Fishing Tips

In Fish Creek, like many trout streams, there are only 4 places to fish. If you can master the techniques required to fish these four places, then you can be catching fish while your fishing buddies struggle. The "hot spots" to fish are (1) On the bottom, (2) Just above the bottom, (3) On the top, and lastly, (4) Just below the top. When out on the stream and you are having limited success, think about where your fly is and change the zone you are fishing in.

You cannot "think like a fish" when it comes to flies. Some of the best flies to the human eye do not resemble anything like an insect. However, flies that work the best, contains some of the triggering elements that fish respond to. Humans think that insects have a belly and a back and so we tend to place an importance to them in the design of flies. Fish only see an insect in the water from one vantage point so only that perspective needs to be presented. Flies riding on top of the water or trapped by the surface tension are obscurred to a greater or lesser extent. Impressionistic flies usully work better than imitations.

What follows are 4 flies that will allow you to fish the 4 zones where fish are most likely to feed. These are not the only flies that can be used and others may be used in the four zones that are just as effective. Like anything else to do with fishing, the fish have to cooperate and no guarantees are given that these or any other flies will work in a given situation. Isn't that what makes it fun?

On the Bottom

The Cased Caddis Larva is to fished on the bottom of the stream with a sinking tip line. Cast into the quiet pools or eddys and let it sink to the bottom. Then retreive it very slowly. The fly is designed to ride with the point of the hook facing up.

The Cased Caddis Larva

The Dead Drift Stonefly

Just Above the Bottom

The Dead Drift Stonefly is intended to be cast upstream and allowed to dead drift in the stream. Let it sink and remove enough slack in the line to allow you to set the hook but keep enough slack in the line so that the fly floats upright. Use an indicator attached to the leader if desired. The fly is designed to drift upright if no pressure is applied by the line. This mimics the action of the natural insect.

Just Below the Top

Fishing wet flies has become something of a lost art. However, they have their place in a fisherman's fly tackle. Cast this fly down and across, allowing enough line out to where fish are feeding and let it rise to the surface in front of the fish. This can be deadly.

The Black June

The Caddis Emerger

On the Top

The Caddis Emerger is a great floating fly. Grease it and fish it on top. A dead drift presentation is the best way to fish the emerger but be prepared to catch a fish when it dangles in the current.

By clicking on the images above you will find tying instructions for these four flies. They are not written in concrete and can be varied for different habitats. The use of a whip finish tool is shown in the following link. Good luck.

Fishing Tips for Fish Creek