welcome everyone to the new fly Fisher I'm your host kala McEwen in today's
show we're going to examine what is probably my most favorite outdoor
experience fly fishing on small streams so where to find trout so the equipment
you should use this show will help you better understand this type of
fly-fishing come along to learn the joys of this unique and intimate fishing
adventure
the new fly fisher is sponsored by the atlantic salmon federation bank of
montreal MasterCard Ducks Unlimited Canada's conservation company teat and
fly reels Hodgman outdoor products
today I'm joining my friend Raymond sander Brashear to fly-fish on a small
stream near his home like me Raymond is a small stream path it spends a great
deal of time exploring small streams in his region this area is the scenic and
peaceful countryside of eastern Quebec not far from Ottawa
there are numerous small and slowly meandering streams in this area which
take their source from the gatineau hills
moving along a small stream seemed so natural you feel as one with the
environment you suddenly become aware of all the abundant life that surrounds you
from a damselfly hanging on a leaf to the croaking of a leopard frog I realize
that you are not alone and it comforts you this is the essence of small stream
fly-fishing like any excursion to the water a fly fisher must ascertain what
kwatak insects are available for forage usually this can be broken down into
three principal groups of catice mayflies and stone flies often you can
ascertain quite a bit about a streams aquatic insect life just by checking
spider webs or trees near the stream Raymond and I began checking some of the
rocks in the small riffle I saw it quickly found an abundance of
important food sources so nice current here lots of oxygen Roxie seen catice
lots eggs yeah
there's some small clingers I've found a lot of catice like you said there was
another one I usually bring a small selection of popular flies when small
stream fishing popular choices include an imp a turn such as if generic Paytas
nymph pheasant tail bead head nymph and blue wing olive
small streams also give you the opportunity to use terrestrial flies
such as ant patterns and the deadly madamn x the key is that you'll need to
research what will work in your local area based on the insects you find
present this is all part of the fun and magic of small stream fly fishing each
one is different no matter where you are in North America
small stream fly fishing is not about catching monster trouble this is an
exercise and opportunity and enhance outdoor experience each other these
streams rarely get large a big one would be 14 inches long offensive however each
of these trout is a small glistening gem a gift of nature and one which should be
returned at home
okay up up around the bend what I found is there's a fairly shallow especially
will see the reeds come down to the bank if you walk along that area and sort of
roll cast into the opposite bank underneath the the alders you can
sometimes pull fish over so we're not talking long casts no no just little
casts that's why a seven and a half foot you know
three weight rod is perfectly adequate and you can do that with a nymph or a
dry flat dry nymphs often will pull them you out even a bit further there are
several common features in small streams that anglers can look for that we
usually hold trout Ben pools usually feature deep water on the outside edge
which can be a magnet to large trout often this type of pool include undercut
banks and some overhanging branches the second type of structure to key in on is
fallen trees these provide excellent overhead cover for trout from many of
their airborne predators tree roots especially deeper lines provide
excellent cover for trout the problem for fly fishers with this type of cover
is how the best present flies to the trout and then quickly get them away
from the tip at breaking roots overhanging branches especially near
deep water are a natural trout holding area because the branches provide the
requisite cover needed plus occasionally provide a source of food when insects
fall from the leaves undercut banks are probably the hardest structure of all
the spot and usually will hold the largest fish in any small stream um this
little Bend here what the water is done is it's made it about two two and a half
feet deep and there's basically what I'm trying to do is
rather than standing downstream and fishing up where I don't have as much
control stand off to the bank here where it's a little shallower where I won't
spook them and then just do a sort of side role cast just and that way you can
do a dead drift follow it down you don't have to change the length of your line
let it drift all the way down just bring it around and do another cast and you
can just you can do that all day mind you after you've done it a few times you
may have scooped too many fish but this with with the little brookey's in here
you can get numerous hits without having to worry about spooky small stream fly
fishing does not demand long and eloquent casts in fact prudent anglers
would ignore such thoughts where else be prepared to sacrifice most of their
flies to tree branches
popular techniques to use include Daffy often deadly with catters patterns roll
castes are your primary means of effectively presenting patterns to weary
trouble the key is to be adaptable with this cast such that you can perform with
both arms and at different angles when fishing upstream or directly downstream
the opportunity may exist for full cast the annular should check the back cast
for openings in the forest canopy otherwise they will quickly empty their
fly boxes
the importance of stealth cannot be overemphasized from fly fishing on small
streams you must remember that these fish generally do not have deep water or
a large expansive river to hide him from predators and thus tend to be very wary
anglers should avoid waiting if possible talking loudly or walking heavily on
banks all will transmit danger signals to trout
it is prudent to wear earth coloured clothing hats and vests when small
stream fishing trout will discern you more readily if you wear something that
is bright or out of context with the surrounding vegetation
for fly fishers who wish to learn more about the challenges and rewards a small
stream fly fishing there has been several excellent books written about
this subject to my favorites are fishing small streams with a fly rod by Charles
Mack and fly fishing small streams by John Garrett both of these books are
very comprehensive in detail and will prove to be an outstanding resource for
those who wish to learn more about this unique form of fly fishing exploring a
small stream is like reliving your childhood again each Bend and pool and
the stream brings new natural wonders and discovery that help rejuvenate the
soul scouting for new and productive small streams in your region can be
accomplished through the purchase of quality topographical maps additionally
your research may reveal that authors have written books about your region
which will greatly aid in your exploring good examples of these types of books
include trout streams on Michigan by Bob Lynn Simon and Steve novella in trout
streams of Alberta fathered by Jim McLennan these are but just a few of the
excellent resources that are available to you
manufacturers have responded to the increased interest in small stream fly
fishing and now there's quite a bit of quality bureau value check with your
local fly shop the recommendations on proper living for your region the
leaders we typically use for this type of fishing they're six to eight feet in
length and the Tippett's can vary between 5x + 7 x depending upon
conditions again experimentation is a key to success the fragility of small
streams and their ecosystems cannot be emphasized enough no impact hiking or
wading is a must and in this pristine environment if you find trash and please
pack it out these are incredibly delicate ecosystems you must do your
utmost to protect them
that's nice big generous one
the more information about the patterns we use today or about small stream
fly-fishing please go to our website at www.tanahoy.com Raven thank you
and a wonderful day very much enjoyed it small stream fishing for brook trout
it's a wonderful way to spend a day it's very relaxing it's a beautiful
environment and it really speaks to the essence of what fly-fishing is all about
come all of us here at the new fly Fisher thanks for joining us and we'll
see you next week I'm Tom rosenbauer hope you enjoyed this
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