WW Report: 6/7

I had a client out today on the WW area for her first time fly fishing ever. We were fortunate enough to run into some rising fish (there are still a few Light Hendricksons around) in sizes 314-17.

Water in the WW is in grat shape – not too clear that you can’t nymph fish (or whatever), and not too dirty that you couldn’t dry fly fish.

Take care,
D.A.

We’ll see how long that clarity lasts with all of the rain coming this week.

Dave, when you have a first timer out what set up do you have them go with. I have a few friends who want to try fly fishing, but I must admit I’m probably not the best teacher. I was thinking of setting them up with an 8ft 4wt with a wooly bugger or pheasant tail just so they could get used to casting and have a decent shot at catching a fish. What are your thoughts on taking out a first timer since you’ve probably done it numerous times.

It’s pouring as I type, so major systems like the Root and teh WW won’t be clear too long, but the upper headwaters will be fine very quickly.

Actually, I think if you’re going to give a beginner the best chance at getting a grip on casting, mending, etc., go with a medium to medium fast action rod, 9″, in the four weight range and do streamers last. Dries are fairly easy since they weigh literally nothing and novice casters can throw them relatively easy. Nymphs (not necessarily a tandem rig) would be my next choice, followed by streamers. The only reason I would hesitate on streamers with a first timer is that there is a lot of hand/hand coordination – false cast, cast, retrieve via a stripping method of some kind.

Just my two cents; good luck ,
D.A.

Given the amount of rain we had, how long do you think it will be before the major systems are clear? Unless it rains more, will they be clear enough to fish by this weekend?

That’s good advice Dave, thanks for the info. I guess I was leaning towards streamers because (to me) it is the most active type of fishing and my goto when things get tough, but your points are well made.