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| Chuck's
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| This page is devoted to those things which I find to be especially good and noteworthy. From time to time I'll post different products, ideas, techniques, or destinations that I think are outstanding and worthy of your notice. Please understand that any topics that I bring up are my choosing and are here solely at my discretion. These are my opinions and don't reflect in any way on other manufacturers, guides, lodges or anything else. This is just my opinion.
Sincerely,
Hawk
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Spring Steelhead Flies
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The top steelhead flies for the spring that I can't live without.
The other day an angler asked what ten steelhead flies do I always take when fishing the Manistee River. After some thought I came up with a list that I thought I would share with you. I'll add a few fishing tips where I think appropriate. If you have any comments, additions I'd like to hear them. Feel free to send me an email at chuck@hawkinsflyfishing.com
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Steelhead are addicted to eggs so I always have a selection of Puff Balls (to the left). I carry size 8's in Oregon Cheese, Golden Nugget, Creamy Delight, Egg, Chartreuse, and Steelhead Orange. I usually use contrasting eyes such as Oregon Cheese or Flame. The Clown Egg (bottom right, learn how to tie this pattern here) I find to be important at times, especially last fall. I also use the Hawk's Crystal Egg (middle pic) in Peach, Orange, Salmon and Chartreuse. Usually brighter colors early in the run, more natural colors when the spawning get going. |
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Small Black Stoneflies are the first insect to hatch in decent numbers on most of our steelhead rivers. The steelhead get focused on them as soon as they are available. I use Bear's Andrew's Black and Brown Fuzzbuster to imitate these bugs. When you see small black stones in the air fish these flies. The fish are eating the naturals on the bottom. Also new wiggle patterns like the Tiny Dancer imitate stones well. |
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When the water gets high and off colored it is hard to beat a Peacock Steelhead Bugger. Truth be told a steelhead Bugger puts a lot of fish in the net during the year. |
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| Hawk's Caddis is a fly that works, in fall, winter and spring. When fish are pounding gravel fish this fly behind the reeds because the spawning activity is kicking these bugs up and the steelhead eat them. I usually fish them in size 8 unless the water is off colored, then a 6 is more visible. From Left to Right we have 1) JR's Braided Viagra Caddis, 2) Chartreuse Hawk's Caddis, and 3) Natural Green Hawk's Caddis. |
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| Hex's and Salmon Fry play a large role in the Spring Steelhead diet. There are a variety of patterns out there, but I thought I would show you one of my new favorites. It's called the "China Shop Hex". Tied with Estaz this bug imitates both a hex, because if it's size and shape. But, also a young salmon fry because of the movement and shine from the materials it is tied with. |
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