FLY FISHING REPORT 2019-01-14
Week 01/13/19
Conditions: Good
Surface Temp: 60f
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
Special Fly Tying Session Jan. 15th. Our old friend, Captain Craig Crumbliss will show the Art of Bamboo Rod Making, and teach our fly tying session. More info at page bottom.
Tiger Godwin was catching Brookies on his most recent North Carolina trip. He is starting a guide service up there. Contact us at Andy Thornal Company for contact info.
Tip:
The topwater bite has been steadily improving. White poppers and slow sinking streamers fished with a slow cadence have been productive. Continue to fish near submerged timber if the fish are being shy. These areas will hold fish, and a slow retrieve with a heavier streamer will trigger bites from less active bass. Be on the lookout for fish up shallow, a popper is a great searching fly to find active fish. Then switch to a streamer and dissect the water around that area.
Trevor Brown went for an hour of 'Therapy' this weekend.
Techniques:
The bass are going to continue pushing up and remaining near shallow water. Think drop offs instead of pounding the bank. They will begin to spawn here shortly so keep your eyes peeled in shallow water. Keep your flies a little deeper than usual and focus on submerged grasslines. The fish are still best responding to shad and bluegill patterns with a slow retrieve rate. The smaller size flies are working, with number 6 brush flies matching the "hatch" the best. Have a few larger streamers tied with either rabbit fur or marabou in case the bass are feeling more aggressive. The added movement in these materials can create some violent strikes. Topwater is still working when fished in heavier cover such as lily pads or at the base of trees. With a slow retrieve back to the boat. The top colors have been yellow and olive. Look for the nervous activity caused by the shad, as this is a sure sign that the bass are near. When throwing baitfish patterns the best place to cast is parallel to the shoreline. This allows you to cover more water. Try varying the depth during the retrieve if they aren't responding to a steady retrieve. They are typically schooling on the windblown side of the lake. Bluegill still are hanging around docks and near any moving water. 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. Sometimes bass sized flies get gobbled up by a monster bream when working docks or brush piles. 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 deeper grasslines. 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.
Hunter Towery's "Sloppy Jose" jig fly is great for specs. This color is PBJ
Forecast
The wind will cooperate this week and make it easy to fly fish. The nights will stay cooler but will warm up as the week progresses.
The lake levels are continuing to drop slowly and clearing in clarity. The Peace, Econ, Hillsborough, Myakka, and Withlacoochee Rivers are all at above average levels but are falling. And levels on the Kissimmee River are at below average level for the time of year.
This is a lipped version of the Crease Fly. This very creative 'Crank Bait' is by Billy Williams.
Special Fly Tying Session Jan. 15th. Our old friend, Captain Craig Crumbliss will show the art of Bamboo rod making, and teach fly tying.
5th Tuesday Fly Tying on Jan. 29th. We are confirming the location for fly tying in Lakeland, FL. Hopefully this will be a tradition!
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 Jan. 15th. Contact us at 863 299-999 for more info.
FLY FISHING REPORT 2019-01-08
Keep the flies rolling low and slow with more subtle natural colors working best. Placement of the flies is important, try to almost hit the cover and fish it deeper in the water column. View full article →FLY FISHING REPORT 2019-01-02
Week 01/02/19
Conditions: Good
Surface Temp: 64f
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
Levi Payne is catching a bunch of fish this week!
Register Now for our Full Day Fly Fishing School. Our Next Date is January 5th. Click here for more info/registration Where Great Traditions Begin!
Tip:
Continue to focus on hard cover such as docks and timber. Placement of the flies is important, try to almost hit the cover and fish it deeper in the water column. Fluorocarbon helps the fly sink and also is more abrasion resistant than nylon monofilament. Keep your tippet size at either 2x or 3x since it gives you enough stealth for the clearing water, but also gives you a chance fighting fish near dangerous cover.
Daniel Lanier shares this Bluegill catch from Calhoon County, Missourri. Caught him on a Pheasant Tail Cricket.
Techniques:
Keep throwing streamers with a low and slow retrieve. The fish are responding to shad and bluegill patterns. The smaller size flies are working, with number 6 brush flies matching the "hatch" the best. Have a few streamers tied with either rabbit fur or marabou in case the bass are feeling more aggressive. The added movement in these materials can create some violent strikes. The water is also clearing up in places like Saddle Creek and Teneroc making it even more conducive to fly fishing. Topwater is still working when fished in heavier cover such as lily pads or at the base of trees. With a slow retrieve back to the boat. The top colors have been yellow and olive. Look for the nervous activity caused by the shad, as this is a sure sign that the bass are near. When throwing baitfish patterns the best place to cast is parallel to the shoreline. This allows you to cover more water. Try varying the depth during the retrieve if they aren't responding to a steady retrieve. They are typically schooling on the windblown side of the lake. Bluegill still are hanging around docks and near any moving water. 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. Sometimes bass sized flies get gobbled up by a monster bream when working docks or brush piles. 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.
Tristan Barringer with another amazing bass!
Trevor Brown finished the year with some great fish!
Forecast
The temps will drop as the week progresses and the wind will die down. This will make for a pleasant start to 2019. The lake levels are continuing to drop slowly and clearing in clarity. The Peace, Econ, Hillsborough, Myakka, and Withlacoochee Rivers are all at high river levels. And levels on the Kissimmee River are at below average level for the time of year.
Phil Pope is our Head Fly Tying Instructor. He was finishing some Lo Fat Minnows with his UV light for sale in the fly shop.
Special Fly Tying Session Jan. 15th. Our old friend, Captain Craig Crumbliss will show the art of Bamboo rod making, and teach fly tying.
FLY TYING CLASSES ARE ON FIRST AND THIRD TUESDAYS at 6:00PM-7:30PM. [Exept this Month since New Years was our first Tuesday-RESCHEDULE FOR TUESDAY THE 15th AND TUESDAY THE 29th.] No reservations needed. We supply materials and tools (or bring yours.) $10 min purchase requested. Because New Year's Day is on the first Tuesday of the month, our next tying class is Jan. 15th. Contact us at 863 299-999 for more info.
FLY FISHING REPORT 2018-12-26
Week of 12/26/18
Conditions: Good
Surface Temp: 67f
Clarity: Slightly Tannic 18-24-inches
Jane O'Byrne caught this nice Spec (Crappie) on a white clouser
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
Register Now for our Full Day Fly Fishing School. Our Next Date is January 5th. Click here for more info/registration Where Great Traditions Begin!
Tip of the Week:
With warming temperatures and less wind look for some good fishing to wrap up 2018. Continue to focus on submerged timber and docks. The fly selection has been pretty typical with weighted olive Wooly Buggers and smaller white streamers also weighted being the top producers as of late. Keep the retrieve rates low and slow still, but expect more action as the conditions continue to improve.
Trevor Brown caught some Big Bluegill and small Bass this week!
Techniques:
Stick to subsurface flies and break out the sinking line if you've got it. The smaller size flies are working, with number 6 brush flies in a shad color keeping the line tight. The water is also clearing up in places like Saddle Creek and Teneroc making it even more conducive to fly fishing. Try doubling down on your streamers and throw a Wooly Bugger and a Clouser to change the action of the rig. Topwater is still working when fished in heavier cover such as lily pads or at the base of trees. With a slow retrieve back to the boat. The top colors have been yellow, olive, and white. 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 still. 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.
Forecast
The weather will keep warming and bring in less wind making it a little easier to fly fish. Lake levels are continuing to drop slowly and clearing in clarity. The Peace, Econ, Hillsborough, Myakka, and Withlacoochee Rivers are all at above average levels. And levels on the Kissimmee River at below average level for the time of year.
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. Because New Year's Day is on the first Tuesday of the month, our next tying class is Jan. 15th. Contact us at 863 299-999 for more info.
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.
FLY FISHING REPORT 2018-12-04
This report parallels last week. Small emerger nymphs are producing Tilapia and Small Bass of weedline. In December, cold fronts start pushing through you can definitely tell as the bite starts to get more sporadic. The best place View full article →FLY FISHING REPORT 2018-11-28
Conditions: Good
Surface Temp: 72f
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
Tip:
This time of year when the cold fronts start pushing through you can definitely tell as the bite starts to get more sporadic. The best place to start has been partially submerged timber as well as docks. These area warm-up more quickly since part of the structure is out of the water. Worm and crawfish flies are the most productive patterns, especially the more heavily weighted ones. We suggest bumping up your tippet size to at least 2x when fishing near heavy cover. If the bass has reddened lips that means they are feeding on crawfish on the bottom.
Techniques:
The bass are still schooling on shad, and can be found on the windblown side of the lake most commonly. Small white streamers and smaller white gurglers have been the best producing flies on these active fish. Either size 6 Clousers or the smaller E.P Shad pattern have been the best producing streamer patterns. Look for the nervous activity caused by the shad, as this is a sure sign that the bass are near. 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 now 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 the 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 ear 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 size 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.
Forecast
The weather should warm back up over the next few days and towards the end of the week the chance of rain increases. The fishing should stay good even through the weather shift. Lake levels are still dropping slowly. The Peace, Myakka, Hillsborough, and Withlacoochee Rivers are all at above average levels. With levels on the Econ and Kissimmee Rivers at below average levels.
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. 4th. Contact us at 863 299-999 for more info.
FLY FISHING REPORT 2018-11-20
Week 11/20/18-11/27/18
Conditions: Good
Surface Temp: 73f
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
Bring a Friend for 1/2 Price!
Cole with his first Redfish on the fly rod!
Tip:
The bass have been active and the fishing is good. Streamers have been the ticket for consistent results. They have been most productive off the bank and stripped fairly slow to keep them deeper in the water column (around 4-6 feet down.) This is where fluorocarbon and intermediate sinking lines come in handy. Also, white baitfish patterns should be fished in deeper water. About Twice your regular cast from the weed line should be good boat placement. We also like Baby Bluegill for small streamer colors.
Youth Fly Fishing program was a great success. Based on our full day fly fishing school, this class was mornings over 5 weeks. Contact us for more info, we can create a program for your group, also. Levi didn't want to quit fishing!
Techniques:
The bass have continued to school up and chow down on schools of shad. Chuck some meaty streamers at some aggressive bass. They have been hanging out a little farther offshore than most people are fishing. Try casting from a boat length away from where you start pounding the bank. The fish are staying in 4-6 ft of water, and they will eat top water flies too. A white gurgler is a great companion to a white streamer to cover all your bases as the bass will be exploding on top one second then retreat to deeper water. Bluegill 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 the squirmito tail on a jig head. Specs(Crappie) are still being caught along grass lines and outside of the lillies. Use baitfish patterns in white, black and/or brown/olive in size 6, 8, or 10 Classic popper fishing is recommended late in the day to evening. Colors are 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. 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.
Shad jumped into Hunter Towery's boat while bass fishing the frenzied school.
Forecast
Rain is forecast for Thanksgiving, temperatures will remain steady through the weekend. Pressure will fall through the week, and rising this weekend. Full Moon is Friday. We will recommend late afternoon till midnight as prime fishing. Bass and Specs will eat all night on a full moon. Bluegill should still cooperate at sunrise. Lake levels are slightly high, and continue to fall with the season. The Peace. Econ, Myakka, Hillsborough, Withlacoochee, and Kissimmee Rivers are all at above average levels. Normal river levels are falling with the season. Lake levels should slowly recede, and are approaching desirable levels.
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 Nov 20th. (then on Dec. 4th) Contact us at 863 299-999 for more info.
FLY FISHING REPORT 2018-11-13
Week 11/13/18-11/20/18
Conditions: Good
Surface Temp: 75f
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
This is what fly fishig is all about. Chris and Jim Bishop on the Chattooga River.
Tip:
Specs(Crappie) are making the report, finally. Caught outside of lily pads and near deeper water; Specs have been consistent in several pics from customers. Bass have been staying active and the fishing is very good. Streamers have been consistently producing results. Bass have been most productive a few feet off the bank and stripped fairly slow to keep them deeper in the water column around 4-6 feet down. This is where fluorocarbon and intermediate sinking lines come in handy.
Jim Bishop releases another rainbow trout on a great weekend.
Mayan Cichlid, an unusual catch in Central Florida Lakes as they are cold water sensitive. They are very aggressive fighting fish, and an invassive species, usually from an aquarium.
Techniques:
The bass have continued to school up and chow down on schools of shad. This is one of our favorite times of year, since we get to chuck some meaty streamers at some aggressive bass. They have been hanging out a little farther offshore than most people are fishing. Try casting from a boat length away from where you start pounding the bank. The fish are staying in 4-6 ft of water, and they will eat top water flies too. A white gurgler is a great companion to a white streamer to cover all your bases as the bass will be exploding on top one second then retreat to deeper water. Bluegill 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 the squirmito tail on a jig head. Specs(Crappie) are being caught along grass lines and outside of lilies. Use baitfish patterns in white, black and/or brown/olive in size 6, 8, or 10. Classic popper fishing is recommended at sunrise. Colors are 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. 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, or try an Green Drake emerger sz 10-14.
Conley Whiddon had a great morning with this Grand Slam. White poppers were the ticket at sunrise.
Forecast
With cooler temperatures rolling in at the end of the week the fishing should be good despite the weather shift. Lake levels are still high, but lower than last week. The Peace. Econ, Myakka, Hillsborough, Withlacoochee, and Kissimmee Rivers are all at above average levels. Normal river levels are falling with the season. Lake levels should slowly recede, and are approaching desirable levels.
Billy Williams tied this rubber legged leech pattern. Looks really good! Billy has been catching a lot of trout in N. Ga.- But this fly would be awesome here too!
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 Nov 20th. Contact us at 863 299-999 for more info.
FLY FISHING REPORT 2018-10-29
Week 10/29/18- 11/05/18
Conditions: Good
Surface Temp: 79f
Clarity: Tannic 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
Tip of the Week:
There was plenty of action on night time bass this week-marking a change in the fishing. A cool front has mornings at a delightful temp. Bass should be in 4-8ft of water. Weighted baitfish patterns can get deep to these fish on the weedlines. Using a sink tip will make countdown times much shorter for these fish. There is continued success on small white shad, and baby bass, baitfish patterns.
Techniques:
Specs(Crappie) are being caught along grass lines. Use baitfish patterns in white, black and/or brown/olive in size 6, 8, or 10. Also, we've heard about more great spec fishing in the lily pads. Jig vertically through holes in the pads. Hunter tied a weedless jig, specifically for this. Olive, Tan, or brown are best at the moment, but have some brights available. Jig style flies with squirmito tails were very effective last fall. Classic popper fishing is recommended at sunrise. Colors seem to be important as the fish are selective. Popper dropper rigs are a very good way to fish. Use the flies from your trout trip; they work great as droppers. If you are buying flies, bigger nymphs (sz 12) in prince or hare's ear patterns. Get these flies on the bottom.
Adrian learned to cast a fly rod within an hour! More info on Fly Casting Schools->
Forecast
We forecast good to excellent fishing on top water in the mornings, and for schooling bass in 4-8 feet of water. Last week was a full moon with clear skies; encouraging nighttime feeding. With the moon phase changing we see prime feeding moving to morning during the week. Partly cloudy, falling pressure, temps 65-80. Rain is forecast on Thursday and Friday. Wind is an issue all week in the afternoon. Lake levels are still high, but lower than last week. Kissimmee River at the dam (below Hwy 60) is down a large amount since last week, dropping below seasonal norms. Peace River at Arcadia and Econ River at Oviedo have dropped very quickly, and are low for this time. Myakka River is at normal levels. Hillsborough and Withlacoochee are about normal for this time of year. Normal river levels are falling with the season. Lake levels should slowly recede, and are approaching desirable levels.
Renzettie Traveler fly tying vises come in several models.
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 Nov 6th. Contact us at 863 299-999 for more info.