2023-01-04 FLY FISHING REPORT
Surface Temp is about 68
Weedless Poppers, Dragon Fly Patterns, and Baby Batifish patterns
Reaction Strikes and bottom scrubbing are catching bass, And a second cast in the same place may be the key. We suggest Clouser Deep Minnows-White, Sexy Shad, Baby Bluegill and Chartreuse are good colors. On warm days, weedless poppers will be productive in grass and lilies. Use a heavy leader and a fly w/weedguard to prevent getting hung. Bluegill will be found, hanging around lily pads. Small foam spider with rubber legs, trailing a beaded pheasant tail or rainbow warrior-only a slow twitch. Five minutes of extra slow retrieve is normal for this technique. It is easy fishing that will drive Bluegill nuts.
Mayfly in December
When the wind settles down, we will find the fish cooperative. Crappie (Specs,) Bass, and Bluegill will be in water that is easily fished with a fly rod. Pheasant tail nymphs, squirmy worms, and dragonfly nymphs are perfect for bluegill fishing, subsurface. A small mayfly hatch is currently attracting bluegill attention. They are gey to clear size 14-I would try an Adams if There was any sign of them. Small foam spiders and dragonfly dries will tempt the bluegill and bass on the surface. Search for woody structure and canal seawalls to attract fish. Popper fishing can be very effective on warm afternoons.
Jonathan Cerra with a nice smallmouth
Best techniques for the week include Technique 1) Fish Clousers deep, cast and count them down (5 to 10 seconds) then use a steady retrieve to generate a reaction strike. Try counting down 5 sec, then 6 sec, then 7 sec... Add a Sink Tip or a new Sink polyleaders to your line, and you can fish deeper and faster. These tools can double the depth of a clouser. A Fluorocarbon (Mirage) leaders, this will get the fly down faster than a mono leader. Sink tip lines and full sinking lines take this to a new level, (and are a perfect use for that old rod you never use anymore.) Technique 2) Poppers and divers (with rubber legs,) should be fished on warmer afternoons and sunset. Low light conditions, and even during the day under shady over hang and around docks. Technique 3) Reaction style fishing-Cast long, bomber casts in deeper water. Cas to the area that you would normally place the boat to fish the weedlines. Deeper is better. Sinking lines and Game Changer flies fished deep, with movement. 4)Rubber legged spiders above or Wilson's bully spider below the surface for Bluegill. Move slow. They will be next to solid structure like metal sea walls, dock pilings, or knock down cypress.
2020-12-07 FLY FISHING REPORT
Surface Temp is about 71
Weedless Poppers, Dragon Fly Patterns, and Baby Batifish patterns
2020-11-16 FLY FISHING REPORT
by T. Allen Wyatt
Report is: Excellent
Surface Temp is about 76
Weedless Poppers, Dragon Fly Patterns, and Baby Batifish patterns
Fly Tying Club returns, first and third Tuesdays at 6pm. Because of social distancing, seating is limited.
Dawn and Sean Sass with some incredible Michigan Salmon.
Tips of the Week: Buck bass and Crappie are cruising weedlines. A fast retrieve on baitfish/streamer patterns may create reaction strikes. A second cast in the same place may be the key. We suggest Clouser Deep Minnows-White, Sexy Shad, Baby Bluegill and Chartreuse are good colors. Weedless poppers will be productive in grass and lilies. Use a heavy leader and a fly w/weedguard to prevent getting hung. Bluegill will be found, hanging around lily pads. Small foam spider with rubber legs, trailing a beaded pheasant tail or rainbow warrior-only a slow twitch. Five minutes of extra slow retrieve is normal for this technique. It is easy fishing that will drive Bluegill nuts.
Jim Bishop sent pics from an incredible trip. Love the Brookie.
Incredible rainbow trout for Karl and Angie Duce.
7 Day Outlook: When the wind settles down, we will find the fish cooperative. It may be some of the most productive fishing of the season, with Crappie (Specs,) Bass, and Bluegill in water that is easily fished with a fly rod. Pheasant tail nymphs, squirmy worms, and dragonfly nymphs are perfect for bluegill fishing subsurface. Small foam spiders and dragonfly dries will tempt the bluegill and bass on the surface. Search for woody structure and canal seawalls to attract fish. Popper fishing can be very effective at first light.
Jason Bergwall sent these pics from a recent South Florida Bike Ride[?]
Techniques: Poppers (with rubber legs,) fished slowly during low light conditions, and even during the day under shady over-hang and around docks. Rubber legged spiders above or Wilson's bully spider below the surface for Bluegill. Move slow. They will be next to solid structure like metal sea walls, dock pilings, or knock down cypress. Fish the moving water as lakes drain the recent tropical rains. Reaction strikes can be enticed with deep running lousers and EP Baitfish patterns.
AJ Trevino tied an amazing Mini Game Changer, and the Bass like it!
While on the road, Steve Barringer, tied this gurgler with Glow-in-the-dark flash.
We love your fly fishing and tying pics. Please share at allen@andythornal.com
2020-10-12 Fly Fishing Report
by T. Allen Wyatt
Report is: Good
Surface Temp is about 76
Weedless Poppers, Dragon Fly Patterns, and Baby Batifish patterns
Fly Tying Club returns, first and third Tuesdays at 6pm in October. Because of Social Distancing, Seating is very limited.
Jim Bishop has tied some beautiful October flies for North Georgia trout.
Watch for schooling shad, this time of year. Bass will find them and crash through in a frenzy. Small white baitfish patterns are your best bet. Glass minnows, Puglissi minnows, and white clousers are perfect for this. The action is fast and furious---when you can find it. Reaction style retrieve are important during the fall transition. A fast retrieve on baitfish and streamers will create reaction strikes. A second cast in the same sport may be the key. We suggest Clouser Deep Minnows-White, Sexy Shad, Baby Bluegill and Chartreuse are good colors. Buck Bass are focused on grass lines and shoreline. Weedless poppers will be productive in grass and lilies. Use a heavy leader with a fly w/weedguard to prevent getting hung. The panfish will be found in shallow water, hanging around lily pads and cattails. Small foam spider with rubber legs, trailing a beaded pheasant tail or rainbow warrior-only a slow twitch. Five minutes of extra slow retrieve is normal for this technique. It is easy fishing that will drive Bluegill nuts.
With continued heat and afternoon storms, we expect deep clouser methods to produce. Pheasant tail nymphs, squirmy worms, and dragonfly nymphs are perfect for bluegill fishing subsurface. Small foam spiders and dragonfly dries will tempt the bluegill and bass on the surface. Search for woody structure and canal seawalls to attract fish.
Best techniques for the week include Technique 1) Poppers (with rubber legs,) fished slowly during low light conditions, and even during the day under shady over hang and around docks. Technique 2)Heavy rain creates flowing water, Largemouth bass will flip into Ambush mode. Struggling Baby Bass, Baby Bluegill, and Baby Tilapia, and Golden Shiners are targets. Swing Puglisi style baitfish and wooly buggers in the current. These places include: canals, culverts, and/or drain pipes. 3)Rubber legged spiders above or Wilson's bully spider below the surface for Bluegill. Move slow. They will be next to solid structure like metal sea walls, dock pilings, or knock down cypress.
2020-08-03 Fly Fishing Report
Froggy mating season continues for another month. With continued heat and afternoon storms, we expect deep clouser methods to produce. Pheasant tail nymphs, squirmy worms, and dragonfly nymphs are perfect for bluegill fishing.... View full article →2020-07-29 Fly Fishing Report
We are going to take a break from Fly Tying Club during this surge with the pandemic. Fly Tying Club will return, first and third Tuesdays at 6pm in September. Fishing is excellent right now-Get on the water! View full article →2020-06-11 Fly Fishing Report, FoodTruck, and 101 Class schedule
Tips
The topwater bite is good with olive and white being the top color picks. Reaction style lures are producing bigger bass with the hardware anglers, and fly anglers can imitate this technique. Deep is the key; we suggest Clouser Deep Minnows-White, Sexy Shad, Baby Bluegill and Chartreuse are good colors. For Larger bass-cast 10 to 30 feet out from the traditional structure. Then use a moderate retrieve to swim the clouser. Crayfish patterns in Blue/Black or Olive/Pumpkin should be fished be fished on the bottom with a slow crawl retrieve. Buck Bass are focused on grass lines and shoreline. Frogs are pushing about and laying eggs everywhere. Weedless popper and frog patterns can fish in these areas. Use a heavy leader with a fly w/weedguard to prevent getting hung. Our "Heavy Cover" leaders are ideal. The panfish will be found in shallow water, hanging around lily pads and cattails. Small foam spiders and Caddis dry flies are a good surface presentation. Small weighted black wooly buggers are always a good choice when the bluegill quit hitting topwater flies. Wilson's Bream Reaper has been catching a mess of Stink Eye Bluegill. A slow crawl works best giving the fly a chance to sit still. Even out of season, bluegill are munching on grass shrimp near the cattails. Scud patterns mimic these shrimp. Feeling hot and worn out but still want to fish? Popper/dropper tandem rig is relaxed fishing in the heat. Fish a rubber legged popper with a beaded pheasant tail or rainbow warrior-only a slow twitch. Your popper is the most sensitive indicator on the planet. Five minutes of extra slow retrieve is normal for this technique. It is easy fishing that will drive Bluegill nuts.
Forecast
Froggy mating season continues for another month. With continued heat and afternoon storms, we expect deep clouser methods to produce. Stick with scuds and dragonfly nymphs for bluegill fishing subsurface. Small foam spiders and dragonfly dries work will to tempt the bluegill and bass on the surface. Searching for areas close to deeper water will allow you to locate the fish easier. Rivers provide an excellent shelter on those windy or crowded days; however, storms have dramatically raised rivers, and we recommend shore casting only. At the time of this report: the Peace River is way above average (1093cfs, up from 80.0 CFS). Econ River near record high (900cfs from 37.7 CFS). Myakka River is way above average ( 890cfs up from 6 CFS). Hillsborough is way above average ( 285cfs up from 57CFS). Withlacoochee is above average(3 CFS). Kissimmee River near Frostproof is way above average (50cfs ups from 19.4 CFS).
Afternoon Storms can change these levels to flood stage, very quickly.
Techniques
Best techniques for the week include Technique 1) To fish Clousers deep, cast and count them down (5 to 10 seconds) then use a steady retrieve to generate a reaction strike. Try counting down 5 se, then 6 sec, them 7 sec... Add a sink tip to your line, and you can fish deeper and faster. Sink tip polyleaders can make a huge difference. Both techniques can double the depth of a clouser. If you have a Flurocarbon (Mirage) leaders, this will get the fly down compared to a mono leader. Sink Tip lines and full sinking lines take this to a new level, and are perfect on that old rod you never use anymore. Technique 2) White or olive poppers (with rubber legs,) fished slowly during low light conditions, and even during the day under shady over hang and around docks. Technique 3) Fish those big frog flies (w/weedguards) in the lily pads and grass. Use a heavy leader. This is a best bet at high noon cause they throw a huge silhouette, and bass are trying to keep cool underneath. Bass and lunch in the same place, what a concept. 4)Rubber legged spiders above or dragon/damsel fly nymphs below for Bluegill.
Jim Bishop is making us jealous in North Georgia.
Chase Masters and Brad Mannes are mastering the Art of Fly Tying-personalized Clouser minnows!
Fly Tying Returns on Tuesday, June 16th. We will set up in our larger room, and seating is very limited. 6 foot spacing, and mask is recommended. If you are interested, please contact Allen Wyatt allen@andythornal.com 863-299-9999Mon-Sat 10-6eastern Also, we can send instructions electronically.
2020-05-29 Fly Fishing Report, Fly Tying, and 101 Class schedule
Tips
The topwater bite is excellent. Fish small poppers and sliders for bluegill and buck bass with white or olive being the top color picks. Larger bass have moved into deeper water, mostly. Except a couple of people are finding afternoon schools of shad on the surface. While very late for schooling shad, the weather has kept water temps a little cooler than normal. Small white streamers and EP style minnow flies will be the right size. Crayfish flies, olive or black/blue should be fished pretty low to the bottom with a slow crawl retrieve. The panfish will be found in shallow water, hanging around lily pads, cattails, and buggy whips. Small foam spiders and dragonfly dries are dependable. Small weighted black Wooly Buggers and Bream Reapers are a good choice when the bluegill quit hitting topwater flies and move to slightly deeper water. A slow crawl or short hops but slow on the bottom. Mayfly Hexagenia are still hatching on some of the lakes. This large, 1.5" bug drives the fish, nuts. Big Stimulators and or foam tail dry flies are the ticket. We like a deep indicator rig-with your fly several feet under for specs and big bluegill, fished on weedlines, or fished vertically in the deeper grass. Tilapia have been chewing these deep rigs too. Had a report that they are taking grass shrimp, too.
Forecast
The topwater bite will continue to excel with the warmer weather. Stick with white or olive poppers They are working, especially in the shade. The streamer fishing has been very good, white is the top choice. New colors in clousers to try are sexy shad and bluegill (small size 6.) AND Gulf Coast Snook fishing is great along the beaches! Same white baitfish patterns as the bass, but add shrimp and sand flea patterns to the mix. Back to lakes-big mayfly patterns on top and dragonfly nymphs subsurface, for bluegill. Windy days can bring all types of terrestrials onto the surface. Bluegill will key on them. Small foam spiders, beetles and ants are important for bluegill on the surface. Bigger bass will be in 5-9 foot. Buck bass will be cruising the grass lines. At the time of this report: the Peace River is above average (258 CFS). Econ River is above average (243 CFS). Myakka River is far above average (99 CFS). Hillsborough is below average and slowly falling (58 CFS). Withlacoochee is high at (1.4CFS). Kissimmee River near Frostproof is high (79 CFS). Afternoon Storms can change these levels to flood stage, very quickly.
Techniques
Best techniques for the week include Technique 1) White or olive poppers fished slowly during low light conditions, and even during the day under shady over hang and around docks. Technique 2) Black or olive crayfish flies fished low and slow close to the shoreline. Crawl the fly over prospective areas, frequent pauses can coax a bite. Add a small split shot 18 in. above the fly if the winds pick up. This will help maintain proper depth. Technique 3) Small baitfish patterns fished on the edge of structure in the morning or evening.
Craig Jameson tied this beautiful Wilson's Bully Bumble
Fly Tying Returns on Tuesday, June 2nd. We will set up in our larger room, and seating is very limited. 6 foot spacing, and mask is recommended. If you are interested, please contact Allen Wyatt allen@andythornal.com 863-299-9999Mon-Sat 10-6eastern Also, we can send instructions electronically.
2020-05-15 FLY FISHING REPORT
Surface Temp: 80f
Clarity: Slightly Tannic 28-inches
Tips
The topwater bite is excellent. Fish small poppers and sliders for bluegill and buck bass with white or olive being the top color picks. Larger bass have moved into deeper water, mostly. Except a couple of people are finding afternoon schools of shad on the surface. While very late for schooling shad, the weather has kept water temps a little cooler than normal. Small white streamers and EP style minnow flies will be the right size. Crayfish flies, olive or black/blue should be fished pretty low to the bottom with a slow crawl retrieve. Bigger fish are moving deeper. The panfish will be found in shallow water, hanging around lily pads, cattails, and Kissimmee grass. Small foam spiders and dragonfly dries are dependable. Small weighted black Wooly Buggers are still a good choice when the bluegill quit hitting topwater flies and move to slightly deeper water. A slow crawl works best giving the fly a chance to sit still. Mayfly Hexagenia are hatching on some of the lakes. This large, 1.5" bug drives the fish nuts. Big Stimulators and or foam tail dry flies are the ticket. A deep indicator rig with your fly several feet under has helped with keeping specs and big bluegill on the line. Tilapia have been chewing these deep rigs too.
Steve Gibson is catching beautiful Snook from the beach. Contact him (941) 284-3406 for trip info.
Forecast
What, a tropical storm? The topwater bite will continue to excel with the warmer weather. Stick with white or olive poppers They are working, especially in the shade. The streamer fishing has been very good, white is the top choice. AND Gulf Coast Snook fishing is great along the beaches! Same white baitfish patterns as the bass, add shrimp and sand flea patterns to the mix. Back to lakes-big mayfly patterns on top and dragonfly nymphs subsurface, for bluegill. Windy days can bring all types of terrestrials onto the surface. Bluegill will key on them. Small foam spiders, beetles and ants are important for bluegill on the surface. Bigger bass will be in 5-9 foot. Buck bass will be cruising the grass lines. At the time of this report: the Peace River is below average and falling (67 CFS). Econ River is below average and falling (19 CFS). Myakka River is above average and falling (10CFS). Hillsborough is below average and slowly falling (58 CFS). Withlacoochee is at a trickle (normal) and not measurable (- CFS). Kissimmee River near Frostproof is below average and falling (7 CFS). Tropical Storms can change these levels to flood stage, very quickly.
Trevor Brown was giving the 3wt a workout.
Techniques
Best techniques for the week include Technique 1)Time for some dry fly fishing. Dap a big stimulator or let a big foam dry fly settle on the surface. Technique 2) White or olive poppers fished slowly during low light conditions, and even during the day under shady over hang and around docks. Technique 3) Black or olive crayfish flies fished low and slow on weedline down to deeper water. Sink tips will help. Crawl the fly over prospective areas, frequent pauses can coax a bite. Add a small split shot 18 in. above the fly if the winds pick up. This will help maintain proper depth. Technique 4) Small baitfish patterns fished on the edge of grass, lillies, and cat tails in the morning or evening.
Chris O'Byrne,is catching bass in the neighborhood pond. Check out his new book here.
Plans to offer this very popular program are being made following Phase 2 Guidelines of Florida Govenor DeSanits. Social Distancing is easy, and we will reduce class sizes. Want info on the next class? Call us (863) 299-9999 Mon-Sat 10-6 eastern or info@andythornal.com
2020-04-29 FLY FISHING REPORT
Last Chance on Sale Costa Del Mar Sunglasses Through May-Click for more info
Conditions: Excellent
Surface Temp: 79f
Clarity: Slightly Tannic 28-inches
Neil Warnock is having an amazing week on the Gulf coast. Baby Tarpon, Big Snook-Wow!
Austin Salter is catching schooling Bass on Sprogs (frog patterns.)
Tips
Topwater bite is excellent with black bugs and frog patterns being the top picks. Crayfish flies, olive or black patterns for your biggest bass. These flies should be fished on the bottom with a slow crawl retrieve. The panfish will be found in shallow water, hanging around lily pads and cattails. Small foam spiders and dragonfly dries have worked well as a surface presentation. Try to make these flies smack on the surface, then slowly retrieve the fly. Small weighted black Wooly Buggers are still a good choice when the bluegill quit hitting topwater flies and move to slightly deeper water. A slow crawl works best giving the fly a chance to sit still. Bluegill are still munching on grass shrimp near the cattails. Their loud slurps can be heard and are a good indicator that fish are close by. Small olive scud patterns mimic the grass shrimp with orange patterns represent dying scuds. Some anglers prefer using a strike indicator several feet above the fly to keep them above the submerged grass. A deep rig, with your fly several feet under your indicator, has helped keep specs and big bluegill on the line.
Scott Crouse caught this hefty bass on a rootbeer and brown gurgler.
Forecast
The topwater bite will continue to excel with the calmer days and warmer weather. White, Black or Frog poppers are working, especially in the shade. The streamer fishing is straight forward with small chartreuse and white Clousers being the top choice. Stick with scuds and dragonfly nymphs for bluegill fishing subsurface, fished near the bottom. Small foam spiders and foam dries work well to tempt the bluegill on the surface. Searching for areas close to deeper water will allow you to locate the fish easier. Rivers provide an excellent shelter on those windy or crowded days. Weather looks like bluebird skies for a few days. At the time of this report: Lake Levels are ear norma and gently falling. The Peace River low and rising (97CFS). Econ River is low and rising (51 CFS). Myakka River is low and steady (6 CFS). Hillsborough is average and rising (70 CFS). Withlacoochee is about normal trickle (1CFS). Kissimmee River near Frostproof is below average and steady (13 CFS). This time of year, water levels should be lowest.
Laina Lindsey re-covered John's work chair. Looking Good!
Techniques
Best techniques for the week include Technique 1) Chartreuse and white Clouser is the color. Other colors to consider are bluegill, or pink and white Clousers fished tight to shore and slowly retrieved. Technique 2) Mayfly season has come. Fish classic dry flies in size 10-16. Our mayflies can be huge, and we’ve been tying some oversized foam dries. Dangle a pheasant tail, prince or hare’s ear in a tandem rig. Technique 3) Frog poppers anddivers fished slowly during low light conditions, and even during the day under shady overhang and around docks. Technique 4) Black or olive crayfish flies fished low and slow close to the shoreline. Crawl the fly over prospective areas, frequent pauses can coax a bite. Add a small split shot 18 in. above the fly if the winds pick up. This will help maintain proper depth. Keep an eye open for the Mayfly hatch.
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Craig Jameson is producing some cool Wilson's Bream Reapers