Arrowhead Fly Angler

2012 Great Waters Fly Fishing Expo

2012-01-18T12:14:00.000-06:00

Happy New Years! Swing on by and say hi at the Great Waters Fly Fishing Expo being held March 23-25, 2012 at the National Sports Center in Blaine, MN.
http://www.greatwatersflyfishingexpo.com/Home.html

Chequamegon Bay Smallies!

2011-09-29T13:12:00.002-05:00

The action is hot on Chequamegon Bay for smallmouth and just about every thing that swims in the bay. The early fall into October is probably some of the best fishing for smallies in the world. Plenty of big fish are stacking up and putting on the weight. I've had several fish boated pushing 7lbs in the last two weeks. Those same fish have the potential to reach 8lbs by end of October easily. On some days you can count 15 boats scattered around the bay chasing bronzebacks and other days just a handful. As we move into October, those number dwindle fast. The fishing will be going strong though, especially for the big fish.
Capt. Carson

Heading into Fall

2011-09-14T12:20:00.001-05:00

Yep, I know I haven't been posting a lot, but I'm not a big blogger anyways. So here we go at another attempt. Up here in the Northland we can feel Fall fast approaching. Summer is on it's way out. Along with the change of seasons comes the change in fishing. Steelhead and salmon are staging in the big pond just out in front of their home rivers. Big smallmouth know they have to fill those stomachs. The bigger pike sense the cooling water and are starting to creep closer and stay longer in the shallows. Musky know their time has come to have some fun chasing fish and just scaring them to death. Why? Because they can! I want to flog more water this year for esox. Am I getting the fever to push the limits of fly fishing for this top warm water predator? Who knows, except that it's addicting and fun! Tight lines!

Video fly fishing Wisconsin's Early C&R Trout season

2011-05-08T00:59:00.001-05:00

Uploaded a new video from this years Early Catch and Release trout season in Upper Wisconsin. My good friend Mike K. from MN and I came across a short stretch of river with active brown trout feeding on the surface. Stoneflies were moving around in the late afternoon and of course we had to join the party!

It's worth it to watch just to hear a song by Trampled By Turtles.

Fly fishing Wisconsin Early C&R Trout Season

Tight Lines!

Tying the Missy D Nymph

2011-04-06T13:12:00.001-05:00

Finally got around to creating a video of tying the Missy D nymph. I used a ruffed grouse feather for hackle around the collar. I like to use soft hackles on nymphs to give it a little more life like action in the water, but you can use any material to create the buggy legs. This is a great fast water nymph and as a point fly on a two fly nymph set up. You can definately add or remove weight by varying the wire material and/or bead. Tungsten adds a lot of weight, so it works good in the fast water above pools and for fishing pocket water.
Enjoy. Carson

Link to Video

In an earlier blog post I put a link to the online instructions:

I added the instruction for tying the Missy D nymph on my web site:Fly tying recipe instructions for the Missy D Nymph

2011 Fly Fishing Season has arrived!

2011-03-17T11:21:00.003-05:00

Well at least for me! I was able to get away for a few hours and took the drive down to the Namekagon River. I double checked all my gear and went through my fly boxes again for the 100th time. I needed to tie some Missy D's. Made short work with those. I lie in bed dreaming of catching my first trout of the year while debating whether I should take the canoe or not. Got up and packed the yota. I still haven't decided to take the canoe yet. Sat in my car for awhile thinking about it; "What the heck, I'm feeling good today and it can't hurt to bring it"...so I strapped on the canoe and off I went.

Stopped at a bridge crossing to get my waders on and put the fly rods together. Gazed at the river and thanked the Lord for creating something that you and I can enjoy. Quickly decided that nymphs were the choice in the morning. No surface activity at all. A few stoneflies were scurrying about looking for something warm to cling onto. Thick shelf ice lined the banks with large chunks deciding whether it was time to let go of Winter. I could hear ice slipping into the water as if large trout were bashing bugs on the surface. I decided to fish a few holes near the bridge to wet a line and make sure I had no leaks in the waders. A few minutes later I hooked into my first trout. A nice looking 15" brownie. Landed a few more fish at the first hole and headed upstream to fish a few more deep slots. Landed several more fish on the double nymph rig. It feels so good to be on the water again. I take a few minutes to record the water temps and make a note about the weather. Thirty eight degrees! No wonder my toes started to go numb.

Now I had to decide where I wanted to put the canoe in. I told myself that I needed to explore some new areas of the river and headed to the nearest canoe landing. Unloaded the canoe and with my push pole in hand, I made my way up river taking mental notes and pictures of likely holding areas. I find it much easy to see the deeper runs and holes when your standing in a canoe. Got out and nymphed a few of the deeper runs. They all had fish willing to bite. The air temperatures continued to climb into the mid 40's. The water temperature did not, still 38-40 degrees by mid day.

I poled about a mile up river. Then took a quick nap at my destination. As the day progressed, I noticed more stoneflies flopping on the surface and a few trout rising to them. I tie on a tandem wet fly combination to fish downstream and to cover more water. What a lucky guess! The fish were looking up and hitting the flies aggressively.

It was a fantastic way to start the season! I want to wish everyone a very enjoyable 2011 season and don't forget to be thankful for every opportunity you have to get out and enjoy the outdoors.

Faith, Family, Friends and Fly Fishing!
Capt. Carson

Tying a black Midge larva pupae

2010-12-27T12:01:00.003-06:00

hook - TMC 2487 or TMC 2457 sz16 & smaller
thread - 6/0 - 8/0 main body color
thorax - Peacock Herl
Abdomen - Thread is body color
Ribbing - Thin copper wire
Optional bead head

I've used it in trout streams across Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and also in Montana. I like to use this on a double nymph setup behind a heavy point fly or split shot. The body of the fly is determined by the thread color you choose. Olive and brown/olive are good thread colors. Wire can be a variety of colors as well. I like copper because I normally fish bog tannin stained trout streams of the Upper Midwest. Very effective fall/winter pattern in the Driftless areas of MN, IA and WI.

** View Online Video Instructions **

Tying the Pheasant Tail soft hackle nymph fly

2010-11-27T09:23:00.012-06:00

hook - TMC5262 12, 16
thread - 6/0 black
thorax - Peacock Herl 2-3 strands
Abdomen - Pheasant Tail
Tail - Pheasant Tail
Hackle - Ruffed Grouse (diamond feather)
Ribbing - Thin copper wire
Optional Lead wrap or bead head

Very effective fly when nymphing faster water above a pool and shallow swifter runs between pools. Works well fished across and downstream as well in deep pools. I use a lot of soft hackles when double nymphing. The soft hackle being the last fly in a double nymph rig setup. I've used it in trout streams of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and also in Montana. Also makes a good fall pattern for Lake Superior steelhead. You can add lead wrap or bead head for added weight.

VIEW TYING INSTRUCTIONS

Pheasant Tail Soft Hackle Nymph Fly

** View NEW Online Video Instructions **

Fall smallmouth on Chequamegon Bay

2010-09-30T10:08:00.009-05:00

Headed out to Chequamegon Bay for some fall bronzeback fishing with another local guide and good friend, Capt 'Shark' Kishida. Gased the boat up in Ashland, WI. I'm not much on fast food, but had a bad itching to get on the water, so we headed across the road for some fast processed sausage burritoes from Mickey D's. The morning started out cool and sunny with the breeze picking up every minute. The waves were cresting about 2' to 2.5', choppy, but not bad. Over the horizon from our NW we could see the clouds coming at us, with sheets of rain tailing behind. We got wet, but no heavy down pours. The sun came out after about an hour. The waves and wind layed down later in the afternoon. Great day to be on Lake Superior! Caught some nice fat Fall smallies and even explored Madeline Island. All of my fish came on the fly! I'm not saying it was easy this day, but doable. Air temps reached about 60 and the water temps stayed steady at 52-54 degrees.

Link to Chequamegon Bay Smallmouth Video

Amazon.com Widgets

TR with Bea & Di on the Brule River

2010-09-22T13:28:00.000-05:00

Headed out with Bea & Di on their very first fly fishing expedition. It was expected to be a cool weather day, but mostly sunny. I was hoping for a few clouds because you know what that means, BWO time. The clouds never showed up, but the BWO's came for lunch. As we pulled into our lunch area, the BWO's were coming off and the fish went on a feeding frenzy! Tied on a few flies for Bea & Di to use while I got lunch ready. Stoked the fire and heated the pulled pork. I hear them having a great time over the crackling of the firewood and wind flowing through the cedar trees. Matching the hatch was a challenge. Throwing a size 18 BWO in fast water is a challenge for any seasoned fly angler. A big wulff and small BWO solved that problem. They both enjoyed their first taste of fly fishing and each caught their first trout on the fly; a couple of nice fall colored brook trout. As always I enjoyed the water, weather, the Brule River and especially the great company! Tight lines!

TR with my son Zach, first trout on the fly!

2010-09-22T13:01:00.006-05:00

Finally got my son out to dunk some bugs in Wisconsin. The season is winding down quick, but had to get at least one day on the water with my son Zach. I asked him earlier last week if he wanted to go fly fishing with the pops, he sounding excited to go, so I couldn't pass up the opportunity. We visited a friend in Lindstrom, MN, then headed over to the Willow River. He hooked into his first trout on the fly! So proud of him. We cooked some brats over the 1 burner for lunch and then headed back out. Great day to be out on the water. There aren't too many things that I could compare to the joy one gets out of showing a young person the beauty of mother nature, especially when it's your own son. I like being called Dad! Now for the rest of the story...

getting ready to hit the water

working the water

first trout on the fly with no help from the old man!

now he's getting into it

the fish aren't scared of his 2 missing front teeth

another brownie treat

nice way to end the day

Namekagon River with Jeff and Tim

2010-09-22T12:50:00.006-05:00

Spent a nice late summer day floating the Namekagon River with Tim and Jeff. The Namekagon River is a beautiful river to canoe by pole. The water is cooling down from a hot summer and the flows are just about right. Did see some big fish moving around with their nice golden yellow colors. No big ones on this day, but there were plenty of browns willing to bite. Awesome weather for polling, excellent scenery and good company, that's what it's all about.

Chasing bronze with Sam Cook of The Duluth News Tribune

2010-09-02T11:37:00.006-05:00

I had the good fortune to spend an afternoon fly fishing for Mr. Bronzeback in my own backyard with local outdoor writer Sam Cook from the Duluth News Tribune. Thanks Sam for the great story!

Here is the link to the story online:
Fly-fishing guide Ouitdee Carson specializes in smallmouth bass

Missy D Nymph

2010-09-01T15:56:00.038-05:00

I added the instruction for tying the Missy D nymph on my web site:

Fly tying recipe instructions for the Missy D Nymph

Video tying this fly

A NE Iowa fly fishing adventure

2010-08-30T12:45:00.098-05:00

Search Amazon.com for Iowa Trout Fishing
I was finally persuaded (which wasn’t difficult) to fish the driftless region of NE Iowa. WHY would I want to when I live in an area with fantastic fishing already? Simply one word, change...a change of scenery, weather, sites, smells, and to visit friends.

And a change it was for me, from the forests of N. Minnesota and N. Wisco to the huge corn fields laid out like a blanket covering the rolling hills. It's always exciting and fun to get away from your comfort zone to try something different, but at the same time be a little adventurous. That's exactly what I did and don't regret it one bit.I found my way to one of many Iowa trout streams, French Creek. Special regulations and naturally reproducing wild brown & brook trout make this stream a true gem for any trout angler, young and old. It's managed for wild trout and all trout must be released. On top of that, only artificial lures can be used, which makes for a fun time on the fly. I fished in the pasture areas, trying to negotiate my way around clumps of cow pies (or was it mud?) lining the banks, in the end looking for anything dry upon which to land my feet. The morning started off cool, yet muggy, with a little bit of morning fog starting to burn away. Getting my tools ready, I heard the voices of thousands of crickets chirping, cows singing for their morning breakfast, big fields of corn swaying with the added weight of morning dew, and other sounds of farm life coming alive. I thought, "Here I am standing in the middle of all of this and I'm fly fishing for trout."

The fishing was fantastic! I stopped at my first pool on a small bend, probing the depths with a heavy point fly, dubbed the "Missy D". A small scud pattern accompanied it. Immediately I was onto fish. At my back and only 20 feet away was a bridge and road. I thought for sure the fish would be pressured here, so I admit to being a little caught off guard when the fish hit. However, a little luck never hurt anyone.

Continuing upstream for a good 150 yards, while C&R'ing a good sampling of brown trout, a decent 18" gave me a good tug and a wave of its tail before it became unbuttoned. I am still amazed how the brown trout in French Creek utilized many parts of the stream; from shallow, fast ripple water only 6 inches deep, to the weed-choked pockets of the slower runs, and everything in between. I had a lot of fun fishing the two-nymph rig in the fast, shallow water. The trout in these sections were looking for a meal and a well-placed nymph, pouncing on the opportunity before the next trout in line would take its turn. The trout were competing for sure, but all were healthy and eating well. The action was steady even through a heavy down pour that lasted about 15 minutes; wooly bugger time! There are some monsters in this stream, but I would assume a delicate presentation under the cover of darkness is probably in order. All in all, a wonderful trout stream for all to enjoy. Thanks Iowa!

Bloody Run Creek was next on the hit list. It sounded like it fished well, because Google told me so. SnT from IL never fished it before, so we decided to give it a shot. I'm glad we did. It was another warm day, but refreshing to wade in some cold 60 degree water. Bloody Run Creek is stocked in most portions of the stream with brown and rainbow trout. Lots of trout, but they have quickly learned that fast food is not as good as the real thing. The trout were hungry for the Missy D and a smaller dropper nymph. We took off way upriver to find the C&R section of Bloody Run Creek, even walking a railroad for a little way, which reminded me of the movie "Stand By Me". SnT hooked into a nice fish at the head of a small pool while working on nymphing skills, but didn't realize that it was heading downstream in a hurry. Pop goes the 5x and bye-bye Missy D. Of course, it's my use of 5x tippet to blame... more like operator error, I said. More constant action back toward the trailhead and even a little time for a quick swim to cool off! Good times! Bloody Run Creek is another exceptional Iowa stream and well worth it to drop by and wet a line.

Now, on to the Missy D. I wanted to tie some Copper Johns for the trip, but didn't have all the materials the night before I left. Since it’s almost chrome time, I was thinking about this un-named nymph I'd used for chasing steel up north. I had the materials for that, but having been on and off of the steelhead fishing, my fly box was empty. I tied up four that night. The fly worked out very well, so well that SnT couldn't stand watching me catch fish after fish and finally tied one on. What can I say, “Resistance is Futile”, when every time you glance at your fishing buddy...his fly rod is bent over while he's sporting a big grin. SnT proceeded to fine-tune the nymphing skills and caught some good trout with a couple of doubles landed between the both of us. At some point SnT decides to be a generous person and donates the last Missy D to a big bruiser. And it was at that point it needed to be named in honor of the big one that got away, 5x tippet , great company, fine beer, my good friend SnT and to fresh steamy cow pies!
Search Amazon.com for Iowa Trout Fishing

Capt. Carson
Arrowhead Fly Angler