My last column sparked some great feedback, which has inspired me to change the direction of this series of columns.
In the original request I was asked to share some tips -- in particular how does one decide on colour when fishing chironomid pupa.
This past week while on vacation, I had the time to go over some of the research done by experts Roderick Haig-Brown, Tommy Brayshaw, Brian Chan and Jack Shaw on that subject.
Their observations inspired me to read some of the works of other western North American sport fishing authors, as well writers from the eastern end of our continent.
This brought me to the Montana-based fly innovator of the 1920s, George Croonenbergh, who was known to lie under a fish tank full of water in his back yard, observing the actions of refracted light on specimen insects.
Croonenbergh brought me back to the subject of my last column: What do fish really see?
All answers came from interesting observations that provided fascinating reading, which I will begin sharing in my next series of columns.
THE REPORT
Fishing on our Lower Mainland lakes is fair to good.
For wet (sinking) fly fishing try Chironomid, Bloodworm, Coachman, American Coachman, Professor, Wooly Bugger, Micro Leach, Sixpack, Dragonfly Nymph, Halfback, Doc Spratley, Baggy Shrimp, or Zulu.
For dry (floating) fly action try Tom Thumb, Irresistible, Black Gnat, Griffith Gnat, Royal Coachman or Renegade.
For Kokanee try Red Abbis, Bloodworm, Red Spratley, San Juan Worm, Red Quill or Double Trude.
Our Lower Mainland bass and panfish fishing is good, with evenings proving best. For bass try Wooly bugger, Big Black, Lizard, Clouser's Deep Minnow, Zonker, Bingo Bug, Tied Down Minnow, Bucktail, Dolly Whacker, Frogs, Poppers, Chernobyl Ant, Stimulator or Crayfish in sizes 8 to 4.
Fishing on our Interior lakes is good. For better success try early mornings and evenings, using Wooly Bugger, Micro Leach, Egg Sucking Leach, Chironomid, Bloodworm, Pumpkinhead, Dragonfly Nymph, Halfback Nymph, 52 Buick, Doc Spratley, Green Spratley or Baggy Shrimp for wet fly fishing. For dry fly try Irresistible, Black Gnat, Griffith Gnat, Tom Thumb, Renegade, Double Hackled Peacock or Caddis.
River levels have been dropping but are still not what I would call fishable for many shore anglers.
