Fly Fishing Report by Rob Woodruff -

Lake Fork – Threadfin Shad are schooling and spawning along the weed lines especially on the north end of the lake. The top water bite has been good, early and late most days and all day when cloudy for bass up to 8 pounds. Poppers in Shad colors (Blue/White, Silver, Gray) have been the best choice. When the sun is high, sinking lines and streamers fished in 8-12 feet of water in the areas adjacent to the spawning shad are a good choice. Matching the size of the Shad in the area is important.

East Texas Lakes- Early morning and evening has been providing fast top water action for big Bream and Bass. Chartreuse poppers have been getting the most strikes. Weed beds and Lilly Pads have been the key for Bream and lay down logs have been holding the larger Bass. Once the sun is up, Shad patterns have been producing Bass and slow sinking flies, like a Wilson’s Bluegill Bully, in Black or Olive have been working well for Bream.

AM- PM Trips- I will be offering AM trips for Bass and Bream on Gilmer Lake and PM trips for Bass on Lake Fork all Summer long. These trips usually offer great top water fishing while avoiding the heat of the day. AM trips are from 6:00-10:30, PM trips are from 5:00-9:30. Rate is $200 for one or two anglers and includes everything except a Texas Fishing License.

Lower Mountain Fork River- The Trout have liked the increased flow and cooler than normal water temperatures in Zone 1. Sulphur Mayflies and Caddis are hatching and terrestrial patterns are getting attention on top. Zone 2 has been feast or famine. Streamers are producing some large pretty Trout when the bite is on.

Loop Lab 101: Foundations of Fly Casting
The Practical Science of Fly Fishing
September 25, 2010
Lantana Lodge Lake Ray Roberts, TX

Accuracy, distance, and efficiency are hallmarks of good fly casting. Good casting allows an angler to maximize their time on-the-water and to get the most from their fishing trips.

Loop Lab 101 develops good fly casters by providing understanding of essential fly casting concepts, instruction in effective practice strategies and the ability to self analyze and correct faulty casts.

Loop Lab 101 gives beginners the foundation for a steep learning curve and good casting habits. Intermediate or lower level advanced casters will find the framework for quantum improvements and consistent casting performance on the water.

Class is limited to 10 students. (Only 8 spaces remaining)
Advance registration required.
Course fee is $200.00.

I may have mentioned I am reading Scott Sparrow’s book “Healing the Fisher King – A Flyfisher’s Grail Quest“, and I may not have mentioned it. I may have just dreamed I mentioned it, if you know what I mean.

Regardless, unless you are living under a glob of crude, you realize that the Texas Gulf Coast is the last remaining pristine state coastline of all states surrounding the BP oil spill. That means one thing is coming our way – pressure. Anyone with the cash flow and impetus to fish the Gulf of Mexico will be looking long and hard at Texas – all of Texas, and all types of fishing. So, while I am gearing up for Colorado next month, what I should be doing is going coastal – The Arroyo Colorado, and maybe a private session or two with Captain Sparrow (not Jack).

I wonder if he mixes the two? That question came roaring to the forefront after I did a simple search on Scott Sparrow, and found him there – right there in the Valley, working as a dream guide, and fly fishing guide on the Arroyo Colorado. If you need my references to the Arroyo, look no further than the masthead images of my youth on the Arroyo Colorado. I am not so sure I am all about this “dream analysis”, but I can’t deny the benefits of meditation and an active dream life. If you throw in the fact his wife is a university writing instructor – heck, I am looking at a complete overhaul.

I have yet to finish the book, but if you are looking for … something … and aren’t afraid to dig into your dreams, or as in my case a lack thereof, see if you can find a copy of this book and put it by your pillow. WARNING – Can Cause Insomnia!