Two New Tying Videos

Tying the Pheasant Tail Midge Pupa and the Rainbow Czech Nymph

Tying the Pearl Core Cased Caddis

This is a cased caddis larva pattern tied in the Czech style. This nymph is tied on a jig hook with a slotted tungsten bead that causes it to bounce along the bottom with the hook point riding up. Cased Caddis patterns are very effective, especially in freestone streams. Fish this fly on point, with a smaller offering above it.



Materials:

• Hook: Umpqua C400BL Size 10-14
• Bead: Slotted Tungsten Bead
• Thread: UTC 140 Denier
• Head: Hareline Dubbin Pearl Core Braid
• Collar: Whiting Brahma Hen or Partridge Feather
• Hackle for Case: Strung Brown Saddle
• Case:Hareline Dubbin Hare's Ear Dubbing

Winter, eh?

Well it has been an odd "winter" so far. We are used to warm weather here in the balmy west of the river Banana Belt, but these sustained highs in the 40-50's are peculiar. Looks like a dip into the 20's is coming next week though- there are still several of days with highs over 40 in the forecast between now and Wednesday. Make sure you make the most of them.

Fishing has been excellent on Rapid Creek below Pactola and here in town. I haven't been up to Spearfish recently, but I would bet that fishing through town and in the valley is benefiting from this warm weather. Rumor has it that Crow Creek is fishing well too.

I got out yesterday after a long hiatus. Had a busy month at the shop that culminated in a three day inventory counting session! Wahoo!

It was a relief to have time to fish for a change, even if it was only for an hour. Didn't see any risers, but I think the winter midge hatches should crank up soon. Yesterday I kept up my experimentation with French and Spanish style nymphing. I will post soon about the leader rig I am using for this style of fishing.

The new Sage ESN 10' rods are perfect for nymph fishing this way. The 3 weight fishes extremely well on Rapid Creek. The 2 weight would be a blast here in the Hills. There might be one of those in my future.

If you get a chance to get out in the next few days, email us some photos at the shop- flyfish@rapidnet.com.

Tying with Hans- Chewee Caddis Larva

Chewee skin is a great material for adding realistic bodies to fly patterns. In this video UV Chewee skin is used to create a simple to tie, but realistic looking caddis larva.

Tying the Czech Quill Body Nymph

Here is a play on a thread bodied nymph with a hot spot. Most eastern European nymph patterns have hot spot to attract fish to strike the fly. This is a concept worth exploring. Try adding the hot
spot while keeping the overall fly slender. These patterns are producing well on Rapid Creek in a two fly rig. I typically fish this fly above a jig fly.

Tying the Bottom Tick-ler Tungsten Jig

This color scheme of tungsten jig is tremendously effective. Fish this fly as the bottom fly on a two fly rig, with a lighter nymph or soft hackle above it. I have had great luck with a small soft hackle on a dropper tag fished above this fly. Fish a larger heavier jig in faster or deeper water to get down faster.

Tying the Ultra Violet Nymph

Based on nymphs from Czech fly tiers, the Ultra Violet Nymph is a very effective fly fished in the European or American styles of nymphing. It is also very effective fished as a dropper from a dry fly. This pattern works well to imitate mayfly nymphs as they rise through the water column on their way to the surface.

Fly Tying with Hans- Tungsten Undertaker

Tungsten Undertaker Nymph

This is a great little nymph that I started fishing about a year ago. It works well as a dropper behind a larger offering. I typically fish it in size 18. The tungsten teardrop adds a good dose of weight. When fished behind a weighted front fly in a two fly nymph rig the need for additional split shot or weight putty is eliminated. This patter is also well suited to use in a Spanish or French nymphing rig. Black is my favorite color for this nymph, however any number of color combinations or schemes would work well.

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European Nymphing

Czech Nymphing and other Eastern European Nymphing techniques are gaining in popularity in the United States. I have been fishing and tying polish woven nymphs lately with great success. Join me this Saturday morning at the fly shop to learn to tie Czech Nymphs and Woven Nymphs. I will demonstrate both styles of tying. See you this Saturday at 10:00 am at Dakota Angler. I will also give an introduction to Czech and Polish nymph fishing techniques.