June 28, 2009

[Zack Hoyt]

With all the warm weather, fishing and boating on the Tailwaters has been very active. Hot weather and Cloudless skies usually dictate good morning and evening fishing., but with heavy activity at both those times, afternoon fishing can be very productive. Fish are very picky and can be spooky. For the fly fisherman, smaller sizes in flies are the choice. Olive sowbugs, pink scuds, hares ear nymphs, and copper johns in sizes 18-20. Setting these up about 6-8' under an indicator is the deeper sections of the river is your best bet. A soft hackle slowly stripped or dead drifted will induce a strike as well. With conventional tackle, roostertails and powerbait are always very productive. Fish tend to be schooling with the higher water, so work the channels and shady banks. Sun and heat can take alot out of you during a full day of fishing. Be sure and keep plenty of water and food in your system. Generation has been starting around 1pm, so be aware of the horn and rising waters.

[Quillback]

Thanks for the report Z. Just curious, when they release water does it create much current downstream of Houseman?

[Zack Hoyt]

In what regards QB? There is definately current added. You can drive over the 62 Bridge and tell when the water is on. Are you meaning as far as wading or boating?

[Quillback]

Boating, as far as launching and just wondering if the current is real strong below Houseman, or is more of a slow current.

[rps]

When more than minimum water is on, the current can be seen as far down river as Holiday Island. When the current is on, you can see eddies behind tree stickups and the fish reposition on points. It is not strong enough at Beaver to affect anything other than fish position, but it is there.

[Quillback]

Thanks for the info, I may launch at Houseman on Friday just to avoid the crowds expected on Beaver Lake for the fireworks and everything else that is going on at that lake this weekend. I wonder if it would be worthwhile to drag a crawler harness around for walleye..