Now, which is it that came first? Was it the chicken or the egg? This unsolved dilemma, which has plagued mankind for years, has now moved its’ cursed question into the realm of fly fishing. Only this issue becomes much more complex when related to fly fishing. It becomes something a kin to “the chicken or the egg or the omelet”.
It was just this past weekend; the weather had turned truly fabulous for being outdoors. This prompted me to take an extended weekend to fish and explore the river runs and riffles. The water generation had been a bit high but still one could squeeze in some wade fishing here and there. If fact, the here and there turned out to be a good part of three days. This is where the dilemma begins. Early on, I began to notice my fly box was seriously lacking of some prime essentials. My soft hackles were practically depleted. Only one scud of the size and color I like to fish remained. I was completely out of small Y2K bead heads. The #22 zebra midges are gone. Where was the ample supply of Woolies I had last month?
Saturday afternoon, I scoured my extra fly boxes for flies. Those who know me know I have a hoard of flies in boxes tucked here and yon around my tying bench. The shame is most of them were flies I either already had or were flies tied for or bought by my wife (and I dared not even think of using her flies). It was obvious I had not spent nearly enough time tying recently and had allowed myself to become seriously delinquent in maintaining an appropriate supply of flies. So, what should be done? Do I stay at the tying bench instead of going to the river? Or, do I just fish with the flies I have? Should I risk stealing flies from my wife? (Or, heavens forbid, I take the “cheap” way out and, actually, go to the fly shop to buy some flies.)
The problem in the summer time is the daylight hours are longer. The late afternoon hatch keeps us on the water longer. The river seems more entrancing in the summer months. It is much more fun to be on the river than behind the tying bench. In the winter, the cold weather and short days lend themselves to ample time to tie flies warm by the stove and reflect on the future occasions when they will be cast to lurking trout in glorious riffles. But, now, the trout are lurking today. No time to waste tying flies. Right?
So fish I did. As it turned out, few fish were taken over those three days. I fished the same water in which I usually do quite well. Was it because I didn’t have a #18 olive scud in my box? Was it because that big trout broke off my last P & O? Could it be that I am just as incompetent a fly fisher as I am a fly tier? See how complicated this all gets?
Okay, I can hear you now. You are asking yourself “why is he writing about all this when he should be tying flies”? This is a great question and deserves a reasonable answer. My hope is some of you will exhibit true compassion for me in my hour of need. Oh, I don’t need you to feel sorry for me. I am going back to the river this weekend. I need you to send me some flies. Not for me to fish with, mind you, but to replace the ones I took from my wife’s boxes before she finds out. It will be this winter before I can tie enough to replenish our supplies. The fishing year is still young. Your assistance is truly appreciated. It could save a marriage! PS: Tie them sloppily so it will look like I tied them. Thanks.
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The Premiere issue is ready for shipping & the Fall 2008 issue will be available September 1st.
Hatches Magazine Subscription
Price: $6.95 for each issue
The Premiere issue is ready for shipping & the Fall 2008 issue will be available September 1st.
