Snake River Outfitters, LLC,river conditions,fly fishing lessons,trips,and tackle

UPCOMING EVENTS March 13 - 14 Linn County Fairgrounds Albany Oregon ____________________________________ The Jimmy Green International SPEY-O-RAMA and Fly Casting Festival April 17 - 19, 2009 Golden Gate Park in San Francisco	Seasonal Strategies -Summer Summertime on the South Fork brings with it the traditional feeding patterns western trout fishermen have waited for throughout the long Idaho winter. January, February and March, we hunch over our fly tying benches, cloistered near the wood stove, and envision trout feeding on emergers or adult aquatic insects in clear cool riffles, whilst we, the anglers, bask in the warmth of the summer sun. When most people think of fly-fishing this is the picture that often comes to mind, and rightly so. Casting small 'dries' on a four weight and watching unsuspecting trout rise and snatch them is something most of us cannot get enough of. On the South Fork, summertime patterns begin to evolve as the water temperature rises and numerous aquatic insect species start their transition from nymph to adult. This phase of their existence makes them vulnerable to all foraging fish and triggers a rapid response from winter lean trout and whitefish. At the same time, water flows begin to decline from the spring runoff and water clarity improves quickly. All of these factors contribute to the behavioral pattern changes that trout naturally fall into as they follow the food. Early to mid-summer provides great fishing opportunities for those fishermen blessed to be on the South Fork. The water temperature is still near the magical 56 degree mark, keeping the fish active. The adult insects are coming off in the riffles, fish are noticeably rising, the birds are noisily making their presence known, and the fly fishers are wading in sandals with the sun warming their backs. The wise angler will be paying close attention to the temperature and biological factors mentioned above, as well as looking for those specific river landscapes that fish are holding in or near. Generally this relates to a shallow riffle that drops off rapidly into a deep cut. These are special hatching areas for emerging insects. There are many such riffles on the South Fork, but some are significantly better than others, depending on the day and season. An etiquette note is probably appropriate here. If you find one of these prime locations, and you see other boats or fishermen stacking up behind you, go ahead and enjoy it for half an hour, then share or move on. The South Fork is rich in these 'hot spots' and one or two good stops during a day's float will make a great trip for anyone, and everyone else too. Another summer pattern on the South Fork focuses on the shoreline, which is a primary feeding zone for many trout, especially the browns. This is due, in part, to the abundance of large stonefly nymphs that crawl out of the river and onto rocks or brush and shed their husks to emerge as adults. Also, local terrestrial insects (grasshoppers, ants, worms, beetles etc.) are typical menu items. During the salmon fly hatch, a cast more than twelve inches from shore may be ignored by fish that are riveted to the river's edge. Do not be afraid, therefore, to get your offering as close to the shore as possible. REFLECTIONS ON THE WATER I don't know if fishing is an escape or the place that I come home to. A quiet afternoon spent angling offers both fun and enjoyment. There is the thrill I get from being out on the water with a rod in hand my eyes capturing the beauty of creation. I relive experiences like being five years old, back in the wooden rowboat, watching my dad and uncle fly-fish for bluegills in the Illinois strip mine lakes. Other moments in time capture my reflections too, like the joy I felt watching my own sons fly-fishing on the south fork of the Snake. Fishing brings me into closer communion with the natural world and allows me to forget about the pressure and stress of the manmade environment in which most of us live and work. On the water I become a participant and observer of the natural cycle of life that seems to work so well and effortlessly. Everything has a purpose, place and function and an inherent dependence on each specific part in the ecosystem. Everything fits in this world and life is an endless cycle. On the South Fork, a day's fishing can bring me into contact with moose, beaver, blue herons, bald eagles, osprey, cold clear water, mountain vistas, and usually, many trout. I concentrate on making a good cast, presenting a fly, watching fish rise from the depths, and the feel of a nice fish at the end of my line. I enjoy diversions like looking under rocks for insect life, watching minnows scatter at my feet, seeing fish feed and sometimes just staring at the river winding its way through the canyon. It is difficult to describe all the different facets that fishing provides, but it always brings me back home contented, nourished, refreshed, and with a little more sparkle than I had before, like sunlight's reflection on the water. – Lee Davison
Does your casting need a summer tune-up? Mention you saw this note on our website and save 10% on your Spey or Single-hand casting lesson. *Must enroll before Sept. 30, 2009. Net some spring savings with SRO’s ‘Full Creel Deal’! Save 25% and get FREE shipping when you purchase: 1 pr. Snowbee breathable waders or wading jacket Your choice of single hand or switch rod Your choice of fly line Your choice of reel

FAVORITE FLIES FOR WINTER/EARLY SPRING: High water and off color days: Black Leach. This is usually slow fishing but it produces the largest fish. Fish it fast, fish it slow, fish it deep, and fish it in the weeds and structures near shore. Any time fly: Prince Nymph. This is a great producer and has provided many fly fishermen with hours of enjoyment. Don't leave home without it! Fish it near the bottom with little or no drag (dead drift). Focus on structures such as riffle drop-offs and deeper runs with moderate current. Right time fly: Salmon Fly Nymph. This is South Fork steak and potatoes during the early spring. I prefer long black or brown rubber-legs, fished deep and near drop-offs or any obstacle that creates a slow water asylum for hungry fish. ONE LAST TIP– don't hesitate to vary the size of the patterns and fish the Rubber Legs with the Prince as a trailer or dropper. Fishing two flies will usually increase your catch and the leading line manufacturers strongly endorse it. Probably because it usually increases the use of tippet materials by a factor of ten!
	South Fork Filet: Golden Stone The adult Golden Stone could be one of the most under-rated flies on the South Fork. I am convinced that many of the larger dry flies produce takes by trout because they are mistaken for the adult Golden Stone which emerges from the upper Snake River over a prolonged period during early and mid summer, whereas the Salmon Fly hatch normally happens during a brief time frame and marches up the river methodically with few late hatching stragglers. The Golden Stone ranges from one to one and a quarter inches in length and has a pale yellow abdomen with gray overtones. A yellow stimulator provides a good imitation as does the larger Double Humpy or the typical foam bugs with some pale yellow sparkle chenille wrapping the hook. There's nothing like a big dry fly and willing trout to get your heart pumping again!
	The Riffle Ripper: Parachute I prefer the parachute pattern for smaller dry flies for a couple of basic reasons. First, I think they look good to fish from almost any angle, since the parachute gives the appearance of beating wings. Second, they float well in the film surface of the water due to the horizontal hackle configuration. And last but not least, you can select a variety of wing colors that provide added visibility over the traditional counterpart. Generally, I tie these in a size 12, 14, or 16, which covers most of the species coming off the water during the summer. Colors range from light yellow, light gray, light beige, and pale green. Keep a few dark ones just in case.
	Shoreline Lunch Pattern: BFT This is the acronym I use for the "big foam thing". An example of this pattern is the "Chernobyl ant" or "club sandwich". I prefer these with a little window dressing such as rubber legs, dubbing and hackle covered hooks, etc. This larger than life type fly is durable, floats like a flip flop, and actually produces a lot of action and large fish. Size is usually an inch to an inch and a half and can be light or dark colored. These are easy to tie and great for fishermen with limited vision.
	The Deadly Dropper: Copper John A small dropper trailed behind a larger nymph or dry fly is always a good idea on the South Fork or anywhere else for that matter. The Copper John is a consistent producer and an ample supply in different wire colors and sizes is a must for your terminal tackle arsenal. Size 12 - 18 should cover it. This fly, along with the bead head adaptations, can save the day when fishing the South Fork. I like to fish the riffles, testing the water all the way with the parachute and a dropper. Don't pass up water that you think may be too shallow to hold large fish. A few casts in the shallow water before you walk through any riffles may surprise your wading socks off with a rapid strike and a lightning run to deep water!
	Any time fly: Prince Nymph This is a great producer and has provided many fly fishermen with hours of enjoyment. Don't leave home without it! Fish it near the bottom with little or no drag (dead drift). Focus on structure such as riffle drop-offs and deeper runs with moderate current.
	Right time fly: Salmon Fly Nymph. This is South Fork steak and potatoes during the early spring. I prefer long black or brown rubber-legs, fished deep and near drop-offs or any obstacle that creates a slow water asylum for hungry fish.

The Tying Bench Fly of the Month: Salmo Trutta Shore Lunch Tying Instructions: This is a terrestrial attractor pattern that can be modified for simulating colors and variations of insects common to the river you’re fishing. For the Southfork of the Snake, this means yellow and gold materials to simulate the Golden Stone or grasshoppers. Materials Used: Iridescent materials generally work best such as antron and flashbou. An additional palmered hackle on the body provides extra floatability and movement.
	Lee’s Custom Fly Kit South Fork Summer Special This kit contains every fly you’ll need for the varied conditions encountered during summer fishing on the South Fork. These tried and true varieties consistently produce the Cutthroat, Brown and Rainbow action you dream of. Each kit contains 16 hand tied flies, condition specific information for when and how to use each fly, and a pertinent area river map in a clear, dual compartment fly case. Only $35 plus shipping & handling.

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	To Contact Snake River Outfitters, LLC please call: 208.538.7425 Mon-Fri 9am - 5pm Mountain Standard Time You can also write to us: Snake River Outfitters, LLC 238 N 4700 E Rigby, ID 83442 Email: info@snakeriveroutfitters.com