Autumn in Nova Scotia … So Gorgeous, So Short, So Priceless

Last week’s river reports varied, but were generally encouraging. As usual, the rains brought fish, although they were hard to find in high water. The Margaree fished reasonably well, very well when water levels dropped to normal. Anglers found fish in other Northumberland Strait streams as well, even though our rain came a bit early for them. We also experienced typical fall weather, ranging from beautiful to miserable, but compared to eastern Newfoundland’s brush with Hurricane Igor, we were very lucky and should be counting our blessings. And, if things go according to plan, the best is yet to come.

However, it often goes as quickly as it comes. Fall always seems too short for my liking. So we really have to be able to get fishing when the fishing comes, avoiding all obstacles that happen to get in the way. It’s short and sweet, but our memories will last, helping us endure the long winter and handle whatever difficulties we encounter in future. Be ready to go fishing and make memories. They’re priceless.

I recall some of those wonderful fall afternoons spent fishing with our family. Full of optimism, we’d head across the fields to the river. We’d take turns fishing the small salmon pools and sit on the bank to share treats from our picnic basket. Those were the days, my friends.

Now, here’s a new salmon wet fly based upon an old design, Joe Brook’s Blonde series. The fly is dressed with black-tipped coyote hair dyed flaming hot orange, hence the name, Hot Blonde. Blonde fly tails should be tied very full, so as to prevent the wing from fouling the hook bend.

Hot Blonde

Thread:                      UTC G.S.P. 75 Denier thread

Hook:                          Mustad 3399 or 3399A hook, size 2 – 2/0

Tail:                             Black-tipped coyote hair dyed hot orange with 6-8 stands of copper Krystal Flash

Body:                          Copper Flatbraid or Diamond Braid

Wing:                          Black-tipped coyote hair dyed hot orange

Head:                         Black thread finished with 2 coats clear glossy head cement.           

Please send comments and suggestions to slim@rivermagic.ca.

Please stay on the line …