FLY FISHING REPORT 2018-10-17
Week 10/17/18- 10/25/18
Conditions: Good
Surface Temp: 84f
Clarity: Tannic 18-inches
Let us know what you are catching-or not catching-Send your pics of fish, beautiful places, or some of the flies that you have tied. We love to post them on our fishing report! Send to Allen@andythornal.com
We have reports of bass being caught in 4-8ft of water. Weighted baitfish patterns can get deep to these fish on the weedlines. Using a sink tip will make countdown times much shorter for these fish. There are schooling shad reports from many fly anglers. Get out your white shad patterns. This is a fun time of year, and you can catch bass on nearly every cast if you are at the right place! The schooling shad will appear on the surface for a couple of minutes, attracting bass. We wrongly assumed that the bass were schooling up the shad (like mackerel/bonita school the baitfish in saltwater.) It appears that the shad are spawning at this time, and make themselves very vulnerable The simple tip is to have white fly patterns from two inches to 6 inches. Be prepared to quickly move the boat to follow the schools of shad across the lake. Surprisingly, you can run up to the melee with the big motor and cast. Bass are usually working the edges of the school (cast to the edges, not the middle.) New, this week-there are a couple of reports on shell cracker. They are deep, caught on nymphs and rubber spiders. While the surface bite has slowed with the heat, sunrise can be productive. Popper Colors-Yellow and Black. Sizes-Small Size 8 or 10.
Techniques:
Specs(Crappie) are being caught along grass lines. Use baitfish patterns in white, black and/or brown/olive in size 6, 8, or 10. Also, we've heard about more great spec fishing in the lily pads. Jig vertically through holes in the pads. Natural colors are best at the moment, but have some brights available. Jig style flies with squirmito tails were very effective last fall. For the bluegill bite, structure like overhanging trees is important. Shade is important. Work the docks, and shorelines that are in the shade, (these places have cooler water, and provide a great ambush point.) Classic popper fishing is recommended at sunrise. Colors seem to be important as the fish are selective. Popper dropper rigs are a very good way to fish. Use the flies from your trout trip; they work great as droppers. If you are buying flies, bigger nymphs (sz 12) in prince or hare's ear patterns. Get these flies on the bottom. Tilapia are not a regular target species of the fly rod, but there are a couple reports on them again, caugh on the bottom with trout nymphs, while fishing for bluegill! There is a caddis hatch on the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes. Might be a good time for some dry flies, tiny tippets, and your little rod. Don't forget to use your rubber spiders in white for bluegill and shellcracker.
This beautiful Redfish was one of six caught by Cody Wilson. Sight fishing for Redfish is challenging and extremely rewarding He said finger mullet were everywhere!
Forecast
We are into the dry season, and expect rain to be less frequent. Lake levels are still high, but lower than last week. Rain is forecast on Friday, wind may be an issue in the afternoon, all week. Pressure will drop through the week. Army Corps of Engineers have reduced the water coming out of the Kissimmee dam (below Hwy 60.) It is below normal level for this time of year. Econ, Oviedo, Myakka, Peace, Hillsborough, and Withlacootchee are about normal for this time of year, but this is much lower than normal for last manoth. 'Normal' river levels are lower in October than September, and will continue to fall till April. Lake levels should slowly recede. Lakes with large marsh areas will become easier to fish. We expect bass fishing to be good, spec fishing to be excellent, & bluegill fishing to be good for an overall good rating this week.
Jason Bergwell was rewarded when fishing in eastern Tampa Bay this week. No Red tide where he was fishing!
Had to include this non fly fishing pic. Tristan Barber is a regular at our fly tying club. He fishes for the Junior FLW tournament. Last weekend this missed Big Fish by 2oz, and he placed 2nd overall. Way To Go Tristan!
FLY TYING CLASSES ARE ON FIRST AND THIRD TUESDAYS at 6:00PM-7:30PM. No reservations needed. We supply materials and tools (or bring yours.) $10 min purchase requested. Our next tying class is Nov 6th. We are planning a 5th Tuesday event this month, Location is to be determined. Contact us at 863 299-999 for more info.
Allen Wyatt
Author