Fly Rodding the Ocean State

Had to shoot up to Boston today and took advantage of it hitting the Blackstone on my way back. I arrived at the bikepath at 7. J Kenney had suggested a stretch; but I didn't find it on the first or second try. I definately burned some daylight and only have myself to blame. The river felt, smelled and looked terrific. The river was far wider and more shallow than I expected. This is good for someone used to casting from the beach or the bow.

I hadn't been on a trout stream in some time. The 5X tippet in my vest was from Sun Valley, Idaho and i hadn't been there in ten years!

A variety of caddis were out. I choose a Elk Hair Caddis with Tan wings so i could see it more easliy. Rather quickly I picked up a more colorful that expected rainbow. As darkness fell the trout rose steadily and my leader hassles increased exponentially. The long, light leader and the soft 8'6" Henry's Fork was not good for someone used to casting from the beach or the bow.

I understand from Mike Zarzycki (who let me come in above him) that the nights prior to the rain that the hatches were more prolofic. He has fished the river for sixteen years and declared the Blackstone "a caddis river" not a bad thing as the Elk Hair Caddis is a great combo of easy to tie and effective. Mike also likes the soft hackles for emergers.

I headed for the Barrington River and pulled in behind my friend Sean (that explains the no response to the "r u fishing tonight?" text I had sent from the Blackstone).

Bass were popping on the dropping tide. I would have expected the Ray's Fly to be automatic; but that was not the case. Sean hadn't seen much in the way of silversides so far this year. That concerns me. Switched to a Bonefish Slider tied with dubbing istead of deer hair and got a few hits. I didn't connect because I used a trout strike vs strip strike. I have done this plenty in my day. Doesn't usually cause a problem with small fish; but a bad habit to be sure.

Sean caught a schoolie and we prepared to move down river. With that a black lab started to bark as loud as can be. It took me a second to realize it was my dog and wife out for a late walk. Sammy could not sort out why my voice standing in the river. I'm lucky he didn't come in and rescue me!

After Sammy and Kim left and we repositioned downstream. The feeding had became more random and the tide had slacked. The tide chart had a couple hours to go; but the river was done. The cruising for food suggested the chow was indeed shrimp; but perhaps worms as well. Reminded my to tie some of Gartside Shworms asap.

Great night on the waters...