December 5-12 | Louisiana Redfish

I recently got back from fishing with our friend Captain Marty in his home waters of Louisiana. As anyone who knows Marty would expect he showed Wayne and I an awesome time on and off the water. We fished four days and had a couple days of less than fishable weather which was a great opportunity to experience down-town New Orleans.

 

The first couple days of fishing had less than perfect conditions but we made the best of it by catching some tanker Redfish, a few Black Drum, a Sheepshead and even a Sting Ray on live bait. Yeah, make your purist fly-fishing remarks now but I had a blast.

 

The clouds cleared on the second to last day out and we were able to try some sight-fishing. I went through the natural motions of getting a bit over-excited, blowing casts, badly missed hook sets and doing whatever else wrong I could manage. At the last spot for the day I finally hooked and landed a fifteen-pounder after he crushed the fly about five feet from the boat in a foot and a half of water.

 

The next and last day we had what I’d call perfect conditions if it were a few degrees warmer but nonetheless we were finding fish left and right on the flats. Getting them to take a fly was quite a bit tougher than finding them but Marty and I were able to hook into about one in every ten fish we found. Throughout the day I was reminded several times that on a normal day the fish would be eating without a second thought but I’m still unconvinced that I could have had a better time. Thank you Marty.

 

Brian Chasse

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October 14th – November 2nd | Rogue River Fishing Report



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October 1st – 21st | Madison River Fishing Report

Well it’s the same old song and dance here on the Upper Madison as fly selections, water flows and even the weather has been pretty consistent over the past few weeks. That consistency may not make for a very exciting latest fishing report but it’s kind of nice to not have to dig through the fly boxes trying to figure out what they’re eating every other day.

Under the surface we’re still mostly running size #18 and #20 mayfly nymphs like Delektable Lil’ Spankers, Delektable Big Spankers, Delektable Ranch BWOs, RS2’s, WD-40s, Zebra Midges and Lightning Bugs. Smaller (#8 or #10) stonefly nymphs are picking up fish here and there as well as Worms and October Caddis Nymphs.

Streamer fishing has picked up some and word on the street is fish are starting to chase after bigger flies a little more aggressively. Delektable Double Screamers, Sex Dungeons, Sundell’s Bad Boy, Zuddlers, Mini Loops and Trevors Sculpins are all good choices. Colors of choice can vary with the weather so make sure you’ve got a bit of a variety.

Dry fly fishing is still pretty good in the later part of the day. Purple Crazes, Olive Comparaduns or a Parachute Adams should get the job done for the BWOs and Baetis. October Caddis dries can bring some nice fish to the surface as well; a larger Goddard Caddis or Delektable Twisted X in orange will suffice for that hatch.

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September 24th – 30th | Madison River Fishing Report

Flows and fishing have been pretty consistent with our last report with tiny bugs catching most fish and streamers and dry flies doing well in the right places at the right times.

 

BWO and Baetis nymphs have been responsible for most of our success around these parts. Delektable Lil’ Spankers, Rs2’s, Hogan’s S&Ms, Micro Mayflies, and Copper Johns in sizes #18 and #20 are all good flies to trail behind a large Prince Nymph, Delektable CDC Halloween or a Pat’s Rubberleg.

Dry fly fishing has been best on the upper wade section of the river. It’ll be tough to beat a well placed #18 or #20 Parachute Adams or Purple Craze. Fish seem to be looking up from about 3:00 until Dark.

 

The streamer fishing has been inconsistent but rewarding when you commit to it. Sparkle Minnows, Bow River Buggers, Zonkers, Delektable Screamers and Sundell’s Bad Boy have all produced some quality fish.

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September 17th – 23rd | Madison River Fishing Report

Water flow has dropped a tad since last week’s report, below Hebgen we’re running at about 940 c.f.s. and the gauges at Kirby and Varney are both reading right around 1,000 c.f.s. The small Baetis and Blue Wing Olives have become the name of the game as fall has begun to set in, along with the streamers of course.

Early mornings have been tougher so most of us have been starting the day around 9 or 10 o’clock. Small Baetis and BWO nymphs have been the most productive. Delektable Lil’ Spankers, Flashback Pheasant Tails, Copper Johns, Lightning Bugs, Hogan’s S and Ms, Micro Mays, and Princes are our top flies for the week, all in sizes #18 and #20. Occasionally #16’s too. Try trailing one behind a streamer.

The streamer fishing is getting better by the day and we’ve seen some quality fish come on the meaty flies. Stuff like Delektable Screamers, Sparkle Minnows, Circus Peanuts, JR’s Coneheads and Trevor’s Sculpins are all good choices to look for that big brown we’re all after.Dry fly fishing has been tougher to find but keep an eye on the slack waters for fish taking BWOs. It will be tough to beat a #18 Purple Craze or Parachute Adams to match that hatch and you may be able to coach a couple fish up with October Caddis patterns like Delektable Twisted Xs or a PMX. If that’s the type of fishing you seek, the upper wade section would probably be the place for you.

For any other tips or advice call or stop by the shop anytime between 8:00am and 6:30pm, we’re always glad to help!

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