Headed Down To Current River Below Montauk This Friday January 16Th...

[mapm2004]

Hi everyone! Im looking to fish the Current below Montauk State park. I havent fished this during this time of year. What flies work this time of year? Nymphs streams better? With the weather going to be in the low 50's should I expect any dry fly action? Hoping to get some browns! Only have caught 3 in the 14 years I've been trout fishing. Any info would be helpful and appreciated!

Thanks!

Mike

[jgentile]

The water is up just a bit, but in all reality it is still low and clear, not my personal preference for streamer fishing. I fished yesterday (really friggin cold). Small was the order of the day. My best success was on a 22 brown midge emerger and then later in the day with an olive (20) soft hackle as there was a small mayfly emergence. Plenty of browns, but please treat them gingerly. This one was caught around xmas and the air temp wasn't too bad so a quick photo was in order.

With the warming trend coming on all the usual nymph suspects should work. Have a variety of heavier point flies (stonefly, beaded PT's, Hare's ears, etc...) Trailers can be midge patterns of your choice and I always like unweighted scud patterns in tan, olive and orange in sizes 14/16. You can alway's trail an egg or SJ worm too.

As far as surface action... with the warming trend, it wouldn't surprise me if you saw some good caddis action. Tan patterns in 14/16 should be in your box for sure.

If it is as warm as expected you can also expect a large Simms/Orvis/Cabelas hatch. Get on the water early and cover some ground if you want any chance at solitude.

Joe

[mapm2004]

Thanks very much for the information Joe! Its much appreciated! I ALWAYS handle the browns with care just a quick picture and back in water and take time to revive them. I think i have all those flies in my fly box but I'll have to check. Only thing not sure about is if i have Midge emergers.

[jgentile]

Easy peasy

Brown thread (I like Vevus 8/0 lays nice and flat)

Silver wire sm or xs

Z-Lon wing

Mahogany superfine dubbing thorax

[mapm2004]

lol yeah I still need to learn how to tie my own. I still buy them from Feather Craft or Cabelas.

[BruteFish83]

One thing that has helped me have success is fishing real long, stealthy drifts when nymphing. The fish get spooked so easily in the low clear water, especially water that you've walked by or already caught fish in. As crazy as it sounds, it's not uncommon for me to hook into fish 40-50 ft away. This is one reason why I use a heavier fly rod and larger, pointing (cone shaped) indicator. Although it's very dangerous, I will even walk several feet with my drift to get my fly into untouched water without having to recast.

I hope this helps.

Andrew

[mapm2004]

Thanks for the advice Andrew! Yes I do agree fish on Current are VERY easily spooked. So drift like you do on your videos?

[BruteFish83]

Thanks for the advice Andrew! Yes I do agree fish on Current are VERY easily spooked. So drift like you do on your videos?

No problem and yes, if it helps, definitely refer to one of my videos.

[mapm2004]

No problem and yes, if it helps, definitely refer to one of my videos.

What flies work the best for you?

[Gavin]

Nice brown. 17? The fish are not that spooky if you consider your approach and get there at the right time. If your not a good fly fisher, you are probably better off with a selection of minnow baits in the 3.5-5" range. Dinks will always smack a good drift with any candy you care to hang under a thingamabobber.