More Fly Fishing Secrets, Leeches, Woolly Buggers And Then Some...

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Leeches, Scuds, Woolly Buggers, Lawyer Flies, Glow Bugs, Wool Head Sculpins and Lunker Trout, Oh My

When The Fish Are Down In The Water Column

Dry Flies Won't Work

Photo Double Rainbow Trout On A Fly In Utah


Always rig two flies and you just may double the pleasure and double the fun with a pair of really nice Spring rainbow trout. Let's hope your leader and tippet are strong enough to endure the ordeal. Two large streamers or wet flies are just as good as any other attractor combination. Try out whatever appeals to you. Remember to change it out if the pair are not working. Something as simple as a larger or smaller hook size in the same fly will be the trigger to success. For still water fishing remember to move the flies slowly on the retrieve and be patient on the cast to let the flies completely sink to the bottom when using streamers or nymphs before starting the slow retrieve. The basic food of still water trout are Scuds, Leeches and Chironomids (covered in the previous article). 90% of a trouts diet comes from insects living below the surface of the water so it is a good idea to know what these insects are and how they live in and move around in the ponds and lakes they call home. Dry flies are a true adrenalin rush but they are not always available to the trout so the avid fly fisherman must be prepared if he also wants to be the year round fly fisherman.

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We now offer guide services for Utah fly fishing on private waters only 45 minutes from Salt Lake City & Utah county Park City, Heber & Ogden just a little bit further. Enjoy fishing for trophy rainbow and aggressive tiger trout on a 10,000 acre private ranch. We control the access so there is only one group per day! These wild trout are all over 3 years old, over 20" long with a football girth and appetite to match. Limited access means they are well rested and not over exposed to humans. They forage for their meals in the pond, designed like a long slow moving stream in a "dog leg" shape, complete with bays, inlets, drop offs, ledges and it is full of aquatic insects. Our waters are spring fed from artesian wells and never freeze in the winter so we don't suffer winter kill. The water is crystal clear and the fish are hungry. Visit our website for Fly Fishing Photo's and complete details on fly fishing and guide services right here in Utah.

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My Original Chenille Halloween Leech
This is my take on a night crawler or a really long leech with some color contrast. Jigging this long body creates a really nice curling pattern and the
quick rod tip action allows the leech to really stretch out long and lean as it shoots through the water for 4-6 inches and then drops back to the bottom, and allowed to rest for a few seconds before starting all over again. On an open lake, right after "ice off" I like to drift fish this one from my one man pontoon boat just a couple of feet below the surface. It has the look of an easy meal to slow moving lake trout and I believe the presentation of floating in a fully stretched out position has the appeal of an easy meal that is just waiting to be picked off by a hungry Spring trout.


Photo Bead Head Woolly Bugger
Colorful Woolly Bugger with a gold bead head has contrasting black with orange body and white hackle. "Jigging" and slow retrieve is the ticket to successful Spring fly fishing using contrasting colors for attraction. This is another favorite for ice off on the lakes both big and small. Is anyone thinking Strawberry Reservoir, besides me ? Try stringing up a couple of these combinations and create a parade of color. What, two streamers at once ? Oh, Yeah. Give it a try and you just may be surprised at which contrasting colors pull in the big ones. With a short stubby tail I don't mind a bead head for extra weight and glitter on this fly but I do fish it a little differently than a non bead or cone head. Quick jigging with the rod tip while moving the rod side to side to create a back and forth swimming action when combined with a slow "finger over finger" line retrieve will give this fly all of it's action and it doesn't require a lot of movement to generate a hit. Remember to lower the rod tip so the fly makes a quick dive to the bottom at the end of the upward tip lift and before the line retrieve or after the rod tip lift and at the end of the side to side rod movement creating the swimming side to side action. Try both methods.

Photo Bead Head Chartreuse Leech
Broadcast Your Fly To All Trout In The Area. Change your patterns and your colors if the fishing is slow. You want to have as many presentations as possible while you move up or down the stream or pond bank or just drift along in your boat. You are looking for active feeding trout, so be sure to change color patterns, move (only a couple of steps every few casts, wind and waves will do all the work on lakes and ponds) and "dance" your presentation for the best success using bright colors. Remember to let the fly settle back down and rest on the bottom after each dance so it appears to be in trouble or hiding from any of the opportunistic fish in the area.
"Attorney Fly"

Photo Black Egg Sucking Leech
This fly creates a "two-fer" meal for the trout. The leech and a tasty fish egg (two for the price of one)! Contrasting the bright red glow bug with the jet black body these colors allow the fly to stand out in clear or stained water of Spring. There is no leaded wire on the fly or a bead head for extra weight. To properly weight this fly locate sinkers on your leader above the head so the fly can freely float in the currents and be unfettered from the rocks and debris on the bottom, the sinkers will take the abuse of these obstacles. The sinkers can also be bounced using the rod tip allowing the fly to dip and dive without the extra weight from lead wire or a bead head. The fly also flows more smoothly in the currents for a more realistic look without the extra weight of the bead right on the head, but it also moves more slowly so use patience to let the fly "flutter" all the way to the bottom on the first cast and at the end each short retrieve.
Bright Orange Says Here I Am


Photo Gold Bead Head Orange and Red Leech

Add some red and get a really brilliant pattern moving through the water that is hard for even the most nonchalant lunker to ignore, let alone miss. This type of bead head I usually fish one to two feet above the bottom and allow the head to dive and rise using my rod tip and short strips of my line, two to four inches at a time. On still water a strike indicator also assists in the rise and fall while letting me know when the fly hits the bottom. The strike indicator will move backwards toward the fly while the fly is floating down and the indicator will stop moving when the fly is on the bottom. I give a slow count to "10" when the strike indicator stops moving, lift the rod tip, drop the tip back down near the surface, and strip a 4-6 inches of line in and start the process over again. Strikes come as the fly is falling. Be ready for the strike indicator to move in one direction as cruising fish swim and suck in the fly as they continue to swim steadily in the direction they were heading when they encountered your fly. Set the hook solidly by pulling the rod backwards with the rod tip just above the surface of the water and parallel to the top of the water. Lifting the rod straight up will have you miss a lot of strikes since this movement lifts line off the water, before it places pressure on the fish this extra time allowing for a slow response allows the fish time to feel the pressure of the slowly tightening line in it's mouth and have time to "spit" the hook and swim away.



Don't let the big ones get away! I have seen professional fishermen on video's fail to use this technique and have the undesired results of missing the big one time and time again!



What Looks Like A Fish And Swims Like A Fish



Photo Wool Head Sculpin
With a wool head, feathers for fins and a rabbit zonker tail this critter imitates tadpoles, small fresh water catfish, salamanders and dozens more. Next to marabou, rabbit hair adds the most incredible shimmer and live look to an artificial lure when submerged in the water that can be imagined. The long tail sways effortlessly with the slightest tug of the line by an angler, sliding and slicing through the water like the natural tail of a fish. It is truly mesmerizing to watch as it moves gracefully in the water. This fly is large enough it could have a gold cone head for weight, but this one does not. I prefer to add two or even three snailed sinkers on the leader, the first on located about 6 inches from the eye, and another up the line about 14 inches and if the water is fast or deep a third sinker another 12-14 inches above the second sinker. Thus the line from the fly to the last sinker sits fairly level in the water as it sinks and the current can carry the free floating fly up and down to the bottom as the sinkers bounce and sometimes hold to the bottom. I like the fly to be as free as possible imitating a very natural swimming action. I can raise my rod tip to release the sinkers from the bottom and let them sink again while the fly takes on a life of it's own unencumbered from extra weight on it's head from a bead or a cone.


Gold and Olive Offers Flash And Subtle Natural Color



Photo Gold Bead Head
Olive Leech

Fly fishing is not a science, but a sport and a hobby. Use the techniques, tips and fly patterns you see I offer and try some of your own.

Remember it's called "fishing" not "catching" but with some good ideas, basic understanding and a willingness to try you too will catch some fine trout and earn some bragging rights.

Fly Fishing For Monster Carp Utah Style

FLY FISHING FOR MONSTER CARP UTAH STYLE

Catch Trophy Trout Near Salt Lake City Utah !
Our Website: http://sites.google.com/site/trophytroutschool/

Sight Fishing Brings Fast Action

From A Muscle Bound Quarry

Utah’s temperamental spring has finally given over to summer - no longer do we need to use heaters and air-conditioners on the same day. The waters have warmed considerably and that means it is time to go fly-fishing for carp! Let’s briefly review the benefits of going after Utah’s golden bone fish and if you haven’t fished for this excellent quarry, you are simply missing out on one of Utah's finest and most resourceful game fish. They are large, wary, and strong and will test your skill and equipment to the breaking point.

Look At What I Saw and Caught

Photo Utah Carp Caught On A Fly

Certainly, carp are available as a "by catch" in many waters however few anglers target carp exclusively. We believe the most enjoyable way to catch carp is to sight fish for them in shallow warm waters. Many authors have noted how close this activity is to fishing for bonefish in salt water flats and, while carp do not exhibit the raw speed of the bonefish, their size and stamina is unrivaled among freshwater fish.
So, how do we fish for them? Your first step is to find water where carp are visible in shallow, clear flats. In Utah, the warm, fresh water flats adjacent to the Great Salt Lake afford quite a few locations, as well as Utah Lake and other waters. Your next step is to make sure your equipment is ready. You may be able to land large carp on less than 6 lb. test tippet, but we do not suggest going any lighter. I fish with a 9’ 5 weight rod and consider this the minimum weight fly rod capable of reasonable landing of the carp. We want to land them, not tickle them into submission. Your choice of fly can be just about any available nymph pattern matching the natural food sources available to the carp.

Pick Your Flies Wisely and Cover Your Scent

Remember that carp are omnivores and eat plants as well as insects. Nymphs which match the color of the available plant life seem to be more successful than other colors. Also, do not hesitate to fish in the moss or algae where the carp often feed. One secret technique is to rub your nymph or even a sculpin with local mud and moss to cover your scent! Experience has taught us that carp have an unbelievable sense of smell and if you want to get a “quick” hit, get rid of the human odor. Otherwise you may end up letting your fly soak in the water and after some time goes by the scent will eventually be gone but so may be the carp. So use this tip wisely.

Cast Where Your Target Is Going

Photo monster common carp Utah









When you see the carp cruising or see them rolling on the surface, do not cast directly to them; rather, try to guess which direction they are moving and place your cast in their path. The clearer the water, the longer the lead; if the water is very clear lead by 6 to 10 or even 12 feet. In water less clear, your lead can be shortened to 3 feet. Sometimes, you will need to tease your nymph jerking it 6 to 12 inches to entice a strike. More often than not, however, simply letting the nymph drop and sit on the bottom induces a strike. An adjustable strike indicator is also a good idea and may help suspend the fly just off the bottom of the pond or lake in the proper water column the fish are feeding in.

Set Your Hook and Hang On !

Photo trophy carp caught at Lake Bountiful Utah


A solid hook set is then required, this hooks the carp in its rather rubbery mouth. Now, hang on for a reel burning first run! Keep your hands clear of the reel or you will get a really bad “knuckle buster” of a “whack” on your fingers. You need to fight Carp aggressively; do not “horse” them in, but keep pressure on them, work you line back onto your reel, and let your reel’s drag and your rod fight the fish. Carp typically “run” parallel to your position so gently swing the rod tip in the opposite direction of the run. Also maintain the reel position about navel high with the rod pointing at the fish. To slow the run slowly point the tip upward. This lets the rod work in conjunction with the drag of the reel so you don’t apply too much pressure and risk breaking the line. If you feel this tension is too great simply lower the tip and point at the fish to relieve some pressure and allow the drag to run out some more line or backing. Big carp will let your line see sunlight for the first time in years! This technique is used to successfully land all big freshwater or salt water game fish.

He's Running South To Mexico !!

(and taking all of your line and backing with him)

Photo Monster Common Carp Utah


Make sure you get the fish on the reel, your hands can’t compensate for the changing line pressures like the reel and rod. So use the tools that were designed for the job. As you direct the fish from one side to the other during the parallel run you can reel in line as he comes directly in front of you, if you reel quickly . You can also point the tip of the rod up to “coax” him to come straight in for a few seconds. Trust me; it will only be a few seconds before he goes sideways again. Carp are some of the finest fighting fish I have experienced in the Western States. So go out and have some reel fun. Be prepared for several hard runs, like he’s going to Mexico and watch him closely near the shore. They don’t give up like trout or bass often do when they see a human. I have seen many a carp head straight south after I have had them to shore two or even 3 times.

Say "Golden Bone Fish", Click
Photo another uncommonly big carp in Utah


Once you have landed your fish, take pictures and revive the carp quickly. In some waters, you are encouraged not to return the carp to the water. Unfortunately, the bias against carp is justified in some waters so we suggest following the recommendation; however, wherever possible, release the fish so someone else has the honor and opportunity to catch it.

No fish is better suited to test your skills of casting, fighting and landing large game fish with exceptional fight and stamina. They are great practice for landing that trout of a lifetime.

It may be true that in spring, a young mans thoughts turn to love but as the afternoons warm and evenings lengthen, the summer fly fisher begins to think about his strongest – and possibly wariest – adversary. And that is why we call them Utah’s golden bone fish.

Fly Hatch For Week Ending Saturday June 6, 2009

Afternoon rain turns to dry sunny afternoons this week and that will affect the evening hatch pushing it later into the day, in some cases right up to dusk. The time just before sunset when the Sun drops below the West mountains and the air begins to cool and the emergers become active as well as the older adults from hatches of days gone by that come into the pond area to deposit eggs for the next generation. The old adults "flit and Skirt" across the waters surface trying to avoid the preditors that lurk below while ovipositing the next generation of eggs into the pond. This is also the time when the fish rise high in the water column to feed. The dinner bell has just sounded and the lunkers are ready to "Come and Get It" !!!

Generally ignoring the older adults, they feed on the emergers as they try to escape their shell and crawl through that thin layer of water surface, the miniscus, to escape their water world and enter the air as a new adult. This is the time the trout are feeding and taking advantage of the moving "buffet" as it makes its break for the new world. It is also the "magic" time for the dry fly fisherman. The trout seize the emergers and turn down with the mouthful they have just slurped or gulped. If that happens to be your fly the trout is about to get a really sharp surprise and the reaction is typically to go back to the surface and rocket out of the water like a missle launched from a submarine. LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL!

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How Fly Fishing Saved My Marriage

Check Out Our Website Featuring Access To Trophy Trout And Fly Fishing Instruction ! Come And Catch The Big Ones!!!

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Don't Miss All Our Trophy Game Fish Photo's And Tips Available On This Blog, Simply Pick Your Selection From The List On The Right !!!

Amber's Fly Fishing Experience:

Here is a sad - but true - story:

Jason and Amber had been married for 5 years. Jason was a golf nut and Amber absolutely hated golf. She was getting upset about all the time Jason spent golfing. And now, Jason had taken up fly-fishing. His golf clubs gathering dust in the garage, Jason had enrobed himself with the latest in fly fishing clothing and armored himself with the finest gear. Amber was really interested in learning how to fly-fish and thought this would be a great opportunity for them to quality time together. They were even planning a special trip in the fall to fish the legendary waters of Montana.

So, Jason and Amber purchased equipment for her and headed off to a lake two hours drive away to teach Amber the finer points of fly fishing.

It was a beautiful day for fly fishing: chilly, overcast with an occasional cold drizzle - the kind of day fish love and ladies despise.

Jason started to show Amber the "four count rhythm" he had learned from A River Runs through It. Trying as best she could, Amber couldn't seem to make it work right. Valiantly keeping at it, she tried again and again but her line would either snag the back cast or pile in front of her like a large pile of limp, green spaghetti. This was accompanied by Jason's rising frustration.

The ensuing argument seemed inevitable - the rising tones of anger, the misconstrued meanings and finally, icy silence was about to separate the two, now frustrated and angered opponents - when, rocketing up like a submarine launched cruise missile, a very large cutthroat trout lept from the waters surface. It was enormous! It was the largest fish Jason had ever seen and larger than anything Amber would have even imagined inhabited this, or any other, body of water. Even in the muted, dismal afternoon, its colors shown as if it had been enameled and jeweled like a Faberge egg created for the Czarina. And, affixed to its toothy maw, was Amber's fly.

The fish, now re-entered the lake making the water erupt like a fat kid doing his favorite cannon ball into the swimming pool.

The pile of spaghetti slowly began to move toward the murky depth as the fish end of the fly line rocketed away as if shot by a crossbow. Amber stood frozen as Jason started to babble instructions,sounding like a cleric calling for prayer. By some mystery (probably a manifestation of string theory) the spaghetti pile disappeared, the line tightened and Amber's reel began to sing. She stood motionless and, hearing Jason's incoherent expletives, some of the meaning began to work its way into Amber's consciousness. She was not only stung by the vindictive nature of the tirade, but also offended by the verbiage and - even more hurtful - the language. She looked at Jason as if he had just landed from Planet Vulcan. Realizing that he had crossed some verbal boundary and ventured into the no man's land of female indignation - he suddenly stopped.

The scene was now supremely silent and the ashen sky was a mirror of their ashen expressions. Amber and Jason looked at each other,as an icy wind began to blow between them. Suddenly, the silence was ruptured by a sound. It was a quite sound but resounded with all the violence and portent of a grenade:

"SNAP!"

The drive home was a mere foreshadowing of the ensuing arguments and recriminations. Amber and Jason's love, which once shone as bright as the cutthroat's crimson neck wear, now seemed as gloomy as the sallow skies that had accompanied them on that eventful day.

Jason no longer golfed or went fly fishing - instead he began drinking - and Amber wondered what happened to the gallant knight she had married.

Nonetheless, there is a happy ending to this story.

In the interest of brevity, we shall simply say that it took professional counseling and training to root out the deep seated emotions and disappointments.

And, in the end, Trophy Trout School ...well...we really don't know if it saved the marriage but; the last we heard from Amber, she still takes pride in being able to out double-haul her husband. And Jason; proud husband, felt that each trophy caught and released, was never more worthy of admiration, or as beautiful, as his fly-fishing wife; Amber.

"Click Here For Trophy Trout School"

Fenwick Fleigenbinder

Municipal Ponds Utah Part II

Let’s Revisit Municipal Ponds (Urban Fishery Utah)

But First A Quick Up-Date On Dry Flies This Week

Fly Hatch For Week Ending May Saturday 23, 2009

Midges in the morning and late evening: White body, clear wing and Black body clear wing. Quite small 20-26. Wasp and yellow jackets are also present in very very small numbers so I use a number 16 dry fly immitation. Attractor patterns include royal humpy, royal coachman, and mosquito patterns in gray and dark brown. Lunker Rainbow Trout are cruising high in the water column just below the surface and easy to spot. They are active and feeding at Sunrise and Sunset but quite wary. Strikes are hard and fast with lots of airobatics on the strike and hook set.

In the celebration of all-around-fishing-for-fun we take one more look at urban fisheries. They are located close to where we live, usually have some "easy to catch" stocked fish and are great for a quick get away with the kids or grandchildren for an hour or two any day of the week. Unfortunately no lunker rainbow trout are found here.

How Did You First Learn To Fish, Not With A Fly Rod I'd Bet

So it's time to think about how most of us got started with the sport of fishing. Using bait and lures. Sit back and enjoy the fun of teaching our youth about fishing and how someday they may choose to widen their horizons and venture into the world of fly fishing as they build memories and just have some fun. Teach kids to fish!

"Popular" Is An Under Statement At Municipal Ponds.

As I mentioned earlier, regardless of what these municipal ponds are called, they are becoming more and more important to people who like to fish. They are also a great place to start kids fishing – you can fish for an hour or two but not spend hours driving to and from the distant fishery. So, most likely, there is an urban fishery in your future and here are some additional tips and by the way, teach kids to fish.

Photo Clinton City Pond, Clinton Utah Pond

MUNICIPAL POND ETIQUETTE


One of the disadvantages of the urban fishery is that it can often get crowded. First, try to find a suitable place to fish where you are not too close to others. If you cannot find a place, you will probably have to squeeze in between others. The best way to handle this is just ask; “Is it "OK" if we fish here?” or “Do you think there is room here for us to fish?” The worst approach is just plopping down and acting as if no one else is there. And, what if there is simply no room? Then you go home or do as I do; wait till someone leaves and as they are leaving ask;


Photo Jensen Nature Center Pond, Syracuse Utah Urban Fishery Utah
“May we take your place?”Make every effort not to cast over someone else’s line, and if someone casts over your line, don’t be a jerk about it. This is especially true if the offending party is a child. I have given several impromptu casting lessons “See, you hold the rod behind you and then cast it straight out so you don’t catch other peoples line’s. Great job!” For younger children who just need to be kept busy, I give them a casting outfit with a lure which has had the hook removed and let them cast away. Remember to be encouraging and compliment the casts they make so they will keep trying. You may also want to have an extra heavy monofiliment line so they can easily untangle knots in the line, bird nests and even reel in the weed beds from the bottom of the pond. I used to put a 20 lb test line on for my kids. It helped them to learn how to manage the rod, reel, line and hooks.


COMPETITION

One of the best things about the municipal fisheries, or Urban Fishery Utah is how nice the people are. Generally, they are happy to tell you what is working and how much luck they have had. In addition, when certain baits aren’t working and I don’t happen to have the “hot” one, I have even had people offer me a gob of their Power Bait, some worms or even a lure or fly. I now make it a part of my fishing routine to try to carry extra and offer some to others if they are not having any luck. Having my grandson along on these excursions seems to help alot. I notice a lot of grandparents with grandchildren as well as parents taking part in spending time together in this great outdoor diversion to daily life.

What Goes Around Comes Around

It is funny, but the more you try to help others, the more pleasant the fishing experience. When it is crowded, be sure to cast straight out, perpendicular to the shore to avoid tangling up with other people’s lines!Often, the difference between having success and not, will depend on your casting ability. Unless the fish are near the shore, the ability to cast farther than anyone else will generally improve your luck. So, make sure your equipment is in good shape, your line is fresh and untangled, and light enough to land your quarry but still cast a good distance. Accuracy is also important especially if you are close to other people casting. Nothing wastes precious fishing time than a tangle created when lines get tangled!

How To Really "Whang" It Out There

My first introduction to fly fishing as a child was learning how to rig a clear bubble filled with water trailing a fly behind 4-6 feet of leader. The bubble of course kept the fly in the top of the water column while providing the necessary weight so I could cast a "mile". Since the bubble freely slides or allows the line to freely slide you may want to use a small sinker (a small split-shot works fine) between the fly and bubble to keep the bubble a set distance from the fly. To keep the fly from sinking too deep a second sinker is placed on the line above the bubble so the fly will not continue to sink to the bottom from the extra weight of the lower sinker. The water filled bubble is buoyant enough to keep both sinkers and itself very close to the surface of the water. Like many of you, this technique taught me how to cast accurately and how to maneuver a fly "slowly" across a large area of still water. I also learned the affects of "fast" or "slow" retrieves as well as "jigging" the fly to create different and unique presentations. Some times they worked and sometimes they didn't. Back in those days, I was fishing in lakes and mountain ponds (high Unita mountains of Utah). This is still a viable teaching method for someone of any age to learn the basic concept of using dry flies or nymphs and working on that all important aspect of accurate casting.


TACTICS

Have a variety of baits, lures and flies so you can change tactics. Having said that, I have a few “go to” flies and lures which work well just about everywhere and I usually stick with those. I also have baits about which I feel the same. Incidentally, even though I love to fly fish, I am just as happy sitting on the bank fishing for pan fish with my grandchildren as I am matching the hatch on some blue ribbon stream. So develop your own favorite flies, lures, bait and tactics. If after 30-45 minutes you have not had any luck, change tactics.

“GO TO” LURES FOR TROUT

Panther Martin Gold Blade, black body with yellow or green dots.
Jake's Spin a Lure Gold.Jake's Spin a Lure Black (Great for dark or cloudy days).
Mepps spinners – several colors.
Thomas Cyclone – gold with red dots (Great Brown Trout Lure!).
Rapala’s or similar lures floating and sinking.
Lead head jigs – black, dark green, white.

The basic fly assortment is discussed on other blogs.

So, if you have an urban fishery, go out and make use of it. You already pay for it with your taxes so why not get your share of the fun. If possible, take a child fishing. If you have any questions, leave us a comment.




Fenwick Fleigenbinder & All_Tied_Up

This Week Tips for fishing Local, Municipal or City Ponds

Lots of Water, Lots of Company, Lots of Fish


This week we step away from our normal all fly fishing column to talk about all around fishing. Especially for families and young children. It is important to introduce the entire family to the sport of fishing and to be honest the local municipal ponds are a great point of entry. Yes, you can fly fish on these ponds, but be prepared for some strong competition.

Utah Channel Cats, Trout, Blue Gill, Large Mouth Bass, Carp and More

Photo Utah Channel Catfish At Willow Pond

Fishing local, municipal or city ponds has become a part of fishing life for many urban Americans. With the increased cost of travel, less time for fishing and a larger population who fish, for many, the local pond has become the main attraction for avid anglers. And so it should be. "Put and take" fisheries provide recreation, can be quite pretty and are a great place for youngsters. In addition, municipal ponds are great for people who have a challenge getting around and are also a great place to practice your fly fishing techniques. What they do not offer is solitude and a high quality fishing experience. These are public ponds and any angler with a license can fish there. There are several other problems which I will discuss below.

In general, a variety of fish are planted in public ponds: Trout, Catfish, Bass, Bluegill and various minnows to provide a food base. Depending on the water quality and temperature, some natural reproduction may occur.

What Do I Need To Know To Catch My Own Mess Of Fish?

So, how do you fish these ponds? First, lets talk about some basics and then we can get into more technical details.

Photo Channel Catfish Utah Willow Pond

The first step on any pond is to know the rules and regulations. Most often, they will be posted, but if not, check your local regulations so you do not inadvertently harm the fishery.



Second: Observe. Note the water quality and clarity. Find out where the inlets and outlets are, what the source of the water is (spring fed or creek fed). Try to figure out what the topography of the lake is: how deep is it, are there any old river channels and underwater structure.


Next: Research. Whatever research you can do on the front end, will help you greatly. Find the local Wildlife Official and ask questions. Be sure to ask the most important question: what fishing technique is working and what is the stocking schedule! If you cannot find the local wildlife person, ask those fishing the water. You would be surprised how friendly and helpful they can be. I am on a first name basis with many of the fishers at my local pond and I freely give and receive advice. If you are lacking the latest hot bait, sometimes someone will generously give you some. And if you are toting a youngster, which I usually am, other fishermen often will let your youngster land their fish. In reality the social side of the local pond is one of the nice benefits and so, while you are fishing be sure to make some new friends and acquaintances while doing so. Of course, the best way to make a friend is to be a friend so be sure to be helpful with advice and generous if you are so inclined.

Photo Large mouth Bass Utah Bountiful Pond

Also check the pond vegetation as this has a great impact on what the fish will eat and what techniques will work.

BAIT


Most anglers will be using bait. Power bait and its variants are quite popular here in Utah but they have given rise to "Fleigenbinders Power Bait Rule: Fish will bite on whatever color or flavor you do not have in your arsenal." But, do not overlook the standards: worms seem to work quite regularly and salmon eggs are usually very productive in the spring.

For kids, I highly recommend a small chunk of night crawler on a small hook with no weight at all. That will usually bring in the Bluegill and Sunfish. And, kids want action. A spinning rod with a de-hooked spinner is just the ticket for a youngster to learn to cast and not endangering himself or others around!

RIGGING:


When using bait, the best all around rigging is to thread either a clear plastic bubble filled with water or a lead egg sinker above a swivel. Then add 12" to 36" of leader onto the down line end of the swivel where you attach your hook. I often attach two hooks (Double Trouble) either with similar bait fished at two different depths or two different types of bait until I find out what is working. Be sure to check your regulations to make sure that Double Trouble is legal on your water.
Using this setup, you should have enough weight to cast quite a long distance and often this is the trick for municipal fisheries, however don't forget that in many cases, fish will be close to the shore and you might be casting over them.

A common mistake is using too much weight hooked directly to your line. You might be able to cast a good distance but you are simply inviting snags. Don't use too much weight.

The secret to casting long distances is not your weight but your line, reel and rod. I am always amazed at how some individuals can't seem to cast more than about 20'! Make sure you have fresh and not too heavy line - 4-6 lb line is fine for trout and a bit bigger for larger species. Make sure your line is filled to just below the rim of the spool. If you are having trouble casting any distance, take it to someone more experienced and have them check it.

Make sure you can cast appropriate distances, if you cant, you are probably wasting your time!

I'll post more about fishing municipal ponds soon, in the mean time. Happy Fishing!


Fenwick

PS Enjoy The Rest Of The Photo's (How About Some Fly Fishing For Utah Carp)?

Photo Utah Carp Bountiful Lake

Photo Bountiful Lake Carp Utah























Photo Carp Bountiful Lake Utah
























Photo Utah Carp

























Photo Utah Carp




















Photo Municipal Pond Murray Utah























Photo Municipal Pond Murray Utah


















Photo Willow Pond Murray Utah















Photo Tiger Trout Utah



















Photo Spring Bluegill Utah



















Photo Arm to Arm Fishermen

April Fly Fishing Secrets Leeches And Woolly Buggers

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Spring Fly Fishing Brings Out Some Of The Weirdest Looking Insects And Most Colorful Attractors
Photo Mohair Leech
April fly fishing secrets is about to be announced. So get ready to learn about leeches and woolly buggers.

Long, lean and brilliant in color this eggplant color mohair leech is not only bright but the feathers undulate and create a fantastic swimming action in the cold spring water imitating natural aquatic life. Never underestimate the power of illusion created by quality feathers as they flow in the water. In the experienced hands this fly comes to life with movement and poise. Just like a puppet on a string. Skill comes fast to every angler with a little practice combined with trial and error in the presentation. Secrets of leeches and woolly buggers is now revealed for all fishermen to read and enjoy!
Red Hot Fishing Colors Can Create Life.
Brilliant colors attract the fish from all over the water and in all manner of cover. Your best secret for fishing with an attractor pattern is movement with color. Remember the the fly must "dance" to bring out the aggressiveness in the fish and to appear to be alive and desirable. Cold water means a slow retrieve. So use the rod tip to create a "bounce" up and down during the line "strip". Start the line strip as soon as the fly is near the bottom and begin with about a 3-4 inch "jerk".
Rod Tip Must Be Kept Low To The Surface


Keep the rod tip close to the water surface as the fly drifts near the bottom, then "pop it" (rod tip) up quickly about 4-6 inches just before you begin the retrieve. This action creates a swimming affect as well as one of the prey trying to escape ! The position of the rod down low keeps consistent tension on the line. Tight lines is the desired affect.
Hooking Secrets That Keep The Fish On

So when you set the hook, pull the rod along the surface of the water, not "up" in the air. Test this concept before you lose a fish. The "up" direction lifts the line off the water and there is no hooking action. Pulling the rod back and parallel to the water surface keeps the tension in place and the hook in the fish.
Repeat The Action For Success

After the retrieve is complete, lower the rod down near the surface to allow the fly to return to the lowest point near the bottom. Watch your line to make sure the fly is down, and "pop" the rod tip again and start the retrieve process all over again. The fish will usually strike as the fly is falling. This early in the Spring a cruising fish in a large pool, pond or lake will likely "pull" the fly sideways as it feeds on anything in the area. So be prepared for some "light" strikes and pay close attention to the line moving from one side to the other.
Adjust Your Weight To Water Speed and Depth

Note there is no "bead head" for weight so this fly can have a small snail sinker placed anywhere from just above the eye of the hook to 6-8 inches up the line from the eye. This style of no bead also allows the angler to adjust the weight used with various size sinkers depending on water current and the desired speed of decent to carry the fly down. Another example of a secret to fly presentation is proper line weighting. Multiple small sinkers several feet apart creates a different presentation of a fly with an equal amount of weight but only used in a single sinker located closer to the fly.
Blazing Red Belly With An Orange Tail Just For Spring!!!
Photo Spring Tiger Trout Utah
Tiger trout are taking on that bright red and orange belly for the Spring spawn. The tips of their fins are tinted red too, just like the Spring colors of the brook trout (the Tigers mother). I love the black lines that flow like the cut out lines in a jigsaw puzzle across the Tigers body highlighted with an alternating white and green background. Notice the perfect tail of a wild trout. It hasn't been worn round like fish from a hatchery.




Photo Spring Spawning Tiger Trout


Photo Bead Head Leech


As Blue As The Cold Water It may be light blue now but once it is introduced into the water the leech will darken up and be easily seen over a long distance. Moving in a jerky pattern over a weed bed, off of a concealment by the bank or just through a deep hole or pool this attractor pattern says it loud and clear "come and get me".
Why Bright Fly Colors Are Effective !

The pioneers used to call early spring the "lean times". Meaning is was a time to plant and not harvest plus most if not nearly all the winter supply was used up by now. Not only for man but for the animal world too. Spring trout were fattening up nicely because "love was in the air". It was time to spawn and they had to put on some extra weight to be ready. That meant eat everything available. So they do. Bright colors are used to attract fish throughout a large area, the area the fish can see. So you want to work the patterns slow, remember the fish are slow too, so they need some time after they see your fly to attack the target. If it moves too fast, they are not interested, fast moving food requires too much work for very little reward.
Photo Gold Bead Head Red Leech
Marabou is a perfect material for imitating a swimming insect or fish. As the leech is moving toward the fisherman the feather lays down in a streamline pattern creating a very sleek looking body. As the rod tip "jigs" and the fly slows down it's forward motion the feathers flow away from the body like a wing opening in all directions. This affect looks like the fly is slowing down while presenting a much bigger prize to any predators in the area. The marabou actually undulates creating the appearance of gills and external fins. What a fantastic illusionist. The perfect puppet in the hands of even the most inexperienced fisherman.

Site, Smell And Laterals
Site is the trouts ability to see the fly from the area it is hiding or crusing aroung in. Heavy weed cover limits the fishes ability to see too far except in the feeding lane. So make your presentation bright and in the lane for the best chances of getting a hit.

Smell means keep your hands smelling like the surroundings. Rub mud on your hands when you enter the water and tie on your first fly. Place mud on the leader, tippet and the fly. Get the plastic smell watered down, and don't worry the mud will wash off and leave the fly looking fine. Your fly must smell like the surroundings the fish are in.

Laterals, the side areas of the fish that sense food in the water. It works like radar and the fish can identify your fly by it's movement. The fish have a this keensense that picks up motion in the water to assist in their hunting ability. Large flies set off a larger target than do small flies. Take advantage of this sense and let the fish know you have something worthwhile for them to feed on.

Next week we will have some more tips and secrets for April fly fishing.

Spring Fly Fishing And How To Read A Stream

Fly Fishing Guide Service, Trophy Rainbow & Tiger Trout 45 Minutes From Salt Lake City, Provo, Orem & Utah County On Private Waters , Park City, Heber & Ogden Just A Little Bit Further For World Class Fly Fishing In Utah.

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http://sites.google.com/site/trophytroutschool/

Utah Fly fishing Guide Service Takes You To Monster Rainbows & Wild Aggresive Tiger Trout On A 10,000 Acre Ranch Just 45 Minutes From Salt Lake City & Utah County Park City, Heber Ogden Just A Little Bit Further to drive. Best Year- Round Dry Fly Fishing In Utah For Lunker Trout! Dry Fly Fishing All Year Long.

Our fishing guides show you the biggest trout on private waters. Artestian wells provide year round crystal clear water at 59 Degrees temperature, so we never freeze and we don't have to replace trout every Spring due to winter die off.Private waters on 10,000 acre ranch near Salt Lake City, Park City, Heber City, Utah County, & Ogden.

Dry Fly fishing at it's absolute finest. All trout over 3 lbs. and 20 " "+". Monster Rainbow & Tiger Trout Will Strip The Line Off Your Reel. See Our Website For Photo's & Complete Details About Fly Fishing With Guides On Our Private Waters.

Spring Fly Fishing In Utah Is Finally Here !!! Some Of The Best Fly Fishing Of The Year.

Photo Trophy Rainbow Trout Utah

Photo Utah Rainbow Trout

So it's time to take stock of just what flies the fish are feeding on at your favorite fishing grounds in Utah. This means having the patience and taking the time to look under some rocks, in the weeds and yes in the mouth and throat of the fish you catch. Taking this approach will assure more success and less frustration while you are on your favorite body of water fly fishing whether you are using dry flies or nymphs or streamers.

What's That Hiding Under Those Rocks ?

Take a moment and turn over a few rocks in the shallow area's as you enter the stream or river. In early spring you may have to move several before you see some life. But it's there. Leeches, and worm like larvae spend up to two years in this state of their life before maturing and leave the water as an adult. So fish are you used to seeing and eating them year round. Notice the colors and size so you can match some patterns from your fly box. Of course the fish don't turn over rocks to find these guys, but rising water, changing currents and less than sure footed fisherman move the rocks and send this food down the stream to hungry trout.

I Don't See Anything In These Weeds...

Just like checking those rocks for life, take a hand full of weeds and place them in some water. A small plate or dish even a cup will do. Don't get lazy and hold the weeds in front of your eyes to find the bugs. You won't find them ! They are attached and holding on for dear life while you dangle them over the stream. Plus the branches of the weeds help to cover them up. So take some time place the weeds in a plate, add some water and amazingly the critters will begin to move around so you can see them. The first time you do this you will be astonished at the variety and numbers of insects that are alive and moving around. It doesn't require a lot of work and you just may say to yourself "hey, why haven't I ever noticed this before" ?

Photo Fish Stomach Pump and Contents

His Mouth Is Empty So He Must Not Be Eating

O.k. you tried the rocks and the weeds now let's see what the trout are really eating today. So you selected a fly from your collection that looked pretty close to the critters you found under the rocks and in the weeds. Next you caught a fish ! Before you release him check out what is in his throat ! Be-sure-to-use-the-miss-named-"stomach pump". A simple little unit that looks like a "turkey baster". The trick is you don't suction the fishes stomach (any food that deep down is usually digested beyond recognition) you suction just down inside the throat. Fill the dropper with water, insert into the back of the throat and gently past the closure of skin separating the mouth and the throat leading to the stomach (esophagus for the technical crowd). Press the bulb to fill the area with water, release the bulb to "suck" up the contents. Gently release the fish, and empty the bulb into a dish, tray or cup of water. Wow ! Look at what this guy eats and most of them are still alive (fish don't chew their food like we do, they "gulp" and swallow). Now you know exactly what fly pattern and colors to use on your next cast. With a little research you can catch a lot of really nice fish.

Where Are Those Spring Fish Hiding ?

Spring trout are usually a little lethargic so they won't stray too far from deep water usually right below a riffle and a run. The small to medium fish will be located in the run, not as deep or as much cover as a hole. But just right for this size of fish to eat and hide. The hole in this picture is clearly displayed at the bottom of the photo with the run in the middle. Cast up stream into the run and let the current carry your fly down into the hole where the big ones are waiting. If you have taken the time to study the food supply you will placed the correct fly on your line and have the best chance of catching the big one.

Photo River Riffles, Run, Pools and Hole With Cover

The Rivers & Streams Are All Muddy

Spring brings mud first to the upper streams and rivers, so fish middle and lower sections to keep in the clear water. As spring begins to end the mud moves down to the lower sections so it's time to move to the higher elevations for clear water. Use this rule and you will always find clear streams and rivers to fish in.

Where The Streams Are Clear

Just below any dam will be clear year round and offer water that maintains a near constant water temperature. Don't forget these great locations for year round access to good trout fly fishing.

How To Read A Stream

Photo Trout Cover

Riffles: The shallow water that is flowing over rocks and the stream or river bed. The smorgasbord preparation area for hungry trout. This is where the main stay of aquatic life is living and growing. It is the buffet table for trout.

Runs: If the riffle is the buffet table the run is the fast water that is a conveyor belt delivering the food to the trout. Small and medium fish are located in this area.

Pools: Located just below a run it's the deep water that provides the cover big trout need to move around in and feed. Small and medium fish along with insects in this area are all prey for the big boys.

Cover: Around the pools you will see fallen trees, boulders, rocks and cuts in the banks. These all provide protection for the big fish. They can sit in a protected area out of sight and out of the main flow of the current and be ready to ambush whatever comes by that looks appetizing.

Active Fish : Use these tips and work the water and remember not all fish are active all the time. So move to new locations. Don't forget the trout cover for excellent places of ambush for large fish.

So Get Out & Find Some Action !

Not every run or pool will contain active fish, so be prepared to keep on moving to find the active ones. If you have done your home work and selected your fly patterns using the information noted from above you will greatly increase your chances of success, remember it's called fly fishing not catching.