Great Fishing at McClellan’s

DATE: Thursday, 8/4/2005

TIME: 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM

WEATHER: Mid-80s to low 90s, partly cloudy

WATER CONDITIONS: 0 units

LOCATIONS FISHED: Norfork River, McClellan’s downstream of Otter Creek

HATCH: None

ROD USED: Winston 7’ 9” 2-weight LT

FLIES USED: #16 copper Norfork River scud, #14 tan Norfork River scud, #14 flying ant

OTHER: I fished with Dick. We fished just above the point at Ace in the Hole, across from the leaning sycamore tree. I cast about 50 feet to a seam near the opposite bank, and fish would hit the scud imitations every 3rd or 4th cast. The bottom line is that Dick took about two dozen fish on the scuds—not bad for someone just learning to fly fish. He is probably the best male student I've ever taught (he listens!), and was quick to observe that drag free drifts produce hook-ups. I observed dead scuds near the surface of the water; they were a yellow/brown color, but looked a transparent tan when held under water. I also noted scuds on the bottom, size 16 or so. I did manage to take one fish on a flying ant. It was a great day, and fishing was about as good as I've seen it at McClellan's in a long time.

Just another note: Dick and I were fishing about 60 feet apart, and we had some yahoo on a one-man pontoon try to fish between us. My patience runs short in retirement, and I politely asked him to leave. He gave some smart ass answer, but did leave. Over the course of the last several years, fly fishing etiquette has become almost non-existent. I've had people walk in water I was fishing, almost cross my line, throw cigarette butts in the water, etc. We've got to begin emphasizing good etiquette—and the guides are among the worst! However, in fairness, some are very polite (Tom Hawthorne's bunch at Ozark Angler, John Gulley up here in Norfork); don't infringe on their client's water).