Chasing Indicators: Tips for lake fishing success
I’ve been fly fishing in lakes for a long while now and I am here to tell you that fly-fishing in lakes is a good time. Unknown still waters beg to be explored, a myriad of shoals, weed beds and drop offs offer up mysterious hogs begging to be pinned. Lake fishing is as fun as it is challenging. That said I have learned to take into account some basic factors, and by doing so lake fishing challenges have become easier to surmount. When I am getting amped to go fishing I take 5 factors into account, Timing, Observation, Execution, Adaptation and Attitude. So without prattling on too much more lets chat about Timing.
Timing
So much in life is determined by timing and lake fishing is no different. For instance, Dragonflies and Chironomids hatch and proliferate at different times during the season and the trout key in accordingly. The time of day will also directly effect how and what trout eat, for example early in the morning one may find fish up in the shallows and the evening shadow one may find trout near the surface feeding. So before you leave your house take into consideration the time of day and time of year, it will help you decide on which fly to get wet. With that in mind you can further bolster your decision making process by being mindful and observant of your surroundings.
Observation:
Honestly I love moving around a new lake, I love rowing around and exploring the shoreline, scouting the marl shallows for cruisers, witnessing the little bugs wriggle and twist as they hatch. Of all the factors in this article observation may be one of the most important factors to getting bent. Visual cues, such as swallows feeding in a certain area on the water or, rowing over a sight specific hatch or watching a pig nose through mud are all clues to help one catch fish. Rowing around and paying attention to the visual cues will help you find fish!
Execution:
More often than not there is a, “right way” and a, “wrong way”. There is a proper way to anchor your vessel in the wind. There is a right way to ascertain the depth of the water. There is a right way to present a Dragonfly nymph and so on. Brain Chan and Skip Morris literally wrote the book on how to fly-fish on lakes and if you are really keen you should find a copy. So let’s say you have done everything right and you still can't catch a fish, what now? Then you must adapt or perish.
Adaptation:
One of the really nice aspects of fishing is that we’re not in control. We can’t control the weather, we can’t make bugs hatch and we certainly cannot control fish. The only real factor we can control is how we conduct ourselves. If working a piece of good water well doesn’t produce results one needs to adjust their game, change flies, change spots, take a break, have a nap. A nap does wonders for ones attitude.
Attitude:
Fish can feel your vibes through your rod and line and down to the bug you are fishing, it’s true. If you’re being a little storm cloud you’re gonna have a tough time hooking up. So remember that fishing is fun.
All the best to all of you, my fellow Covidians! Get out there and get bent and remember life is beautiful!
About Spencer Schey - Mcfly Brand Shaman, Fernie, BC Canada
Spencer considers the Bow river in Alberta his home water. Spencer is 40 years young and enjoys hunting nosing trout with dry flies, crafting cocktails, wearing shorts and flip flops, and tying flies while drinking those craft cocktails. He also likes listening to Hip-Hop, rowing a boat, adventure, and is a big fan of laughter.
Words to live by: Fortune favors the bold.
Occupation: Service industry (Mixologist, & Fly Fishing Guide)