New Hook Shots Video: Amazon Peacock Adventure (Part 1)

Finally, a new episode of Hook Shots has been released on fieldandstream.com and it is AWESOME!  Joe Cermele is a great host and I thoroughly appreciate his enthusiasm as well as sense of humor.  This time, Joe headed out to the Amazon River to fish for Peacock Bass.  The footage is great and the fishing is great.  SPOILER ALERT: It is called Part 1 for a reason!

Link: New Hook Shots: Amazon Peacock Adventure (Part 1) | Field & Stream

Fly Fishing For Spring Walleye

This is not a walleye that I caught on a fly, but if I do catch one, you better believe you will be seeing a picture of it!

I love fly fishing with all my heart, obviously.  I have certain places that I fish that have memories attached to them that will last me a lifetime, and there have been some very memorable fish that have come from those places that are now memorialized in frames in my basement.  Now before you start to think that this is some sort of "bragging rights" session, stay with me here.  With each of these memories there is a little bit of a dark side.  Whatever technique I have used, whatever the location was, and whatever the time of year was, I get this spot in my brain that commits all of that info to memory and also thinks that I can replicate the same experience under similar conditions.  Maybe it is from my formidable years of playing sports and being taught to complete an action time after time in the same way.  A baseball swing, a free throw motion, even swinging a driver on the golf course.  This sort of thinking process can be beneficial to anglers, but a better angler is able to adjust to weather conditions, is proficient with a wide variety of flies, and can change techniques on a dime without hesitation or overthinking.  In a nut shell, I am not that way yet.  I get in ruts.  I stick to the same old flies, fish the same spots, and fish them the same way...a lot.  I know this.  It is a flaw.  I am working on changing that in an effort to become a better angler.  My thinking process of "eventually the wrong fly will be the right fly if I fish it long enough" is not the way to go.  Sure it will catch fish a lot of the time, but I want to catch fish all the time.  Then again, don't we all?

So I try to push myself out of my comfort zone.  I force myself to try flies that I have never tried before, fish spots I have never fished before, and fish for species I have never fished before.  Sometimes they work, sometimes they don't, but I am always a better angler for the experience.  That's why I want to try to catch a walleye on a fly this spring.

Right off the bat, you probably realize that there are a few obstacles that stand in my way.  Missouri is not exactly known as the Walleye Capital of the World like Canada or Minnesota.  However we do have some nice sized populations in the state so there is a chance.  A walleye is typically a deep water fish that is not commonly sought by fly fishermen.  However, there is one time of year that walleye cruise into some shallow water where a guy with a traditional fly fishing outfit might have a chance to hook into one of these bottom dwellers.

I talked with Matt Sutton, the owner of Rainbow Fly Shop, about this the other day and have done a very small amount of research on the topic.  Please do not take this post as the holy grail of walleye fly fishing.  It is simply a collection of thoughts and ideas that might or might not work for catching a walleye on a fly around these parts (Missouri and Kansas), but they are leads which will hopefully get me closer to landing one of these toothy critters of the deep on a fly.  Here's what I know and here's what I am going to try.

I know that each spring walleye spawn along dams like the ones on Smithville Lake, Blue Springs Lake, Longview Lake, and Lake Jacomo.  I have to think that other lakes like Truman will play out in a similar way as well.  The males show up first and the larger females show up second.  I know that these fish are in the shallows not to feed but rather to spawn and that means that you are not going to get a solid strike, but rather a reaction strike out of frustration or aggression.  I think that also means that keeping little if any slack in the line would be important so you can feel every little bump or slap and I have a feeling that a slow hook set will result in a missed strike.  I am also going to set the hook on EVERYTHING!  Like my dad's best friend says, would you rather set the hook and know if you had a bite or not set the hook and wonder.

I also know I am going to lose some flies in the rocks and that bouncing a clouser off a boulder is going to feel a lot like a reaction strike.  I am going to try fishing from a boat with a sink tip leader and off the dam with a weighted fly and unweighted fly line.  I am also going to experiment with some longer leader that is around 9 feet long.

As far as flies go, my small amount of research has suggested leech, minnow, and crayfish patterns.  I am more incline to fish the leech and minnow patterns to avoid getting snagged in rocks and I can cover more water in a shorter amount of time.  I also plan on sticking to darker colored patterns like black, olive, and I have never fished anything purple in my life, but I might this year.  Slow retrieves will also be important to keep flies down and to keep a fly in the face of any walleye for as long as possible.

I have also been told that cloudy and/or rainy days as well as evenings tend to make walleye more active.  I think fishing at night would be a lot of fun, but climbing around on large boulders near ice cold water sounds like a recipe for disaster.  Translation: I will probably try it once just to say I did it.

Here is a link to the first article I ever read about fly fishing for walleye, and goes into a little more detail in terms of sinking line types and sink rates.
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Fly-Fishing-for-Walleye/532164.uts

Live The Stream

I saw this video on Field & Stream and had to share it.  What an amazing man that looks like he is living his dream!

Live The Stream: The Story of Joe Humphreys - Teaser from Nomadic Studio on Vimeo.

Avian Sighting- Please help identify this bird!

I need some help identifying this particular species of bird.  I recently caught a glimpse of it at Rainbow Fly Shop in Independence, Missouri.  The owner of the store called it a Nearsighted Bearded Peapheasant but I was wondering if that is just a local/slang term for the beast or if the scientific community recognizes that as an official name.  Also, Mr. Phipps, if you are still reading these posts, I would greatly appreciate it if you could give me the scientific or Latin name for this fine specimen.

Field & Stream Guide Survey

I wasn't planning on posting today but I had to share this survey that I found at fieldandstream.com.  It profiles a professional trout guide and then gives data from about 90 other guides.  The data and opinions are interesting to say the least.  Here is the link to the article:  http://www.fieldandstream.com/node/1005494189 

Powerful Video

In the past, I have shared the video and poem "Testify" which was adapted from John Voelker's "Testament to a Fisherman".  I love that video and it puts a smile on my face every single time I watch it.  However, I would have to rank this video right up there with it in terms of putting things in perspective and being inspirational.  Here's what I want: I want to fly fish, I want to write about it, and I want to show others how moving and wonderful of an impact fishing (specifically fly fishing) can have on one's life.  I hope you enjoy this as much as I did.

Simple Life from FlatsPirate Angling on Vimeo.

Fishing Prospects- A Breakdown

Every year the Missouri Department of Conservation releases a booklet called “Fishing Prospects at Selected Missouri Lakes and Streams”.  It is an interesting read every year and if you read the booklet annually, you can actually track how populations of a species are increasing or decreasing.  You can pick up a booklet at most MDC Nature Centers and you might be able to request a copy through the MDC website.

Most years I try to read about some of the lakes I fish around the Kansas City area and take some notes about where there are more fish and when they might be biting best.  I decided to share some of these observations on this site and I apologize for not giving a breakdown for other areas, but if you fish around the KC area, then I hope you find this information insightful and/or useful.  I am primarily looking for information about fish and situations that would be conducive to fly fishing, but I will through some other info in there from time to time as well.  I DO NOT include information about crappie…just FYI.  I just don’t fish for them and focus mainly on other panfish species.  Also, there are other lakes and rivers that I am not including so if you notice a body of water is missing, then I suggest you try and get your hands on a copy of “Fishing Prospects”.  Without further delay, let’s get to it.

Blue Springs Lake

More than 7,000 hybrids are stocked in Blue Springs Lake since hybrids don’t reproduce to maintain the population.  The booklet also suggests that anglers should look for schooling fish that are busting schools of shad on the surface of the water.  From my experience, this happens most often in late summer and can happen anywhere on the lake.  In early spring however, locations like the dam and Lake Jacomo spillway should not be overlooked.  A spot known locally as the “blow hole” which is where Jacomo water discharges could be a hot spot as well if water is running.  Hybrids in the 10 pound class are common so hit the water and catch a wiper.

Largemouth bass populations seem to be on the rise and this is a trend over the last few years.

Walleye have been stocked in Blue Springs Lake since 2009 and if you want to catch this fish on a fly, you get one shot a year.  I suggest trying along the dam in late March and Early April when they move in to spawn.  Cloudy days, rainy days, and nights are great times to give them a shot on a fly.  However, you should know that these fish are not in the shallows to eat, but rather reproduce.  Finding them might be easy, but getting them to bite might be challenging.

Common carp are in lower numbers since the Koi Herpe Virus killed almost 75 percent of the population in 2012, but there are still a lot of them and I am sure they will become prolific again and soon.

James A. Reed

Lots of lakes and lots of different fishing conditions.  I think there is too much to break down with a lot of accuracy so this report is going to be vague and short.

Bluegill and Redear- best bets are at Plover, Gopher, Jackrabbit, and Nell.  These fish spawn in Late April through early June.

Largemouth- start spawning in late April and Bluestem, Nell, Jackrabbit, and Catcaw lakes are focal points.

Lake Jacomo

To quote the booklet “The largemouth bass population remains one of the best in the Kansas City area.”  Enough said.

Walleye are also stocked regularly so you might try hitting the shallows  in late March and Early April especially near the spillway.

White bass are also present in the lake and getting after them in late April  and early May along the dam.  Look for schools later in the year and try to catch them in a feeding frenzy if you can.

Bluegill have a nice population, but the booklet says their numbers are down a little from years past.

Longview Lake

***DISCLAIMER: I have never fished Longview Lake before but plan on doing so this year.  All of the following information is based solely on the “Fishing Prospects” booklet and does not contain any personal narrative.

Largemouth bass numbers are improving and fish seem to be getting bigger.

Walleye numbers are really good and you might be able to catch one on a fly along the dam or east side of the lake in late March and early April.  Flats and shallow points would be good places to target prior to them moving to the dam or east side.  They will most likely be feeding up to prepare for the spawn.

Apparently, there is a LARGE population of common carp at Longview.  The report says that fly fishermen target these fish in the shallows from May through June.  From my experience, this type of fishing is more like stalking a deer than blind casting to structure.  You find the fish, you try to get close enough to not spook them, and then you better make a good cast because it might be the only one you get.

Smithville Lake

White bass are in the lake and it looks like numbers are going to be good this year.  The report says that if you find the shad, you can find the white bass.  I am to assume that doing this early in the summer would be preferable to late in the summer when shad move a little deeper and it would be hard to get a fly down that deep.

The walleye fishing looks to be outstanding this year.  The report says that 45% of the walleye that were sampled were over 20 inches and that 215,000 will be stocked again this year.  They will be fingerlings, but that is hope for a sustainable future.  To catch them on a fly, you guessed it, hit the dam in late March or early April.  The report says that while this method can be frustrating, increased numbers can also mean increased opportunities and more fish at least looking at your fly.  I have personally tried this in the past and got skunked but at least you know they are in the water.  I fished with a spinning outfit and started fishing at about 10:00 one night.  It was a lot of fun and a little spooky fishing by moonlight, but the fun outweighed the anxiety.  Make sure you bring a good headlamp but use it sparingly as you will spook nearby fish.  I also recommend a backpack or tackle box to ensure you bring all necessary gear with you because hiking up and down those boulders in the day or night isn’t a whole lot of fun.

Truman Lake

While Truman regularly turns out TONS of crappie, I would highly recommend going after the white bass and hybrid striped bass (wipers) with a fly.  White bas numbers have increased over the last three years and 2016 should have a large number of them in the water as well.  The size was bigger in 2015 and should be even better this year with big fish getting bigger and many over a pound.  147,524 wipers were stocked in 2015 so there numbers should be similar to years passed.  In the summer, look for them chasing schools of shad near the surface and in shallows along windy points during the fall.  If you are interested in catching some of these fish by trolling and using heavy tackle, I cannot recommend my buddy Gary of Gary’s Guide Service at (816) 520-5358.  I have gone out with him a few times and tied some jigs with him and I cannot say enough nice things about him.  He knows Truman like the back of his hand, will work hard to get you on fish, and will adjust to conditions and situations to put you in the best position possible to catch fish.  He has put me on 7 pound wipers and six pound walleye.  My buddy even caught an 8 pound wiper and 7 pound walleye with him!

Watkins Mill State Park Lake

I heard a rumor last year that wipers might have been stocked or were going to be stocked here but didn’t see them mentioned in the booklet.  It looks like the bass fishing is going to be great this year and to quote the booklet, “Largemouth bass provide some of the best bass fishing in the region.”  Talk about an attention getter! 

Redear sunfish were also mentioned as having a healthy population and the term “trophy-sized fish” was even used to describe the species.  Redear over 10 inches are caught yearly and the booklet suggests using small flies such as nymphs.  Sounds like a spot worth checking out this year!

The International Fly Fishing Film Festival is Coming To the Kansas City Area!

I have never attended a fly fishing film festival, and I'm not going to pretend to even have a clue as to what this experience entails.  Here's what I DO know however, on March 16, in Mission, Kansas, I will be in attendance and will probably have a great time.  If you are interested in attending or just want to watch some cool fly fishing trailers, here you go!

Homepage: http://www.flyfilmfest.com/

Tickets: https://www.showclix.com/event/IF4MISSIONKS2016/tag/widget 

Trailers: http://www.flyfilmfest.com/films/

Here's the trailer for the festival itself:

Fly Box Building Contest

I have mentioned before that I work with a group of young adults once a week to teach them some basic fly casting and fly tying skills.  To spice things up a little bit, I decided to have students participate in a fly box building contest.  Students were starting to amass a substantial fly collection and needed a place to store their creations.  To my amazement and surprise, this was one student's entry.  This young man went well above and beyond the criteria that was set forth such as creativity, originality, quality of construction, and appearance.  This young man logged (pun, totally intended) some serious hours and paid some incredible attention to detail in his work.  He won the contest needless to say, and many other students have commented on his dedication, creativity, and craftsmanship.  He did an amazing job and I wanted to recognize his efforts and commend him on a job well done!

Why do you love fly fishing?

Sometimes I wonder, how did I get here?  No, this is not some sort of existential question about why I am here or my place in the universe.  I mean, how did I become a guy that loves fishing as much as I do?  Surely that creeps into the mind of a fisherman when he is standing in waste deep water, half freezing and not catching a darn thing.  Why do we subject ourselves to making a difficult thing (catching a fish) even more difficult (fly fishing).  I have mentioned before that I regularly meet with a group of teenagers in an effort to show them how to cast, tie flies, and catch fish.  Inherently, I will be asked a question at least once a year that usually sounds like, "Do you catch more fish with a fly or live bait."  I try not to laugh out loud at this query, but my response always starts out, "With bait, but fly fishing is a lot more fun!"  So again, why do we do what we do?  In the immortal words of Hank Williams, Jr., "Views?  Yeah, I've got some."

My fist thought is that fly fishermen must love challenges.  From learning knots, to casting, to even deciding on a type of strike indicator, almost everything has more obstacles to overcome than "regular fishing" as my students like to call it.  Heck, most of time sitting in a boat isn't even an option.  Heavens no, we have to put on oversized overalls to keep us dry (sometimes) and actually get in freezing water and fight against the current to get another 3 feet on a cast to a spot that might or might not hold a fish.  On top of that, you have to read different types of current at different parts of the stream and cast in such a way that your fly goes where you want and actually does what a living thing would actually do!  Challenging?  You better believe it!

Maybe it's the scenery.  I've fished a lot of places before and every single one of them had their pretty parts.  I've even fished near downtown Kansas City in neighborhoods that were run-down, but even then there were pretty pieces of water.  John Voelker wrote the following in his poem "Testify":

"I fish because I love to; because I love the environs that trout are found, which are invariably beautiful, and hate the environs where crowds of people are found, which are invariably ugly; because of all the television commercials, cocktail parties and assorted social posturing I thus escape..."

Yep, that pretty much sums it up right there.  Thank you Mr. Voelker!  Also, you can check out the entire visual poem below.

Maybe we fish because of the drama.  I have to think that even William Shakespeare would find the beauty in fishing because there is no way to predict what is about to happen when you are on the water.  There is no telling what will happen with the weather, when your next bite will come, or maybe there won't be a next bite.  Millions of people watch sports because of the unknown and the story-line that is so unpredictable because the players write the script as they proceed through the game.  I would venture to say that fishing is even less predictable because the story contains wild animals, weather, and scenery that is even less predictable than human behavior.  Just think, every single thing that you experience on the water are all a result of you being in that exact place at that exact time.  If you would have been home on the couch watching reruns of The Big Bang Theory or Seinfeld, you would have missed out on whatever you experienced.

There are some that fly fish to escape from the daily grind.  I think a primary difference between fly fishermen and bait fishermen is that a bait fisherman can let his mind wander for a large amount of time while a fly fisherman engages parts of his brain that have nothing to do with his daily routine.  I'm not saying one is right and the other is wrong, it is merely a personality difference.  I will still drift Powerbait on Lake Taneycomo if you give me the chance, but I would prefer to drift nymphs in the trophy area.

Fly fishermen have to be, at least be in part, thrill seekers.  Why else would be wade rivers, climb on belly boats, and make difficult casts between willows if there wasn't some possibility for some incredible reward?  For fly fishermen, there is a risk-reward factor that is always present and the greater the risk promotes the idea of the bigger reward.  Just think of the excitement that you get when you are about to set the hook on a fish that you know has inhaled your fly or when you feel a fish tug on the other line.  Just typing that got my blood pumping and heart rate up.  We've all seen Brad Pitt take a ride on the Big Blackfoot and thought to ourselves, "That's awesome!  I want to do that!"  If you guaranteed me a trout as big as the one he landed, I might risk life and limb too.

There is always the chance that the reason we fly fish is all of these reasons or none of these reasons.  Maybe we do it for the same reason that the first Native American brave sneaked away from his tribe to catch fish and let them go.  Maybe we are just curious.  Maybe we just want to connect with nature.  Maybe we want to hold a life in our hands and give life back to something.  Or maybe John Voelker said it best in his poem,

"and, finally, not because I regard fishing as being so terribly important but because I suspect that so many of the other concerns of men are equally unimportant - and not nearly so much fun."

Alaska Mouse Fishing - Mighty Mouse II

Is there anything more exciting that a seemingly gentle and shy creature such as a bass or trout absolutely destroying a mouse fly?  If your answer is no, this video might change your mind.  If your answer is yes, then you are going to love this video.  I particularly like how the folks in the video cast into the current and keep their lines tight to simulate a mouse falling in the water and paddling against the current but not making any progress.  That's a pretty cool little trick that I am going to have to remember and employ.  I wonder how well this would work in Missouri on a trout stream or at Taneycomo?

Field & Stream Article- Fly Reel Restoration

If you frequent this blog very often, you have probably figured out that The Fly Guy is a pretty Frugal Guy.  I also appreciate quality things that were made to last a long time and have lasted a long time.  I hate to see things thrown away that can still serve a purpose, and this article is right up that alley.  I definitely plan to keep my eye out for some of these old reels and would love to restore one or two to their original glory.  If you have done this in the past or do so in the future, I would love to hear your story.

Link: Make It Click: Score a Reliable Fly Reel for $20 | Field & Stream

New Fishing Report

Thanks to my loving and understanding wife, I was able to head to Bennett Spring and do a little trout fishing last Saturday.  The weather was forecast to be in the 60's and the wind was supposed to be less than 10 miles per hour.  After not being able to fish for months now, this was a much needed respite and a needed stress reliever.  I went into the day with tempered expectations and vowed to just enjoy the day and surroundings while appreciating nature's beauty and not think about all of the pressing issues that life tends to throw our way.  Let's just say the weather was perfect and the fish were biting...a lot!  Check out the updated "Fishing Reports" page on the right side of the home screen under the "Pages" heading.  It's a little long, but then again, it was a heck of a day.  You can read for just the facts (fish count, flies used, etc.) or you can read the entire account that includes all the little nuances and details.