Local Trout Lake Update

It’s difficult to blog about fly fishing these days; it all seems so superficial given that so many in the province are facing such difficult times. The flooding this past week is the worst on record and the cleanup has only just begun. If you live near one of the affected areas and are able to help out, there is no shortage of people in need; and not just in the well-to-do neighborhoods – our First Nation communities and older neighborhoods have been hit just as hard and may in fact need our help even more (but they seem to get scant coverage in the media). If you live too far from the affected areas to pitch in, consider making a cash donation to a disaster relief organization.

If you do find time to do some fly fishing, lakes are the best option. With the cooler weather, local trout lakes are still fishing well and some big fish are being caught. Damsel and dragonfly hatches are almost done – although you may see a few stragglers emerging here and there.

Remnants of the spring Dragonfly hatch

Newly emerged Damselfly about ready to take flight.

Caddisflies are starting to come on strong. You can’t go wrong with a soft hackle emerger fished just under the surface, or rising to the surface on a floating line. Your best bet would be size 12-14 in a light brown/amber color. Adult cinnamon sedge imitations will also work well on cooler evenings and when egg laying females are skittering across the surface.

Caddisfly exuvia (shed pupal skin) indicating recent hatch activity

Adult Caddisflies resting on lakeside vegetation