Snowbird Destinations - Tico Trout
Part 2
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.
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!
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