"Danl" danlfinn@*remove this*intergate.com wrote in message
...
Over the last year I have been trying a new (to me) tactic for fishing
nymphs. Its actually a different way to tie nymphs, but it effects the way
the fly is fished. Typically one ties PTs and GRHEs using some sort of
feather or perhaps fur for the wingcase. Substituting a buoyant
closed-cell foam for the more traditional wingcase materials changes the
fly in two ways: the fly will tend to float and the wingcase can be made
in a multitude of colors, either blending or contrasting with the fly. The
ability for the fly to float off of the bottom of the stream needs to be,
IME, offset by more weight on the tippet. When done properly I think the
fly moves through the current and just off the bottom, where you need to
be. Using contrasting wingcase colors, such as yellow, red, orange, or
pink seems to give the fly additional attractant properties. I have tried
this fly/tactic in CA, MT, WA, TN, NC, and AK and have good (for me)
success with it.

Here is a link to a page with a short article and tying instructions.
(this is also a good web site with lots of info for anyone fly fishing the
Sierras)
http://stevenojai.tripod.com/kernem.htm
The fly shown is known in SoCal as a Kern River Emerger and credit is
given to Guy Jeans, who runs a FF shop in Kernville, CA, as the originator
and proponent of the fly. BTW, when in the Kern River area, you could do a
lot worse than Guy and his gang when seeking guides and/or guidance for
fishing the Kern River. His shop is Kern River Outfitters...(All usual
disclaimers are hereby incorporated, yadda, yadda,....).


Anyone else tried a this or a similar method?


Danl

Hi Danl,

Like the concept and will try the tactic rather than weighting my nymphs
when tying the next batch of GRHEs.

On another note. The Kern Emerger shown on your link looked like a "cool"
fly to tie. I did so at Bass Pro yesterday during
their "vendor show" while representing the Dallas Fly Fishers. We also did
an impromptu casting clinic where I hope I did not pass on too many bad
casting habits. But, tying the KE was a success with the crowd who liked the
colorful nature of the fly and the kids kept hanging around for their turn
to take one home.

Guy