Hey Oarlord,, I think it was you that I saw, a few saturdays ago, aug. 23??? trolling two flies from your boat as you were rowing. My kids and I were camping there that weekend, during the downpour. We were fishing the mouth of Silverhope Creek, spilling into the southside of this lake. I used every fly I can think of, but to no avail. I finally got back to my childhood, (never used worms in many many years), and hesitantly used that, on a bobber, with a barbless hook, in the lake, as I had my kids too. And wham, had a few on....albeit a bit feeling guilty,so I went back to flyfishing...because too many were caught on the live worm. But were all released unharmed. I did question my method, on, well, fishing with a worm, with a barbless hook, as the fish tend to swallow real or live bait deeply. It seems to defeat the purpose. I did try even some worm-type patterns, but again, nothing. I even tried spinners, and again nothing. No wonder worms are so popular.
The dudes next to me were also fishing with worms, barbless hooks, and releasing their catch....unharmed. So that was nice to see.
After getting skunked on this lake several times, I finally landed a few of about 10-12 inches, then a beauty, measured at 18 inches, i kissed it, took a picture, then released her. My daughter's boyfriend caught and released a 20 inch rainbow, and the guys next to us caught and released a monster, 22-24 inch bow, which they said was a summer-run steelhead. I had many pictures, videos, family memories, and fun. But I don't think, no matter how desperate I get, ever use a worm again.