Week of February 16th 2025: Stay on Target
Week of February 16th
The winter proceeds and the weather is keeping pace. Shifts in temperature and some recent precipitation are all helping the local ecosystem and the dead of winter seems to be over. There is more evidence of aquatic life in the water and fish can be seen moving in the water column. For evidence, look closely at the leaves or sticks you snag or visit your favorite run or riffle around mid day when temps are in the 40s. Things are starting to wake up. Get out while you can early this week as another front could make a mess about midweek. Recently stocked TCAs on the South Branch and the Musky are likely spots, but since it's been some weeks since the fish went in I’d guess they have spread out a fair amount.
I spoke to some anglers who met with success this week and the menu remains the same: small caddis larvae and zebra midges seem to work, but don’t discount the standards, either. Hare’s ear and pheasant tails in size sixteen to eighteen are a good choice on any day. My last fish was on a streamer at the end of a pool after I threw several midge and wet patterns to no avail. After a hiatus with no luck and a touch of the flu, I rebounded this morning and got out around 7am. Again, I started with the wee flies - WD40 behind a partridge collar wet and was met with nothing. I tried an unweighted bugger and a little black stone. I may have had a few looks, but with ten minutes to go, I got desperate and put on a squirmy worm; two fish in just a few casts and I was off to the shop. Crazy how some flies just get things done when the traditionals don’t.
How did the squirmy get into my fly box in the first place? I have no shame when it comes to flies. After trying the more realistic patterns the reliable ones come out. We worked on the squirmy at a Fly Tying 101 class and the plastic “worm” is not really an easy material to work with. Recently, I was impressed with the class's nymph and simple scud patterns! I am pleased to see people returning for more than one class and the class adapts and evolves to meet the skill level of the group. I appreciate all the participants’ patience with me, too. It’s been fun coming up with effective patterns that teach a particular skill and work with a variety of materials, but can be done with new to the craft.
Meeting people is an added bonus to working at South Branch, whether it is guiding, teaching fly tying, or helping folks find what they are looking for during my shift. I had the privilege to take Cory and Ashley B. out for a trip last spring and Cory is tying flies with the 101 class. He presented me with a beautiful work of art representing the flora and fauna of the Garden State. I love New Jersey and its wildlife and I am torn whether to share this in the shop or hang it above my tying desk.
The conditions are tough and not everyone can (or wants to) make it out in the ice and cold, but we can still stay engaged with the sport. Califon Fire Company is the place to be on March 8th for Jim Holland’s Fly Tying Jam and Trout Fest 2025 is the following month, in April. Consider joining a Trout Unlimited chapter for camaraderie and working towards a shared goal of conservation and protecting the waters of the earth.
See you out there, Roy B.