FLY FISHING REPORT 2018-12-12
Week 12/12/18-12/19/18
Conditions: Good
Surface Temp: 68f
Clarity: Slightly Tannic 18-24-inches
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
Wade Roberts with a fly rod bass on a popper.
Tip:
The best bet of late has been focusing on partially submerged timber and thicker grass lines. These areas warm up more quickly and retain heat so this will cause the fish to congregate in these areas. Subsurface streamers have been most effective with white or yellow being the colors of choice. Fish these parallel to the cover and keep them deeper as the fish have been staying suspended.
Glad to see that Trevor Brown is back in the kayak.
Techniques:
With the cooler temps slower retrieve rates have been very important. Topwater is still working when fished in heavier cover such as lily pads or at the base of trees. The top colors have been yellow, olive, and white. The most consistent way to catch bass has been fishing a size 6 Clouser or the smaller E.P Shad pattern. Though not quite as dramatic as a topwater strike streamer fishing is more consistent and allows you to catch fish that aren't as aggressive. Look for the nervous activity caused by the shad, as this is a sure sign that the bass are near. They are typically schooling on the windblown side of the lake. Don't stalk too close and keep your trolling motors on a low setting, the fish are being skittish around too much boat noise. When the bass aren't schooling look for docks or submerged timber, these are common holding areas for bass when it starts to get cold. When fishing these areas an intermediate sinking line is helpful in getting your flies towards the bottom of the water column. Slowing down your presentations have been helpful when the bite slows down. The most productive colors of the worm or craw flies have been olive, black and purple. Which come as no surprise as these are always good color choices. Bluegill still are hanging around docks and near the mouths of canals. The best way to catch them has been a heavier tungsten nymph drug on the bottom or a worm fly with a squirmito tail on a jig head. When presenting these flies try crawling them by pulling the fly line to your wrist for a slow gradual retrieve rate. This has been key as they prefer to eat them deeper when they are right above the bottom. When fishing near heavy cover for panfish bumping up to 4x tippet will allow you to still be stealthy but have some extra strength around the wood. Specs(Crappie) are still being caught along grass lines. Use baitfish patterns in white, black and/or brown/olive in sizes 6, 8, or 10. Classic popper fishing is recommended at sunrise when the weather is either a little warmer or foggy. Colors is important as the fish are selective. Start with white as this mimics a struggling baitfish then start trying brighter colors such as yellow or orange. Casting these at the base of trees have yielded some spectacular blowups. Popper dropper rigs are a very good way to fish. Use classic trout flies such as a Pheasant Tail or a Hare's Ear Nymph is sizes 10-14.
Billy Williams is catching stumpknockers and warmouth on a fly that he designed
Forecast
The weather should stay fairly consistent but with less wind as the week progresses making it a little easier to fly fish. Lake levels are continuing to drop slowly. The Peace, Econ, Hillsborough, and Withlacoochee Rivers are all at above average levels. Myakka River is seasonal average. And water on the Kissimmee River at below average level for the time of year.
Casting School Certificates
make great Christmas presents!
Where Great Traditions Begin! Register Now for our Full Day Fly Fishing School. Our Next Date is January 5th. Click here for more info/registration
FLY TYING CLASSES ARE 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 Dec. 18th. Contact us at 863 299-999 for more info.
Allen Wyatt
Author