Joes Valley Open Water

[gofish435]

I fished Joes Valley today in my kick boat. The reservoir is still about 70% covered with ice but it is in several big sections that are moving around so it won't be long before it clears off. I fished in the bay where Seely Creek comes in. I used a medium sinking (#3) line with size 4-6 crystal buggers and leeches. I had not caught anything before 2:00 and was afraid the skunk was going to get me. Luckily a few skinny looking splake took pity on me and woke me up. I only caught four, all splake between 13" - 16" long. The water temp was 39 and the visibility was about 8' - 10'. The reservoir level is at 51% so it is a pretty good walk to get to the water. Slow fishing but a very nice day.[fishin]
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[flygoddess]

That is pretty! Never been there, but that might change this year.
Do you ever try smaller flies like Nymphs? I usually fish one nymph and one bigger leech, or bugger.
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[gofish435]

I did try some smaller stuff, soft hackles, hares ears, & a prince. Believe me, I went through a couple of tippets with all the flies I tried. There are a ton of chubs in Joes, that is why they stocked the Tiger Muskies and there are also some very large splake so that is why I stuck to the larger patterns. Years ago before the chubs got started I use to fish with two flies. The problem was that the splake tend to spin when they are fighting so if they didn't hit the trailing fly they would have it wrapped around them by the time you got them in. Maybe I'm old school because I pretty much stick with a single fly nowadays. Less chance for me to get myself in trouble with the other fly that doesn't have a fish on it.[laugh]
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[flygoddess]

I never tie off the bend of the fly. I take 8' of fluoro, fold it in half with one side longer so one side is 5' and the other 3'. Put a loop in the end and loop to loop them to the fly line. Big fly on the longer and small fly on short. Catch a lot of doubles, but really shortens the learning curve to find what they want. And I am as old as dirt[]
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[gofish435]

I never thought of doubling up that way. That seems pretty slick. I used to just tie off on the hook of the up fly. Still though if you hook a splake, I think you are going to have some unwrapping to do when you get it in. Thanks for the tip. The trouble with my learning curve is I usually have to start it over every time I go fishing.[]
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[flygoddess]

Me too![cool]
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[up2nogood]

[quote flygoddess]I never tie off the band of the fly. I take 8' of fluoro, fold it in half with one side longer so one side is 5' and the other 3'. Put a loop in the end and loop to loop them to the fly line. Big fly on the longer and small fly on short. Catch a lot of doubles, but really shortens the learning curve to find what they want. And I am as old as dirt[][/quote]


Is that a process you have to do every time as the the line wears down or just add to it . I usually run about 6 foot of leader off the butt leader loop to loop, then add about 3-4 foot of line tied with a surgeons knot with about eighteen inches of tag .So I end up with a 3-4 footer ,and an 18 incher. Basically around 5-6 foot of leader change when they wear down. As they wear out from changing flies I just add another 3-4 foot with the tag ,eventually the 6 foot wears down from adding line, but that takes quite awhile, so basically the 6 footer is pretty permanent. I am always at least 9-10 foot from my fly line on the bottom fly, naturally 18 inches to two foot closer on the top fly.

Maybe I am not understanding your method ,but it sounds like you are only five feet of leader ,with the shorter one being only 3 foot from the fly line . Also curious as to what knot you use to tie that loop on a doubled up line. Got a good idea ,but could be wrong [] I was wrong once before, but you know how that saying goes [] If you are older then dirt ,what does that make me, now be gentle []
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[flygoddess]

With the different sink rate lines, I really don't use long leaders. Maybe 6' on one side at the most. I like to keep the flies at least 12" apart. With smaller fly on short and bigger on long I can spark attacks I think. Like small bait fish after a bug.
I use a Surgeon's loop.
If I need to lengthen from switching flies (and yes I have been there) I just Triple Surgeon not a piece on the existing.
Next time we hit it I will show you.
I too will use tags, specially deep nymphing. Rivers I prefer tags as well.
But, fishing the river this winter, I have been using a 5' furled leader and 36" of tippet. Tied so there is a 6" tag at the leader ring and a 30". Been working great and catching fish on both.
What is crazy is having a 28" and a 30" Carp take both at the same time!
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[up2nogood]

Thanks, Now all we need is some ice to melt ,and we will be in business, there are some that have open water, may have to give one of them a shot.
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[flygoddess]

Sounds like Joes Valley is one[] I'm still waiting on my boat though.
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[up2nogood]

Come on, I am sure you can find some beat up old scadden around your place to float on []
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[kandersonSLC]

You can borrow your Predator if you like.[angelic]
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[flygoddess]

Funny[] If I were to "borrow" one , it would be the Navigator[]
I have the Assault still.


Thanks though.
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[LOAH]

Great photos! Looks very placid. It's hard to get a calm day on that lake.
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[kandersonSLC]

[quote flygoddess]If I were to "borrow" one , it would be the Navigator[] .[/quote]
You are welcome to anytime.
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