Our Man In Canada
April 22nd, 2002

Snowbird Destinations - Tico Trout
Part 2

Rio Sevegre

By Rory E. Glennie

Fly in Seath Mode:

Fly-fishing the Rio Sevegre is as intimate as it gets. The character of this stream - tiny pools and ultra-clear water - means a stealthy upstream approach is necessary. The trout are usually seen upon approach, holding near the gravely tailouts waiting to pick off any food item drifting by them. When done with appropriate grace, a carefully executed upstream curve-cast deposits the perky dry fly in the feeding lane for their inspection. Sometimes the fish tilts up and takes the fly, though more often than not it tilts up, investigates, then refuses the offering. After one refusal, they appear to be more wary on subsequent drifts. Occassionally, another trout will dark over to grab the fly that a more circumspect fish has just refused. More often than not, all this activity takes place only a few feet from your casting position.

Current issue

The trout were quite willing takers, despite the stealth needed in approaching them. This is in keeping with the nature of truly wild trout in most places. Because they are suvivors in an oftentime hostile world, they learn quickly to take cover when threatened - usually disappearing into the bubbling white water pouring in to the head of the pool. Nevertheless, being the survivors they are, these trout find it hard to pass up any morsel coming their way that even remotely resembles food. Especially a deep sunk one - right down to the bubbles. The real secret was to get in as close as possible to the holding trout and flick out a short line, then control the drifting fly by holding the line off the water. Just like fishing an upstream nymph at home.

Rocking a Pool - Mini Style:

Fishing a deep-sunk nymph handing down out of sight in the bubbles was effective, but I prefer it to see the fly and the fish taking it. My Tico guide, Peter, showed me a neat little trick to make easily spooked trout less wary of the fly landing on the water. Here's how to do it.

Sneak up to the pool and get into a concealed position where you can observe what is going on with the trout. Toss a tiny pebble into the pool near the holding fish. The trout will bolt for cover, but will return within a few minutes. Repeat this pebble tossing game three or four times until the fish get used to the tiny disturbance and no longer take alarm over it. Then, carefully pitch a bead-head nymph instead of a pebble, and the "plip" it makes will go largly unnoticed. Guide your fly through the feeding station and execute an induced take by raising the rod. Watch it while the fish follows the fly up and grabs it, just before breaking through the surface is the exciting climax. ~ Rory E. Glennie

Concluded next time!

We thank the Canadian Fly Fisher for re-print permission!

Our Man In Canada Archives


[ HOME ]

[ Search ] [ Contact FAOL ] [ Media Kit ]

FlyAnglersOnline.com © Notice