Northern Illinois Fly Tyers

FlyBass.com

2012-02-13T08:11:00.007-06:00

FlyBass Newsletter

February 2012

Dry Fly Fishing for Smallmouth (just for you trout purists)

I've just posted two videos, shot last summer in my labratory during the ephoron leukon hatch in late summer-early autumn. Part One discusses the rationale and fly selection. Part Two shows rising smallmouth and a cool hook up and land.

Try Some Craft Fur this Season

We've added Rainy's Craft Fur to FlyBass.biz as an awesome substitute for bucktail and much easier to tie. Also, better get out the insecticide! We offer nearly every type of foam material you may need for tying poppers, hoppers and other terrestrials, including ants, beetles, and crickets.

A New PEAK Vise: Now is the Time!

Ever dream about getting a new vise? I do - and I have a bunch of them. Fly vises are cool tools and I use different vises for different flies, even though it isn't really necessary. A great value in rotary vises is the PEAK Rotary. Beef up the whole set up by checking out the Base Camp Package or the ultimate PEAK Pro Tier Station, only from FlyBass.biz. Check out the video review of this baby.

YouTube Channel
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: Search Term: flybassdotcom - with tons of bass fly fishing videos.

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Fun Waits for No One! Make Your Own Soon.

PS: Make sure you add info@flybass.com to the "whitelist" in your email agent.

Best Regards,

Brad Miller

http://FlyBass.com

http://FlyBass.biz

FlyBass on Facebook

This is Fly

2012-02-10T12:13:00.000-06:00

Click on picture to read This is Fly magazine!

Argentina Trip

2012-02-10T08:02:00.000-06:00

NIFT member John Rodelli sent in the following picture and story about his fly fishing adventure in Argentina.

I was in Argentina for a “cast and blast” trip for a couple of weeks. My long time friend, and fly fishing mentor, Joe, and I flew to Buenos Aires for a brief overnight, where we met my Canadian friends. Very early the next morning, all of us flew to Kau Tapen Lodge, Tierra del Fuego to fish for sea run browns on the Rio Grande. Conditions were somewhat tough, as the water was low, clear, and the temperature of bath water. During the week, we had air temperature swings of 25 degrees (34 to 60), and water temperature drops of 10 degrees, down to 45. Fortunately, we had only a half day of those infamous TdF winds of 50 mph.

Still, twelve anglers landed 120 sea trout, which included a 25 and a 22 pounder. My biggest was a 15 pounder, and my average was over 8.5 lbs per fish landed. I caught most of my fish with my 13’ 3” 7/8 rod, lined with the new AirFlo Rage line, with either an intermediate or 3.5 ips polyleader, attached to a small prince nymph, or a wonder bug. Did get a couple of fish one evening using a Skagit line with a type 3 sink tip and a Peacock fly as the wind was up, and we were in a deep pool after the water temperature drop. The attached photo is of one of my 11 pounders.

One of the most memorable things for me this trip was landing the 15 pounder without the assistance of a guide or a net. Max, our Russian guide that day, was downstream setting up Joe in his part of the pool, out of sight and earshot. I felt the fish hit, and when I saw the fish clear the water on the first jump, silhouetted against the high bank across the river, I said, “Holy S#@*!!!!” Then I said, “Holy S#@*, what am I gonna do now!” I held on, had to run down the bank as the backing went out, but eventually landed and measured it, and kissed it good bye.

Also memorable was that Joe and I had simultaneous hook ups, and we landed both fish. In 25 years of fishing together, that’s never happened. His fish was bigger, I have to say, but mine was much, much prettier, objectively speaking, of course. For some reason, Jean Baptiste, our guide, seemed rather non-committal about my observation!

After the week, Joe flew home, and I went on to Cordoba, which had 90 + degree heat with humidity. I was introduced to some other shooters at La Dormida, and I shot doves with them for 2 ½ days. There was a group of five friends there from Florida who are members of a gun club. One of them was originally from Chicago, used to be a member at Northbrook Sports Club, and was the Illinois State Skeet Champion back in the day.

The former champion and I had a lot in common. We both have been members of the same club; have the same make, model and color duffle bag; and one afternoon, we both missed 10 doves. He missed 10 doves (out of a shot shell case of 500), and I missed 10 doves (out of a box of 25, and every box thereafter)! I overheard that he finished at 95% for his stay, while I shot the best I ever have, and only “humility” keeps me from giving you my percentage. Nevertheless, I had a great time, and look forward to going back to Kau Tapen in March of 2013.

Nature Boy Designs

2012-02-01T13:39:00.000-06:00

Some cool stuff.

Click image to see product.

Catch Magazine is Live!

2012-02-01T13:23:00.001-06:00

Click picture to begin 2012 Catch Magazine!

Heart of the Driftless

2012-02-01T10:01:00.003-06:00

HOTD Trailer from RT on Vimeo.

Bloodknot Magazine

2012-02-01T09:33:00.001-06:00

Click on picture to read Bloodknot Magazine.
Click here to see website or read previous issues.

Sipping Dry

2012-02-01T09:22:00.000-06:00

Sipping Dry trailer from Sharptail Media on Vimeo.

POOL 32 - ISSUE # 4

2012-02-01T09:21:00.001-06:00

Click on picture to begin 300 pages of POOL 32 - Issue # 4

Drawing Flies

2012-02-01T08:40:00.000-06:00

A nice video of Jeff Kennedy from Northern Illinois Fly Tyers (aka NIFT), discussing what it takes to create his awesome drawings. Jeff is well know in the fly fishing community for his great art work.

To check out more drawings and projects by Jeff click here.

Lite Brite Biot Nymph

2012-01-23T11:32:00.004-06:00

Hook: Tiemco 3761 or other nymph hook, size 12-16
Thread: Brown
Weight: Non-lead wire
Head: Silver bead
Rib: Fine silver wire
Body: Lite Brite Polar Blue dubbing (looks white with blue highlights)
Wing/tail: Brown or white biots
Thorax: Lite Brite Peacock dubbing
Hackle: Brown

Put bead onto hook, then start thread. Wind thread back to the hook bend, then wrap 10-12 wraps of non-lead wire onto the hook. I use 12 wraps, along with a slightly oversized bead for the head, because I want the fly to sink quickly. Anyway, slide the wire forward to the head of the fly and into the bead. Bring thread forward and give a few turns of thread over the wire to hold it in place. Bring thread back to the hook bend.
Attach 3-4” of wire for rib. Use a very fine wire—I have tried with a “small” wire and the wire over powered the dubbing, giving a poor looking fly. After attaching wire, dub a small amount of the polar blue Lite Brite onto the thread. Lite Brite does not dub well—it is slippery—so work with small amounts and really twist well onto the thread. Tightly wrap dubbing forward, building a nicely tapered body, stopping about 1/3 back from the hook eye.
Take two brown biots, goose or turkey doesn’t matter but mine are goose (I think they are finer/thinner than turkey biots and that is good). Hold the biots over the back of the fly with a slight “V” shape, then tie down at the point you stopped the dubbed body. Try to keep the biots in a “V” and do not let them roll to the far side of the hook. 3 or 4 turns of thread should secure the biots well. Trim excess biot.
This is a tricky part: hold the biots down onto the back of the fly, then take ribbing wire and wind it forward over the biots, securing the biots to the fly. Wrap 4 or 5 turns of wire over the biots, evenly spacing the wraps to give a nice segmented body. Tie off the wire at the point where you tied in the biots and secure the wire with 4 or 5 wraps of thread. I like to add a drop of cement to the wire tie off point to really hold the wire in place.
Dub a small amount of Peacock Lite Brite onto the thread and build up a fuzzy thorax, maybe 2 or 3 wraps. Tie in a brown hackle just in front of the thorax. This can be a soft hackle, but finding good small (size 14 and 16) soft hackle can be difficult, so I now use lower quality brown dry fly hackle. It has a low barb count and isn’t really stiff so it works well for this fly. Give the hackle one or two turns then tie off. Avoid the practice of too much hackle—there only need be a few “legs” on this fly so 1 or 2 wraps is sufficient. Whip finish and you are done.

Len Harris from Stream of Time sent me this S/W Wisconsin pattern with picture.

Streamside with Lefty Kreh

2012-01-23T06:29:00.000-06:00

Montage - Family Secret

2012-01-15T15:58:00.005-06:00

Pantagonia

2012-01-15T15:51:00.002-06:00

New Teaser - Chasing The Run | PatagoniaNation.com from PatagoniaNation on Vimeo.

January Fly Fishing Events/Shows

2012-01-15T15:37:00.008-06:00

Here's a reminder on the upcoming Fly show.

ISA Fly Tying & Fishing Show
Saturday 1/21/12 From 9am to 4:30pm
St. Charles Borromeo Church
Holy Family School
145 E. Grand Ave.
Bensenville, IL 60106

This daylong fest promotes all aspects of fly fishing for all types of fish. With expertise drawn from the many local clubs, guides & shops a learning & information sharing experience is the goal. From novice to expert, bluegill & bass to trout & steedhead, we will share the gist of fly fishing. All with a Midwest focus.

Features:
Local club tyers from ISA Bassbuggers & Drift.
Guides for nearby opportunities.
Hourly seminars, casting lanes, booths by shops & manufacturers.
Admission $10.00- Kids under 10 free

“The Incomparable Ponoi”

2012-01-15T15:11:00.005-06:00

Leadwing Coachman

2012-01-11T09:36:00.004-06:00

Leadwing Coachman from Tightline Productions on Vimeo.

It's that time of year to start tying flies during the winter so your prepared for the coming season. Spring will be here in no time.

Indiana on the Fly Show – Reel Women – Reel Men

2012-01-03T08:47:00.002-06:00

Indiana on the Fly Show – Reel Women – Reel Men

January 7, 2012

Location: Indiana State Fairgrounds, Indianapolis, IN

Speakers: Beau Beasley (East coast fly fishing) and Tim Holschlag (smallmouth bass fishing) plus seminars on fly fishing and related outdoors topics.

http://reelwomen.webs.com/indianaflyfishingshow.htm

Happy New Year 2012

2011-12-30T18:56:00.001-06:00

Have a Safe & Happy New Year

from NIFT

PRICELESS!

2011-12-30T18:01:00.001-06:00

Wife and kids out shopping.
Weather sucks.
House is quiet.
Tie Smallmouth Bass and Saltwater flies for 2012 season.

PRICELESS!

Jim G.

Merry Xmas from Northern Illinois Fly Tyers

2011-12-20T15:48:00.002-06:00

The Fly Fishing Santa from Third Coast Fly on Vimeo.

2011-12-20T15:47:00.001-06:00

Amirante Tails – Seychelles

2011-12-20T15:23:00.000-06:00

AMIRANTE TAILS, Fly Fishing in the Seychelles for GT, Permit, and Bluefin Trevally from Castaway Films on Vimeo

This is one place I must visit before I leave this great fly fishing planet!

The Articulated Ice Pick

2011-12-20T13:24:00.001-06:00

The Articulated Ice Pick from Richard Strolis on Vimeo.

Bulls on Top

2011-12-19T17:29:00.002-06:00

BULLS ON TOP from SHALLOW WATER EXPEDITIONS on Vimeo.

Fish Tail Survival Bracelet

2011-12-14T21:02:00.002-06:00

Click on picture to see information.

I could have used this years ago while camping with my wife before marriage...

BloodKnot Magazine - Nov-Dec 2011 Issue

2011-12-14T17:00:00.001-06:00

Click Picture to read. I enjoyed the story "Finding The Unexpected" on page 16.

Into The Backing

2011-12-14T16:21:00.005-06:00

After watching this video, I feel someone followed me around on many of my fly fishing excursions.............I Love it!

This is Fly - December 2011 Issue

2011-12-14T14:17:00.003-06:00

Click on picture!

The Fly Photo

2011-12-08T12:56:00.000-06:00

Matt Jones has posted the second issue of his Fly Photo newsletter. This one features his recent trip to the Seychelles.
Hit the image to view.

Caddis Pupa

2011-12-08T12:49:00.003-06:00

FLYMAGE FLY TYING 1 from Flymage Magazine on Vimeo.

Catch, Photo & Release

2011-12-06T09:07:00.000-06:00

NIFT member Harry B. on the East Gallatin River in Montana 2001. Classic!

Riding High: Season on the Fly

2011-12-06T09:02:00.003-06:00

Riding High: A Season on the Fly from Waterline Media on Vimeo.

Makes me want to book a trip somewhere warm!!

Flymage December Issue

2011-12-03T09:13:00.002-06:00

Click on picture to read Flymage December issue. To read back issues click here.

NBD 550 Lanyard

2011-12-03T08:22:00.000-06:00

Nature Boy Designs has come up with a new twist on an old piece of gear, the lanyard. I could be wrong here, but this is one of those ideas where you sit and look at it and say, “why hasn’t someone done that before?”
The NBD 550 Lanyard is made from 550 USA Paracord, has 4 large swivel clips, 1 metal trigger snap hook, is 18 inches in total length, comes in nine colors, and is made to order by Keith Westra, the Nature Boy himself. MSRP $24.95
More information on the 550 Lanyard and Nature Boy Designs.

Simple Scud

2011-12-03T06:44:00.001-06:00

Simple Scud from Tightline Productions on Vimeo.

BloodKnot Magazine December 2011

2011-12-03T06:00:00.003-06:00

Click picture to read BloodKnot magazine December issue. To read previous issues click here.

Real Time Oil Spill Map

2011-11-28T09:04:00.002-06:00

Real Time Oil Spill Map

Click on the map to explore the new, interactive Real Time Oil Spill Tracker! This great new resource from our friends at Skytruth reveals how frequently oil is spilled into our oceans. SkyTruth gathers data from the National Response Center, which relies on self-

reporting, so the daily spills you see on the web could actually be just a drop in the bucket…or oil barrel!

Check back often to track the startling amount of oil pollution that our oceans absorb.

Fish Porn

2011-11-23T10:06:00.001-06:00

Matt Heron Reels in a Gigantic Brown Trout from Filmed In Tahoe on Vimeo.

Count me in!

2011-11-22T16:35:00.003-06:00

Missing Hatchet from Nate Ptacek on Vimeo.

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-22T13:13:00.001-06:00


Some fly fisherman look at this Turkey and think "Thanksgiving dinner", some look and think "a life time of tying material". Either way, have a great Thanksgiving.

Wasp in 194 Seconds

2011-11-22T12:51:00.000-06:00

Xmas Wish List

2011-11-22T07:56:00.003-06:00

Christmas is coming up fast and I know what I want, how about you? Each year I try to think of something I need for fly fishing and I struggle to find something I truly need. Then I thought a while and realized how I always find it difficult taking pictures with my blackberry that's stuck in a waterproof pouch around my neck. Have you ever fumbled with a blackberry, cell phone or a camera to quickly and carefully take a picture of an awesome fish or scenery, while having fear of dropping it in the water? Fear no more, I think I found an answer for us. Check out the waterproof, freeze-proof, crush-proof, digital cameras I think will solve our problems. Click here for full review of top 7 cameras.

Free Fly Apparel

2011-11-22T06:57:00.007-06:00

Free Fly Story from Free Fly Apparel on Vimeo.

Free Fly apparel uses bamboo based fabric and has a partnership with Charleston, SC-based Water Missions International®a non-profit that installs sustainable water treatment systems in countries in desperate need of safe drinking water. Water Missions installs clean water treatment systems in locations with little or no access to clean drinking water.

Steelhead: “The Season Episode 2.13…Down Stream”

2011-11-16T12:46:00.001-06:00

Veterans Day 11-11-11

2011-11-11T15:09:00.006-06:00

SOME GAVE ALL, ALL GAVE SOME.

DON'T FORGET OUR VETERANS!

(Click on picture)

YUKON GOES FISHING

2011-11-11T15:02:00.002-06:00

Tis The Season To Tie Flies

2011-11-11T13:08:00.003-06:00

Old man winter is knocking at our door in Chicago and it's that time of year to tie flies for next year. If you aren't already tying flies, make that a winter resolution. FlyRecipes.com is a great resource to get you started. You can find instructions and material lists for over 2,300 flies. And if you do tie, and are so inclined, you can even upload your own recipes to share.

A Backyard in Nowhere

2011-11-03T12:46:00.000-05:00

a BACKYARD in NOWHERE official HD trailer from Sellfish Media & Smatis Film on Vimeo.

Catch Magazine - Issue #20

2011-11-03T12:41:00.001-05:00

Check it out here!

The Root River - Wisconsin

2011-11-03T12:32:00.000-05:00

Mike Lapiana sent me some pics of a recent outing he had on the Root River with buddy Daryl Durado. Thanks Mike.

October in Styria

2011-11-03T11:48:00.004-05:00

October in Styria from Michal Potoczek on Vimeo.

By Michal Potoczek

Kabuto Rods - How To Make A Bamboo Reel Seat

2011-10-24T13:05:00.005-05:00

Japanese rod builder Yasuyuki Kabuto recently posted a few photographs on the Kabuto Rods Facebook page showing his process for building the bamboo reel seats which he uses on his fiberglass fly rod builds. It is very neat to see inside Yasuyuki's process of just one part of his nearly flawless fiberglass fly rod builds. Check out the Kabuto Rods website for more information on his fiberglass offerings and the Kabuto Rods Facebook page to keep up with the latest announcements and inside glimpses from the shop.

Taken from www.fiberglassmanefesto.com by Cameron Mortenson.

THE RIVER WHY

2011-10-24T07:27:00.000-05:00

The River Why - Private Screening

Thanks to the work of EDTU Board Member Bill Wobbekind and the support of our local Chicago Patagonia store, the Elliott Donnelley Chapter of Trout Unlimited will be presenting a private screening of the fly fishing movie, The River Why. The event will take place at the Wilmette Theater on Tuesday, November 8th at 7:00 p.m. The cost will be $25, which will include popcorn, door prizes, and a cash bar.

River Why is based on the best-selling novel about Gus Orviston, a flyfishing prodigy. Tired of living under the shadow of his famous flyfishing father and an oppressive homelife, Gus moves into a secluded cabin on the banks of a wild river to follow his desire of a simple life of fishing. Instead of finding fishing bliss, his desolation drives him on a reluctant quest for self-discovery. Beautiful cinematography, a cast of fantastic actors, and the search for purpose in life make this a great film.

Note that this film has not been officially released and is only being shown at a few select screenings across the country, such as this one. So check out the movie trailer by clicking on the picture above and come join us for a unique opportunity!

Wilmette Theater

1122 Central Avenue
Wilmette, IL

Brian O'Keefe on the Double Haul

2011-10-17T12:10:00.000-05:00

This video provided by Field & Stream.

"Top Dog" by Fitz Cahall and Bryan Smith

2011-10-17T08:23:00.001-05:00

The Season 2.10...Top Dog from Fitz Cahall and Bryan Smith on Vimeo.

Wisconsin Trout Stream Legislation

2011-10-15T11:49:00.001-05:00

Eastern Fly Fishing magazine
Wisconsin Trout Stream Legislation

From Wisconsin TU:
Kim McCarthy (Chair of Wisconsin Trout Unlimited) was told today that a group of Senators are going to be trying to pass legislation in the next few weeks that would "roll back" environmental protection of streams and environment in Wisconsin. Businesses and companies (including mining companies) that want to build near a stream or a waterw...ay/watershed in Wisconsin would now be largely unrestricted.
Please voice your opinions on this matter by contacting Senator Dale Schultz of Richland Center, who would be representing this area in any of the bills: 800-978-8008, Sen.Schultz@legis.wisconsin.gov. Also anyone who is available next Wednesday October 19th to join Trout Unlimited to lobby at the State Capital is welcome. The Senators will be holding meetings to discuss the proposed changes from 12:30pm to 4:00pm on that day. You can email Kim at KMCCARTHY2@new.rr.com for more information about this.

Chicago Leech

2011-10-06T07:14:00.002-05:00

Chicago Leech - The Best Wet Fly I Ever Fished.

These were the words of Carl Richards, a trout/ saltwater fishing guru from Rockford, Michigan. Richards was the author of numerous fly fishing books and videos, most co-authored with guru, Doug Swisher. Richards wrote these words in Trout South, the newsletter of Trout Unlimited in the Southeastern states.

I was given one of these flies to use by Muskegon River guide John Krause one summer over ten years ago. My fishing partner, retired lawyer Dan Lever, and I proceeded to catch fifty trout, two days in a row with my biggest a dandy six pound brown, my largest fly caught trout. It made the cover of a Michigan fishing magazine. I had 1400 flies with me in my boat bag and I would not use any other fly on that trip.

Since that time I’ve learned it also works great for bluegills especially and bass. On another trip on Lake Geneva, I caught a number of largemouths that all had tiny black leeches attached to the inside of their mouths. Former Shabbona Sportsmen’s Club President Rich McElligot has had good luck on Lake Shabbona bluegills and bass with the Chicago Leech. Another friend called me a number of times about good trout catches in Southwestern Wisconsin on this fly.

Guide John Krause, was the co-author with Carl Richard, of two books: Hatches of the Muskegon River and Tailwaters of Southern Appalachia. John Krause taught the fly to me on a day when it was too cold for me to steelhead fish the Muskegon with him.

Here’s how John Krause taught me to tie the Chicago Leech:

Materials:

Hook: Size 6 (bass/steelhead) or 10 (bluegill/trout) 3X long, Tiemco 5263 or similar.

Thread: Size 6/0, black, to match body color.

Tail: Short tuft of black Marabou or Mohair.

Flash: Short piece of Dark Purple Flashabou, length of tail on each side of tail.

Body: Black Uni-Mohair.

Wing: Black Uni-Mohair, one or two sparse clumps teased out of body.

Head: Purple Cyclops bead or small black lead or tungsten bead.

Legs: Black Uni-Mohair, a few sparse strands teased out of body.

Directions:

Slide a bead on the hook. Cyclops beads are counter drilled to make it easier to slide over the barb. You may have to press the barb down on some hooks with large barbs.
Tie in a short tuft of Marabou or Mohair for a tail, a little longer than the width of the hook gap.
Tie in a short piece of Purple Flashabou doubled around the tying thread and tie it in so there is one strand centered on each side of the tail tuft of Marabou or Mohair. Cut the flashabou to a length of one gap width or the tail length. If you can’t find purple Flashabou try dark red.
Tie in a short 4 to 6 inch length of Uni-Mohair and advance the thread to the front of the hook. Now comes the hard part: begin to palmer wrap the Mohair around the hook, winding forward. The Mohair staple fibers are unusually long. You will find yourself trapping the fibers under the central core. You must use your bodkin needle to constantly tease the strands of mohair out from under the core thread as often as every one quarter or one half turn around the hook. Try to tease one or two sparse clumps of Mohair on top for a wing. Try to tease a few sparse strands of Mohair on the bottom. This is a tedious process but will make a very thin sparse fly that works best.
Tie off behind bead head and whip finish and apply some head cement.
(For a steelhead Egg Sucking Leech, make a small bright ball in front of the bead with egg yarn.)
Stroke the top fibers of Mohair upward. Trim them, if long enough, from the front of the hook to the back going downward at a 45 degree angle to the end of the hook.

Black leeches work best but olive brown with gold and white bodies with silver or gold work.

Note: The goal is to tie a very sparse, thin bodied fly. It should not look fat like a wooly bugger.

Contributed by NIFT member Harry Blessing.

HATCH

2011-09-28T13:15:00.002-05:00

Hatch from 7 Weight on Vimeo.

Catch Magazine Issue # 19 is Live!

2011-09-28T13:02:00.000-05:00

Get Issue #19 here. Cover Photograph by Abe Blair.

Elk River in B.C. Canada

2011-09-19T12:51:00.003-05:00

2011 Elk River, British Columbia Trip
By: Harry Blessing

8/15/11

Who:
Harry Blessing is a retired telephone switching system designer.
Steve Culen is a retired union president.
Tom Zurfluh is a Senior Metallurgist.
Bill Schmidt is a retired real estate management executive.

Steve, Bill and Tom are members of the downtown TU Chapter and have fished together on several Western trips. Steve and I are members of DRIFT and have fished together for Smallmouth on several Midwestern trips and an Ontario pike/smallmouth trip.

What:
Fly fishing the Elk River in Southeast British Columbia for Cutthroat and Bull Trout, an endangered species. .

When:
We flew out July 9, and were scheduled to fish the next six days then fly home. Fate delayed our trip three days. A minor traffic accident delayed us and we missed our flight home. The Calgary Stampede Rodeo had just ended and we couldn’t get another flight for 3 days.

Where:
The Elk River is a large freestone river near the town of Fernie, British Columbia, 190 miles from Calgary. We rented a jumbo SUV in Calgary and drove about three and a half hours to our destination.

We stayed at the Island Lake ski and spa resort. The resort is a twenty minute ride from Fernie, on the side of a mountain on a winding gravel road through Mount Fernie Provincial Park.

While we were staying there the resort warned hikers that a cougar, a black bear with cubs and a moose were sighted nearby. We saw the moose just off the road one day.

Why:
Our goal was to catch large Cutthroat trout on flies and, if we were lucky, a Bull trout.
We each caught up to a dozen beautiful Cutthroat trout per day, ranging from 12” to 20”. Each of us also caught a good size Bull trout, two of which were quite large. Bill and I caught 20” fish, Steve got a 23” beauty and Tom got a 25”. Tom’s Bull trout must have weighed 5 or 6 pounds.

How:
The Elk River was still running very high and fast and was several weeks late in coming down to normal summer level. Island Lake lodge ski resort normally has twenty eight feet of snow in the winter. Last winter they had about fifty feet of snow. The double amount of snow caused the spring runoff to last well into July.

The high fast water did not afford us the top water dry fly fishing we hoped for. We had to fish weighted streamer and nymph flies. Most fish were caught on nymphs. Our top producers were Golden Stone flies. There were occasional may flies, caddis flies, and beetles on a couple of days, but the major hatch was Golden Stone flies. Streamside boulders were covered with stonefly exoskeletons.

We expected to do a lot of dry fly fishing at this time of year. We also expected to walk and wade on a number of smaller rivers. But due to high water we only fished the Elk River from Drift Boats. This had the benefit of avoiding any grizzly bears.

We didn’t catch many fish in fast water. The drill was for the guide to spot “soft” water and row backward, drifting slowly by, or to anchor. We found a lot of soft water behind islands, log jams, and gravel bars. The fish were also in “Eddies” where there were slow backward flowing currents behind obstructions.

In some spots there was a deep pool of soft water and this is where we caught a lot of fish. One pool had a drop off on the upper end. We cast over the top of the drop off so our weighted flies would sink into the front edge of the deep pool. We must have hooked thirty fish in that one spot before they got wise. Unfortunately we didn’t land all thirty fish.

The Elk is a special regulation river. All fish must be released and only one single, barbless fly is allowed. The barbless fly makes it easy for the fish to get off if there is any slack in the line. Often the fish would swim toward us, after being hooked, so fast we couldn’t strip in line fast enough to keep a tight line so the fish couldn’t throw the hook.

Our guides worked for Dave Brown Outfitters guide team in the summer and guided in Chili in the winter.

I thought the fishing was very good because the fish were of a good size and more challenging to catch than expected. The scenery was stunning. We were continuously fishing next to magnificent snow capped mountains whose lower elevations were covered with pines and cedars. The banks were often lined with tall pines and cedars. One day we saw a herd of deer cross the river. They stopped on the far side to wait for a young deer to get the courage to swim across.

We chose the last stretch which was shorter so we could get done a little early. This allowed us more time to pack for our trip back the next day. The next day turned out to be three days but you’ve already heard that story.

Trout & Grouse 2011 Menominee River Trip

2011-09-15T19:15:00.000-05:00

NIFT Member Paul Melchior wrote;

NIFT member Darwin Adams joined me on my annual Trout and Grouse Menominee River trip. This was Darwin’s second visit to this sensational fishery and my sixth. It was not disappointing.
While hot, sweaty days may not be the most comfortable for the angler, they are what you hope for when contemplating slamming the bass on the Menominee. The soaring temps crank up the smallie’s metabolism, increasing not only their hunger but their aggression and fire for their next meal. Wakes slicing the surface behind poppers and savage surface blow-ups are the stuff of our pre-trip dreams, and in this case, they were often reality of our fishing as well.
Darwin had the hot hand our first day, landing bass throughout the day, easily surpassing thirty by the time our float was finally finished. Menominee bass average a fat 15 to 16” and we had many that went well past that mark, including several that were in excess of 19”, though we could not tweek them past that magic 20” mark. On our second day, temps began to cool and although the morning started strongly, fishing slowed considerably by mid-day. Our guide switched tactics, tying on a heavier, weighted streamer and moving our drift boat away from the shoreline a bit. The change payed off handsomely, with renewed action for both of us. As the afternoon wore on, the winds calmed and we fished long stretches of placid shoreline, inviting territory for our surface poppers. At times, the bass slammed them and at other times, the take was more trout-like and gentle. But take them they did. At one point we hooked twin 18 inchers at the same time. The resulting Chinese Fire-Drill had us all laughing by the time both bass were safely in the net. By day’s end, our totals probably echoed our previous day, though it seemed we had to work much harder to get to the same number.
Our final day dawned clear, but significantly cooler, with winds howling down the river. Casting was difficult and the fish were reluctant to break the surface, though Darwin was doing fine on large streamers dead drifted, their Flashaboo backs fluttering enticingly in the current. Towards the end of the float he hooked and landed a fat, handsome 20 ½” trophy, a great bookend to a wonderful three days of fishing.

Euro Nymphing by NIFT Member Harry Blessing

2011-09-15T10:22:00.000-05:00

NIFT member Harry Blessing contributed this great article on Euro Nymphing.

This was my 29th annual NIFTY (Northern Illinois Fly Tyers) Club Trip. It was my 24th club trip to Gates Lodge on the AuSable River, six miles East of Grayling, near the top of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. I didn't make last year's club trip due to a heart problem.
Gates Lodge is on the banks of the AuSable in the middle of the Holy Water section. The Holy Water is the Main Stream of the AuSable River from Burton’s Landing, for eight river miles to Wakeley Bridge. This section is designated flies only, catch and release.
Euro Nymphing is a term that covers a group of techniques that are being used to win fly fishing contests in Europe and now in the United States. Oak Brook TU had a great Euro Nymphing presentation by Jason Hearle, Manager of the fishing department at the Yorktown Mall Orvis store. Jason has fished competitively in the U.S. and told us how he fishes. There are four general types of Euro Nymphing:
1. Czech Nymphing - Close Range Method
2. Polish Nymphing - Close Range Method
3. French Nymphing - Medium/Long Range Method Directly Upstream
4. Spanish Nymphing - Long Range Method - Up and Across
Detailed methods of the four types of Euro Nymphing are described in various online web sites if you wish to learn more so I won't cover them here.
Fishing was just OK for me and a little better for the other NIFTY members, who mostly fished dry flies. The weather was increasingly nice each day and evening.
Wading was difficult because the water level was high. The level dropped increasingly lower each day. On Sunday it was up to the top of the logs at the foot of the canoe landing just downstream from Gates. By Tuesday it was five inches lower and just an inch from the bottom of the logs. This was still a couple of inches above usual for mid June.
I didn't fish during the daytime so I could save my energy to fish the fast water each evening from twilight until dark. During the day you catch mostly brookies but the AuSable browns are mostly on the night shift.
The first day I exhausted myself pushing upstream in heavy current from the canoe landing to Gates. It was extremely difficult to Euro Nymph that evening. By the time I got up to the bush line on the far side I was exhausted and it was difficult to maintain my footing while casting in the heavy current so the evening was wasted.
The next few evenings I turned and lob-cast upstream and to the side while wading down and let my fly's roll downstream. I could feel my heavy tungsten bead point fly rolling on the bottom.
There were occasional rises nearby and I would have done OK fishing a dry fly. But I wanted to learn Euro Nymphing. Each evening this required wading slowly and planting my staff at every shuffle step to keep upright in the heavy current.
My rod was an Echo Shadow, 10 foot, 3 weight, soft tip, stiff butt, 4 piece, Euro Nymphing rod. The rod has a dull finished blank with dark single foot guides. Echo also makes 10' 6" 3-wt. and 11' 4-wt. Shadow Euro Nymphing rods. My line was an old double taper and the reel was an old Cortland Graphite LTD disc drag. The reel could have been a tad heavier as it balanced at two inches up from the grip. I also brought along a Winston 3, Sage 4 and Loomis 5, but never used them.
I fished a hair's ear nymph with a heavy silver tungsten bead on the end of a 9', 5x fluorocarbon Rio leader. The first two nights I fished a small tungsten bead caddis on a 6" 5x Rio dropper, 20" up from the heavy tungsten bead point fly. The last night I switched the dropper fly to a Chicago Leach but never got a fish on either dropper. I should have tied the dropper flies with a loop knot for a little more action. Rockford, MI fly fishing guru Carl Richards said the Chicago Leach was the best wet fly he ever fished. I wrote a fly tying article on this Uni Mohair fly for the current Illinois Smallmouth Alliance newsletter.
I used the Czech method of Nymphing and made a 14" Sighter (strike indicator) out of yellow backing with black stripes between the line and the leader and fished mostly with only the Sighter out of the rod tip. Occasionally I let out one to three yards of fly line if there was a good seam just out of reach. To make the Sighter, I wound the backing on a bamboo skewer and colored one fourth across the adjacent coils with a "Rub-A-Dub" permanent ink laundry marker from Office Max. In European contests they do not allow the use of a standard strike indicator and this is a way around the rule.
The second evening I caught a couple of 6" browns against a dock across from the tip of the island. The third evening I caught a couple of 10" and 12" browns downstream from the island at the end of Gates Lodge lawn and along and past the end of the bush line where it starts to widen. All fish were caught on the large tungsten bottom fly and I felt every one hit.
Because of dense roots I really couldn't cast too close to the far bank bush line which had been my original game plan. I've caught many fish there over the years on dries, my best being a nice 17" brown. I knew from past experience where there were several lunker structures and I also carefully cast in front of, in back and along side of them.
There are some big rocks in the narrows at the end of the bush line but it was difficult to work them sufficiently and keep my footing in the heavy current. One NIFTY member once tripped on a big rock in the narrows and banged up a knee pretty badly.
I would not have been able to wade in the heavy water without my Folstaff wading staff. I brought my inflatable vest, never put it on and later realized it was a bad decision not to wear it.
My conclusion is that Euro Nymphing is interesting, fun and intense, just the ticket for a fly fisherman with an aggressive Type-A Personality, but I'm more of a contemplative fly fisherman. Euro Nymphing may be better suited to a younger, stronger wader, especially in heavy water. I did catch a few and so I'll try it again under the right conditions and in the right type of water.

Thanks Harry!

SW Wisconsin Driftless Area Labor Day Weekend

2011-09-14T08:42:00.004-05:00

Mel R. invited Jim G. to stay at his cabin in SW Wisconsin to fish the Driftless Area steams over Labor Day weekend. It was a good time and the fishing & weather was excellent.

Montana River Fishing

2011-09-14T08:41:00.002-05:00

Ed C. & Ed M. traveled out west to Montana and fished the Big Horn and Rapid Creek.

Western Trip

2011-09-01T14:07:00.008-05:00

Jim Gould spent two weeks with family traveling out west to Custer State Park, Badlands, Yellowstone, Tetons and Utah. It was a great time amongst the surreal scenery, nature and fishing the streams each day for trout.

Drake Award - Motiv Fishing

2011-08-30T04:59:00.003-05:00

MOTIV Fishing - GEOFISH Drake Fest Submission from MOTIV FISHING on Vimeo.

Alaska Artist in Residence Trip 2011

2011-08-26T05:48:00.014-05:00

Bob White, Rick Harrington, Jeff Kennedy and C.D. Clarke meet at Bristol Bay Resort in Alaska.

MotivFishing -Mexico

2011-08-18T09:48:00.003-05:00

GEOFISH TRAILER 3min from MOTIV FISHING on Vimeo.

Fly Gals - April Vokey

2011-07-23T10:49:00.003-05:00

Fly Gal Slideshow from April Vokey on Vimeo.

Catch Magazine Issue # 18

2011-07-21T12:39:00.006-05:00

Click on picture

Oil Spill - Yellowstone River

2011-07-05T11:46:00.005-05:00

Multisource political news, world news, and entertainment news analysis by Newsy.com

Three Hours Three Minutes Driftless Area

2011-06-29T17:44:00.006-05:00

2011-06-27T11:18:00.000-05:00

Click on picture to read FlyLife magazine!

Mel R. Driftless Area SW Wisconsin

2011-06-27T07:26:00.005-05:00

NIFT member Mel R. sent in some great pictures of his outing last week up in the Driftless Area of Southwest Wisconsin. Thanks Mel.

Girls on Tainter Creek

2011-06-24T08:37:00.001-05:00

NIFT member Liz J. writes;

Hi Guys, I sure miss coming to the NIFT meetings but my work travel schedule is still just crazy. BUT...I do make sure I get out on the streams. Here's photos of me and my super sister-in-law Sally on Tainter Creek in Vernon, CO Wisconsin in May. What a fun weekend. Here's also a photo of me loading 10,000 bees in my new bee hive at our cabin at Wisconsin in April. Never can have too many hobbies. I'm planning to introduce my 12 year old niece to fly fishing in July when she spends a week with us in Wisconsin. Wish me luck that I get her hooked. I'm sure I'll see y'all this fall at a meeting or two. Thanks again for teaching me about the fine sport of fly fishing and tying.

NIFT Year End Dinner 2011

2011-06-24T08:30:00.005-05:00

Art on the Fox - Jeff Kennedy takes First Place "Best in Show".

2011-06-22T08:36:00.002-05:00

NIFT member Jeff Kennedy won first place "Best In Show" ribbon at the 2011 Art On The Fox Show in Algonquin, IL. Congrats Jeff!

Art on the Fox

2011-06-16T08:33:00.005-05:00

Come see NIFT member and artist Jeff Kennedy at the Art on the Fox festival in Algonquin, Illinois this Saturday June 18th & Sunday June 19th from 10:00 am - 5:00pm at booth # 9. Click on picture for event information.

Steelhead Camp by Third Year Fly Fisher

2011-06-15T11:23:00.004-05:00

Steelhead Camp '10 from RT on Vimeo.

Flymage June 2011

2011-06-09T13:05:00.002-05:00

Jurassic Lake - Argentina

2011-06-09T07:33:00.001-05:00

Jurassic Lake - Argentina from The Fly Fishing Nation on Vimeo.

Memorial Day Fishing with Dave Pinczkowski

2011-06-07T08:39:00.004-05:00

NIFT member Dick D. wrote;

Dick D. fished with Dave Pinczkowski in Wisconsin on Memorial Day. Caught lots of big drum, sheepshead, white bass, couple of carp.

Photos show us with a couple of nice fish. Don't let the photos distort your thinking about who caught the most and biggest fish...it was Dave. He knows how to catch fish better than anyone I know. We fished with Echo Switch Rods most of the time, but did use single handed fly rods occasionally. For most of the day the fly of choice was an olive/white clouser. Mine were tied by Jack Madden (got them at a NIFT dinner fly trade). At the end of the day the fish started taking other fly patterns including Dave's weighted Bad Hair Day pattern in white.

Steelhead Dreams Part #2 - by Todd Moen

2011-06-01T13:25:00.005-05:00

Steelhead Dreams Part 2 - by Todd Moen from Todd Moen Creative on Vimeo.

This Is Fly - June/July 2011 Issue

2011-06-01T13:14:00.000-05:00

Click on picture to read June/July issue!

Springtime Fishin'

2011-05-23T06:52:00.002-05:00

NIFT member Mel R. wrote;

The bass was caught on the Warm Water Charlie fly, which unfortunately is now snagged on a root ball at the bottom of a lake. The carp was a lot of fun bringing in on the 7 wt. rod.

Cheeky Reels - Made in the USA

2011-05-20T09:23:00.001-05:00

Click on picture to see more info about this USA reel!

Four Amigos at Bamboo Open House

2011-05-20T09:14:00.002-05:00

NIFT member Ed M. wrote,

Last month NIFT bamboo rod makers Ed J., Jack M., Bill G. and myself attended an annual event put on by Dennis and Bonnie H. at their house in Wayne, Ill. We had a great time.

S/W Wisconsin Driftless Area - May 13, 2011

2011-05-17T06:42:00.004-05:00

Last weekend my brother n law Gerald and I stayed at NIFT member Mel R's cabin in southwest wisconsin. We had a great time catching numerous fish on nearby streams.

Jim G.

Take a Kid Fly Fishing

2011-05-10T10:08:00.003-05:00

A child is never too young to learn how to fly fish. Take a kid fishing!
(Pictured is Joe Lapiana and his nephew Jackson)

2011-05-06T07:04:00.017-05:00

My friend Mike calls me to go fishing after work at a well known spot I turned him on to, but I couldn't make it. Later in the evening he calls to tell me that the fishing was unbelievable! He said he slammed them on a Bob Clouser Minnow chartreuse/white. After seeing these pictures I'm kicking myself. It's good to see the hybrid striped bass are still alive and doing well. A couple years ago I caught several of these including one that was 27" long. Last week while fishing with Mike, he spotted the hybrid monster cruising the shore line. I have a feeling Mike will hook into this fish very soon. http://northernillinoisflytyers.blogspot.com/2009/04/blog-post.html

FISHING KNOT PRACTICE SET

2011-05-05T12:16:00.002-05:00

This would come in handy during those long winter months!

Click on picture to see video or purchase.

Catch Magazine Issue 17

2011-05-04T13:22:00.000-05:00

Click on picture to read issue

Gary Borger's Trout Unlimited - 3rd Annual Flapjacks for Fisheries Fundraiser

2011-04-28T09:18:00.000-05:00

Gary Borger Chapter of Trout Unlimited Presents
Flapjacks for Fisheries Fundraiser
Pancake Breakfast

Saturday April 30th
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon (pancake breakfast served from 8:00-10:00)

At the beautiful Sheridan Shores Yacht Club in Gilson Park Wilmette, IL (map)

Tickets: $10 for adults, $7 for children under 12

All proceeds will go towards Gary Borger Chapter's continued support of:

Stream restoration activities such as our continuing effort to restore Paradise Springs Creek
Maintenance and expansion of our Trout in the Classroom program
Funding support for Illinois Council TU Youth Conservation and Fly Fishing Camp
Funding of other worthwhile TU efforts such as TU DARE
Scouting Programs

Come Enjoy:

Delicious Pancake Breakfast
Bucket Raffles and Auctions
Casting Demonstration & Competition
Driftless Area Exhibit with Jeff Hastings
Entomology Exhibit
Furled Leader Demonstration
Bamboo Rod Exhibit
Fly Shop Gear Exhibit Area
Fly Tying Demonstrations

Feathersmc

2011-04-28T07:54:00.002-05:00

Click on picture

2011 5-Weight Shoot Out!

2011-04-28T06:48:00.004-05:00

If you are thinking about purchasing a new 5 weight fly rod and are not sure which type to buy, read this detailed article from Yellowstone Angler comparing 18 rods to help you choose.

(Click on picture to read)

This article is from George Anderson, James Anderson

Robert Kovich, and Justin Bolduc.

The Bad Ass Musky Collection

2011-04-23T11:21:00.005-05:00

Feather Craft Fly Fishing

2011-04-19T11:07:00.000-05:00

Click on Picture!

1% of the Story

2011-04-18T10:47:00.000-05:00

Coming to Wilmette Theater - Fly Fishing Film Tour 2011

2011-04-14T13:10:00.005-05:00

Wilmette Theater
May 3rd
Doors 7pm, Show 7:30

It should be a great show and there is a little something for everyone;
Redfish in Louisiana, permit in the keys, Bass in Wisconsin, trout in Argentina, mako shark in San Diego, Musky in Wisconsin, Bill fish in Guatemala and more...

These are all 10 to 20 minute short films and more information about the tour can be found here.
www.flyfishingfilmtour.com

Giveaway items from Patagonia, Orvis, LL Bean, SA and the tour itself. There will also be some raffle items including a custom built 9' 4pc 6wt Sage rod w/tube and sock.

Local discounted ticketing information can be found here...www.thirdyearflyfisher.com/stillstourpage.html

Tickets can also be purchased through the tour...www.flyfishingfilmtour.com/tickets

Tickets will also be available at the door providing there are any left.

A portion of the evenings proceeds will benefit local TU chapters.

Directions to theater click here.