September 05, 2018

Week 09/05/18 - 9/12/18
Conditions: Good
Surface Temp: 82f
Clarity: Tannic 23-inches

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Greg Mixon-Bass on the first cast!

Let us know what you are catching-or not catching-Send your pics of fish, beautiful places, or some of the flies that you have tied. We love to post them on our fishing report! Send to Allen@andythornal.com

Trevor Brown was in the Bluegill with some cool custom nymphs.

Tip of the Week:

This is Bluegill week, Time to fish the little rod! Bass are biting, but Bluegill are king in this report. You've heard this tip for a few weeks-Small white minnows like Grasset's Snook minnow, and white sz 6 Clousers are producing fish. Bluegill and shellcracker are abundant. Popper-dropper rigs with classic trout flies on the dropper are catching lots of fish. Bushier nymphs like Gibson's Snymph, Hare's ear, and Prince are catching lots of panfish. Important-use bead head or weighted nymphs to drop to the bottom, Also use a long dropper tippet (3ft to 5ft) in a light weight (4x to 6x.) Size10 down to size16 will do the trick. Poppers, sliders and amnesia style topwater in chartreuse, white, and electric blue for topwater. We finally heard about a frog pattern popper catching bluegill-perhaps frog patterns will become important in future weeks.

Walt Pallen was on the bass with his 3wt.

Techniques:

The Summertime pattern is in effect for bass. They are feeding in deeper water. Reaction style flies like the Schmiderbait Spinner-Fly, Dahlburg Divers, and Game Changer flies will mimick the success that hardwear anglers are having. These should be moved fast, forcing a quick reaction from the Bass. We like white, but 'flash' seems to be most important. 12in to 16in bass are still working the shad in the shallows. Follow the afternoon shade to find the most aggressive fish. Expect rain storms in the afternoon. Water is flowing through canals and large culverts. These will be feeding funnels and will create opportunities for the fly angler. Pay particular attention to the seawalls in the canals as they can give a fish a great spot to hang. Bluegill success on dropper rigs with soft hackle nymphs and bushier style nymphs. If the nymph is bushy, rubber legs, you are going to have a good day of fishing.

David Brooks was into a school of huge Bluegill on his 2wt bamboo fly rod.

7 Day Forecast:

Afternoon rain is forecast, These storms should be scattered but windy. Morning should be best for fly fishing topwater. Flowing canals will create feeding funnels and should be an opportunity. Lake levels are very high. Some of the lakes are complex to fly fish because the water floods into the grass and timber areas. The water levels are very high, docks are under water on the Winter Haven Chain, and flood control damns are wide open. All local rivers are running high and extra care should be taken. Fishing should continue to be very good.

Before and after a "5lb" Bass. Broken Hook. Bully Spider by Billy Williams.

FLY TYING CLASSES ON FIRST AND THIRD TUESDAYS at 6:00PM-7:30PM. No reservations needed. We supply materials and tools (or bring yours.) $10 min purchase requested. Our next tying class is Sept. 18th

The text in this report may look familiar. We upload weekly to the Orvis Fishing Report for Florida.

Links for Local Weather And River Levels

Local Weather

Water Levels Peace River

Water Levels Econ River

Water Levels Hillsborough

Water Levels Myakka River