Early summer tactics
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By Jack Simpson
We are now into the early summer and our fly fishing strategies must adapt to the feeding habits of trout. Trout no longer cruise the shoals in day light hours; the water in the shallows has warmed to the point that rainbow no longer feel comfortable in temperatures that exceed 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
But the shoals are still producing aquatic bugs that those fish need for food. Trout feeding zones have dropped to between 15 and 25 feet, the maximum of sunlight penetration and the environment suitable for insect growth and the cooler more comfortable water temperatures for trout.
So, we are obligated to recognize that the transition zone between shoal and depth is our current area of interest. The thick vegetation begins to dissipate, and the aquatic insect variety will be very similar to shoal and drop-off: shrimp (scuds), mayfly nymphs, damsel nymphs, dragonfly nymphs, caddis nymphs and leeches, as well as chironomids ascending from the deep water mud bottom.
Lines that can be effective are floating lines with long leader/tippets of up to 16-18 feet, combined with weighted nymph patterns, sink tip and full sink lines with up to 12 foot leader/tippets and weighted nymphs. Consider the location and swimming activity of the various food sources, so that you are able to mimic their movements in order to enhance your fly presentation.
Shrimp (scuds) live near the bottom and among the weed beds, and are poor swimmers. Their movements are erratic, from rapid wiggling to a dead stop.
Damsels and dragons migrate from the bottom to the available reed lines in the shallows or shores. They ascend at a gradual angle toward their destination, usually parallel with the sloping drop-off, in steady swimming motion.
Caddis and mayflies emerge from the weed beds where they have morphed from pupa to nymph and in an ever-increasing rate, head for the surface, budding wing cases as they rise, bursting onto the surface and breaking into a winged adult.
Leeches inhabit the whole water column and just swim around in a wiggle-pause motion, providing food for hungry trout.
For anchoring and line placement for moderate depth nymphing, probably the most effective location for anchoring and fishing the lower drop-offs and moderate depths is at 15 to 20', anchoring both bow and stern, setting up parallel to the edge of the shoal and casting your line parallel to the drop-off.
(Edge of the Shoal)
Pay attention to the ‘sink rate’ of your sink tip or full sinking line. Any reputable line manufacturer will have the rates displayed on the package and on their websites. For instance, my sink line of choice for still waters is the SA Mastery Stillwater, a uniform sink (means the whole line sinks at the same rate, staying the same level as it sinks and at a rate of 1-1.5 inches per second, making it very easy to ‘count down’ the line and fly to the level of the water column that I wish to retrieve through. Full sink lines will sink at a much faster rate (up to 9-10 inches per second) and take flies down in a more expedient manner. A moderate/fast action rod will be an effective fly fishing tool to handle the sink tip and full sink lines.
One of the ways to target trout feeding on emerging adults is to anchor off the edge of the shoal and cast toward the edge with an adult dry fly pattern consisting of various sizes and shades of deer hair fly patterns.
(Casting to the Edge)
These can vary from the trusty, created in BC 'Tom Thumb', to the various deer and elk hair caddis patterns, to the 'Lady McConnell' developed by Brian Chan to mimic an adult chironomid.
For best results when presenting dries at the edge of the shoal and retrieving them out over the deepening water, I would advise a fast action rod (the ONLY suitable use of a fast action in my opinion) and a high floating line that has a specifically designed taper to present dries with a long cast and precise placement.
Note: with the almost daily monsoons during the past week, various insect emergences have been either suppressed or delayed. This will require those venturing out to be constantly observant to the adult insects showing on the surface and to the changes of feeding levels of the fish. Clearing skies mean the fish rise to feed, showers or a storm moving through means they will move lower in the water column. Keep your eyes open for insects showing and what the weather trend is.
I've had several emails and personal requests for information regarding fly rod, reel and line recommendations as they apply to our Cariboo still water fishing, so here is my own personal findings over the past 20+ years of stick-waving:
Rods
I make no secret of believing that a good moderate/fast action rod, either 5wt or 6wt, is the best all-round fly rod for this area. BUT REMEMBER: A fly rod is a personal preference. It should feel comfortable in YOUR hand and compliment YOUR casting style.
My favourite rods
Moderate-smooth action--Gatti G4 2pc 5wt; not for throwing heavy lines or sink tips, butter smooth for 30-40 foot casts of nymphs and dries (self-built, cost- $200)
Moderate-fast---the new Ross FS 9'6" 4pc. Good deep loading and extra length for launching long leaders and strike indicators (retail cost- $145).
Fast---Ross RX Light weight, rocket of a stick, but still loads deep just like a mod/fast rod. This rod is a wind-tamer for placing dries on target.
Lines---all my floating lines are Scientific Anglers Mastery Textured, because they are the most durable lines I have ever used. I don't think one should have to buy a new line after every 80-day season. My SA lines last years: I like that.
Floating Lines---several, and each has a specific purpose, such as SA Mastery Nymph Indicator- nymphing (of course!)
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Preserve our resource and our home waters.
Jack Simpson on Home Waters
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