Tying to Catch a Fish

The annual Bighorn River adventure holds a special place in the hearts of Tuesday Tyers members who have participated.  When I first joined the group, spectacular tales of fish catching, river tips and tricks, and planning talk for future trips filled our tying nights.  When I was invited to tag along, I was nervous.  "What if I don't catch any fish?" I thought.  It wasn't until I joined this group on their adventure that I realized that catching fish (while always a goal) was not the ultimate objective.  This trip means more than just fish.  It is an escape... from others and ourselves.  It is a chance to wade waste deep in water with thousands of fish who are happy to set up in the feeding lane behind your legs.  A chance to drift effortlessly down a river full of beauty and majesty.  A chance to meet friendly folks both enjoying the resource and using it to make a living.  All of this while trying to get close to some of the most beautiful fish one can imagine.

I'm bummed to not be going on this year's adventure, but excited for those who are planning to attend.  To help them get ready for the trip, and to provide a few laughs in the process, here is a video of last year's adventure.  Mostly just fish being released, but some good memories mixed in.  Enjoy!


 
Bighorn 2014 from Buddy Seiner on Vimeo.

How can you HATE the Bighorn River?

I had an interesting conversation with a guide/fly snob prior to heading out west.

Me:  Yeah, we're haeding out to the Bighorn for a week.  Pretty excited about it.











Fishing Snob:  Hmm...I hate the Bighorn.  Too many people.  I'd much rather go someplace else.













Me:  Hmm...Good to know.  See you later.

How can you hate the Bighorn River?  I get that it's one of the most heavily fished streams in Montana. I get that fly snobs and enthusiasts will travel from all around for the chance to show their stuff, or get a heavy dose of humility.  But to say you HATE the bighorn river because of other fisherman is snobbery at its finest.

The Bighorn boasts 10,000 fish per mile.

 The best part of our three full days of fishing, I caught all of my fish in near solitude.  Whether because I was fishing while it was 15 degrees fahrenheit on day one,  fishing spots that had been passed up time and time again, or just finding the "fishy" spots, I was catching fish without competing with the masses.  At one point during day one, a great group of guys from Spokane approached me to see if they could fish the stretch of water around me.  I'm not sure if they had watched me catch a few fish, or if they were genuinely interested in this stretch of water.  I let them have it, chatted for a while and moved on to the next hole.  I'll camp out on a spot once I find some fish, but I'm not going to be opposed to moving on unless I know there is a beast in there I've yet to catch.  Even then, I'd still be willing to let a fellow fishing enthusiast have their shot.  As long as they aren't a snob.  Like I said, if I can't find a few fish out of 10,000 per mile, I might need to go back to the drawing board.

We had a great trip out west, and it's something I've come to look forward to throughout the year.  Not only because of the fishing, but the challenge presented (elements, bugs, changing conditions), camaraderie, and chance to see some magnificent fish up close and personal.  Don't turn into a fishing spot snob.  Let's find appreciation for the great resources around us and make the most of our time on the water with friends and family.  Life is too short to hate a fishing spot, or to not fish the Bighorn River. Here are some more snapshots of some beauties you won't find anywhere else:

Preparation is Key

Now one week before our annual bighorn river fishing adventure, and I find myself in preparation mode.  When your travels will take you 500+ miles to a location with limited access to basic necessities, gear and equipment, you better bring what you need unless you are willing and able to pay a premium for such goods on site.  I, for one, am not willing or able to do such a thing.  Here are five essentials on my list that will save the day in the event preparation fails me this spring:

1.  Fly Tying Gear

Rather than identifying a number of patters and being prepared to tie them if necessary, I load up the whole lot to ensure that nothing is missed.  Last year was a great example.  Midges were hatching like crazy, however, only a few select patterns were producing on a regular basis.  Fortunately, my tying gear was close at hand and the next day came with several fish to hand thanks to some fresh flies.

2.  Walkie-Talkies

When fishing in a group, communication can be a key to success on the water.  Pre-made plans for the day's fishing may be thrown out the window when unexpected events occur.  Walkie-talkie communication on the water can help boost efficiency and hasten success for all.  Keep them close by.

3.  Dry Bag

Having a safe place on the float boat for gear, tools, food and miscellaneous items to be stored will pay dividends on your next trip.  On last year's trip, one of the oar's on my pontoon boat came loose before hitting  a rough patch of water.  I was fortunate to have anchored myself before entering the turbulent waters in order to search my dry bag for the screwdrivers I had along.  I fixed the oar and continued on down to my next hole.  It also protected my camera and lunch from the unexpected rain showers that briefly moved through the area.

4.  First-Aid

A comprehensive first-aid kit seems like an obvious addition, but is often forgotten on seemingly easy-going fishing trips.  Include heavy mono (20 or 30 lb test) in the unlikely event a hook becomes lodged into a fellow fisherman, hydrogen peroxide, second skin, hot hands, band aids, athletic tape and aspirin/ibuprofen among other items.  Try to plan for every possible scenario.

5.  Extra Gear

I don't know many fly-guys who won't travel with multiple rod/reel sets for any given fishing trip.  What else could you need?  I think it is important to have all of the essentials:

• Rod/Reels
• line/backing
• leaders/tippet
• waders/wading boots
• Looped connector tips for fly line (easy to put on and very durable.  Came in handy for me a few years back)
• Small backup fly box (you never know when your's might be misplaced, stoled or lost downstream)
• Hat/gloves (it get's cold in the spring)

Keep this gear in your vehicle or in your room.  If something does go wrong, you'll know you have something available as a backup.  

Time to go fishing?  

Tying Tuesday Result: The Zebra Midge

This year's Tuesday Tyer sessions have been more of an opportunity for me to take in some fun stories and tell some of my own.  I would be lucky to tie two flies in the three hour session.  This past tuesday was different.  While stories were still prevalent, I hunkered down to get some flies tied.  Zebra midges and big streamers were on the menu.  Check out the tying video for the Zebra Midge below.  A quick and easy pattern that will produce throughout the year.

When I first started fly fishing, I couldn't believe some of the tiny patterns featured in fly shop bins.  "How the heck does thread catch fish?" I thought.  Well, when I finally had an opportunity to see these bugs in my seine net, I had a better understanding as to why these patterns work so well.  Next time you're fishing in spring or fall, or are in the middle of a midge hatch, do a quick seine to see the larva present.  You'll see why small and easy is the way to go.  Enjoy the video!

Do's and Dont's: Get down deep

Deep seam bow caught on weighted san juan worm and split shot

I asked Tim what he was tying at last weeks Tuesdsay Tyers session.  "A bomb," he replied.  "I don't want to have to use split shots next time I'm trying to get down to those fish."  This heavily weighted fly consisted of a tungsten bead head, .20 lead wire and a "buggy" attire.  Whether you are using weighted flies, weighted line, or split shots, getting down to the fish is essential to catching them in deep water.

Tim was preparing flies for our upcoming trip to the Bighorn River in Montana.  The Bighorn is notorious for this requirement.  A spring trip in 2012 welcomed us with a midge hatch and rising fish.  Our best success, however, was found deep, with zebra midges and skinny nelson patterns.  Yeah, you could catch fish on soft hackle emerges and dries (certain times of the day produced very well), but your catch rate would be more consistent fishing deep.

But it meant fishing deep properly.  That meant a weighted fly and often multiple split shots were required to reach those fish with a realistic presentation.  That was your best shot for success.  This obviously depends on the season, water level, water clarity and food options available, and varying your presentation is key to finding the right amount of weight required.  Some casters will start big, getting down to the bottom as quick as possible and adjust from there.  Others with make their best guess as to how they will get close and add as necessary.  Either way, you'll be on the bottom, and that means you're going to lose flies.  You'll have to come to grips with it if you want to catch fish deep.  It's all part of the game, but you have to play to win.  You must be willing to give up a few of those flies that you worked so hard to tie up, or spent hard earned cash to purchase.  That's the only way you can beat deep water and gain the confidence to work the water properly.  You'll catch more fish and will be a more experienced fisherman because of it.  

2012 Bighorn River Adventure

Each year the Tuesday Tyers in Pierre, SD take a trip to Fort Smith, MT to fish the Bighorn River.  Last year was my first time joining the crew.  Here is a short video from the trip.  I'm excited to go back!