Fishing Recap from the 4th of July weekend which included hitting the streams with family and friends.

July 2nd – My brother flew in from Colorado and we fished his favorite stretch of the North Bear.  The water was a little high for this time of year but it was clear.  We caught fish on Black Copper Johns, size 18 and Hotwire Caddis, size 18.

July 3rd- Ethan and I headed to Coldwater for an early morning trip.  Black Zebra Midge size 18 was the fly of choice.  Water was up and a little cloudy but fishing well.

July 7th – I headed back to Coldwater this evening in between rain storms.  It is a fun stream to fish.  The higher water spreads the Browns out into every ripple.  Zebra Midge, Hotwire Caddis, Pheasant Tails, Crickets and Ants where all catching fish.  I kept moving quickly up the stream and covered a lot of water, trying to stay ahead of the mosquitoes.

We have had a lot of rain the past 4 days, and the mosquitoes are out.  I try to avoid using bug spray while fly fishing, because I’ve heard that it turns fish off if it gets transferred to your flies.  For an alternative, check out Exofficio shirts with Buzz Off insect shield and pick up a Buff neck guard, which also keeps the  black flies off your neck.  The Decorah Chick Hatchery has both of these in their store, along with flies, tippet, line and any thing else you may need.