Well, I did have a trip today, but because of the storms we had to cancel. Right now the rivers are in bad shape. I guess if you like fishing in soup you can try your luck. I'd rather wait and give them a better day tomorrow. I'm taking out a father and daughter, who is fourteen, so Dry Run Creek should be fun first thing in the morning. Both beginners so we'll see what happens. Today we started out with cold rain and wind that was a bit frustrating when you're trying to teach casting.
So because I have the day off, I'm going to work on some of the how to steps for all these streamers I've been working on. Since the last time I talked to Kelly a few weeks back I've had some in depth conversations in the last few days. Corresponding through email, he sent me a few pictures of what he's been working on recently. I must say I'm impressed with his theory on streamers and what it takes to get big fish to "wake up" from their nap. We all know they don't feed too aggressively so what we're trying to do is get into their dark side, if you will. And I'll be the first to say, it works!!
I have a lot more to learn, but because I'm out their doing it everyday I'm figuring it out pretty fast. Next week I'm going to call Rio and talk about heavier weight grains because I think we need them if we're trying to get down to seven feet or more. I know I'm willing to field test them. I'll keep you posted.
Tying Class
Reminder about the next tying class. This next weeks class is one you DON'T want to miss out on. I'm going to tie big stremers and talk a little bit about how you fish them. Trust me, this will take you to the next level if you're after something much more challenging than indicator fishing. I also think it's a lot like dry fly fishing. You also get to see the take, but much more explosive and a bigger fish to go along with it. It's this upcoming Saturday, April 4th at the Shepherd of the Hills fish Hatchery below the Table Rock Dam. Call the hatchery to make reservations. Bring a vise if you want to tie. And you do need to know a little bit about fly tying. If you've never tied or fly fished you're more then welcome to come and watch. We'll see you there!!
March 27, 2009
Fishing heavy (7-8wt) rods in low water with streamers. Floated from Rim Shoals to Ranchette. Great water for streamers!
General Report about fishing and tying.
Ok, so it's been awhile. I've been so busy and now playing catch up with tying a big order for Blue Ribbon. Not only that, I'm in this big "streamer thing" and it's got a hold of me BIG TIME. So separating the two is kind of keeping me from tying strictly wholesale. It's kind of fun tying for me again. Filling up my Cliff fly box, which if you haven't got one of these, you should for big flies that are articulated. When I get done I'll take a picture on some patterns I've been working on. So much to say about streamers. I mean, even since the last time I wrote about this stuff I've learned a lot more. Ty Ingram who is the rep for TFO went out with me for a few days. We grab most of his big rods, from switch rods to 10 foot Jim Teeny rods. We field tested it all. I must say, I'm a big fan of TFO's heavy rods for throwing big stuff. Shooting heads with different lengths to match up the right weight rods was something I found very interesting. There's a lot to say about this new innovative way to throw distance with flies that weigh a ton when they get wet. I'm having a lot of fun and when I can find more time to talk about it I will. Maybe I'll write up an article about fishing streamers with switch rods and shooting heads built into the fly line.
Fishing
About fishing. Yes, It's been extremely well if you ask me. Here lately we've had a little rain so now they're generating to get it out of here. I'm sure they've learned their lesson with heavy rains from last years floods. I bet they'll start dumping water as soon as we get it. I floated the White yesterday and I must say we picked the wrong time to put in. I guess that's why you can�t forget motor boats. If I would've had mine I could've got out of the trashy water by going up above it, but we were in the soup all the way from the dam to Wildcat Shoals where we took out.
Every time we made a cast we had to clean our flies from catching moss or some sort of grass. So really what we did today was a true float with little fishing. We hit spots that we've been hooking fish, but today they weren't home. These fish had lock jaw and I'm sure it had to do with the water conditions. I did get a few takes and had one really big brown try to get his mouth around it. But because the current was so fast it put too big of a "U" in the line and swung around too fast. It was still cool to see. I wish I would've hooked it though because it was a nice fish. I committed to throwing one fly and one color and that was the articulated Zoo Cougar in yellow. This fly is dynamite in the water. I think from now on I'll chunk more articulated streamers when I can get away with it. They look so good when you strip them through the water.
As you can see from the recent trout pictures page I've had some really good trips, with most my clients hooking a decent brown everyday. I'll tell you this, that makes me extremely happy to be able to do this. We have some of the best water in the country and it's living proof. I keep saying it, and the more I'm down here the more I'm convinced of it. Randall who caught the 24 inch female was throwing a single hook Zoo Cougar and we got to see the take. It was truly amazing. I was on the oars and Randall started shouting, I have a big one following it. When I sat up to see what he had chasing it, I got to see the hit as well. It was real close to the boat and this brown wanted it. You could tell she was woke up from her nap. Like Kelly Galloup says, it's like a lion in her den and someone came in her living room and knocked over her coffee table. She or he is not having it.
So I'm getting back on the vise and when I get some free time in a week or so I'll get some more how-to-steps up on articulated streamer patterns.
Here's what Derek had to say about those two browns he caught. Nice gesture on his part. Thanks Derek.
Jeremy,
My dad and I have fished for trout in some of the greatest places on earth - from Argentine Patagonia to New Zealand to the Green River in Utah, but nowhere have we caught both the numbers and quality of fish we caught on our ONE day of fishing with you on the White River. I caught the two biggest browns of my life with you that day, you can't beat that!
Your professionalism and passion for the great sport of fly fishing was obvious from the minute we put the boat in the water and you took the time to analyze our casts and give us a few indispensable tips before starting the day. My cast was instantly improved, which undoubtedly helped me land a few more fish that day (and will continue to for the rest of my life).
Dad and I also enjoyed getting to know you personally. You're a funny, likable, genuine guy, and I, for one, appreciate that. From getting up in my face and yelling, "YOU'RE THE MAN!," when I hooked a giant brown, to giving humorous descriptions of peoples, riverfront property lawn ornaments, I have a feeling the day would have been pretty memorable and enjoyable even if we hadn't caught as many quality fish as we did.
Overall, our day on the White with you was one of our best fishing experiences ever. Our only regret is that we didn't book more days with you (but that will change next time we visit). If anyone ever mentions to me that they want to fly fish on the White River in Arkansas (or anywhere near it), I'm gonna tell 'em to go with Jeremy Hunt.
March 17th 2009
Drifted Bull Shoals Dam to Cotter - Long Day..
White River - Banging streamers in the deep water and nymphing on the bottom in shallow water!
Scott is an existing client. He was actually the one with me last year when I lost my Sage SLT with a Ross Evolution 2. It was a bad day, but I've replaced it with a Z-Axis so I don't even think about it anymore.
It was another great day on the water. Last time he was here he didn't get to see the river for what it is worth. In high water you always have a greater chance on hooking a trophy fish, but the downside to that is in Low water you can always hook a bunch of trout and sometimes a kicker fish to end the day. But one thing I'm finding out is a little water is better than dead low water and can also be very rewarding on big fish too. Some of the riffles I'm noticing are actually better to fish in high water levels verses when the water is off. I think the main reason is, it's a little deeper to store big fish that feed more aggressively then they would if the current was more minimal and shallower. Those two reason would make sense to why these fish lock up during the day for the most part. Hooking all these nice browns are happening for one reason and that's higher water, but not so high you can't make decent drifts.
We put in on the Baxter side up at the dam. I rigged three rods all differently because the water changes so much throughout the river. So deep water we banged streamers, low water we fished the bottom. It worked out and it was an awesome day. Only drift boat on the water and we got to see a lot of river today. First brown came about an hour into the day. These fish had no fight and it looked like it wasn't doing good. Real skinny for his size. He measured out at 19 inches and you could clearly see he had no girth to match his size. I hate seeing that, but that happens. He was happy to hook a nice brown and that's why everyone comes to the White River. I still wasn't all that happy and maybe I'm spoiled with what we've been hooking. I was just ready to get another one that was actually something I would consider a trophy fish. I had high hopes because luck has definitely been on my side. So we kept fishing picking up the little rainbows hoping to hook another brown. Then it happened, this brown went upstream and we knew we were in for a fight. I immediately took up anchor and got in the current so we could play this fish in open water without gaining anymore distance on us. It was intense, but felt good to get it in the net. This fish was proportioned right and it measured 21 inches. I would say after this fish Scott was content with the day. We ended the day at Cotter hooking fish all day. And you couldn't beat the weather. Another great day to be on the water.
Overall Conditions
White River is in good shape. Still running water all day, but the levels are low. Anywhere from 1-3 units, but mostly 1-2 units and if you have a boat there are spots to get out and wade. Norfork is staying shut down, but expect crowds because it's the only wadable water.
March 16th 2009
Dry Run Creek
Darren who recently started writing reports for Taneycomo came down with his son Jordan who is 11 years old. I thought I would do something in return since he's been so generous to keep Taney alive with updated content.
We started the day early and were the first ones there. That's really important when you're looking to hook multiple big fish, and do it before more people show up. The whole goal was to get Jordan on a fish he would never forget about. And that's what happened. We hooked numerous big fish, but didn't land them. I'm sure that happens to a lot of people. We did manage to get one really beautiful rainbow in the net. It was a fish of a lifetime and was probably older in years than Jordan. All I can say is I think I made his day, but more importantly I made his father's day. Good job Jordan. We'll see you soon and this time we will shoot for that pig we saw pushing 30 inches.
Here's what Darren had to say!
I just want to say wow, what a day of fishing. My son and I met Jeremy at Dry Run Creek and it was the best day I have ever had fishing, even though I wasn't fishing. Dry Run is a creek below Norfork Dam that is for kids sixteen and younger, it is catch and release only and has some other restrictions, it also has lots of trophy trout, browns and rainbows.
Jeremy put my son onto some huge fish, one was 26 inches that he got in and estimated weight 10 lbs. He hooked several others and one looked like it was 30 inches but they got away. The opportunity to have brought in that many large fish was amazing. Even though he didn't get them all in, he learned something on every one that got away. He also brought in one brown at 17 inches that was a beautiful fish.
The other really cool thing was that, Jeremy was able to teach him some things that I've been trying to teach him for a long time, (He also taught him some things I hadn't even thought to show him) and haven't been able to because of the father son thing; some times it's just easier for a kid to learn some things from someone else. I really appreciate that Jeremy stuck with it, it turned out great. I don't think my son will ever forget it and I know that he will be a better fisherman because of it.
What an amazing day, if you have a child under sixteen you should take advantage of this opportunity. If you don�t you may want to borrow one just for the experience.
Darren
March 14th 2009
Banging streamers all day. Phil was a trooper!! Wildcat to Rim Shoals
Started the day early with Phil. I convinced him to throw streamers and it paid off again. I knew with the same current and what we've done the last few days this was going to be as good as any. We started the day hooking a few small rainbows and following up with a really nice 18 inch rainbow. It wasn't until airport hole before we hooked our first brown. Then we followed up with I would say the biggest brown on to date since we really got serious about streamer fishing. But I'm here to say, we didn't land it. We got to see it though as it boiled up to the surface before the fly came out of his mouth. This fish was pushing 10 pounds I'm sure of it. It was still a great experience and to get him on a fish like that is priceless. We both knew he had an opportunity at one and I'm sure he will always remember that.
The rest of the day the water was dropping out and the bites were few and far between, but that's to be expected when burning streamers. We did manage by the end of the day with a few more chances at some healthy browns, but only got the smaller ones to the boat. You can almost know exactly where brown trout water is that could produce that potential fish. It reminds me of bass fishing in a way and I think browns relate the same as far as structure and predatorial instincts. This bite is such a rush and I look forward to the next time.
After I finished the day I decided to go back out and float Wildcat to Cotter by myself. For two reasons, one was to check out the lower cfs levels and two, to find out where the browns hold in 30 mega watts. It's a lot different than 70-100 mega watts which I think is crucial for streamers. I think I'll stick to indicator rigs and bounce the bottom. I'll let you know tomorrow. They should run 30 mega watts all day and I have a full day trip with two people. I'm going to put in at the State Park and run it down to cotter. I'll let you know how we do. Oh, before I forget, I managed to hook one brown in the 20 inch range as soon as it got dark. I'll post a picture tomorrow.
March 13th 2009 White River Browns
After such a great day in the drift boat working streamers yesterday I thought I'd try to convince John into getting up early and go with me so we could try out our luck first thing in the morning. Truth of the matter is that the water level was going to be identical to Thursday which makes for some great streamer water. I began the streamer/drift combo in 6,000-8,000 cfs flows and continued to comb different water based on flow. Today we hit the opposite bank and continued to fish water we missed yesterday. I can't emphasize how important it is to fish new water. I occasionally find myself pounding water I know have browns, but finding unsuspecting lies has turned into a great learning experience.
Man, this is exciting stuff! I think it's going to be hard to switch away from this bite. I'd almost consider being an exclusive streamer guide but the reality of that solely relies upon skill level and commitment of the clients. The odds work against you when it comes to numbers, but there are many of my clients that have the skill set to make targeting a big brown a reality. It's great having the White River for a backyard and most fly fishers know how much it has to offer. Lately I've been taking full advantage. For those of you that read by reports I'd encourage you to take advantage of this bite. It's quite possibly the best way to land a trophy brown. My confidence is up right now because it's happening everyday. We've witnessed many big fish follow and it's only a matter of time before you get the take. I admit it's completely nerve rattling. As soon as I arrive home from the water I'm on the vise making modifications. I'm getting very close to dialing these flies in based on color, size, and time of day. I typically disliked fishing high water from the drift boat my attitude has since changed which is evident in the fact my motor boat hasn't seen the river in three months. I can guarantee you this, there is a huge advantage targeting big fish from the drift boat. Having the advantage of offering the client the opportunity to drift versus the jon boat makes for a nice option if the conditions are right.
Let's get back to the day at hand. We gear up at 6:15am and on the water by 6:30 rowing across to the Marion County bank at Wildcat Shoals. We hooked into a brown approximately 16 inches within two casts but he spit it. This was certainly a wake up call to what could be a productive day. We worked that bank for another mile or so with no other hits so we rowed over and worked the boat docks on the Baxter side and immediately hooked up with the first brown of the day. A nice 18" brown caught within the first hour on the water not a bad start to the day. We proceeded down to Tool creek working around a few more docks resulting in a few big strikes. John had one on that would go around seven pounds, but the hook set was no good. Many times the strike occurs immediately as the fly hits the water and you've got to be prepared. I find that in most cases these are usually the bigger fish. Part of it is trial and error and part of it is being prepared to set the hook. The intensitiy of the strike is unlike any while nymph fishing unless you're already into the fight.
Ultimately it was Hurst Hole and below where we hooked the ones that counted. John was on the sticks and I was making sixty foot casts to the bank working tons of water mainly due to the fact that it stayed fairly shallow and you could keep it in the strike zone longer. We did have a few follows that turned just as the boat became within sight. Longer strips make the difference and that's what it took. The first one we hooked was right before the 412/62 bridge that went just over 20 inches. I figured that by this time John wanted to get up and try his luck, but being the nice guy he is, let me fish a little longer. The next spot already had my attention from the day before. That's where Jason hooked up with his 22 inch brown and was also the location where Ty lost his opportunity at a fish the same size. I could only cross my fingers and hope he was still there. I proceeded to make a cast in the same direction and, "Fish on!" He wouldn't come up so I knew I had something on that was probably bigger than what we had previously landed. John netted this beautifully colored brown that went 22 inches. I was spent. And for me that was an ender on a high note. I took over the oars and continued down river to the Cotter bridge. By this time it was only 10 am with four browns on line. But before we ended the day John got rewarded with one more brown that was heavily spotted up with red. That great looking fish went 18 inches. Another great day burning streamers. I can't wait to get back out for more.
March 11th 2009 Fishing the White River (high water & low water)
During the past two weeks I've spent the majority of my time floating in the drift boat on the White River hoping to gain an edge as the generation schedule continues to fluctuate. I'm really enjoying this "drift thing" and as spring approaches we should have plenty opportunities for many more low water drifts. Although there are certain stretches which can sometimes be difficult navigate on dead low water or short stretches of little activity, it sure is a relaxing experience. Fishing from the drift boat offers much more of an experience than simply catching.
It's been incredibly busy for me since I've written my last report. Guiding is a big part of that but I've also been very involved with tying and developing a great selection of locally tied flies designed for these tailwaters for the fly bin at the Blue Ribbon fly shop. Four months and almost 10,000 flies later, the hard work is evident in the newly redesigned fly bins. But it doesn't end there. We have so much more in the works we'll ultimately have to expand the bins. Not only did we include a fly assortment I've developed fishing at Taneycomo over the years, but we've also added many new streamer patterns and flies designed for night fishing. Since Bob Cooke bought Blue Ribbon the emphasis continues to be a focus on a quality fly bin and effective, current patterns. As a matter of fact, our locally tied flies make up the majority of the bins which are a MUST for these tailwaters. One thing we've learned is these waters have greatly rebounded as it relates to the sow bug, scuds, and especially midge population since the flooding of '08. That being said, the new fly bins are reflective of these developments. We've added many more scud and midge patterns that are incredibly effective. Traditionally when it comes to scud patterns it seems that most are tied fancy with shiny shellbacks and contain too much flash in the pattern. Scuds should be much simpler, dull, and easy to tie. More importantly these are a better reflection of an actual scud in our tailwaters.
Now let's move on to what has really captured my attention as of recent. Ever since I guided three hard core streamer guys about three weeks ago I've been fired up learning more about big browns and how they relate to these articulated streamer patterns (circus peanuts). When I'm not guiding I can still be found on the water fishing on my free time. So I suppose you can say that's why I've been so lazy in writing up a report. Learning this bite is entirely too much fun. The last bout of cold weather should come and go by early next week making for a nice start to the season.
Later this morning I'll be taking a buddy out, Ty Ingram, and the Category Manager for Korker boots. I will let you know how we do. Also a few reports coming up soon with weekend guide trips.
As I continue to focus on the streamer bite I thought I'd give Kelly Galloup a phone call to pick his brain. After a thirty minute conversation I was really able to absorb some great advice. In addition, I had the opportunity to speak to Russ Maddin while he was visiting a buddy of mine, Kip Lowerie, in Michigan while tying flies. Russ actually use to fish with Kelly Galloup in Michigan before he went out west and opened Slide Inn Fly Shop. Russ also purchased Kelly's old shop in Michigan which is no longer in business. I believe the majority of his work is now with Hawkins Fly shop. It just goes to show you how small the fly fishing industry really is. When I met Kelly back when I lived in Michigan he was a big icon in the field of innovative streamers, but at the time I wasn't really into streamer fishing then so I didn't give it much thought. Having recently crossed paths at last year's conclave we really had the opportunity to discuss streamers. During our conversation about Russ and the circus peanut, Kelly mentioned that if he had only one fly it would be the circus peanut. I thought that said it all. After all, he is the "streamer guy" so if he said it, I believe it. We spoke about color selection, when to switch up, appropriate water to fish it in, and when not to fish streamers at all. Allof which was great information that I'll talk about later. I've revised the circus peanut with my own twist and I'll plant to post them later. As a result I can tell you this, now is a great time to get on board and learn what this whole streamer thing is all about. If you'd like to learn more, let me know and we'll set you straight. It's truly amazing. Talk to you later.
March 12th 2009
I'm pleased to report another incredible day of streamer fishing. Great water combined with little wind allowed us to effectively work the banks. I couldn't have been more pleased with the CFS because it created perfect streamer water. We started the day around noon and floated from White Hole to Cotter which lasted until just about dark. I reassured Ty and Jason to stick to the streamer operation and resist the urge to nymph fish so that by the end of the day they will be rewarded. Fishing was slow for the most part, but that was to be expected when fishing this technique. To make a long story short, we spent all day switching colors and experimenting with several new styles I've been working on. It wasn't until the last hour of the day before we got the brown we were looking for. We did catch a few small rainbows throughout the day, but nothing big came out. But let me tell you, when we got that first initial hit we knew it was on. The crazy part was Ty hooked up first but lost it as he brought it up to the surface. What we were able to see was a big fish based on his side profile. We worked all day for that fish so it's safe to say we were all disappointed. All we could do was look at each other with disbelief. Shortly thereafter, in the same general direction, Jason hooked up with a big one. The fish dove deep for a while so we really didn't know just how big it was. All I know I got him the fish we were looking for if he could hang on. Jason admits that was the biggest brown he's caught to date and I'm sure glad to have been involved. Certainly worth a new pair of Korkers guide boots, right?
As you might have noticed I'm digging the streamer bite and will be until I can perfect this big fish technique. It's going to take some time, but hang on and learn it with me as I go on this journey. So far so good. I could tell you about some of the fish I've had on, but since I don't have it on camera I won't talk about it. But let me say this,I've had a few on I never turned.
Going back to the streamer pattern and my conversation with Kelly I should mention this, One thing I found out about this particular pattern is when tying these is it's important to have a few beads in middle of the two hooks that are jointed together. This keeps the fly riding up and down instead of all over the place. I've learned that as opposed to the other style that there may be more of a twist but it has little effect on the hook up ratio. It also makes the fly slightly longer. Kelly is of the opinion that anything over 7 inches is to big and 5 inches is what he gets most his hits on. I'm starting to believe that theory. The five basic colors are black, olive, tan, yellow and white. He also says he changes up all day and cycles through the color spectrum throughout the day. Since I've been fishing them I've found that black produces more than other colors. I've also found an advantage by adding more action to the presentation by adding a magic cup on the front. It really makes this fly come to life. So a few minor improvements made this fly go a long way in the presentation department. Well that's enough for now. I've got to get back on the vise and get ready for the weekend. I have trips all week and I think I'll be able to talk a few more clients into doing this. Yesterday we lost about six flies and they do take more time than usual to tie. If you would like a few for your box, send me a email Jeremy@flysandguides.com and I'll get some out your way. They sell for $5.00 each so it's up to you how many you want. I suggest ordering now while the getting is good. Just say the color you want and I'll do the rest. It's that easy. Or you can call me up (417-294-0759) if that's easier. I can guarantee you these will work anywhere.