I am Going Skinny!!

I am Going Skinny

Yes, I have lost some weight lately – about 15 lbs. But hoping for more to go! But that is NOT what I mean when I say I am going skinny. What I mean is now that the Fall/Winter season is approaching I am going to “trim” out my fly boxes and tie/use only those that have been successful. To figure out which flies I have been using and were successful I have finally cleaned up my boxes and examined the flies most used. Everyone always asks me, “what are you going to use or what did you use today?” So here is a list of the flies that I have been using the most. They are not in any particular order because each location, water conditions and weather will dictate a different fly.

With our Fall/Winter season approaching I tend to go smaller. It is a time for a few BWO hatches and definitely midge hatches more than anything else. But do not forget the nymphs that are lurking below the surface too. Usually the beetles, hoppers and dries are gone until the Spring but sometimes you can get lucky. So, the flies that are filling my fly box now and not in any order are:

1.       Barr’s Emerger (or if you cannot tie them use soft hackles) – I tie this fly in a size 20, barbless, wide gap hook. You can go smaller but in Missouri I do not think there is a need for that. I will tie it in olive, tan and black. Of course, there is a great video of it on our website – Fly Tying section. I love swinging these flies especially if you see any rises. Try to pass the fly in the vicinity of the rise. Most of my hits are at the end of the drift when the fly begins to rise in the water column.

2.       Blow Torch – This was a hot fly for me in the Driftless area this past May and I have used it here in Missouri with great success. I will fish it European Style Nymphing (ESN), but you can easily fish it under an indicator. It is an attractor fly and looks nothing like a real nymph but very hold on tight to your rod! I use Fluorescent Orange thread, and orange Antron tail. On the body I like dubbing with ice dub – green and blue are my favorite colors but go crazy! I will use hen or partridge for the “legs.”

3.       Perdigons – This is another ESN type fly that guys are using a lot. Green, orange, and blue colors work the best. I will use it in conjunction with the blow torch when fishing two fish. I like the smaller perdigons – sizes 16 – 20.

4.       Midges, Midges and Midges – Yes, the midge is the winter go to fly. They are prevalent all year round but one of the few that hangs around in the winter. I tie in sizes 18 – 20 with a barbless, wide gap hook (try Firehole Sticks – they give us a discount). Again, go crazy with the colors but my favorite are black, red, purple, blue and Primrose and Pearl ( our P&P). Use wire as ribbing. I will usually use copper or silver and do not forget to add some pearl flash once in a while.

5.       Hair of the Dog – This is my fly that I tie with my son’s dog’s hair. I have tried the hair from several dogs and for some reason the hair from his Australian Shepherd is awesome for dubbing. If you do not have an Aussie then use a fine grayish/tannish dubbing, orange thread, copper bead and copper wire for ribbing on a size 16 curved hook. Make sure you show the orange thread collar – it is the attractor.

6.       Mayer’s Leech – Leeches are in our rivers here in Missouri. Make them small though in black or olive. I use pine squirrel strips. Length should be no more than an inch and half. Use ostrich for the collar and add a bead if you like to get the fly down and bouncing on the bottom.

7.       Parachute Adams – I will carry some dry flies just in case. If a BWO hatch happens you will be ready for some dry fly action. But I would make them small flies – no larger than a size 16. I usually carry them in tan, gray and black.

Of course, there are many other flies that will be highly effective this Fall/Winter season, such as pheasant tail nymphs, glo-bugs, worm patterns, cased caddis, elk hair caddis, others. So, what will be in your box this season? Let us hear from you!

The catch and release season (Fall/Winter) is, in my opinion, the best time to fly fish in Missouri. Some things to think about before you go!

1.       Check the water conditions on the river you are going to before you go by using our website – Education section – Water Conditions.

2.       Be prepared with cold weather gear which includes a staff, extra clothes and ALWAYS fish with a buddy in the winter.

3.       Know the regulations – State parks are only open from Friday to Monday starting November 11th until February 13th. You do not need a trout tag, but you do need a trout permit on your license no matter your age. Meramec Spring Park is open all seven days of the week during the same period. If you fish outside the parks or in any Missouri river, please know the regulations. They differ in each area – blue ribbon, red ribbon, or white ribbon sections.

4.       Do not forget to use our many discounts to get ready. We have a cabin in the Montauk area for our use. Westover Farms gives us a wonderful day discount (do not forget to bring your membership card). And we will start up some fly fishing classes on different subjects – fly tying, nymphing, euro-style nymphing, gear selection, casting and more – so do not miss out. Watch for classes on our FATC Team Up calendar.

5.       Did you know that Meramec Spring hatchery stocks brown trout in the Meramec River starting in late October through March? We know where they are so why not join us in the hunt.

See you on the water A LOT this catch and release season!!