driftlessarea

Show Notes:  https://wetflyswing.com/578

Presented By: Visit Helena, MT, FishHound Expeditions, Northern Rockies Adventures, TroutRoutes

In this episode, we have one of the biggest names in the Driftless area give us her best tips on technical dry fly fishing and what you can do to have success on the surface.

Geri Meyer, Driftless Angler Fly shop owner and guide, is going to walk us through the steps to catching fish with dry flies. Geri shares her expert tips on catching fish with dry flies.

You'll also learn her top three secrets to presenting the fly and discover how to fish Tricos and other species. Plus, gain insights on the best times and spots to fish in the Driftless area.

It's all here today, and guess what? We've got an exciting giveaway—a spot on a huge trip happening this September!

Show Notes with Geri Meyer on Technical Dry Fly Fishing.

We've just launched the Driftless Dry Fly School and we're diving into the details of what's in store for the lucky winner who will snag a spot on this exciting adventure.

We're also offering six slots for those who want to join us on this epic trip with Geri Meyer and Jason Randall.

Episode Chapters with Geri Meyer on Technical Dry Fly Fishing

01:42 - Geri provides a quick update on the current conditions in the Driftless region. Overall, fishing remains solid despite the challenges posed by the ongoing drought.

5:00 - Geri discusses the challenges of dry fly fishing in small, technical streams, emphasizing the need for stealth and delicate presentation.

She highlights the prevalence of blue-winged olives and Tricos as key hatches, with sizes ranging from 16 to 22.

 
Presentation Techniques for Successful Dry Fly Fishing

08:00 - Geri Meyer underscores the significance of considering water conditions and adopting a stealthy approach. With potential weed obstacles and a focus on tail outs, seams, and tight banks, anglers must proceed slowly and deliberately to avoid spooking fish.

10:00 - Whether targeting specific fish or exploring promising areas, Geri emphasizes the importance of precise placement, typically aiming a foot or two ahead of the target. Additionally, she highlights the versatility of streamer fishing as an alternative strategy when traditional methods don't produce results.

Exploring the Driftless Region: What Makes it so Different? 

11:38 - The term "Driftless" originates from the lack of glacial drift due to the absence of ice coverage. This resulted in the formation of spring-fed streams and picturesque landscapes, attracting anglers from far and wide.

14:00 -Geri discusses the impact of drought conditions on the spring-fed streams of the Driftless Region.

 
Driftless Dry Fly School Giveaway

15:14 - We discuss the upcoming trip to the Driftless Region with Geri and Jason Randall. Geri tells us about her longstanding friendship with Jason Randall, praising his expertise and fun personality. We look forward to not just fishing but also enjoying delicious meals and relaxed hangouts.

18:17 - Geri emphasizes the importance of leveraging local expertise for a successful trip. She recommends contacting their shop, Driftless Angler, or checking their daily reports online to stay updated on hatches and conditions.

21:00 - Geri shares essential fly patterns to include in our boxes for late September fishing. Here are some recommendations:

Parachute Adams in sizes 12 to 18
Trico patterns
Micro olive patterns
Terrestrial patterns such as hoppers, preferably in natural colors
Cricket patterns like the Marsh Cricket
Essential Casting Tips for Success in the Driftless Area

25:00 - Geri emphasizes the importance of precision over distance, noting that shorter, more accurate casts are often more effective than long ones. She encourages anglers to hone a solid 25-foot cast, allowing for better control and presentation.

Additionally, Geri highlights the significance of delicate casting to avoid splashing. While precise casts are crucial, a subtle movement can sometimes be advantageous.

Choosing the Right Gear for the Driftless Area

42:00 - When it comes to gear selection for dry fly fishing in the Driftless Region, consider the following recommendations:

Rod Selection

Opt for rods in the 3 to 5 weight range.
A 4-weight rod is versatile and suitable for various fishing conditions.
A 3-weight rod excels in perfect conditions with abundant hatches.

Glass rods offer a soft presentation and precise casting, ideal for shorter casts and precise placement in tight spots. However, if you're new to using glass rods, practice casting beforehand and adjust your technique and timing for optimal performance.

Leader Setup

Start with a 9-foot 4X leader and adjust based on conditions. Use a 4X tippet and tie it to the leader with a surgeon's knot.

Show Notes:  https://wetflyswing.com/578

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/353

Presented By: Bearvault, Angler's Coffee, Jackson Hole Fly Company, Zoe Angling Group

Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors

Tom Starmack takes us back into the Driftless to tell us how he works his spring creek magic. We find out how he fishes the super skinny water and what his euro rig looks like on small waters. We break down some of his favorite nymphs to tie and the best times to fish the Driftless area.

Tom shares how he met Jason Randall - his fly fishing buddy for 30 years, and the story of how he started as a national fly tyer for the Fly Fishing Show, meeting Lefty Kreh and Ed Jaworowski.

We also mention a bunch of resources for fishing the Driftless.

Show Notes with Tom Starmack

03:40 - Tom and his family live on an old dairy farm built in the mid-1800s. They're in the middle of nowhere (35 acres of woods) on the edge of the Driftless and their closest neighbor is about a half-mile away.

06:30 - Jason Randall is Tom's friend, who suggested that he should try tying flies commercially - Jason was on the podcast in episode 074

08:00 - Furimsky reviewed his flies and liked the way he tied them - Ben was on the podcast in episode 061 and Chuck was also here in episode 292

10:30 - Tom describes what it's like tying for his first show in Lancaster (2016)

14:50 - Jason Randall and his wife are vets - Tom has dogs and cats and was looking for a vet then came across Jason. They talked about fishing and started hanging out.

17:00 - There's an article about fishing the Driftless by TU - read here

19:50 - When he's euro nymphing, he uses primarily a 2 wt. When he does dry fly, he uses 3 or 4 wt depending on the wind.

21:00 - Tom does 80% nymphing, 20% dry fly

23:45 - Tom guides for a Christian organization called, Ultra Fly Fishing

28:30 - March, April, and May are Tom's favorite times of the year to fish the Driftless - it's the best time to fish there

30:30 - Tom lives in Vernon County - there are 60 classified trout streams and 250 miles of public access

32:30 - In Viroqua, there's the Driftless Angler Fly Shop - they're a great resource that guides people. There's also the Wisconsin DNR website for general info - trout maps, public access, etc.

34:25 - Coulee Region TU has done a lot of work around the Driftless area

35:00 - At onX Maps you can download all the land ownership stuff and see it real-time as you're out there

36:20 - For nymphing, Tom uses a 10 feet 2 wt rod mostly. He describes his setup.

39:40 - For the fly line, he uses an 022 level line

41:30 - Tip: Read the water. Decide where you're going to fish it. Figure out how you're going to fish it.

47:55 - Ed Jaworowski was on the podcast in episode 233 where we talked a lot about casting. Ed has a book on perfecting your fly cast.

56:20 - Tom talks about perdigon tying

59:20 - One of his favorite flies is called the Pink Hog

1:00:00 - Purple Prince Charming is an all-synthetic material fly. Especially early in the year, leech patterns work great.

1:03:00 - The Frenchie Fly imitates a BWO, mayfly, stonefly

1:06:00 - The Pink Hog is Tom's Top Fly. Pink Hogs are also called "Squags". Enter your favorite fly here to get a chance to win a box of flies from JH Fly Co

1:09:00 - Tom sells his flies on his website and the Driftless Anglers website

1:12:30 - Tom is also into pheasant hunting

1:15:30 - Tom limits his fly tying to 5 or 6 dozens a day

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/353