Great video. I have fly fished for 50 years but I have learned so much from your video. My budget is standard but you have helped me so much. Your stream is wonderful. I don’t have all the clothing equipment you have but love your presentation. Kind regards, as always, Ken, Rutland, England.
After watching the short segment of Mary-Lou and her ZXL rod, I went out and purchased one like it. Excellent for small streams and calm days. What I don’t understand is why they are casting downstream. Doesn’t fishing downstream alert the fish that are always facing you??? Maybe I have it all wrong.👍🇨🇦👨🦳
On the contrary, the first thing the fish sees is your fly. If it is hungry, you catch it. As explained later part of the video, they are 30-40ft away from the fish and not moving much. Especially in that brownish water, the fish have no idea you are there. Upstream is also fun to fish but requires, much more effort and talent. If you are not using indicators, you need to make sure the line is tight, and the fly is not on a racetrack. Also, you need to make sure the fish is not scared by first seeing the line or the leader. Upstream naked nymphing or wet flies are for the experienced anglers. One critique about the video is that they cast 45 degrees with a slack and pick up the fish on the dangle. They seem not to understand why they are always getting fish at the dangle. Actually, they do but they have no idea. The fish spits the fly quickly and they have no way of knowing. I would cast wider (70 degrees, or 20 degrees from the perpendicular to the stream) and keep the line tight at around 45-50 degrees. That way you can pick up the fish that bite before the dangle.
I don’t regret getting a 5 weight because I fish for a lot of bass but I still would like to have a 2-4 when I’m fishing my small streams but I use the 5 weight anyway
Really enjoyed this! Fished Whiteman's Creek when I lived in Ontario, but never caught anything. Now I get to enjoy Tasmania's great small rivers and streams.
yes I love fishing with my Sage whisper creek 2 wt it is my favorite fly rod and I love the Islander IR reels they are Quality . Thanks for a great vid Kudos
No, hold the rod in front of you so can see the top of the rod then you can avoid treebranches and stuff. I have tested both styles. If you drag the rod after you, you can't see what happens. And sooner or later, you will catch something with the line even if it's stringed up to the rod. What do you think folks ? Which is best ?
If your rod isn’t stringed, and your tip is behind you, you can lose the tip without even knowing. If it is stringed, the line can get snagged easily. I vote for keeping the tip in front.
@@newflyfisher Imo it depends on the conditions. If you climb up a slope or walk on slippery stuff point to backwards because most likely you fall foward and then break the rod when you use the hands to catch yourself. But if you walk through branches point it forward to see where you move the rod.
I have had success fishing streamers the size of stoneflies on small streams they can bring those bigger fish out of hiding sometimes and you can swing and dangle them into tight spots
Unfortunately Whiteman's has seen it's resident browns and brook trout numbers decimated due the introduction of steelhead to the Grand getting spawning access to Whiteman's. The adults rip up the bed spawning and the stream is primarily a steelhead breeder now. Mostly 10" rainbows are what you will get as shown in this video.
Nice river, bit like the Upper Exe in Exmoor, UK which I fish for wild Brown Trout and grayling. Some observations: I thought it a little strange to be casting a full line across and downstream, rather than trotting a fly down naturally with the water flow? The fly didn't seem to have time to sink before it would swing round unnaturally with a wake and be pulled to the surface, and no aquatic insect could move or swim naturally sideways across and against the current in the way their artificial fly must be doing. So perhaps that is why you were catching the smaller 'not yet educated' fish? The younger fish were taking out of inquisitiveness or aggression rather than for food maybe? But Rainbows will jump on almost anything anyway if not for food, out of aggression. Secondly, if you've got one rainbow you've probably got others around it to as they are essentially shoaling fish by nature. A further point is that Stuart said to stand as still as you can; well yes I would say so if you are fishing upstream dry fly. But if you are fishing downstream in the way they are doing, it might also be advantageous to move your feet gently and very occasionally in the bottom gravel or mud, so dislodging aquatic insects which are then taken down by the current flow in the hope of some 'natural groundbaiting' in the area you are fishing in. In the video you have three people fishing relatively close to each other all moving together so a fair bit of disturbance taking place! which seems to have excited a pod of young 'inexperienced' Rainbows!
holyworrier this makes sense but I’ve broken more rods this way because you can’t see where your tip is I would just break it down to be safe when not fishing even if it’s just the top peice of your fly rod
I read this comment before the video started playing and not knowing the stream was called whitemans so, being a male of caucasian descent myself, I was confused yet still slightly flattered. Lol
Ok so in my streams the only time I see small trout is when I get a big one that follows my spinner or streamer depending what kind of fishing I’m doing and they all follow around the big fish and go where he does and do what he does the little brook trout love to stay around the big brown trout it’s like they use him as a distraction to predators
Does anyone know the name of the song that starts at 1:45 in the video? My family made a video of my great grandpa's life and funeral to remember him and that is the song that plays during it, because of that the song is very special to me and my family but I cannot remember what it's called. It would be great if someone knew or could find out the name of it.
Trout like colder water and I have read below 65 deg. water temps is what they thrive in . Once it gets to warm they hunker down in deeper pools to stay cool . I don't fish for trout during summers I switch to warm water species ....bass , smallies are my favorite of all time !!
I'm becoming more interested in learning how to fly fish. Would like to know, I've seen some fishermen/women posting that they use barbless hooks on their flies, is this practice more common? Thinking about fish picking up infection or more prone to infection after being caught. Thanks! Great survey, thanks for sharing! (liked and sub'd)
Gary, you don't necessarily have to be barbless....often depends upon species and type of fly used. Some states and provinces have laws that say you must use barbless hooks. There is much debate about whether barbless is better or worse for fish. Certainly for treble hooks in spin fishing, barbless is better. Don't think it makes a difference in terms of infection but issue is that there is no science out there to support either side of the debate. Good question, thanks for feedback
@@newflyfisher thanks for answer. A cousin on the West Coast of Canada say's they're illegal. He was into fly fishing big time and was talking salt water fly as well, but don't know which he was referring to, salt or fresh water. Gov't would confiscate everything if caught fly fishing with barbed hooks. I had read somewhere there was discussion on fish health after catch-and-release fly fishing, why I asked.. thanks for response. I'll check 'local' fish and game before I venture out.. thanks!
It's very common to use barbless hooks as a fly fisherman . I tie my own flies and while doing So I crush down the barb and file smooth . It's regulation every where I fish in the mountains for trout 🐟....I still do this for fresh water bass and inshore salt water fishing as well . It gives the fish a chance to split the hook out and once landed it's so much easier to release my fish . Less stress on the fish as well ....ok hope this helps ....have fun cheers !
It can be, conditions dedicate the best approach. We are shooting a new how-to video with Tom Rosenbauer that will actually answer that question in detail. Good question.
I’m glad to hear her talk about 2 weights. I LOVE light weights for trout. A lot of guys seem to have a 4-6 wt mentality and consider the 2-3 wt to be “special case” rods. Special case....yeah, the special case is that I’m out fishing for trout, bitch.
Pretty much any emerger style fly will work. Many people like to use the older British style emergers as they have great action in the current. Good luck!
She says, "A secure male will admit that women make better fly fishers than men". Her husband should have turned and said "Woman, I just caught more fish than YOU. Now shut that wrinkly noise maker, go back to the truck, and make me a sammich!".....she walks back to the road with her head hung low in a storm of silent reality. Lol
This is an older show, this April we will be launching the 2nd Season of The Orvis Guide to Fly Fishing and one episode is totally dedicated to small stream fly fishing. Keep an eye on our home page for the launch of the series. Thanks for feedback
I'm sorry but this is not a small stream... a stream is smaller than a creek and a creek is smaller than the river... this looks like a small River .... coming to Easton fish in the Appalachians and you'll figure it all out
That stream was crying out for upstream wet and dry fishing, some North Country spiders would have been ideal. Not exactly small stream either. Disappointing video.
Bill Spicer makes every episode worth watching. Love that guy and his enthusiasm for fly fishing 🤙🤙🤙
Great video. I have fly fished for 50 years but I have learned so much from your video.
My budget is standard but you have helped me so much.
Your stream is wonderful.
I don’t have all the clothing equipment you have but love your presentation.
Kind regards, as always, Ken, Rutland, England.
Mary Lou is a sweetheart.
People love dry fly fishing.
But I love fishing with wet flies even more. I love the anticipation on the swing and the takes are usually savage.
Small streamers even more so.
my very first trout that i caught fly fishing judt fitted in the palm of my hand ... ive been hooked ever since
After watching the short segment of Mary-Lou and her ZXL rod, I went out and purchased one like it. Excellent for small streams and calm days. What I don’t understand is why they are casting downstream. Doesn’t fishing downstream alert the fish that are always facing you??? Maybe I have it all wrong.👍🇨🇦👨🦳
On the contrary, the first thing the fish sees is your fly. If it is hungry, you catch it. As explained later part of the video, they are 30-40ft away from the fish and not moving much. Especially in that brownish water, the fish have no idea you are there. Upstream is also fun to fish but requires, much more effort and talent. If you are not using indicators, you need to make sure the line is tight, and the fly is not on a racetrack. Also, you need to make sure the fish is not scared by first seeing the line or the leader. Upstream naked nymphing or wet flies are for the experienced anglers.
One critique about the video is that they cast 45 degrees with a slack and pick up the fish on the dangle. They seem not to understand why they are always getting fish at the dangle. Actually, they do but they have no idea. The fish spits the fly quickly and they have no way of knowing. I would cast wider (70 degrees, or 20 degrees from the perpendicular to the stream) and keep the line tight at around 45-50 degrees. That way you can pick up the fish that bite before the dangle.
I friggin love this show!
Always nice going back to your home stream...
I don’t regret getting a 5 weight because I fish for a lot of bass but I still would like to have a 2-4 when I’m fishing my small streams but I use the 5 weight anyway
Buy one of each size you want. You deserve it.
Really enjoyed this! Fished Whiteman's Creek when I lived in Ontario, but never caught anything. Now I get to enjoy Tasmania's great small rivers and streams.
Lucky man, have fun there!
Super video. Thanks for sharing . I can’t wait till warmer weather hits. The tug on the line is unmatched in lowering blood pressure readings.
What a beautiful place to fish just stunning and I got same great info as well thank you
Great episode. Bill and Colin are my favourite hosts. I love Whitemans creek. However, I've only fished it once. Hopefully I can go out this spring.
yes I love fishing with my Sage whisper creek 2 wt it is my favorite fly rod and I love the Islander IR reels they are Quality . Thanks for a great vid Kudos
Let me ask, for such small fish, you should use a 2wt rod and does the length depend on any factors?
Another nice show guys. Thanks
I really enjoy your show, thanks.
No, hold the rod in front of you so can see the top of the rod then you can avoid treebranches and stuff. I have tested both styles. If you drag the rod after you, you can't see what happens. And sooner or later, you will catch something with the line even if it's stringed up to the rod. What do you think folks ? Which is best ?
If your rod isn’t stringed, and your tip is behind you, you can lose the tip without even knowing. If it is stringed, the line can get snagged easily.
I vote for keeping the tip in front.
@@newflyfisher
Imo it depends on the conditions. If you climb up a slope or walk on slippery stuff point to backwards because most likely you fall foward and then break the rod when you use the hands to catch yourself.
But if you walk through branches point it forward to see where you move the rod.
Tip in front and try to navigate as best as possible... out of sight, out of mind and I'm inadvertently getting caught on every branch out there
First time I've watched one of your films. Really loved it so I've like and subscribed .
Thanks and welcome to our channel, lots of new content coming every week!
I have had success fishing streamers the size of stoneflies on small streams they can bring those bigger fish out of hiding sometimes and you can swing and dangle them into tight spots
The actual video doesn’t’ start until 2:48. You are welcome.
Y’all slaying the dink’s 😂
Unfortunately Whiteman's has seen it's resident browns and brook trout numbers decimated due the introduction of steelhead to the Grand getting spawning access to Whiteman's. The adults rip up the bed spawning and the stream is primarily a steelhead breeder now. Mostly 10" rainbows are what you will get as shown in this video.
Nice river, bit like the Upper Exe in Exmoor, UK which I fish for wild Brown Trout and grayling. Some observations: I thought it a little strange to be casting a full line across and downstream, rather than trotting a fly down naturally with the water flow? The fly didn't seem to have time to sink before it would swing round unnaturally with a wake and be pulled to the surface, and no aquatic insect could move or swim naturally sideways across and against the current in the way their artificial fly must be doing. So perhaps that is why you were catching the smaller 'not yet educated' fish? The younger fish were taking out of inquisitiveness or aggression rather than for food maybe? But Rainbows will jump on almost anything anyway if not for food, out of aggression. Secondly, if you've got one rainbow you've probably got others around it to as they are essentially shoaling fish by nature.
A further point is that Stuart said to stand as still as you can; well yes I would say so if you are fishing upstream dry fly. But if you are fishing downstream in the way they are doing, it might also be advantageous to move your feet gently and very occasionally in the bottom gravel or mud, so dislodging aquatic insects which are then taken down by the current flow in the hope of some 'natural groundbaiting' in the area you are fishing in. In the video you have three people fishing relatively close to each other all moving together so a fair bit of disturbance taking place! which seems to have excited a pod of young 'inexperienced' Rainbows!
Going through brush to the stream, point your rod behind you.
holyworrier this makes sense but I’ve broken more rods this way because you can’t see where your tip is I would just break it down to be safe when not fishing even if it’s just the top peice of your fly rod
Yall be casting downstream. Try going upstream, that way is the golden rule.
@@mickexplorer casting upstream is the way to go for sure..
@@mickexplorer they're swinging wet flies, not sure how you swing on an upstream cast lol
@@CtrolokDoncov exactly.
I love such streams, but I prefer little streamers on it. wet flies are underestimated, probably they will work too
great video, thanks!
not a bad little fish
Hi Bill what was the set up you was using rod and reel was it a Islander IR 1 or 2 and leader length and lb any info would be great Thanks Mark
At that time we used IR 2 or IR 4 reels. Hope this helps
I love whitemans. But came looking for actual small streams lol.
I read this comment before the video started playing and not knowing the stream was called whitemans so, being a male of caucasian descent myself, I was confused yet still slightly flattered. Lol
I agree. I almost exclusively fish small streams, and this ain't one.
Ok so in my streams the only time I see small trout is when I get a big one that follows my spinner or streamer depending what kind of fishing I’m doing and they all follow around the big fish and go where he does and do what he does the little brook trout love to stay around the big brown trout it’s like they use him as a distraction to predators
Does anyone know the name of the song that starts at 1:45 in the video? My family made a video of my great grandpa's life and funeral to remember him and that is the song that plays during it, because of that the song is very special to me and my family but I cannot remember what it's called. It would be great if someone knew or could find out the name of it.
Artist is Alex Houghton and the song is called August Light
Recommend any size pole/ reels?
are there certain times where trout could be fished for? I have had a hard time targeting trout during the summer.
Trout like colder water and I have read below 65 deg. water temps is what they thrive in . Once it gets to warm they hunker down in deeper pools to stay cool . I don't fish for trout during summers I switch to warm water species ....bass , smallies are my favorite of all time !!
Why are you fly fishing downstream? Is it to follow the fly across the pool?
Swinging wet flies downstream to imitate emergers is a tried and true stream tactic
@@barrymills128 totally agree!
Great Video very informative and enjoyable :)
thank you
I'm becoming more interested in learning how to fly fish. Would like to know, I've seen some fishermen/women posting that they use barbless hooks on their flies, is this practice more common? Thinking about fish picking up infection or more prone to infection after being caught. Thanks! Great survey, thanks for sharing! (liked and sub'd)
Gary, you don't necessarily have to be barbless....often depends upon species and type of fly used. Some states and provinces have laws that say you must use barbless hooks. There is much debate about whether barbless is better or worse for fish. Certainly for treble hooks in spin fishing, barbless is better. Don't think it makes a difference in terms of infection but issue is that there is no science out there to support either side of the debate. Good question, thanks for feedback
@@newflyfisher thanks for answer. A cousin on the West Coast of Canada say's they're illegal. He was into fly fishing big time and was talking salt water fly as well, but don't know which he was referring to, salt or fresh water. Gov't would confiscate everything if caught fly fishing with barbed hooks. I had read somewhere there was discussion on fish health after catch-and-release fly fishing, why I asked.. thanks for response. I'll check 'local' fish and game before I venture out.. thanks!
Barbless is good if you catch your ear
It's very common to use barbless hooks as a fly fisherman . I tie my own flies and while doing So I crush down the barb and file smooth . It's regulation every where I fish in the mountains for trout 🐟....I still do this for fresh water bass and inshore salt water fishing as well . It gives the fish a chance to split the hook out and once landed it's so much easier to release my fish . Less stress on the fish as well ....ok hope this helps ....have fun cheers !
what state are you fishing in?
ontario canada
Stewart zones out while fishing and has to be coersed to speak. lol
What section of Whitman's Creek is this?
Near entrance to Grand River
Special regulations section. Open the reg book for exact answer.
small stream, first picture, big ass river.
wouldnt working ur way up stream not be better?
It can be, conditions dedicate the best approach. We are shooting a new how-to video with Tom Rosenbauer that will actually answer that question in detail. Good question.
@@newflyfisher dooope! cant wait
Come to New Zealand and catch some real trout. Creek's of that size will have fish averaging around 3-4 lbs
Kezza Perhaps but when I traveled there and tried to trout fish in NZ the prices were VERY expensive.
Same where I live in the rocky mountains. It's a freestone creek about half the size of that Ontario stream but with Browns & Bows up to 5 lbs.
I’m glad to hear her talk about 2 weights. I LOVE light weights for trout. A lot of guys seem to have a 4-6 wt mentality and consider the 2-3 wt to be “special case” rods. Special case....yeah, the special case is that I’m out fishing for trout, bitch.
Any preferred wet fly patterns?
Pretty much any emerger style fly will work. Many people like to use the older British style emergers as they have great action in the current. Good luck!
Now why do some people walk upstream and fish while you all are walking downstream and fishing
It is based on conditions as to what is the best approach to presenting the fly to the trout without spooking them
She says, "A secure male will admit that women make better fly fishers than men". Her husband should have turned and said "Woman, I just caught more fish than YOU. Now shut that wrinkly noise maker, go back to the truck, and make me a sammich!".....she walks back to the road with her head hung low in a storm of silent reality. Lol
Sorry to say, this is not even close to a "small stream". Otherwise, I enjoy your program.
Yeah this is considered a small medium river in my book
@Possumlove I agree, I call a small stream one that i can hop over.
I agree! Get down on your knees and crawl! That's how I learned to trout fish as a kid.
Fishing down stream?!!!!!!!! Shocking
Yes that can be an option, it is all about conditions you face. Upstream is preferred but not always the best option
Small stream? Gimmie a break, ever tried fishing in California? I work 3 foot wide creeks
Andrew Wilson I fish on 1 foot wide creek get flexed on ps that was in SC
Haha thats what i was thinking. I fish the creek this episode was shot on. One of the more spacious trout streams in my area!!!!
Yet another reason to move out of that sh*t hole of a state. Sorry for the brutality of reality. Tight lines my friend.
@@GLOCKCOPG23 go!
the sierra's trout fishing is #1.
the elusive golden trout lives there.
That is not a small stream, that is a river, come and fish in Aus, we have small streams
You head DOWNstream???
some times you do, especially when there is only one way to go due to private property or access issues. good observation though
Hey, Bill, please wet your hands before handling the fish.
the hand becomes wet when you dip it in the water to grab the fish...
He knows, thanks
Why do they ask every guide the same questions? Same answers .
Fishing down stream ? Really?
it is getting progressively difficult to find a good tutorial on the subject.....
This is an older show, this April we will be launching the 2nd Season of The Orvis Guide to Fly Fishing and one episode is totally dedicated to small stream fly fishing. Keep an eye on our home page for the launch of the series. Thanks for feedback
有没有中文翻译啊，英语还在学习中，真的没听明白说的是什么
What kind of heathen fishes down stream !
One who has to due to private property issues and little choice....yet still catches fish
So women are smarter then men? If you want equality, maybe start by talking about people the way you want to be talked about.
was thinking the same....thank you
The music really sucks , it’s makes you guys look like antiques.
I'm sorry but this is not a small stream... a stream is smaller than a creek and a creek is smaller than the river... this looks like a small River .... coming to Easton fish in the Appalachians and you'll figure it all out
Omg i know right!!!!
I'd like some insight on casting in the bush on Youngs Creek LOL.
“Small” is a relative term
That stream was crying out for upstream wet and dry fishing, some North Country spiders would have been ideal. Not exactly small stream either. Disappointing video.
You need to fish the river upwards (common mistake made by beginners)
Fishing emerging pattern across an down that's the way, it mimics a flie emerging up out of water,
Bill so hot
you are going to provide a fly fishing video at least know how to cast. not spin reel casting.