FLY FISHING REPORT 2018-12-04

Tip:

This report parallels last week.  Small emerger nymphs are producing Tilapia and Small Bass of weedline.  In December, cold fronts start pushing through you can definitely tell as the bite starts to get more sporadic. The best place to  start has been partially submerged timber as well as docks. These area warm-up more quickly since part of the structure is out of the water. Worm and crawfish flies are the most productive patterns, especially the more heavily weighted ones. We suggest bumping up your tippet size to at least 2x when fishing near heavy cover. If the bass has reddened lips that means they are feeding on crawfish on the bottom.  

Techniques:

The bass are still schooling on shad, and can be found on the windblown side of the lake most commonly. Small white streamers and smaller white gurglers have been the best producing flies on these active fish. Either size 6 Clousers or the smaller E.P Shad pattern have been the best producing streamer patterns. Look for the nervous activity caused by the shad, as this is a sure sign that the bass are near. Don't stalk too close and keep your trolling motors on a low setting, the fish are being skittish around too much boat noise. When the bass aren't schooling look for docks or submerged timber, these are common holding areas for bass when it starts to get cold. When fishing these areas an intermediate sinking line is helpful in getting your flies towards the bottom of the water column. Slowing down your presentations have been helpful when the bite slows down. The most productive colors of the worm or craw flies have been olive, black and purple. Which come as now surprise as these are always good color choices Bluegill still are hanging around docks and near the mouths of canals. The best way to catch them has been a heavier tungsten nymph drug on the bottom or a worm fly with the squirmito tail on a jig head. When presenting these flies try crawling them by pulling the fly line to your wrist for a slow gradual retrieve rate. This has been key as they prefer to eat them deeper when they are right above the bottom. When fishing ear heavy cover for panfish bumping up to 4x tippet will allow you to still be stealthy but have some extra strength around the wood. Specs(Crappie) are still being caught along grass lines. Use baitfish patterns in white, black and/or brown/olive in size 6, 8, or 10 Classic popper fishing is recommended at sunrise when the weather is either a little warmer or foggy. Colors is important as the fish are selective. Start with white as this mimics a struggling baitfish then start trying brighter colors such as yellow or orange. Casting these at the base of trees have yielded some spectacular blowups. Popper dropper rigs are a very good way to fish.  Use classic trout flies such as a Pheasant Tail or a Hare's Ear Nymph is sizes 10-14.

Forecast

The weather should warm back up over the next few days and towards the end of the week the chance of rain increases. The fishing should stay good even through the weather shift. Lake levels are still dropping slowly. The Peace, Myakka, Hillsborough, and Withlacoochee Rivers are all at above average levels. With levels on the Econ and Kissimmee Rivers at below average levels. 

Crease Fly from Fly Tying Class

 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  Dec. 4th. Contact us at 863 299-999 for more info.