Aspire to be great, but expect little

Double trouble on a tough day

By my calculations, it was June the last time I casted to a hungry carp on Lake X.  I pondered this while dreaming of what Saturday morning would bring.  With the fall weather finally upon us, thoughts of 2014 danced in my head.  My daydream began with me parking on the side of the gravel road.  The crisp September air prompted the addition of my windbreaker before rigging up.  A quick glance up at the lake left my jaw on the tailgate of my truck while I watched hundreds of common carp sipping on the surface.  What a morning at Lake X that was.

Flash forward to present time reality, and my alarm was already set.  On the road by 6:30, fishing by 7.  I picked up Burt before heading north.  With rain in the forecast for that morning, we wanted to make it with plenty of fishing time to spare.  Recent experiences, along with limited exposure to Lake X over the summer, had forced high expectations upon my rational thought processes.  Today was going to be a great day!  

We arrived to cool, calm, foggy conditions.  Seemingly perfect for fall fishing.  But where were the fish?  Usually, the drive along the rip rap offers up mouth watering anticipation.  Strike one for expectations.  No worries!  They're probably all back in the bay.  We come around the corner expecting to see fish crashing out of the water, and cruising the surface, only to find...nothing.  Steeeeerike two for expectations!  We gear up and begin moving toward the old road bed.

Walking this shoreline on a normal day would have an angler pushing out shallow carp with only a puff of Lake X mud as a sign that they were there.  Today, only painted turtles scooted out of our way.   Curiouser and curiouser.  As we come up to the road bed I stop suddenly.  The large golden back belonging to a six or seven pound carp stood out from the rocks about 15 feet ahead.  Before I had a chance to strip out some line, he had turned and leisurely swam off.  I walk to the road bed...Nothing.  Steeeerike Three!  Expectations had gone out the door at this point.  We were grasping at straws searching for answers.  As we started for the rip rap, the answer became apparent.  Big schools of what we call "floatillas" (large groups of carp on top of the water in the form of a raft) were scattered across the main part of the lake.  Reaching them was impossible at this point, so we continued on to the rip rap, hoping they would eventually move closer to shore.

One step forward, they swim two feet back

The rip rap offered little relief from our difficult start to the fishing day.  On the plus side, there were fish.  All along the shoreline.  The bad news...they were small fish keeping plenty of distance.  We took one step forward, they swam two feet back.  As soon as you would get within casting range, they would disperse.  After casting to a few groups, we decided to make our way back to the road bed.  

15.49 #s

It's looking pretty grim at this point.  If fish hadn't moved near the road bed, or into the back bay, we'd be reconsidering out fishing options.  Fortunately, we arrived at the road bed to find a few floatillas, and some individual fish cruising the surface.  While they were also playing hard to get, we were finally able to sight fish for specific carp. What a relief that is!  After only a few minutes of inching towards fish, I hook up.  "Fish on?" asked Burt.  "Fish on!" I replied.  I was still hesitant to begin celebrating a hook up considering our luck so far that morning.  Maybe I snagged it, my leader might break, I might lose him on a run, etc.   But when I saw the hook firmly embedded in the golden bone's top lip,  I exhaled with relief, "Ahhhh, top lip."  It was a nice first fish too.  15 pounds and some change.

After a few more fish, and a double, the wind began to make things a bit more difficult.  Six fish by 11:30 wasn't so bad given our situation.  We took it in stride, along with our lesson for the day.  High aspirations, low expectations.  You never know what you're going to get.

Shivering Observations

I arrive to the spot where I've parked many times before.  The dock had been removed with the arrival of cold weather and rested on the deserted marina shoreline.  A dozen redhead ducks began to paddle away while honkers called out from the far shore.  Pheasants and squirrels searched through the grasses on the north side while bald eagles observed from the many tall cottonwoods that envelope the winter fishing hole.  This is the spot.

The 25 degree temps and northeast wind had deterred all but the bird watchers who occasionally cruised the area for a view of the winter eagles.  Lucy and I had the fishing to ourselves. The cold weather brings grumbles from those still in town.  "This is January weather," they say. "It's too cold to be fishing," they gripe.  Not everyone complains about the cold temps.  Ice fishers ready their augers and ice rods for an equal chance at putting some meaty fish in the freezer.  I welcome the cold temps with open arms because,  in Pierre, it means the beginning of winter fly fishing.

Rainbow trout are released in the marina each spring.  For a few weeks, hatchery trout are taken by fishing enthusiast, fish, bird and mink.  The few that survive their short time in Oahe marina join the Missouri River ecosystem, and begin to grow.  Each winter, they find their way back to the marina, and stay until temps increase again in the spring.  Ice will often prevent any fishing during the late winter months, so early on is my chance to get a shot at these rainbows who have gotten fat off of Missouri River smelt, shad, crayfish, and aquatic insects.  They are big!

Spring ice out is when most fly anglers will seek out these nomadic bows.  Catch rates will be higher, and temps more tolerable.  Winter is for the extreme.  For those who are content with the possibility of not catching a fish.  Or...for the dedicated anglers who are able to brave the conditions long enough to land a monster bow.  As I stood in the frigid water a bald eagle glided slowly overhead.  It's difficult to stay focused when so much is going on around you.  I lackadaisically presented my kreelex to the depths as a vehicle approached.  They parked on the opposite shoreline and began to ready their equipment... they were fly anglers.  They had a pop-up camper, so I assumed they were visitors who were obviously aware of the opportunity that existed here.  The two began to cast, large nymphs if I had to guess.  It wasn't long after they arrived that I hooked into a nice rainbow.  The fight was intense and powerful.  Her first run took every bit of stripped line before she crashed to the surface in an attempt to throw the embedded kreelex.  Shaped like an american football and all the colors of a wild rainbow.  The aggressive take, fight, and release all made managing the cold a treat.

Not long after the two visitors arrived (20 minutes or so) they decided to depart.  They had taken a break a bit before, so the cold was apparently taking its toll.  A bit later a pickup had arrived.  A man wandered down to waters edge with a spinning reel, made a half dozen casts or so, and called it a day.  I had been fishing for about 2 hours, landed one and lost two others (which sometimes happens).  This prompted me to consider the necessary adjustments for winter fishing in the marina.

Yes, proper gear is essential.  The most significant upgrade a winter fishing enthusiast can make, in my opinion, is to switch to a neoprene style glove.  My love for Glacier Gloves is no secret.  They make a difference for me and allow me to spend much more time on the water than I would be able to otherwise.   Outside of the other obvious essentials, the biggest need for winter fishing enthusiasts pursuing rainbows in the marina is to dedicate the time.  There have been days when I will catch a fish on the first cast.  There have also been days when I've spent an hour on the water before feeling the tug of a hungry rainbow.  Either way, I dedicate at least an hour each time I make the trip, and am prepared for the winter conditions that exist.  Do that, and you too may catch fish like this on you next outing.  They're in there!  

Fly Fishing in South Dakota: Where to begin

Oahe Smallie

When I look at the fly fishing game today, it's no wonder it took me so long to finally invest my time and energy into learning the sport.  Rods, reels, lines, leaders, tippet, tools, flies, snobbery...the list goes on and on.  The thing that I was most afraid of as a child was not being accepted in the "fly fishing community".  My perception was this elite group of people who knew they were better than you and weren't afraid to admit it.  The reality:  couldn't be more opposite.  Are there pompous assholes out on the water?  Yup.  But they are few and far between.  Most fly fisherman that I rub elbows with are down-to-earth, conservation minded nature lovers who just want to get better at catching fish. At the end of the day, fly fishing required confidence.  You must understand that all situations are different, and there is always someone better out on the water.  If you are willing and able to learn from every situation, and open minded to other fishing techniques/ideals, you will have an easier time putting yourself out on the water for others to witness.  Trust me, you'll love it when people start asking you for advice.  First, you need to start fishing.

After I finally got over my ego, I had no idea what gear to use or how to use it. 

Gear you'll need to get started: Your first and last stop to acquire the goods should be Dakota Angler & Outfitter in Rapid City.  They will have everything you need, and will even point you in the direction of some hungry trout.  The first time I fished within Rapid City city limits, Dave Gamitt drew me a map and put me on a lot of browns.  Don't worry, they won't scoff at you for being new to the sport.  They will welcome you with open arms!  Here is the gear you should ask for.  If you don't want to do it in person, order it online.

Walleye bends the Echo 8 wt (Glory-a)

Rod and Reel:  I started with a hand-me-down fly rod and reel that I still use today.  My second rod was a gift from my wife (who doesn't fly fish) and I still use it today as well.  One of my favorite rods and most used rods in the black hills is a little box store rod that you can get for $40, along with a $30 reel.  Last year I finally had the chance to purchase my first brand new fly rod and real combo.  Since I enjoy throwing large streamers and sinking lines, I opted for a larger rod.  A fast action Echo Ion 8 wt was just want I needed matched with a Lamson Guru reel.  I spent about $450 on the whole outfit.  I guess what I'm saying is that you should purchase a rod and reel that work well for your particular fishing situation.  You don't need to spend an arm and a leg to get it.  Here are a few combos I would recommend for getting started.  If you love it and want to do more, then talk to the fly shop about your options.

#1 - Redington Crosswater/Path/Topo:  Redington combos will give you the versatility to fish trout in Rapid Creek and Carp in your local honey hole.  Get the 8 wt faster action rod to chuck and duck with 12" hang-time musky flies.

• Dakota Angler makes it even easier by putting a complete Redington combo together including the Crosswater, Redington waders and wading boots for $350.  A great deal! 

#2 - Cabelas Prestige or Three Forks Combos:  I have prestige combo and it's caught more fish for me int he hills that I could ever imagine.  Great rod and reel for the price.

#3 - Echo Solo and Ion combo.  Ask the fly shop about this combo.  It's under $200 and will give you a great starter set.

Fly Line:  A good fly line will make a big difference in your fishing experience.  I began with an old fly line and struggled to cast and catch fish.  Once I cleaned it and eventually got a new line, casting became much easier.  Don't fall for gimmicks, species specific line options.  It's my belief that they do that to sell more lines with very little variation.  To begin, get a WF (weight forward) floating line that matches the weight of your rod.  You may need to get a heavier line for faster action rods.  Some lines, like the Rio Grand, are designed for fast action rods and come a bit heavier than normal floating lines.  Stick with Rio, Scientific Anglers, or Cortland lines to reduce headaches when starting out.  Casting doesn't have to be perfect to catch fish, but it will make for a much easier time learning with quality line.

Leaders and tippets:  As a beginner, don't get caught up in leaders and tippets.  For trout get some Rio or Scientific Anglers tapered leaders in sizes 4x, 5x, and 6x.  The larger the number with tippet and leaders (like with hooks, the smaller the line diameter.  For all other fish, I tie on 20 lb mono to my fly line and attach a 8-12 ft piece of fluorocarbon by blood knot.  Simple, easy, and very effective.

Knots to know:  The only knots I use to attache my fly to tippet/line are the improved clinch knot (I tie mine with 4 twists) and non-slip loop knot.  I use blood or double surgeons knots to attach two lines and a simple double overhand loop knot to connect my homemade leaders to my fly line.  The perfection loop knot is fun to tie, but not as strong.  

Waders and Wading boots:  This is a tough one, because I will rarely use waders if it's not really cold outside.  I would recommend getting a bargain set of waders online or ask the fly shop if they have any used items for sale.  I started with an $89 set of waders that I still use today.  To me, they aren't that important.  Others will say otherwise.  It's up for you to decide.  Boots are a different story.  A good boot can make a big difference in your wading experience.  You won't find a great boot for under $100 (unless it is on sale), so don't be afraid to go with Simms, Redington, Korkers, or Chota on your first set and make sure they're not felt bottomed.  That is not allowed in SD.

Flies:  The flies you'll be using will depend greatly on the species you are pursuing.  So many people automatically connect fly fishing to trout and vise versa.  I'm trying to break that automatic connection.  Below are my top ten flies and the species they'll catch. You can catch all of these fish with the WF floating line that comes on the starting combo.

• Clouser Minnow/Kreelex:  Pretty much anything that swims will eat this fly.  Always have some sparsely tied in your box.  My favorite colors are chartreuse/white, and blue/white/red. For the kreelex, chartreuse/silver, gold/silver  
• San Juan Worm:  Pink and Red, Orange and red, or solid red.  Invert the hook with dumbbell eyes for carp and cats (red).  
• Hot Spot Pheasant Tail:  A bright orange hot spot in place of the peacock herl of a PT has worked wonders for me.  Pink also works well.  
• Hare's Ear:  Amazing all year round.  
• Wooly Bugger:  Touted as the most versatile fly ever tied.  It's also one of the easiest to tie if you're into that.  Will catch anything that swims.  
• Murdich Minnow:  This is in my box because of where I live.  If you don't have easy access to bass and northerns it might not be in yours.  If you hope to pursue bass and northerns, it needs to be.
• Adams:  I'm not a big dry fly fisherman, but an adams imitates a number of South Dakota's adult mayflies very well. 
• Soft Hackels:  A versatile fly that works well all year round for various species.  
• Elk Hair Caddis:  There are few things as fun as skating a caddis across Spearfish Creek.  The takes are frequent and exciting.  A great fly from late spring to fall.  
• Midges (all stages of life cycle):  I'm cheating a bit here by calling this one pattern, but they are vital for catching trout throughout the year.  Midges are actively hatching throughout the year, so they are always an option for hungry trout.  Larva, pupae, stuck in the shuck and dry patters should all hold a place in your box.  My favorites include zebra midge, skinny nelson, palomino midges, smoke jumpers and griffiths gnats.  

	Trout	Walleye	Bass (smallmouth, largemouth, white)	Northern Pike	Catfish	Carp	Crappie	Perch
Clouser	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
San Juan Worm	X		X		X	X
Pheasant Tail	X		X			X	X
Hare’s Ear	X					X
Wooly Bugger	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
Murdich Minnow	X	X	X	X
Adams	X					X	X
Soft Hackels (of any kind)	X		X			X	X	X
Articulated Streamers	X	X	X	X
Midge life cycle	X						X

Where to go:  Any body of water that holds fish.  You'll learn the catching part as you go.  If you come to Pierre, let me know.  

This is a lot of information, but don't let it deter you from getting started.  Once you get the basics, and are able to get out on the water, things will begin to fall into place.  Hire one of the guys over at Dakota Angler to expedite the learning process.  You miss 100% of the shots you don't take, so get out there and make some casts!  

Why I Fish...This might take a while.

A carp bolting back onto the flat.  It never gets old.  

I bet the most commonly asked question of fishing enthusiasts by friends and family who are rarely seen holding a rod and reel is, "So...Why do you fish anyway?"

I never really have a good "elevator" reply for why I fish.  Mainly because there are a variety of reasons that seem to change each time out.  I know I'm guilty of mentally asking the same question of others who enjoy a pasttime that's not my cup of tea.  It may be difficult for them to express just how much they enjoy a particular activity, and it may not.  It really doesn't matter.  If something makes us happy, and is not immoral, I'd say it doesn't require explanation.

I, on the other hand, would like more people to pursue fly fishing.  I believe that more fly fishing enthusiasts in the world mean more people working hard to protect our wildlife and fisheries.  For that reason, I need an elevator pitch.  I need a quick statement that let's people know why I fish in hopes that they will be intrigued enough to inquire further into the prospect of trying for themselves.  Maybe by the end of this I'll have something thought out.  Until then, here is a list of my top ten reasons I love to fly fish.

9 - The moment when you hook into a big fish:  I was standing in the cold Rapid Creek water approaching a deep hole.  New to fly fishing, this was trial under fire.  A seam holding two big fish and my constituents giving me the first shot at landing one while they watch from shore.  Finding a sturdy hold in the creek, I begin casting to the top of the hole.  Time and time again my fly drifted through with nothing to show for it.  It seemed like I stood casting to those trout for an eternity.  As a noob, I felt the seconds turn into minutes and began worrying about the guys on shore.  Are they checking their clocks?  Do they want to start casting?  But my comfort level was still well enough to keep on.  These were the biggest trout I had ever presented a fly to, and I wanted to know what it felt like to land one.  With each drift I would watch as the trout lazily swayed from left to right munching the entire time.  Until, one seemed to open it's mouth wider than it had before.  My indicator twitched only slightly when I set the hook.  "A snag," I thought, while I lifted the rod.  It felt like a cinderblock on the other end of my 5x tippet.  And then the head shakes began, and the fight was on.  My heart and mind started into race, almost against each other.  One trying to determine how to land this fish among the fast water below, water hazards and slippery rocks, the other just trying to give me enough blood to stay conscious.  The brown didn't fit in my net, but I got it to hand.  I was mocked the rest of the day for having a "barbie" net.  I'll never forget the hookset.  Like a cinderblock.

8 - Solitude:  Standing all alone on a stream when big snow flakes are falling;  casting to 7 lb rainbow trout when it is 10 degrees and the wind is howling; casting for carp on the flats of Lake X...the list goes on and on.  Having always held professional positions that require a vast amount of communication, fishing provides a getaway.  No problems, no deadlines, no worries.  The only listening that is required is to nature and the only talking I do is with my golden retriever.  It's an amazing feeling.

7 - Fishing in the rain:  The pitter-patter of raindrops on my hood creates music to my ears.  The droplets falling from the bill of my hat make me feel sheltered and warm in my fishing cacoon.  The smell makes me feel like a kid.  And the fish...boy do they bite in the rain.  I don't know if I've ever had a bad day fishing in the rain.  And not many other people like to do it, so someone has to catch fish on rainy days!

6 - Anticipation, daydreaming, and possibility:  I don't only tie flies in the winter like many folks.  Often on weekends and lazy weekday evenings, you'll find me at the tying bench, or table, or nightstand, or whatever will hold my vise, dreaming up new patterns and the fish that will eat them.  On the water, like most people with fish on the brain, I always believe that next cast is going to produce a fish.  One last cast usually turns into 10 or 20.  One of the great things about fishing is that you never really know what will fall for your presentation until it happens.  You never know which spot is going to hold that fish you've dreamed up while tying.  I still get giddy and excited before a fishing trip, even the short ones around home.  I guess I'll probably still enjoy it until that feeling goes away, maybe even after.

Vote for this photo on TU's facebook page Nov 3-11
I could win a fly rod!!

5 - Getting up close and personal with a wild animal:  I wish I had taken up flyfishing as a young child.  I recall with great delight my childhood visits to the grandparents' house in Spearfish.  Standing on the bridge near the fish hatchery scanning the creek below for feeding trout was a favorite pastime.  I could always spot  them in the turbid water and only wanted to get a closer look.  They are all so unique and beautiful, like a fingerprint.   Each warrants special attention when they are brought to hand.  Great care is taken to release them unharmed (outside of the small hook hole in their mouth) and as much time as they'll allow is invested in watching as they escape back to the honeyhole.  You can't get any closer to enjoying nature and not taking a life.

4 - Skillz pay the billz:  As often as I try to find solitude while fishing, I am happy to share a fishing hole or location when fellow fishing enthusiast are present.  More often than not, I will also end up sharing my strategy for catching fish with them.  I am usually very fortunate on the water, which has a lot to do with the lucky flies that I tie, and people take notice.  "what are you using?" they'll ask after I release a few fish.  I'll take a second to explain the fly and give them a look at the pattern I'm using before they're almost guaranteed to reply, "I've got a fly rod at home somewhere, I should get that thing out".  Plain and simple, I can catch fish with a fly rod when others won't.  I've landed fish after fish in locations surrounded by bait and artificial lures alike without seeing another fish brought to hand.  I have confidence in this tactic and take a lot of luck out of the equation.  With the fly, I'm presenting to all of the fish's senses vs. a select few.  They can't help but eat it.  

3 - It's very challenging:  Now that I've explained how well fly fishing works, I'll get to the caveat.  Fly fishing gets easier with education.  I've been humbled many a day fishing for various species in various locations.  Even today I find myself in situations, chasing fish that I'm not prepared to pursue.  Fly fishing requires constant improvement and improvisation to stay one step ahead of your quarry.  This applies at the fly tying desk as much as it does on the water.  Preparation and education are key to being a "good" fly fisher.  I love getting smarter every day.

2 - Evolution:  Our family fishing tournaments remain as some of my most cherished and vivid

memories from childhood.  It was here where I began to evolve and adapt as a fisherman.  It all started with salmon eggs.  What a great way to catch trout as a kid.  I wittnessed the largest rainbow I'd ever seen caught when I was around 11 or 12.  Hanging out of its mouth was a red and white daredevil.  I never used live bait after that.  Soon I discovered gift shop flys and their propensity to attract rainbows behind a clear bobber.  I would draw crowds because I was catching so many fish.  Everyone wanted to know how I was doing it, and I had no idea why it worked.  I sure put the acting hat on though.  Could have given me one of those meaningless awards they give to celebrities for pretending to be other people.  My uncle gave me my first fly rod and introduced me to fly fishing cinema.  Trout Bum diaries was the first video I watched.  I was hooked forever.  I enjoy reminiscing about my progression through the phases of fishing.  I only wish that I had been introduced to fly fishing at a younger age.

1 - Spending time with good friends and family:    While solitude is more my game nowadays, I still find great value in fishing with those that I enjoy spending time with.  My dad and brother always entertain me, while the tuesday tyers continue to surprise me with their talents.   My girls have continued to show interest and have caught some fish all on their own.  I hope they both stick with it.  My favorite fishing partner, however, is Lucy.  She's the best dog around and even loves fishing more than me.  She told me so.



If you don't fly fish now, I hope you will consider trying it.  If my reasons don't persuade you, maybe you can think of a few others that would make it sound more appealing.  If you love to fish, I'd like to hear why.  See if we have some common ground.  Now go fishing.  You deserve it!

Tactics for fall carp

Fall Cyprinus Carpio

When fall rolls around, I've typically stored the carp flies for the year in preparation for big fall/spring rainbows, smallies, and cackling dakota roosters.  Fall weather can play some pretty cruel tricks on us at times, but it can also bode well for a carp fisherman hoping to get in a few finned fu-man-chus before winter rolls around.  This can also be a frustrating time for carp fishermen.  I recall a few specific occasions as a novice carp angler.

The beautiful fall weather had arrived, but "hot" days (upper 70's, low 80's) were still sporadically placed through late September.  I would stand slapping the water for hours while carp crashed the surface all around me.  The frustration streamed through my veins like whitewater, but I persisted.  Eventually, compatible flies and tactics would come together like a Chuck Woolery inspired game show.  What seems to always hold true, in my experience carp fishing, is that there are rarely "sure thing" tactics for South Dakota bones.  A fly that one fish eats may not work on the next dozen or so that it is presented to.  Of course, fishing conditions and presentation are also factors in this equation, but the dynamic exists and differs from any other fish in the water.  So when you can find a fly pattern, presentation tactic and fishing condition pattern that works more often than not for carp, you've gotta share it with the fishing world!

Carp fishing is usually done using weighted flies dragging them along the bottom.  A viable technique all throughout the year, until fall.  Use that strategy and you might have some difficult days on the water.  Fish are more aggressive this time of year, gorging themselves before the weather changes.  You'll see a number of jumping fish along with fish that join together like a big fishy raft.  Both the rafts and the jumping carp offer great conditions for a fisherman.  Here are two tactics to try on your next fall carp outing.

For Flotillas:  These schools of fish might as well have a cooler filled with carp brews while they lazily drift and dine.  These fish don't spook easily and devour anything that gets in their paths.  For this, a light-weight nymph like the Burt Special or Sparkle Squirrel nymph get's it done every time.  Cast a few feet ahead of the floating fish raft and wait for the line to go tight.  The take will feel more like a snag than a fish.  Give them a second to make sure they've really eaten it (and it's not just stuck on a dorsal/tail fin) before strip setting.   Hooking a fish usually means spooking the raft, but that's ok.  Onto the next flotilla.  This tactic also works very well for sipping fish, although you'll find them harder to present to.  Their movements are random and they spook fairly easily.  More stealth is required.  Just pretend you're a secret agent or something.


Crashing Carp:  I don't really understand anything about what these fish are doing this time of year.  Summer and Fall crashers,  are aggressive,  agitated, and ready to chase a fly.  When they really start crashing (especially on windy days) a short and quick, erratic retrieve has worked best for me.  The takes are fierce and sudden.  I like to use larger beadhead softhackles in black or orange.  The buggier, the better.

Don't put away your favorite carp rod too quickly in the fall.  The fish are still ready and willing if you are.    

Taking photos with video - save time, save fish

I only need one (1) second to get a photo of a fish out of water.  

Are you a professional photographer?  Are you making money by taking photos of your "trophies" that are smaller than most of the fish being caught round the world?  I'm guessing that most people are not, and you have no reason to leave a fish gasping for air on a bank while you try to set up your point and shoot camera for a shot you're not prepared for.  I've ranted about it before...10 seconds is too long for a fish to be out of water.  Anything more will be compromising a life for a silly photo that will nary be seen after its upload.

Most "average Joe" fisherman like myself, just want some cool shots for memories or videos that might be put together for friends and family.  Trying to take a snapshot of yourself after catching a fish can be a difficult task.  I know some great fishermen who have a developed systems that allows them to get great photos (most of the time) while keeping the fish healthy for release.  I'm not one of those guys, which is why I use video to take all of my fish photos.

Not professional, but still a nice shot of a beautiful browny

Hear me out.  All of my photos are taken from Go Pro Hero2 videos.  Video quality and cost are no longer correlated to a point where you must pay too much for a camera that takes great video.  A waterproof camera will not only take high def video and a great snapshot from the editing table, but it will give you the piece of mind knowing you can set it on the bank for a quick fish video without worrying about it falling in or getting wet.  With the fish in the net you are able to start the video (remotely with the Hero 3) leave the fish in the water until you are ready to set up for "the shot", lift the fish and release the fish.  It's that simple.  Stop the video and begin the cycle again.

Again, I get that you aren't going to take professional photos with this method.  I understand that there may be the occasional water spot on the lens that will show up on your image.  What's so bad about that?  I say it adds a bit of authenticity to an always perfect, photoshopped, filtered world of photos.  Yes, I often wish I had the resources and time to reach a level of photography that others would find desirable.  I have a great deal of admiration for what wildlife photographers can do with a camera and enjoy their work often.  Maybe someday I'll join their ranks.  Until that time, I'm proud to say I can release a fish in under 10 seconds and still have a great photo to show for it.  I'm also content preserving the memories of great adventures and fish encounters one video at a time.

I say two rods are better than one...What say you?

Two options in one hand

One of the greatest things about fishing with friends is the opportunity to trade fishing secrets, collaborate on daily fishing quests, or learn about new fishing methods or techniques.  I have picked up some great tips and tricks from Tuesday Tyers and other fishing enthusiasts that have made me a better fisherman.  When I am able to give back in this capacity, I feel privileged to provide a different perspective that may not have been considered before.  I had a chance to provide some tips and tricks this past week while fishing for wild browns and brookies in the beautiful black hills.


Our first morning on the water provided me with a chance to share my "tip of the day" with the gang.  Most guys in our group were fishing deep holes and pockets with nymph rigs, a great setup for finding some nice fish.  When comparing notes after a morning session on the water, we found a variance in catch rates for everyone involved.  Some fisherman had not caught a fish, while others had only caught a few.  I, on the other hand, had landed 15-20, and lost many more.  Granted, we were fishing different sections of water, with different set-ups, so that was a likely factor.  Above all, however, I contribute my success to the two rod system, and using it throughout the morning to find fish with a different focus.

One of my favorite tricks when fly fishing (regardless of location or situation) is to always prepare two rods for use during my excursions.  This has paid dividends on the Bighorn River, central SD stock dams, the mighty Mo, northeast SD lakes, and Black Hills streams and reservoirs.  Typically, I'll have a few patterns on the brain that are just begging to catch fish.  Other times, mother nature will have already told me what to prepare for.  This particular time of year, great hatches, terrestrials in the trees/bushes, and beautiful weather have fish pigging out in the black hills.

I always come prepared with a deep diving nymph rig setup along with a dry fly/beetle/hopper combo of some kind.  The last few years, my beetles have caught more fish than anything, and this year was no exemption.  Having two rods allows me to diversify my presentation options to fit the time of day, weather conditions, temperature, hatch and varying water situation without having to make drastic changes in my rig setup.  When fishing rapid creek, I could easily move from hole to hole offering multiple presentation to willing trout that lie in wait.  At each spot I was able to find 3 or 4 looking up for beetles and hoppers, while also finding those sitting a bit deeper to take the hot spot tung teaser combo.  The system worked to perfection and as long as I was able to remember my rod each time I moved upstream.  Yes, adjustments had to be made here and there, but they were not drastic, and took very little time.  It may not be for everyone, but I would recommend trying it on your next adventure.  It may save you some time, and help you catch more fish.  Just don't leave a rod behind if you do! (yes, I've done it...)

Each fish is like a fingerprint.  Amazing beauty in these wild browns.

Indicator Fishing for Cats

Big kitty hooked under the indicator

I've never been the biggest fan of indicators.  I understand their place in the world of situational fishing and appreciate the benefits they offer anglers, but they are never a first chose of mine when approaching a body of water.  I do use them, and enjoy nymphing as much as anyone, but will rarely consider bubbles in any other situation, stillwater or otherwise.   Just for kicks, I decided to try fishing under an indicator down on lake Sharp for some cats that have been gorging themselves lately.  Overall, the indicator performed very well and I ended up catching some nice fish.  Here are my takeaways from the day of fishing:

Pro:  You see the strike.  The strike was light, but thanks to the indicator, the hookset was immediate.  Without the indicator, you may not have recognized the strike until you felt the fish on the line.  By that time, they may have already spit the hook.  Seeing the strike immediately was a benefit.

Con:  You really have to pay attention.  I looked away from the indicator a few times only to eventually feel a fish on the line, or see what was left of the indicators movement after the strike.  Each time the late hook set led to a lost fish.  When I fish, I like to enjoy the outdoors and take everything in. When you can't look away from your indicator, that takes away from the overall fishing experience for me.

Pro:  You can keep you fly in the strike zone.  Just as you would adjust your indicator to fish seems
and riffles in a stream, the same tactic holds true for stillwater fishing.  These fish were targeting prey holding in a specific area.  Holding the fly in that zone made me much more likely to catch a fish.  Many attempts were made without an indicator and it was far less effective.

Con:  Wind.  South Dakota is known for many things, one of which is WIND.  I don't mind the wind, and do very well fishing in it.  These cats were holding in a deeper hole that required a long cast. When the wind picked up, casting with the indicator became quite a chore.  Seeing the strike, at this time, also became a challenge.  Two strikes in particular occurred as I stopped the presentation.  By the time I finally felt the fish on the next strip, the hookset was too late.  I lost both fish.

Con:  You get lazy.  Even after fishing under an indicator for a short time, I found myself feeling dependent upon it.  My other senses didn't seem as acute as normal, specifically in the feel of the rod.

There is definitely a place for indicator fishing in our stillwater fisheries.  Give it a shot and see if it is a viable technique for you.

Why I chuck the Meaty Goodness

Rainbow with a vendetta

Imagine walking along a stretch of new water, enjoying the beauty of the area while searching for "fishy" holes, when you come across some faster riffle water cascading down into a bottleneck that then plunges into a deep hole.  If you are like me, you will stand drooling for about 10 min before you snap out of it and begin preparing for a presentation.  But how do you present to the fish holding therein?  Heavily weighted nymphs might do the trick, however, they are difficult to keep in the strike zone for an extended period of time, not to mention the difficulty had ensuring a proper/natural presentation.  Dries are always a possibility, but can easily get lost in the turbid water by fisherman and fish alike.  So what's a guy/gal to do?

There's only one solution...Give 'em the MEAT!

It's no secret...Trout are some of the most voracious, greedy carnivores in a river/stream/lake ecosystem.  They, especially the larger fish, will eat almost anything presenting itself as a potential meal. While trout will typically key in on specific food sources that will require the least amount of energy to obtain, they are always in search for those opportunities to obtain a high calorie morsel.  This is especially true in water systems holding a large number of said morsels.  Last weekend we found ourselves fishing around crayfish, large leopard frogs, and plenty of small baitfish.  It only made sense to show them something that could make their day and fill their stomach.

Not only are trout massive predators, but they are also territorial.  In a river system, the larger fish will hold in various locations, but can often be found in the front of the chow line.  My first presentation to the fish above was altered when my fly line found a rock in the riffle.  While quickly bringing in my articulated streamer to make another cast, this bad boy chased it all the way out of the hole before darting back in.  I quickly made another cast and found him hammering the streamer with anger and force.  He may have been that hungry, or he may have just been saying, "get out of my spot bro".  Either way, it worked like a charm.

The next time you find yourself drooling over a fishing hole, give em the meat first.  You'll be glad you did.