Thank you all very much for the great information. I have ordered the tying materials that I don't have and I'm looking forward to tying the patterns that have been suggested.
While it fun to tie and fish a bunch of different patterns, don't overthink the fly selection part of the game. The fish are agressive and not leader shy. If the only fly you fished was a chartreuse over white clouser, you'd catch plenty of fish.
Thanks Stonefish. I have a few chartreuse over white Clousers and just finished some Reverse Spiders and candlefish and they can only get better. Also ordered Les Johnson's book "Fly Fishing Coastal Cutthroat Trout",
Thank you all for being so helpful. If I may make another request. I'll be in Tacoma in late February and approximately every month to month and a half throughout the year. Can anyone lead me to a source that will give me a heads up as to what to expect in the way of available fish in the sound throughout the year.
I believe Preston or Curt did a great breakdown of the salmon seasons earlier this year. I'll try to find it for you, but in general: Early spring Apr/May... Cutthroat picks back up with the chum fry migration from the rivers May 1-June 15th...Lingcod opens in Puget Sound, gotta have a boat, 8-10 wt, and 30' of T14 Mid July to Sept... Pink Salmon will start showing up in good numbers Late summer August to Oct.. Coho Salmon start to return Fall late Oct-Dec... Chum Salmon Return Thats a very general list off the top of my head, but should cover most of the major pushes/general time fames.
From Preston: http://washingtonflyfishing.com/forum/index.php?threads/an-idea-of-what-fishes-over-the-year.81185/
Bob Triggs recommended Les Johnson's books: "Fly Fishing Coastal Cutthroat Trout" and Chester Allen's " Fly Fishing Sea Run Cutthroat”, both of which arrived today. Thanks Bob
Can any of you recommend a shop where most of the flies used for sea-runs can be found? I expect to migrate to the Canal once ski season's wound down. I have the Clousers and a few others that I've tied, but I'd like to pick up a decent assortment along with another line and spare spool. Also, when's Doug Rouse's weekend sea-run clinic? Should be sometime in March, shouldn't it? I wasn't able to go last year thanks to the foot, but am more than ready now.
Doug Rose has experienced some health problems of late and has turned over the organization of this year's Cutts n' Chum seminar to Jeff Delia and Ron Hirschi. It was originally scheduled for March 23-24. I'll try to get in contact with Jeff today and post an update.
Gig harbor fly shop is one of my favs for searun cutt patterns, most of their locally tied stuff is exclusive to their shop, they're all pretty killer. I'd definately stop in there sometime.
Alex, to add to Pat's recommendation and if you're going to be close to Hood Canal, try Peninsula Outfitters in Poulsbo. I've found the owner and staff to be very helpful and they have a good selection of fly fishing paraphenalia.
thanks guys! I'll make it a point to stop in at both this Spring. Preston, you'll let me know? Ski season will be over by then, and I'll be ready for some fishing.
I think most of the Puget Sound shops will have a great selection. I've always enjoyed browsing the saltwater section at Patrick's. Lots of great flies there. J
