This has probably been threaded a 100 times, but I'm too lazy to search it out.
What are the fly selection strategies you use on a given river at a given time?
I remember a very cogent piece by Bill McMillan discussing this topic and how his thoughts on matching conditions led to a number of his original creations. One in particular stands out, namely the Washoughal: he designed the fly to match the ambient colors of the stream, feeling this was the proper way to seduce summer steelhead.
Big Water: Big Fly. Early Season (high water, bright fish): Big Bright Fly. Late Season (low water, stale fish) Small, Buggy Fly.
Familiar water: Whatever you have the most confidence in. For me, on the Deschutes, this choice utimately evolved to a modified Ackroyd (orange butt, hair or turkey wing), especially after August 15.
What's right for you on what river at what time under what conditions?
Curious in Waldport,
-- Eric
What are the fly selection strategies you use on a given river at a given time?
I remember a very cogent piece by Bill McMillan discussing this topic and how his thoughts on matching conditions led to a number of his original creations. One in particular stands out, namely the Washoughal: he designed the fly to match the ambient colors of the stream, feeling this was the proper way to seduce summer steelhead.
Big Water: Big Fly. Early Season (high water, bright fish): Big Bright Fly. Late Season (low water, stale fish) Small, Buggy Fly.
Familiar water: Whatever you have the most confidence in. For me, on the Deschutes, this choice utimately evolved to a modified Ackroyd (orange butt, hair or turkey wing), especially after August 15.
What's right for you on what river at what time under what conditions?
Curious in Waldport,
-- Eric