Three Strikes

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Largemouth on Big Bad Bass Rattler Fly

It was amazing that any fish were caught considering the three strikes against me at the start.

·       The only day available was after a major storm moved through the area. This was the worst possible time because a cold front usually shuts down the fishing.

·       The storm dropped more than one inch of rain which caused the creek to run high and turbid. The increased flow also churned up natural food for the fish.

·       To complicate things further I did not arrive until late morning, with bright sun already on the water. Bass fishing is best at dawn and continues for the next two to three hours. I was well outside this window.

So, was it hopeless? Should I give up before starting?

You never give up, but you must adjust to the situation. This begins with an “adapt and overcome” attitude.

My regular fly patterns were not working and in retrospect my retrieve was too fast for the increased current. In addition, because of the cold front the fish were holding deep.

The first fish hit when I switched to weighted flies and slowed down my retrieve.

Bluegill on Octo Gold-Ey Olive Fly

To address the turbid water, I switched flies until a winning combination emerged. This proved to be the Octo Gold-Ey Olive fly, and the weighted Big Bad Bass Rattler fly. Both  have bright colors and look like minnows or crawfish in the water which is probably what the current was displacing.

The late start time was more difficult to resolve, but the fish were staged in shaded areas or holding tight to the brush. All the fish hit when my fly dropped within four to five inches of the stream bank, and I paused to give it a chance to sink.

Bluegill on Big Bad Bass Rattler Fly

When everything clicked the fish would engulf the flies and I eventually landed five bass (best 14 inches) and four jumbo bluegills (best 8.5 inches). One much larger bass jumped until she spit the fly.

Largemouth 14 Inches on Big Bad Bass Rattler Fly

Jumbo Bluegill 8.5 Inches on Big Bad Bass Rattler Fly

On the hike back to my truck I noticed a patch of wild Irises. They were not blooming before the storm. Happy Easter everyone!

Irises Growing Wild

This trip turned out well, despite the initial three strikes, because we adapted to the situation. This is why you never give up.

The Bear River Tackle streamer flies used on this trip are handcrafted in the United States by experience fly tiers using premium materials.

They are different from ALL other fishing flies, and we select only the best patterns before they are offered to you.

If you would like to use these flies, they are available on the website under the Shop Tab. Look for the following patterns:

-        Octo Gold-Ey Olive

-        Big Bad Bass Rattler (with red orange body)

All Bear River Tackle flies consistently catch more trophy fish and outperform standard fly patterns. This is because their unique patented design makes them look alive in the water.

All of us at Bear River Tackle are dedicated to helping you have exceptional fly-fishing. We do this by providing knowledge, information, and exceptional streamer flies.

Order today and prepare to catch fish!

Glenn Personey

Founder and CEO   

Bear River Tackle