Paul Procter Fly Fishing

Inside…Out Waterhen Bloa:

noreply@blogger.com (Paul Procter Fly Fishing) — Fri, 21 Mar 2014 15:12:00 +0000

The recent Pearly Butt Bloa I posted on Facebook has prompted several questions concerning hackles? Traditionally, a Waterhen Bloa calls for an under covert feather taken close to the knuckle on the inside of a moorhen wing (right). Sticking to the letter, this was my choice too, until one day a number of years ago when I’d stripped my coveted moorhen wings of this precious bounty… Some might call me a heathen, others would say I was being tight, but desperate for a handful of flies, I turned to the marginal coverts (outside shoulder) of a wing. What fell from my vice that day was a bundle of spiders with a certain va va voom. Whether you agree or not, since stumbling on this I’ve neglected the inside hackles of moorhen wings and instead always reached for those outer feathers. Why, because they’re a desirable spoon shape with nice webby fibres that catch the light to give off a lovely olive sheen. In my eyes the finished fly in nothing short of stunning…

Feathers selected from outside (marginal covert) a moorhen wing make superb Bloas. It’s best to single them out using closed scissor points

Compared side by side, you can clearly see the difference between hackles from the outside and inside of a moorhen wing. Naturally, everyone has an opinion, but “you pays your money and you takes your choice” and my cash rests squarely on those dusky, webby hackles found on the upper parts… I understand that from a fly dressing perspective, some of you might stick to the recipe of our forefathers. If that’s the case, I’ll swap your used moorhen wings which will have their marginal coverts intact for a heap of mine that are loaded with under covert hackles…?

The upper parts of a moorhen’s wing glow a curious olive hue in certain light

Prepare hackles by removing unwanted flue from the stem base then gently stroke required fibres forward to rest at right angles of the stalk. Hackles are best secured by their tip end, just right of where the tweezer points are positioned below. Two turns is about right for me, but everyone has their own views here.

Said article dressed using a marginal covert hackle…lovely jubbly!

Take me Higher…

noreply@blogger.com (Paul Procter Fly Fishing) — Sun, 16 Feb 2014 08:16:00 +0000

Having spent a couple of days poking around lowland rivers, we were keen to get up in the high country where you’re surrounded by vast tussock plains and towering mountains (right). Such vistas offer little in the way of a backdrop, so clear skies are essential for spotting trout. Our plans couldn’t have been timed better as a high pressure system had parked itself over NZ’s South Island for some 3 days. With trout sitting out on soft shoulders or gravel bars and prepared to eat our dry fly imitations the fishing we experienced was best described as top drawer. Fingers crossed this weather might just hold for an extra day or so!

When conditions come good, High Country rivers offer some of the most spectacular surroundings you could ever wish for…the fishing isn't bad either

High Country trout tend to grow large and are therefore highly prized

The Beautiful South:

noreply@blogger.com (Paul Procter Fly Fishing) — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 06:13:00 +0000

After some much needed shut eye we headed down country to NZ’s Southland. Thankfully, sunny skies and temperatures in the high 20s greeted us(right), which is always a good sign for terrestrial activity. With tussock cicadas chirping and some of them even crash landing onto water the trout were definitely looking up for lunch. Careful presentation was the order of the day when Mat and I kicked off our adventure with a string of hefty trout in a stunning valley.

It’s always nice to get one under your belt early in the day and if it happens to be a slab of a fish then so much the better!

~All smiles for Mat Mchugh of Fly Odyssey as he’s about to turn loose another spanking NZ trout taken on a dry fly~

A Great Start:

noreply@blogger.com (Paul Procter Fly Fishing) — Sun, 09 Feb 2014 06:37:00 +0000

Eventually landing in Christchurch, our initial drive south lasted all of ten minutes before the rear wheel suffered a blow out. Although hot and tired, our hunger to fish saw a pit stop in double quick time (right). An hour later Mat McHugh and I were stalking the margins of a prime NZ stream. Thankfully, our efforts were rewarded with a handful of stomping trout, getting us off to a flying start.

A sorry looking tyre after the blow out!

…First trout of our 2014 NZ adventure-a solid 5lb trout…

The Great Escape:

noreply@blogger.com (Paul Procter Fly Fishing) — Sun, 19 Jan 2014 09:35:00 +0000

It’s been a while since the last blog, but in truth with river levels remaining high for weeks now there’s been little to report. In fact, charts (right) read as an all too familiar story of peaks and troughs that refused to drop below 0.50m on my beloved Eden. The last time I wielded a rod in anger was December 15th… Thankfully, my mind has been occupied elsewhere, preparing for operation New Zealand next week, which I’ve christened “The Great Escape”, because let’s face it the odds of getting your string pulled here just now are zilch! Thankfully, time usually spent wandering river banks got put to good use at my vice. Fingers crossed the toils of my labour will be well rewarded down under when reports will be flying in thick and fast!!!

A mitt full of bluebottles and blowflies should hopefully appeal to trout in New Zealand’s low country rivers

A wedge of foam finished off with rubber legs makes for a great cicada pattern. Granted it doesn’t look up to much clamped in my fingers, but from beneath the profile screams “cicada”

A couple of flies to try in 2014:

noreply@blogger.com (Paul Procter Fly Fishing) — Sat, 14 Dec 2013 07:43:00 +0000

High summer may not be prime time for dry fly fishing in the UK, says Paul Procter, but, thanks to the diminutive blue-winged olive, late evenings can herald memorable sport.

Fieldsports Magazine recently posted their summer 2013 issue..if you fancy a couple of B-WO patterns to dress for next season then visit http://www.fieldsportsmagazine.com/Freshwater-Fishing/high-summer-trout.html I hope you find them as successful as I have

Tried & Tested:

noreply@blogger.com (Paul Procter Fly Fishing) — Thu, 12 Dec 2013 10:58:00 +0000

~Tarpon Bunnies look the business dressed on a Partridge Stinger hook~

Prior to our annual saltwater jaunt in Ascension Bay, a small range of flies were fashioned on the new Partridge Stinger hook. Forged from quality carbon steel, razor sharp with a nice upturned hook point, on paper the Stinger ticks all the right boxes. However, how would it fair out in the field? Well, having tangled with tarpon, snook, barracuda and sharks the Stinger came out well and truly on top. It possess amazing strength and didn’t budge an inch,even when angry jack crevalle charged off to the horizon. To avoid rust, some would argue that all saltwater hooks should be stainless steel. Though after using carbon steel, a quick rinse under the tap prevents corrosion from setting in, so no harm done. Besides they tend to hold their edge for longer too and any sign of bluntness is easily addressed with a stroke of a hook hone. Problem is now, I’ll have to revise my predator box so all my favourites are dressed on the Stinger!

When comes to battling feisty fish with, few hooks cut the mustard as well as the Stinger

Poles Apart:

noreply@blogger.com (Paul Procter Fly Fishing) — Mon, 02 Dec 2013 10:10:00 +0000

50hp engines might be a great way to whizz pangas through mangrove channels en route to favourite flats. However, when it comes to the actual fishing, a more stealthy means of propulsion is required if you’re to avoid spooking fish. This comes in the form of a graphite poling pole of some twenty odd feet in length. Wielding such a cumbersome thing is an art in itself that involves years of learning. Thankfully, all Casa Viejo Chac guides are masters when poling a flat, giving them plenty of time to spot the ghostly shadows of passing fish. Trust me, having dabbled on top of a poling platform, maximum concentration was required for maintaining balance and attempting to steer 23ft of fibreglass hull in a predetermined direction… Above: Antonio handles a pole as though it’s a mere bamboo garden cane.

Ruben digs checks the skiff’s drift as he spots a shoal of feeding bonefish way off to his right

Senior guide William often passes the pole over his head when manoeuvring a skiff into prime position. What’s impressive is that his pole is fashion from mahogany, which weighs considerably more than graphite.

Trigger Happy:

noreply@blogger.com (Paul Procter Fly Fishing) — Tue, 26 Nov 2013 00:38:00 +0000

Whilst hunting permit one day, we got side tracked by triggerfish tailing over turtle grass. Granted these humble fish might not be as desirable as bonefish, tarpon or permit, but they’re damn good fun on light tackle. Triggerfish are also very tolerant, especially if you’re walking the flats, which means that numerous cast can be made without alarming them. Designed to slip into shallow water on their sides they might not match the acceleration of more torpedo shaped species like bonefish. However, they remain tenacious beasts that never stop pulling, a bit like a freight train… Given this, we were happy to chase triggers where and when!

With hard mouths and crushing teeth for devouring crabs, triggers can be tricky when it comes to setting a hook. A very firm strip strike is required if you’re to experience success.

Crabs might well be their principal prey, but triggers will just as readily gobble up shrimps which is why our homer Shrimpson scored

Predators like Storms…

noreply@blogger.com (Paul Procter Fly Fishing) — Sat, 23 Nov 2013 00:37:00 +0000

Casa Viejo Chac guide Chucho clutching a spanking mangrove tarpon I winkled out on a 1/0 cockroach fly

The reason for coming to Ascension Bay is to avoid nasty weather back home! Yet, against the rub of the green this season has seen unprecedented storms, which has a telling effect on fish. Thankfully though the predators seem hungrier than ever and remained active to give us tremendous sport over the last few days. In particular tarpon and snook have been our main focus, but plenty of barracuda and sharks latched onto our flies too. Consequently, we’re now in a dilemma as to whether we want those lazy summer days so evocative of this part of the world to return…

Pete Eville displays a cracking snook (one of many) that we ambushed as they sidled along the edges on mangrove channels in search of sardines

We found plenty of cuda too which are in an aggressive mood at the moment, so much so that this beast latched onto my shrimp pattern intended for bonefish. Heaven knows how it never sliced through the 10lb tippet with gnashers like that!

Predators on the chew:

noreply@blogger.com (Paul Procter Fly Fishing) — Mon, 18 Nov 2013 00:03:00 +0000

Although permit and bonefish were off the menu, predatory species seemed to be enjoying the unseasonable drop in temperature. Poling the mangroves, we had rich pickings for sharks, jacks and barracuda. There were moments of excitement too when snook flirted with us by edging out from deep within the mangroves though best of all had to be those tarpon. Most of our group managed to tangle with one or two of these impressive creatures, even on the bleakest of days. Pictured above is Paul Little with his very first tarpon, a cheeky grin says it all. Admittedly, this might not equate to one of those ocean going giants, but that didn’t matter one jot to Paul…

Lemon sharks like this wandered up onto the flats, giving us plenty of opportunities to tempt them.

My baitfish flies have been taking a beating from both barracuda and sharks. So much so that the resin heads suffered damage beyond repair. Fortunately, the fly box is full!

A Stormy Start:

noreply@blogger.com (Paul Procter Fly Fishing) — Fri, 15 Nov 2013 00:33:00 +0000

Our annual campaign got off to a stormy start in Ascension Bay. Thunderstorms day and night pounded us and the cooling water made bonefish lethargic. Thankfully, the predatory fish seem more tolerate and given fleeting glimpses of sunshine, we found them in abundance… Above, Paul Little ponders a waterproof jacket as we motor away from an approaching storm.

Guides and clients paddle through flooded fields whilst making their way to waiting skiffs

The roads round Punta Allen remain in a sorry state after days of rain…We’re still waiting for it too brighten up

Mother of all Hatches:

noreply@blogger.com (Paul Procter Fly Fishing) — Sat, 12 Oct 2013 10:58:00 +0000

Our recent trip to Bosnia climaxed with an incredible couple of days when hatches of Blue-Winged Olives literally went off the scale (above). Mark Irvine, Mita Balaban and myself found a length of water where B-WOs duns stretched from bank to bank. Rather than guide, I invited Mita to fish, as it’s not everyday you experience such a phenomenon. With the hatch lasting some four hours we made absolute pigs of ourselves and why not…? Of course, it wasn’t all roses round the door, with so many naturals about the trout and grayling had a PhD in detecting any impostor. Though a little patience and perseverance usually meant you got your fish and boy, we had some thumping grayling.

~Good friend Mark Irvine displays a lump of a grayling, which he tempted using a #18 F Fly~

It would have been unfair to ask Mita Balaban to sit this one out…he scored quickly too, again a #18 CdC pattern did the trick

…Minutes later and I’m in…Bosnian grayling are truly stunning creatures…

From Sun to Rain:

noreply@blogger.com (Paul Procter Fly Fishing) — Sat, 05 Oct 2013 10:15:00 +0000

Our first group of the Fly Odyssey Bosnian adventure (right) enjoyed a warm climate, calling for shirt sleeve order. However, week two dawned wet and miserable. Amazingly, tumbling temperatures didn’t prevent flies from hatching. In fact they simply encouraged them, treating us to flurries of Blue-Winged Olives that reached blizzard status. Thousands of duns stuck to the surface for longer periods saw the water erupt into life as trout and grayling gorged themselves. Given this, the group couldn’t have asked for a better start…

Damp conditions saw hatches last for several hours, treating us to dry fly fishing like never before!

The horrible weather might have required a couple more layers, but it also prevented B-WOs from lifting off, making them an easy target for trout and grayling

Patience and guile reward Hilary Langan with several plump grayling on her first morning. Pictured with head guide Mita Balaban her smile says it all

Mark Irvine was just as quick to get to grips with the Ribnik’s trout on a size 18 shuttlecock emerger

The Boys strike Gold:

noreply@blogger.com (Paul Procter Fly Fishing) — Sun, 29 Sep 2013 20:07:00 +0000

The Ribnik has treated us to some very special days when B-WOs emerged like no tomorrow. Best of all the whole group tangled with decent sized grayling with specimens topping 2lb. And whilst these fish are technically “European Grayling” they exhibit a rich golden hue, unlike those found closer to home. First to strike was Paul Mercer (right), he even managed to raise a smile for the camera…grumpy old sod… Next up was Brian Garner, who tangled with several notable fish. Then Mark Whitmarsh, Paul Maxwell and Pete Legge got amongst them. Best of all though they all scored using dry flies. And whilst identifying fly life couldn’t have been easier, presenting your imitation totally drag free was perhaps our greatest challenge.

Brian Garner contemplates the best way to address rising fish on a mirror like surface which afforded grayling an age to deliberate on whether to take your fly or not…?

With B-WOs hatching on most afternoons, we relied heavily on the Pearly butt Shuttlecock to charm Bosnian grayling

Once you landed your prize, you could only marvel at the exquisite golden hues found on their flanks…picture postcard stuff!

Big in Bosnia:

noreply@blogger.com (Paul Procter Fly Fishing) — Wed, 25 Sep 2013 06:36:00 +0000

Our initial visits to the Ribnik proved beyond doubt that “big is best” in every way. Firstly the fly life beggars belief as huge stonefly nymphs and cased caddis carpeted the underside of every stone. Then there’s the epic hatches of Blue-Winged Olives too. Granted this small ephemerid might not be considered large by any means, but they’re present in ‘big’ numbers. In fact, during a hatch, you stand opened mouth and marvel at their sheer numbers. No wonder then that these spring fed streams produce stonking great trout and grayling.

…Blue-Winged Olives emerged in their thousands. Curiously they’re livery is more a mahogany shade than out and out olive…

With so much invertebrate life, little wonder that Bosnia is home to enormous grayling like this thumping hen fish. Incredibly specimens like this were nothing out of the ordinary…

Bosnia Bound:

noreply@blogger.com (Paul Procter Fly Fishing) — Sat, 21 Sep 2013 07:05:00 +0000

Preparing for Bosnia and heading out this weekend with 2 groups. We’ll be hoping for bumper hatches of B-WOs and Pale Wateries, which should get the vast shoals of grayling on the chew! Word has it the rivers are in fine fettle. Coverage permitting, hope to post during our stay

…Ribnik grayling grow fat on a diet of upwinged flies…

Aptly Named…

noreply@blogger.com (Paul Procter Fly Fishing) — Mon, 16 Sep 2013 17:49:00 +0000

Apologies, the temptation to play on “Aptly Named” was too much… Anyway, I’ve been fooling around with my Nondescript Terrestrial by incorporating a turn (or two) of hackle and come up with the APT (All Purpose Terrestrial). Of late this modest pattern has been doing some serious damage amongst our wild trout populations, including several notable specimens. Incidentally, grayling have an eye for it too. Depending on what fish are feeding the APT may pass for a black gnat, beetle, ant or any other small, dark terrestrial. The original boasts a fluffy CdC wing. However, when fish are feeding hard, it’s easy to become impatience by wanting your fly back in the mix. Now, a version tied with TMC Aero Wing floats more readily and requires far less maintenance. An added bonus is brightly coloured yarns can be used to deal with bad light. One sporting a fluorescent yellow wing is a particular favourite. This coupled with a hackle (clipped underneath) gives you a fly capable of floating in the rougher parts of any trout stream. Spinning (literally dubbing) the herl around your thread achieves a durable abdomen. Dabbing the hook shank prior to winding this rope helps no end too. My first choice of hackle shade is pale dun, simply because this might pass for the splayed wings of a trapped natural rather than just suggesting legs. That said, fish will happily pounce on a black hackled dressing without a second glance. In truth, you can ring the changes to whatever suits your needs. A good, honest pattern, you shouldn’t encounter any drama when dressing this fly, giving you more time to get on with the important things like fooling trout.

~The original APT~

Hook: TMC 2488 #16-18

Thread: Veniard’s 14/0 black Sheer

Abdomen: Peacock herl (3 strands)

Wing: Beige or Natural CdC

Hackle: Pale dun or black cock

Thorax: Orvis peacock Ice Dub

~APT Variant~

Hook: TMC 2488 #16-18

Thread: Veniard’s 14/0 black Sheer

Abdomen: Dyed black pheasant tail fibres (3 strands)

Wing: TMC Aero Wing-white, fl yellow or orange

Hackle: Pale dun or black cock

Thorax: Orvis peacock Ice Dub

~A handful of APTs ready for action~

Black Gnat Bonanza:

noreply@blogger.com (Paul Procter Fly Fishing) — Wed, 11 Sep 2013 19:06:00 +0000

My journal shows that Black Gnats have been tumbling to the water day after day for over 2 weeks now and there’s little sign of any let up… Such are their numbers that trout are sitting out for long periods as gnats get filtered downstream, often tight to banks(right). Surrounded by topping trout, it’s easy to assume they’re a pushover when in reality having seen and eaten so many naturals they hold a PhD in detecting impostors! To fool them then, your imitation has to behave just as the real thing. Even a slight hint of drag would put them down and in many cases these fish quietly slip away a few minutes later. Introducing some sort of slack into your delivery became the key and is best done by instantly lower the rod tip as soon as you’ve tapped it forward. This partially collapses the loop allowing it to drop to the water in a series of wiggles.

Get it right and trout like this were in the offing…

Grayling too were on the cards and come this time of year they’re in peak condition

By and far my most successful pattern was the APT (All Purpose Terrestrial)…

full dressing will appear in next blog post

Brave, or just plain stupid?

noreply@blogger.com (Paul Procter Fly Fishing) — Tue, 10 Sep 2013 06:06:00 +0000

When we were pursuing salmon in the frozen north, Icelander Stjani Ben always changed flies with impressive speed (right) . His dexterity in a biting wind must be down to his Viking blood… However, one query I have is about where he to chooses to hold the hook (below) when doing a fly swap, especially considering it’s a treble. I can’t make my mind up if he’s brave, or just plain stupid…?

…A mere flinch, sneeze or cough and this treble could easily end up stapling Stjani’s lips together…

Dry Fly Bliss:

noreply@blogger.com (Paul Procter Fly Fishing) — Wed, 04 Sep 2013 18:43:00 +0000

Arriving back from Iceland, it seems the second brood of Black Gnats are in full swing. Over the last week we’ve experienced top drawer dry fly fishing when thousands of gnats carpeted our rivers for up to 6 hours a day (right). Given their numbers, obviously trout were out on the chew. However, a large scale event like this often tempts those huge more coveted fish out of their hidey holes. That said, you still needed to be on your game as seeing so many naturals, trout could spot any impostors a mile off whether it be a poor imitation or the way you presented it. The APT (All Purpose Terrestrial) came up trumps on many occasions to help me bag some pretty hefty fish.

Bibio johannis (Black Gnat) up close and a single adult amounts to very little. Yet, when scores of them tumble to the surface, trout populations tend to go bonkers over them…

Keeping low was only part of the answer, a sound imitation coupled with careful presentation got me amongst fish

A solid specimen with huge pectoral fins and in absolute prime condition…stunning!

Bragging Rights…and why not? This lunker was the best of a special week. He snaffled my fly in water all of 18” deep. The ensuing fight left me a gibbering wreck for several minutes afterward

Egg on my face…

noreply@blogger.com (Paul Procter Fly Fishing) — Wed, 28 Aug 2013 19:04:00 +0000

A trout bum clutching salmon, I could pass a single fish off as an accident, but three in succession leaves no room for manoeuvre… Caught red handed dabbling for salmon, that’s my dyed in the wool trout reputation down the swanny. A lame excuse, but we chased them very much like you do trout…and bloody good fun it was too. Close friends will be keen to learn the last three fish on this trip were silver tourists!

This well conditioned fish head and tailed on my fly…brilliant

~A handsome cock fish just about to be turned loose~

Our trip draws to a close and Icelandic custom dictates a wee tipple or three. Benni wasn’t shy when it came to pouring some sort of local liqueur. It looked like ground up lava dust to me, but thankfully tasted as smooth as a single malt

An offer too tempting…

noreply@blogger.com (Paul Procter Fly Fishing) — Tue, 27 Aug 2013 18:35:00 +0000

Those who know me are only too aware of my views on salmon! In fact, it would be fair to say “I’d rather stick hot pins in my eyes than patrol the beats of any celebrated salmon river”. Gulp…talk about eat your words… An offer to spend a day on one of Iceland’s most famous salmon rivers proved too tempting. Two things swayed it, one, being able to wield a single handed fly rod and secondly, movie stars and wealthy folk frequently visited this valley. We’re talking about people like Cameron Diaz, Vinnie Jones and the King of Norway, if nothing else, it was reason enough to see what all the fuss was about?

Benni and Stjani (father and son) take it in turns to work through the hallowed waters of the Vatsndalsa where only a privileged few have fished

Call me a “turn coat”, but I’ve got to say the fishing we experienced bordered on spectacular! Especially when you’re using a 6-weight outfit and a riffle hitch fly. This surface method is extremely visual when salmon rise to take the fly just like a midging trout. They really do and the knack is waiting long enough for them to turn down (painfully slow). Timed correctly the rod kicks into life when you tighten… Great fun and a nice alternative as we shifted between trout streams. In fairness, I let the boys go first, just so I could get the measure of it all!

Stjani’s huge net closes around another fish that his father Benni tempted using the rifle hitch

~Next up is Viking Stjani who manages to bag himself a clean fish~

A solid looking salmon for Mat McHugh of Fly Odyssey and damn good fun on trout tackle

With the boys having scored, I could have run, but had nowhere to hide! Thankfully, with clear water, Mat had slipped into NZ mode and was spotting from way up high. We stalked this fish below as you would a trout, he’s just about visible upstream of a large boulder

On the hunt:

noreply@blogger.com (Paul Procter Fly Fishing) — Mon, 26 Aug 2013 18:50:00 +0000

In search of refuge from biting winds, we headed into a mountain range (right). This might have sounded odd, but towering hills acted as giant wind breakers. In their lee, swarming midges encouraged large trout to rise, which caused surface water to heave in their wake…nerve wracking!

Best of all, piles of dung left by Icelandic fell ponies attracted hordes of bibio (black gnats) that every so often got wafted onto the water

4lb odd of Viking trout that came after a long day of waiting and searching in God awful weather…well worth it

First winter Storm:

noreply@blogger.com (Paul Procter Fly Fishing) — Sun, 25 Aug 2013 19:46:00 +0000

Iceland’s weather is fickle at best that bear its teeth without warning. It’s one thing taking advantage of zephyr like breezes (right) when midging trout can be expected, but sooner or later you’ll run into adverse conditions. We’ve just experienced a strengthening northerly which brought threatening clouds and freezing rain that eventually turned to snow. Classed as the first winter storm this killed any hope of rising fish.

Imminent rain or in this case snow can spell disaster for the dry fly enthusiast. Faced with such conditions, you either sit it out or knuckle down to subsurface tactics which mainly involve nymphing, or dare I say it…streamers!

Storms in Iceland aren’t to be taken lightly, clearing clouds left snow capped mountains and a drop in daytime temperatures that struggled to 5oC…brgh…