Confidence Flies

We all have them, they're the flies we reach for first.  They're the flies that keep us from using that new pattern we just picked up from the fly shop.  I've developed my list of confidence flies from experiences on the river.  My number one go-to fly (Thanks Hogan Brown!) has saved me from bad days on the Truckee River, landed huge browns in Montana, and gets fish to bite on nearly every river I fish.  It's hard to not fish with the S&M Mayfly. Whatever your confidence flies are, they make you fish differently.

I have a handful of nymphs that are always tied to the end of my tippet, no matter where I'm fishing.  Some of the patterns are general attractors that mimic a number of different aquatic insects, while others are more specific.   With so many different patterns and variations of old classics on the market, it's easy to get overwhelmed with "pattern overload".  Here are my top five "go-to" flies.  

John Barr's Copper John #12-20

John Barr's Copper John #12-20

The advantages of having a short list of confidence flies is that it keeps you from over thinking your fly selection while on the water.  This lack of indecision keeps your flies fishing longer.  Any way you work it, the longer your flies are drifting, the sooner you'll bring "Hog-Johnson" to the net.  

What are some of your confidence flies?

Here's my number one fly stuck to the nose of a nice brown!

Here's my number one fly stuck to the nose of a nice brown!

Heritage Trout

On our most recent trip to our family's bi-annual fishing debacle, my brother and I decided to take the road less traveled and search for one of California's Heritage Trout.  For two years, Lahontan Cutthroat Trout had been spoken of with great admiration around the camp fire. No, not the prehistoric beasts you see being seduced from the depths of Pyramid Lake, but a small isolated population of trout in a tiny creek high in the Eastern Sierra. Word had been circulating that the Department of Fish and Game had reintroduced this rare fish to one of its native drainages less than thirty minutes from our campground.  

Restrictive regulations, skinny water, and unmarked dirt roads had kept us away for far too long.  Under the influence of countless fire-side cocktails, my brother and I sauntered back to our tents for the evening, determined to document the beauty of the Sierra Nevada and it's native trout the next morning.    

 Filled with photo opportunities, rough roads, and hunters in search of deer, the drive to the creek was an adventure in itself.  Once there, I wasn't convinced that my uncles, who started this Lahontan rumor, were to be trusted.  The creek these fish were to be hidden in was beyond tiny. The deepest of holes dipped a measly two feet below the surface and the water trickled between stones, barely carrying the weight of the Fall leaves.  

Upon closer inspection, we noticed that the clarity of the water, coupled with its depth made for some extremely spooky little trout.  Each time I saw my bushy sized 14 X-Caddis hit the surface of the water, I would see little shadows dart from the riffles to their well rehearsed hiding spots.  Fine...lesson learned!  

Two-weight rod in hand and a size 18 Mercer's Missing Link now fastened to my tippet, I crouched behind a fallen log.  As slowly as I could, my head came up from behind the obstruction and I spotted my next target.  One delicate cast and the slow, drawn out rise of a cutthroat had my heart thumping and hand ready to set the hook.  A few seconds later, my first Lohontan Cutthroat was in the net.  Collectively, we let out a celebratory "Whoop!".  The mission had been accomplished. 

That day, my brother and I fooled a handful of cutties before deciding to leave the delicate stream to its own devices.  We weren't there for the numbers, or the size.   We were there for the friendship, adventure, and a rare encounter with one of California's Heritage Trout.  

All Photos by Logan Graff

Golden Trout Wilderness

We all have those fishing experiences that you want to relive time and time again.   For me, it's the Golden Trout Wilderness in California's Sierra Nevada.  The hiking, friendships, and adventure always make the trip worth remembering.  Most of all though, it's the California State Fish (Oncorhynchus mykiss aguabonita) that stands center stage on any trip into this hidden gem of the Sierra!  

You might spend an entire day without seeing another group of hikers, you'll see even fewer people with fly rods. Solitude at its finest. 

Packing is critical.  Be sure to plan accordingly. 

High mountain passes will take your breath away. Cottonwood Pass | 12,126 ft

An example of the average Golden Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss aguabonita).

The creeks are all small enough to jump across and the water is refreshing on a hot summer day. No need for waders, just bring your polarized sunnies, you'll spot 10-30 fish per run!


Hiking through the high Sierra's can be a challenge but with views like this, the effort is well worth it.

The Golden State's (fresh water) fish couldn't me more appropriately colored.

Sweeping views of one of the many creek crossed meadows. Here, its Big Whitney Meadow.  

Small fish can be delicate, especially these threatened species. #keepemwet

Unfortunately these trips must come to an end.  The good news...this place makes an amazing annual trip destination. 

If you're looking for more inspiration, check out this great video (Liquid Gold) from California Trout.

Great Fishing Reads!

In all honesty, I don't get out on the river as often as I'd like.  I'm sure most of you feel the same way.  Whether you live in a city removed from the great outdoors (like me), are consumed by family and work, or the winter has you locked down at your tying bench, reading provides a great way to take your mind to the river.  Some titles I leaf through for tying inspiration, while others I read from cover-to-cover every year.  Below are some of my favorites!  

My all-time favorite fishing novels in order from left to right.  

I don't have many "how to" books, but these are really great ones to get started with.  As we all know, there's no substitute for getting out on the water.  

Pat Dorsey's Tying & Fishing Tailwater Flies has fantastic tutorials for all levels of fly tiers. 

Charlie Craven's Charlie's Fly Boxhas great information on the history of his flies and how they came to be.

Some excellent Saturday morning reads when you're not fishing, doing chores, or taking kids to and from baseball practice. The Drake is always a lot of fun and provides a great diversity of material. 

Let me know what your favorites are!