April 2015 - Spokane Women on the Fly

April 2015
Volume 4, Issue 1
M ONTHLY M END
Spokane Women on the Fly  [email protected]
www.spokanewomenonthefly.com  Facebook  Instagram
Spokane Hosts the Backcountry Hunter
and Angler’s Annual Rendezvous
By Heather Hodson
I was given the opportunity to speak on the Women’s
Panel “We’re No Longer Gatherer’s” at the 2015
Backcountry Hunter and Angler’s (BHA) Rendezvous. It
was a tremendous honor to be asked to discuss
Spokane Women on the Fly and how our group has been
so successful in getting women involved in the sport of
fly fishing.
The women’s panel was a diverse group of women; a
social scientist, a fly fisherwoman, an archery huntress,
and a hook and bullet daughter.
We all had input of
our experiences with hunting and fishing including any
struggles or conquests of being a women in a mostly
man sport. Look for the blog post about the panel in
mid April at http://camoisthenewblack.com/
UPCOMING SPOKANE WOMEN ON THE FLY EVENTS
April –
Friday 4/3/15  6-9pm  Fly Tying Evening
Monday 4/6/15  5-7pm  Gear Set-Up & Casting Practice
Wednesday 4/8/15  Spokane Fly Fishers Extravaganza
Saturday 4/11/15  10am-2pm  Beginner Fly Fishing Class
Sunday 4/12/15  All Day  Walk & Wade
May –
Friday 5/8  6-9pm  Fly Tying Evening
Thursday 5/14  5-7pm  Gear Set-Up & Casting Practice
Saturday 5/30  10am-2pm  Beginner Fly Fishing Class
Sunday 5/31  All Day  Walk & Wade
Heather’s Monthly Tip…
Denny Richards is the Stillwater Guru. If you’d
like more information on how to Fly Fish
Stillwater, check out
http://www.flyfishingstillwaters.com/aboutdenny
.asp.
For more information about BHA checkout
https://www.backcountryhunters.org/.
Walk & Wade Fly Fishing Etiquette
By Heather Hodson
The Inland Northwest mild winter has allowed the
rivers to be fishable earlier than years past. With this
means more people on the river. Here are a few
W&W Etiquette tips that will help make you take the
higher road when it comes to spending time on one
of our many rivers.
1. Keep as much distance as possible. Whether
you’re 2nd or 15th at the run it still means you
weren’t there first. If someone is fishing the
area that you want to fish, either wait for the
angler to move or move on to different water.
2. Don’t Creep. Be observant of what direction
the angler is traveling. Try to travel in the
same direction.
3. Don’t walk through someone’s water. If you
need to move around someone who is fishing,
try to always walk behind the angler.
4. Dogs??? Unless you’re dog is able to stay by
your side and not running in and out of runs
or being distracted by other anglers, leave
your dog at home.
5. Pack it in, Pack it Out. We are very lucky to be
able to fish the public rivers, let’s take care of
them! Bring an extra bag with you to pick up
any trash you come upon.
6. When in doubt, talk to the angler. Be polite
and ask if it’s ok if you fish in an area next to
an angler.
Please see Details on Upcoming Events on page 6
Page 2
Monthly Mend
Fly Fishing Stillwater 101
By Heather Hodson
Basic Equipment Needed for Stillwater Fishing

A Floatation Device
o
o

Rowboat, Pontoon or Float tube will aide
presentation of pupal and
in catching fish.
nymphal patterns while
There are many lakes in our area that
ascending at a gradual angle
can be fished by shore, contact your
towards the surface.
local fly shop for details.


This line allows slow
o
A Basic Fly Rod
Full Sinking Line

A fast or extra fast sinking line
o
5-7wt
provides good coverage of the
o
9-10’ (10’ is preferred)
20 to 40 foot depth range and
is useful for fishing dragonfly
Fly Line
o
o
Buy the best (most expensive) fly line
nymphs, leeches and shrimp
you can afford.
along the deeper edges of
Floating Line
drop-offs or retrieving flies up

Floating fly lines cover the shoal
zone, water between 2 to 20 feet
in depth, and are ideal for
the face of the drop-off.

Leader/Tippet
o
and your of Stillwater presentation.
presenting floating, emerging,
pupal, and nymphal imitations.
o
o
Chironomid’s

Floating Line
A slow or intermediate sinking is

Long Leaders 3-4x, 10 to 15’
a good line for fishing the

Strike Indicator and Weight
Sink Tip

It depends on what fly line your using
deeper parts of the shoal such
o
Emerger/Nymph Patterns
as water between 10 and 20 feet

Sink Tip
deep.

Leaders 3-4x, 3 to 7’
o
Streamers

Full Sink Line

Leaders 3-4x, 3 to 7’
5 Tips for Stillwater Success
1. Know Where the Trout Live
a. The most productive lake zone is the shoal.
2. Fish Subsurface
a. Most trout feeding takes place subsurface. A sink tip and full sink line is a must.
3. Window of Opportunity
a. Overcast or dark days or rippled water provide opportunities for trout to move into the shallows and
feed.
b. On windy days, the shoreline is a natural area to target because the waves churn up food sources and
trout will often move right into this frothy, muddy water.
4. Water Temperature
a. For most lakes that have rainbow trout, it is recommended to use a scale of 55F to 65F. When
temperatures are in this range the trout’s metabolism will be at its peak and it should be feeding.
5. Carry a Basic Selection of Flies
a. Insect hatches follow a seasonal sequence that typically begins with midges, followed by mayflies,
then damselflies, caddis flies and lastly dragonflies.
http://www.fishingtips101.com/2007/05/mastering_the_basics_of_stillwater_fly_fishing.html
Page 3
Monthly Mend
Lake Profile
http://www.kidfish.bc.ca/our_lakes.htm
Lakes have four different parts; the shoreline, the shoal,
the drop off and the deep zone.
Shoreline

The shoreline is a shallow area near the edge of
the lake. It is generally less than half a meter
deep. It is a very important area for a number of
water and land creatures because it offers quick
access to both land and water.
Shoal

The shoal is the area of a lake from the
8 meters in depth. As the water becomes
shoreline to six meters deep. In many ways, this
deeper, less sunlight can get to the bottom,
is the most biologically interesting part of a
and this is often where you will see the plants
lake: it is where you will find most of the lake's
stop growing.
plants growing. Because the plants offer habitat
and shelter, it is also an area very rich in

Once you pass the drop off zone, you are into
insects, small animals and small birds. Small
deep water. Not a lot happens in the deep
fish also like to spend time here because they
water of the lake. Light cannot penetrate
can catch an easy meal.
enough for good plant growth, and fish stick to
Drop-Off

Deep Water
areas where there are plants, because that's
At the edge of the shoal is a place where the
where the insects are.
water becomes deeper, often very quickly. This
is called the drop off zone, and it is usually 6 to
Basic Stillwater Fly Choices
By Heather Hodson
1.
Wooly Bugger
a.
Troll the Wooly Bugger slowly behind
your boat at a depth of a few feet to
down near the bottom at about 15-20
feet.
b. Also try to cast the Wooly Bugger and
retrieved slowly with frequent twitches.
2. Leech Pattern
a.
Fish similar to the Wooly Bugger above
but try the high speed retrieval to invoke
a predatory attack.
b. Black is most common. Opt for darker
colors.
3. Nymphs
a.
Fish under an indicator with an
intermediate line through weed beds.
b. Nymphs are more effective if retrieved
c.
slowly.
Zug Bugs, Hares Ears, Pheasant Tails
4. Chironomids
a.
Non-biting Midges
b. Fish on a floating line under an
indicator with weight.
c.
Zebra Midge, Snowcone Chironomid,
Chan’s Chironomid
5. Dry Flies
a.
Fish on a floating line.
b. Midge, Damselflies, Dragonflies
Callibaetis Mayfly
Please see News on page 5
Page 4
Monthly Mend
What’s Hatching...
West Fly Fishing - http://www.west-fly-fishing.com/entomology/stonefly/skwala.shtml
Fly Fish USA
-
http://www.flyfishusa.com/flies/march-brown-w.html
Skwala Stonefly - are similar to salmonflies in appearance and habitat.
The difference between a
Skawla and Salmonfly are the size and time of year they hatch. The skwalas are smaller in size and hatch
as early as March. Water temps play a huge role in the emergence of Skwala Stoneflies. Once the water
temps start to hit the mid 40’s you’ll see more skwala adults out. The afternoon and evenings are the best
times to see this stonefly.
How to identify a Skwala? The Skwala Stonefly is hard to miss. In its nymph stage it is mottled dark
brown. Once it has emerged as an adult it has a drab-olive body, a head with yellow markings and dark
wings.
Lifecycle of a Skwala – Skwala have three lifecycles; nymph, adult and spinner. It’s best to fish either the
nymph or adult stage.
Presentation – Fish your nymphs in the riffles, runs over rocky bottoms. The dry fly should be fished near
the bankwater, close to the foliage.
Skwala Nymph – Skwala nymphs live in riffles and fast, rocky runs. As the nymphs near maturity, they
migrate to slower (but not slow) water, usually within a hundred yards above or below a riffle.
Skwala Nymph Patters –
Size/Colors –
Rubber Legs (Pat’s), Kaufmann’s Stonefly, Hare’s Ears
#6-10  Brown, Olive
Skwala Adult – The adult
Skwala Patterns –
Size/Colors -
Britten’s Skwala, Stimulator
#6-10  Brown, Olive  Wing: Brown
Skwala – Nymph
Skwala - Adult
Page 5
Monthly Mend
Where can I fish in April?
By Heather Hodson
This winter the rivers are a good option earlier
than prior years. Here are a few fishing options in
April. Check out Silverbow’s Fishing Report for the
updated information.
http://www.silverbowflyshop.com/fishingreports
1. Area Lakes
 It’s that time when the lakes in our area are
starting to open up.
 Amber Lake
 CoffeePot Lake
 Fourth of July Lake
 Hog Canyon Lake
 Check out the WDFD file for fishing rules
http://wdfw.wa.gov/publications/01590/w
dfw01590.pdf
2. Clark Fork (near St Regis)
 Travel time is 2.5hrs.

The Clark Fork can be a great spring fishery.

Being the largest river in Montana by
volume, it can be a little intimidating to
walk and wade.

Head hunting can be a great option.

Bring an assortment of dry flies and
nymphs.
3. North Fork of the CDA River (Kingston ID)

Search for the slowest currents possible.

Streamers on a sink-tip or double nymph
rigs with split shot and an indicator are your
best bet.
News
Newsletter Help!
What better way to learn more about the sport of Fly Fishing then to help with this newsletter. As our group
gets larger, I have more correspondence to respond to and less time to work on the newsletter. I’d really like a
few volunteers to help take over a couple sections. Want to learn more about Entomology? The “What’s
Hatching” page is up for grabs. I’d be more than happy to help give you ideas of what hatches to write about.
What about the “Where to Fish” column? That’s an easy one to take over? How about writing on a certain
subject or type of fishing? I’m open for suggestions and could really use some help! =)
Volunteers Needed for a Female Combat Vet Weekend Workshop – May 15th-16th…
Hilary Hart has asked for a couple women to help volunteer at a weekend retreat for female combat vets on a
ranch near Colbert. It is privately funded and draws from the local community. It is a campout, has food,
workshops, fire circles, and most of the women ride a huge truck in the Lilac parade as honored veterans. Until
recently there was a volunteer who led a fly fishing workshop. 1 - 5 women would probably be interested in fly
fishing. We would bring equipment. Very small expectations as these women are pretty fragile. Probably
casting, maybe fly tying. Not extensive, just a taste. Probably needs 1 - 2 volunteers, TU fly rods and vises,
materials. Contact Hilary Hart at [email protected] or via cell phone 206-525-0741.
Trout Unlimited and Spokane Riverkeeper Volunteer Opportunities.
Lots of volunteer opportunities are starting to come up for the local Spokane Falls TU Chapter as well as the
Spokane Riverkeeper. April 4th – Spokane Falls TU Willow Planting. 8:30am.
http://www.meetup.com/Spokane-Falls-Trout-Unlimited/events/221200956/ April 11th - Hazel's Creek
wetland clean-up: pull weeds, clean-up and plant trees! 9am-12pm. April 25th - Cleaning from the Core: Litter
Pickup along Peaceful Valley Riverbank. 9am-11am. Check out for more information http://us1.campaignarchive2.com/?u=4e8673d1180af1287e2b8f758&id=4617adf391&e=%5bUNIQID.
Page 6
Monthly Mend
Upcoming Event Details
April –
Friday 4/3/15  6-9pm – Fly Tying Evening  Heather’s House
It’s the monthly tying event, we’ll be tying Hare’s Ears. Get ready for some dubbing practice! =)
Saturday 4/4/15  8:30am-? – Spokane Falls TU Willow Planting
For details see http://www.meetup.com/Spokane-Falls-Trout-Unlimited/events/221200956/
Monday 4/6/15  5-6:30pm  Gear Set-Up and Casting Practice  Audubon Park
How do you become a better fly caster? You practice! This will be the 1st of two casting outings
for the spring. Whether you have years of experience or have never picked up a fly rod, join us.
Bring your gear if you have it and if not I'll have extra rods to practice with.
Tuesday 4/7/15  6-8:30pm  Trout Unlimited Meeting  Longhorn BBQ (Valley Location)
Social Hour 6-7pm, Meeting Starts at 7pm, Avista Spokane River Redband Presentation
Wednesday 4/8/15  6-9  Spokane Fly Fishers Extravaganza  St. Francis School
Spokane Fly Fishers holds their annual Extravaganza during the April meeting every year.
Representatives from Washington and Idaho Fish and Game, The Forest Service, Outfitters, Shops,
Demonstration Fly Tiers and the Federation of Fly Fishers will all be there. Come represent
Spokane Women on the Fly, meet others in the Fly Fishing community and learn more about the
opportunites in our area.
Saturday 4/11/15  10am-2pm – Beginner Women’s Fly Fishing Class  Silverbow Fly Shop
1st of Four Women’s classes offered this year at Silverbow Fly Shop. The class discusses gear,
knots, where to fish, what to look for, entamology and we finish the 4hr class with an hour of
casting practice. SOLD OUT
Sunday 4/12/15  8am-6pm  Fishing Outing
We’ll see what is fishing best during this time. Could be a Lake or River.
Wednesday 4/15/15  7pm – 8:30pm Yakima River Headwaters TU Meeting  The Brick Saloon,
Roslyn WA
Heather Hodson has been invited as the guest speaker to present on Spokane Women on the Fly.
May –
Friday 5/8/15  6-9pm – Fly Tying Evening  Heather’s House
It’s the monthly tying event, we’ll be tying my “Rainbow Bright” pattern. Get ready for some
dubbing practice!
Thursday 5/14/15  5-6:30pm  Gear Set-Up and Casting Practice  Park to Be Determined
How do you become a better fly caster? You practice! This will be the 2nd casting outing for the
spring. Whether you have years of experience or have never picked up a fly rod, join us. Bring
your gear if you have it and if not I'll have extra rods to practice with.
Saturday 5/30/15  10am-2pm – Beginner Women’s Fly Fishing Class  Silverbow Fly Shop
1st of Four Women’s classes offered this year at Silverbow Fly Shop. The class discusses gear,
knots, where to fish, what to look for, entamology and we finish the 4hr class with an hour of
casting practice.
Sunday 5/31/15  8am-6pm  Fishing Outing
We’ll see what is fishing best during this time. Could be a Lake or River.
Spokane Women on the Fly Brag Page
Cold Temperatures Don’t Stop the Ladies from Getting some River Therapy
Laurie’s Amber Lake Rainbow
Peg’s New Best Friend on CoffeePot
Ashley with a Beautiful Westslope Cutthroat
Jodi had an Amazing Day on CoffeePot
Lori on the Spokane River
Carol Hodson (mom) with her First Cutthroat