FGFF new blog location here at blogger.

Its easier and faster than our old 'quick blogturd', which helps aleviate problems encountered while drunk posting. Which is in everyone's best interest.

I was playing with Wordpress.org stuff, and I guess I don't have the computer knowledge or the patience at the current time to set it up. I suck.

Winter Dry Fly

The forecast was spot on and the cold weather certainly put in an appearance. As made the hour's drive, the temperature continued to drop and it was a cool -2 degrees when I finally arrived. Several layers under neoprene waders was a minimum. On this beat you have to wade to get the best from the fishing. On the 1st December, this ceases and all fishing must be from the bank. This is to protect the salmon and trout redds as they start to spawn.


Heavy bugs was the call for the first couple of hours with little to show for my efforts. I spotted a few out-of-season browns (one about 2lb) sitting in slack water near the fishing hut. The water was carrying a little colour - the 'misty' colour that even chalkstreams take on when there has been some rain. The call for warm coffee and an escape from wading was essential. The morning passed and we approached the 'warmest' part of the day.


Amongst the seams of current I started to notice a few rises: just one or two at first; then more. Enough to encourage me to uses Klinkhamer with a tungsten-beaded nymph fished New Zealand style (with the nymph's tippet attached the bend of the dry-fly's hook). There was immediate interest in both. Sometimes a fish would pluck at the dry-fly. Other times, the dry just vanished indicating the nymph had been taken. The grayling were responding to the hatch of olives: the emerging insects carried by the current with small grey wings - like tiny sail boats.


Several grayling obliged; as did a big old trout that , judging by the state of its fins had already started spawning. Slipped back, I moved on to avoid catching any more out-of-season fish.

The grayling had their fill and within an hour it was back to the odd rise. The best of the sport was over. Back to the bugs for the last hour, but it was the dry that had reigned supreme today - even in the cold.

Learning to "Shake off the Stank"

In the world of fishing there are a couple kinds of "stank". There is good and bad stank. Good stank, for example is something that your just-caught-fifteen-big-browns-in-a-row nymph has on it. You are talking to your friends, and they say "don't lose that fly, man. Its got the stank on it."

You should never look like this.

Then there is the bad stank. The throw your pole in the water, pull your hair out, the-foliage-took-all-my-flies-and-I-can't-get-a-hook-set-to-save-my-God-Damn-life kinda stank. We have all had feelings like this, and for the briefest of moments we start to think of the guy who first said "a bad day of fishing is better than a good day of work" and want to punch him in the face.

And inevitably your fishing buddy, who is standing next to you pulling in fish like they are tied on a freaking rope when he turns to you and says, "Dude, shake it off."

Shake it off. Yea, just shake it off, just tap it in. Because up until this point the fishing gods have been raining nothing but shit on your parade, and you are ready to break your pole over your friends head and make the walk of shame back to the truck.

But, you don't. You don't leave. You know why? Because you are doing something you love, even if you may have forgotten it for a moment. So you stay. You tie on another fly and put it on the water. Maybe even catch something.

After you have calmed down and are OK with the fact that the 2 hours you spend tying flies are stuck in the bush behind you, you start to remember where you are. You are fishing, god dammit. You have your fly pole in your hand, standing beside some body of water, fishing. Now seriously, where else would you rather be?

Here are a few quick tips to get back to HappyVille:

1) Jagermeister

2) Think about all those other places you would rather be, and then realize that you are full of crap.

3) Peppermint Schnapps

4) Take pleasure in others fortunes. Like your buttface friend catching all the fish.

5) Whisky

6) Remember all the other big fish you caught and how happy you were then.

7) Beer. But remember, every time you walk away from your fly to piss you will miss a fish.

Remember folks, your fishing. How bad can it be?

Black Friday Deal...

Ross Cimarron and Rhythm reels are on super-duper clearnace at...

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/

Get 'em while you can!

It's beginning to look alot like...

deer huntin' season in PA!
The guys from Jersey are startin' to show up,

the farmers are working overtime trying to protect their horses and livestock,

hunters are rootin' around in the back of their closets and resurrecting their good old Pennsylvania tuxedos,

and the local drinking establishments are rolling out the red carpet in a big way.

Don't you wish you were here?

Friday Bacon...

The most important key on any keyboard...

when you just need some of that savory awesomeness!

Planning for Grayling

I am hoping to fish on Saturday. Forecast is for a very cold NE wind and temperatures not managing much more than 5 degrees. Fishing the Wylye valley usually means that the temperature stays even lower: I've had days when apparently the sun has been shining, but with the fog being heavy in the valley, it never made it above the magic zero degrees.

The Wylye (when it's a little warmer!)

When temperatures are that low, grayling will tend the shoal up and huddle in pods... sometimes tens of fish strong. However, they will usually feed at some point. The fly needs to be at the right depth the right size and acting in the right way. Suprisingly pink flies succeed. They imitate nothing-in-nature - well at least not to us. But do fish really see colour? Perhaps. But, I believe, not in the same way as we do. I have heard many, many arguments and discussions about this. We may never know. However, one idea that has always stuck with me is that pink is seen as a more neutral, grey colour. A colour (or shade?) that we do not perceive?


Either way, on a cold day with clear water, a pink fly can often persuade a grayling to take. Sometimes it needs to be big and bright, just like the previous pictures I have posted. Sometimes, just a hint of pink...


This hot spot 'Czech Nymph' is formed with a pink hen hackle - spun in a split thread. An interesting alternative fly.

Sometimes, a smaller fly, but equally bright will work. On their day a small pink-hackled spider ('soft-hackle) fly will bring the goods...

These flies' hackles pulse in the current and really give the impression of life - a sure imitation of olive or caddis larvae. Such a pink fly is, I suppose, quite extreme: it could make the purist of fly fishers wince. But why not use them? Well if they work...

More subtle, suggestive flies may be required though. Grayling can be very choosy when the mercury drops.

It always amazes me that, even a rise of a couple of degrees will see some olives start hatching. It doesn't take the fish long to adapt and start to rise. The hatch may only last for ten (maybe five) minutes, but a well placed emerger or dry will often bring the goods:

These two flies are some of the latest creations, using Rob McLeans Quill Bodies. A realistic alternative to dubbing bodies.

Hopefully the grayling will be ready, waiting and hungry when I get there tomorrow.

Tight lines.

Winter Weather

Since colder, wetter weather seems to be creeping upon us (could we actually be faced with a cold winter this year?), grayling are starting to shoal up in deeper water. This calls for heavier, leaded flies - some of may favourites being gammarus (shrimp) imitations.

The Pink Gammarus

Great for cold weather & clear water

The 'Parasite Gammarus'

Includes a 'hot-spot' imitating a parasite carrying shrimp

The 'natural gammarus'

All of these are given two layers of flat lead for ballast and are tied on #10 Kamasan B100 hooks.

Why begin?

Everyone has their 'thing', their 'interest', their 'passion'. For me, fly fishing and tying flies draw together my interest in the outdoors, science, art and relaxation whilst offering continual, new challenges. More than that - you never stop learning.



I see the blog an opportunity to share some ideas and thoughts; a chance to air ideas about this fascinating interest. Over the last few year I have found great pleasure in sharing ideas. I hope the blog allows to me to progress even further with this, letting me post my thoughts, creations and findings about the pursuit of catching wild trout and grayling with a fly.



Those that read the blog that share my interest in fly fishing, I hope, appreciate why I have started it, enjoy reading it and may even contribute. I hope that those readers that have never experienced fly fishing read it with interest and understand why people become so absorbed in this great past-time and sport



Thanks for looking,

Dave Wiltshire.

VIDEO: Running Salmon

Here's a short video of salmon on the River Lyd, leaping Hartley Weir after an autumn spate. We've slowed the video down a little to help you spot them. With high water for most of the summer and autumn, the fish have had plenty of chance to run to the headwaters where they should now be starting to spawn.
To get a closer look, click on the four arrows to the left of the word 'vimeo' at the bottom of the video screen.


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Happy Thanksgiving from Super Fly Charters !!!

We at Super Fly Charters would like to wish all of our family & friends a happy, safe & enjoyable Thanksgiving day...If you're one of the many that are headed out into the woods or are planning to spend some time on the water this morning...Please be safe!!!

Best to all, Capt. George Harris

Capt. George Harris
207-691-0745
www.superfly-charters.com

The ultimate Maine Striper fly fishing set-up

For the discriminating fly angler looking to fly fish the salt with the finest equipment available...check out these fine products...Sage "Xi2", Tibor "Riptide", Airflo "Cold Saltwater Ridge line"





No matter which saltwater challenges you face-from bonefish to billfish- Sage Xi2 Series rods let you concentrate on the fish instead of your casting. Built with our innovative Generation 5 (G5) Technology, Xi2 rods feel lighter and livelier than other saltwater rods. The Modulus Positioning System (MPS) that we developed for these rods provides a startling level of "line feel" throughout the casting stroke. This enhanced ability to feel the rod load allows you to apply power more efficiently.

The Tibor series of reels were first introduced in 1995 and have established themselves as the benchmark for custom-crafted fly reels. After years of development and input from the likes of Lefty Kreh and Flip Pallot, Ted was finally satisfied with a reel that truly has set a new standard in fly fishing reel technology.
The spool's large arbor design significantly enhances the rate of line retrieval which is critical when you're trying to control speedsters like bonefish, bonito, or wahoo.
As with all of Ted's reels, the drag system is absolutely flawless and has withstood the test of the world's most demanding game fish, including 250 World Records, so far. If you were to own only one fly reel, this is the one to have.

Fly fishers who brave the cold salt tend to expect more from their lines than other breeds of fishing folk. The elements are more extreme and require maximum performance flylines. Airflo has always held favor with this crowd; our super tough, low-memory polymer coatings withstand the severe conditions in order to keep you fishing and not fighting tangles. Airflo's newest cold saltwater lines include the Power Core technology, giving our most hardcore fishing crowd a zero-memory solution for their fishing needs. New for 2008, we've added the popular ridge technology to the Floating and Intermediate Cold Saltwater setup. If you thought these lines were slick before, you're in for a pleasant surprise!

We'll be posting reports about lots of cool gear that we at Super Fly Charters use on a daily basis...check back soon!!!

Capt. George Harris
207-691-0745
www.superfly-charters.com

You all know of Stew's proclivity for assless chaps...

Stew has always been a fan of assless chaps, and when I saw this I couldn't help but give props.
Presenting assless waders!
It even kind of looks like one of Stew's "FRIENDS" from the truckstop who know him as "Truckstop McShaft."
FOUND @ Moldy Chum.com

PROMINENT MAINE GUIDE SOUNDS OFF

Check out Capt. John McMurray's blog post The ecological musings of a fly fishing guide "PROMINENT MAINE GUIDE SOUNDS OFF"

Call us if you'd like to join us for a day or two this coming season. We'll be happy help you plan your Maine vacation!!! Depending on which region of the Maine coast you're staying on...we can provide you with info on all the top fishing guides. If fly fishing isn't your thing...no worries we're well equipped for light tackle & live bait fishing too!!!

Maine Flats Fishing Striper Guide
Capt. George Harris
207-691-0745
www.superfly-charters.com

Maine Striper Fishing Report: "Fly Fishing Show"

It's almost "Show Time" again...Why not take a day or three to visit one of the fly fishing shows this winter. Visit with "celebrity" fly tiers as they spin out incredible flies...chat with "fishy" fly fishing guides...Take in one of the amazing fly fishing seminars offered...learn from casting instructors as they effortlessly throw "circus show" lengths of fly line...Cast dozens of the "latest and greatest" fly rods that are "guaranteed" to cast further than last years "technologically inferior" models...Drool over the prospect of catching trophy Bones at exotic tropical fishing destinations...scour the fly shop exhibitors like "madmen" for new fly tying materials & fly fishing bling that you just "NEED" to have...Guided trips, new gear, rubbing elbows with thousands of other fly fishing enthusiasts...the SLIM chance to posssibly win one of the incredible door prizes...Is it the Greatest Show on Earth?...Nah...but what a great cure for cabin fever!!!

Here are a couple of the Shows where you'll find me this winter

Marlborough, MA:
Royal Plaza Trade Center
January 16, 17, 18 2009
Show Hours: Fri 10 - 6; Sat 9 - 5:30; Sun 9 - 4:30
Somerset, NJ:
Garden State Convention Center
January 23, 24, 25 2009
Show Hours: Fri 10 - 6; Sat 9 - 5:30; Sun 9 - 4:30

See You There!!! Check out www.flyfishingshow.com for details

Capt. George Harris
207-691-0745
www.superfly-charters.com

The Fly Fishing Show

Garden State Convention Center, Somerset, NJ

January 23, 24, 25 2009

Show Hours: Fri 10 - 6; Sat 9 - 5:30; Sun 9 - 4:30

Admission: Adult: $15 for one day,

$25 for two-day pass,

$35 for three-day pass;

Children under 5 free, under 12: $2

Scouts under 16 in uniform: free

Uniformed Military: $10

Family Day Sunday two adults and one or more kids -$25

Don't worry, the little bit of New Jersey that you get on you won't burn too much or leave a permanent mark.

9 Hours After Friday Bacon!

Mmmm, I can smell the sweet delicious bacon frying as I type. Nothing beats Saturday morning bacon.

Wisconsin Musky Hunt '08

Who knows musky? Not us. There is musky in Wisconsin, right? I guess. There is also a whole bunch of cold in Wisconsin. Just because my mother's family is from Turtle Lake does not mean that I understand how to survive in sub freezing, windy environments. But I have to say we did pretty darn good. Myself and Josh were fortunate enough to be able to stay at his fathers house on the bank of Lake Chetac. Beautiful lake, but not a musky lake, so it was off to the north 30 min up Country road "F" to Sand Lake where the action, or lack there of, commenced.

Did I say it was cold? Yea call me what you want, but having to break the ice out of the eyes of my pole between casts was a new experience for me. It wasn't pee-stream-freezing cold, but it was close enough for me. Cold enough and windy enough for me to abandon the 10 weight fly pole I borrowed from Eric at Dry Creek Outfitters. (plug)

After the first day there was some trouble getting the trolling motor battery to take a charge, luckily it was windy enough to get in some good drifting. The 4th day on Sand Lake Josh hooked the one you see above. It was not a very good hook and we spent so long being surprised and taking photos it shook off by the time we realized that we should probably try to get it in the boat. I still consider it a success even though I am left with a watching-striptease-on-cable-television kind of feeling. Just a little unsatisfying, you know?

But good beer, good friends and some time on the lake is all I can ask for. And you know what they say about a bad day of fishing.....

On the last day, on the last cast with my newly purchased 'bionic bucktail' I found this little gem hidden in the weeds. It's been a while since I have seen a Northern and it felt good to finally catch something.

We saw the sun for one day, and boy was it a sight for sore eyes. Kinda like a fat guy seeing a taco stand after days of wandering across the desert. I like tacos.

MILF OIL?

A rare sighting of Wisconsin Lake Testicles. If you forget to wear your long john's, your balls will look like this too.

Try and try as you might Josh, but you cannot hide from the icy grip of that cold lake wind.

Maine Saltwater Fishing Report

Sure...The weather up here in Maine has turned chilly as we are in the transition period between the Fall & Winter seasons, Yeah...snow will surely be flying soon...in fact i've already seen my first snow flurries of the fall season...many NE sportsman have shifted their focus from fishing to hunting...Do yourself a favor...Don't put away all your rods just yet. Pick a good day, grab your 5wt and head on down to one of the many bodies of water that allow year round open water fishing. The St.George river is a great example, yeah the Striped Bass & Bluefish have departed but the upper stretches offer some of the best fall/winter trout fishing in the state. The upper St. George is managed primarily as a Brown Trout fishery, but you'll likely encounter Brookies too. Stone fly nymphs, midge larva, Gold Ribbed Hares Ear nymph, caddis larva, Adams Regular and parachute, wooly buggers and muddler minnows, black nosed dace and grey ghost streamers will generally work all year.

Ask us about the "Sea Run" Brown Trout we have on the St. George tidewater...if you think stalking Striped Bass on the flats can be challenging...come try your hand at the "Sea Run" game...just bring plenty of patience...and warm clothes!!!
* Remember to be safe, the water is very cold this time of year...fish with a buddy!!!

To all that have fished with me during the 08' season....I'd like to say thanks again. It was a real pleasure guiding you & i'm looking forward to seeing ALL of you again in 2009.

I'd also like to thank all the Maine Guides & Charter Captains from around "Maine's Striper Coast", Fishy Guides from "Downeast" Maine, Penobscot Bay, The Kennebec river, Casco Bay and Southern Maine. MANY THANKS to those that referred clients to us or shared info with us.....some of you, I had the pleasure of working directly with...THANKS!!!...your professionalism is what makes us some of the best fishing guides in the business. Looking forward to doing it all over again next season...and maybe share a beer or two this off season!!!

Wow...Reservations are already coming in for the 2009 Maine Striper & Bluefin Tuna fishing season....It's looking like 2009 is going to be another extremely busy year for Super Fly Charters.
Call us to set up a time...gift Certificates are available for the perfect holiday gift.

Capt. George Harris
207-691-0745
www.superfly-charters.com>

Nice browns not far from town

I've heard Rose Canyon described as anything from a minnow farm to a mosquito factory in the many years I have fished it and although a picture worthy fish is not often seen, this season is different.. This year Arizona game and fish stocked brown trout anywhere from fingerling size on up to 6 pounds Here are a couple of decent sized browns taken recently by the FGFF boys. The flies that are working the best on them right now are a #12 elk hair caddis and #14 Ausable wolfe. These patterns are also bring a considerable amount of rainbows. The road in is closed right now but you can park by the gate and walk down. Remember to get your catalina highway day pass so you don't get a ticket for parking along the highway. It's a good distance walk(1 to 1.5 miles) but worth it for the quality fish you will find at the end of the road and being that you had to walk that far there will be none of the lazy, loud, obnoxious, novice fishermen you normally see there in the open season.

Update: The Coach Cave

Overlooking the compound... Touring the luxurious lower level...

Check out the new feces transfer module...