[coho_killer]

now i got my flyrod i'm stressed on what line to get? i want a salmon only fly line but unsure on what to get! as well as what top 5 coho flies i need as well! you ppl talk about some fly called the christmas tree pattern can somone explain? also the line i'm hearing that works great is some kind of clear line? anyone can shed some light on these questions would help me out greatly! thanks so much!

C.K.

 

[Flyfishin Magician]

Well, here's basically what I've got set-up on my two salmon fly rods...

I use a full floating line (SA Mastery Series Steelhead Taper for e.g.) cut back into the belly (approx 12 - 15 feet). I then attach a loop connector. Now I can use different types of tips of differing sinking rates. I have a number of Rio tips ranging from 109 - 166 grains of type 6 - 8 sinking rates. My most commonly used tips for the Vedder/Harrison/Chehalis/Squamish systems are the 109 grain Type 6 and 150 grain type 6. The larger the grain, the heavier the tip and the faster it will sink. Of course, the sink rate will also dictate how fast the line sinks. Anyway, this sink tip system is best used in flowing water. The floating portion of the line allows for proper mending and drift control. If you're not into making your own sink tip system, you can buy a multi-tip system (such as the Rio Versa-Tip or SA Multi-Tip systems which come with a pre-made floating line and tips of varying densities). The multi-tip systems are a bit pricey at first though; however, they do work very well.

I also have a reel spooled up with clear "slime" line which is good for still water (e.g. Harrison or pools) where the coho stack up before heading upstream. This is where the cast and retrieve fly works best. The clear line will help prevent spooking the fish, and coho are notorious for being very spooky. My slime line is also a very slow (intermediate) sinking line. You can increase the depth of the fly by either using weighted flies or waiting longer for the line to sink before retrieving.

As for coho flies - one of my personal favorites is the X-mas tree (I'll be tying up nine of these for the coho swap). This fly is basically made of flash material (flashabou, polar flash, etc.) with a bead head at the front. Colours can vary - from silver and gold to green, blue, red, and multicoloured variations. I've taken coho both on the swing/drift and retrieve with this fly. Other productive patterns are the rolled muddler (in varying colours, and with/without beads), coho blue, mickey finn, leeches, egg-sucking leech, wooley buggers (with/without beads), GP variations, and an infinite number of other patterns. I like to keep my patterns sparse. Also, I will not hesitate to go right down to 6 lb tippet when the water clears up.

One could write a whole book on the "art and science" of coho fly fishing. I can only guarantee you one thing - when you hook your first fish on the fly, you'll never forget it! Good luck and just ask if you want more advice.

 

[coho_killer]

nope that about sums it all up! great info there flyfishin magician! oh yeah one more question? leader line! can it be just straight say 6-8lb mono test? or does it have to be tapered?

C.K.

 

[Flyfishin Magician]

No. I use a short 20 lb "butt" section tied to my fly line using a nail knot or albright knot. I then simply attach a 12 lb leader to it with a double surgeon's knot. Then, I add 8 or 6 lb leader to the 12 lb leader, using the same double surgeon's knot. Then just add the fly. You can use a tapered leader and just add tippet to the end after it gets shorter (from changing flies); however, I've found this to be unnecessary in my experience.

 

[coho_killer]

so straight 8lb leader line is a no no?

 

[Flyfishin Magician]

The problem with adding just one type of leader (e.g. only 8 lb.) is that the line will not "turn over" properly when you cast. It's best to taper the leader, using a pre-made tapered leader or a "home made" version like the one I described.

 

[coho_killer]

so you say you start with the begining of your tipit with 20lb test and go down from there till what lb test? or i would imagine you could buy these leaders pre tied?

 

[Flyfishin Magician]

You can buy a tapered leader - which would have no knots in it. Or - you can make a "home made" tapered leader as follows:

Attach a small (aprox. 1 ft) section of 20 lb leader to the fly line - I like to use an Albright knot for this:

http://www.killroys.com/knots/albright.htm

You can also use a nail knot:

http://www.killroys.com/knots/nail.htm

Next, join lighter leader (e.g. 3 - 5 foot section) to the 20 lb butt section. For example, tie 12 lb leader to the 20 lb butt section using a double surgeon's knot:

http://www.flymartonline.com/article211.html

Then join 8 lb leader (3 - 5 foot section) to the 12 lb section, again using a double surgeon's knot. If you want to go lighter, go with 6 lb leader.

I buy spools of 20, 12, 8, and 6 lb leader in 110 yard sections (e.g. Maxima ultragreen). If you want to spend some more money, try using fluorocarbon. This stuff is expensive, but it's thinner and almost completely invisible in the water. I like to use 4 lb fluorocarbon for chironomid fishing in the interior. Otherwise, I use Maxima utragreen.

Anyway - have fun learning and good luck.

 

[coho_killer]

those diagrams are just what i was looking for to learn very self explainatory! you the man flyfishing magician thanx for the info so helpfull!!!!!
i'll practice till i got it down packed!

C.K.