Once in a while I get a letter from Jack Mitchell. Jack is a Columbia River man who puts more time in on the American Reach than anybody I know of. And the Klickitat. He is a passionate fly-swinger, exquisite fly designer, and a fine writer. He shares one of his latest patterns with us (click to enlarge), and writes: Steve,
The sculpin muddler I sent your way is a pattern I designed this fall and used for steelies on the Klickitat. I have not tried it on the UC but I am sure it would work.
* * *
Fishing is not just catching, it is the process, and all that nature allows us to be a part of while fishing. This thing we call fishing, the sport we all enjoy immensely, is a learning experience. The sport is a combination of great things. The dynamics of water and surrounding landscapes. The cast. The swing, drift, strip. The bugs, flora, fauna and birds. The camaraderie with others and the solitude of none.
The knowledge I have gained over the years is a compilation of personal experiences gleaned leaning over the shoulders of others, trial and error, ten-mile walks, twenty-mile drifts, and asking questions. Although I would like to give myself credit for the knowledge I have... that would be fairly egotistical. So, with all that said: Help the youngens feel welcome. And if you can't be friendly to the fellow fisher, better to say nothing at all. I let people fish the way they choose. It is their fishing adventure, not mine.
As far as steelhead is concerned, I have come to the conclusion that my favorite rod is a 13' 7" Guideline Lecie 7wt with either a 525 Skagit Compact for delivering big weight or a 420 Scandi for the dry line/light tip. It just flat out throws line. Effortlessly.
The sculpin muddler I sent your way is a pattern I designed this fall and used for steelies on the Klickitat. I have not tried it on the UC but I am sure it would work.
* * *
Fishing is not just catching, it is the process, and all that nature allows us to be a part of while fishing. This thing we call fishing, the sport we all enjoy immensely, is a learning experience. The sport is a combination of great things. The dynamics of water and surrounding landscapes. The cast. The swing, drift, strip. The bugs, flora, fauna and birds. The camaraderie with others and the solitude of none.
The knowledge I have gained over the years is a compilation of personal experiences gleaned leaning over the shoulders of others, trial and error, ten-mile walks, twenty-mile drifts, and asking questions. Although I would like to give myself credit for the knowledge I have... that would be fairly egotistical. So, with all that said: Help the youngens feel welcome. And if you can't be friendly to the fellow fisher, better to say nothing at all. I let people fish the way they choose. It is their fishing adventure, not mine.
As far as steelhead is concerned, I have come to the conclusion that my favorite rod is a 13' 7" Guideline Lecie 7wt with either a 525 Skagit Compact for delivering big weight or a 420 Scandi for the dry line/light tip. It just flat out throws line. Effortlessly.
My wife is out-fishing me these days because I really just want to toss my fly 'over there' under the tree on the other side of the river and most of the fish are right in front of me. Don't get me wrong, she can bomb a line as well.
So what does that say about my prowess?
It says I want to fish the Scandi head because it is a dream to cast with a dry line or very light tip. It says I want to quarter down as far as I can, come tight, lead the fly to my bank. If something eats it, so be it. Otherwise, fuck it, I had fun. I got quite a few of those wiley steelie rascals to eat my skated fly this fall. Didn't land many. Ah well.
~Jack Mitchell~
~Jack Mitchell~
Thanks for sharing that, Jack. A reminder to me of what it's really all about. Humility and simple joy are what keeps us on track and growing.
ReplyDeleteThat is one sexy sculpin. I have no prejudice against synthetics, they broaden a tier's palette, but man I love innovative patterns created from natural materials. That one has all the elements, and utility - skated, swung, drifted on the bottom and stripped. Like it.
Steve,
ReplyDeletethanks for the feedback... gotta love natural materials. i look forward to swingin' it on the uc this late winter. what is your schedule?
will you be her this spring?
jack
Hey Jack, I am presently occupied trying to capture the rare and elusive southern steelhead.
ReplyDeleteWill post a report when the storm abates enough that the creeks become more liquid than solid.
Be back at the UC at the end of March looking to swing a sculpin!