Fishing Lake Superior Streams
The Flies
By Scott E. Smith
The majority of popular flies for Superior streams are either
egg patterns or bright attractor patterns; although somber-colored
nymphs will also produce fish. Stoneflies are natural to most
streams because of their requirement for freestone habitate. Some
very large Pteronarcys dorsata (giant salmon fly)
nymphs up to three inches in length have been collected in several
streams along the shore. Golden stoneflies, early brown stoneflies,
and March stones are common throughout; subsequently stonefly
nymph patterns should be fished in a variety of sizes, as they are well
represented in north-shore streams. Numerious caddis and mayfly
species are also widespread, and imitations of the nymphal stage of
these insects should also be fished. At one time virtually all flies fished
for steelhead in the area were bright egg pattersn, the ubiquitous Glow
Bug being the standby of every fly box. However, several anglers have
transported flies and technology from Michigan streams and have come to
the pleasing realization that Superior's steelhead do take nymphs. Due
to the prevailing fast water and rocky bottoms of these streams, simply
constructed nymph patterns are the most practical ties for these streams.
A pattern that I developed to imitate several species of stonefly nymphs -
and a quick and easy tie - is the Spring Stone. This is somewhat of an
adaptation of the Spring Wiggler, which is also a good fly to fish in
these streams. Other patterns such as Mike's Stone, Montana Stone
and the Caddis Larvae Nymph also fall into this same simple-but-effectieve
catalory. The logic behind these simple flies is that firstly, intricately tied
flies are too easily lost - as are all flies - and take too long to tie at the
bench, and secondly that in the fast-flowing waters of spring and fall,
steelhead do not have much time to either take or reject the pattern.
Attractor patterns for steelhead are best tied in brighter colours such
as fluorescent orange and chartreuse. Even though more and more anglers
are warming up to nymph fishing, the egg/attractor category of steelhead
flies remain the meat-and-potato fly for the steelhead angler. One of
the most popular patterns is the Cactus Fly, which is simple to tie
(consisting of only Cactus Chenille and filoplume or marabou.) and
very effective. I fish this fly religiously both when prospecting a
holding lie or when working visable fish. A number of patterns utilizing
the light-reflective and undulating Cactus Chenille (also sold as Ice
Chenille) are equally effective. Patterns constructed with this material can
be tied full without being too bulky: Bulkiness being undesirable in fishing
fast water as it inhibits sink rate. In bright fluorescent colours they are
extremely visible in turbid water.
The size of steelhead patterns in Superior's north-shore streams is not
as critical as in other Great Lakes fisheries, such as Michigan for example.
I have tried my flashy attractor patterns in Michigan streams and watched
steelhead scoot under the bank at the sight of these psychedelic flies.
Superior steelhead can be taken readily on larger flies (likly due to stained
waters), allowing the angler to fish hooks up to size 6 or 4, which will
ultimately result in fewer lost fish. As a rule I fish larger, brighter flies
in high water or when working a deep holding lie, and conversely fish
smaller, more somber patterns, in low water or when working visible fish.
These same flies will produce fish in the fall, however streamers - particularly
large rabbit strip or marabou patterns - are very effective, especially when
swung through pools and runs on a sink-tip line. Borger's Strip Leeches,
Zonkers, Mickey Finns, Muddler Minnows and Egg Sucking Leeches in large
sizes are all productive patterns. Most visitors to the shore come poorly
equipped with small flies; fish streamers on long-shank hooks anywhere from
size 8 to 2 depending again on water clarity and depth. One of my favourite
patterns for fall steelhead, trout and salmon is a fly that Bob Linseman and I
developed known as the Green-Butt Monkey. This pattern is as outlandish as
its name, but produces particularly well in the prevailing dark, tannic waters
of these tributaries. It incorporates all the required elements of a successful
fall fly for this area: size, action and colour. A tan-colored ram's wool head
contrasts nicely with the water and gives the fly some bulk. I advocate that
a fly that moves water attracts fish, the same principle that makes a spin-fishing
plug so effective. I favour the use of rabbit-strip flies over all other patterns
in the fall because of the way they come alive in the current, especially when
swung or retrieved with some added action imparted by twitching the rod tip.
Next time, recommended rivers! ~ Scott E. Smith
Excerpt from: Ontario
Blue-Ribbon Fly Fishing Guide
Published by: Frank Amato Publications, Inc.
P.O. Box 82112, Portland Oregon 97282 Phone: 503-653-8108,
email Frank Amato Publications
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