Winter Fun

With the colder temps and the holidays setting in, the realization that I won't have my feet in a trout stream for at least a couple more months is hitting me hard.  But with the cold temps comes the "off season" if you will.  The time to whip up some flies, get out the rod building equipment, and get everything ready for another year on the water.  

To help any tiers out there DuPage Fly Fishing Co. has been featuring local guides and tying lessons at the shop after hours.  The most recent featured guest is Austin Adduci from Grab Your Fly Charters.  He's a rock star guide and an all around fishy dude.  Just check his hands.  With Austin doing the majority of his guiding in the Midwest and around the Great Lakes, he's teaching some wicked new streamer patterns and other warmwater stuff.  

If you're looking to join in on the fun, drop by DuPage Fly Fishing Co.'s webpage or give Jeremy a call.  

Austin's flies work.  Here's your proof.....

 

"The Tightest Line"

Being a 9-5 type of fly fisherman, I've wondered how many a guide spends their off days.  I know not all spend every waking minute focused on fly fishing, but it's cool to get to follow along with a few guides as they get to enjoy a day on the water, with only themselves to entertain.  This upcoming film and web series is something to look forward to as they feature both saltwater and freshwater fishing around the world.  

Pile Cast - Fly Pattern

There are a ton of websites out there and blogs to follow but, as with all things, some guys stand out from the crowd.  

Whether it be fly tying patterns or photography, Dave Hosler over at Pile Cast is rocking it.  He's a Midwest guy out of Indiana that spends a lot of time chasing warm water species like musky, smallmouth and northern.  I first noticed his photo work after a trip he took with Austin over at Grab Your Fly Charters, and after checking out his site, it became a must follow for me.  He's a phenomenal fly tier and whips up a wicked popper and lots of other warmwater flies.  

Dave tied up a simple streamer pattern that worked well for me this summer and he was cool with me sharing.  I tied it in a smaller size and it worked well for bluegill all summer and it killed for me up in Sturgeon Bay chasing smallmouth.  

Whether you're looking for a local report or want to keep up with his musky hunts, drop by his site - it'll definitely be worth your time.  

DFL - Step by Step (photo by Dave Hosler)