Mountain Life
  • Daily Content
    • Trips & Expeditions
    • Climbing
    • Mountain Biking
    • Mountain Lifer
    • Multiplicity
    • On The Trail
    • Paddling
    • Photography
    • Skiing
    • Snowboarding
    • Stay & Play
    • Surfing
    • The Great Outdoors
    • The ML Interview
    • Travel
  • GEAR
  • VIDEOS
  • STORE
  • Magazines
    • ML Coast Mountains
    • ML Rocky Mountains
    • Vie En Montagne
    • ML Blue Mountains
    • ML Annual
    • ML Subscriptions
  • ABOUT
    • What is ML?
    • Our Team
    • Newsletter
    • Adventure Grant
    • Distribution
  • Podcast
  • Contests
  • CONTACT
    • ML Agency
    • Advertising
    • Contribute
Subscription Form

Get notified of the best News

Social Links
Instagram 22K Followers
Facebook 25K Likes
Twitter 5K Followers
Pinterest 1K Followers
Vimeo 34 Followers
LinkedIn
22K Followers
25K Likes
5K Followers
1K Followers
Mountain Life
Mountain Life
  • Daily Content
    • Trips & Expeditions
    • Climbing
    • Mountain Biking
    • Mountain Lifer
    • Multiplicity
    • On The Trail
    • Paddling
    • Photography
    • Skiing
    • Snowboarding
    • Stay & Play
    • Surfing
    • The Great Outdoors
    • The ML Interview
    • Travel
  • GEAR
  • VIDEOS
  • STORE
  • Magazines
    • ML Coast Mountains
    • ML Rocky Mountains
    • Vie En Montagne
    • ML Blue Mountains
    • ML Annual
    • ML Subscriptions
  • ABOUT
    • What is ML?
    • Our Team
    • Newsletter
    • Adventure Grant
    • Distribution
  • Podcast
  • Contests
  • CONTACT
    • ML Agency
    • Advertising
    • Contribute
  • Mountain Lifer
  • Ontario

High Water: A Guide to Spring Fly Fishing

  • April 19, 2021
  • Mountain Life Media
Total
1
Shares
1
0
0
0
0
0
Total
1
Shares
Share 1
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0
Share 0
Share 0

words :: Bobby Koven // photos :: Glen Harris.

This spring we can finally get back to practising the perfect self-isolation activity: fly fishing. And now this mindfulness pastime is more meaningful than ever. Who thought we would still be in a pandemic? But how lucky are we fly fishers to live in this playground?

High Water A Guide to Spring Fly Fishing Bob casting Glen Harris photo

From the last Saturday in April to the end of December we have at our disposal a number of world-renowned rivers with an abundance of freshwater fish species. These rivers—Nottawasaga, Beaver, Bighead, Rocky and Main Saugeen, Maitland and Grand—all have their headwaters in the area. They typically start off as trickling springs, grow to meandering streams and then crescendo into magnificent rivers, emptying into Georgian Bay, Lake Huron proper or Lake Erie.

My early spring favourites are the rivers within a 10-15-minute drive from my home on Lake Eugenia—secluded spots where I hope to find no other fly fishers. (I’m not selfish, I just enjoy my solitude.)

As fishing season is about to open, I have all types of trout on my mind: rainbow, brook and brown. All the rivers are unique, but at this time of year they share one common trait: high and swift water, a direct result of melting snow.

Ideal fly fishing conditions (clear and slower water) come later in the season, but local knowledge and preparation can provide the reward of tight lines and coveted trout, even in high water.

High Water A Guide to Spring Fly Fishing Beaver River Glen Harris photo

Fly fishing is an art, a craft and a passion learned through many years of practise and observation of the “old guys.” My technique thoughts for early trout season? Fish the prime water (feeding lanes—beside the swift currents, banks and eddies); get your flies deep; fish with a tight line and always set the hook.

I hope you have a great season. And I hope I don’t see you out there.


Equipment Check

Is your rod in good shape? Are all the pieces there and the glides secure? I use an 8-foot 9-weight rod in high water. My reels were lubricated last fall but I still check them. I always carry two reels with me, just in case.

I strip the reel clean, checking for cracks. I also check my backing and replace if it’s too short or frayed. While you’re cleaning the line, you might as well take time to practise a few casts with a hookless fly.

Next I replace my leader—typically a 4-6-foot, maybe with a sink tip for high water. The tippet can become brittle over winter, so I check it and usually replace. I have been practising my knots, including the Duncan, for early-season weighted flies.

High Water A Guide to Spring Fly Fishing tying flies Glen Harris photo 1536x1010 1

To stay in the zone over winter, I tie a variety of weighted flies, hook size 10-14. I typically use Black or Purple Woolly Buggers, Prince Nymphs, egg flies and Hare’s Ear nymphs. I always include in my vest a variety of small shots, indicators and sink tips—in high, swift water, the fish are typically near the bottom.

In early April I take my waders, vest and boots for a test run while checking out a variety of spots to see how the ice is melting and if the structure has changed.

I use a collapsible walking stick, inherited from my dad. I always get masked, hatted and polarized up as a Flyfishingbob Aficiondo to protect against the elements and black flies.

My special trout net is attached to my vest. Most importantly, I carry my favourite cigars—which also keep the black flies away.

Fly Fishing Bob (flyfishingbob.ca) is a local resident and has been fly fishing in the area since 1968.  His “old guys” include his father, Dr. Irving Koven; Wesley Curtis; Dr. Ron Gitelman and Jack Biddell. Today he is an “old guy” to a few younger aspiring fly fishers.

Article excerpted from ML Blue Mountains.

Total
1
Shares
Share 1
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0
Share 0
Share 0
Related Topics
  • fishing
  • fly fishing
  • Ontario
  • River
Mountain Life Media

Previous Article
LaCrosse Alpha Muddy Mid tread rock 1536x1024 1
  • THE GEAR SHED

Everyday Comfort, Rain or Shine: LaCrosse Alpha Muddy Mid

  • April 18, 2021
  • Ned Morgan
View Post
Next Article
Mountain Life Launch Rocky Mountains Edition Fall photo by Steve Ogle tent and Rocky Mountains
  • In This Issue
  • Mountain Lifer
  • The Great Outdoors

Mountain Life to Launch Rocky Mountains Edition This Fall

  • April 19, 2021
  • Ned Morgan
View Post
You May Also Like
Nic-Groulx-Sam-Dickie-on-the-Great-Divide-Trail crop
View Post
  • Mountain Lifer

The Legend of Sam Dickie & the Cougar

  • Mountain Life Media
  • June 23, 2022
Mountain-Life-Blue-Mountains-Summer-2022-spreads-cover
View Post
  • Mountain Biking
  • On The Trail
  • Ontario
  • Paddling
  • Photography

ML Blue Mountains Summer 2022 Issue Out Now

  • Mountain Life Media
  • June 22, 2022
Property-Valet-HQ-group-Kristin-Schnelten
View Post
  • Mountain Lifer
  • Ontario

Property Valet: Creating (and Managing) Beautiful Memories

  • Mountain Life Media
  • June 16, 2022
Explore-the-Bruce-Boating-Paddling
View Post
  • Mountain Biking
  • On The Trail
  • Ontario
  • Paddling
  • Stay & Play
  • Travel

The Artistic River Village: Discovering Paisley

  • Mountain Life Media
  • June 15, 2022
Rachel-Barkman-photographer-Marika-Sila-Inuk-Summer-cro
View Post
  • Ambassadors
  • Mountain Lifer
  • Rockies

Inuk Warrior Princess: Marika Sila

  • Mountain Life Media
  • June 14, 2022
View Post
  • Ontario

Tap Into Water Quality

  • Mountain Life Media
  • June 10, 2022
Jessy-Braidwood-and-Neve-Petersen-Paradise-Valley-Squamish-REANNAN-SHAY
View Post
  • CLIMBING
  • Food & Drink
  • In This Issue
  • Mountain Biking
  • Mountain Lifer
  • Paddling
  • Photography
  • Trips & Expeditions

ML Coast Mountains Summer ’22 Issue Out Now

  • Mountain Life Media
  • June 8, 2022
FrenchRiver_FRBridge_EMELEG_6264
View Post
  • Ontario
  • Paddling
  • Stay & Play

Speaking French: Savouring One of Canada’s Most Historic Rivers

  • Mountain Life Media
  • June 6, 2022

Leave a Reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Featured Posts
  • Nic-Groulx-Sam-Dickie-on-the-Great-Divide-Trail crop 1
    The Legend of Sam Dickie & the Cougar
    • June 23, 2022
  • Mason Mashon Photo - Xaays Canoe Journey ML 2
    The Great Canoe
    • June 21, 2022
  • Mountain-Life-Blue-Mountains-Summer-2022-spreads-cover 3
    ML Blue Mountains Summer 2022 Issue Out Now
    • June 22, 2022
  • The-Yin-and-Yang-of-Gerry-Lopez-still-2 4
    Friday Flick: The Yin & Yang of Gerry Lopez
    • June 17, 2022
  • Property-Valet-HQ-group-Kristin-Schnelten 5
    Property Valet: Creating (and Managing) Beautiful Memories
    • June 16, 2022
RECENT POSTS
  • The-North-Face_SS21_Vectiv_Trail-Run_Saunders-
    Gear Shed: Summer Trail Shoes
    • June 20, 2022
  • 1970s-dual-suspension-MotoBMX-BRETT-TIPPIE
    Brett Tippie’s Old Bike Day
    • June 16, 2022
  • Explore-the-Bruce-Boating-Paddling
    The Artistic River Village: Discovering Paisley
    • June 15, 2022
Social Links
Instagram 22K Followers
Facebook 25K Likes
Twitter 5K Followers
Pinterest 1K Followers
Vimeo 34 Followers
LinkedIn
INSTAGRAM
mountainlifemedia
22K Followers
Who’s having a multi-sport day?! 😆 @timemmett probably is.
Bruce County is much more than the Bruce Peninsula. We’re here to let you in on a secret: a thriving community nestled in Bruce County’s interior region, just waiting to be discovered. The village of Paisley offers something for everyone, and isn’t overrun by summer crowds.
The mere thought of a cougar or any other apex predator in our midst can turn a backcountry adventure into a psychological test of mind over matter. Luckily, our fears are mostly in our heads and few have experienced a negative wildlife encounter. But, for ultramarathoner @samuel.dickie, it got real. #Linkinbio to read more!
MAG DROP! 🤩
Happy National Indigenous Peoples Day (today and every day)!
Together with our partners we’ve picked our favourite summer trail shoes, in alpha order, for your crush-it summer. #linkinbio
Happy Father’s Day to all the RAD DADS out there!! 🙌
Join the Climb for Climate Challenge on @fatmap_official! Whether you’re gaining your vert on the climbing wall, the dirt trail, or the pavement, hashtag #ClimbForClimate in the title of your adventure, and @mountainhardwear will donate $1 to @protectourwinterscanada for every 20m vertical up to $5,000–100,000m. Signing up enters you to win: a 1-month membership to FATMAP premium and a $500 MHW gift card. (Challenge runs June 16-26.)
GIVEAWAY TIME! We've teamed up with @hydroflask.ca to give you a chance to WIN an epic prize pack! The perfect pairing for a SUP expedition or an adventure in the mountains! Prize pack includes:
“With almost 50 years of riding bicycles under my belt (and 40 years of mountain biking) I can safely say when I just hop on and start givin’r it feels much like an ‘autopilot’ or ‘cruise control’ of stoke. But…I recently had a moment that hit my turbo fun button and kicked my stoke into another gear.
Follow

Subscribe

Subscribe now to our newsletter

Who’s having a multi-sport day?! 😆 @timemmett probably is.
Bruce County is much more than the Bruce Peninsula. We’re here to let you in on a secret: a thriving community nestled in Bruce County’s interior region, just waiting to be discovered. The village of Paisley offers something for everyone, and isn’t overrun by summer crowds.
The mere thought of a cougar or any other apex predator in our midst can turn a backcountry adventure into a psychological test of mind over matter. Luckily, our fears are mostly in our heads and few have experienced a negative wildlife encounter. But, for ultramarathoner @samuel.dickie, it got real. #Linkinbio to read more!
MAG DROP! 🤩
Happy National Indigenous Peoples Day (today and every day)!
Together with our partners we’ve picked our favourite summer trail shoes, in alpha order, for your crush-it summer. #linkinbio
Mountain Life
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
  • Advertising

Input your search keywords and press Enter.