Jack Spratley

I started fishing the original Spratley on the Thompson many many years ago. Jerry Wintle always said mine were bushy but I could not believe how sparse the flies were. Tied in size 2 or 3 they took huge fish on the T. Over the years I also used it as a change up fly for boiled fish that would not eat. One day I tied some with the Pheasant Tail body and boy did they work. Over the years this became a primary fly again as well as a follow up. Tie them in size 2-12. Link to SBS below

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I2 Skater - Searching

Having fished skaters for Steelhead for over 20 years and taking the method to a primary status here is the newest evolution.  The Pinky has accounted for thousands of Steelhead over the years but for searching I want a BIG profile.  Tossing a big Pinky takes an 8 weight or better.  Having fished Jambos in Ireland I saw a way to get a big profile with less materials.  Changing to all synthetics in the fly eliminates all the water weight.  I can throw a 3" Searcher on my 3 weight Spey, all done.

Here is a link to the I2 Skater - Searching.

This updated version uses new Black Farrar Blend.  I love the Farrar blend in my synthetic flies

http://www.nwsalmonflyguild.org/ins/...20Searcher.pdf

A Passion Called Salmon

Here is a new DVD that looks fantastic..Fishing on several of the worlds most beautiful salmon rivers

Proceeds go to the continuing protection of wild Atlantic Salmon

You can buy a copy and read more at http://www.asf.ca/passion/

The Colonels Lady

Designed by Ron Alcott this is a lovely variation of the Lady Amherst pattern.  With the sexy claret silk and gold tinsel it is a real gem. At the fly expo in Albany last weekend I decided to tie up a few. The one below is tied on a 4/0 Rational hook.

There is no doubt in my mind that this will fish well for steelhead.  I will bang out 3 more on some size 6 hooks for fishing.

Goodnight Puget Sound Steelhead

2012 Feb 15

Had a great day on the water.  Water was 41 degrees, partly sunny, calm, a great day to fish.  Started with a light green tube at the top of a long run and had a nice pull part way down but no fish.  Poked around a while but it would not return.  Moved down to a really nice hole and put on a Huge black Spey style fly.  Swam it through the lies over and over but nobody home.  Switch flows and put on a nice Pinky and started some serious dry fly fishing for the PM.  Nothing in the first two runs.  As light was fading had a huge grab on top in a boulder field in some hard water and the fight was on.  The ACR1193 was taxed to the limit but did the job and 12# of chrome bright hen was brought to hand.  A great day.  Sorry the season has to end.  It breaks my heart to think that this may be the last day of Winter Steelhead fishing in Puget Sound rivers forever more.  I will hope for the best

Goodnight Skagit, goodnight Stilly, goodnight Puget Sound Steelhead

Love those tubes!

Here are a couple of tube flys I have been using a lot.  On the left is a Peter Tosh tied on a TTS Brass tube.  Weight .8g so really good on a dry line or light sinker to get more depth.  On the right is a Flamethrower Cascade.  I fish a lot of shrimp style cascades these days on a polyleader or light sinking line.  I swing them around with some speed in an effort to surprise the steelhead and provoke a response.  It works!

2012 Jan 26

Air and water both 37 degrees.  Real Winter fishing.  A foot of snow from the last few days down to the water.  Made for a nice walk down the access road to get to the pool.  Flow is pretty high but this water has enough of a shelf that there is still a nice inside.  Beautiful big structure all through thiis one.  Roughly 200 yards of heaven to share.  I started at the top while my partner geared up.  The top was glorious.  Cast just beyond the edge, set the fly on the edge with a mend and wait for some love.  Water clarity 6'+ so I was using a Sink1/2 head and a nice Flamethrower Cascade.  Cast Step Cast Step.  Fish could, and should, come at any time.  Reallu surprised not to pick on off the top of this one.  Keep fishing down.  As you move through this long pool it actually tails and starts again several times.  Every time it breaks again my expectations soar.  As the fly swung slowly on another cast there was a telltale pluck.  A very normal indicator of a Winter fish and a good sign.  Waited a couple of minutes and swam the fly through again.  Once again in the same place a slight ping.  By the way at this point in the run I am working the fly in hand twists almost from the start of the swing.  At this point I pull out, sit down and light up.  While the Olivia warms in flavour I watch my buddy working down and know the calvary will soon be here.  As my buddies fly swings through the spot his light green and black Collie Dog is SLAMMED.  Run Jump Run Jump EXCELLENT!  14# of chrome hen with sea lice.  I love sharing with my friends.