Stocker Trout Fishing News

Question from the Texas Fishing Forum that we follow... "Now I have some questions on the Blue River in Oklahoma. I am a bit out of that loop. 1) That parking on the E side of the Catch and Release (off 7) - is that just for parking, and there is still a hike up to the high point of the C-n-R? 2) I think the C-n-R is barbless? Kind of silly if you ask me, but my memory banks are full! 3) Are the stockings good in the C-n-R area? Still a mystery easter egg hunt? Anybody been there lately?" Answering the mail, we provide the following: "1) That parking on the E side of the Catch and Release (off 7) - is that just for parking, and there is still a hike up to the high point of the C-n-R?" The parking on the East side off Hwy 7 is just for parking.  It is designated as a walk-in area only and no camping. Refer to Blue River Map below. It is a 2+ mile hike to the Catch and Release area from the parking area on the East side of Hwy 7. For a shorter hike - about 1.3 miles,

Fly Fishing a Muddler Minnow with the vintage Bamboo Fly Rod! Bass were liking the pattern! This trip I decided last minute to tie a Muddler Minnow on my trusty Peak Vise. The recipe called for: HOOK: TMC 9395 #2-14. THREAD: 3/0 Monocord. TAIL: Matched Turkey Wing Quill Slips. BODY: Gold Tinsel or braid. UNDERWING: Tan Calf or Squirrel Tail. OVERWING: Matched Turkey Wing Quill Slips. HEAD AND COLLAR: Natural Deer Hair After a few casts, I hooked into several Bass using a short pulls of the line. Seemed the Bass wanted movement. Do checkout the video; it's a short snippet of the trip!

Answering the mail on the Centerpin Reel I used to catch a couple trout. So far, I like it... able to try this method with spending too much! I bought the reel in Amazon but shipped from the UK. It took several weeks for it to arrive. While it was intransit, I watched a number of videos on centerpin fishing, casting, and techniques. After it arrived, I practiced casting it using a Wallis Cast that calls for pulling the line off the reel and then casting. Similar to a double haul cast when fly fishing. I still need to practice my cast to reduce the backlashes I get, but I am able to cast it far enough to fish local ponds. My intent is to try float fishing it at the local tailrace - Denison Dam and possibly Lake Lewisville Ecological Learning Area (LLELA).  Both, offer a great opportunity to drift fish. Given the reel as virtually no drag, line comes off easily and should offer a drag free drift when fishing a tailrace. Do check back for more. And, do checkout the video short to see the

A few updates from recent happenings from the Team! Key Items This Round: Artic Front is inbound with temps dropping over the next few days. Trout Stockings took place in Rowlett, Coppell, and Denton as scheduled. Fished Pottsboro and limited out using PowerWorms and Super Dupers. Also, first time using a Centerpin Reel, have to practice casting more! Plans over the next few days are to stay warm and prepare for the Christmas festivities!

What is in our tackle box when ultralight baitcasting aka BFS Fishing? Here is a video short detailing what we like! Of note are the Super Dupers in Copper, Gold, Silver, and Rainbow Trout!  Fish them low and slow when the trout are holding deep.  If active in the upper part of the water column, then fish them with a steady retrieve. Additionally, if no takers on either retrieve, then try a "stop and go retrieve" by reeling in, and then pausing for a second or two.  Wait for a strike as Super Duper slowly sinks and flutters on the pause! Also, Mepps Inline Spinners in Copper, Gold, and Silver hold a spot in our tackle box. Fish them with a steady retrieve and when the trout are holding in the upper part of the water column. Adjust the retrieve by reeling faster or slower until you get a strike. A "stop and go retrieve" may be called for on occasion.  But, typically, it is lure blade color and the trout's location in the water column that matter more. Rooster Ta

First time fishing with a Center Pin Reel. Had to practice and get my timing and release down. Managed to catch two Trout, improve my casting, and then closed out with ultralight baitcasting to get three more trout to make a limit. Do check back for more Center Pin Fishing. New way to fish for yours truly. Would be a great way to fish the tailrace at Denison Dam, Lewisville Lake Ecological Learning Area, and other rivers. For now, going to keep practicing at local ponds!

Keep the Texas Freshwater Fishery Center in Athens in mind for trout this season!  There is an opportunity to catch trout each Season to include a Bruiser that lurks in the ponds. Which pond does it lurk in? In this video snippet, the big one that went by was in the pond named "Zebco Pond". PS: Do check out other trips to the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center! Places to Fish... Revisited Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center! Answering the mail concerning questions about fishing at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens, TX. We fished it a couple of weeks ago and limited out on Rainbow Trout. Since then, had requests to provide more details on the specific places fished while we were there. This video intends to provide details as well as a bonus at the end... do stay till the end and do like and subscribe if you like what we are doing.   Texas Rainbow Trout Fishing | At the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center More Texas Rainbow Trout Fishing... made it to the Texas Freshw

 Trout Stocking Season continues here in Texas. Here are three locations to keep in mind this weekend!

Great time on the Blue River today. Opted for the Switch Rod knowing I would have a clobbered backcast fishing the spot I was targeting today.

Try holding your rod high when slow reeling a Super Duper for rainbow trout. Do let us know if it worked for you!

Trout stocking at our local pond - Bethany Lakes in Allen, Texas! Not able to see them stock the trout but did make it later in the evening. Lots of trout, lots of fishermen, luckily did manage to limit out!  Gear Used Shimano Reel 17 Scorpion BFS XG Right https://amzn.to/3K6KwFV Kastking Zephyr with clicker: https://amzn.to/3KB9H3D Kastking Zephyr: https://amzn.to/3sFbrPe BPS Micro Lite Rod: https://bassproshops.vzck.net/RyLezv Black https://amzn.to/3nvUIyO Copper https://amzn.to/3hw7HfX Rainbow Trout https://amzn.to/3947UT1 Brass https://amzn.to/391wJyU

Trout stockings are in full swing in Texas, and Oklahoma remains a hot spot for trout fishing fun, too! Do check out this livestream as we talk about catching a limit of trout using Super Dupers and Ultralight Gear! Gear Used Shimano Reel 17 Scorpion BFS XG Right https://amzn.to/3K6KwFV Kastking Zephyr with clicker: https://amzn.to/3KB9H3D Kastking Zephyr: https://amzn.to/3sFbrPe BPS Micro Lite Rod: https://bassproshops.vzck.net/RyLezv Super Duper Lures Black https://amzn.to/3nvUIyO Copper https://amzn.to/3hw7HfX Rainbow Trout https://amzn.to/3947UT1 Brass https://amzn.to/391wJyU

Fished the Blue River for trout this round. Opted for Super Dupers and Ultralight Fishing Gear. Three of us fished - two fished with Ultralight Spinning Gear and yours truly fished with Ultralight Baitcasting gear. Cold front rolled in the night before dropping the temps below freezing. Anticipating trout tending deeper, decided to fish Super Dupers. Stopped at Scotty's Blue River One Stop to restock on Super Dupers - picked up Rainbow Trout, Silver, and Copper Super Dupers to add to the gold and silver ones I  already had. After a quick check at the low water crossing, went downriver to fish. After finding the pattern limited out with three trout each! PS: Yours truly wore hip waders and went a little too deep. Lesson learned where Pants Waders or Chest Waders.  Also, we did have a wading boot blowout after many seasons. Secured the sole with rope to make it last one more trip. It worked... and has now been retired. Super Duper Lures Black https://amzn.to/3nvUIyO Copper https://am

Trout stockings are in full swing in Texas, and Oklahoma remains a hot spot for trout fishing fun, too! Do check out this livestream as we talk about catching a limit of trout!

Here is an impromptu livestream where we talk about fishing for trout using a simple but effective strategy!

Quick tip when fishing a Super Duper for trout. Let it sink, then reel slow! Give it a try!

This round I talk about Switch Rods and my practice session casting a Double Spey and a Snap C. Got lots of practice to go but still good to know the Overhead and Switch Casts are at the ready next time I take the Switch Rod. Of course, I had to catch a fish or two... so I fished a little creek. It's a lot more rod than needed for the Sunfish I was catching. Great practice for when I target trout! #flyfishing #fishing #livestream

 This round I recap Sunday's fishing trip to the Blue River in Oklahoma - specifically, Fishing flies I used Exploring the area north of Hughes Crossing What worked and what did not work And, what I would do next round Do checkout the livestream, and do checkback for more Livestreams from the Team!

More fun fishing the Blue River in Oklahoma this past Sunday. Morning started out below freezing and overall the trout bite slowed for some of us. But, I did manage to limit out with three trout. I did see some nice size ones moving about but no takers for yours truly. Also, did more exploring of the area north of Hughes Crossing and checked out "The Boulders" per Zach Flatt's recommendation - see his website at https://flattoutfishing.com/ for more details. Overall, it was a nice "chill" or maybe "chillier" day but it was sure lots of fun. Do check out the video. Also, will plan a livestream to step through the video and possibly answer any questions about the trip. PS: Shout out to the folks I met on the River! Awesome to meet ya'll. Appreciate the support; hope to see you again sooner than later on the River. #fishing #flyfishing #blueriver  Use a Walking Stick, Instead of a Wading Stick!

This round we talk about fishing flies to answer  the mail to a follow-on request to our earlier Fly Fishing Live Broadcast. Again, we take the Average Joe's point of view. Do checkout the livestream, and do checkback for more Livestreams from the Team! Here are the links to the articles and videos mentioned in the livestream. Types Of Fly Fishing Flies Wet Flies vs. Dry Flies: Everything You Need to Know Six fishing flies every Oklahoma fly angler should carry  Peak Fly Tying Vise How We Got Started Fly Tying

This round we talk about fly fishing from an Average Joe's point of view. Do checkout the livestream, and do checkback for more Livestreams from the Team! PS: Here are the videos mentioned in the livestream. Getting Started Fly Fishing - $33 Amazon Fishing Challenge Make Your Own DIY Fly Fishing Leader, Save $$$ COAF Live Chat Q&A - Nail Knot Tying Tool Casting a Micro Fly Rod... Demo Nail Knot Tying Tool: Making a Simple Line Strike Indicator Fly Fishing Presentations | Blue River OK Trout Fishing

This round we discuss ultralight baitcasting aka Bait Finesse Systems Fishing for Trout this Stocking Season! Do checkout the livestream, and do checkback for more Livestreams from the Team! #fishing #troutfishing #livestream PS: Here are the videos mentioned in the livestream. How I Set My BFS Reels.... No More Backlash? Texas Rainbow Trout Fishing | Ultralight BFS Fishing for Trout with 1/16oz Roostertails Trout Were Liking Inline Spinners... BFS Fishing Works! What Worked For Us Trout Fishing the Blue River... Ultralight Bait Casting and More! How We Caught Sand Trout at Galveston Fishing Pier Floating Minnow Kastking Zephyr with clicker Shimano Reel 17 Scorpion BFS XG Right

This round we discuss fishing opportunities at Denison Dam - tailrace to Lake Texoma, and the Nlue River Catch and Release area in Oklahoma. Yours truly was unable to go fishing this weekend. But, not deterred, can always talk about fishing as well as watch fishing videos in preparation for our next fishing trip. Do checkout the livestream, and do checkback... plan to use this format for providing timely updates to our Viewers! #fishing #flyfishing #densiondam

Snowed yesterday but go figure... just a few months ago kicked off the Vintage Lure Series with this nice one!  Fun stuff... time to shift to cold weather fishing and start targeting the trout stocking in our area. Do stay tuned as we are out about this Season!

Trying out a new format to provide impromptu fishing updates and other happenings from the Field Team. Thanks for stopping by!

Old School meets New School. Learned about the Oros Strike Indicator from Oklahoma Fishing Guide Donavan Clary. Strike indicator that uses a locking mechanism like the AirLoc Strike Indicator but does not kink your leader! Yours truly takes it out fishing with the Vintage Bamboo Fly Rod and catches a fish or two. And guess what?  No line kinks in the leader! Oros Strike Indicators

Another year has passed and another Winter trout stocking season is upon us. And, like in past seasons, yours truly modified the schedule posted by TPWD to sort by Stocking Date and the count of trout stockings planned for a location and its estimated trout to be stocked. Makes for ease of reference by allowing Readers to quickly see when the next trout stocking is planned. As changes are unexpected for various reasons like weather, do check for updates, changes, and corrections at TPWD’s website – 2022-2023 TPWD Trout Stocking Schedule. Also, here are some key items to be aware of: Pampa City dates appear suspect. Site showed stockings on 12/14/21 and 2/2/22 of which both dates have passed. Modified the dates to 12/14/22 and 2/2/23. Crowley Pond in Crowley showed in Collin County when referring to the County listings. Modified the county to Tarrant County where the city of Crowley is located. Dates for trout stockings at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (TFCC) in Athens show 12/1

Brief video of a tasty trout recipe that is simple but surprisingly tasty. Easy preparation. Give it a try! Ingredients: Three Rainbow Trout - total 6 fillets Salt Black Pepper  Garlic Powder Paprika Flour Butter Olive Oil Garlic Butter Sauce of your choice. We like Louisiana Fish Fry listed below. Directions: Dry each fillet with a napkin, and then lightly sprinkle Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, and Paprika on each fillet. Be sure to season both sides of each fillet. Next, coat each fillet  liberally in flour, covering both sides. Then, melt butter in olive oil in a pan large enough to hold 2 - 3 fillets. Once the butter is melted, increase heat to medium. And then, pan fry the fillets for 5 - 8 minutes on each side. Fillets are done when golden brown and flake when checked with a fork. When done, place the fillets on a plate with a napkin and then use another napkin to pat the fillet to remove the excess oil. Serve fillets on a bed of Rice Pilaf with a layer of Garlic Butter Sauc

This round I decided to mix things up and forego the low water crossing. Instead, I walked the area north of the crossing and explored the area. Learned a few things and even limited out on Trout! Great times fishing a river! PS: Here is the map referenced in the video of the Blue River.

Here is another simple but effective pattern to keep in your fly box this trout stocking season. Only need a dust mop and dubbing material, add a jig fly hook, and tie the material on... and you are ready!

Here is the fishing fly that produced for us recently on the Blue River in Oklahoma. Tried various fishing flies before settling on the Near Deere. Trout were taking both olive and white with the key factor being the presentation and retrieve - short pull retrieves! Do give it a try! Else, try a Wooley Bugger

​@COAF Field Team   follow up on an earlier video in case you missed it. The retrieve that worked consistently while fly fishing for trout on the Blue River in Oklahoma! Do give it a try... no strike indicator, short pull retrieve,  set the hook at any indication of a strike... line hesitates, twitches, or pulls or the fly disappears,...

Decided to fish the Blue River Saturday on short notice. Plan was to go next weekend, but not sure how work and play will conflict in the next few weeks. Saw an opening for Saturday, so went for it. Tied a number of fishing flies Friday night after work. Mainly tied Near Deere, Pat's Rubber Legs, and Mop Flies with plan to tie more GRHEN, Pheasant Tail Nymphs, and Muddler Minnows at a future date. Was worried that the heavy rain on Friday into Saturday morning would make the river murky and fast flowing. Luckily, the river stayed clear and the current was not heavy... actually seemed slow. Caught a number of trout releasing all but three. Lost a lot more as my mojo was off.  No worries, was a great start tot eh 2022 - 2023 Trout Stocking Season. PS: Shout out to Donavan and Okie Fly Gal... great seeing ya'll again. Hope to be back on the Blue sooner than later! Try a Redington Classic Trout Fly Rod in 5wt, 9ft

Limited out on trout today to kickoff the 2022 - 2023 Trout Stocking Season in our area! Lots of fun... did learn trout eat clams. Found a small clam in one trout after cleaning it!

It has been some time since we posted the Bass Weight Estimator on our archived blog - CityOfAllenFishing.blogspot.com , but after a few tweaks, it is available once again on our current blog - Stocker Trout Fishing ! Check it out and keep it handy when out in the field fishing for bass. Information is derived from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (link to TWPD's site) . It's meant for catch and release fishing for Bass and estimates the weight based on the length measured to the nearest 1/8 inch. Give it a try by clicking on the picture below, or clicking here - Bass Weight Estimator.

Decided to tie a Wooley Bugger to my  @GoFish Cam  several seasons back, and then "troll" it in a shallow side creek to the main channel of the Blue River. Was surprised how many trout were in the less than knee deep water as well as some that were near my feet! Step lightly when wade fishing! 

Good pattern to keep at the ready with the upcoming trout stocking season in Oklahoma and Texas for us local fishermen. It's a Mop Fly... simple, effective pattern that has worked well for trout fished on a dead drift under an indicator. Do keep this one handy for trout... but keep in mind, it works for Green Trout, too! PS: Here is a quick tie video of how I tie the pattern... Mop Fly!

Betts Hand Tied Popper did well even after getting clobbered multiple times by fish! Fish were liking the pattern. But, I had to eventually swap it for another fishing fly. Bett's Poppers from Walmart

Next in the $2 BFS Lure Series has your's truly fishing an imitation Rooster Tail. Learned a few things that has me leaning towards the Original over the imitation.

Back out to the local pond fishing a Muddler Minnow using vintage gear - Southbend Bamboo Fly Rod and Shakespeare Fly Reel. Was a little slow at first but managed to catch several Bass and Bluegill. Water was clear, could sight cast to most of the time. Was frustrating at times as I could see fish look and then turn away from the Muddler Minnow. Overall, the series has been a fun one to do!

Sometimes a downstream drift to trout may be needed. Here is how I fished the Blue River in Oklahoma one trip when trout were lurking in a pocket. Do give it a try! This trip the trout were not cooperating. They were staying in the pocket but were ignoring the fishing fly. I moved upstream and started using this retrieve and once I got the timing and depth dialed in, the trout struck immediately!

Round 3 of the $2 BFS Lure Series. This one has yours truly struggling fishing an imitation Snapbean. After using less line on the reel and tweaking the magnetic breaks, was able to cast the lure well. Just need to pay attention to casting into the wind... may lead to a backlash so be careful. Also, fished several ponds getting only a fish in each but did well the following day at another pond. Key take away... slow retrieve seemed to get more bites than a fast one! Check the lures out at Walmart Online!

TBT to a trip to the Lower Mountain Fork River fishing for trout at Beavers Bend State Park in Oklahoma. Was a fun time with warm temps but cool waters and lots of trout in the River! See full video at Lower Mountain Fork at Beavers Bend State Park ! Want to get started fly fishing but don't want to spend a lot; do checkout our video series - "Getting Started in Fly Fishing..."

Was out fishing the other day when something splashed in front of me. Was not sure but figured it was a Bass. Checked out the video; it was a Bass chasing a Bluegill.... who won?

Here is the second in the $2 BFS Lure Series where I fish discount lures using ultralight baitcasting gear.  First round, I fished a Crawdad. This time, I fish a hard bait that looks like a Yo-Zuri lure. I started out fishing a Chartreuse one but switched to an Inline Spinner because the pond had lots of greenery fouling the lure. Soon after, a Bass chased a Bluegill into the shallows directly in front of me. Got some cool video of it! That said, I cast the spinner and caught a Bass... may have been the one that was chasing a Bluegill! Afterwards, I lost the spinner to a Tree Fish. I decided to go back to the $2 Lure but went with a White one. I also removed the rear hook and left the front hook on in hopes of fouling the lure less. It did work, caught a Bass and also lost one! I learned a stop and go retrieve works well, and watched a Bass swallow the lure... I set the hook but did not land it. Fun times... to check back, playing around with another $2 Lure... another Yo-Zuri imitatio

Another round of fishing in the ongoing Vintage Lure Series where I find old lures at antique stores and fish them using ultralight casting gear aka Bait Finesse System (BFS) Fishing. So far, I have fished the following lures and posted videos on a playlist on YouTube - see video player at the end of this post. Lures fished so far: Round 1 - Cisco Kid Diver - Caught and released 7+ Bass Round 2 - Rapala Floating Minnow - Caught and released multiple Bass Round 3 - Abu Garcia Inline Spinner - Caught and release 20+ Bass For Round 3, I fished an inline spinner that was made around the 1960s. Working the bank of a local pond  which is more like a lake in size and affectionately called Lake Glenn after yours truly. The bite was steady with 20+ fish caught and released. It was Bass and Bluegill.  The Bass were small and scrappy; the Bluegill were small as well except for one section of the pond that held some Bruiser Bluegill. Do checkout the video! Vintage Fishing Series - Lures

Starting a new fishing series that looks at discount lures and their ability to catch fish. Keeping it simple, the series sets a $2 limit for purchasing the lure and focuses on Bait Finesse Systems fishing aka ultralight bait casting. Regardless, what gear you use, as long as you can cast the $2 lure, you should be able to give them a try fishing them in your area! Do check out the first in the series... Wal-Marts hard bait lure that I call the Crawdad! It will catch a fish or two! Available online at Wal-Mart... Click on picture for more details from Wal-Mart. Else, run to your local Wal-Mart and look for them selling for $2.00... specifically, $1.98 before tax!

On a whim, tied a Muddler Minnow and headed to the local pond with the Vintage Bamboo Fly Rod. After figuring our the pattern - short pauses between short pulls of the line, caught a Bluegill and several Bass! Lots of fun knowing that a fly rod that is older than myself can still be used. I am a little careful when landing fish. But, I do think the rod will land a good size Bass or other similar fish. Let's see if that happens sooner than later! Try tying one, else purchase them from Amazon!

Trout Stocking Season is a few months away in Texas. Here is a Shorts from last season where I am using inline spinners and ultralight spinning gear to limit out! See full video at  COAF Field Team YouTube Channel  

YouTube Shorts of a past fishing trip to Turner Falls Park in Oklahoma. That Season, they stocked trout above the Waterfall which made for interesting fishing as sections of the river were clobbered with brush and trees. Luckily, I found a nice spot that offered excellent access and focused my efforts on finding the pattern. After a number of fishing fly changes and varying retrieves, I noted the trout preferred an Olive Near Deere fished with short pull retrieves and no strike indicator. Also, the trout were readily striking but I missed a few until I began setting the hook as soon as I saw the trout "flash" in the water as it struck the fishing fly. Fun trip, do give it a try. But, do check with the Park as stockings may be delayed or canceled contingent on water conditions.

Tried the Bamboo Fly Rod for some pond fishing. Put a Fenwick Large Arbor fly reel initially, then switched to an old Shakespeare bought from Oshman's Sportimg Goods in the early 80s. Had a Bass on but lost it. Was being careful not to horse the Bass in. Later, caught Bluegill and then ended with a Bass that I did land. So far, liking the Vintage Fishing Series and fishing a fly rod from the past. Do check back for more!

Kayak Fly Fishing is fun! Even better with an OPST Commando Head to make it easier to cast from a sitting position! See full video at https://youtu.be/qnjuabWu4AU Clouser Minnow Pack Left Deceiver Pack

Fifty plus years old Rapala Floating Minnow  still can catch a Bass or two! Round Two of the Vintage Fishing Lure series gets more Bass. Not as big as the Cisco Kid Diver and the 7+ lbs Bass but the Rapala Minnow still rocks in the 21st Century!

Episode 24 in the "Little Red Book of Fly Fishing" podcast series where I review fly fishing tips…. This round it's tips 110 through 113! Tip 110: You Got to Pick a Pocket (or Two) Tip 111: Rock On Tip 112: Pillow Talk Tip 113: Rob the Banks Do check back on our next episode in the series where we discuss tips 114 - 117 . Tip 114: Rosenbauer's Rules Tip 115: Be the Tree Tip 116: Nervous Water Tip 117: Your Fly Rod Cannot See Good Luck and Good Fishing!

Found an old Rapala Floating Minnow lure while antiquing this past weekend. 30+ years old, still catches fish! Worked well with the Bass Pro Shops Microlite Rod and Kastking Zephyr BFS Reel with clicker!

Finally made it out to the local lake for kayak fishing. Opted for jug lines and Catfish fishing. Had to make a few modification to the jug lines per the Texas Fishing Regulations. Also, had to read the new rules for Catfish on Lavon. Different compared to past Season! Do check out the video!

Planned to fish with Bait Finesse gear for Bass and Bluegill. But, the pond was too clobbered with "green stuff" that fouled lures. Switched to fly fishing - Cabelas 2wt Fiberglass Rod and the Caddis Foam Grasshopper. Was a fun time ultralight fly fishing! Cabelas 2WT CGR Fiberglass Rod Orvis Battenkill II Bett's Bream Getter WT Bett's Bream Getter - Blk See more at Cabela's!

Decided to fish Pottsboro Lake in Pottsboro Texas this past Saturday. After a little rain in the morning, made it to the pond just as a cold front rolled in. Cold and windy, did manage three trout. Planned to catch trout using ultralight lures and a BFS Rod/Reel, but trout wanted PowerWorms. Good thing I had the Bubble and Fly Rig handy, just swapped the fishing fly for a PowerWorm. Bite was steady, just kept missing the hookset. Did get a few Bluegill and a Bass on the PowerWorms. Plus got some underwater video of what was lurking in the pond! Do check out the video! Great for Trout, too!

Received a request to post information on how we tie the Olive/Brown Near Deere - the fishing fly we used recently at Murphy City Hall Pond for Rainbow Trout. In reply, we posted a video below that demonstrates how we tie the fishing fly. Do check it out when you get a chance! Other key points: For the fishing fly we tie, it is a variation of the fishing fly that Texas Fishing Forum's Tarpon Fly posted several years ago. He described the pattern and noted its simplicity and effectiveness. When we tie the Olive/Brown Near Deere, we use Olive Marabou for the tail and Brown Flash Chenille for the body. However, the pattern allows for ease of mixing and matching colors with our favorites being Olive Marabou/Olive Flash Chenille and Olive Marabou/White Flash Chenille. It can be fished with or without a strike indicator as well as fished as a tandem rig with a GRHEN, Soft Hackle, or Nymphs. It is a consistent producer of Trout as well as other fish like Bass and Catfish in our are

Fished Murphy City Hall Pond this evening. Was cold but it was great to get a round of fishing in during the work week! Even better that we managed to limit out on Rainbow Trout. Used the Four Weight Fly Rod and the Olive/Brown Near Deere that worked the other day. Change in the retrieve compared to last time; long pulls and allow time for the fishing fly to sink instead of the faster retrieve we used on Sunday. Only fished for about an hour but it was enough time to catch and keep five, catch and release one more, and miss a lot more due to missed hook sets or thrown hooks. That said, looks like more cold temps and snow are in the forecast which may be a good thing to keep us focused on our day jobs! PS: Pictures of the Olive/Brown Near Deere and Today's Catch as well as Today's Video are posted below!

More tinkering around with Micro Fly Rods. This time making a handle using wine corks. Once done, going to dry fit the Ice Fishing Rod Blank before working on the Rod Guides. Hope this one turns out as good as the Micro Fly Rod I and Micro Fly Rod II.

Made it back to Murphy City Hall Pond before the front arrived. Used an Olive/Brown Near Deere, PowerBait, and a Super Duper to limit out! Fishing Buddy hooked up with three on PowerBait, one on a Black Super Duper, and one on an Olive/Brown Near Deere. I took a limit on the fly with an Olive/Brown Near Deere. Saw others hooking up as well! Not sure what they were using but the Trout were biting! Now it's time to bundle up and prepare for the colder temps and freezing conditions.

Looks like this Saturday should be a fun one for kids participating in Trout Derbies in the Murphy and Denison! For more information, do check out the their websites! Hope the rain does not delay things... cross our fingers! Murphy - Rainbow Round Up Denison - 17th Annual Youth Trout Derby

Fun time in Denison today. Nuclaroche and I fished Waterloo Park Pond. After a lot of missed hook sets to rising trout feeding on little, black bugs, we figured out the pattern - a COAF Griffith's Gnat in Size 16! The Trout started out taking dry flies on a dead drift but as the wind picked up and the insects started "skittering" on the surface more, the Trout were wanting more movement on the dry fly. Fun day, especially being able to catch them on dry flies. Also, had lots of fun casting and catching fish using the COAF Micro Fly Rod !