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WELTZ: Learn how to do your own analysis of fishing conditions

“I have heard of a Macedonian way of catching fish; between Beroea and Thessalonica runs a river called the straeus, and in it there are fish with speckled skins; what the natives of that country call them you had better ask the Macedonians. These fish feed on a fly peculiar to the country, which hovers on the river. It is not like flies found elsewhere, nor does it resemble a wasp in appearance, nor in shape would one justly describe it as a midge or bee, yet it has something of each of these. In boldness it is like a fly, in size you might call call it a midge, it imitates the color of a wasp, and hums like a bee. The natives generally call it Hippouros.”

This passage was taken from taken from the writings of Claudius Aelianus; Roman author and teacher, estimated to be in the time period between 230 to 170 BC.

Here’s a secret : Before fishing try to take note of all fish activity and all things affecting it. In observing the prospect area try to analyze what is going on in the fish’s world. One of the short comings of many novice anglers is putting too much reliance on the experts. While experts have put in their time and often do have answers, they are not always correct. In this game no one ever learns it all, and nothing can replace on-the-spot analysis. Over the years, if done effectively, your analysis and study will provide a wealth of information for those times when the fish test your proficiency.

 

The report

Fishing on our Lower Mainland lakes is good. For wet (sinking) fly fishing try: Chironomid, Bloodworm, Coachman, American Coachman, Professor, Wooly Bugger, Micro Leach, Sixpack, Dragonfly Nymph, Halfback, Doc Spratley, Baggy Shrimp, or Zulu. For dry (floating) fly action try: Tom Thumb, Irresistible, Black Gnat, Griffith Gnat, Royal Coachman, or Renegade. For Kokanee try: Red Abbis, Bloodworm, Red Spratley, San Juan Worm, Red Quill, or Double Trude.

Our local bass and panfish fishing is AAA at the moment. For bass try: Wooly bugger, Big Black, Lizard, Clouser’s Deep Minnow, Zonker, Bingo Bug, Tied Down Minnow, Bucktail, Dolly Whacker, Frogs, Poppers, Chernobyl Ant, Stimulator, or Crayfish, in sizes 8 to 4.  For Crappie or Pumpkinseed try: Wooly Bugger, Big Black, Micro Leach, Bucktail, Tied Down Minnow, Dolly Whacker, Clouser’s Deep Minnow, Poppers, Joe’s Hopper, Chernobyl Ant, Royal Wulff, or Stimulator, in sizes 12 to 8.

Fishing on our interior lakes is very good. For wet fly fishing try: Wooly Bugger, Micro Leach, Egg Sucking Leach, Chironomid, Bloodworm, Pumpkinhead, Dragonfly Nymph, Halfback Nymph, 52 Buick. Doc Spratley, Green Spratley, or Baggy Shrimp. For dry fly try: Irresistible, Black Gnat, Griffith Gnat, Tom Thumb, Renegade, Double Hackled Peacock, Goddard Caddis, or Elk Hair Caddis.

The water levels in our regions two and three steams have been dropping for a week, detailed reporting on these areas will resume next week.

Jeff Weltz writes weekly for The Mission Record. He has been an avid angler since his youth.