The Latest Buzz on Pebble and Elwha

Saw a couple things from our friends on Moldy Chum that I thought I would pass along to get the word out.

First, the great conservationist Yvon Chouinard, speaks at the Elwha Science Symposium. Here's a video:


 Secondly, here is some Pro-Pebble donkey doo from a writer in the Washington Examiner.

Alaska Natives ask EPA to stop Threatening their economy.

And more from a Pro-Pebble Group called Resourceful Earth:

Resourceful Earth

This tasteful article colorfully blasts groups like Trout Unlimited and Earth Works for their "negative" propaganda campaign against Pebble. Good stuff.

Anyway, if you want to join the fight against Pebble here are some sites you can visit:

Trout Unlimited
EarthWorks
Save Bristol Bay

Thanks again to Moldy Chum for spreading the word.

Until next time.

Feed Fish Flies, Not Toxins.
-RB

Elwha River Restoration Update

There has been a lawsuit filed to stop the Elwha River hatchery. Since this quite a hot topic, I will go the unbiased route and allow you to read the article and watch the video involving the lawsuit and an article from the Times that allows for both sides to voice opinions.

There is evidence that if left alone the wild fish would rebuild themselves (as seen on the Sandy River in Oregon). Anyway. Here ya go.



First the information on the lawsuit:
Wild Fish Conservancy Files Suit

An article from the Seattle Times that gives both sides a voice:
Elwha River Hatchery Proposal

The dam removal was only the first step. If you wish to support the groups behind the lawsuit there is information how in the press release.

Feed Fish Flies, Not Plastic.
-RB

New Catch Magazine

The new issue of Catch Magazine has been released. Fair warning, you may need to update your browser to make it work correctly, but trust me it is well worth it.

Same amazing photography and videos, new layout and quicker load times.

As always you can view it here,  Catch Magazine.


Look at that, two blog posts in one day! Hooray.

Feed Fish Flies, Not Plastic.
-RB

Fly Fishing Film Tour Tonight in Seattle!

Tonight is the 2012 Fly Fishing Film Tour in Seattle. It will be at the Siff Cinema at 511 Queen Anne Ave North.

The doors open at 6:30pm and the show starts at 7pm. We currently, as of this post, only have 3 tickets left at the shop.

There will be tickets at the door for $3 more so don't worry.

Enjoy the festivities and hunker down and watch some good fish porn.

Feed Fish Flies, Not Plastic.
-RB

Last Chance to Steelhead on the Snohomish System

I'm sure most of you have heard that there is some emergency closures on our local rivers starting the first of February, but in case you didn't I will post the complicated mess of rules they have issued down below. This will be the last weekend for most of us to get a shot at chrome within a decent reach of Seattle and it looks like the weather Gods may bless us with some decent enough weather to chase after them with.

Anyway, here are the links to the emergency closures. Last chance to get after it without have to drive to the sparkly vampire haven of Forks.

Snohomish System Closures

Skagit System Closures

Come on down, get some tips and any equipment you may need and get after it!

Until Next Time

Feed Fish Flies, Not Toxins.
-RB

Bonefish Mania! Fly-Tying 101: #8 The Crazy Charlie

The months of tropical fishing have descended upon us here in the Pacific Northwest. And by that I mean, for those that don't steelhead in our lovely winter weather and can afford it, they trick their significant other into a tropical getaway, ditch them at the pool and go fish for Permit, Tarpon, Bonefish, etc. Or those of you that are lucky enough to have a fishing spouse then you can forget the ditching them at the pool part.

this usually entails loading up on leaders, tippet and of course, flies. Crabs, shrimp, and other scintillating patterns top the list, and most look like you need a PhD in physics to tie. We have a super simple fly that you can vary in color that will work, and work well. It also works up here for Salmon, steelhead and sea-run cutthroat in pink and chartreuse, so you got that going for you as well. Here we go with fly-tying victim #8, The Crazy Charlie.

 

Supply List

Hook: Daichi 2546 #6

Thread: UTC 140, match color to body

Eyes: Bead Chain Eyes, silver

Body: V-Rib, Match color to thread

Throat: Calftail, Same color as body/thread

Flash: Pearl Crystal Flash

Step 1:  Anchor thread onto hook shank. Cut bead chain eyes so that you have two beads connected. Place near eye of hook leaving enough space to build a head later. X thread over the center of the bead chain eyes 8-10 times tightening it down as you go making sure the eyes stay straight. If you feel they are still loose after this you can wrap thread until you feel it is tight enough.

Step 2: Wrap thread back towards the bend of the hook, tie in the v-rib (for this we are using chartreuse, which is the most popular color), wrap thread forward in front of the bead eyes. Wrap the v-rib forward keeping it tight and being sure to not overlap. Wrap to the back of the eyes, then pull it up and over the eyes between the space. Tie it down and trim excess.

Step 3: If you have a rotary vise, flip the fly over so it is upside down. If not, Pull the fly out and turn it upside down. Take a clump of calftail (You can also use bucktail if you so wish), tie it in base first. You want the calftail to be about 1.5-2 times as long as the hook shank. Tighten it down, trim the calftail bases at an angle from the hook eye backwards.

Step 4: Cut the crystal flash the same length as the calftail, tie it in over the calftail, tighten down, trim excess and tie over the calftail and crystal flash, building a nice even head. Whip Finish. I also recommend cementing the head.

Where It Fishes: Anyplace you can find bonefish or permit or tarpon. The Bahamas, Belize, Florida Keys, etc. The green and pink version also works very well in Washington on Chum salmon, steelhead and coho in the rivers. And sea-run cutthroat, pink salmon in the sound from the beaches.

Colors: Pink, tan. chartreuse, silver, orange, black and white. I've also seen a blue version not sure if it fishes or not. 

As usual, this and other fly-tying lessons can be found on our Fly-Tying Page.

Feed Fish Flies, Not Toxins.

-RB

Creekside Upcoming Trips

According to many reports and some filtered through fish stories, the steelheading on the Olympic Peninsula has been good so far this year (or last year, since this is a new year technically) and should continue on through the remaining season. 

For those of you that want to fish the OP but feel intimidated by the seeming complexity or overwhelming mythology that seems to surround the Peninsula (No I don't mean vampires or werewolves, just the mysterious shroud that is OP steelheading)we may have the perfect opportunity for you, especially if you would like to gather a group of buddies and go on a fishing adventure in the land of mist and giant trees.

Troy Dettman of River Guides LLC.has open dates for individuals or groups in March on the OP. Troy has years of experience and great knowledge about Washington steelheading. His quick wit and humor create an enjoyable fishing experience for everyone.

Current Dates:
March 5-8
March 12-14
March 21-23

If you have any questions or just want some more information feel free to call us at the shop or you can contact Troy via email at islandangler@msn.com or via his Facebook page, River Guides LLC.


Also for those of you looking for those Issak's Ranch dates we have our dates with Jay Robison in.

April 13th
April 14th
May 12th
May 13th

Again any inquiries can be sent to the shop at (425)392-3800 or via info@creeksideangling.com. Issak's is Washington's premier pay to play. It's huge fish and secluded setting make it hard to beat as a destination, especially in spring when most rivers are running high and colored. Prices are $225 per rod. Spots are filling fast so get on it!

Until next time.

Feed Fish Flies, Not Toxins.
-RB

The Best of 2011, Creekside Edition

We have entered 2012 with tails...err...tales of steelhead in our brains and dreams of fishing trips to come. 2011 was a year of high water, really high water into mid summer, a crappy summer of weather until the very end, Donald Trump's run for president and subsequent tongue lashing as he pulled out (please, please run as an independent, we all need something to laugh about), epic steelheading and great fall trout fishing.  All in all, from a fishing standpoint it was a great year. So in the effort of beating a hatchery steelhead into further submission, so to speak, we shall review the year, Creekside style.

Best Steelhead River, The Klickitat: While steelheading was pretty good across the board this past year, the Klickitat takes the cake. This fall it provided more entertainment for fly-fisherman and gear heads then Donald Trump's presidential campaign did for Jon Stewart. A lot of fish, and not just hatchery fish were being caught, lots of big wild fish, bringing smiles to even the most hardened man's face. Hell, even I caught some, which tells you just how good it was and I have proof.

See. Proof. Anyway, the Klickitat fished really well this year. We recommend you start thinking about heding down there next year, hanging out with the boys from the Steelhead Ranch and hooking some chrome in the cold, crisp autumn air.




Creekside Catch of the Year: This one was a tough one to determine.We had some good ones to peruse. From little girls holding their first fish to seasoned vets showing off slabs we got them all. So after much thought, for our Catch of the Year we have chosen. (Someone queue a drumroll or something.)

Gotcha! Ok, ok. Here is the real Catch of the Year.

Hugh and Scott doubled up on the Klickitat!

Top Fly: The bead. I keed, I keed. There were a lot of great flies this year. The one we would choose to be the top fly for this year would be everyone's favorite to say because it drums up Bill Murray. I, of course, am talking about the Dali Llama, as our fly of the year. Cinderella story, this greenskeeper...

Ok and with one finally thing.

Epic Fail of 2011: Steven Tyler. We are talking to you. You single handedly cleaned out our feather market with your silliness of using grizzly hackle, in your hair, while on American Idol. So consequently all us poor defenseless fly-fisherman had nothing to tie size 26 gnats with. So congratulations, you sir, are Creekside's Epic Fail of 2011.

There's our best and worst of 2011.

In other news the westside rivers are coming back into fishing shape, especially the Snoqualmie and Sky. So head on out and get some steelhead that are within reach of Seattle.

I hope everyone had a great New Year and here is to a very fishy 2012.

Feed Fish Flies, Not Toxins.
-RB

We Now Return To Our Regularly Scheduled Programming

Apparently a lot has happened since our last post. The holiday season has entered phase two (you know, scream at the TV while cursing the BCS, drinking beverages, and watching things go boom in the night air), the "I'm So Ronery" guy from that Team America movie died (the real one, I'm sure the puppet is just fine), steelhead have decided to move into pretty much every system with a connection to the saltwater, I made it back from Texas, and  it's raining...wait ignore that last one...it was doing that before.

As for the lack of posting. I was gone the past few weeks and since I wasn't doing anything fishing related and was otherwise indisposed, our blog went dark. Now that I am back, let's work on getting back to semi-daily posts, instructions and such. Shall we? I think we shall.

First order of business. And quite honestly the most important piece. The winter issue of  The Drake Magazine has come out and as usual, it is nothing short of spectacular.

The steelhead are coming! The steelhead are coming! I come back from Texas and everyone tells me how awesome the steelheading has been, well, just about everywhere. The OP has been great and the Snoqualmie, oh mah gawd, the Snoqualmie has been producing. You know it's a good year when the Snoqualmie hands out fish like a Vegas streetside flyer dude. I suspect if the weather holds up, the fishing will only get better. Everywhere west of the mountains has been fishing good to great so, you know, maybe you should peel yourself off the couch and get after it.

Lastly. There is a new movie coming out soon that seems intriguing. It's called Salmon Fishing in the Yemen. It seems borderline chick flick territory (Not that there's anything wrong with that! Put down the spey rod! Put it down!) but it has fly-fishing, albeit weird two-handed overhead British style fly-fishing and an interesting plot. Anyway here is the trailer.



















That's all I have for today. Coming up tomorrow will be a new fly-tying 101 session and the blog shall be kept up as much as my wee little brain can handle here from henceforth.

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and/or Holiday season. I hope you didn't eat half the house and can still fit out the front door and all that good stuff.

We shall return back to our regular scheduled programming now. Also. If there is a fly you would like instructions on how to tie. Post a comment to this and we shall load it into the queue and possibly even make a video for that specific one on this blog.

That's all for now, carry on and may the Force be with you.

Feed Fish Flies, Not Toxins.
-RB

The "RG3 Won the Heisman!" Report.

So I apologize for the lack of posting lately. We here at Creekside have been, swamped, inundated, hammered, wait, forget that last one, that would indicate irresponsible drinking. Anyway, we've been busy. Christmas is near, Hanukkah is upon us, Festivus is, umm, wait, I know this one...sometime? It doesn't help that I am leaving for Texas, Charlie is going to Cali, people are flying all over the place to eat food, open presents and hang out with family. Basically we have been terrible at focusing on the blog and keeping it updated.

On a second note. Yesterday the college football world finally did something right and actually gave the best PLAYER in the land the Heisman Trophy and thank the lucky stars it wasn't some guy from an SEC football team. So congratulations Robert Griffin the Third aka RG3 and Baylor (now the Huskies get to face him. Hahaha. Oh sorry, my inner Coug made an appearance there.) at least college football got something right this year. So how does this tie into fishing you ask. Well let me tell you.

We don't have the best weather here in Washington during the winter, especially during La Nina years, but the winter fishing can be spectacular. Whether it be the Yakima for trout, Rocky Ford for triploids, or the Olympic Peninsula for Steelhead, this state boasts some spectacular fishing opportunities to break up the winter doldrums. So while we may not BC (arguably the best place for steelhead), or Belize (tropical wonderland) or Argentina (Sea-run browns, their summer is during our winter). Just because you aren't in the best place doesn't mean you can't be the RG3 of winter fishing. (See, I told you I would tie it in somehow.)

Here's a few notes from aboot:

The OP: The Bogie has some early hatchery brats and the run should start to pick up steam. Fish have been caught, the weather has been decent and people haven't ran out there yet so you may have some runs to yourself. The Wynooooooooochie is starting to get it's regularly scheduled influx of early fish and has also been fishing,

The Yakima: This gem of holy trout water located in...oh ok I'll stop with the flowery writing. It has been producing nicely the past couple weeks. Pat's stones, SJ Worms, midges, BWO's, caddis, and sculpins are the name of the game this time of year. And patience. Lots of patience. And warm clothing. Oh, and Whisky...or beer...or hot cocoa. We've got the winter guide rates in place too, just in case, you know you wanted to venture over and catch some fishes but don't want to wade.

Skagit/Sky/Snoqualmie: Ok so this just in...the Snoqualmie is actually fishing well. Oh crap, someone get that man some smelling salts! Are you back with us? Ok, good. Fish have been caught on the Snoqualmie this year, fish around the Tolt or up and down David Powell Road. Fish have started showing up in the Sky and skagit, especially up by Cascade Creek on the Skagit and the Wallace on the Sky. So swing away kid or nymph, if that's your bag baby.

Rocky Ford: I haven't heard much but it always fishes well this time of year due to lack of pressure and warmer water then surrounding areas. Yes, it will be cold. But where isn't around here. Fish scuds, leeches, and smaller midge patterns for success. Oh and if anyone goes over there, bring us back a report.

That's all I have for now. Keep sending us fish pics for our website and Facebook. Oh and if you didn't know we had joined the land of the Social Media, we have and stuff. Here's our Facebook. You can also email photos to us at info@creeksideangling.com.

This will probably be my last blog post as I head to Texas for a week.

Until next time.

Feed Fish Flies, Not Toxins.
-RB

Sculpins Attack! Fly-tying 101: #7 Robinton's Sculpin

So we've taken a short hiatus fro the blog here at Creekside this past week due to people running all over the place preparing for things like Christmas, Festivus, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa (does anyone actually celebrate Kwanzaa? I don't even know), birthdays (two of us here at Creekside have December birthdays) and flying across the country to visit friends, loved ones and relatives. I will take this time to apologize  for our lack of posting on the blog but we've been....fishing and busy...ok you got me...it's just fishing. Fine, fine. It's plain laziness. Happy now?! Sheesh.

Now that we've gotten that out of the way, today we are happy to present another fly-tying 101 course with our first full length fly-tying video produced via an iPhone and featuring our very own Shop Pro Charlie Robinton. This week we will feature a custom fly created by Charlie using a new product by Fish Skulls called Sculpin Helmets. The video is a bit long but we are slowly working out the details on how to create a video so bear with us as we progress. So without further adieu. Fly-Tying victim #7 Robinton's Sculpin.

Supply List

Hook: B10S #2, Fish Skull Articulated Shank

Thread: UTC 140, Black or Olive

Body: Olive Barred Variant Crosscut Rabbit

Wings: Barred Olive Grizzly Marabou Tips

Legs: Barred Rubber Legs

Collar: Olive Deer Hair

Throat: Red Angel Hair

Head: Sculpin Helmet

Step 1: Tie your thread on the B10S hook wrap. Zap-a-gap and wrap the cross cut from the bed towards the head, leaving enough room to tie the fur off near the eye.

Step 2: Strip off the Marabou at the base of the post off two feathers. Tie in the feathers on each side of the trailing hook. The we are going to tie in some rubber legs in a fashion that allows them triangulate back behind the hook. Cut them so they are not longer then the trailing hook. Whip Finish.

Step 3: Now we are going to slide the trailing hook on the Fish Skull Articulated Shank. Place the shank into the vice and tie on your thread, wrapping it tightly over the area where you slide the trailing hook on.

Step 4: Zap-a-gap and begin wrapping some more crosscut forward about 3/4 of the way. Cut excess and tie down.

Step 5: Strip off the marabou at the base of two more feathers. Tie to each side again. Then tie more rubber legs in the same way you tied the ones on the trailing hook. Tie off. The rubber legs shouldn't be longer then the shank.

Step 6: Tie in angel hair on the underside of the fly. Cut it short of the shank, so that it gives the appearance of a colored throat area.

Step 8: Cut deer hair, clean out excess fibers, and stack in a hair stacker.  Tie to front of shank tightly. You may need to do several clumps or just one. This is up to you. Cut the deer hair down in a tapered manner. Wrap in front of the hair tapering down. Whip Finish.

Step 9: Zap-a-gap the front of the deer hair and the thread. Slide the Sculpin Helmet over the hair and hold it there for a few seconds allowing the glue to set. We like to take red thread and tie it in in front of the helmet to create a block in case the glue fails. (It most likely will not but better to be safe then sorry) Whip finish that....and viola!

Ok so. Here we go. If my instructions weren't clear enough or you need a visual reference. Here is our first featured fly-tying video with many more to come we hope.



If you have any questions feel free to contact us via email, phone or simply leave a comment here and we will respond as quickly as possible.

On another note I have been informed that our Class Page has been updated with a multitude of new beginner and advanced classes. So peruse that and if something strikes your fancy or there is something you would like to learn that isn't listed you can tell us and we can probably set it up for you.  Stay tuned for some more upcoming classes, videos and events at Creekside.

Feed Fish Flies, Not Toxins
-RB

Creekside Angling Winter Rate Special!

We here at Creekside Angling are happy to announce that for the dates of December 1st through the 15th of March we will be offering special winter rates for trout fishing on the Yakima River of $275 for 1 or 2 people! This includes flies, leaders, tippet material and if you can't provide your own rod/reel we have those too. These trips will be bring your own lunch and last around 6 hours on Washington's only blue ribbon trout stream. Snacks, water and soda will be provided.

The Yakima in winter can be a perfect time to float. The water is low and clear and the fishing can be excellent. However it is eastern Washington and it will be chilly so don't forget to bring warm clothing and some waterproof gear and a thermos of coffee may not be a bad idea either. The scenery isn't bad either.

The fishing has been good on the Yak and the weather hasn't been terrible at all so give us a call here at the shop (425-392-3800) if you would like to set up a trip and we can get you rolling on a mid-winter excursion that breaks the doldrums of fly-tying and watching the BCS nightmare known as bowl season.

Tomorrow should bring a post entailing our first full-length fly-tying lesson featuring Shop Pro Charlie Robinton! Learn how to use our new Sculpin Helmets to tie a killer Yakima winter staple, the Sculpin. So stay tuned for that and enjoy the slice of nice weather we are having. Get out and angle!

Feed Fish Flies, Not Toxins.
-RB

Circle 3 Spring Creek. This Month's Featured Destination.

We are more then just a fly-shop here at Creekside Angling Company. We have stable of wicked good guides and a couple top notch destinations to fulfill all of your fishing urges and addictions. Not to mention our frequent classes and personal instruction to help improve your ways in everything fly-fishing.

Every month we feature a destination on our website of places we have fished or really, really want to fish. Since we are in the thralls of a La Nina winter and it's waves of never-ending, soulcrushing weather, this month's featured destination will be a happy summer place in southwestern Montana and is perfect for you spring creek fanatics, like our owner Pete. If casting dry flies, to large hungry trout, in water that is about 15-20 feet wide is your cup of tea then this place may be your Mecca. Here's a video to wet your appetite.





For more information, you can talk to us here at the shop or go here Circle 3 Spring Creek.  We are excited to offer you these premier destinations to get your fixing fish...err....your fishing fix. I apologize, I apparently need more coffee or Mountain Dew.

We may post a little fly-tying instructional video later today, so keep your eyes peeled for that! It will be exciting! Perhaps some humor!

Feed Fish Flies, Not Toxins.
-RB

This Is What the Rock Is Cooking, Fly-Tying 101: #6 Skintilla

With the La Nina winter finally here, most of us shut down our fishing for the season, hunker down in the house and start tying flies for the upcoming spring/summer/fall. Sure we come out of hibernation for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years, make a show of being alive then recede back into our caverns. Fishing only crosses the mind of those that chase steelhead or those of us that need to get that fishing fix and stumble over to the Yakima on one of the few days when the sky opens up and reveals that precious commodity known as the sun.

There are other options however to the hermit type existence lived by Pacific Northwest fly-fisherman. Rocky Ford comes to mind. A spring creek that flows through the basalt and sagebrush,loaded with large fish that eat small flies, especially in the winter. The Ford produces well in the middle of winter when all the rivers are blown out. . It provides the option to fish, it may not be the warmest, but it's an option when you get the Cabin Fever. Small flies are the name of the game. Midges, scuds, and serendipities. I learned of this fly during my time down on the San Juan and have used it up here on the Yakima and the Ford with success. And this fly is an excellent one to add into the mix. So here we go with fly tying victim #6. The Skintilla.

 

Supply List

Hook: Daichi 1120 #18-24

Thread: 8/0 Uni, Olive, Red, Black, Grey or Blue

Bubble: Mini Glass Bead, Peacock

Rib: Brassie Ultra Wire, color can vary

Step 1: Choose a color of thread. I would stick with olive or black. Tie the thread on the hook. Build up the body by wrapping thread back towards the bend then back towards the eye. 

Step 2: This part is the only tricky part. Cut a piece of ultra wire. Fold one end back towards the other. Slide the bead over both strands of ultra wire and let it run down the bend. Place the looped section near the eye of the hook, leaving enough space to tie a head. Tie down the ultra wire in front of the bead, making 1 loose wrap and then 2-4 tight wraps. Then wrap behind the bead with one loose wrap and 2-4 tighter wraps. Cut the loop of wire in front of the bead off.

Step 3: Cut one of the strands of ultra wire that protrudes behind the bead. Wrap the thread over the other strand of ultra wire back towards the bend. At the bend wrap the thread back forward towards the bead, building a tapered body up to the bead. Make one wrap in front of the bead and leave it for now.

Step 4: Wrap the strand of ultra wire forward towards the bead over the body to create a ribbing. Wrap to the bead then make one more wrap in front of the bead. Tie the ultra wire off, trim it and build up a head. Whip finish and place a dab of head cement. 

Color Schemes: This fly is simple to tie and can be used in multiple colors. I focused mostly on Olive thread and green wire, but red/red works, black/silver, black/black, black/green, black/red, red/silver, gray/silver, gray/green, gray/red, blue/blue, blue/green, blue/silver. I'm sure there are others that would work, but those are the main ones I have used.

Where it Fishes: It's pretty much all I used on the San Juan. I had a box filled with these in different sizes and colors. But I have used it during a BWO hatch on the Yakima, the Ford, the Gunnison, Flat Creek, and I'm sure it will work on any spring creek you can think of. I haven't had much of a chance to fish it here in Washington outside of the Yakima but it will work anywhere there is a BWO or Midge hatch and the fish are targeting those food groups.

As always our tying lessons can be found on our Tying Page.  If you have any questions feel free to leave a comment and we will answer it with all possible speed.

Feed Fish Flies, Not Toxins
-RB

Partytime in Dollywood

Dollywood.An amusement park built around a country singer that made an appearance in our fishing report at the start of the month. Seems kind of silly but that's America for ya. While Dollywood is in Tennessee and a helluva long ways away we here in the Northwest have our own version of Dollywood come the wintertime. While it may not have the roller coasters, concerts, sticky buns or elephant ears, most fly-fisherman prefer our Dollywood to the real one. Where is this Pacific Northwest Dollywood, this magical winter play-land for fly-fisherman? The Sauk and Skagit Rivers of course. The quarry you are chasing. Dollies.

Yesterday Johnny Steeltrout and I headed up to Dollywood with a friend in search of the ever aggressive Dolly Varden.  We started on the Sauk near Government Bridge, swinging rabbit strip and marabou creations the size of small birds in the color of the snow lining the surrounding hills. The river was a little high and slightly milky but it didn't seem to affect the fishing much. The Dollies are in and eating.  There is some proof below. 

This was our average size for the day. Excuse Johnny's facial expression I believe he was trying to imitate the fishes displeasure at being fooled. Flesh wasn't the only color working as evidenced in this photo. Black leeches were also working.  I was using a large Loop Sculpin in olive with the egg sac on the head. 

We seemed to have good luck casting out and stripping back across rather rapidly. Swinging was also working, but you have to be patient. Most of the strikes were happening at the point of the swing known as the "hangdown." That is the end of the swing, just let it sit straight out below you for a few seconds before stripping it in to reset you cast.

Remember that Dollies seem to prefer shallower water then you may be accustomed to fishing. Fish the 2-3 feet deeps sections of runs and tailouts. Look for Chum redds and fish behind them. An intermediate tip should be enough to get the fly down, dollies will move for meat but you could try a type 6 if you would like. 

The best flies are 3-4 inch long flesh or olive colored leech type patterns. The bigger the better honestly. I was using the Olive Loop Leech, Johnny switched back and forth between a black hot head MOAL and some Chartreuse and white contraption. Andrew was fishing a white marabou fly with a peach colored Schlappen face that was incredibly effective. Pretty much anything big and ugly will work as long as it has movement and/or is stripped fast to illicit the chase response. 

It was cold and beautiful in Skagit Land. The fishing was good. The company was outstanding and we dealt with a plethora of different weather but it was worth it for some big fish.

So come on down to the shop. Pick up some supplies and go chase some dollies in the cold, clear waters filtering through the towering mountains covered in snow. It's called the American Alps. I will leave you with some video.

                                                                                        

Get out and angle.                     

Feed Fish Flies, Not Toxins

-RB                                                        

Negate the La Nina Effect

We heard it all fall. La Nina is coming! La Nina is coming! Farley may have said that El Nino was Spanish for the...Nino. It means boy, but if any of you think La Nina is some cute little girl you got problems. More like the little girl from the Exorcist. Anyway, I know what most of you were thinking. Pft...La Nina...HAH! Whatever man...it ain't nothing, until oh...this past week. That's when she strolled in and gave you swift kick to the mommy-daddy button before you even knew what was going on. BOOM! 3 feet of snow, 4 inches of rain, blown out rivers, Chum salmon spawning on Highway 2, some guy in Carnation began building his ark, etc. Don't believe me about the Chum Salmon? Queue that footage Ace!



Feel silly now? We were talking about La Nina and her nasty little self.  Waterproof clothing? Of course. But you don't want to look like the Gordon's Fisherman or the dude from I Know What You Did Last Summer sans hay hooks, right. Well we have what you need here at your local Creekside Location.

We just received a huge order of Simms outerwear, waders, boots and knick knacks sure to help you with negating the effects of La Nina.  We have the full range of Guide Jackets, the fleeces, gloves, waders and boots.

Like this Simms Guide Jacket. Perfect for battling the elements and torrential rains that come with winter fishing in the Pacific Northwest and it's pretty stylish too. I mean as far as waterproof raingear goes.

Or how about this Rivershed Sweater for those of you looking for something to keep warm during those bitterly cold days chasing trout on the Yakima or Steelhead on the Grand Ronde in February?

This is just a peek at the stock of products we have just waiting to meet your wintertime fishing needs.  We even have flies and other accoutrement's that you may need on your adventures chasing fish during the season of the witch...err...La Nina.

So if you don't feel like staying cooped up all winter with the in-laws or significant other, watching HGTV or playing World of Warcraft or whatever else it is you crazy kids do these days. (Please no elaboration, we get it ok?) But don't feel you have the right gear to make the fishing experience more enjoyable then staying at home drinking tea and watching Golden Girls reruns. Come on down and hit us up with whatever questions you may have, try some stuff on, create the X-Mas list and hand it out to whoever may be slightly acquainted with you, and get geared up for La Nina winter.

On another note. The Muppets come out tonight! Hooray! Swedish Chef is back in action. Speaking of chefs...tomorrow is turkey day. I will be stuffing my face with pumpkin pie, mashed potatoes and possibly some beer, watching football and doing nothing in general. I hope most of you that read this are not one of the few stuck with working at supermarkets or Wal-Mart and forced into slavery. If so...disregard what I just said about my Thanksgiving...

Have a great Thanksgiving everyone and be safe. We shall reopen on Friday at the normal place and time. Sneak on over as your significant other raids the local Black Friday spots if you want to keep your sanity.

Feed Fish Flies, Not Toxins

-RB

Eat the worm! Fly-Tying 101: #5 The San Juan Worm

Winter time in the Northwest means a fluctuation of temperatures and weather. One day the rivers may be low and clear, the next they could be colored and carrying houses, cows, Auntie Ann and other instruments of civilization towards Davey Jones Locker.  For those of you diehards that don't react to a snow storm as the Snowpocalypse or a torrential downpour like you should start cutting down trees, collecting animals in pairs and building an ark, this fly will help you prepare for the times when the water is off-colored and high.

There are multiple ways to tie this fly and everyone has their personal variation that they believe will work for them. We will go over the basic pattern and then get into some of the more complex variations. Overall this fly may be the easiest fly to tie in the world, unless you are fishing the Juan and using size 24 bare red hooks....yes, it works, trust me. Anyways, as I was saying, this fly is easy to tie, can be used in multiple applications and is a good all-purpose fly to have in the box. So without further adieu, fly-tying victim #5 the San Juan Worm.

Supply List

Hook : Daichi 1120 #6-20

Thread: 6/0 Uni, Color should match Vernille

Body: Vernille, Any Color or Pearl Core, Any color

Rib: Flashabou or crystal flash

Bead: Optional, but any Cyclops bead will work.

Hackle: Optional, Partridge, Pheasant Rump, Guinea

 There are multiple variations of this fly. I will do the simple version first. Then walk you through some of the variations, which aren't too difficult but can be confusing.

Step 1:  Tie down thread to hook. Cut a piece of vernille, you usually want it long enough that it is twice as long as the hook shank. Wrap thread back along the hook shank to the bend. Tie in the vernille so that about half of the vernille is hanging off the back of the hook shank.  Tie over the vernille to attach it to the hook then make a couple of wraps behind the vernille so that the tail sticks up.

          Step 1a: Slide a bead on the hook and place it near the eye. Slide the vernille through the bead. Make a wrap behind the bead and in front.

         Step 1b: If you are using pearlcore instead of vernille. Slide through the bead or just tie it down in front of the bead and another section behind. Near the bend, tie in a piece of flashabou/crystal flash and wrap over the pearlcore all the way to the bead.

Step 2: Wrap the thread forward along the hook, making a few wraps up over the vernille to attach it to the shank. When you get to the eye. Wrap over the vernille and make a few wraps in front to make the vernille stand up. 

        Step 2a: You can tie in the hackle at this point if you choose to do so. Tie it in tip first behind where the vernille/pearlcore goes up, make a couple wraps and tie off. If using a bead and you wish to add some hackle, tie it in front of the bead tip first and make a couple wraps, tie off.

Step 3: Whip finish in front of the vernille. Cut thread, and then take a lighter and burn the ends of the vernille slightly. If you are using pearlcore you will have to superglue the ends instead of burning them.

Colors: Red, pink, green, olive, blue, purple, blue, burgundy, black, root beer, and chartreuse.  the most effective colors are pink and red, especially on the Yakima in early spring. Purple can be effective as well. Blue and chartreuse seem to work better in Colorado, Wyoming and Utah. You can mix and match colors as well, making the tail a different color then the front. Those versions generally work better when tied in with a bead to cover the transition.

Where it Fishes: Pretty much everywhere. They work better in cloudy/murky water, but I have caught fish on this fly all over the west. Alaska, Wyoming, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, California, Montana, Utah and New Mexico. Such infamous rivers as the Yakima, Rocky Ford, Rock Creek, Flat Creek, South Fork of the Snake, San Juan, Green River (in Utah), Klickitat, etc.  The bigger versions can work for steelhead as well as trout and you can tie them down to a size 20.

If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask. All tying lessons are located on our Tying Page.

Feed Fish Flies, Not Toxins

-RB

Brews for Fishy People

We interrupt our regularly scheduled programming to bring you this special blog report!

IT'S WINTER! I REPEAT, IT'S WINTER! AGGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!

Ok, do I have your attention now? Good. Now that we have that nonsense out of the way. Since winter is here and for most of gluttons for punishment that means freezing our tails off in a driving sleetstorm, throwing flies the size of purple coated land mines in water the consistency and color of chocolate milk for a fish that may or may not even exist. (Yes steelhead. No, I think all photographs are fake just like the Sasquatch ones. Land one in front of me and prove it. I dare you.) And since fly-fishing entails some sort of imbibing, usually of alcohol, especially in the winter months, I thought we would list a couple top notch local brews that can be found near your favorite iceflows, err...I mean rivers.

These brews will help you dethaw from that plunge you took in that one spot on that one river because you thought it would be better if you just stepped on a boulder in a raging current to get that one perfect drift, but instead pulled a Micheal Phelps and decided to swim after the fish instead.

Anyway. Here are some beers to ponder the one that got away over. They are not ranked because if they were you know Rainier would be at the top of this list...duh.

• Avalanche Winter Ale- One of Snoqualmie Brewery's finer seasonal ales. It's tasty and not too heavy so that you can enjoy more then one if you so choose. If you go to the Taproom after a long, cold day on the river you can enjoy it with some top notch food too. They have plenty of other types of beer to sample as well and if you love beer, they are all terrific.

• 509 Style- Hidden in the comfy confines of the Greater Ellensburg Metropolitan Area (Go ahead laugh, that was the point), is a quaint little brewery known as Iron Horse Brewery. Known for their Irish Death or Double Rainbow brews, the one that really kicks off the ice after a brutally cold day on the Yakima is the 509 Style brew.  It is dubbed the brew of the Eastside and is tasty, I promise.

• Strait Stout- If you dig the dark beers for the dark weather then you are in luck. Port Townsend Brewing produces this stellar dark beer to improve your mood after driving all over the OP fleeing from vampies, werewolves and tweeny heart throbs, trying to catch chrome in a rain that feels like you are standing in a bucket upside down. This beer will strike warmth into that cold bitter heart of yours as you drive home from the madness.

So there you have it some alcohol to warm your soul on your midwinter fishing extravaganzas. I mean who doesn't love some tasty brews whilst out throwing a fly doing your best to become a meat popsicle. All these beers actually beat my normal fly-fish trip beverage of Rainier and Mt. Dew. No not together, sheesh. I have class you know....although...that could be interesting...hmmm.

Feed Fish Flies, Not Toxins
-RB

Toss in a Copper, Fly-Tying 101: #4 Copper John

We all know those coin fountains, wishing wells, puddle of water, that have signs like toss in a copper, make a wish.  Fly-fishing for trout in the winter can resemble this. Big and cold water, tossing microscopic flies to different lines as the snow/rain falls down, de-icing your guides, and freezing your extremities in general, it can seem like your tossing flies in and making a wish, praying to a deity, whatever you wish to call it. (I refer to it as the "Bring me Fish" dance, which along with attracting gawkers, helps rush blood to those numb extremities.)

To help qualm those feelings that range between There are no bloody fish here to What the hell am I doing out here, today's fly-tying lesson revolves around a fly that can be used in multiple applications and is perfect for those mid-winter days on the Yakima and many other western trout rivers.  Fly-tying victim #4, The Copper John.

Supply List

Hook: Daichi 1550 #12-22

Thread: 6/0 Black Uni

Bead: Gold or Copper Cyclops, size to fit hook

Tail: Goose Biots, Black

Body: Ultra Wire, Brassie or Small, See colors below

Thorax: Peacock Herl

Wing: Pheasant Hackle

Shellback: Pearl Flashabou

Step 1:  Slide bead on the hook. Wrap thread on hook, work evenly back to the bend. Take two goose biots, tips out the back of the fly, cross them over each other near where the bend in the shank begins, make one loose wrap of thread over the X'd portion, then two more wraps and pull tight. Clip the butts off the goose biots.

Step 2: Grab a piece of ultra wire, tie it in over the biots, wrap your thread forward, leaving some space behind the bead.  Wrap the ultra wire forward tightly and tie it in, leaving space for the thorax, which should cover about a quarter of the hook's length.

Step 3: Tie in two pieces of flashabou.  Leave them for now.  Tie in 2-3 pieces of peacock herl, wrap thread all the way to bead.  Form a herl rope. To do this, take the strands of herl, and twist them tightly, but not so tight as to where they will break.  Once you have a rope, wrap forward to the bead and tie off. Clip excess.

Step 4: Tie in pheasant hackle fibers on each side of the thorax. Pull the Flashabou forward over the top of the thorax and tie down. Whip Finish.  You can epoxy the flashabou shell back as well, either way will work.

Where it Fishes: Trout water of any type. The Yakima, Cedar, Snoqualmie Forks, Greenwater, Naches, etc.  They work well in Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Oregon, Montana, Idaho and New Mexico.  Fish them under a Pat's Stone or San Juan worm in the winter for maximum effect.  Use smaller sizes in low water or during midge/BWO hatches and the larger sizes in murky water and during caddis or the smaller summer stonefly activity.

Ultra Wire Colors: Copper, Red, Lime, Black, Blue, Purple, and Gold.  Red, lime and copper seem to be the most effective here in our local waters, although I have caught a few fish on purple in the Yakima in early spring.

Feed Fish Flies, Not Toxins

-RB

Connect and Wild Steelhead Coalition Event

CONNECT


Presented by Wild Steelhead Coalition and Emerald Water Anglers

FROM THE MAKERS OF "DRIFT" AND "RISE"

From Chris Patterson and Jim Klug - the filmmakers who created the highly acclaimed movies DRIFT and RISE comes CONNECT, the most ambitious, large-scale fly fishing film ever made. Continuing in the tradition of the multisegment, multi-story format that Confluence Films has become known for, CONNECT introduces a number of new locations, exotic species, and compelling characters that epitomize and exemplify the sport of fly fishing. Shot on location in Japan, Yellowstone National Park, the Yukon Drainage of Alaska, the flats of Cuba, the coast of Maine, and in the wilds of Tanzania, Africa, this feature length movie will once again transport viewers around the world in search of new waters and exhilarating travel experiences. CONNECT features well-known anglers Greg Vincent, Jeff Currier, Jimmy Bartschi, Craig Mathews, Masa Katsumata, Brian Porter, and Captain Eric Wallace, and more than a dozen different fish species, both freshwater and saltwater. As with DRIFT and RISE before, the cinematography, sound, and feel of CONNECT come together in a visual masterpiece that promises to re-set the bar for fly fishing films.

100% of the proceeds for this event will benefit the Wild Steelhead Coalition, specifically their current work with restoring and protecting the Elwha River wild steelhead runs.

Tickets for the event will be $10. Please plan on buying your tickets early as we expect this event to sell out quickly. We will have a round of great prizes to raffle off, including gear and guided trips. If you plan on participating in the raffle bring some cash, we can't accept credit cards for raffle items. For more information on the Wild Steelhead Coalition, please check out our website. Also follow our Facebook page for updated info on the group.

It shall be a great event for all. For the full details go here, Connect, Seattle Premier Event. See y'all there.

Feed Fish Flies, Not Toxins
-RB

Fly-Tying 101: Receiving Total Consciousness, #3 The Dali Llama

However you have seen the fly spelled, and there have been a multitude of spellings. The Dali Llama, Dolly Lama, Dalai Llama, etc. It's all the same fly. A simplistic concoction of rabbit fur and flashabou tied to a hook with a jumbo conehead that just catches fish, well, pretty much everywhere. I have used it with success chasing big bows in Alaska, Wyoming, Colorado, Washington, Montana, and Oregon. And every time you tell others what you are using to a fellow fly-fisherman, it almost always requires you to channel a little Spackler.

"The flowing robes, the grace, bald....striking. So, I'm on the first tee with him. I give him the driver. He hauls off and whacks one - big hitter, the Lama - long, into a ten-thousand foot crevasse, right at the base of this glacier. Do you know what the Lama says? Gunga galunga... gunga, gunga-lagunga." Carl Spackler- Caddyshack

In the fly-fishing world there are a few flies that are big hitters. The Adams, MOAL Leeach, Wooley Bugger, Ice Cream Cone, and Hare's Ear all come to mind as staples in every fisherman's box. This fly should be added to that collection. It catches trout, bass, steelhead and salmon. So tie one up, tie it on and go angle with it. And remember when you catch a fish, to repeat the following, "In the immortal words of Jean Paul Sartre, 'Au revoir, fish'." Fly-tying victim #3, The Dali Llaaaaaaama.

 Supply List:

Hook: Gamakatsu B10S #2-4 (Both front shank and for trailer hook)

Thread: 140 UTC or 3/0 Uni, match color to base rabbit

Head: Nickel Conehead, Jumbo sized

Body: Crosscut Rabbit, any color

Tail: Rabbit Strip, same color as crosscut

Second Tail: Rabbit Strip, any color

Wing: Saltwater Flashabou, Pearl

Articulated Attachment: Backing #20-40, preferably gel-spun

Step 1: Slide the cone on the hook. Slide the backing between the conehead and hook shank, through the eye of the hook and back through the conehead. Tie down with thread and Zap-A-Gap.  Pinch backing, slide through trailer hook eye, pull loop over the bend of the hook and pull it tight. Set length of trailer by pulling tag end of backing through the eye until you achieve desired length, tie down tag end to front hook, glue.

Step2: Wrap thread around the trailer hook. Tie rabbit strip that matches the crosscut color you have decided to use on the underside of the hook shank of the trailer hook. Wrap near the bend of the hook 5-6 times, pull tight, then avoiding wrapping over the fur, wrap the thread along the shank to the eye, give 4 tight wraps and whip finish.

Step 3: Run the rabbit strip along the backing. (Some guys will thread the backing through the rabbit strip as well, but this way is less time consuming. Either way is effective.) Tie in rabbit strip at the bend of the front hook and glue.  Tie in crosscut, glue the shank and wrap forward to the back of the conehead, tie off.  

Step 4: Tie in a different colored rabbit strip, cut so that it is just slightly shorter then your articulated hook, making sure that it is directly opposite of the trailing hook gap.  Tie in two pieces of flashabou on each side of the fly. Whip finish and viola!

Color Schemes: The most popular colors are Olive/White, Black/White, Purple/Pink, and Pink/White.  But much like the MOAL you can create any type of color combination you would like. I like the Baby Blue/Purple personally but remember there is a reason Olive/White and Black/White are sold in fly-shops.  They are the best color combos.

Where it Fishes: This fly fishes pretty much everywhere.  I have used it in Alaska, Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, Utah, Washington, Oregon, etc. I know they work in BC as well as on the Olympic Penninsula for steelhead and trout on the Yakima.  You can change the sizes around to match where you want to fish and have at it. And remember:

"So we finish the eighteenth and he's gonna stiff me. And I say, "Hey, Lama, hey, how about a little something, you know, for the effort, you know." And he says, "Oh, uh, there won't be any money, but when you die, on your deathbed, you will receive total consciousness." So I got that goin' for me, which is nice."

As I stated earlier, all the posts regarding our tying will also be followed up on our tying page via our website. You can go there and see previous flies by clicking, Creekside Tying Page.

Feed Fish Flies, Not Toxins

-RB

Catch Magazine Issue #20

The latest issue of Catch Magazine, one of our favorite online rags (Can you still call it a rag? Whatever, we are.) just released their latest endeavors and as usual is phenomenal. You can check it out here.Catch Magazine.

In other news, the initiative to ban the proposed Pebble Mine passed, however the State of Alaska is now suing to have it invalidated. Read up on that here. Epic Fail.

Dolly season is starting on the Sauk and Skagit. So come in and get some info, flies and gear to prepare for that as it starts to pick up steam.

Feed Fish Flies, Not Toxins.
-RB

How to Survive the Zombieapocalypse

Apparently there is a Zombieapocalypse in our future. It's so close that even the CDC has published a Zombie Survival Guide.  I mean the chances of a Zombieapocalypse actually happening are probably less then nil, but around Febraury here in the Pacific Northwest, a lot of us do start to look like this.

Must. Get. Out. Of. The. House. Rivers...blown...out. Agggghhhhh, Braaaaaiiiiiiinsss.

Also this could happen if the proposed Pebble Mine gets approved. I almost guarantee that will result in some sort of Zombie type apocalypse. What does this have to do with fishing you ask. Well I shall tell you. In the event of a Zombieapocalypse, the fish will most likely turn too. You know, kind of like what the Pinks look like, only worse. So how do you keep safe during this impending doom? We have the answer here at Creekside.

"I. Know. Fly. Fishing. Like...Whoa!"

For the month of November we are offering a deal that will help you be better prepared for those zombie changing months of winter here in the Pacific Northwest. If you come in and buy one the rods you see young master Keanu holding, better known as the new Sage One series. We will throw in a Scientific Anglers GPX or Sharkskin fly line for free. Yes that's right! Free! Nothing will help you survive the Zombieapocalypse better then the One's graphite technology that leads to highly accurate long casts. It is their most accurate rod and one of the smoothest casting rods I have ever used. And with a top notch fly-line the rod will then be complete. So all silliness aside let's recap:

If you buy a new Sage One fly-rod, we will throw in a SA GPX or Sharkskin fly-line for free. That's an $80 value, free!

This deal will last the entire month of November or until supplies last. So come on down, try one out and stock up for the upcoming months of fly-tying, steelheading and rain. Get the boomstick of fly-fishing and use it's accuracy to slay some zombies...err...fish.

Feed Fish Flies, Not Toxins.
-RB

Disclaimer: The Sage One is not guaranteed to actually impede zombies, vampies, werewolves, aliens, disgruntled spouses, or any other supernatural creature. Deal runs through November 30th or until fly-line supplies last.

Ice, Ice, Baby. Fly-Tying 101: #2 Ice Nymph

A lot of today's flies are regional. They tend to only exist in certain locations, mainly because people who guide/fish in those regions are told this is what works here by people like, well, me. After spending a summer guiding in Southwest Colorado, on rivers like the Juan, Animas, Gunnison, Florida, etc. I picked up flies that I hadn't seen before that worked really well. This ice nymph is one of them. I use the blue on the Yakima in a size 18 and caught a lot of fish. Surprising because I was told by multiple people that it only works in Colorado/Utah/Wyoming. HAH! Well it works here too. So here we go with our second victim of the week. The Ice Nymph, no not those little white haired chicks you see in fairy tales and bad B movies, but the little nymph that sparkles in the water. You can tie the body in any number of colors, but for this exercise it will be in blue.

 

Supply List:

Hook: Daichi 1150 #16-22

Thread: 8/0 Black

Tail: Black Saddle Hackle Fibers

Body: Holographic Flashabou, Blue

Rib: Silver Ultra Wire, Brassie

Thorax: Black Ice Dub

Head: Black Cyclops Bead, Mini

Step 1: Slide bead on to the hook. Wrap the thread back over the shank to attach it, cut excess tag off. Wrap back evenly to bend so the thread builds an even body base layer. Cut off a clump of hackle fibers, tie in at the bend butt first. You want the tail fibers to be about as long as the hook shank. 

Step 2: Tie in ultra wire under between the hook gap at the bend. Cut 2-3 pieces of flashabou, tie in flashabou right where you tied in the tail fibers. Wrap the flashabou forward to right behind the bead head, tie off. Wrap the ultra wire forward in the same direction you see in the photo above.

Step 3: Tie in a dubbing loop. Place a pinch of the ice dub into the loop and spin. Wrap the dubbing from where you tied in the wire and flashabou, forward to the bead. Tie off the loop, cut the excess, whip finish, and you are finished.

Colors: You can tie this fly in multiple colors. Keep the tail and ice dub black and just swap out which flashabou color you are using. Purple, Olive, Pearl, Blue, Red, Root Beer, Pink, and Lime Green are some of the colors you could try. I prefer the Holographic Flashabou, but the normal stuff works just as well.

Where it Fishes: This fly fishes for trout in multiple applications. It works on rivers in Colorado, Wyoming and Montana, but for those of you looking for it to work closer to home. I have used this fly on the Yakima with extreme success, especially dropped below a stonefly nymph like a Pat's. It will work on the Snoqualmie Forks, Cedar, Greenwater and other rivers where a BWO hatch is fairly prevalent. The smaller sizes would probably also work on the Ford.

As I stated earlier, all the posts regarding our tying will also be followed up on our tying page via our website. You can go there and see previous flies by clicking, Creekside Tying Page.

Until next time.

Feed Fish Flies, Not Toxins.

-RB

Moooooaaaaal. Fly-tying 101: #1 The Moal Leech

For some reason Fly-fishing is along the same lines as today's electronic craze. Everyone rushes out to grab the newest fangled device because somehow it will improve your daily life. "I just got this iPhone 5GSTX. It's amazing! It tells me when I should actually communicate with another human being...in person..." Anyway...fly-fishing is the same way. New flies, lines, rods, waders, jackets, dynamite, err...I mean...nets, yes nets. When they come out someone has to have it. This doesn't happen as much with other items as it does flies. I believe "A River Runs Through It" summarizes it best. He tied on some new fangled fly the size of a chicken and heaved it out there. New flies make appearances throughout the year and when they do people always want them.

Sometimes newer isn't better but we are starting a new blog tradition here at Creeky. Twice a week we will be choosing a fly and giving instructions on how to tie it up, how to fish it and where to use it. So let us proceed with our first victim, the Moal Leech. You will probably need two vices for this fly or if you have an articulated attachment for your vice ignore that.

Materials:
Thread 6/0, 3/0- color matches the front crosscut color
Zap-a-Gap
Backing 20-50lb (Gel Spun works best for the threading)
Crosscut Rabbit Strips (Many color combos, which we will dive into)
Flashabou- Multiple colors, personal favorites are Holographic pearl, blue, purple and red
Gamakatsu Octopus Hooks #2
Gamakatsu B10S #1-4
Large Coneheads- Silver, black, pink, or orange
Optional: Lead wire, Schlappen, Guinea, Beer (preferably Rainier)

Step 1: Place vice on table....Ok I keed, I keed. Seriously though put the vice on the table. Take the Gama B10S hook, slide conehead onto hook, run backing through back of conehead to the eye, feed the backing through the eye and then back through the front of the conehead. Tie down your thread and over the two pieces of backing. Zap-a-Gap the shank and let it dry for a minute.

Step 2: Pinch the backing and thread it through the Gama Octo Hook, pull that loop through and over the hook bend and pull it tight. Set your fly length by taking the tag end of the backing (the one not glued to the shank already). Once you have determined your length, run that tag back to the hook, tie it down with thread and Zap-a-Gap.

Step 3: Choose your crosscut color combo. We generally like pink/purple, blue/black, purple, black, etc. I will get into those later. After you chose your color. Zap-a-Gap the backing, pinch the crosscut onto the backing just in front of the trailing hook eye, and wrap forward, crosscut fibers angling towards the back of the fly, pinching down each wrap to secure the crosscut via the Zap-a-Gap. If you are doing a dual colored fly follow the instructions in 3b. If not, wrap all the way to the conehead gluing the shank periodically.
           Step 3b:  Once you get one wrap on the shank, pinch it down, cut it, and tie back over the crosscut a bit with the thread. Add your next color, making sure you are wrapping it the same way, tie it down, hit it with some glue and wrap forward to the conehead.

Step 4: Cut the excess rabbit off, tie it down with a few wraps of thread. Take your Flashabou, cut 3-5 strands out, tie it on one side of fly, trim so it is the same length as the fly. Repeat this process on the other side.

Step 5: Take some rabbit from your front color, pull the hairs off the strip, and dub it on your thread. Wrap tight to the conehead, whip finish and trim. Cut the front hook at the crosscut wrap with a pair of metal cutters. Your fly is read to fish.

Options: There are a multitude of color combinations and optional things you can do with this fly, which is what makes it one of the most versitile flies on the market today. You can fish it for winter steel, summer steel, trout, bass and salmon. You can change the length of the fly by changing the length of your backing. You can swap out the dubbing with guinea or schlappen and give it more contrast. Some guys slide a bead above the trailing hook and wrap crosscut around that. The options are endless.

Popular Colors: Purple/Pink, Red/Orange, Black, Purple, Black/Blue, Olive, White, Flesh/Red, Purple/Baby Blue, Cerise/Pink, Pink.  You can basically decide what colors you want and make them your own.

This fly is super simple to tie and has so many applications it would be a folly to not at least, have some in your box, especially you steelheaders.

We also have a fly-tying page on our site where you will be able to peruse this info at your own leisure, considering we are updating the blog a lot more frequently now and I know scrolling down is taxing... You can go here to find it Fly-Tying Corner

Until next time.
Feed Fish Flies, Not Toxins
-RB