Night Fishing!!!

[mgliss]

I messed up completely, mostly because I was unprepared. I only had a small white LED that I used as little as possible. Mainly just to navigate the "jungle" down to the spring and to make fly changes. I did spook a few fish when i finally got to the bank and found that if i followed them with the light they would just stop and I could walk right up to them. I was actually able to net one that was sitting there transfixed by my light. I was shocked that he wouldnt just take off but figured he was probably just blinded and couldn't see the net coming. I will definetly go more prepared the next time with the right flies/light source.

[brookid]

I'm no expert on night fishing (is anyone?) but since about half of my fishing is done well after dark i have learned a few things.

I like to arrive at my spot before dark and let my eyes adjust as night grows. You'd be surprised at how much you can really see once it gets dark.

I very rarely use a light, if i absolutely need to i use red as previously mentioned. I do however carry at least three different types of lights in varying sizes...just because you never know.

I learned how to change flies without the use of a light. I'm generally running at least 2x and using big flies so threading them is actually pretty easy.

If i'm going to fish a new area at night i scout it thoroughly during daylight hours, how am i getting in? how am i getting out? and the creek/stream/river it self for problematic, structures, trees, bushes etc.

If i'm working a particular section i usually fish it first upstream, quartering a big hex pattern (or stonefly, big hopper...what ever) up and across as i would during the daytime. You don't need to hit targets, i find most of the fish will be sitting in the middle of the stream (depending on how big your stream is) and they will move for it if its not right on their nose. Listen close because the take is often very subtle...sometimes just a "pop."

Once i get to the end of the section i usually give it 10 to 15 minutes, take the hex off and tie on a "mouce(ish)"
type pattern and fish it back through downstream. There are many opinions as to how one should swing and/or strip and/or dead drift these type of patterns but to each his own.

I personally like to swing and strip it...but that's just me.

I think night fishing is an acquired taste. It can be exciting as hell, but can also bore you to tears.

[perch]

Try to get in touch with "Night Angler" on the board here. He is a professional night angler and is not shy or stingy with information .
Oh by the way , after you hook into your first good one , well , you'll see .
Get ready to buy more stuff that you "Have "to have .

[Fishin' Jimmy]

Use a 6-8wt rod. I would take 2 rods rigged up. If you get hung up then you can use the other rod to try again and not wade throuh the hole and screw up the fishin'. OX-2x short leader help a lot. Make them short 5-7ft. Bring a BIG NET! Use your Heavy Equipment and land the fish as quickly QUICKLY as possible. BRING REPEL BUG DOPE!

Fishin' Jimmy

PS Remember Gator's are out at night. Don't for get to get you Fishpox shot before you go!

[Stiff Ripples]

I recommend you pick up the new Fly Tyer magazine. There is an article about a mouse pattern by Tommy Lynch. I was just fishing on the PM in MI 2 weekends ago using that pattern and we landed 8 fish over 2 nights from 15"-20". It was a great weekend.

[Silver Creek]

Orvis has a new pattern called "Polk's Dirty Rat" that looks good. It should be a simple tie but so far, I have not been able to find the actual pattern. It was featured in the latest issue of Orvis News.

Supposedly, it is more effective and easier to tie than deer hair floating patterns. Unlike patterns tied with deer hair, the back end of the Dirty Rat sinks into the water and just the head sticks out, just like a real mouse. When retrieved, the marabou moves just like a mouse kicking its legs when swimming.

http://www.orvis.com/store/productch...spx?pf_id=0K84

[mgliss]

All of this info has been great! I feel I will be more prepared for the next trip. I gave a mouse a try for about an hour and felt like I wasn't using it properly. The Spring Creek is almost still water with a weed bed that sits about 18" below the waters surface. This makes it a little difficult to drag heavy streamers so I opted for something smaller. You can see the full report on the Dad and The Kid 2009 thread. Thanks again everyone!!!
mgliss

[mgliss]

here is the link... http://flyanglersonline.com/bb/showthread.php?t=27785

[Night Angler]

Hey guys..

everyone here has really gave some great info..

but ... Honestly The light thing really gets me..

Im guessing all in all the truth behing using your light at night really depends on how "often" the area gets night fished...

Here on Taneycomo... there is useally someone always out there at night... no matter the time of year.. I really think the fish here are use to see these lights and are not that shy of them anymore... if you focus the light on them they move.. other then that they useally go back to the same spot through out the night...

______

I really cant tell you what to fish and when to fish it with out being there...
But from what Ive seen in your pictures.... Crawdad was a very wise choice for bottom fishing....

On your next trip with the shallow waters and weed covered bottom... Id like into some size 2-6 (maybe 8's) unweighted streamers...... like a marabou muddler.. or the pine squirrel streamer..

some high floating hoppers... like a madam X

also I get rid of that tapered line and go striaght mono (like 8lb maxima)... its got a stronger breaking point.



but hey... you said your trip was a bust..
Id say that one HELL of a trip... first time out in that water at night.. and your nailed a 20in brown.... That would make anyone happy!!


Leonard

PS.. PM sent

[Big Bad Wulff]

What he said.

BigBadWullf, eye doc.