Salmon 2008

2008 will be remembered for large summer runs of salmon & grilse in the St. Mary’s River. Except for a three-week drought that started in late June, salmon runs have so far been comparable to the 1980’s “good ole days”. One can only be thankful and hope this trend continues in future. We understand that many other regions of Atlantic Canada are also reporting strong, healthy salmon runs.

True Facts

We received no letters of denial regarding my recent “True Lies” article, so here’s some more evidence: “My greatest fear is that I’ll die and my wife will sell all my fishing equipment for the prices I told her I paid!” - author unknown.

Last week we discussed hopper imitations for trout. Yesterday I spotted my first grasshopper of the season, so grasshopper time is here!          

Other terrestrials that we usually call beetles come in many shapes, colours, and sizes, all attractive to trout. The June bug is an example of a large and clumsy flying beetle that trout relish. Closed-cell foam can be used to fashion a beetle imitation so realistic that you might be tempted to sweep it out the door.

Here’s a generic beetle trout dry fly pattern:

Beetlejuice

Hook –              Dry fly hook such as the Mustad 94840 in sizes 6 - 12

Thread –            Black

Body -               A strip of Locofoam closed-cell foam, for example the “Northern Lights” pattern, tied upside down along the entire hook shank leaving an inch or so sticking out front and rear.

Underbody –      Peacock herl on rear 2/3 hook shank, or dry fly dubbing of your choice. Pull rear strip of Locofoam forward over this and tie down, applying thin head cement.

Head/Thorax -    Wrap peacock herl or dubbing up to hook eye and tie off. Pull front strip back and tie down to form head, applying more thin head cement. Clip foam strip end to form a short thorax.

Legs -               Re-attach thread and tie pheasant tail fibres or rubber legs on each side, then tie off and apply more thin head cement.

Please stay on the line …