Live and Let Live: Note to the Fly Fishing "Purist"

WARNING!  I'M ABOUT TO STEP ONTO A SOAPBOX.  YOU MAY BE ENTERTAINED, DISAPPOINTED, OR DISAGREEABLE WITH MY OPINION.  AND THAT'S OK.  PLEASE UNDERSTAND THAT THIS POST IS NOT DIRECTED AT ALL FLY FISHING PURISTS, JUST THE ONES THAT ACT LIKE ASSHOLES...

I firmly believe in the "live and let live" philosophy of life.  Being accepting of other individuals and their beliefs, race, sex, religion, etc., is an important value of mine.  This relates to the fly-fishing world as well.  So I have one question for the self-proclaimed "fly fishing purists";  WHAT THE HELL IS YOUR PROBLEM?

Give it a break already!  Your pompous, "we do things the right way and you don't" attitude is getting you nowhere!  This frustration stems from my recent trip to Rapid City, S.D. to view the F3T.  One of the F3T representatives was an obvious purist.  At one point during his on-stage "performance" he began drawing names for the available prizes.  After asking everyone if they were excited about 100 times, he quickly realized that some individuals folded their entry cards before entering them into the drawing.  Some do it for luck, some do it in hopes of creating a slight advantage, others may do it out of habit.  Regardless of the reason, "Mr. Purist" goes on a little rant about this topic.  I'm paraphrasing here:

After selecting the first entry out of the cooler:  

"Oh, it looks like we have some cheaters in the crowd tonight.  What, are you guys bait fisherman too?  I guess I'll just take all of these cheaters out of the drawing.  We don't want any bait fisherman winning prizes on the F3T!  Oh, here's a bait fisherman.  Here's another one!  Sorry, no prizes for you today, CHEATERS!"

Using the terms "bait fisherman" and "cheater" interchangeably is what has me upset here.  If you only fish with flies, great.  If you only practice catch and release, we're happy for ya.  It's not for everyone.  When you begin to look down upon, mock, and ridicule other fishing enthusiasts who don't believe in what you believe in, you are crossing the line in my book.  How is a fisherman using a worm on a hook to bring some fish home to his family different from you buying/tying a San Juan worm pattern that is arguably more effective and efficient at catching trout?

I believe this to be a major reason others may be hesitant to try fly fishing.  It's branded as an almost elite group open only to those who have the money and means to provide sufficient experiences.  Novice anglers are likely afraid or worried of the more experienced anglers or "purists" not accepting them into the fraternal angler clique.  We all want to belong, and having even one more fly fishing enthusiast cannot be a bad thing.  So purists;  the next time you have an urge to make others aware of your fly fishing savvy and expertise, think twice.  It only hurts the sport...and your reputation.

Fly Tying Tuesday: Uni vs. Ultra

     VS.

As with many "vs." posts on this site, I will rarely take a permanent side.  The depth and breadth of fishing products, fly tying gear/equipment, fishable trout waters, guides and outfitters, etc. will provide a vast array of experiences from one angler to the next.  Not two anglers are exactly alike, which makes it all too likely that they will have different tastes when it comes down to fishing related purchases and passions.  One thing I wish I would have had when starting out (especially in fly tying) was a more objective point of view regarding the types of products available and pros/cons for each.  I had only heard about Uni-thread when getting into tying, so that is what I stocked up on, assuming it would be great.  Turns out, it's "OK" for my tying style, but Ultra-thread is what I really what I enjoy using.

Now, just as anglers have their differences so do flies and their materials.  One thread or the other may have its place on your tying bench depending on the flies you are tying up.  I don't want to sway you one way or another with this information, but below is a list of observations that I have developed from personal experience with both tying threads.  The only way you'll really know what is best for you is by tying a few flies with each.  Just don't stock up on one before you know for sure.  : )

	Uni-Thread	Danville Ultra Thread
Cost	About $2.50/200 yard spool.  Depending on shop	About $1.50/200 yard spool
Durability	I’ve had trouble with Uni-thread breaking when I apply pressure during snug downs or tie-offs.  I know, don’t apply that much pressure!  It seems that I am able to apply more with Ultra.	I like Ultra-thread’s durability, especially on smaller flies.  You really have to be careful with the hook point, however, as this will fray the thread and weaken it significantly.
Versatility	Great for large flies.  I don’t care to use it on patters smaller than 18 (i.e. smoke jumper or f-fly)  I don’t like the look of the body as much.	I enjoy using this on small and large flies alike.  Really allows me to work on tiny, thread-bodied flies without making them too fat or deformed.  Lays nice and flat on the hook shank.
Product Variety	Uni-Thread seems to be offered more in the “big box” outdoor stores with more products available.  I do feel they are lacking somewhat in assortment.	Uni-thread is not commonly found in the “big box” outdoor stores in South Dakota.  The local fly shops carry it and use it on their flies.  I like the assortment of wires, tinsels and threads available.
Performance	I really like Uni-thread for larger flies and “warm-water” patterns.  When the aesthetics of the fly are important, however, especially on smaller patterns,  I’ll shy away from this brand.  Easy to get carried away as a new tyer  and crowd the hook eye.	I don’t really care for the threads propensity to “flare out” or come apart as you tie, but I like that it stays flat on the hook.  Very easy to tie small flies without bulking up the head too much.  Always seem to have enough room for the hook eye.  I like tying larger patterns with ultra thread as well.

Watch-ya Readin?

Gink and Gasoline is my favorite site on the web, fishing or otherwise.  Daily updates with wonderful advice for all fishing enthusiasts (novice or advanced), excellent storytelling, a broad range of topics (trout to saltwater) and unbelievable photography.  Louis Cahill, "The Looks" of the operation, has spent 30 years in photography and fishing alike.  His most recent post is a good one for any fishing enthusiast who might even consider catch and release.  It does us no good if they're dead.  Check it out and take those tips to heart.  I haven't had to use the Coke trick yet, but I always carry a Pepsi with me on the water just in case.

14 Ways to Prevent Fish Mortality - Louis Cahill

Cabin Fever...Carp Dreams

My passion for fishing is greater than just a fly rod and reel.  Spinning tackle, bait-casters, and even ice fishing equipment are all a part of my repertoire throughout a fishing season.  With winter bringing ice to Pierre, my "cabin fever" is typically cured by a quick drive to the grasslands to catch bass and gills through the ice.  As time on the water becomes sparse and my priorities continue to change, however, I find myself allocating less time for non fly-fishing related activities.  Not only "real" time, but imagination time as well.  Dreaming of being on the water takes up a lot of the time when I'm not fishing.  Usually I jump around a lot, based on the latest blog or fly-tying video I've watched online.   Lately I've been dreaming of CARP!  I only dedicated a few days to carp fishing in 2012.  That will undoubtedly increase for 2013 as I search for new patterns, hot spots in and around Pierre, S.D. and any Carp willing to take a look at a fly.  This one was a taker on a beautiful August day in 2012.  I'll be looking for more this year.

Nice Lake Sharp Carp captured on the recently submersed  Go Pro.  

Tying the San Juan Worm

This is one of my favorite nymphing patterns of all time.  It catches fish all year and is an easy tie.  I'll be using it next week when I head out to Rapid City to attend the Fly Fishing Film Tour.  Give this fly a shot next time you have a few deeper holding fish who seem to be dieting.  A nice big "worm" will likely be the thing that brings them to eat...and to hand.

F3T 2013 Coming to Rapid City

I'll say I am a fan of the F3T tour.  I check the website often for updated content and trailers.  I was bummed last year when I had to rip the F3T Tour for poor video quality and, we'll call it, "professionalism" at their 2012 event.  That's why I vowed to steer clear of the event in 2013.  So why do I now have a ticket to attend the 2013 show next week in Rapid City?  I don't know...

As I think about it, I suppose there are a few reasons I suddenly used to justified the time and expense of making the 2.5 hour trip to the "big(ger) city".  First, I just looked at the trailers for this year, and they look awesome.  Hell, "Hit Em Again Doc" is going to be worth it on its own.  The "Doc of the Drakes" film in 2012 was amazing and made the entire thing worth my while.  I can't wait to see #2!!

For some reason, I feel some need to be included in the Black Hills fly fishing community.  There are so many passionate fly fishermen and women in the hills that I don't know.  This is a chance to meet a few.

I hope to make it out early enough to support my "local" fly shop.  I've been meaning to speak with the guys at Dakota Angler and Outfitter about a steelhead setup.  I'm making it happen in 2013!

If worse comes to worse, I'll have a nice new hat (hopefully) and some backup plans ready for action.  I'll make it a point to see some friends while out there, and will definitely get out on Rapid Creek for an hour or two.

I know I'll have a good time, I just need to lower my expectations a bit for the films.  This is becoming an annual opportunity for me to get to the hills, which is worth the trip on its own.

Details

What:  F3T - Fly Fishing Film Tour

When:  January 30th, 2013 - 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Where:  

Elks Theatre

512 6th St.

Rapid City, S.D.

5 Tips: Become a better lake fisher

Open water lake/pond fishing is one of my favorite bodies of water to wet a fly.  Take the five tips below to make yourself a better stillwater fisher.


1.  Be objective in your fly selection
It can be daunting to approach a fishable open-water situation with all of the variables that will impact the way you fish that particular area.  The first variable that I consider when fishing stillwater is what the fish are eating.  Being observant when you arrive at your fishing destination can save you a lot of time, and increase your catch rate on your favorite stillwater fishery.

As itchy as I am to get on the water, it's difficult for me to be objective without taking a little time to sit and watch. Yes, I will sit lakeside watching for bugs coming off the water, rising trout and for other fisherman landing fish and the technique they seem to be utilizing.  I'll then begin looking underwater.  Lifting rocks, checking submerged vegetation and seining the water for any bugs that might be present.  Match the real thing to the bugs in your box, and let the fishing begin. This has saved me on numerous occasions, oftentimes after I've already fished without first doing my homework.

2.  Size matters
I love having the ability to watch fish as they hunt and devour their prey.  Having that vantage point is not only really freakin' cool, but provides tons of information for your fishing experience.  One thing I've found true when fishing still water is the need to change the SIZE of your fly before changing the type.  I was fishing Sylvan Lake in the Black Hills one spring when fish were munching on PMD's.  I distinctly remember approaching a feeding fish from a boulder about 10 ft above the water.  It was amazing to watch that fish attack my fly ready to eat, only to turn at the last second, carefully review his option again and turn away.  A second attempt garnered the same result.  Immediately I knew it was time to change.  The same pattern, one size smaller (size 16 vs. 14) and the result was a spectacular take and fish to hand.  Awesome!

Grace Coolidge dam in Custer State Park - Retrieve matters here

3.  Most of fishing is presentation:  Retrieve!
Mark Sosin always said, "most of fishing is presentation".  If it looks like a baitfish, moves like a baitfish, it's probably dinner to a hungry predator.   The movement part can often be a deal breaker for a hungry fish.  Retrieval speed, stripping pattern and depth are all key variables that will play a factor in your retrieval presentation.  Finding the right combination of stripping speed and motion is the ticket, and taking hints from the fish will help you figure out what they like.  Are the fish short striking your rig?  Try slowing down your retrieve.  Are they darting up and around it?  Try a more erratic, quicker strip.  Sometimes changing retrieval speed/style or letting your fly sink just a bit longer will trigger those fish to strike.  Next time you are having trouble catching fish on stillwater, consider changing your retrieval presentation before changing your fly.

4.  Ask and you shall receive
I've said it before and I'll say it again, there is always someone better.  Whether you're playing golf, fishing or competitive eating, you're always going to find someone who knows more or has additional knowledge from that vast amount you've attained over the years. Fortunately for fisherman, our counterparts are usually more than willing to lend a helping hand.  Don't hesitate to start a conversation with a fellow fisherman.  If they are doing well, ask to see their rig or about their presentation.  If they have been there a while, ask if they've had luck and what they have been using.  This may not only save you time and frustration on the water, you might even learn a thing or two in the process.  Abraham Lincoln once said, "The minute we stop learning, we're dead".

5.  I'm on a boat! I'm on a boat!
Difficult stillwater situations may be averted altogether with the use of a simple float tube, pontoon boat or motorboat.  Oftentimes, getting to where the fish are is the biggest challenge for fly guys and gals.  Invest in a good boat that will fit your situation, and get out to the fish.  You may also find some serenity in the process.

Fly Tying Tuesday: Equipment Makes a Difference

Tying tools ready to create

If you are new to fly tying, I have a very important message for all of you:  QUALITY FLY TYING TOOLS MATTER!

Just as a master woodworker will use only the best products to produce his masterpieces, or the most popular home builder will utilize the highest quality materials; the quality of your fly tying tools and equipment will be in direct correlation to the ease and efficiency at which your patters are created.  I'm not going to list "the best" tying products and materials because that is a very subjective argument.  I like what I like because it is the right fit for my tying style.  Some tyers may have a much better experience with a particular vise or bobbin because it fits their style a bit better than it would another fly-tyer.  Diligent research, experimentation, and an objective, critical review of your experience will be the best way to determine what tools may be the best fit for you and the patters you are interested in tying.

If you have yet to dive into fly-tying, or have recently picked up the "hobby", I don't want to deter you from purchasing those products you have had your eyes on, or give the impression that the goods you've recently purchased are not up to par.  I'm just speaking from personal experience.

If I would have had access to quality fly-tying gear and materials, I would have been enamored with this pastime many years ago.  I began fly-tying in college.  We found an old NOLL fly-tying kit at my grandfather's house.  Included were various tying materials (feathers, furs, etc.), threads, ribbing materials, floss, hackle pliers and an instruction manual.  As a college student, with an increasing interest in fly fishing, this was the perfect find.

"IT'S FUN!"

"IT'S EASY!"

"TIE YOUR OWN!"

Little did I know, bobbins really make the fly-tying process work well.  This kit, on the other hand, guides you  to a finished fly by hand and hackle pliers.  A very difficult task for an impatient college kid.  I didn't do the research, I didn't put more effort into it, I gave up.  

Five year's later, I find the same kit in my crawl space.  This time, I do some research.  Dave Cammiss' site "Learn Fly Tying" was a major reason I stuck with it the second time around.  I still hadn't learned my lesson, however, and purchased the cheapest products I could find.  Frugal by nature, I thought, "A vise is a vise".  I know so much better now.  I realize that bobbins, vises, threads, scissors, materials, lighting and head cements (among everything else) are not created equal!  My second chance at tying was spent wrestling with a cheap vise, breaking thread (from the poor bobbin quality) and spending extra, unnecessary effort to tie simple patters.  This inefficient use of time taught me another valuable lesson in tying, and it will definitely not be the last.  

If you love to fly-fish, are committed to the art of tying your own flies, and want to get off to a head start;  be diligent in the purchase of your tying products and materials.  Your flies will be better (and easier to tie) because of it.  

Sunday Someday: South Andros Island, BAHAMAS

If you really wanna know, where you can find me...

A double dose of Walker's Cay Chronicles as a young fishing enthusiast and the anecdotal evidence provided present day by the great guys over at Gink and Gasoline about South Andros Island have contributed to my saltwater fishing intrigue.  Not a day goes by that I don't think about the prospect of standing on the deck of a flats skiff in the Bahamas, fly in hand, presentation ready for a hungry approaching bonefish.  To tell you the truth, it wouldn't even have to be a bonefish.  I'd settle for a tarpon or permit as well.  : )

Hell, just an opportunity to fish in the Bahamas would make my life's "top plays".  Until that day comes, I'll just keep listening to Zac Brown Band's "Island Song" while I mentally prepare for the adventures of a lifetime.

Fishing with Lilly

If there is one thing that I am looking forward to more than anything in 2013 is the prospect of fishing with my daughter, Lillian.  Now one year older, maturing by the day, her fishing interest are peaking.  My ability to involve her in as many high quality fishing experiences as possible will be the challenge of the upcoming open water fishing season.  In addition to the busy daily schedules of the Seiner Family, I'll be in direct competition with dance class, daycare, my full-time position with the South Dakota Community Foundation, and kindergym.  One way to ensure success in 2013 will be to focus on high quality, fishable water.  I'm interested in quick access, high catch rates, and the prospect of large fish.  

Here are a few fishing hotspots that will gain our fishing focus:    

Lilly with a Missouri River Whitey

1 - Stockdams - Ample opportunities on the Ft. Pierre National Grasslands and private land will easily meet the criteria listed above.  Bass and bluegill love the fly.  : )

2 - Trout, Trout, Trout - Trout opportunities abound in the Black Hills of South Dakota.  With a plan to introduce Lillian to the fly rod this year, the eager fish and fishable water in the Black Hills should offer great experiences for the first time fly fisher.

3 - Stay close to home - We are fortunate to live near an amazing fishery in the Missouri River.  White and smallmouth bass frequent the channel near our house, and happily gobble up a perfectly presented marabou clouser.  Their willingness to bite and the ferocity of their fight never gets old.  With the marina across the street, and prime fishing water a short 1-2 min boat ride away, this should allow the entire family to enjoy the water a bit more in 2013.

4 -   Lake Oahe - Smallmouth bass, northern pike and the common carp all species that will eat a fly thrown from shore.  The best thing about Oahe, each cast presents that unique chance of a lunker fish.  A fish that will alter your "fishing is cool" attitude to a "I need to go fishing!" philosophy.  Big carp are on this year's agenda for sure!

Lilly with a Lake Oahe Smallmouth

Whether we get out once or 100 times, 2013 will be a memorable one for Lilly and I.  I can't wait!

Photographer wanted

I love to fish so much.  I've been fortunate to have come to know individuals and acquire enough resources that have allowed for my development as a fisherman while ensuring success on the water.  I have never cared to document my adventures or prove my catch with photos, because that simply was not the reason I spent time on the water.  I just enjoy fishing.  If I catch fish, I catch fish.  If I don't, I don't.  That's that.  And I love it.

I've caught enough fish in my lifetime to allow a certain feeling of satisfaction as a fisherman.  My memories of those catches, however, are fuzzy at best.  Yes, I can remember one here and another there; but it's the days when things are tough, when only one or no fish are caught and you have to work your tail off to get what you get (without throwing a fit).  The days in which photos would only depict anguish and turmoil, but would allow you to reminisce with a, "that was tough, but what a great day."  Even the days where it seems like you could do no wrong, and the fish seemingly line up to get a look at the next fly you plan to offer.

Having a great photographer at your side is not necessarily the key here, but having a like-minded friend who shares your passion for fishing and would go to the extent to find those "great" days along with you.  I've yet to find that person.  Someone to help create and capture those fishing memories that become so welcome when time on the water becomes so hard to find.  Anyone want to go fishing?

 Shaun from Dakota Angler and Outfitter with a nice Black Hills Bow

Winter Hot Spot: Golf Courses

January Rainbow in Rapid City

As I pulled into the EMPTY parking lot of Meadowbrook Golf Course in Rapid City, SD last January, I thought to myself, "This is too good to be true."  I was met by the warm embrace of the sun as I left my pickup.  A beautiful 45 degree morning in the banana belt of the Black Hills, and I'll be fishing alone.  I'd never fished the golf course, but had heard of the nice trout that call it home.

I began wandering about the cart path, checking the water as I walked.  Not in any hurry to wet a line, I was actually considering an imaginary approach shot as I came upon a covered green.  Then, I saw it.  It was beautiful.  Some fast water feeding around a bend into a deep holding area.  The perfect place for winter-time trout in Rapid Creek.

If you haven't fished golf courses in the winter time, you are missing out.  Where else can you find nearly unspookable, unpressured and uneducated (well, relatively uneducated) trout?  These fish see people all summer long, many of whom are fishing their golf balls out of Mr. Trout's back yard, and few see flies throughout the "regular season".   I'm sure there are some brave fisherman who venture out during the summer months, but very few are interested in messing with a golfers game when there are plenty of other great places to fish within city limits.  It's important to understand the rules on your local course, and make sure fishing is permitted on the premises.  The clubhouse manager might even have a few water hazards that hold warm-water species as well.  Next time you see that big rainbow feeding next to the #4 green on your home course, pay him a visit in the winter.  You'll likely be the only one knocking on his door.

When your pride should hit the pavement

We've all been there (at least I hope I'm not the only one):  We've been thrashing away at the water for hours trying to get the fish feeding in front of us to take, and the guy/girl upstream is catching them like he's using powerbait!  You begin to walk up-stream to have a nice conversation with a fellow fisherman when... your "fishing pride" takes over.  Fishing pride (FP) is like the cartoon devil conscience on your shoulder, only there isn't much firepower to the other side of the debate. 

[Struggling fly fisherman accepts defeat and begins the walk of shame upstream to the next angler]:  

FP:  Hey, you!

You:  Who, me?  

FP:  Yeah, dummy.  You're getting outsmarted by a couple of fish!  

You:  Well, I'm about to go ask this nice fisherman who's catching all the fish for help.

FP:  NOOOO!   You'll be the laughing stock of the fly shop.  He's going to head back and tell all his buddies about how this NOVICE came up begging for advice.  Then when you walk in to the fly shop later, they'll laugh you out of town!  You'll never be able to fish this stretch of water again!  

You:  You're right.  I can't ask him for help.  I'll look stupid.  I can figure it out myself. 

FP:  Try a few more flies in your box, you'll figure it out big guy.  

My inagural trip to the Bighorn River in eastern Montana was the first, and last, time my fishing pride got the best of me.  There I was, two years into fly-fishing on an amazing river with nearly 10,000 fish per mile...NOT CATCHING A THING.  The angler in the hole upstream was catching fish on every other cast.  I'm not sure that day's dialog between me and my fishing pride was similar to the one above, but it was enough to prevent me from visiting with that angler and limited me to 4 or 5 fish to hand the entire trip.  Next time you are having trouble on the water, novice or not, take a chance and ask a fellow angler.  There are plenty of fish to go around, and there is always someone who knows more.  

Tuesday Tyers back in action!

The Tuesday Tyers meet every Tuesday during the winter months to tie flies, drink tea, eat cookies and give honest, accurate personal anecdotes of man triumphing over mother nature : ).  This is my third season tying with the group, and I've never been a part of something for which I get so excited to participate in.  No photo of the group right now, but they are all world class fisherman with reputations that speak for themselves.  I've learned a lot from this group of guys, and will continue to learn as we tie and fish together.  If you are not participating in (or hosting) a tying session, I highly recommend it!

You better KNOT mention that again...

Knot tying.  Why do anglers try to do it so quickly?  So they can impress their friend/clients on the water?  What, then, do they say when the fish breaks off?  "Wow! That was some fish!"  They very well might have had a great fish on the business end of that line, and they might have been posing for a photo with that monster if they or their guide had taken a few extra SECONDS to tie a proper knot.

Brownie brought to hand thanks to a well tied uni-knot

I experienced this exact situation while fishing with a guide (who I just happened to meet on the stream) one sunny spring day.  There were at least two occasions (that I had witnessed) where the guide had hooked into a nice (20"+) fish only to have that fish break off mid-fight.  With the light tippets and small flies we were using that day, I would have chalked it to bad luck if I hadn't watched him tie another fly on in a matter of seconds, ready to fish again.  Very impressed with the way he had handled his rig, I continued fishing only to see him break off the very next nice fish to take his offering.  It just made me wonder how often this might happen out with a client, or how many fish he has lost due to poor knot quality.  Especially given the fact that I landed multiple fish over 20" in the same area using very similar equipment/tackle.

I'm not saying that catching fish and tying a fly on as quick as possible are mutually exclusive events.  I only want to reiterate how important a good knot is to fly fishing.  If you are not happy with the knot, tie it again.  If you are uncomfortable tying a particular knot, slow down.  You may just be smiling with a lunker fish in your photo because of it.

Sunday Someday: Pontoon Boat

Lazy Spring day on the Bighorn River

Do you ever find your head in the clouds daydreaming about fishing.  I have a lot lately. Fly fishing, like most hobbies/pastimes, can take up an enormous amount of time and resources.  With so many products I've yet to try and so many experiences I've yet to have, it's only natural that a boy dreams of what could become of this unbelievable pastime of ours.

One thing I have been dreaming about for some time now is owning a pontoon boat.  Not the kind of pontoon that Little Big Town make sound so dreamy, or the kind that my wife begs me to consider so that we can take friends out on the water for BBQs.  No, I want the kind of pontoon boat that will allow me to stealthily pursue a pod of feeding carp before standing to present my offering; or one that will allow me to drift the bighorn river with ease and precision.  A few I've had my eyes on are the NFO Outlaw X5 and the Fish Cat 13 (for two).  After using a pontoon for the first time last year, I'm sold.  Their versatility and ease of use would be valuable whether in the Black Hills or on the Missouri In Pierre.  Think of the possibilities...  : )  Any others I should consider?

Fish Cat 13.  Would be great to practice my guiding skills on the Missouri.  That will be the topic of a future Sunday Someday.

Outlaw X5

2012 Goal Review

For the first time in my fishing career, I noted a few successes that I wanted to see in 2012. Below is a rundown of those goals and how things went for me.  

Goal 1:  Catch a Northern on the fly

With the mild winter experienced last year, I found plenty of opportunities to get out with the fly rod in search of Northerns.  I met this goal relatively quickly as I was searching for rainbow trout in Oahe marina.  A nice 10 lb northern devoured my articulated streamer and provided me with a very fun first northern on my 6 weight.  Many others followed.  

Goal 2:  Catch a fish on the fly in each month of the year

I can honestly say that I lost track rack of this one.  I'm going to do my best to think back in each month in hopes of remembering what fish were caught and when.  There weren't many unfortunately, but I still may have done a fairly decent job of filling most months with a fish or two.  

• January:  Northern, Browns & Bows 
• February:  Northern
• March:  No fish on the fly : (
• April:  Browns & Bows on the Bighorn!
• May: Black Hills Browns and Bows, Crappie, Bluegill, Smallies
• June: Crappies, Bass
• July: Smallies
• August: Carp, King Cats, Smallies, White Bass, Gar
• September: Smallies, Rainbows
• October: No fish on the fly : (
• November: No fish on the fly : (
• December: No fish on the fly : (

In hindsight, it wasn't such a bad year after all.

Goal 3:  Catch a 20"+ smallie on the fly

I included this goal with the expectation of making a return visit to Pelican Lake in Orr, Mn where I landed a 21.5" smallie (with my baitcaster) in 2010.  This year's trip did not happen, and while there are ample opportunities to find a 20" fish in the Pierre area, I just did not pursue them enough to find one.  With northern Minnesota on the schedule for 2013, dreams of giant smallies will dance in my head yet again.    

Goal 4:  Fish the Bighorn River

Pierre Tuesday Tyers members made the treck (in real truckers trucks) to Fort Smith, MT in April 2012 to advertise expertly tied flies to Ph.D. level trout in an amazing tailwater fishery.  Look for another post in March breaking down this trip in preparation for a return to the Bighorn in 2013.

Goal 5:  Catch a trout streamer fishing

My only attempt at streamer fishing came last winter in Pierre when the warm weather offered open water opportunities that only resulted in a few northers.  I want to swing a large articulated streamer through a deep hole of a free-stone stream.  A winter excursion would be ideal, but I'll take whatever opportunity I can get.  


Goal 6:  Flyfish for chinook in the tailrace

My only salmon of the season came while spin-casting in the tailrace.  The persistent drought conditions in 2012, and very low flows so far in 2013 might make this a difficult task moving forward.  I might try swinging some flies this winter in preparation for steelhead fishing next year.  That's something I'd really like to do.

I liked setting fishing goals for myself.  Without as many "projects" on the schedule for 2013, I feel I will be able to provide sufficient attention to these goals, and better myself as a fisherman in the process.  I will give serious thought to my 2013 goals and will add that post in the near future.  

Future Fishing in central South Dakota

Open the Floodgates!  (Stilling basin - 2011)

Optimistic Game, Fish and Parks professionals met 80-90 fishing enthusiasts at the Holiday Inn Express in Ft. Pierre on February 6, 2012 to discuss the flood and the impact it may have on the warm-water fisheries of the Missouri River system.  The focus of this informative session was not specifically on the future of individual game species, but more on the food sources present in our fisheries that directly impact the population and location of the predator species.


There are two primary prey species present in the Missouri River fishery system of South Dakota,  Rainbow Smelt and Gizzard Shad.  





Rainbow Smelt (Osmerus mordax) - The primary food source for predator species in Lake Oahe Reservoir. Hundreds of millions of rainbow smelt roam these waterways each year.  A significant change in the smelt population (one way or another) will have a direct impact on the population of predator species.  Based on testing 






Gizzard Shad (Dorosoma cepedianum) - Gizzard shad thrive in the missouri river waters, especially Lake Sharp.  Winters are the prime factor determining the gizzard shad population from year to year.  Harsh winters are tough on shad, so they don't survive well under ice.

There are other prey species in this system including, but not limited to: perch, drum, white and smallmouth bass.  After the amazing fishing seasons we've had the last few years (especially in 2012) and long period of drought, it's upsetting to revisit the conversation regarding the future of this historically great fishery.  We are fortunate to have a number of game fish in the Missouri River system and will continue to experience great fishing, whether for Eyes, Northern, Bass, Cats or Salmon.  But we'll need to be extra diligent as stewards of this great resource to ensure it returns to the glory days of fishing years passed.