Winter Midge Hatches have Begun

They're back! When I was out on Rapid Creek this past Sunday I saw fish feeding on midges up top. I hadn't seen any fishable hatches yet, but there they were. The midge hatches that occur January through March here on Rapid Creek in town are spectacular. Maybe it is because any hatch that brings fish to the surface in the middle of winter is rare and something to celebrate, but to me it seems that winter or not these hatches generate some of the best dry fly fishing of the year. I fish in town much more than I used to and have begun to look forward to the fishing opportunities to be found there during the winter. The midge hatches are definitely a highlight.

If you get a chance to fish this hatch here are a few flies to take along:

F-Fly (tie in black or olive size 18-20)

Morgan's Midge size 20

CDC Adult Midge size 20

Matt's Midge size 20-22

Two New Tying Videos

Chewee Bloodworm



Click to See the materials list

Czeched Out Hare's Ear Nymph




Click to See the materials list

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 the RS2

Developed by Rim Chung. The RS2 is a proven pattern. Time after time it fools picky fish. Luckily for fly tiers, it isn't too tough of a fly to tie. Perfect fly to imitate emerging baetis ascending to the surface.

See the materials list at: http://flyfishsd.com/tying_the_RS2.htm

Tying the Indestructible Pike Fly

 

This is a simple, easy to tie fly for pike. I first saw this fly in an article by C Boyd Pfeiffer in Northwest Fly Fishing. The Body Fur makes a full and durable body. This streamer doesn't hold water like rabbit fur flies, which makes it much easier to cast.

Yet another reason to get back to the Missouri (in Montana)

Down & Across from scumliner media on Vimeo.


My poor neglected Z-Axis 6126-4 is in need of a fishing trip. Where to go? I think this superb video from Headhunters Fly Shop in Craig, Montana has answered that question.

I also need to buy TCX switch rod- we aren't talking wants here, only needs. Now what weight do I buy? Maybe I need the 5 and the 7.

Sipping Dry Trailer

Need to get back to the Missouri River and visit my friends at Headhunters Fly Shop...check out this video trailer to see why.

Sipping Dry trailer from Sharptail Media on Vimeo.