Anybody shake trees
When was the last time you went to the stream, looked around, saw nothing coming off, then decided to shake a tree. (Picture that in your mind) Now it's not that your mad at the tree, or frustrated about the lunch you picked up at the drive through. It's about bugs you know.
After starting this web site with my good buddy Craig, I've learned some interesting ways of finding out what's been going on at the stream. These where not invented by me mind you, but mainly from fisherpersons I've met making the rounds. Most were open about how the fishing was, especially when they got to see me a few times and realized I was not a total nut. I have to admit some people were suspicious, wondering what the heck, is this guy doing with that stick, and how about the suit and tie! Well luckily most fly fisherpersons are good people.
This is what I do when I go to the streams. Like I said, it may not be new for all fishing-person's but it will give the information needed to make a call as to what's for dinner. (If nothing else you can join the what the #@$&* is he doing club)
Sometimes, I feel like a dog sniffing around the trees and brush trying to see Caddis or Mayflies hanging out on the bark and leaves. It is amazing what you can see when you put all of your interest in looking around, as opposed to running into the water and beating it up with a stick. You'll see when ants start to become a food source, along with other terrestrials.
I love spider webs, yes a web can tell you what's for dinner. Spiders feed on bugs just like trout. You know the Mayfly or Caddis that's in the web has not been there for to long. Although if it's sucked dry it will be smaller than the hatch coming off. Color too will be off, but what the heck, it's a bug, Mayfly or Caddis it's a bug. Chances are the size will be close to what you'll tie on. Besides the more flies you tie on the better you become at tying knots right!
Don't neglect to look at your feet. Caddis ie: chimarra love to hang out on the rocks. Along with chimarra, other Caddis and Mayflies emerger on rocks and logs along the waters edge. What about little fish, dace and other small fry including baby trout, they hang near the waters edge. A careful stalking can lead to alot of information.
How about back eddies, or whirlpools near the waters edge. Craig and I have spots where we collect our data that reveal nymphs in the film, emergers stuck in their shuck, even nymphs breaking through the wing case, along with duns, cripples you name it, it's there. Don't be afraid to pick up a rock near the waters edge also. Mayflies and Caddis that migrate toward the shore line mite be there also. All right in front of us. It's really a field laboratory.
You'll miss out if you don't check the bridge! Many Caddis love to hang out on the warm concrete, iron and wood surfaces of bridges. They'll even let you pick them up in the morning before it gets warm. Stoneflies make it a point to fly after emerging to the warmest spot. I've seen thousands in one stop clustered together.
Have you ever seen a big fluffy foam thing in the stream? No it's not a toy or something else, it's lots of little bubbles all gathered together in one spot below some riffles. Investigate this messy blob and chances are you'll see last nights spinners, or some cripples.
Lastly I like to get down low, close to the water, look out over a distance to see what's coming off, you'll see more if you decrease your angle to the water. The closer you look the more you'll see. Oh! if you do this with a tie on, beware!!!
That's right, step right up and take a turn. See the wonders of the universe.
Any way it's fun and I like it.
Henry