First outing of 2011

I got the chance to get out this weekend with my good buddy Brandon Alexander of Catskill Fly and Float with hopes of swinging big streamers for big fish on the West Branch of the Delaware River.  Hours before we were going to leave, they cranked it up to 1700 cfs (400 cfs would be ideal) leaving us scrambling for a plan B.  With ice clearing up on the Beaverkill and Willowemoc, we decided to head to Trout Town, USA.  We were met with some showers and water barely above freezing.  The fish were lethargic for sure, and we pretty much had to put our flies right on their noses.  We managed to hook up with about 6 between the two of us, Brandon netting one on a streamer, with all of mine coming on small patterns.  I lost a really nice fish as he broke me off on a rock a rods length away from me.  A size 18 black birds nest seemed to work well for me.  In a few weeks the fishing will be picking up, but a day like this is exactly what I needed to beat cabin fever.  For information on the flies I was using, be sure to check out my Fly Shop page.

We certainly had different view on how to fish

My first trout of 2011

A nice holdover

Brandon proving that fish will hit a streamer in cold water

Tying the Tungsten Egg Fly

This may be the last egg patten that you ever tie.  Here is an easy fly that you can tie in under 2 minutes and catches fish year round.  I find it especially effective in the late fall, winter and early spring.  Whether it be for steelhead, big browns or football shaped rainbow trout, this fly produces.  In the winter, it's like candy for steelhead and resident 'bows.  The tungsten bead really helps get the fly down along the bottom where natural eggs drift, and is deadly when fished in tandem with a stonefly or a dead drifted streamer.  Tie a couple and try it out.  I promise you that you won't be disappointed.

Acetate Floss Tying Video

Hey all,

I've received a lot of requests lately on how I incorporate Acetate Floss into my fly tying, as well as using the material in general.  I thought that I'd put together a quick tutorial on the floss, accompanied with a quick pattern that I love to tie.  Let me know what you think, I love the feedback.  Any questions, feel free to email me at TheThirstyTrout@gmail.com

Tried and true patterns for the Catskills

Going through my fly boxes to see what needed to be replenished, I thought that I would take the time and post some patterns that have been killer for me in the streams of the Northeast.  These flies have caught fish everywhere, and could be a useful resource for anyone looking to make a trip to these fabled waters.  These flies are for sale on the shop page, or you can contact me directly at TheThirstyTrout@gmail.com

2x Hotspot Pheasant Tail Soft Hackle

Green Caddis Pupa Czech Nymph

Green and Brown Acetate Floss Pupa

Black Czech Nymph

Braided Acetate Floss Caddis Pupa

Tungsten Pheasant Tail Nymph

Black Birds Nest

Tan Birds Nest

Tungsten Hot Spot Rubber Legged Stone 

Black Tungsten Hot Spot Stonefly 

Black Tungsten Stonefly

Tungsten Acetate Floss Tan Stone

Tungsten Acetate Floss Tan Stone w/ Hot Spot

Tungsten Turkey Tail Micro Stone

Black Wooly Bugger w/ XL Hackle

Fly Fishing in the Catskills

I got a chance to compile some pictures and video from the past season.  Accompanying me in most of it is my good friend, Brandon Alexander of Catskill Fly & Float, who guides in the Catskills.

Hope you enjoy