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I think one of the most overlooked patterns here in the Driftless is the micro bug.  There are many flies that fall into that category, but we are talking size 20 and smaller.  I understand not being able to thread the eye, but other than that you should carry an assortment of teeny...

It is getting to that point in the season.  Too much time in the shop, not enough time on the water.  I have even started contemplating fishing before the shop opens up, because now is the time to be out fishing.   Although hatches are slim, fish are looking up in the...

A client that fished with us this past Friday shared a new technique with me.  Watch the pink squirrel dropper as the dry fly (wulff) hangs up on the weed.   We had at least 5 fish take the squirrel as it dangled on the water on that same weed.  If you have some patience, sometimes...

I have been fishing fiberglass rods a lot this season.  I have also fielded a bunch of questions as to why I am fishing with a non graphite rod.  So I turned to the pros to explain a bit about fiberglass. Jim Bartschi, chief rod designer at Scott fly rods . What would be...

The trout's view after 3 inches of rain on Wednesday night.  The fly was 10 inches from the camera.   I missed about a dozen fish on that section of water targeting the slower flat water.  The type of water that under normal conditions you find trout feeding on the...

Muddy water?  Try fishing a San Juan Worm.  Yes they are ugly, but man do they catch fish here.  Even if the water does not cloud up, any type of rainy day seems to get fish to look for these flies.  This is an easy way to tie a durable San Juan. Materials:  Heavy...

In our continuing "Trout Food" series, today we look at the creek lamprey. HABITAT AND BIOLOGY: The American brook lamprey occurs in small to medium streams. Individuals seem to prefer clean gravel substrates and fast currents.  Seagle and Nagel (1982) estimate that the...

We're constantly looking for the better fly here at the shop.  One that fishes better, looks more natural in the water, and will stand up to lots of fish.  Dry flies are quite difficult to find that live up to those criteria.  Especially on our creeks where flies that float down...