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    • June 19, 2023 at 6:42 pm #27428
      wiley9c
      Participant

      Here’s the scenario.

      • Current river above baptist camp, mid June.
      • Trout are rising. 50/50 “sips” vs splashy rises
      • Caddis and mayflies hatching
      • Tried dries
        • elk hair caddis (16-18)
        • Parachute adams (16-18)
      • Tried stuff for the film
        • soft hackle
        • RS2
      • Every time I offered something new I got some nice refusals, but never figured it out

      Any advice on what you would have tried next?

      I gave up on the surfacing fish and went back to a pattern with scuds in the holes that produced a bunch of nice fish, so alls well that ends well, but would like to learn from these surfacing fish for next time.

    • June 22, 2023 at 9:31 am #27430
      Sensei
      Participant

      Dear Grasshopper,

      Rising fish you say you saw? Emergers or dries rising fish could be eating but “which” is why you ask?

      Hmmm, this Baptist camp I have been to before many moons ago. The so called trout can be fickle here. The difference between sips and splashes you seem to know. The first I ask is – are the adult aquatic insects ON the water? If no, is the answer then I go to emergers first – a dry I am not saying is wrong choice. A dry – dropper could be a good choice or swinging small emergers may be even better.

      BUT the problem I think could have been the “size” of your flies. 16 -18 size even though small may be too large for what these finicky fish want. The size 20 barr’s emerger that your Sensei throws at times could be a good choice but again too large? I can’t see those tiny flies you say? Try a 16 dry caddis and add a size 20-22 dry as a trailer? Swinging tiny flies 20 or less, throw 45 degree downstream and keep your line “taut” then wait for the strike (by feel or by sight) but set the hook “slowly” – just a lift. Keeping line “taut” throughout the swing is important. Feeling the strike is important. Lifting the rod to set the hook is important.

      So Grasshopper, next time smaller flies you must try! Be patient and how do you say “tight lines”!!

       

    • June 22, 2023 at 9:37 am #27431
      Kenny Klimes
      Keymaster

      Hey Wily9c

      I agree with the Sensei. Many of our guys avoid the “small” flies but shouldn’t. BIG fish eat small flies! Don’t believe me go fish the San Juan River in New Mexico. So don’t be afraid to “experiment” with small flies. Take the time to fish them and perfect your technique fishing them. You will be rewarded!

      K

    • June 22, 2023 at 8:42 pm #27432
      wiley9c
      Participant

      Ah, the barrs emerger. We spoke of this last time we talked about swinging emergers. 100% planned to pick some up before I went down but couldnt carve out time to go to the fly shop. I will get an assortment of sizes and get some smaller dries before I go down for a July trip.

      What would the Sensei recommend about floatant? I got some of the fluid stuff and the powder. Works….OK….. Is the spray worth it?

    • June 22, 2023 at 10:02 pm #27433
      Sensei
      Participant

      https://www.avidmax.com/tiemco-shimazaki-dry-shake-spray/?sku=960-30256&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0ejrnbPY_wIVmDfUAR2djAZ1EAQYASABEgICCPD_BwE

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