Stocker Trout Fishing News

Re-broadcast of our Facebook Live Session where we provided quick updates on fishing in our area, and then the random drawing for the four fishing flies we tied. Same ones we used on the Blue River, Turner Falls Park, and locally at Bethany Lakes in Allen and Waterloo Park Pond in Denison, TX! Do check out our Facebook Page @coaffieldteam for follow-on drawings of fishing flies we tied and used on local ponds, river, and lakes!

Fished Waterloo Pond in Denison for Rainbow Trout on Sunday December 23, 2018. Tried catching them on the fly rod but no takers. Bite was steady but not the fast-paced action we normally see at the little pond. Fishing partner found the pattern using Ultralight Spinning Gear and one of simple PowerBait Rigs we use. Trout wanted Orange Trout Dough Bait in a Salmon Egg scent. Did bring the Water Wolf Camera and got some underwater footage of the trout to include one that we were able to hook and land. Really nice day with lots of sun although the wind kicked up on us; no worries,… bundled up well. Trout were striking and running in on us. Had lots of missed hook sets but we did manage to limit out! Fun stuff! Till later, Good Luck and Good Fishing, and… MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Able to make the run to Bethany Lakes Friday afternoon. Bite was slow on fishing flies at first. Did see others doing well with bait and Power Worms. Bite picked up later as the trout started feeding on something hatching as well as bread and other floating baits. Olive Near Deere did well. No strike indicator needed; movement was key as well as striking as soon as the line showed any sign of a twitch or pull from a trout striking! PS: Do check out our re-broadcast of the Facebook Live Session where we detail the fishing flies used on our fishing trips to Turner Falls Park in Oklahoma!

Impromptu Q&A Session on fishing flies we used for Turner Falls Park. Same patterns used on the Blue River and plan to use this Trout Stocking Season in Texas! Rebroadcast on our YouTube Channel later with added pictures and video footage of the action at Turner Falls Park. Also, do send comments and/or questions concerning the fishing flies mentioned in the video, or send fishing questions in the comments. If we can answer them, will do. PS: For anyone in the US who posts a comment or likes this Q&A Session, will put you in a random drawing for the fishing flies we presented – Olive Near Deere with trailing Rainbow Warrior Midge, Mop Fly, and Olive Wooley Bugger. If chosen, will request a US address and send you the fishing flies. Our only ask is to send pictures of a fish or two you caught using them. For scheduling purposes, will host a FB Live Session this Friday 12/21/18 at 9PM Central US to select and announce the winner! Do stay tuned!

Stopped by Bethany Saturday for a fishing quick trip; only caught one little Rainbow Trout on an Olive Near Deere. Had other strikes but did not hook up. Still a fun time!

Final video of our trip to Turner Falls is done – #3 of three! This round fished the mid-section of the river, caught four, released more, then kept the last one to close out a limit. Fun times fly fishing Turner Falls Park in Oklahoma!

Answered a Facebook question asking for info about fishing access at Turner Falls Park. Tried two live sessions; first failed. Second one worked but not certain if it provided enough detail. Made edits and added details to the original live session. Hope this one answered the mail more clearly. Do check it out on YouTube or see us at our Facebook Page – @FieldTeamFishingLog

Trip 2 of 3 fishing Turner Falls Park in Oklahoma for Rainbow Trout. This round was tougher; started the day fishing downriver, then moved upriver later. Able to limit out, even did a “Hank Patterson” move when the fly reel fell off the fly rod while fishing… LOL! Goto 28:00 in the video to see that moment! OPST Commando Head was key again today. No wet wading though, brought the wading pants this time. PS: Echo Ion Fly Reels rock… a quick rinse in the river after dropping it, and was back in business fishing! Echo Ion Fly Reel 4/5 wt Redington Classic Trout Fly Rod (9′-4pc-5wt) OPST Commando Head (200 grain) OPST Lazarline Running Line

Trip 1 of 3 last week fly fishing Turners Falls Park in Davis, OK for Rainbow Trout! Limited out after having to figure out the pattern and dealing with lots of leaves clobbering the area where the trout were lurking. Fun times!

Lots of fun fishing last week for trout in Oklahoma. Caught lots of fish as well as a cold. No worries though, no fishing but am having fun with the new ukulele – Kala Pacific Walnut Tenor Ukulele . Liking the sound of this one, and the ease of play… no fishing, no singing, just some fun playing with the new ukulele!

Previously posted the video “Blue River Fly Fishing Tips” on our YouTube Channel that provides suggestions and tips using “the 3 Ws” – What we tried, what worked, and what we learned! Here is the video of that trip; do note the approach taken to fish the area, presentations used, and changes to the fishing flies until we find the pattern! Also, do check back as we have more video on our recent trips to Turner Falls Park in Davis, OK fishing for more stocked Rainbow Trout! Included in this video is a snippet of some of the action at Turner Falls!

Longer than the normal video; this one provides for suggestions and tips for fishing the Blue River in Oklahoma using “the 3 Ws” approach:. What we tried What worked What we learned Do checkout the information when planning a trip to the Blue River. Information focuses mainly on fly fishing tips but does provide information that may be of interest to non-fly fishermen. Also, the area fished is the low water crossing known as Hughes Crossing; however, the approach detailed in the video is applicable to other areas of the Blue River. Do check it out! Links noted in the video: Blue River Fishing Flies Playlist Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation – Fishing Regulations Fly Fishing Gear for Cold Weather

Viewer’s Question: Could you do a video on fly fishing gear needed for a trip like this when it’s cold? I don’t have waders but want to see what else I would need. Initial Answer: …will keep one in mind next trip when it’s cold and freezing. For the most part, we use the same fly fishing gear – fly rods, reels, and fishing flies… we may adjust the fishing flies to match the hatch and go smaller in size for some of the midge patterns. Else, the main change are the waders and clothing… we use insulated neoprene waders, wear wool socks, under armour cold weather undergarments, a wool sweater, and add more layers as needed. Also, in snow or freezing rain, will add gore tex rain gear. For gloves, we bring leather insulated gloves lined with wool but may try the ones we used for kayak fishing… they seem to insulate well enough at times. Hope this helps. …oops. we also wear a wool cap. Expanding on our initial answer, we posted this video. We hope it helps others thinking of fishing in cold w

Here is simple, quick tie pattern that works well for trout…Simple Mop Fly!  We have used the pattern in various combinations of dubbing – white, pearl, pink, and orange. For this demo, we opted for White UV Dubbing. However, it can be readily replaced with your favorite color as well as with Glo Bug yarn used in Egg patterns! Recipe Size 10 Jig Heads 1/124oz or 1/80oz White Dacron Tying Thread Chartreuse Micro Fiber Mop “Nub” White UV Dubbing    

Happy Thanksgiving to our Readers and their families. We hope you and yours have an awesome day, and eventually when the tryptophan kicks in, you will recall our ukulele time song wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! https://youtu.be/C2fdM9njuvg

Alrighty, fun time out and about this past Saturday at Medicine Park. Although we struck out on trout, did enjoy a great time outdoors before the temps started dropping below freezing. Even tried the World Famous Meers Burger and their Chicken Fried Steak… tasty meal! Today, as temps hover below freezing, decided to test the livestream on YouTube. So far, it has been a hit or miss affair for us. Today, we edge a little closer to success. Going with the topic, “Three Places to Fish for Rainbow Trout in Oklahoma” the session went well despite a few hiccups. Below is the rebroadcast below, plus a few pics of the dinner we had at Meers Restaurant and Store!       View this post on Instagram   alrighty, went #fishing for #trout at #medicinepark #oklahoma …struckout but saw others catching some. did have some fun casting the opst commando head in tight conditions. will get a video posted on our YouTube channel. that said, did have some tasty #burgers and #chickenfriedsteak at #meers store an

Cup of coffee and a hoodie to think of us while out fishing! Stay warm and do have a fun fishing this weekend… and do stay tuned, the Team will be out and about today fishing Medicine Park, Oklahoma! COAF Field Team Merch!

Received a Mystery Tackle Box six-month subscription last Christmas. Held off on opening them till today. Opened them and provided details of the contents and thoughts on using them in the upcoming months. But, audio dropped, so had to do a do over. Since the boxes were opened, decided to summarize the contents based on how we grouped them – saltwater, crank baits, and ice fishing gear…etc. Please bear with us on the audio, had to use the webcam microphone instead of the USB microphone we normally use. Also, check back as we try some of the lures in the upcoming months and post about them!

Fun times on the Blue River; hope to make it out again this month. Having posted the video of the action on Saturday (November 3, 2018), been getting questions on suggested fishing baits and lures. Since “a picture is worth a thousand words”, decided to add a “Blue River Fishing Stuff” section to our Field Team Amazon Picks! Of note are various Berkley PowerBait Trout Baits, Nuggets, Trout Worms, and Mice Tails all of which have done well on the Blue River as well as the Lower Illinois River in Oklahoma and the Trinity River in Texas for the Team. In addition, we added Trout Magnets and Salmon Eggs for good measure.  There are times when these two offerings have made the difference for us on fishing trips… doesn’t hurt to keep them handy! For the fly fisherman, our first suggestion is to use a Tandem Rigged Olive Near Deere with a trailing nymph or midge pattern. However, Near Deere are not normally offered online. As such, we suggest a suitable substitute – a Wooly Bugger with a trail

Quick Tie demo of the Rainbow Warrior Midge that we used as the trailing fishing fly for a Tandem Rig last Saturday on the Blue River. Trailed behind an Olive Near Deere, the little midge had one trout take but for some reason, when we fished the Olive Near Deere without it trailing, we were not getting bit. Go figure!   Recipe: Red Dacron Tying Thread Size 16 Caddis Hook 2.3mm Silver Tungsten Bead Pheasant Tail Fibers Pearl Mylar or Tinsel White and Pink UV Dubbing Other Items: Peak Tying Vise: https://amzn.to/2NWQjUe 5-Second UV Glue: https://amzn.to/2C79STw   PS: Was the same fishing fly that took a nice 20″ Rainbow Trout at Beavers Bend State Park several years ago on the Lower Mountain Fork River!

Winter Trout Stocking Season has begun on the Blue River. Was able to fish the river last Saturday – November 3, 2018. Mainly fished Hughes Crossing and managed to catch four for the skillet. Did lose others and missed more as your truly’s mojo was off. Regardless, had a great time fishing for trout. Went with the tried and true fly fishing combo… the 5wt Redington Classic Trout Fly Rod and Echo Ion 4/5 Reel with an OPST Commando Head for one-handed spey casting which made for easier casting when the back cast is constrained by trees and other things. Trout went for a Tandem Rigged Olive Near Deere with a trailing Rainbow Warrior. Trout seemed to prefer the Near Deere but did get one on the Rainbow Warrior… but, lost it when putting it on the stringer. Also, noticed the Trout wanted more movement instead of a dead drift. Action was steady but leaves and other debris clobbered the area we were fishing and tended to foul our lines and fishing flies often. Decided to explore the river usi

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department posted the 2018-2019 Trout Stocking Schedule. Did some tweaking to the info and sorted by date and location, like last year – broke out number of stockings an an estimated “Total per Stocking” for a location and stocking event, and then posted the info below in pdf and included the links to TWPD’s directions if available for a location at the end of the schedule. Did notice two dates appear for December 2019; anticipate a typo error.     As a general rule, would check with TPWD before making a trip as well as check the  2018-2019 Trout Stocking Schedule  as the site is updated periodically during the season when schedule changes due to weather and other unexpected events happen. Looks like the first round happens latter part of November… woohoo! ( Link to PDF File ) Also, do see our article, “Texas Rainbow Trout Fishing – Community Lakes and Ponds ” for some items that may be of interest for the upcoming Season! PS: Do checkout of Field Team Amazon P

Always a great time fishing for Rainbow Trout during the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Winter Trout Stocking Program. The schedule is not out yet, but Tarrant Regional Water District has announced the dates for their annual Trinity River Rainbow Trout Stockings as well as the Annual TRWD Flyfest Event. Made it to Flyfest 1, 2, and 3. Hope to make it to TRWD Flyfest 4 in 2019! Videos from past TRWD Flyfest for reference… There are some nice Rainbow Trout to caught on the River. Mark you calendars, and do give it try if your are in the Fort Worth area! TRWD Flyfest 3 – 2018   TRWD Flyfest 2 – 2017   TRWD Flyfest 1 – 2016

Great news… as announced last week, the Blue River received it trout stockings! 

Last weekend we made the run across the border from Texas to Oklahoma. Friday we hung out in Norman and had dinner at Torchy’s Tacos for tasty tacos and margaritas. Later, we stopped at the Guitar Center Store to checkout the ukuleles – big sale going on until 31 October on guitars and ukuleles. Always had a weakness for stringed “things” like fishing rods and reels, guitars and ukuleles, etc! Ended Friday, “chillin” on the sofa while watching several seasons of “Always Sunny in Philadelphia” in preparation for a round of fishing on the Lower Illinois River the next day. Saturday morning we headed west from Oklahoma City to Gore, Oklahoma to fish the Lower Illinois River – specifically, the tail race section below Lake Tenkiller. It was a nice day with temps in the 50s to 60s; because we prefer to stay dry when the temps are below the 70s, we opted for waders instead wet wading like we do in the summer. Overall, it was a nice day fishing the tail race. Made even better when we were abl

Liking the news about the Blue River getting trout stockings next week!  Time to get gear ready, and make a run across the border to OK for those in the North Texas area! Video retrieved from Blue River Fishing and Hunting Area video posted on Facebook; do check it out! PS: Info on Hughes Crossing of the Blue River that may be of interest to some… Blue River!  

Stopped at Cabelas in Allen to check out the Fly Tying Class that the Dallas Fly Fishers have been holding every Tuesday for the month of October. This was the last one for the month, then the Dallas Fly Fishers will shift to Fly Tying Demos on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Also, while there tonight, learned the Dallas Fly Fishers will be hosting a TPWD Basic Fly Fishing Class at LLELA – Lake Lewisville Ecological Learning Area, on Saturday October 27, 2018. Should be a fun time for those interested in learning to fly fish! For more details on the event and the Dallas Fly Fishers, see the links below: https://www.llela.org/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/29434/1507 https://www.dallasflyfishers.org/home.html Note: The live feed while at Cabelas had issues; added pictures and past video snippets of fishing trips to LLELA.    

Had a fun time on the Lower Illinois River Saturday! Still working on the video of the trip; will post soon as able. For now, here is a snippet of our Fishing Partner catching the First and Last Trout of the day….! Also, here is the link to the article that details the Bubble Fly Rigs we use including the Ajusta Bubble one used by our Fishing Partner this trip… How To Set Up Bubble Fly Rigs.     View this post on Instagram   #video snippet of the action yesterday #fishing the #lowerillinoisriver …fun times! yes, #mylifeisgood❤️ still!! A post shared by COAF Field Team (@coaf.field.team) on Oct 21, 2018 at 1:45pm PDT

Here is a quick tie fishing fly pattern that uses minimal material; for ease of reference, we call it the Simple Midge. Works well on Bluegill, Sunfish, and fingerling Bass. Hope to try it on trout this upcoming Trout Stocking Season! Recipe calls for: Peacock Herl Mallard Flank Size 16 Caddis Hook (can go up/down as desired) Black Tying Thread Peak Rotary Vise (rotary vise used in video, conventional one will work as well)

Having some fun and a quick update from the Team before we head to OK this weekend for maybe some fishing! https://youtu.be/uJE6Vxs_RbU

Lots of fun the other day at Celebration Park fishing with the Micro Fly Rod. While there, decided to put bait on the Water Wolf Camera Rig and toss it in the pond to see what was lurking below. It was mainly Bluegill and Sunfish, but did get a glimpse of Catfish and a Bass… but, for the most part, it was mainly turtles taking our bait! Water Wolf Camera: https://amzn.to/2ylIYDT

Finished the “How We Fish Bubble Fly Rigs” video to go with the article, “ How to Set Up Bubble Fly Rigs “! Video shows the three rigs we detailed in the article… Bubble Float: https://amzn.to/2Numo5B Torpedo Float: https://amzn.to/2x82Tp1 Ajusta Bubble: https://amzn.to/2Nz1kuC Lots of fun showing how we fish them; even caught a fish or two!  

Having fun catching little fish with the Micro Fly Rod. Next step… taking the Micro Fishing Challenge to catch a fish that can fit on a US Quarter using a Micro Fly Pattern! Starting out with what we have on hand for the smallest hook – a size 22 dry fly hook. However, did place an order with TenkaraBum at TenkaraBum’s Store for micro fishing hooks in size 26 and size 30! Do check back and/or join us in trying to catch a fish on the fly that can fit on a Quarter!         View this post on Instagram   #microfishing #flyfishing challenge… catch a fish on #fishingfly that can fit on a quarter! starting with a size 22 hook but have an order in from #tenkarabum for size 26 and 30 hooks. Cover me I am going in! A post shared by COAF Field Team (@coaf.field.team) on Oct 10, 2018 at 7:38pm PDT

The other day we caught a nice Bass using a Bluegill for live bait at Celebration Park’s East Pond. Decided to try it again using a Water Wolf Camera to get underwater video of the action. Brought a spinning rod for fishing the Water Wolf Camera and Live Bait Rig. Also, brought the two piece Micro Fly Rod and the midge pattern we tied at Tuesday’s Dallas Fly Fishers’ free fly tying classes held at Cabelas in Allen every Tuesday this month! Park was busy with lots of activity but as the norm, no one was fishing the pond. In short order caught a little Bluegill, baited up the Water Wolf Camera and Live Bait Rig, and casted the rig into the pond. Let it sit for about 15″ then decided to check it. While doing so, dropped the rig and broke the cabling used to connect the hook and line to the camera… Bummer. Put the camera away, and shifted to fishing the Micro Fly Rod. Caught a number of little Bluegill and Sunfish. All were small but were still fun to catch. While fishing, was asked by som

Had a fun time fly tying this evening at Cabelas in Allen. The Dallas Fly Fishers hosted a fly tying class in the meeting room at Cabelas! Looks like they will be back several times this month. Do check it out when you get a chance!   View this post on Instagram   no #fishing this evening but did #flyfishing related things… at #cabelas in #allentexas …stopped by the #flyting class hosted by the #dallas #flyfishers …learned some fishing fly patterns and tips that will be put to good use in the upcoming trout stocking season! really liking the #midgepattern …much simpler techinique than what I have been using. Do check it out, looks like they will be back several times this month! #cabelasallentx A post shared by COAF Field Team (@coaf.field.team) on Oct 2, 2018 at 7:09pm PDT

Too nice an evening Sunday to not go fishing. Went for a quick trip to Celebration Park to fish the East Pond. Decided to fish the 4wt Redington Pursuit Rod with the Echo Ion 2/3 Fly Reel spooled with a Rio Trout Max Skagit Head in 200 grains Bite started slow but picked up as the evening progressed. Managed catching little Bluegill and Sunfish once we settled on an Elk Hair Caddis. No Bruisers, but after a while decided to use one Bluegill as live bait! Sure enough had nice Bass take the Bluegill! Gear Used: Rio Trout Max 200 grain: https://amzn.to/2NVLxXz Redington Pursuit 4wt (not-available but Classic Trout is): https://amzn.to/2Ql5tQD Echo Ion 2/3wt Fly Reel: https://amzn.to/2zKJpcA    

Request from YouTube on how we made the DIY Tanago Rod – one where we made it with a Cork Handle instead of a Wooden Handle. Simple DIY that uses: – Ice Fishing Blank – Wine Cork – Epoxy – Rod Wrap Thread or similar material Ice Rod Blank used was from Janns Netcraft – 31″ Walleye Action Rod.  

Recent report with Pics!   lconn4: Re: Palestine 9/29/18 Stopped and fished in all the places I got bit earlier and caught a couple of more on fluke. Hooked a couple of bowfin that I thought were bass and luckily they pulled off. Make it back to deep hole near bridge and get thumped on swimbait but miss. Throw 10 inch power worm to same spot and let sink to bottom before starting to crawl it back. I'm reeling in slack and not feeling my bait. I'm watching my line and I have the distinct impression that its slowly moving at an angle and towards me. Reel more slack and then go into hyperdrive as my line is definitely moving towards me. By the time I've got all the slack reeled in, my line is under me and I laid into it. I almost get rod jerked out of my hands as fish shoots to other side of kayak and my rod is bent over the gunnel which is almost to the water as I'm leaning out the other side of kayak trying to g

Posted a new how to article – Bubble Fly Rigs , that details how the COAF Field Team likes to setup Bubble Fly Rigs when they opt to use spinning gear over fly fishing gear. Works for non-fly fisherman as well as fly fisherman, too! Article describes three rigs that have proven effective for the Team! Still working on adding a ‘How We Fish Bubble Fly Rigs” video.  Do check back; hope to post it once the weather clears and our work schedule permits! Bubble Float: https://amzn.to/2Numo5B Torpedo Float: https://amzn.to/2x82Tp1 Ajusta Bubble: https://amzn.to/2Nz1kuC  

May be of interest to some… collated the fly tying videos we demo’d for various patterns where we used the Peak Tying Vise. Really liking the vise; has been the go to vise that we have used since purchasing one several years ago. Peak Tying Vise: https://amzn.to/2NWQjUe    

Rainy Friday, and forecast says 100% chance tomorrow into Sunday. But, the rain does not have us down. Gives us time to catch up on a few things – blogging updates, video edits, and continuing to write the article about the Bubble Fly Rig to answer a Reader’s question on how we fish a Bubble Fly Rig. That said, have completed rigging three fishing poles with different bubble floats. Once the weather clears, will take video to show how we fish them. Hopefully, we answer the question, and maybe others will give it a try this upcoming Trout Stocking Season! Bubble Float: https://amzn.to/2Numo5B Torpedo Float: https://amzn.to/2x82Tp1 Ajusta Bubble: https://amzn.to/2Nz1kuC    

Another variant of the Elk Hair Caddis we tied the other day in a Quick Tie demo. This demo uses the same pattern and material that was already on hand. No need to run to the store to buy material. The one difference is this pattern wraps the wire rib over the dubbing body and the palmer wrapped hackle. In the other demo, we tied the wire rib after the dubbing body but before the hackle. We anticipate this pattern will be more durable than the previous one, but not certain if the fish will prefer one over the other. So, in a “Field Test” (excuse to go fishing more), we plan to fish both patterns, and describe what we observe…. do stay tuned! PS: The other pattern has caught 20+ Sunfish and Bluegill and is still going strong! Also, do stay tuned or the follow-up video on the Bubble Fly Rig.  We hope to answer our Reader’s question and maybe convince others who want to fish with fishing flies but do not have a fly rod or are still learning how to fly fish! Vise used was a  Peak Tying Vis

Had only a short amount of time to fish after work today. No problems, able to cruise along on the standup longboard, make it to the local pond, and catch a fish or two with the Micro Fly Rod! Fun times… even got to practice casting the variant of the Perry Poke we like using with the 5wt we normally use! Elk Hair Caddis testing continues as well with about twenty fish caught using the pattern detailed by Tightline which calls for wire or tinsel ribbing to go over the dubbing body but under the hackle.  

Decided to give the Standup Longboard workout and Micro Flyrod Fishing another try Sunday afternoon. Was a warm day but a nice one to catch a few Sunfish and Bluegill using the Telescoping Micro Flyrod and the Elk Hair Caddis. We really like the portability of the rod; when collapsed, easily fits in our shirt pocket. Even better, it does not interfere with the “paddling stroke” when standup longboarding. Video snippet has a view of the run that has just the right amount of slope to cruise down in one direction with ease, while allowing for a reasonable “paddle” back “upstream” to the starting point. It’s a workout but not enough to cause yours truly to step off the longboard and walk! Do check out the video and for more on the making your own Micro Flyrod see our article at COAF Micro Flyrod

A simple quilting extension table made with parts from Home Depot, completed in less than an hour, and with minimal material costing ~$20 as of September 2018. Has adjustable legs and readily modified to a number of sewing machines. Do check out the article “ Make a Simple Quilting Extension Table ” for more details. Keep the article handy in case tasked with a “Honey Do” by your significant others who has a passion for quilting equal to your passion for fishing! Article: Make a Simple Quilting Extension Table Glides: https://amzn.to/2Qz3lWc  

Been sidetracked from fishing due to a new hobby – Standup Longboarding! That is, a workout during the work week to get in shape for kayak fishing during the weekend. That said, if you cannot go kayak fishing, what to do… it had to happen sooner than later – Standup Longboarding and Micro Flyrod Fishing! Able to make a quick run to the local pond. Much quicker using  longboard instead of walking plus got a workout in, too!  And… most important, caught a fish! Fun times!  

Fun times… looks like the Elk Hair Caddis that we tied the other day has resulted in controversy – specifically, should the wire rib used be tied over the hackle or should it be tied under it over the dubbed body and then follow with the hackle? Since its up to the fish… going to tie them both ways, and see what happens.  Suspect the rib tied over the hackle will be more durable then tying it over the body, will see what happens.  More a matter of preference; have had the last Ellk Hair Caddis last a season without an issue. Nevertheless, going to tie two Elk Hair Caddis using both patterns; let’s have some fun and use it as an excuse to go fishing! LOL!

Quick update from the Team talks briefly of the recent trip to Texoma for some kayak fishing for Stripers, a little fun with the Ukulele, and the lots of fun with the Standup Longboarding! And then, in preps for answering the mail – request from a Viewer on our YouTube Channel to provide details on how we use a bubble fly rig to fish with fishing flies without a fly rod. Still have a demo to put together for it but for now, made the trip to Cabelas to stock up on bubble floats we use – specifically: Bubble Float: https://amzn.to/2Numo5B Torpedo Float: https://amzn.to/2x82Tp1 Ajusta Bubble: https://amzn.to/2Nz1kuC  

Quick tie of an Elk hair Caddis using material on hand! Size 14 or 16 Dry Fly Hook 7/0 Dacron Tying Thread (Olive because it was handy) Grizzly Hackle Hares Ear Dubbing Copper Wire Ribbing (Gold as well as tinsel works, too) Elk Hair  

Had an awesome time on the water at Lake Texoma this past Saturday. Was a busy day on the lake being Labor Day Weekend, but it was manageable. Tried trolling at first and had a few strikes. Was hoping to locate balls of Shad with the depth finder, and then try to jig a slab and jig rig for a Bruiser or two lurking below the schools. As it turned out, that was not the pattern. Instead, it was chasing schools as Stripers started breaking the surface feeding on bait fish. This required lots of paddling, sight casting, and then more paddling. No worries though… ended the day with five Stripers for Dinner later that evening!  

Fun time this weekend fishing Texoma. Have video to edit still but always ready to post a snippet of the action! Here we go…!

Sidetracked with the day job and now standup longboarding. Had fun using a kayak paddle as a longboarding paddlesitck, then made one using PVC… liked the concept! Decided to buy a Kahuna Creations Paddlestick. Came in Thursday August 30th, took for a quick “test drive”. Works well; really like the “tire tread” that contacts the ground when “paddling” and the adjustable length. Able to change the length to the paddle hold I am using at various times… cruising slow, turns, and steeper slopes. Fun stuff… now may have to buy my own longboard and give back my buddy’s that I “borrowed”. PS: Gear used… Kahuna Creations: https://amzn.to/2ovcUcc Sector Nine Longboard: https://amzn.to/2N5uaT4 Bones Swiss Bearings: https://amzn.to/2C99yoE

Short snippet of a ukulele time to prepare for the upcoming weekend – non-Labor Day Weekend, for those who have the 3-Day weekend off! A salute with a sip of wine, thoughts of kayak fishing, and stand up longboarding! Cannot wait till the weekend starts!  

Made the run to Oklahoma to the Lower Ilinois River for Rainbow Trout and Striped Bass. Fished the spillway area initially but then moved downriver when they started generating power. While at the spillay, caught small striped bass, gaspergou, and our fishing buddy caught a nice size Buffalo but did not get video. Put up a nice fight on the Ugly Stik Rod Combo, he picked up the day before at Bass Pro Shops. Also, able to catch one Striped Bass and a Rainbow Trout that we kept for a catch and cook video… do stay tuned for it! Casted a few jig and fluke rigs at the Spillway for Striped Bass once the current was flowing nicely from the turbines… no strikes, so moved further downriver and fished a couple of spots – caught another Rainbow Trout for the catch and cook video, lost a Rainbow Trout that threwt the fishing fly, and sight casted to Carp that ignored our fishing fly. Fishing fly used was the Olive Near Deere and we continue to use our favorite fly fishing combo – the OPST Commando