer (#4). I flick it upstream and watch the white marabou pulse as it dead drifts down to where I'm perched on the rock. Sometimes I can see a salmon or brook trout start to rise to inspect the streamer, and with a few twitches to give it some action, I may intice a strike and have a nice fish on. Other times, I roll cast the Black Ghost out toward one of the three current seams. When it hits the water, a quick upstream mend positions the fly for its drift and, hopefully, a hard strike. This rock is a great one because I don't need to get off it to net a fish. I'm generally standing in water either ankle deep or sometimes up to my knees. If it is deeper than that, there's too much water to get out there.
If the fishing is really good, and the caddis flies are flitting on the water, I love standing on that rock without my line in the water, and just watch the caddis flies float down and the salmon rise to sip them in. That's another great rock.
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 The Fly Tyer's Bench
The Magog Smelt originated in the Lake Memphremagog region of Quebec and Vermont and was designed to imitate the smelt found in the lake. It is a very effective trout and landlocked salmon fly which I use often. I tie it in several sizes but particularly like sizes # 2 and # 4. I'm not sure why this fly is not more popular, but it is one that I would certainly recommend to any fisherman heading out to our New England rivers and streams. That's why I included it in my West Branch Selection of favorite streamers and bucktails.
When tied on saltwater hooks, it is an excellent fly for Stripers. I tie it in sizes ranging from a # 4 up to # 3/0 and use it often in waters like the Merrimack River estuary and Crane Beach area all season long.
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 Shadowbox Memories
Northern Quebec has been a dream destination of mine for a long time. In 2006, a group of friends who I've fished with for years made the journey. It was a 1,000 mile drive from New Hampshire to Labrador City, then a 100 mile flight to Lake Ternay for exploration and fishing in the Canadian wilderness. While the trip lasted a week, which came and went far too quickly, the memories of that trip are refreshed in my imagination each time I look at the photo of a wilderness rainbow and a mounted Red Grey Ghost Marabou Streamer in the Shadowbox on the wall.
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Upcoming Events: Please stop by our booth at the following events-
Wenham, MA
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Practical Flies for Real Fishermen-
I enjoy flies that catch fish. I also appreciate the history of our traditional New England flies, and offer flies and selections that are generally not available from the larger catalog companies. If you are interested in hand-tied quality by a local craftsman, an appreciation for our Northeastern traditions and flies that catch fish, you will appreciate flies from Shadcreek Flies.
Please click here to for a Streamer and Bucktail Order Form.
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Contact Info:
Shadcreek Flies- 6 Tewksbury Road, Hampstead, NH 03841
Rick Little
603-329-5552 or email me at 603-329-5552
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| Save 10% |
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| Offer Expires: April 1, 2009 (shipping and handling is additional and not part of the discount) | |
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