Pike video

Don't laugh. Or, go ahead and laugh. I've been messing around with video. It is pretty shaky and not too creative. But it gives you an idea what I've been up to. I didn't get any big fish this day, but a couple for the camera.

Iowa BWO's

I fished a nice BWO hatch a while back on an Iowa stream. The big browns were doing their thing in the shallows. The little guys were sipping dries.

Iowa Driftless

It's been a mild November in Iowa. Pics from a recent outing. I love the driftless.

Don't underestimate the pheasant tail

Pattern on the left has been the champ

On a recent trip North for Steelhead I was drifting a nice bend without success. I switched my setup to a bead head pheasant tail and hooked up immediately. After two fish my last PT was shredded (pictured bottom left of foam). I was kicking myself for not having more of this great pattern. It's also the only pattern I've been able to fool the local grass carp with. It doesn't really matter what variation of the PT you tie. The point is keep a good supply on hand. It's rarely the first fly I throw but it's a damn good "plan B". 

Late Season Pike

There is a small backwater below my house. When we first moved in, it was less than 2 feet deep throughout. Last fall, there was a large flood on the Black river that ripped through the backwater, cleaning it out. After the flood there were places that were 10 feet deep. If you search through the archives of this blog, you'll see that we caught some nice pike last winter in the deeper holes. Well, they are back and they are taking flies, any fly.

Chrome

My first taste of Chrome. Had an absolute blast with some friends up North. This was my second chance in 10 years at steelhead. Wish I lived closer to these awesome fish. Thanks Tim, Luke and Nate!

November Steelhead

"Where have you been?" I ask, curiously mixed with wonderment. What collaboration of instincts, what fusion of natural forces sends a hundred smolts to sea and returns to me this single adult? -Trey Combs

October Fly Fishing

Fishing the local water in October. Looking for pike, carp, and bass. Not a lot to say -- most of the time I'm catching the skunk. Regardless, I'm loving the cool weather and fall colors.

carp flies