Month: July 2009

Tricos on the Gunpowder River

The Trico mayflies are hatching along numerous miles of the Gunpowder River. Many reports from guides and customers relay growing numbers of the tiny mayflies throughout the many miles of the catch and release water. Tricos were also hatching throughout miles of river South of Blue Mount Road over the past weeks. The Trico hatch occurs early between 7 a.m. to Noon, and fish are often actively rising during the emergence and spinnerfall. A variety of locally tied Trico patterns in the shop are especially effective during the heavy hatches when numerous naturals are on the water. Patterns in the shop range from 20s down …

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Fly Fishing For Carp In Maryland

 In 2004 when the periodical cicadas invaded the Baltimore area, I happened onto some great surface fishing on the local reservoirs. I wasn’t catching as many bass as I thought I would, but I was catching a lot of carp. These large, powerful fish were inhaling foam flies off the surface and running drag into the backing numerous times. Years later the carp fishing is still good, but a bit more challenging without the big lumbering cicadas falling into the water. Most carp anglers will tell you anyone that doesn’t want to fish for carp can’t figure out how to catch them. The presentation is …

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Fly Fishing Report: Wassilla, Alaska

Thanks to Charles for the Alaska Fly Fishing Report. Hey Theaux, Alaska was fun. I was disappointed with the lack of “fly” fishing opportunities along the famous waters of the Russian and Kenai rivers. It seems like everyone owns a fly rod but no one wants to fly fish. Disgusted with the thousands of people standing on the banks snagging passing fish, we hopped on a boat and were dropped off at up the Susitna drainage on a river called Clear Creek. There I had great fun catching Jack Kings which were the only salmon I found that would actively pursue my fly. I caught …

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Fly Fishing Report: Wyoming’s North Platte River

I recently spent a week fly fishing the North Platte River and its tributaries at A Bar A Ranch just outside Encampment, Wyoming. My family and I spend a week there every summer and the fishing is fantastic, this trip being no exception. When we arrived, recent rains had muddied the North Platte, which was running near 1600 CFS. Throughout the week the river dropped and cleared to a flow of around 700 CFS, partially due to irrigation upstream. The Salmon fly hatch was practically over but large Golden Stones were out and about. Cream and Tan Caddis in sizes #14-18 hatched out in large …

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Summer Fly Fishing on the Gunpowder River

Yes folks the water is low, but the only surefire way to catch a few is to go fly fishing. Today the Gunpowder is clear, 56F and is flowing at 31 CFs. The fish in the stretch above Falls have been keying in on beetles. If you’re an early riser, try a few flying ants in the flat water between Masemore and Bunkerhill. Bluemount Rd access downstream has a bit more flow and the water is warmer, so a small streamer might be in order.Thanks to Creighton for the following kind words: Theaux/Jason, My father, Jim Byrnes, loves the Gunpowder and has to stop by …

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Fishpond Chest Packs Arrive…

We just received a shipment of versatile chest packs from Fishpond. Featured below are the Blue River, which has a padded neck and waist strap and the San Juan Vertical Chest Pack. Both packs are a fraction the cost of a vest and much cooler in the heat of the Summer. These packs are a great way to organize your gear. Next time you’re up on the river bring your old vest in to the shop and let’s see what fits in a Fishpond chest pack. I can assure you that you’ll be smiling instead of sweating and might just be able to find that …

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