ON TOP OF THINGS.  Today’s weather is ideal ahead of Wednesday’s quick-hitter of a front with fast winds and spits of snow.  While you’re thinking what to do with tomorrow’s “inside day” (and enjoying today outdoors) we’ve got some ways to keep your flies on the surface.

 

Featured Photo:  Closed cell foam patterns are guaranteed to stay on the surface.  We talk about ways to imitate, overcome and cheat the natural world to keep dry flies dry! Simonson Photo

 

WEATHER (Bismarck Forecast):
Today: Tue 12/4 – Clearing – Hi 28, Lo 17, Wind W@9..
Tomorrow:  Wed 12/5 – Windy – Hi 25, Lo 16, Wind NW@17, G25

 

SOLUNAR (Bismarck Times):

Sunrise        Sunset
8:11AM       4:56PM

Moonrise      Moonset       Overhead    Underfoot
5:03AM       3:51PM        10:31AM     10:56PM

 

Moon Phase: Waning Crescent (7% Full)

 

EDGE HOUR:   3:30-4:30PM.  Moonset leading into sunset will give you another solid Edge Hour today.

DAY RATING:

 

THREE THINGS

IMITATE.  Utilizing hackle helps flies imitate nature.  Have you ever seen an ant floating on the surface?  Why doesn’t it sink?  Because its weight is spread out over six tiny legs and they don’t break the tension of the surface.  Hackle does the same thing – so flies like the Adams and Griffith’s Gnat stay above the surface.

 

OVERCOME.  Hairs like elk hair and deer hair are hollow to help the animals retain heat in the winter and in the cold climates they often reside in.  The hollow hairs also contain air to help keep flies afloat – so patterns like the Elk Hair Caddis and Madame X smack and stay on top of the surface.

CHEAT!  Use a synthetic like closed cell foam beat nature and float a fly.  Foam hopper and beetle patterns use their buoyancy to overcome nature by being less dense and stay above the surface and are tough to take under – unless a fish does the work!

 

Stay Sharp!