Big Splash Posted June 1, 2003 Report Share Posted June 1, 2003 I fished a couple of southern B.C. lakes with some friends last week. We were hampered by limited time, one canoe, selective fish and strange weather. Although we did catch a nice smaller Rainbow Trout by slow trolling a fly,(my buddy's first fly rod fish) it was a tough trip. By observing the few other boats that were catching fish it soon became obvious that those who were catching fish were all fly fishing from a stationary boat. One style of fishing predominated; using what I call the 'Chironomid method'. Generaly, Chironomids are the first insects to hatch out in great numbers in most trout bearing lakes, and Rainbows use them to fill up on after late winter dormancy comes to an end. They continue to hatch out untill freeze up. The adult insect is the common midge, seen buzzing the surface of most lakes. The method of fishing is easy and fun, the main difference from basic fly fishing is the use of a strike indicator and an almost stationary presentation. Your choice of fly can be made by observing the color of adult insects, and matching the size of your imitation to the cast off 'shucks' or casings from hatched out nymphs. Often a bead head is used to add weight to the pattern and imitate the bubble of oxygen the little fellow gathers to help propell himself to the surface. A chrionomid is very mobility challanged, so your fly is cast out on a floating line, with the strike indicator set at about one and one half times the depth you wish to fish. The float tube, or pontoon boat lends itself well to this type of fishing, and in lower B.C. , these, and small one man fly-fishing boats are anchored off the shoals and drop offs. You cast to an area you believe a hatch is taking place and allow the fly to remain stationary, retreiving just enough line to keep the slack out of the fly line and just 'twitch' the fly. Watch the strike indicator closely, as one second it will just disappear, and a fat, bright Rainbow will rocket out of the still water's surface! I posted a photo of some chrionomid patterns in the gallery. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
