How to catch more fish in still water fly fishing

How to catch more fish while fly fishing, still waters.

As a professional guide, this is probably the single most common question I hear from frustrated fly fishermen. They feel like they are not catching the numbers of fish that more successful anglers seem to be hooking. While the question seems rather direct, there are a number of reasons why a person may not be as affective at catching fish as compared to another individual. So, before I give an answer to any angler, I like to ask some follow up questions to better understand the knowledge and experience of the person I am speaking with. In this way, I can give more specific answers and hopefully, that will help the querying angler to improve their success.

Photo Rainbow Trout & Cut Throat Trout Caught At Strawberry

Strawberry keepers for dinner

Still Waters

I start by asking what type of fly fishing they are engaged in; Streams, Rivers, Lakes, and Spring Creeks (for this discussion I have left out Oceans & salt water flats and bays). Each area requires different skills to be consistently proficient and also requires an investment of time to develop the knowledge and skills to be successful. Once I know the skill levels of a person then I can home in the particular information which may help this angler.

In today’s blog, I will focus on still water fly fishing. When you are accustomed to fishing rivers and when you are used to fishing streams, you have to learn how to read the river and know the insect life there. Still water presents different problems and while river understanding is helpful, river tactics generally do not work on still water.

What Is Bottom Structure

Catrch & release trophy trout

Photo Rainbow Trout Caught Chironomid Fishing Tooele County Still water can range from a large lake to an impoundment of several acres either man made or naturally formed by a spring creek (common in deserts). The angler can either fish from shore, boat; float tube or personal pontoon boat. Regardless of the waters size it is most important to understand the structure of the body of water. Structure will determine the depth and flow of the water. It is important to remember that still water has a current and it carries nutrients and oxygen to and from many areas of the water. The structure includes the points; drop offs rises, ledges & bottom mud composition and is affected by temperature, sunlight, shade, wind, inflow and outflow

Identify The Bottom Structure & The Correct Depth To Fish In

When fly fishing on any kind navigable lake I recommend using a fish finder to be able to indentify bottom structure. Depth is a key here for the fly fishing enthusiast. Depths down to 20 feet are the most conducive for trout. This is because sunlight’s ability to penetrate deeper than 20 feet is marginal. Without sunlight you won’t have weed beds or any form of sustainable biomass. The biomass includes the insects fish eat and thrive and produces oxygen for the fish to breathe. The plants replace the carbon dioxide in the water and consume the biodegradables also contained in the water.

Manually Program Your Fish Finder For Best Results

Back to the fish finder… Now we know the deepest water to concentrate is 20 feet we can eliminate a whole lot of lake. Now we are getting somewhere. Now we know the maximum depth we need to adjust some manual settings on the fish finder to help us identify bottom structure that will support our trout population. Remember we are not looking for fish just yet; we want to know what the structure is so we can find the fish and understand where the majority will be hanging out. In the manual settings of your fish finder you must set the depth deeper than the 20 feet. In fact “double” it! Now don’t go paddling around in 40 feet of water, we already know that is very unproductive for fly fishing. The reason we set the depth to 40 feet is due to the fact your fish finder is programmed at the factory to send out a “ping” or sonar sounding at strength equal to the depth you have indentified. This saves energy and is the most efficient method determined by the manufacturer to insure a long life of the fish finder. So 40 feet is a Photo Cut Throat Trout Caught At Strawberry Reservoir In Winter stronger “ping” than a 20 foot ping meaning it will penetrate deeper into the bottom below. That extra signal strength in the ping will assure you will get structure readings of the type of mud that is below you. This information will be seen on your screen in a gray scale (

unless you use color) and tell you what type of mud is below. The mud bottom is either going to be soft or hard mud (sometimes rocks).

Soft Mud Is Muck, Hard Mud Is Gold

Soft mud will appear as a light gray, hard mud will show as a darker gray line and rocks will be black. You are looking for a thin layer of soft mud that will serve as a good topping for a hard mud base. The hard mud is where the insect buffet table is located and is always open for hungry trout to come and dine. What insects are living in this hard mud you ask? Chironomids live here year round in a larva state until they develop into pupa and swim to the surface to emerge as adults. At latitude of 42 degrees or higher (further north) the larva stage can last up to 3 years. Mud samples taken in various lakes and ponds show populations of chironomids in excess of 3,000 per square meter. Now that is a lot of food. Chironomids build their upright structures in the hard mud, soft mud just won’t do. So find the hard mud in depths less than 21 feet and you are on to a primary source of year round food for trout. So when you see fish on your fish finder around weed beds but they are not actively taking your fly, head on over to the chironomid buffet. You will be glad you did.

Spring Creek Fly Fishing & Too Small For A Boat Of Any Size What Do I Do Now?

Now is the time to get creative. Google the location and check out the satellite maps of the area and zoom in on areas of interest. It is amazing the detail we now receive from satellites circling the earth. Below is an example of my favorite spring creek located in Tooele County, where trout fishing is great year round and open to the general public by the local rancher.

http://sites.google.com/site/trophytroutschool/fly-hatch-chart/fly-fishing-specials-promotions/fishing-tournaments-contests/map-ranch-directions

Zoom into the main pond and look at the weed beds and how they flow along the west side of the water. Also note the discharge area and inlet area. Note also that the discharge areas of lakes and ponds usually have the soft mud and the inlets have the harder mud for the chironomid beds.

Photo Rainbow Trout Caught Fly Fishing At Strawberry

What Flies Imitate Chironomids?

Check out the link below to my year round fly hatch chart that will provide patterns for chironomids as well as all other aquatic insects (Look under the headings “Chironomids” as well as “Midges” the adult chironomids).

http://sites.google.com/site/trophytroutschool/fly-hatch-chart

How Do I present a Chironomid Nymph?

The non adult chironomid will be located no more than a few inches off the bottom of the lake except when it is in the pupa stage and swimming to the top to emerge as an adult midge. Hundreds or thousands emerge at the same time so the flies for adult midges represent “clusters” of midges, which are quite small so the trout are used to feeding on a large group to get a full mouth full. Using a split shot approximately 6-10 inches above the fly that will allow the fly to free float near the bottom where the trout are used to finding them. They move very slowly so a finger roll is the appropriate technique that will create very little action across the mud bed yet move you across a large area to locate actively feed trout. Remember you must be on the bottom and moving very very slowly. Patience is the key to affective chironomid fishing.

Leader & Tippet Set Up For Chironomids

Use a 9-15 foot tapered leader with tippet. The combined length of the leader and tippet needs to be at least 25% longer than the deepest water you are fishing in. This extra length makes up for the line sinking in an arc and assures your chironomid reaches the bottom.

What if the bottom varies in depth? No problem. Once you know the deepest area you will be fishing present your fly to the deepest area first, and then add a floating adjustable strike indicator on the leader to shorten the amount of line between the top of the indicator located on the surface of the water and the chironomid on the bottom below.

A Great Knot For Chironomids

For all bottom insects I recommend using a non-slip loop knot. This allows the loop to remain open near the head of the fly and allow maximum movement when slowly moving the fly in the water and in my opinion creating a more natural appearance to the fly.

Double Your Pleasure Double Your Fun With Chironomids

Another insect that lurks on the bottom of lakes and ponds in and around the chironomid beds is the leech. Tie you leech pattern about a foot to 18 inches ahead of the chironomid. I like to use a second split shot about 6 inches above the leech pattern. Now I have to patterns common to the bottom of the lake working at the same time. Leeches are also slow movers so they make a perfect companion for the chironomid. Takes are very subtle, the fish are cruising and just “gulp” up these guys as they slowly swim above the beds of chironomids so watch your strike indicator to move slowly away from you then set the hook and hang on for some great action.

Sinking Tips, Sinking Line Or My Standard Floating Line

Floating line will work fine in the depths we are talking about. Especially since you are using monofilament or fluorocarbon line for your tippet which will add plenty of sink rate to your leader and flies especially when combined with a single or double split shot sinker.

The Correct Way To Hook A Fish On Fly Line 20’ Below The Surface

Keep your fly rod tip right down just a hair above the water surface so when you do get a hit you pull the rod parallel to the surface of the water. This assures a clean hook up. Raising your rod in the air will only “lift” the line off the surface – away from the fish and allow the fish to escape. By Pulling the rod to your side while keeping the tip barely above the surface assures a clean hook set. You won’t miss very many fish with this technique and you will be glad you know this trick.

So the next time you go still water fly fishing and want to increase your number of hook ups remember to use the chironomid nymph as your go to fly for assured success.

All-Tied-Up (my fly box is full and ready to go and so am I)

Private waters fly fishing for trophy tiger trout and rainbow trout on a family owned and operated ranch located 45 minutes from Salt Lake City, in Tooele County Utah. Spring creek waters that are open year round for fly fishing. The water is always ice free for great winter fly fishing. Trophie trout from 3-10 "+" Lbs. Open to the general public, reservations only!

http://trophytroutschool.com

Successful Still Water Fly Fishing In Low Water & Weeds For Trophy Trout

Weeds & Low Water Equals Ideal Conditions For Trophy Tiger & Rainbow Trout

It never ceases to amaze me how many so called fly fishing anglers will walk up to a beautiful body of water and refuse to fish there because of the weeds and moss in the water.  They are looking for perfect clear water and fishing conditions, for them, not the fish.

Weeds & Low Water Are Trout Paradise & You Need To Know How To Fish These Conditions

Learn To Read These Great Beds Of Food Where The Lunkers Live & Thrive



The truth is prime conditions for quality fish are usually not the conditions most fishermen are looking for.  Too bad...if you walk away from a scene like this one because of the weeds you are leaving behind the opportunity to catch truly trophy size trout.  You just need to understand what flies to use and how to approach the weeds to be successful and with a little practice you will walk away at the end of the trip catching the biggest trout of your life.

Grass & Weed Beds Means Food, Lots Of Food

For Large Hardy Fish & This Is Where You Find Them



With a little patience & the right dry fly you can avoid hanging on weeds and catch trophy rainbow trout like this!

Look At All The Insects In The Weeds & Moss

There is a trout buffet of high protein insects on top of the weeds as well as underneath the moss and that my friends is exactly where the lunker trout are hiding and feeding.  Now that you have  recognied that the trophy trout you want to catch are so close by and accessible, due to lower water, you are ready to start selecting your initial starting dry fly.  After all you are going to fish close to the weeds and in the openings!

Terrestrials Are A Great Starter Pattern In Summer & Fall When Weeds Are Plentiful

Doe Rainbow Trout 22" caught on a #20 hopper pattern

Now The Fun Begins, Catching Trophy Tiger & Rainbow Trout



In still water fly fishing it is important to think about all the insects you see as you approach the water from your car or truck.  Look for the grasshoppers, ants, beetles, bees, gnats as well as the may flies.  These insects are bigger than their aquatic cousins and provide more protein to the larger trout.  They are the cherry on top of a hot fudge sunday for these lunker rainbows.  The also float high on the water and can be cast near the edge of the weed beds or even open water within the beds and moss on the water.  The edges and open water are exactly where you want to present you fly..then hang on for the fight of your life as the trophy hits your fly and heads into the weeds to ditch you.  Now you have a fight on your hands and if you "horse" this monster he will either bend your hook or break your tippett.

So Now Try Some Other Dry Flies

Now You Know How To Fish The Weeds For Trout Try Some Other Dry Flies



Mayflies & Gnats Also Have A Place In Still Water Moss & Weeds

Now you know where to place your fly begin experimenting with other dry flies in your box.  You will be pleasantly surprised how much you enjoy fly fishing in summer and fall when others are walking away from these great conditions.  When you look at the weeds remember to focus on the open spots as well as the edges to cast you fly.  These are the areas the trout are also watching and waiting for their next meal.

Using Nymphs & Wet Flies In Moss & Weeds For Trophy Trout

You can see the weeds tangled on my line between the 24" Rainbow Trout & Strike Indicator

Use The Strike Indicator to help you spot a fish taking the fly in the weeds and moss.  This technique has you dropping your nymph along the weeds and moss just like a dry fly.  However you allow the nymph to slowly sink until the strike indicator moves away from you (it is pulled by the sinking nymph) until it stops moving.  The stop tells you the nymph is at depth.  Now slowly retrieve the nymph one or two inches at a time and allow the strike indicator to move away from you again.  Keep repeating this action until you get a "hit" or need to cast again.  You will catch the biggest trout of your life. 

Come visit us at our ranch in Utah for some great trophy trout fishing.  We are open year round.

Learn More About Still Water Fly Fishing At Our Website.....Plenty Of Photos Too!

www.trophytroutschool.com

Happy Fishing!

First Things First - Fly Fishing Beginner Fly Fishing

Be Prepared & Have A Great Time Fly Fishing Beginner or Seasoned Pro.

Master The Art Of Fly Fishing For Wild Trophy Trout ! Instructors & Trophy Trout Now Available In Utah, 45 Minutes From S.L.C. "Click HERE" For Complete Details

It is winter. And, when the snow stops, the arctic blasts subside and the snow slowly starts to melt, our hearts turn to fishing. Latitude and sun combine with the bright blue winter skies

to make us feel spring is just around the corner. But before we toss our rods, waders, and other equipment into the trunk and head for our favorite fishing spot, lets consider a few basics which should be the start of any new fly fishing season.

Photo Strawberry Cut Throat Trout

Photo Utah Cut Throat Trout

What Condition Is My Rod

Photo Strawberry Cut Throat Trout

First, take a moment to carefully inspect your rod. Any scratches or dings warranting our attention? Are all the windings and eyelets ship shape? If you have ceramic inserts in your eyelets, be sure to inspect them carefully for cracks or chips which can cut your line. And, don't forget to check the reel seat as well. It is far better to find and repair any problems now rather than when you are on your favorite the river, stream, lake or pond where you may not have your tools or resources to fix the problem.

Nail Polish Helps Seal Reel Screws & Scratches

Next, check your reel. Make sure it is lubricated and that all the screws are tight. If you should find a loose screw, now would be a good time to use Loc-Tite or clear nail polish on the screw before carefully replacing it. Also check for scratches on the reel and use touch up paint (I use flat black nail polish) and cover those. It's just cosmetic but I always feel better when my reel looks new rather than all beat up.

All Dressed Up Your Line Is Ready For A New Season Now check your line. I like to clean and dress mine at the beginning of each year and as needed through the year to make sure no problems exist. I check my line-end loop very carefully and replace it as needed.

Choose A New Leader & Check Your Backing
Photo Strawberry Cut Throat Trout

(Don't Want That Big "One To Get-Away)

If you still have last year's leader attached, take it off and chuck it! Grab a new fresh one and put it on. For my trout fishing, I like a 9' or longer leader down to about a 4 lb tip and then add the tippet I need for the conditions. Use whatever works best for you. You might even un-spool all your line and double check that your backing line is still good. Replace it if it is discolored or fraying in any way.
Photo Strawberry Cut Throat Trout

Check Waders For Leaks & Nets For Holes
(The Bathtub Makes A Great Imitation Of A Warm Body Of Water)

Don't forget to check your landing net, waders, flies and everything else you carry and make sure it is in good shape. There are few things worse than discovering a leak in your waders while on the stream in February or March - believe me I know!
Take Some Memories Home To Share Photo Utah Fly Fishing Utah Carp

Everyone Loves To See A


B-I-G F-I-S-H


And A Grandpa & Grandson

Don't forget your camera so you can make a record of your trip (cell phone camera's work great, but set the pixels high for the best quality) ! Include some scenery for the best framed shot around your subject and you will have a great memory of the subject as well as the surrounding beauty.

Hows the P.M.A. ?

You are not quite ready...there is one last piece of equipment to check. It is the one between your ears. I am convinced that your attitude is the most important tool in your possession. Have you thought about how you will make this season better than the last? Have you managed your expectations so that regardless of the outcome, you come back from fly fishing restored and refreshed? P.M.A. (positive mental attitude).


Photo Trout Stream
Take In All Of Your Surroundings

Your time on the water is a priceless and an extraordinary gift. If your quarry is gracious enough to let you catch them; and, in rare cases, even give its life to you, are you prepared to cherish and care for your stewardship? If catching trout and/or possessing them is your only objective, by all means, go and help yourself. My suspicion is you are missing something vital and important. Just as if you went with a cracked rod or broken reel, you may be going to the water completely and totally unprepared.

Fishing Memories Of Broken Fly Rods and Torn Up Flies

Memories Are Just As Exciting As A Photograph

I don't know how many fishermen keep their old torn up, chewed on flies, but I do. They bring back some fond memories of fishing trips gone by and good times in the outdoors with my friends and sons. I even have a special fly box I keep the old soldiers in and always carry the container in my vest pocket next to the new members of my line up. The trusted and proven players are with me everytime I hit the water just in case the action is slow or I Photo Utah Rainbow Trout want to take time out to enjoy the natural beauty and reminise about times gone by.

Teeth Marks, Missing Tail & Barely A Wing Case Left
Before Fly Met Trout
Photo Utah Rainbow Trout
This old style goes back 15 years ago when my son Daniel and I were taking our first fly tying classes together during the winter of 1994. He was 14 and wanted to learn how to fly fish. I had always been a bait and lure man myself but was open for some new experiences and the opportunity to spend some one on one time with one of my children. So we went into the local fly shop located in Layton Utah to sign up for the fall and winter season of tying classes that they offered.

Daniel tied at least a dozen different wet flies and streamers for us to use that winter and spring. Sad to say there is only one pheasant tail left from that time. But it had a great life and brought us both some additional memories with the trout we took and released on the Ogden and Weber rivers that winter and following spring.

Thanks to Daniels embrassing the sport my other two sons have taken up fly fishing too (my daughters just don't appreciate this sport) plus a granddaughter and grandson.

Now Three Generations Fly Fish Together

A few evening classes during the winter and spring months spending time with some great local fly shop owners in Layton Utah has created a lifetime of memories for me as well as my family. The shop is now gone but my memories and gratitude to these kindred souls who spent time with me and my son patiently passing on their well honed skills will never be forgotten.

Broken Fly Rods

Photo Rainbow Trout

Have you ever worn out a fly rod ? I mean have you ever caught so many fish and placed so much strain as to create small stress fractures up and down the tip section that the rod finally fails ? I haven't, ( mine break off in trees, shrubs and get snapped off by tail gates or fall into fire pits).

But my fellow author Fenwick Has!

Fenwick Broke Two Rod Tips While Fishing This Year !

(On Two Seperate Fly Rods)

Photo Rainbow Trout

Please understand, he was not using rods that were too light for the fish he was catching nor does he abuse his rods. In fact he "babies" his rods like they are members of his family. Granted they were older rods, but that is the beauty of the story. They were both old and have some great stories to go with them. The stories and fish took their toll, slowly years of hook setting, bending under the stress of a worthy opponent and continuous flexing ended in catastophic failure. Close examination of the tip revealed the previously unseen stress fractures running up and down the shaft both above and below the compound fracture. Each one of those previously unknown fractures had a hidden story to tell. A story that was not revealed until the end of the life of a fine quality friend.

Momentos Are History

So the next time you think about tossing out a worn out fly or one that has a broken hook. Stop and think about all the history that you would throw away. Just like me, I'll bet you place that momento into a special place in your fly box and learn to appreciate gazing on it's presence when ever you take a moment to reminise in the out of doors. Be sure to leave a note or two for your family about these special warriors and your family will treasure them just as much as you do.

February Fly Fishing In Utah Rainbow Trout Utah Trout

Do You Need Some Motivation To Go
Out In To The Cold ?

Here's Your Cure For Cabin Fever !!!
Photo Utah Rainbow Trout
This morning I am looking at some photo's from a couple of fishing trips me and a friend took about two weeks ago here in Northern Utah. As you can see from the photo's the weather was a little cooler than the January day we were last here. But not so cold as to discourage a pair of hardened fly fishermen.

Photo Utah Rainbow Trout
Successful fishing means you have to keep the flies in front of the fish, no matter what time of year or the weather. However, I do prefer the sunny days over rain and snow. But cabin fever does have a strange affect on fly fishermen and I have been known to be standing in the middle of a river with my fly rod flailing and rain pouring down from the heavens by the bucketful (did I mention the thunder and lightning in the background ???) !

Photo Rainbow Trout Utah.

What a wonderful time and what a great memory ! But enough about rain and back to Winter. This next photo really gets my blood to pumping and if a picture is worth a 1,000 words this next picture says it all...
Photo Utah Rainbow Trout

Oh Yeah !!!!

Now That's What I'm Talking About

No... that is not a football.

It is the shape of a mighty fine trout...

It is a mighty fine trout that is eating so much food he looks like a football ! This is truly the picture of health when you bring in a lunker like this.

So what were we using to make such a successful trip?

Dark green muddler minnows with a gold cone head, size 8 was the ticket for the day. We use 9 foot two piece 3-5 weight fly rods, reels with adjustable drag, floating line, 9 foot tippets, with an additional 2-3 feet of leader and an adjustable strike indicator. If the fish are in cruising mode to feed the indicator shows the line movement long before you feel the tension or "tug" in your fingers, the indicator makes certain you won't miss setting the hook. However, your own response time may allow you to miss one or two...

Secure That Fly

The knot of the day is the polymer. It is not only really strong (I like the double loop going through the eye of the hook for a solid connection) but quick to tie when your fingers are numb from the cold.

The Weight Of The Matter

The gold cone head adds enough weight that you won't need any additional lead on the line to get to the bottom where the muddlers hang out. The muddler of course resembles any number of small fish so even if your trout don't have access to this specific variety, they do know small fish and how to quickly dispose of them.

Presentation Is Everything

Our presentation is to allow the minnow to sink to the bottom, hesitate and then "jig" by moving or raising the rod tip and at the same time stripping about 6 inches of line to create an up and forward motion. This allows the minnow to leave the bottom in an upward angle toward the fisherman and then to fall back to the bottom imitating an injured fish. At least that's what I tell myself. The results speak for themselves. The fish usually grab the fly as it is falling back towards the bottom.

Dress For Success

Be sure to dress in layers since the weather can change quickly and no one wants to be too cold or too hot. Fleece is great for a hoodie, and you will notice this is always my choice. It will repel snow and rain and continue to keep you insulated. Fleece also breathes to help keep you comfortable.

Fleece sweat pants are warm and provide lots of room to move around in when worn under your waders.

These Boots Are Made For Walking...On Ice

Shoes or boots designed for wading work best in snow and water with a metal cleat over the sole. Ice builds up fast and makes a slippery surface on your felt soles so cleats are a must for safety and are inexpensive to purchase. There are several manufactures to choose from. I like the clip on ones, they are fast and easy to attach or detach and don't allow ice to build up and of course they don't slip.

Speaking of your feet, don't forget a good pair of socks. Not cotton either ! Wool or synthetic are the best. Wool will continue to insulate your feet even if they become damp. Synthetic material will wick the moisture away from the skin to help keep you insulated and dry.

Get Fleeced

If a fleece isn't enough on really cold days I add a parka over it with a stocking cap or a pull over hat, similar to a ski mask that will come down around my neck and "tuck" into my shirt. This arrangement keeps my head dry and warm while protecting my neck, front and back, at the same time. The cuffs on my parka are water proof and have an adjustable velcro "grip" around the wrist so I can keep my arms dry while releasing fish in the cold water.

Magic Fingers

I also keep a pair of gloves to put on if I need them. They are the open finger style so I can easily strip line. They also have a "rubber pad palm" to make holding the slippery fish easier while keeping the water off my skin.

Make Sure You See The Light

Remember to take along the sun glasses, preferably polarized combined with U.V. coating, to block ultraviolet light. This will protect your eyes and allow you to see the fish in clear water. Speaking of U.V. keep the sunblock handy and apply it liberally. You will still get sunburned in the winter on sunny days so be prepared.

What You See Is What Everyone Will See

My camera is my cell phone. I never leave home without it. Even though many of the area's I go to don't have cell service the camera always works ! I keep it in a zip lock baggie in my front pocket so it is kept dry and readily available. Be sure to preserve some photo's with your memories and no one will ever doubt just how big the fish are that you are catching !

Plan "B"

Last but not least, pack a spare change of clothes and shoes. Over the years I have pulled a number of my fishing party from the water and even fallen in once or twice myself. There is nothing better than having an extra set of dry clothing to put on, especially in the winter to make a bad situation feel a whole lot better. Besides, it beats driving home cold and soaking wet. I keep the spare clothes tucked away in a gym bag located next to my fishing gear in my Jeep.

What Are You Doing For Winter Fishing ???

Have you got a winter fly fishing memory and photo's to share...let me hear from you and if your story with photo's beats mine, I'll post it (go to the comments section) !!!

Until next time...may you have Tight Lines and quality memories !