Hi thought you all might like to here a fishing report from the Southern
Hemisphere.
Hanging out at the fly shop last week, I saw the reportscoming in that the
Dun hatches had commenced at the western lakes. It had been a couple of
years since I have had the opportunity to fish a good rise. My fishing buddy
also had seen these so he gave me a call and we agrred to head out yesterday
(Sunday). In preparation I tied a nice long tapered fine leader, and
ferreted out my box of mayflies and spinners. Arriving at our lake of choice
at 11:00 there were 10 cars there already and 3 rods on the water. It was
pretty windy so I grabbed my 9 foot rod and a heavier shorter leader.
We headed off to our chosen spot and sat down to wait. It was pretty windy,
but we had a fairly quiet corner with the wind coming left to right. A
couple of lads arrived and about 60 yards awaya waded out, and began
casting. THese guys were pretty noisy but enjoying their sport, having a
good hatch infront. Every few minutes one or other would sout at they had a
take, but neither could connect. In front of us we got the odd rise or two
but we coldnt tempt a fish, I was fishing a #12 shaving brush to match the
large duns, my mate was fishing a 14. After an hour or so, we decided to
try smaller , #16. For the next couple of hours we had a week hatch and the
opprortunity to cast to some moving fish, but all a long way out. The
smaller flies were much better. By the end of it I had pricked two and
missed a couple more.. all at about 60 feet out..
By this time there were about 40 anglers aroundthe shore, but we only saw
four fish banked. Everyone else suffered the same frustration as us..
getting rises but not being able to connect to the fish. With our tails
between our legs we headed off to another more protected lake for the last
few hours of light. I got out my 5 weight rod and a the 12 foot handtied
leader. There were a few fish rising here and there to some small duns... I
rummaged in my fly box and found some of my favourite flies, which I havent
had an opportunity to fish for a few years. #18 quillbodied mayflies. This
was my "one fly" when I lived near a river that had a pretty good evening
rise. My first cast to a rise was instantly accepted, but I panicked and
lifted to soon and too fast.
For the next couple of hours we had a ball, casting to a rise, waiting and
hoping. By dusk, I had managed to bank 9 fish, including one nice brown,
which was a nice surprise in this predominantly rainbow fishery. It is a
long time since I have fished such a prolific rise, and fished it with a
small dry. I had really not rememberd how enjoyable it is to cast small
dries to rising fish and watch the take with such eagre anticipation..
Have to go tie some more of those flies (Modified Lunns particular) , cos my
stock are now comlpletely chewed....
Ian
Homepage:-
http://www.angelfire.com/on/theriverbank
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