Richard Olmstead
Steelhead
I fish lakes more than moving water anymore, now that I've stopped harassing steelhead and salmon. Here in western
WA there are lakes that are open year round and typically have bigger fish than the west side streams do.
Folks have posted some very fishy looking patterns, and I've tied/fished my share of 'modern' and flashy flies, but I've found that I enjoy tying and fishing some of the classic lake flies, which are, in my opinion, still just as productive as ever, and give me a sense of connection with the legacy of fishing lakes her in the PNW. Patterns I like include the aforementioned Carey Special and Olive Willy, but I also like the Spruce Fly, Staynor Ducktail, and simple bunny leach. My favorite lake dry fly is the Mikulak sedge. All or most of these were developed here on PNW lakes. Patterns for all of these can be found on the web.
WA there are lakes that are open year round and typically have bigger fish than the west side streams do.
Folks have posted some very fishy looking patterns, and I've tied/fished my share of 'modern' and flashy flies, but I've found that I enjoy tying and fishing some of the classic lake flies, which are, in my opinion, still just as productive as ever, and give me a sense of connection with the legacy of fishing lakes her in the PNW. Patterns I like include the aforementioned Carey Special and Olive Willy, but I also like the Spruce Fly, Staynor Ducktail, and simple bunny leach. My favorite lake dry fly is the Mikulak sedge. All or most of these were developed here on PNW lakes. Patterns for all of these can be found on the web.
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