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FISHING TIPS

YOU CAN FISH WITH ANY EQUIPMENT

Bear River flies can be used with a traditional fly rod, but they can also be used with literally any fishing rod that is rigged with a bubble.

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A bubble is a clear plastic oblong sphere that is partially filled with water to add weight for casting long distances (it is not a bobber).  The ability to cast long distances offers a significant advantage over a traditional flyrod.  For your convenience bubbles are offered on this web site.

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Your fly is positioned below the bubble approximately the length of the rod.  A split shot is attached 18 inches above the fly to help it sink and impart additional action.

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That's it.  You are now ready to fish using any equipment, on any body of water, with any level of skill.

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This is how Ashley fished with flies because she could not stand up for long periods of time or wade into the water to use a traditional fly rod.

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WHEN AND WHERE TO FISH

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Fish will take flies on any body of water (lakes, ponds, rivers, streams) if you will keep a few things in mind.

 

Flies are most effective from first light and right before dark. They are also effective before dawn and after dark if there is a full moon or if you are using a headlamp.

 

Fish will generally retreat to deeper water during the middle of the day to avoid the sun. If you have clouds with some chop on the water, light rain or are using a sinking fly line sometimes fish can be caught with flies during the middle of the day but, even then, early and late is usually best.

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There are two exceptions: if you are fishing when the water is very cold such as in winter, early spring or late fall. In this situation, it is sometimes best to wait for the water to warm up and insect activity to increase later in the day. The second exception is if you are fishing for salmon. In this case you should be on the water during the incoming tide and anytime the water level is rising.

 

Also, fish with your flies in relatively shallow water (8 foot or less). The best places are along shorelines or in coves where most of the natural food is concentrated.

 

Remember to always use the “reel - strip and pause technique” when fishing with Bear River flies to take advantage of the built-in swimming action of the fly.

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RIGGING WITH A BUBBLE

 

Any fishing rod can be set up with a bubble in five easy steps:

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  1. Thread the line through the center of the bubble (with the stopper in place) and tie on a barrel swivel

  2. Tie your leader material to the other end of the swivel and extend the leader to the end of the rod by the reel

  3. Tie on your fly

  4. Crimp a split shot on the leader approximately 18 inches above the fly

  5. Fill the bubble half full of water by pushing on the stopper, holding it under the water and replacing the stopper

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If your fly is getting tangled up with the bubble when you cast, try using more of a side arm casting motion and stop the bubble before it hits the water to flip the fly into the proper position

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That’s it; you are now ready to fish with a fly and a bubble! 

HOW TO PREPARE A FLY

 

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