Chris Johnson, the owner of Living Waters Fly Fishing in Round Rock will be holding a “Learn to Tenkara” class from 9:30-10:45 prior to the meeting. If you are interested in learning more about this technique and the equipment involved, please join us he shares his knowledge and passion for Tenkara. We’ll have coffee and donuts available for this early group.
In this unique episode from the Orvis Guide to Fly Fishing Tom Rosenbauer covers the basics of using wet flies and nymphs to catch trout. From fly selection to presentation options, Tom details all the essentials you need to get started.
THE AGFC is urging anglers to keep a conservation mindset to minimise damage to spawning brown trout this fall.
MOUNTAIN HOME — Native to Europe, the German brown trout found in the tailwaters of Beaver, Bull Shoals, Norfork and Greers Ferry dams, typically start their spawning run during fall and winter, offering die-hard anglers a chance at some fantastic fishing. But biologists ask anglers to keep a conservation mindset when chasing these gems of the tailwater so everyone will be able to enjoy them for years to come.
Chief among fishing faux pas with the wading community is the destruction of trout nests, called redds, which serve to keep the population going.
Christy Graham, trout program coordinator, says anglers should be aware of spawning activities and the damage caused when redds or spawning trout are disturbed.
“The AGFC Trout Management Program recommends anglers be mindful of spawning activity during this time of the year and to be careful when wade fishing to avoid trampling over redds,” Graham said. “Anglers should also be aware that there are some seasonal regulations in effect that coincide with the brown trout spawning season on both the White and Little Red Rivers.”
Trout are nest guarders, and they can be nest robbers. Removing a large brown trout from the redd it is guarding not only can cause harm to an already stressed fish, but enables predators, including other trout, to destroy the redd. Simply walking through a trout redd can have disastrous results, which is why the Bull Shoals Catch-and-Release Area along Bull Shoals White River State Park is closed to angling from Nov. 1 to Jan. 31 each year. An additional area becomes catch-and-release angling only during this time, to ensure spawning trout are not removed from the tailwater during the spawn.
According to Graham, trout redds can be identified fairly easily. They appear as clean, oval patches of small to medium-sized gravel and are typically 2 to 3 feet in diameter. The gravel in them is typically lighter-colored than surrounding gravel. There may be a small depression or mound, where gravel has been excavated and deposited over the eggs.
Fishing the trout spawn can produce some exciting action because extremely large brown trout tend to show themselves a bit more and become more aggressive during this time. But many dyed-in-the-wool trout anglers will avoid fishing for spawning fish entirely. Rainbow trout and cutthroats often produce some exceptional fishing on egg patterns and corn during this time because of their tendency to capitalize on brown trout eggs that become dislodged from nests and float downstream.
“If you do end up fishing around spawning areas for browns, there are a few things you can do to lessen the damage caused by angling during this time,” Graham said. “We always want anglers to use the best possible catch-and-release practices, but it’s even more critical during the spawn.”
Graham says aside from avoiding the spawning fish entirely, anglers can help provide next year’s fish by following a few simple steps. Avoid snagging fish, no matter how tempting it can be to “set the hook a little early.” Use barbless hooks to minimize damage to the fish’s mouth and land the fish as quickly as possible. Wet your hands to land the fish and minimize the amount of time it stays out of the water, so that it may return to its redd as soon as possible.
Visit www.agfc.com/trout for more information about trout fishing in Arkansas.
Here is a word from a local fly shop, Living Waters in Round Rock. Please take note of good practice on handling of any fish, and water temps. This really applies to the trout here, if you handle them too much, catch them in warm water, hold them out of the water, you are killing them. Never ever put your fingers into their gills, or hold them by their lips. Good practice and care year around will mean more fish all year. Pictures at the bottom.
Stop by Action Angler’s shop at the third crossing, or check their web site for update’s and to book a guide. The shop is open now, Wed thru the weekend, closed Monday and Tuesday till November. We have a wade access point for $10.00. Action Angler or call 830-708-3474. I really think this could be one of those banner years, so if you want a guided trip, I would go to the above link and use the book now button and get in before it fills up.
The GRTU Lease Access Program sold out in just six days and the weather is starting to cool off which can only mean one thing…. our unofficial Texas trout season is just around the corner!
(PLEASE READ BELOW!)
So, just to get you even more excited, check out these photos from the last week on the Guadalupe River.
All of the fish pictured were caught in water temps below 70 degrees, were played/released quickly, and never lifted from the water for photos.
We saw plenty of large holdover trout (browns and rainbows) and lots of small 4-6in. wild rainbows as well! As the weather cools off even more we won’t have to worry about this near as much, but PLEASE if you intend to target trout in the near future here are some recommendations to live by:
1. Do not target trout when the water temp is 70 degrees fahrenheit or above! Switch species and chase sunfish, bass, and striper if the water gets too warm.
2. Always carry a water thermometer and use it often! Check surface temps near the main current for accurate readings. If the water is too warm, simply head well upstream to cooler water or pursue other species.
3. When taking pictures of trout during our summer/fall air temps, please do not lift the fish out of the water. Grip and grins are for cooler temps. Keep your fish in the water at all times if possible.
4. Use a net. This helps the fish recover and keeps handling to a minimum. It makes picture taking a breeze as well.
5. Fight fish quickly. Everyone loves a good fish fight, but during higher water/air temps put the pressure on. The brown trout pictured was caught on Tenkara and was in the net in well under a minute. Play them fast and you will ensure a healthy release.
We are looking forward to a fantastic trout season and could not be more thrilled at the current condition of our Guadalupe trout. So, as the temps drop, go enjoy your local trout fishery but remember to check temps before/while you fish and treat your catch with the utmost respect! See you on the water!
