Musky on the Fly

Fished the Namekagon last Saturday for a full day float with Matt and Brian.  We had 8 musky bites on flies but only got one in the boat.  Brian had one hit and a great hook set but somehow she came unbuttoned.  The river was super clear which was expected with the lack of rain - unfortunately there was a lot to look at and Matt and I both missed fish that were on our fly next to the boat while looking at others.  In total we saw maybe 10-12 muskies and caught 3 nice pike.  This was the only photo taken (it's pretty bad) - 29 incher.  I vow to start taking better photos and not just of people holding fish.

We mainly used 6 to 9 inch minnow patterns on sink tips and the fish were active.  Honestly, just about every spot that looked like it should hold fish did. 

Sunday we did a super short float (really sweetie) on the St Croix and didn't move or even see a fish. 

The Musky Box

I also wanted to do a quick post of the new and improved Musky Box.  My new fly box from Hayward Fly Shop arrived with some new flies - and along with my existing collection creates a very impressive (and expensive) arsenal.  I'm really good at buying fishing gear, now I just need to get more fish in the boat.  Pete is not going to be happy about this.  He thinks paying $30 for a fly is ridiculous.  His idea was to tie a song-bird to a treble-hook.  That advice would have been helpful had it come before the fall migration south.

That box is over 18 inches long.

St Croix Report 7-29-11

Hit the St Croix Friday with Bob and John.  I thought the flows seemed great but looking at the clarity it was murky.  Fish were not on top water as they were earlier, most likely to due to the conditions.  We did manage a few fish including the 18 inch beauty by Bob.

You really had to get the lures right in front of the fish.  We went larger and if you hit the bank there were fish.  The catch of the day though was a turtle.  Bob put the size 9 Shallow Shad Rap right on a grassy bank and a soft shell turtle bit it.  I wouldn't have believed if I didn't see it for myself.  See the pics

Hot Muskie Action

Matt and I fished the Flambeau River with Cory from Hayward Fly Fishing http://haywardflyfishingcompany.com Friday.  Cory guided me to my first Muskie on the fly - a beautiful 42 incher last November. 

Friday was overcast and mild with very little wind.  The day started out fast and would end up being fantastic.  Right away we saw 3 fish in the first hour and a half.  Two swipes but no hook-ups.  I got a few nice pike however (right on the weed edges).

Since we started with some smaller flies (smaller for Muskie but huge for smallmouth) we also got a  few nice smallies.  All the while we kept seeing Muskies and some really nice ones.

Matt finally landed his first Muskie on the fly with an EP Perch pattern.   (I have some video of him landing it that I need to work on).  He did a great job and it was a huge relief to get that first one in the boat after seeing 7 by that point.

A little later Matt had an attacking take that cut him off instantly (losing the EP Perch) - my reaction was to try and one-up my brother and I got him.  He hit on a jig fly I think which looks like an oversize Whistler.

In total we saw 10 Muskies for the day.  Landed 2 and botched the hook-sets on maybe 3 others.  I had one follow my fly all the way around the back of the drift boat and another snap at the "L" turn at the boat.  Smallmouth fishing is a blast and I do it a lot but there is nothing like Muskie fly fishing and how quickly your heart starting pumping.  This was my second trip with Cory at Hayward Fly Fishing Co and I highly recommend going with them.