UPDATED EVERY FRIDAY: May 25, 2012
WATER CONDITIONS:
Low visibility. Higher than normal water levels. Water temperature varying in the 60’s.
Water watch:
FLY SUGGESTIONS:
Crawfish Patterns, Wiggle Minnows, Green and Black Streamers, poppers.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Once the mud clears, fish activity is expected to pick back up as we are still within prime Smallmouth season.
When fishing fast deep water, try using extra split shot and / or heavy flies. This will help get your flies down fast. When you spot a fishy looking location, try casting upstream of the location so your flies have a chance to sink before they hit the spot. Sometimes 3-5 feet upstream makes all the difference. This tactic will spook less fish as well.
When casting heavy flies long distances, try using a hand tied leader. The longer the better. The hand tied leader will turn over bigger flies better than a machine tapered leader. I like to take a 3X-5X – 9′ hand tied leader and add 3′-4′ of mono to the butt side of the leader. This particular setup is a happy medium if you don’t have a sink tip line. That way your line still floats but you can get your rig down 12′ or “swing it” in shallow water.
PROJECTED CONDITIONS:
With the frequent thunderstorms, expect off color water and higher levels. Temperatures are expected to reach the high 80’s this week with scattered thunderstorms.
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GEAR SUGGESTIONS:
Rod: Fast Action comparable to Scott “S” Series rods 8’6”–9’ 6wt.
Leader: 9-12’ 3x-5x Florocarbon. Option: Blue Sky furled leader.
Vest: A vest with a work station and plenty of room for big flies. Fishpond Waterdance or comparable.