| This winter I
have been learning a new fishing technique that I believe all
steelhead fly fishers should be aware of, indicator fishing
with a spey rod. When Jon Ray first introduced me to the idea
I was skeptical, I don't like bobber fishing. Being a streamer
and flats fishing fanatic I like tight lines, the idea of floating
a bobber didn't really appeal to me. However I've been converted.
This technique is fun to learn and is a more legitimate form
of fly fishing than chuck and duck. Most importantly it catches
fish, especially in winter, one of the nicest times to fish.
The basic idea is you rig a spey rod with a float and a 9-12
foot leader. Attach two flies and enough weight to get the
flies down quickly. With a relatively short, simple spey cast
you set the the float in the run then feed line and mend to
keep the float dead drift. With a 12 to 14 foot rod you can
let your offering drift for 100 feet or longer and still set
the hook. There are some nuances to adding weight and flies
that are difficult to explain here but we would be happy to
show you on the water. Click
here for a simple diagram of the Spey Float Set-up.
What has me most excited about this method is the ability
to put flies in places that you can't bottom bounce. These
places are also the ones that fish like in colder water temps.
Structure helps the fish deal with the current when the water
is in the low 30's. By suspending the flies you can fish over
that structure and hook fish. Also new flies are being develped
as we speak to make this an even more effictive method. Example
of a bead head wiggle hex below.
If you have an interest in booking a trip to
learn this new technique contact me at chuck@hawkinsflyfishing.com
or 231.228.7135.
Chuck Hawkins has an easy time maintaining line control, using
a spey rod.
Slow deep woody runs and pools are favorite hang outs
for winter steelhead, we can't bottom bounce these lies. But
with the float the whole river is opening up.
 |
A view of the top and
bottom of the float use a duncan loop of twenty pound
test to slide your float up and down. Notice the bead
at the bottom, so your knot wont slide up into the float.
A little guide tip! |
 |
 JR's
Beadhead Wiggle Rabbit Tail Hex
(learn to tie a the Wiggle Hex) |
