Corbett Lake Outing

The Olympic Fly Fishers had another outstanding outing at the annual Corbett lake this year with warm sunny weather and very little wind the whole time. Everyone caught fish some big fish like the ones caught by Ron Sather,Buzz Burgett,Roy Stevens and by former Club President Randy Patterson and I am sure a few other big ones were caught that I didn't here about. By big I mean fish from 8 to 15 lbs. There were a lot of 16 to 22" trout to be had also.

 

Ron Sather hooked a couple of very large fish on his black bugger and full sink line. Randy Patterson on the 1st day of fishing caught two of the largest trout he had ever caught on a stillwater nymph. Mike Bunney caught a good number of fish on a California Blonde dry fly,please note the use of word dumb used with this fly is not "PC". Ken Walkowiak and Roy Stevens shared a boat and that is when Roy landed a 12 pounder. These two guys trolled around the lake and caught a bunch of fish. Don Summers and Gene Anthony both did very well with the stillwater nymph pattern and other small nymphs. Buzz Burgett and his son both did well as did Bud Camandona,Jim Gautt,Jim Hagy,Denis Kibby,Randy Sobczak and Mike Truax who came up on the third day. Dan Reynolds and Randy Patterson had a great day catching many fish on a small dry fly pattern Dan had found on the internet called a ,"Texas Piss Ant". Dan and Randy fished the reeds at the far end of the lake. The next day Dan had another great day dry fly fishing and catching a bunch of fish on an adult damsel pattern. Oh yes there were some fish caught with chironomids but not much sign of any hatch.

 

For those members who have not fished Corbett lake yet you had better consider going next year Itâs a great fishery and only about 4 hours away.

 

Thank you to Dan Reynolds for the recap of the Corbett Lake outing

The Tightline
Text Box: Olympic Fly Fishers of Edmonds Volume 4 Issue 6 June 2005

Club meetings:

The 2nd Wednesday of every month @

South County Senior Cntr.

220 Railroad Avenue

Edmonds, WA

Social hr @ 6:00 PM

 

Club Board Meetings:

The 4th Wednesday of every month @

Alfiâs

196th Avenue

Lynwood, WA

Dinner @ 6:30 PM

 

 

Ken Martin proudly displays two of his many trophy size fish he landed at this years Corbett Lake outing.

The following is an interesting article that appeared in the Washington fly fishing website.

 

What is a Fly?
by Don Johnson

 

What is a fly?  Is it merely a conglomeration of materials bound to a hook and designed to bamboozle a fish? Yes and no. For many, a tied fly is a commodity purchased so we can enjoy the sport and challenge of fly fishing. For others, through the art and craft of fly tying, a fly becomes a means by which they elevate their respective participation to a higher plane, which offers its own gratification. Some see it as an all-consuming religious pursuit requiring copious hours spent paying homage to the masters of yore through the meticulous study of their methods and techniques which then are manifested in glorious patterns likely never to see one drop of hydration. What follows is but a few samples of what denominations are available to those fitting the latter category of tiers:

 

The First Rotational Congregation of the Church of the Fly is an Anglerican denomination of Rotarians committed fully to the promotion of the benefits and techniques of tying flies in the true rotary fashion. Some believe Norm Norlander is the Prophet behind this particular movement although Guido and Guiseppi Mercedes-Benzetti may in fact be playing a much less significant role behind the scenes.

 

The Seven Day Apprentice church promotes the preservation and use of the venerable Thompson A vise. This church is very basic and really stresses old-school methods practiced daily throughout the week as a general form of education for those wishing to take up the craft as a future form of income. This church is often confused with the Seven Gay Apprentices which is actually a rogue band of fledgling interior decorators under the inspiration of the hit TV show "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy".

 

Then there's the More-Ons. Einstein was quoted once as saying "Things should be as simple as possible but not any simpler". In the More-Ons' opinion Einstein is burning in hell and is the root of all evil. There is never a fly tied that has a minimal number of materials, steps or obscure techniques. It is quite often the case that flies tied by this group need three or four members to assist the tier while materials are applied. They don't tie on anything smaller than a size 1 hook because of the amount of room required to apply dozens of materials. So if you always feel enough is never enough, look these guys up.

 

Members of the Ephemerellical Mission of Conscientious Crafting (EMCC or e=mc2), contrary to the More-Ons beliefs, are very minimalistic and scientific in their approach to fly tying. They cherish Einstein's theories of fly design (Big Al was a great fly tyer; this is a little known fact) and truly believe the connection between the fish and what fly to choose is relative, hence the famous Theory of Relativity. Following their minimalistic nature, they have gone so far as shirking the use of tying thread all together and instead promote the use of van der Waals forces (big failure for wet flies), static electricity, magnetism and even superconductivity in the application of materials to a hook. Of late they have been reconsidering thread as a result of the advances in the ãString Theoryä.

 

Anyway, their most famous pattern, the Angstrom, is a miniscule micro-ant pattern banned by the IAEC (International Atomic Energy Commission) after the loss of a fly resulted in what many think was the root of the Chernobyl "accident". The offshoot of this horrible incident was a very popular ant pattern proven effective in many freestone rivers of the Western US. As an aside, recent dealings in Iraq have not turned up any WMDs but rather three factories dedicated to the production of a size 25/0 rendition of the Angstrom for use in Islamic commercial fishing applications. If you think Jesus could produce fish you should see what one of these babies can do!
 
The CatHolics are an old and traditional group that emphasizes not only the incorporation of domesticated feline into the many facets of fly construction, but a lot of guilt if not. They, as a result, are not in high standing with the SPCA, for obvious reasons. If your cat Fluffy should be renamed "Patches", this is the group for you. Meetings are every Sunday with Holey Days of Obliteration (group retreats to fix leaky waders) held several times throughout the year. The demands are rigorous though and failure to comply can result in the need to tie many Hairy Maries as a form of penance.

 

The Fluids are, in the opinion of the aforementioned "mainstream" religions, to be considered Pagan. Water is the main focal point of this religion and anything that compromises the integrity or constitution of Mother Nature's finest liquid is considered blasphemous. As a result, the dry fly is held in high esteem in this religion. So, if you have a pristine collection of Whiting Platinum Hackles, you ought to consider joining this flock; they are definitely not all wet.

Yin and Yang have also gotten into the picture, although their emphasis is more on the fishing application of the flies rather than the tying itself. They strongly promote and preach the advantages of using a dropper system. In this fashion, one can fish up and down, top and bottom, dark pattern and light, dry and wet...you get the point (and hopefully the fish will too). Primarily an Eastern religion, it is realizing increased popularity in the West over the last decade or so.

ISlamIts are a radical fundamental group whereby members are only allowed in after proving themselves by recording Grand Slams like bonefish, tarpon, permit on a fly in the same 24-hour time period. There are different sects, some concentrating on freshwater species, some saltwater and those that are confused and do both. The latter are technically referred to as Transpiscator ISlamIts, sometimes called Switch-Hitters, and target Pacific salmon, steelhead and other anadromous species in either water type.  

If religion isn't your bag, get the Anthony Bobbins videos on fly tying self improvement, tap into your inner creativity and you too can reinvent the Adams, Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear and many others.

June Guest Speaker

 

Our guest speaker will be Jack Cook, a guide and spey casting expert. According to his website, Jack has been flyfishing for Steelhead and Trout for 15+ years in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, British Columbia, Alaska, Sweden, and Russia. I have spent the last 10 years guiding clients on the same rivers. I have been lucky to be part of the second generation of Northwest Steelhead anglers and have access to the likes of Ralh Wahl, Harry Lemire, Jerry Wintle, Alec Jackson, Wes Drain as well as inspiration from folks like Syd Glasso. Fishing is a Zen experience to me and I will be happy to help you understand how it can be for you. You can learn more about Jack and his services through his web site at www.flyfishwa.com

 

Jack will be doing a live demonstration on the beach for the Club during the meeting.
Text Box: June Fishing Reports÷Washington Lakes (www.westfly.com)

The Fly Fishing Priest

 

The priest was a fly fisherman, but he hadn't fished in many months. One perfect Sunday morning he couldn't resist temptation. He called up the Bishop and claimed he had the flu. The priest then headed out to his favorite spot.

 

The fly hadn't been on the water five minutes before he got a strike, and landed the biggest Rainbow Trout he had ever caught. Twenty minutes later, he caught the biggest Rainbow Trout he had ever seen. Another 20 minutes later he landed a Rainbow that broke the world record.

 

All along St. Peter and God had been watching the priest from heaven. St. Peter turned to God, and said, "How can you reward this priest? He lied and let down the congregation."

 

God smiles at St. Peter, and replies, "I'm punishing him."

St. Peter is confused, so God continues, "Well, after he finishes, who can he tell his story to?"

 

 

Washington Lakes
Callibaetis mayfly hatches will be common on many lakes this month. They usually occur late-morning to mid-afternoon. For several hours before the hatch, trout will feed on active nymphs. Cast your fly and retrieve it slowly, using an intermediate line with a long leader. Weedy areas are particularly good. A Flashback Pheasant Tail, size 14, should work quite well. During the hatch use a Callibaetis Cripple, Sparkle Dun, or Comparadun and a floating line. If the wind is too strong for a surface fly, go back to the Pheasant Tail.
 
Trout will also be feeding on midges. Look for hatches at midday and in the evening; carry midge pupa patterns in a variety of colors, including tan, brown, black, and olive. The static midge tactic should work well most of the time. An adult midge pattern, such as a Griffiths Gnat, can work well, too. In my experience, the productivity of a Griffiths Gnat is in proportion to the elevation of the lake. I've never met anyone who agreed with me on that point, but I still believe it to be true.
 
With warmer water, dragonfly and damselfly nymphs become active and are taken by trout and other fish. Dougs Damsels and Marabou Damsels work well for the latter.
 
It's hard to go wrong with a Woolly Bugger or Seal Bugger on a slow-sinking line, such as an intermediate or a Wet Cell II.
 
Don't ignore terrestrial insects on lakes! Ants and beetles are often blown out of trees and onto the water. Those mystery hatches that you think are midges may in fact be an ant fall.
 
Weed growth will be a problem on many lakes as the water warms up. Algae blooms will increasingly be an issue, as well. Trout will become sluggish with warmer water. So your best prospects may come from lakes in cooler parts of state, such as farther north or at higher elevations.
 
Rob at Orvis Seattle (in Bellevue; 425-452-9138) notes that late June is a good time to try out lakes that hold bass, bluegill, and crappie. Evening fishing can be excellent and uncrowded, you can use most of the same gear you'd use for trout, and there are many easily accessible waters near major urban areas. Some suggestions are: Sawyer, Meridian, Beaver, Pine, and Sammamish lakes. This fishing will hold up for another month or so before the water warms up and fish go too deep for fly gear.
 
On the east side of the Cascades, the desert lakes will be warming up. They are fading quickly as a fishing prospect; they'll return in the fall.
 
 
Amber Lake
Fishing was decent at the end of May; angler success varied with the weather. This month you can expect some damselfly activity. Start with nymphs early in the month, then look for trout taking adult damselflies late in June. If you spot activity, try an adult damsel pattern.
 
Expect midge hatches in late afternoon and evening. Early morning and evening are good times to cast a leech pattern. Callibaetis hatches can also be expected this month.
 
Later in the month, the evening hours will probably be the best time to fish.
 
 
Chopaka Lake
June is usually a good month for Chopaka. You can expect reliable Callibaetis hatches this month, especially if the weather warms up a little and steadies out. Carry patterns to imitate Callibaetis (all stages) and damselflies (nymphs). A variety of fly lines in different sink rates is a good idea, but don't go near the water without an intermediate sinker and a floating line. Size 14 and 16 Flashback Callibaetis and Flashback Pheasant Tail, and size 8-10 Marabou Damsels do well on the intermediate line. Timberline Emergers can be a good pattern here during the Callibaetis hatch.
 
Sparkle Duns, Callibaetis Cripples, and Parachute Adams are good patterns to put at the end of the floater. You should also carry some leech patterns in your fly box.
 
You might also bring along some Lady McConnells. This regional midge emerger pattern has a peacock herl body and a deer hair wingcase; the deer hair is pulled over the back and tied off with the ends sticking up--Quigley-style. A grizzly hackle trails out the back of the fly to imitate a shuck. Blood Midges should also be in your fly box.
 
Rainbows are typically 14 to 20-inches. You can fish from a float tube, but it's a big lake.
 
Cool weather will lessen the intensity of the Callibaetis hatches, but increase the length of time over which they take place. The impact of this is that trout become less aggressive during the hatch, but more receptive to other patterns--the Callibaetis become targets of opportunity, just like everything else that swims. So if you're not catching anything during a hatch, try going subsurface with a leech or damselfly nymph. A big Woolly Bugger or Scud can work well in the evening hours.
 
 
Dry Falls Lake
Fishing was reported to be better than last year at the end of May. That's a back-handed compliment, but there it is. Once it turns hot, fishing will slow down. When it's hot, your best fishing will probably be in the morning and evening and in the deeper water. During warm weather you're not likely to see many trout in the shallow flats.
 
Callibaetis and damselfly nymphs will provide most of the action, with some midge activity in the evenings. Another good choice is a streamer pattern. Your best fishing with streamers will be early in the morning and at (and after) dusk.
 
Early in the month you may see hatches of Caenis mayflies. These size 22 insects are like tricos, only they have white bodies as well as white wings. Tactics are similar to trico tactics.
 
 
Lenice, Nunnally, Merry
These lakes begin to slow down in June as the weather warms up and weed growth/algae blooms become problems; also, trout grow sluggish with the warmer water.
 
Fish can still be caught, however. The early part of the month will be best. Damselfly nymphs and Callibaetis in all their stages are on the menu here. If there's a cold stretch, trout will be more likely to hang out in the shallows and you'd do well to ply your fly in areas such as the west and north shores of Lenice and around the islands. If it gets hot, stick to deeper water during the day, and shallower water near dawn and dusk.
 
Wind is often a factor here. However, just because the water isn't placid don't assume you can't fly fish. If you can safely be on the water, and if you're a good caster, use an intermediate line and a small streamer such as a size 10 olive Woolly Bugger. Cast at right angles to the wind and retrieve your fly with either a stutter retrieve or a quick strip. This is amazingly effective when it works (it doesn't always work, however). The reason is that trout come nearer the surface when it's rough (wave action puts more oxygen into the water, the broken surface offers security, and baitfish and other food organisms become disoriented and vulnerable in the tossing waves). Trout will have their noses into the current, so casting at right angles gives them a broadside look at your fly.
 
 
Lake Lenore
Few anglers come here in June, heading to Grimes Lake instead. But those that have made the effort can find multi-pound Lahontan cutthroat. The fish are not all packed into the north end, so you have to use your brain and eyeballs to find them, but they are out there and they will take flies. If you hit a Callibaetis or midge hatch, and the trout are feeding near the surface, you could have good fishing. Try a Flashback Pheasant Tail on an intermediate line before or after (or during) a Callibaetis hatch; use a slow retrieve. Damselfly nymphs are another good choice for June.
 
 
Merrill Lake
Fishing was fair-to-good in May. As warmth returns, Callibaetis, ants, and alderflies will become active. As long as the water is in the willows, try an alderfly imitation cast near them. Alderflies look like large, black caddis, but if you look closely you'll see that they have no hair on their wings. That hair is what makes caddis float--and the lack of it is what makes alderflies sink. So when an alderfly falls onto the water, it slowly sinks. When imitating this behavior, cast an alderfly imitation, such as a size 10-12 black Soft Hackle, near the willows. Then let it sink, giving it an occasional twitch. Let it sink 2-3 feet before casting again. Use a heavy tippet.
 
A streamer should work well in the main part of the lake.
 
Merrill's vaunted Hexagenia hatch can start as early as the last week in June, with a few precocious bugs popping up before that. Heat gets this hatch going, so if we have a stretch of hot weather near the end of the month, head up to Merrill in the evening with some Hexagenia Paradrakes and Quigley Cripples. The coves near the boat launch are good places to fish.
 
Mark at The Greased Line (360-573-9383) notes that size 8 winged ants and size 12-14 ants are often blown onto this lake, and fishing an ant pattern near the shore is good strategy.