Midge Adult Photos - Castaic Lagoon, CA

I caught this little bugger back in November 2007 at Castaic Lagoon.  There is a shot of this midge near a quarter for sizing.

Fly Tying - Wet Fly - Spider Samples

Here are some samples of my attempts at different variations of a spider wet fly.  I usually fish them with a slow, twitching retrieve either on moving or still water.  I have been very successful with these flies on Piru Creek for trout, and Castaic Lagoon for Bass.

How to tie the Emergent Sparkle Pupa

Recipe:

Hook size: #14
Body: Tan sparkle scrap from over-body
Overbody: Tan sparkle yarn
Wing: Short, fine Deer hair
Thread: Brown olive 8/0
Thorax:  Brown  dubbing

Fly Tying Organization Tip #1 

Grab some of these up at Walmart for about $2 each...

Piru Creek Caddis Larva - Hydropsychidae

 I caught this nymph - foul hooked it really - while fishing Piru Creek.

These are some close-ups I took stream-side of the Caddis Larva or Hydropsychidae.

Grasshopper - Acrididae - photos

This young grasshopper was found right outside my home in So. California.  It seemed to be pretty banged up from the Santa Anna winds that were blowing strongly, so I took it in and photographed it for a hopper tying guideline.

From what I have read, trout will rise fearlessly to grab hoppers on the surface since the calories burnt:gained ratio is much in their favor.  I have had some success with hopper patterns in the past, and the thing that always surprises me is the willingness of all sizes of trout that will take them.