Trico Tips and Hints
p>I have been traveling the known cosmos and beyond, gathering material and ideas to further the cause of fly tying. What a worthy cause. I just got back from the constellation “Idiotus” and realized that I have neglected you all and this fine web site. I am back. I have several new flies lined up, ready to share with lots of blog material too.I have recently been to Loveland, CO on a whirlwind 4025 mile trip to teach classes at the FFF Conclave. Along the way we visited Whiting Farms in Delta, CO to participate in a Pro Team open house. I do love going there. What a treat for a hackle junkie. We spent a little time in Denver, Boulder and soaked in the hot springs in Glenwood Springs. On the way home we visited the kids in Marquette in the UP and I fished some wonderful small water in Iron Co.
ITʼS TRICO TIME IN THE MIDWEST. Oh daddy. The Tiny Black Curse. This hatch has been known to drive some anglers to take up the game of golf, but I would gladly sacrifice every other hatch of the season to fish this event. They were late this year because of the unusually cool spring and the chilly start of summer. Normally we have Tricos around the 4th of July in the Twin Bridges area by Lovells, Michigan, but they were about ten days late. I have hit them as late as September 15 on the Mainstream. That means two months of little bugs if one is willing to wander between the Mainstream, North and South Branches of the river. It is not typically a big fish hatch so leave your “big fish syndrome” behind. Catching a fish of any size on #22 (and smaller) fly is a wonderful thing.
Here are a few hints to help. First, if you are tying your own Tricos find some TMC (Tiemco) 2488 hooks. This is a short shank, wide gap hook made for this type of little dry fly tying. When I started using them, I stopped loosing fish. Even in #22 and #24 they hold.
Second, take your time getting into the best possible position to cast to a given fish. Donʼt “shotgun” cast to a pod of fish. Even if it is a little guy, pick out a target fish and work it.
Third, shorten up your cast. You can almost always get closer to a fish than you might think you can. Do so. I like to use the “Up and Slightly Across” approach during Tricos. You can often get right on top of the fish.
Check out the Peacock Bugger. The photos have been up or a while and the tying instructions are on the way. Next up is the Cripple.
Yippee Tie One On!