Paul's May 2017 Fly of the Month

PT3 UV BL Nymph

(Pheasant Tail Variation)

Hook:  Your favorite nymph hook.  Tie and fish these in sizes #12 to #16.

Thread:  Black or brown 8/0 uni thread.

Tail:  Natural CDC feather fibers.

Body:  For size #14 nymph, 4-5 fibers of Pheasant tail.

Rib: Thin UV mylar tinsel or krsytal flash

Thorax:  Synthetic UV peacock dubbing or UV peacock black dubbing.

Bead:  Gold tungsten or color of choice.

Hot Spot:  Red thread.

This is just one of the best nymphs going without any improvements.  Why mess with a fly that works so well?  Well there are a few added “Trout Triggers” here.  If your fishing a lot of TMA’s, sometimes you can do a lot better fishing something just a little different than anyone else.  So what’s different about this fly?  First, the tail with it’s CDC fibers, create movement.  Secondly, the UV enhancement makes the fly extremely visible.  Finally, it has a hot spot, one that is very unique in that it is located in front of the bead.

To tie this fly begin by placing the bead on your hook.  Place it in the vice.  Take your red thread and create a “hot spot” in front of the bead.  Tie and cut off your thread.  Behind the bead start your black or brown thread.  Wrap down to the tail.  Tie in your natural CDC fibers.  For a size #14 Nymph I use almost an entire feather.  It should be a little more than a hook gap long.  Now tie in your UV rib.  Next, tie in 4-5 pheasant tail fibers.  Wrap them forward with hackle pliers just as you would for a standard pheasant tail nymph.  Leave enough room for your thorax.  Dub a thorax with your UV dubbing.  Tie and cut off your thread and your done.  How simple is that.

If you have any questions about this fly or would like to submit a Fly of the Month I can be reached at 203 305-3850 or at pdinice@frontier.com . 

April 17, 2017 Fishing Report & Video of Will Stone landed a Hous striper.

Fishing Report April 17, 2017

Upper Housatonic – The upper river is flowing at 1,800 CFS this morning.  Keep an eye on flow.  As soon gets down to around 1,500 CFS you can wade most areas.  Reports I’m getting that the first Hendricksons have been spotted.  I love to fish this river the first time it gets to a fishable level in the Spring.  I’ve always done well fishing to fish that haven’t seen a fly in a long time.

Farmington River – As with most rivers the recent rain should improve fishing on this river.   The reservoir finally has a decent amount of water.  Water flow is high than we’ve seen in a very long time. The river is chock full of fish, hold overs and recent stockies.  That being said, the reports of fish being caught have been less than stellar.  This may be the result of the water temps being too cold at the moment.  Also due to the increased flows.  Hard to tell.  With this heat spell the water should warm up and the fish should become more active.  There should be a lot more insect activity too.  The first Hendricksons have also been spotted. 

Smaller Streams – This is a great time of year to fish smaller streams in your area.  They are loaded with fish.  I’ve been out a bunch of times fishing the ones in my vicinity.  Unfortunately, I have not been doing well fishing them.  Most are flowing at higher than normal levels and the water temps are on the high side.  I’ve seen a ton of “little black stones” on all the streams I’ve fished, but the trout haven’t been on them.  Again, keep your eye on warmer water temps and increased insect activity. 

Lower Housatonic – The lower Hous is fishing extremely well right now.  You don’t have to match the hatch,  traditional ties of deceivers & clousers will do the trick.  Migratory fish haven’t arrived in strong numbers yet but the river is full of hold over fish.  Some of them are decent size fish.  I landed my first keeper the other night.  Unfortunately I sliced my finger open on the striper’s gill plated.  A new first for me.  I went home all bloody and looking like a serial killer.  Best time to fish the river is on the outgoing tide. 

Below is a video of friend Will Stone landing a spring Hous Striper: