Springers on Cowlitz River

[Mauro Regio]

Hi there,

Kings are just coming in on the Cowlitz and I wonder if anyone was aware of effective fly patterns for them.

And, maybe more important, any particular rig/setup the you would reccomend?

Thanks for your help

MR

[alpinetrout]

I've found kings prefer patterns with some blue in them. Most of the ones I have caught have been on big Alaskabou type patterns in various color combinations.

[cmtundra]

Purple is my favorite -especially w/an egg head or butt-, but color & size is often dictated by water color & sunlight conditions. Egg Sucking Leaches on a #2 hook can work great, but I don't think the fly choice plays more than %25 into your success factor with kings. Springers tend to hug the bottom a lot. I've had my best success by bouncing the bottom w/a couple split-shot weights 2-3 feet above the fly. Tie a loop around the split shot if you don't want them sliding down all the time. Rubber core sinkers don't slip much, but some ff'rs don't like them. Some folks work off a float system to control depth...ya'd have to ask someone else about that.
easygoer

[TallFlyGuy]

I use flies that are untraditional. Use a #4 or 6 hook, rap a good size "butt" end in really bright pink or Chartreuse, then dub a body with black seal fur, or substitute, then use a nice wet fly hackle for the head area. Oh, yeah don't forget the Bead head, or Barrel eyes.

Have to get it down deep, where they are, and strip it in.

Tall

[Mauro Regio]

I must assume they work...
given the telling attachment!!! :-)

I was expecting a fly pattern picture when I open it...
I almost chocked while eating breakfast...

:)

Very nice fish.

Was that a pool on the Cowlitz?

[Mauro Regio]

were you using beads/lead eyes on the flies?
or you were bringing them down with sink-tips?

thx, Mauro

[Mauro Regio]

I hear you. On the bottom will be then...
With sinkers ... with or without rubber core! :)

I assume your flies had no weight then
Is that right?

thx, Mauro