RvrWader Fly Tying and Fly Fishing: July 2012

Monday, July 23, 2012

The Sweet Sounds of Summer

For me, there are a couple of sounds that represent summer to me. The first one is the buzzing of the cicadas on a hot summer day. When I hear the first cicada I know spring has passed and summer is in full swing. I cannot get enough of listening to them, sitting out on the deck enjoying a few frosty beverages and enjoying a good Robusto cigar. The other sound that means summer to me is live Grateful Dead music. Has it really been seventeen years since Jerry left us? I have really missed going to the shows and listening to some great music. The Grateful Dead channel on XM Radio does help…however, it’s just not the same as listening to them live. So, I really couldn't believe my eyes when I saw that Bob and Phil's new band, Furthur, was going to be at the Meadow Brook Music Festival in July. I was not about to miss this show so I bought my tickets as soon as they went on sale, which was back in March. I couldn't wait for the show and to see if the parking lot scene was similar to what I remembered from Grateful Dead shows. This was Laurie's first Grateful Dead type-show and she not excited to go at all. However once she got to the parking lot she had a lot of fun people-watching. At the Furthur shows it looks like Shakedown Street has been taken to a new level than I remember from the Dead days. Instead of people selling their wares on blankets, everybody seemed to have easy-up canopies and full stores and restaurants. I was hoping to get myself a sexy happy grilled cheese sandwich but all I was finding were chicken dishes. Once we got into the show, the band didn't disappoint me at all. The boys put together two smoking sets of great music! They opened with a rocking Aiko Aiko and ended with an emotional Broke Down Palace. Here's hoping they come back again next year!!!

Back to the cicadas. When these big bugs are hatching they are sometimes blown into the river and the big browns just cannot resist such a big easy meal. Throw them close to the bank and hold on. If there is a big brown there he will jump for a chance at the tasty morsel you sent his way. Here is a quick easy cicada pattern that will bring a few fish to hand for you. I tied this one in black. You can tie it to match the naturals in your area. I need to head to JoAnn's and get some brown foam soon.

Cicada In My Back Yard

Cicada

Hook: Dry Fly #8-10

Thread: Uni 6/0 Color To Match Natural

Body: Craft Yarn Color to Match Natural

Over Body: Craft Foam Color to Match Natural

Under Wing: Pearl Flashabou

Over Wing: Elk Hair

Legs: Rubber Leg Material

Step One

Start thread just behind hook eye

Step Two

Tie in yarn behind hook eye

Step Three

Wrap yarn to hook bend and back to hook eye

Step Four

Trim craft foam to desired size

Step Five

Tie in foam

Step Six

Tie in about two dozen strands of Flashabou

Step Seven

Tie in elk hair wing

Step Eight

Tie in rubber legs

Trim rubber legs to desired length

Pull foam back to create a bullet head. Whip finish.

Monday, July 9, 2012

The Inconsiderate

Is it just me or are people becoming more and more inconsiderate of other people? I spent last weekend fishing camping and fishing at Keystone Landing in Grayling right on the Au Sable River. I could not believe the actions of some people. Friday when I arrived, I quickly set up camp and got ready to go fishing. I started from the landing and was working my way downstream towards the stairs. When I was about 50 yards from the stairs I noticed a few guys walking down the stairs with their dog. As soon as they reached the bottom the proceeded to throw a tennis ball for the dog to fetch in my direction. I know they have the same rights to the river as I do, but seriously could you not wait a few minutes for me go pass? And why did they have to throw the ball in my direction and spook the fish?

Believe it or not the next night was worse? After fishing the evening BWO hatch I went back to the campsite for a few beers and burgers cooked over the campfire. At about 10:30 I decided to make sure I was up in time for the Trico hatch and spinner fall that I figured would start around 6AM (I was close since it started at 6:30) At about 10:45 the party started a few sites away from me. These yahoos were up partying and blaring their music and talking as loud as the could until 2AM. While I am all for having a few beers and a good time, you have to respect other people. I would not have minded if they had shut things down around midnight. It wasn't just me they were inconveniencing. The campground was nearly full with at least three campsites had children. I guess it shouldn't surprise me since they had a toddler at their site and didn't care about him either. Such is the ME generation.

What did I learn from this trip?? First, on July 4th weekend stay at a campsite that is either off the beaten track or has a ranger? Second, fish someplace that is harder for people to access the river on foot. Third, if you think the flies that are coming off are a size 20 fish a size 22.. More on that next time..

Sunday, July 1, 2012

Buddy, Quinn and a Few Ants for Good Measure

Summertime is officially here. Each year Laurie and I like to take in a few concerts and this year will be no exception. Friday night we had the pleasure of seeing Jonny Lang and Buddy Guy at the Meadowbrook Music Festival. We both we able to scratch someone off our concert bucket lists. While Laurie was more interested in seeing Jonny Lang, I couldn't wait to see the guitar master Buddy Guy. Both put on a great show. Towards the end of Buddy's show he told the crowd that he has a special guest to introduce. That special guest was 13 year old Quinn Sullivan. This kid came out and tore it up! I could not believe how well he played. Can you imagine being 13 years old and sharing the spotlight with a legend like Buddy Guy? It was nice to see the kid after the show signing his album of the fans. If you get a chance check out his album Cyclone. This kid will be a superstar someday.

In addition to great concerts the summer also brings along some great terrestrial fishing. One of my favorite terrestrials to fish is the simple ant. If you look around ants are everywhere and if the wind is blowing even slightly they will be blown into the water and instantly pounced on by a near by trout. They can be fished either wet or dry. While they are very productive while fishing them tight to the bank, I prefer to bounce them off a log extending out into the river. For me this always produces some nice fish.

Here is a nice basic ant pattern that has been around for ever.