Late Season Stillwater

As you have probably gathered by now I really enjoy my stillwater fishing. There is something about actually feeling the fish on the other end grab your fly and make mad dash for it without the help of the current.

I have been doing a lot of work on rivers lately and felt it was about time to hit up a small and grossly underfished stillwater that had been in the back of my mind for ages. All it takes is a big brown to follow your first cast right to the bank to get you motivated for the rest of the day. While the bigger ones eluded me I managed to get onto a few smaller browns which fought really well for their size. I enjoyed the mornings fishing so much that I am going back this weekend. Hopefully it all comes together and I get enough footage to warrant a new stillwater themed video.

Here is a sample of one of the little critters from the lake.

I will have another report and update very shortly. Get out and fish over the weekend. The weather is looking awesome and spawning run fisheries should be red hot after all that rain and tomorrows frosts. The season is nearly over!! It's a long, long four months...

Back with a Vengeance .... and an 8wt.

I'm back from my week long hiatus. Going that long without catching a fish is no good for the psychological state of a human being. That said, this week I plan to throw myself at whatever water I come across.

I hear the lakes are still fishing well and are a good choice if your local rivers are coloured up. Target the spawning areas and liberation points, they will go well after any rain we get. Later in the week when the weather clears up it will definitely be worth checking out those streams for the chance of a stonker late season fish.

Do not, I repeat DO NOT, ever in a million years let the weather stop you from going fishing. Especially this time of year. Some of the best fishing you will have is in terrible weather or immediately before the bad weather hits. Dropping barometers an all of that stuff fishermen like to use as an excuse to go fishing in appalling conditions should come into play here. The fish are there, go catch them, regardless of the climate.

Also, here is a video for your pleasure, motivation, torture, whatever. Whatever it is, this is an absolutely brilliant clip. And a horse fish!

Silver Creek Gong Show from Silver Creek Outfitters on Vimeo.

Lakes are firing!

I have mostly been fishing small streams this week but from what I hear the Rotorua lakes are pumping out fat trout like nothing else. Reports are coming in of big fat 5lbers during the day on anything from heave and leaves to smelt patterns and several 10lb fish coming from lumos fished at night. This is only going to get better as the winter goes on so plan a trip down there and make the most of this awesome fishery.

I will be out of action for a week or so but I look forward to hearing the late season adventures when I return. I will definitely be hitting up the Rotorua lakes after that for a spell and maybe even trying to snag some early winter Trevally on the fly.

Until next time, here is a clip to keep your blood temperature up. Posted originally at www.fishpornfix.com, this vid has some stunning Tarpon action as well as images of warm, sunny and tropical climates. These beasts are definitely on my to-do list!

Tampa Bay Beach Tarpon on Fly 6/11/12 from FishbuzzTV on Vimeo.

New vid!

Quickly threw this one together over the last day or so. Hopefully getting some new video editing software to soon to make some epic productions. Also I will try to convince some mates to come fishing so I'm not always making Solo Session vids! Let me know what you think and share any ideas for future vids. Cheers.

Downstream Madness

Had an awesome day on a Waikato small stream the other day with a woolly bugger variation I tied up. Not sure why fishing downstream is so frowned upon and gets such a bad rap, the results can be devastating. Really aggressive fish and some of the toughest fights I have had in a while. Managed to get a whole lot a solo footage so expect to see another Solo Sessions vid in the next couple of weeks.

Until then, here is a far more professional production from the boys at Yukon Goes Fishing. Really good example of the modern approach to fly fishing film making. Absolutely loving the work from these guys.

I now have a bit of time off from Uni so I have to make the most of this late season awesomeness. You should too.

Last call...

So it's the last month before the close of the season. Some awesome fishing to be had for those wanting to get out amongst the cold. Plenty of aggressive pre spawn rainbows and big browns are kicking around. It's your last shot to hit any headwaters so make sure you get you get out and give it a nudge. Also, boat access to our favourite lakes is about to close and the fishing is good. Some really impressive fish are being caught in shallow water and these fish are generally in great condition.

I've not log got back from a little trip to Tarawera where smelt flies were still doing damage but casting a globug when you are parked up cooking your lunch is always worth a shot and this is how the bigger fish can be targeted.

Here is the best my mate Mark picked up from that trip.

Also, for this time of year the new Montana Fly Company hip flasks from Manic Tackle Project are essential. When the fishing is slow in the cold weather there is always the comfort of hard liquor to warm the insides.

So get out and make the most of the season until these waters close. Then you have to think about your winter fishing options, some of which are very, very underrated...