This fishing report is provided by Rob Woodruff, an Orvis Endorsed Guide, at www.wgsflyfish.com
East Texas Lakes Fly Fishing
Chain Pickerel – Colder than normal water temperatures slowed the action and the spawn for a couple of weeks, but things are back to normal now. The shallow water action should continue later into the spring than usual. Streamers in Chartreuse, Gray, White, Red and combinations thereof will draw strikes. An Orvis Streamer Stripper line will make a big difference on bright, sunny days.
Power Plant Lakes Fly Fishing
Lakes Welsh and Monticello are hot, with large numbers of aggressive bass in the 1-4 pound range, and an occasional bigger fish, in shallow water. Both have water temps ranging from 85+ near the discharge to 73 near the dams. Poppers fished around the Cattails and Hydrilla will get strikes early, late and on cloudy days. Switch to streamers on bright days and around the timber. Olive/White, Tan/Gold and Fire Tiger have been the best colors.
Lake Fork Fishing
With the rapid rise in water temperatures, and the recent full moon, Bass fishing has gone from slow to great within a few days. Bass haven’t moved shallow yet, but the big girls are beginning to stage on timber and points near major spawning coves and creeks. This is the time of year to throw big flies looking for big bass. Olive/Chartreuse and Black/Blue are good fly color choices this time of year. If the water stays warm, the bass will be moving to the banks soon. Prime dates for guided trips on Lake Fork are filling quickly.
Lower Mountain Fork River Fishing
Zone 1- Repairs to the Trout Habitat Structures are almost complete on Spillway Creek. Water release has been cut to approximately 30 c.f.s. Clear, low water have the trout a little spooky and concentrated in the deeper runs and pools. Water flow should return to approximately 85 c.f.s. late this week. Until then, using lighter tippet, smaller flies and good presentations will yield results.
Zone 2 & 3- Streamers are producing Trout and an occasional Sand Bass and Walleye. Low flows and cold water has delayed the March Brown hatch, but they should begin to show up soon.
Remember that my weekly fishing report for the Lower Mountain Fork River is available at: http://www.orvis.com/fishing_report.aspx?locationid=7378
LABS
Loop Lab 101; Foundations of Fly Casting Class
April 30, 2011, Spirit of the West Resort, Lake Ray Roberts, TX
We have very few spots remaining for this year’s class; all previous classes have sold out, so don’t wait too long to register if you are wanting to attend.
Tuition: $200, advance registration required.
Montana Fly Fishing Program at Orvis Dallas.
This Thursday, Feb. 24, Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Guide Steve Hollensed will be presenting a slide show describing his April 10-14 hosted trip to Blue Damsel Lodge in Montana. Conditions are setting up well for a great trip during the Skwalla Stonefly hatch. Stop by Thursday evening and see how to get a jump start on your western trout fishing.
Rob Woodruff
Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Guide
