This year I decided to go to Owens Creek, a small freestone stream located in Maryland's beautiful Catoctin Mountains. There is one particularly picturesque pool I planned to fish if only for an awesome photo-op. I arrived at the pool and found a group of dreaded bait-fisherman. The water was very clear and from my parking spot I watched the bright new Rainbow trout spook as the giant sinkers and golf ball size bobbers of the bait guys crashed down. I reluctantly got out and starting rigging up my gear. The 3 fisherman left shortly thereafter. I would like to think the sight of this professional assembling his rod and tying intricate knots made them think twice about continuing to fish. Regardless I was glad they left although not to optimistic about my chances of catching my birthday fish.
I tied on the freshly tied Bastard Bugger and walked down to the pool. A few false casts later and my fly landed across the pool and I paused a few seconds allowing it sink. Two short strips of the line later I watch as a trout, who was previously fearing for his life , darted from ten feet away to inhale my fly. I set the hook and brought to net my birthday trout! I have since used this fly on lots of streams and have discovered swinging it to be even more deadly as well as dead-drifting it Czech Nymph style. I'm convinced the CDC collar has a lot to do with it's effectiveness and maybe the UV sheen of the Micro Polar Chenile body. Tie some up and catch some fish!
Recipe:
Hook- Streamer or Nymph size 12 to 10
Thread- 8/0 Black
Tail- Black Marabou
Flash- 2 pieces of black Crystal Flash tied either side of the tail
Body- Black UV Micro Polar Chenille
Collar- Black CDC
Weight- Black Tungsten Bead with lead wire underbody.
Tying notes: I like the tail to be a little longer than the hook shank to give the marabou the most action underwater. Also, I typically use two CDC feathers for the collar. CDC is delicate and you will loose fibers while catching and releasing fish.
