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Evening Sulphurs

7/25/2020

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​Evening eastern sulphur hatches can provide a frenzied period of selective feeding toward dark that is typically challenging and often frustrating as the trout are in their mid season form. To tip the scales in my favor I try to identify the stage of the emergence a feeding fish is focused on, recognizing that the sporadic, bulging rises are normally trout feeding on emerging sulphurs and the most difficult to fool. But a fish that is up and feeding on duns or cripples with an obvious head and tail rise and a regular rhythm can be a bit easier to fool. Sometimes it is worth taking the time to search out the best targets.

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The Battle

12/7/2019

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There is a perception that big fish should take a long time to land. And while there may be truth to this for some species, most people that haven’t fished for musky are surprised to hear that the fight with a big musky typically lasts a relatively short time when proper pressure is applied.  
 
But it seems that the lack of duration combined with knowing the effort that it takes to hook a musky on a fly fuels the excitement for an intense experience. A battle with a big musky electrifies the senses and even gets the knees knocking while the outcome hangs in the balance. Each twist and turn of the fish leaves us holding our breath. The intensity only heightens as the musky nears the net and when it finally hits the bag the overwhelming feeling is of both relief and elation. 


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Swing the Fly - 2019 Volume 2

5/15/2019

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​Swing the Fly
magazine - 2019 Volume 2 is now available. Check out my article in this issue called Making the Adjustment. 

​One of the keys to making consistent and effective Spey casts during a day on the water is to adjust your setup and casting stroke to changing conditions. Factors such as wading depth, current speed, wind, and casting obstructions all impact the cast. The article provides some thoughts on dealing with these factors. 


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Time to Get Ready

3/16/2019

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​Late winter through early winter represents a time of inconsistency and flexibility. Timing the break of winter’s hold on the mid west and northeast can be difficult at best. We wait for the clues of warming water temperatures and increased fish activity. But this occurrence varies widely on the calendar from year to year often starting and stopping with the lure of false hope.
 
The pursuit of steelhead in the Great Lakes region during the later winter and spring keeps us on our toes. Change is a constant. Fish are on the move – a pool that fishes well one day can be devoid the next. Water levels rise rapidly from melting snows and rains bringing moisture from the south. And nighttime temperatures that feel more like mid January can exist until April making fish lethargic and unresponsive.
 
Being ready to mobilize when things are right seems more important in the late winter and early spring than other times during the year. So be ready to get after it and shake off some of the frustrations of a tough winter. Water that is just dropping into shape bringing with it fresh fish from the lake can provide the best possibilities at this time of year. Over the next few weeks I’ll be studying the weather forecast and water levels of my favorite spring rivers looking waiting for some opportunities. 

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December

12/10/2018

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​I can’t say I look forward to December as it marks the end of the fall fishing and hunting frenzy that many of us enjoy. But I can say that I embrace it. While it represents a transition to the coldest months of the year, windows of opportunity pop up that are similar to what we experienced earlier in the season. So with the doldrums of winter right around the corner I have learned the importance of pursuing some of the year’s remaining outdoor experiences.
 
Since the prime fishing is now past and weather conditions uncertain, competition for water is significantly decreased. The ease in finding solitude adds greatly to the attraction of fishing at this time of year.
 
December is about slowing down – no need to be in a hurry. It may take a little longer to get to the water and move between pools. December fishing may require breaking ice from the guides or waiting for the slush to clear. And slowing down the presentation is often the key recognizing that a fish may not move as aggressively for a fly in the colder water.
 
December is also a month for big fish yielding a number of top steelhead, brown trout and even musky over the years. With the holidays, December moves fast. Its time to get out there before it’s gone. 

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Delaware Valley Fly Fishers - September 26th

9/24/2018

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​This Wednesday September 26th I'll presenting be presenting a discussion on fly fishing for steelhead in the Great Lakes region at the monthly meeting for the Delaware Valley Fly Fishers in Yardley, Pennsylvania. The meeting starts at 7:30. If you are in the southeastern PA area stop by to say hello. I'll also have my books available and there will be time for a book signing after the presentation. Hope to see you there.

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Dry Fly Time

4/20/2018

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PictureNick Pionessa admires a big brown trout caught on a dry fly
Here in the northeast the first hatches of the year are just around the corner. With warming air and water temperatures combined with a forecasted period of low precipitation, things could heat up quickly.

At this time of year it is important to be patient. Most hatches won’t occur until the afternoon or even early evening. And with spring hatches the bug activity does not necessarily need to be heavy to bring fish to the surface so always be on the search for risers. 

The Hendrickson hatch is the first major occurrence of the year and can get some of the largest trout in the river or stream looking up and feeding aggressively. A trout’s senses are not as finely honed at this time of year as compared to later in the season. This provides a great opportunity to fool the fish of your dreams. But it will still require a careful approach, accurate casts, and a drag-free presentation.
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I carry a variety of patterns to represent every stage of the insect cycle and even a few alternatives of each stage for some variety. For me the thrill of going one-on-one with a large feeding trout seems to embody the very essence of fly fishing.

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February 05th, 2018

2/5/2018

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This Thursday February 8th I will be at the Orvis - Buffalo store in Williamsville, NY from 6:00 to 8:00 pm for a presentation on fly fishing for steelhead, book signing and a special screening of Spey Daze. The presentation will focus on swinging the fly and Spey fishing techniques For more details contact the store at www.orvis-buffalo or 716-276-7200.

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January 14th, 2018

1/14/2018

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I am looking forward to The Fly Fishing Show at its new venue in Edison, NJ January 26, 27, and 28th. In addition to some seminars I will be teaching a Spey casting class for beginning and intermediate casters and a class on fishing the wet fly swing for steelhead. Registration for the classes can be made at 
http://flyfishingshow.com/edison-nj/







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Black Friday

11/24/2017

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​For anyone interested in a personalized copy of my latest book ​Hunting Musky with a Fly please send me a Facebook message.

It is also available at a number of fly shops including Orvis - Buffalo, Schultz Outfitters, TCO Fly Shops, and Great Lakes Fly Fishing Company.

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