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3. Question on dapping flies, casting on small streams, and a fishing report.

So to begin, I just want to thank you for the advice and knowledge I have learned from this site. Thanks to things I have learned here and online, I had a successful fly fishing trip to a wild trout stream.

I caught 2 creek chubs, hooked 2 unknown fish(they freed themselves before I could beach them), and caught my first wild trout(which was also my first trout on a fly) on a pool below a waterfall.




I only had about 3 hours to fish, and much of that time I wound up using scouting.






Anyways so that trip left me with some questions. Here is another picture of the creek so you can have a idea what kind of water I am fishing, and asking about.



1. How is the best way to go about dapping flies?
I was able to do this with some success, however I do not know what kind of action the trout prefer. I dont know it they prefer the fly to be drifted a little, or it to dance around above then land, or skitter it along the surface. I suspect that all there are to be used in different circumstances.

Also at how long would I want to let the fly drift if that is what I am doing? When would it be time to pick it up and try presenting it again?

Just what are some tips for dapping flies?



2. I have read on several sites where people talk about roll casting for fishing on smaller streams. Luckily for the areas I was able to fish, there was enough room that I could just do a regular cast. However I have not done a successful roll cast to date(though I have not attempted yet with my new upgraded line)

So what are some tips for roll casting, and roll casting upstream on smaller creeks and streams.


3. How is the best way to go about doing a slingshot/bow shot cast? How much line in general do I want to use to do it? Are there any good videos demonstrating how to do it properly?


4. What are some tips in general for fishing on small creeks/streams for wild trout?




I am pleased that I was able to do some casting with just the leader. It shows I am learning, even if it was probably sloppy.


Thanks for all the help and advice.

Reminds me of a few streams I sometimes hike around!

In a perfect scenario, to "dap" a dry fly you would be dropping the fly into the water from a hidden position on the bank, usually slightly upstream and letting it drift downstream a short distance. No casting, just the leader out of the tip. I believe any trout could be caught in this manner, as you have no leader on the water, no drag to contend with and if the trout don't know your there, well, lets just say its a slam dunk.

And that would be easy, except for the bushes, trees, rocks and logs, and sometimes even if you can get the fly into the water you have to safely land it too. By safely, I mean not yanking it out of the water and flinging it onto the bank :)

I knew a guy that used to fish downstream, dropping the fly in the water right on top of likely holding areas and bouncing it a little, repeating a few times. This sometimes induces vicious strikes, but remember, whenever your fish downstream its a lot easier to pull the fly out of the fishes mouth.

The best advise I can give you is, position yourself for the best approach that gives you; 1] room to move the rod around some, 2] the ability to make a decent presentation, 3] a place to safely land the fish. Your going to get to some places that are simply impossible to fish, and unfortunately they are where the best fish are!

Have fun...it sounds like you already have. CJ

ps...before handling a fish, always dunk your hand into the water first...they will thank you for it later!

pss...next time you are at that pool, drop a big streamer into the white water, let it sink a little and strip it back...then hold on!

Looks like some pretty waters - and pretty difficult too! The 7.5' 3-wt. might be overkill (or too long!) in some of those areas, though not on that pool, and what a beautiful spot! I did some fishing in north Georgia some years ago (2002) and saw streams like that, but had a tough time catching much - gin-clear water and close proximity! Ran into more little redeye bass than I did trout...

BTW roll casting does help in these situations, just be aware of what's immediately behind you because your roll cast could end up snagged right over your head!

Best of luck on your most enchanting (and tough) little waters.

Jonathon

I'll take one question, the one about the bow and arrow cast: See A Casting Approach To Dry Fly Tactics In Tight Brush. http://www.appoutdoors.com/joehumphreys/dvds.html

http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?ca=c0a5acf6-9fc7-4b4a-83d1-c2a3a16c27b6&c=86299ca0-4214-11e3-83a0-d4ae52a6892e&ch=87dfd820-4214-11e3-8425-d4ae52a6892e


Check this out...In terms of small streams and "dapping" maybe try a Tenkara rod...

Spence

Thanks for the streamer tip. While I couldnt really strip the line back, because there wasnt much room to let line out. However I was able to hook a 8-10" trout with a black bugger.

I was also able to get chubs in other pools.


I was able to do the bow cast no problem.

I didnt have much time to fish though.

Here is a great video tutorial on roll casting. There are also some other good video excerpts from the dvd.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRaCV5c63mY