Does anyone know what kind of flies i should use for a small southern utah stream with cutties, browns and brooks. I have no idea what fly selection works on streams I have only baitfished it before Any tips are very much appreciated.
BTK
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Hello BTK,
I'll throw in my 2 cents worth hoping it will help you on your baitless adventure.
Patterns - This it the time of year I like to start using Orange and Yellow Stimulators in sizes anywhere from #16 to #8. Goddard Caddis typically work very well in sizes #16 to #10 as well. Hoppers are in good supply now with the weather being hot, and these patterns typically work very well on the smaller to medium sized streams. Find an area that receives light pressure, and the fishing can be Fast and Furious.
You can go to the standards as well like Peacock Hackles, Adams, Renegades, Humpys, etc, but the High_N_Dry hopper patterns are where the real fun lies if the fish will cooperate.
Methods - Try locating fish to site fish by stalking quietly upstream, and be sure to land your casts well above the fish so it's free drifting by the time it reaches your target. This is especially important in clear, heavily fished, low running water. If the water your fishing is remote, and receives light pressure, having your fly slap the surface can sometimes provide spetacular takes from eager feeders waiting for your presentation. You'll have to assess each situation to determine what works best.
Another fun thing is to have a stealthy friend above the river spotting fish, and guiding your casts towards the best targets. Sometimes with spooky fish you'll only get one opportunity to make the perfect presentation, and this can really help. I've been the spotter many times, and I find it almost more fun spotting than catching.
Have fun, and be cautious - Snakes are a real problem in certain areas down south this time of year. The air temps are so close to that of our bodies that they can't sense us well, and it's real easy to walk right on top of them, literally. Don't climb over rocks hand first without knowing what's on top or on the side. Wearing thick gloves while climbing can help, and is a must if you encounter any snakes early on in the day. We've seen HUNDREDS of rattlers at Corn creek this time year, so if your in an area like this, don't go alone and travel well prepared!!!!
Later
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You should probably post this on the fly fishing site. My experience with small southern utah streams is in the winter and spring but the fish tend to be not very selective. If I was going now I'd take caddis, humpies, hoppers, ants and some prince nymphs just in case the bigger fish aren't rising and hanging out deep in holes. I don't use streamers on the tiny creeks but they're worth trying on those with a bit more water and bigger fish as well. I'd use size 12-16 except size 10 for the streamers.
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[indent]Thanks guys It recieves almost no pressure at all so i'll give those tips a try. One thing though do i use a floating line?
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I'd use a floating line as most of your action should be on top. Being a small stream I'd just use a beadhead nymph or streamer if you need to fish below the surface. Use some shot to get the fly down if you don't have or like beadhead flies. That's what I like about many of those small streams down south is that you seldom see anybody.
Good Luck
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