Resisting the temptation

[Stew]

Been a tough winter fish wise for me and the low water has nothing to do with it either.
I made a committment to myself to pursue winter steelhead with my fly rod.
I've been pretty faithful for the most part having only used gear three times this winter (all trips resulting in hooked fish) I've watched while my fishing partner Mark of First Cast Jigs has hooked numerous fish on his jigs but have resisted the temptation to bring my spinning rod.
The rest of the time I've had my spey rod.
Yesterday I finally had a take on a fly but since I had so much slack in my line the fish was quickly off.
So as a wise man once said "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step"
Good luck out there :cheers:

[mandinga]

Resist the DARK SIDE!


I will admit that I have not had as much success for these winters as I thought I was going to, but I would challenge any gear fisherman in my home waters of the American, Feather and sacramento rivers...

Stew, once we get dialed in there is no reason that we should even have to consider switching to gear..

[AndyK]

Been a tough winter fish wise for me and the low water has nothing to do with it either.
I made a committment to myself to pursue winter steelhead with my fly rod.
I've been pretty faithful for the most part having only used gear three times this winter.



Used gear three times :hoboy:! Shame on you! Your as bad as Mark Vickers and Gizmo Man :noway:!

Actually, the main problem so far this winter has been water temperature. I have caught fish in many of our local rivers when the water was at their current low levels, but the water was much warmer. During February, I did not find the water in any of the rivers I fished above 40 degrees, and that includes some coastal rivers. According to some biologists I have discussed this with, the fish are just not active when the water is that cold. Even the fish in hatchery ponds are less active and seem to just cluster in big schools.

The current rain should not only raise the water levels a little, but the rain should warm the water. When the water temps hit 45 degrees, the fish will be much more agressive!

[Stew]

Your as bad as Mark Vickers and Gizmo Man



Gizmo fly fishes? He told me once that he feels naked without his eggs and sandshrimp and he also told me he puts scent on his flies :jester:

[AndyK]

Gizmo fly fishes? He told me once that he feels naked without his eggs and sandshrimp and he also told me he puts scent on his flies :jester:



Well, that explains those fish he caught in December :smash:!

[TheCamel]

I've watched while my fishing partner Mark of First Cast Jigs has hooked numerous fish on his jigs but have resisted the temptation to bring my spinning rod.



From a technical standpoint, I think Mark's jigs are flies. As for the rest of the equipment. :shrug:

[Stew]

From a technical standpoint, I think Mark's jigs are flies. As for the rest of the equipment.


I absolutely agree! In fact he has tied me some flies using the same color combos. The only difference is the 1/8 ounce bead head.
The rest of the equipment???? Not even close :grin:
This fly I tied incorporates pretty much all of the same things you would find in a First Cast jig except the barbell eyes and the tinsel body.
http://www.ifish.net/gallery/uploads/1882/newfly.jpg

[SilverFly]

Fly vs Jig? The only difference to the fish is in the presentation. Maybe you can resist the temptation by trying to duplicate the bobber and jig dead drift with fly gear. Have you tried a full floating line with an extra long leader and a weighted fly? If the temptation gets to be too much, you can always put on an indicator before picking up a spinning rod. I've had some of my most productive days drift fishing in low/cold/clear conditions (once I found the fish). I think the key is a sloooow, natural presentation.

:cheers:

-----------------------------

[R Jackson]

I think I might give in to the temptation and go fish the Clack with a jig or pink worm tomorrow :shocked:

[Mark Vickers]

Your as bad as Mark Vickers and Gizmo Man :noway:!




Ouch. :help: I solidly deserved that. I only went winter steelhead flyfishing three times. I hooked only one fish which shook the hook as I was tailing it.

That said, it was a pretty good winter steelhead season for me with hardware. :redface:

How's this Andy? I do solemnly swear that I will only fish summer steelhead with a fly and I will take you up on your Herman Creek offer if it is still open.

[Gizmo Man]

My record speaks for itself... :shocked: :shocked:

Say what you must to justify why you can't hook any... :laugh: :laugh:

Giz... :shrug:

[AndyK]

Ouch. :help: I solidly deserved that. I only went winter steelhead flyfishing three times. I hooked only one fish which shook the hook as I was tailing it.

How's this Andy? I do solemnly swear that I will only fish summer steelhead with a fly and I will take you up on your Herman Creek offer if it is still open.



Mark, I'll be glad to show you how to catch fish at Herman Creek or some other rivers closer to home; anything to lure you back from the Dark Side :yay:!

[steelhead86]

Hey, last time out with the Giz: He used a fly rod and
we found some fishies. :dance: The Giz book of records
is in good standing :angel: and henceforth it is
written and it shall be :bowdown:. May the force
be with you :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: