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It is the fall when anglers prefer to visit New York State for the annual migration of brown trout from Lake Ontario. The access points along the popular rivers and creeks reflect license plates from multiple states. However, this is far from my favorite time to fish for Great Lakes migratory brown trout. The water is too crowded, and the fish are at times more concerned with spawning than eating.

It is after the spawn has concluded in late November/early December that the fishing gets considerably more interesting. Now the fish look to recover after the spawning process, becoming opportunistic feeders. As long as flows remain conducive, the lake-runs will remain all winter and through the following spring until the water becomes too warm.

For me the best part is that the post spawn lake-runs readily take a properly presented swung fly. Lake Ontario migratory browns typically average 4 to 8 pounds but fish lunch larger than this are caught each year. Fish of this size match well with light two rods or one hand Spey setups. Short Skagit heads provide a versatile delivery system that are easy to cast even when backed up to the bank or brush. I use 7 to 10 foot sinking leaders with a 5 or 6 inch per second sink rate. The tippet from the sinking leader to the fly is about 3 feet in length of 10 to 12 pound test.

In the winter months I work to slow the swing of the fly by pointing the rod tip toward the opposite bank and reducing downstream belly. When the water temperatures begin to rise a faster swing can be productive. And I am always patient on the hang down.

Productive lake-run brown trout flies have good movement in the water. The Bunny Spey and Cattitude are both good choices. White, white/grey, olive/yellow or olive/tan are all good color combinations.

Throughout most of the Great Lakes region and particularly in western New York we are moving into the fall season with extremely low water nearing drought conditions. With cooler weather steelhead should begin to show with increasing numbers.

The early fall season provides the perfect opportunity to fish lighter with flies higher in the water column than when the colder water temperatures take hold later in the fall. For Spey fishing, Scandi heads with monofilament or fluorocarbon leaders the approximate length of the rod paired with subtle fly patterns fished just below the surface can result in explosive grabs. This is also one of the best times of the year to try a waking dry.

Covering a little deeper into the water column may require a weighted fly or adding a tapered sinking leader to the front of the Scandi head. Most Scandi heads can easily handle a 6-to-10-foot sinking leader in the 3 inch per second range. This allows presenting a fly to fish that are less likely to move toward the surface.

I typically find steelhead holding in riffle water to be more aggressive in this early season than those holding in slower tail outs. Often the riffle water in early fall is quite shallow so that the fish only needs to move a short distance to intercept the fly.

The long wait for fresh steelhead is almost over and nearly time to search for one of those bright early season fish.

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Controlling running line

6/10/2025

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One of the key aspects of modern Spey casting is that great distance can be attained by casting the head with enough speed and force to pull the running line that has been stripped from the reel through the guides of the rod. Practicing the forward Spey provides the perfect time to work on shooting and managing running line. When performing the setup for all Spey casts I pinch the running line off with the index finger of the top hand against the cork. When the rod stops after completing the forward stroke the index finger is lifted releasing the running line and shooting the head with the running line trailing.

When making relatively short casts the momentum of the head will pull the running off the surface of the water. However, when making longer casts the surface area of the running line resting on the water along with the pull of the current can cause enough tension or stick to prohibit all the running line from going through the guides and effectively shortening the cast. The solution to this issue is holding some or all of the running line off the water’s surface.

The bottom hand is utilized in managing the running line. There are a few options when it comes to the actual process or technique. One approach uses the pinky finger that hangs off the bottom grip. Loops are formed by the stripping hand as line is retrieved for the next cast. The loops are maintained between the pinky and the ring finger of the lower hand while being formed. Once the running line is retrieved and loops are formed, the bottom hand takes its position on the lower grip with the pinky pointing up, so the loops stay in place or lightly touching the cork to pinch the loops. With the running line pinched off against the cork with the index finger or index and middle finger of the top hand, when the rod stops on the forward stroke the running line is released by the top hand and the loops released from the bottom hand. Depending on how the loops are positioned in the bottom hand there may be a need to loosen the grip of the lower hand to release the line. When forming the loops, the first should be the largest after five or six strips and then each additional loop should be smaller. Two or three total loops is generally sufficient.

Forming, maintaining and releasing the loops may feel cumbersome at first. An approach that some casters may find easier to employ is by again forming loops in a similar manner as above but using the index or middle finger of the bottom hand to form the loops and when the loop is formed pinch the running line off against the bottom cork with the index finger. When the rod reached its stop point on the forward stoke the line is released by the index fingers on both the top and bottom hands simplifying the approach. Managing running line typically loosens the grip and creates a smoother casting stroke.

A simple approach to managing the running that I frequently use doesn’t entail forming loops while stripping in line. When all the running line has been stripped in it hangs in a big loop in the current below position. By grabbing the long loop of line with the lower hand at the approximate midway point with the thumb and forefinger, the running line is then pinched against the lower cork during the setup and released by both the upper and lower hand as the rod is stopped on the forward stroke. This approach commonly removes most of the running line off the water’s surface and what remains usually doesn’t impact distance. However, this simple approach may not work best when long lengths of running line are in use since it can be difficult to keep enough line off the water. For longer lengths I or use one of the methods previously described.

I always use the lower hand for managing running line. The loops can be maintained during the cast by the upper hand but there is a much greater tendency for the loose loops to tangle around the rod or reel during the setup of the cast.

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Argentina 2025

4/10/2025

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Another trip to Las Buitreras lodge on the Rio Gallegos is behind me but the effects of visiting this wonderful place seem to stick with you long after returning home. The fishing is tactical and challenging complete with gusty winds and ever-changing conditions. And while the pursuit is aimed at sea run brown trout or sea trout, it is the totality of this vast unforgiving region of southern Argentina that completes the full experience.

The trip was enhanced by another stellar Swing the Fly group of Ed, Ray, Milt, Tom, Sam, and Jonathan. And like the prior year the Las Buitreras guides and staff were top notch down to the smallest detail.

This year the water maintained a moderate flow with only a slight bump in the level mid-week. While the wind makes casting interesting, it also stirs up the water allowing the sea runs to feel more comfortable and less spooky. However, with mostly clear water conditions smaller flies and paying close attention to presentation was the key to success.

Various hothead rubber leg nymphs in sizes 8 or 10 worked well throughout the week. But how the fly was shown to the fish was more important than the actual pattern. Long leaders and fluorocarbon tippet was the starting point. It is important to not go too light on tippet strength in case you cross paths with a 20 plus pound sea run. It was all in the angle of presentation. With a cast at a down river angle and a reach up to conclude the cast the fly shows itself to the fish before the leader or tip. A slight strip or retrieve adds movement and activates the rubber legs. Focusing on this presentation approach simply results in more hookups under clear water conditions. And therein lies the greatest challenge of the wind in consistently getting the fly to land at the proper angle.

I find this style of Spey fishing quite captivating as its tactical nature requires a level of focus on each cast. It is not simply a cast, step, and hold on approach. The take can be forceful or subtle further requiring attentiveness to each swing.

In the end the most memorable part of the trip occurred on the last evening. While fishing alone, the wind that had been present throughout the week, all at once fell to an eerie dead calm. The silence was heavy and strangely deafening. Senses were heightened while periodically peering around to assure that I wasn’t under the watch of a stalking puma. After landing and releasing one of the best sea trout of the trip, I looked up to see the rock wall on the opposing bank and water turn to fire from the low evening sun peeking through the cloud cover. At first it was difficult to comprehend the spectacular character of the occurrence. But immediately felt the power of the natural world – an incredible moment of spiritual awakening. And a clear lesson in the importance of finding your connection. Southern Argentina is a special place, and a small piece of this wonderful country seems to stay with you upon return.

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Close musky encounters

2/13/2025

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Encounters with muskies that have followed the fly to within sight range provide some of the most exciting experiences in the pursuit of the fish of 10,000 casts. And having a good close-range game can be the difference between a simple encounter and putting a trophy musky in the bag.

Working the fly close in starts with rigging and consistency. After each cast I retrieve the fly to within approximately a foot and a half of the rod tip. My leader is attached to the fly line with a low-profile knot that slides in and out of the guides of the rod smoothly with no hesitation. I use about 18 inches of knotable wire bite guard and each retrieve ends with the knot between the bite guard and the main leader bumping up against the tip top of the rod.

From there I perform a figure 8 movement with the rod tip deep in the water. I’ll add the figure 8 at the end of every retrieve whether seeing a musky follow or not. And instead of a true 8 movement I typically opt for a large oval made with wide turns. I have found an oval to be a bit less taxing to employ over the course of a day and provides more control of always moving the fly away from the fish. Employing the figure 8 or oval after every cast seems like a lot of effort but when performed with consistency this approach will end up with hookups on deep following fish that would otherwise have been squandered opportunities. For full control I use two hands when performing the figure 8 or oval with the line pinched off against the cork by the hand on the upper grip and held by the hand on the lower grip or butt of the rod.

When I see a follow there is an immediate effort to engage the fish into locking on the fly while continuing to chase and to have it not notice the rod, boat, and my profile. This can be accomplished by rolling right into the oval and speeding up the fly at the same time. The side view of the fly as it turns and presents a T-bone attack angle that is often the trigger for a strike. I also speed the fly up into the turns. This combination of angle and speed is my most consistent producer of a positive reaction. I continue to pick up the speed until the fish eats or swims away. Make sure that the turns are wide and that the fly is never moving back toward the fish. Sometimes I’ll change my position to make sure the fly is moving away from the musky.

There is never just one right way when it comes to musky, in fact the opposite is often true. Sometimes a softer approach can work as well. For flies that are fished slow or to mimic a vulnerable or half dead bait, it may not look natural for the fly to suddenly begin swimming at a fast rate. Reading a musky’s body language as it moves into sight range may indicate that continuing to move and bump the fly slowly will keep the fish engaged and tempt it to attack the fly before it gets too close to the boat. I have witnessed my good friend Joe Goodspeed work this technique to perfection.

Style of the fly and how it is fished impacts the best approach for a musky that follows. It is also my experience that the behavior or reaction of a musky tends to vary from one watershed to another. While my go to approach is generally wide turns and speed, it makes sense to experiment and find the best approach for the water that you frequent.

For a short video on boat side figure 8 techniques check out this video on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqXbYXexMP8&t=18s
And for more on musky fly fishing check out my book Hunting Musky with a Fly and follow me on Instagram @rickkustich.

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Two Hand overhead casting for musky

1/8/2025

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Musky fly fishing involves casting large wind resistant flies. Using a two-handed casting approach matches perfectly with the objective of making long casts with big flies. Musky anglers that are fishing with gear all cast with two handed rods and it only makes sense that fly anglers would adopt the same approach.

Overhead casting with two hands and a shooting head is an efficient way to generate significant line speed resulting in impressive distances. Engaging both hands as well as using the body’s core in the process results in less fatigue over a day of fishing, allowing for effective casts right up to quitting time.

If you Spey cast with a two-handed rod you already have the basic skills to apply to overhead casting with a two-hander. And if not the basic two hand approach can be learned easily by someone that is already a proficient one hand caster. While any two-handed rod can be cast overhead, I prefer shorter rods between 9 and a half and 10 feet for this style of fishing for better line and presentation management when the fly is fished close to the rod tip. There are a limited number of rods on the market specifically designed for overhead casting, but almost any rod with an extended butt section can be cast with both hands.

Effective two-handed overhead casting requires both hands to be fully engaged in the cast. You must pull with the bottom hand and push or guide with the top hand, moving around a fulcrum to create line speed and distance. Pulling in and down with a heavy bottom hand replaces the double haul when overhead casting with a single hand rod. This movement generates impressive line speed that can easily shoot the 50 to 60 feet of running line.

The ease in making long casts and reducing the strain on the body are two notable advantages of this style of casting. But the efficiency in getting the fly back in the water with a minimum of false casts may be the most prominent. Musky fishing is a statistical game, as more good casts and quality fly presentations increase the likelihood of a musky encounter. After retrieving the fly back to the boat, the fly is easily delivered back to the water using the longer lever of the two-hander and one or two false casts to complete the cast.

There are some basic casting elements needed to maximize distance and performance of the rod. The rod should move in an accelerated manner on both the forward and back cast. In other words, it should be moving slowest as the stroke begins and fastest just prior to an abrupt stop. When delivering the forward stroke, aim high for distance. After making a distinct stop, drop the rod down to reduce running line friction on the guides and promote greater distance.

The running line is pinched off by the index and middle finger of the top hand. Getting a feel for the pressure to apply to the running line as more of the head of the line passes through the tip of the rod provides the biggest challenge in mastering this style of casting. Time and practice is required for setting up the cast and shooting the running line.

In future blog posts we’ll take a look at lines for two-hand casting and for getting the cast started after retrieving the fly back to the rod tip. See my video on YouTube for more on this cast - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rA8VtE2ypZ0

And for more on musky fly fishing check out my book Hunting Musky with a Fly and follow me on Instagram @rickkustich.

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