Fall Fly Fishing's Top 5 Flies (in Maine). And A Fabulous Underground Contest

Category:
Underground Entertainment
Added Date:
Monday, 24 Sep, 2007
Summary
Fly fishing in Maine is pretty damned different from fly fishing here in the mountains of Northern California, but a "Top 5 Flies for Fall" article from Maine fascinates me anyway.
 
Content
Fly fishing in Maine is pretty damned different from fly fishing here in the mountains of Northern California, but a "Top 5 Flies for Fall" article from Maine fascinates me anyway.

Sure, in this list from the Kennebec Journal, two of the top five flies are streamers (not very common out here, but maybe they should be). Still it's fun reading. My favorite of the five flies? The Montreal Whore:

MONTREAL WHORE: Like the Wood Special, this is another bright attractor streamer fly that garners plenty of attention for its, um, color.... Holt continues and offers up the Montreal Whore. "When the local pastor comes in, he always asks for the Montreal 'Concubine,' " Holt says, smiling. "But, like the name says, it's flashy and full of action.

The Contest: Win Fabulous Prizes
My Top 5 Flies for Fall on the Upper Sacramento would be a less thrilling read: October Caddis dry and nymph, BWO parachute, BWO emerger, and... well, something else. Effective for sure, but they lack the ring of "Montreal Whore" or the "Peacock Bugmeister."


That's why I've decided to give the Dying October Caddis pattern I tie -- the one I mentioned in a previous article (elk hair underbody) -- a catchy, attention-grabbing name. That's where you come in.

octobercaddispattern
A survivor from last year. Elk underbody, hackle collar, splayed wing.

You come up with a catchy, can't-be-forgotten name, place it in the comments section, and the winning writer (judged by the L&T Nancy and myself) receives my review copy of Mark D. Williams' "So Many Fish, So Little Time" -- a book whose writing I liked a lot, though I felt it tried to cover too much ground.


Win this Fabulous Prize.

I know exactly what you're thinking: "Won't I have to report a prize this valuable on my tax return?" Our answer? It's not our problem (Expert Legal Opinion: it's a long book, and should last through most of your prison sentence).


Contest rules? Immediate disqualification for Shasta Whore, or almost any variation thereof (this won't stop a few of the regulars, but it had to be said).

Fire away, you literate bastards. See you at the judge's table, Tom Chandler.

UPDATE:
When I tie more of whatever this ends up being called, I'm using some of this stuff.

ANOTHER UPDATE:
Singlebarbed tied a variant of the thing using his sparkly, Holloywood-style dubbing:

The Singlebarbed Caddis


 
Reading Time:
5minutes
Featured:
No
Author
Destinations
Moosehead Lake is the largest mountain lake in the eastern U.S. and also the largest lake in the state of Maine. Bordered by the towns of Greenville and Rockwood, Moosehead Lake presents ... morea charming location for hunters and anglers alike. The lake features over 80 islands. Hunting and fishing lodges along the shore provide ample opportunities for scenic hunting and fishing trips, and the Kennebec river is home to some excellent drift fishing.
Fishing Waters
Like other rivers in the Rangeley region, the Kennabago begins at Big Island Pond near the Maine/Quebec border and ends in a lake – in this case Mooselookmeguntic Lake – about a 25-mile ... morelong run. And, like other rivers in the area, it is chock full of wild brooks and landlocked Atlantic salmon. What’s different is that it is also home to wild brown trout. Ask anyone who has fished near Rangeley and they’ll tell you that the Kennabago is the third best brook trout river in the state and might rank higher if it were more accessible.

The upper Kennabago starts at Big Island Pond and flows for about 12 miles before flowing through the west end of Kennabago Lake. Described as scenic and remote, this section is mostly gated, although you may gain access through a guide or by paying a fee. It is possible to wade at the junction of Little Kennabago Lake and the river, as a substantial sandbar extends several yards into the lake. During the spring and fall seasons, the brook trout are ample and active every hour of the day.

While fish remain in the river all year long, each spring and fall large brook and landlocked salmon migrate out of the lake and into the lower river in great quantity. Here access is very good between Steep Pool Bank and Mooselookmeguntic Lake. Open from April through September, the entire river and its tributaries are available for fly fishing only. Limitations on fish are fairly strict – 2 trout with a minimum length of 10 inches and only 1 can be in excess of 12 inches. The limit on salmon is one. After August 15th the river becomes catch and release only, with its tributaries closed to fishing to safeguard spawning.

Anglers looking for another type of experience will find Kennabago Lake interesting. It is thought to be the first fly-fishing-only lake in Maine (since the 1920s) and is commonly assumed to be the largest east of the Mississippi. Getting there can be a challenge since there are no paved roads and access can be difficult. Deemed a Wilderness Gem Lake, it is one of a mere five in the state with that designation. Brooks range from 10-14 inches accompanied by a healthy population of salmon. Though not as common, wild brown trout, five pounds and greater, are found here as well.
Game Fish Opportunities:
Trips
$
50
-
$
200
/ Angler
Capacity:
1 - 2 anglers
Days:
Daily
Duration:
1 day
We offer guided ice fishing trips here in the cove at Willsons on Moosehead Lake. We'll drill holes and provide all the equipment you need for a day of ice fishing. And we'll also ... moreprovide a free lunch. Pricing starts at $200/per day for 2 people, and $50/day for each additional person.
$
60
-
$
65
/ Angler
Capacity:
2 - 4 anglers
Days:
Daily
Duration:
3 hours
Hire a fishing guide for a day on Moosehead Lake. We provide expert guide service at the following hourly rates (3 hour minimum): ... more

Three people - $60 per hour

Four people - $65 per hour

Family Special (2 Adults and Children) - $60 per hour
$
250
-
$
450
/ Boat
Days:
Daily
Duration:
8 hours - 1 day
Drop down the river in a guided drift boat allowing you to achieve perfect drifts in hard-to-reach pools while experiencing the thrills of white water fishing at its finest. The combination ... moreof the freeboard dynamics of a drift boat, and the rowing experience of your expert guide makes for a safe and pleasurable trip down the river. Here at Wilsons On Moosehead Lake we offer a variety of trips with something for everyone to love! Our most popular trips are half-day ones that run the upper Kennebec River early in the morning or later in the evening to capture the best fishing hours of the day. We also offer full day trips to Indian Pond! All trips include the necessary equipment (flies, rods, leaders, etc.) with full day trips including lunch! Don't forget your license!
Outfitters
 (1)
If you enjoy nature and the outdoors, you’ve come to the right place! Open year round, Wilsons On Moosehead is THE destination since 1865 to spend your vacation, with innumerable activities ... moreto interest every member of the family, young or old. Wilsons is the perfect place to do everything...or nothing at all!


Come discover the spacious lakefront cottages of Wilsons on Moosehead Lake, Maine. Located down a private country road half a mile off Route 15, in the North Woods of Maine. We are conveniently located between Greenville and Rockwood, Maine where you can find numerous outdoor activities! Our cottages range from 1-5 bedrooms with full bathrooms and fully equipped kitchens, accommodating any number of parties. All cottages have thermostatic heat, electricity, and hot and cold running water.
We also offer FREE wireless internet to our guests. New this year, we have a hot tub on site so don't forget your bathing suit, no matter what time of the year it is!
Type:
Fishing, Hunting
66 comments
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copper-robber
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I just announced the winner in a new post. And it wasn't me...
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So, how will this fly be known forever more? Tom?
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How about: The Halloween Snot ball or Chandlers Belly button Lint ball?
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Still at it? Ran out of good names but figgered I might say that the fluttering hairwing version looks like its getting ready to fly away and these are strong flyers and trout know it and seldom attempt to eat them if they look too healthy. Hairwings take the odd fish if you insist on fishing dry, but if you hammer it out with a wetfly version you may see a better grade of fish. Try a clump wing of ... more mottled turkey tail feather fibers; one turn of pheasant church window in front of the wing, then a turn of natural dark gray wool dubbing in front of the legs. Fish it dead-drift, wet. Individuals of these pupate and swim from the bottom as adults, so a Leisenring Lift at the end of the drift brings strikes. Good lookin hairwing though.
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How about: Tom's Special Hack-job (TuSH for short)
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This still going? Jeez. The Fluttering Cheeto.
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ahem, I mean Tom's "Old Timey" Hackleberry Caddis.
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hackleberry caddis
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It looks like this is still open so here's a few more. Tom's Big Fat Caddis (TBFC) Tom's October Fat Butt Tom's Rocktober Caddis (TRC) Save the postage Tom, I'll just drive up pick up the book. :gt;))
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Adding to Harry's entry Last Chance Caddis
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Chandler's Caddis Candy
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These are pretty lame but, Chandlers Folly No Chance Caddis or Fat CHance Caddis What the hell, I'll try anything caddis.
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One las shot at da book. If nothing else the exercise will serve to connect me with the brain prose center, and propell me toward the more important writing waiting on my dark desk. Though I prefer the more discriptive Saxon names, looks like those are pretty well covered, except for just this one: Orange Caddiddle (the second half being Gaelic in origin). Other than that the only names that come ... more to mind are latin. I'll submit just three, all with the same Saxon first name so that they might be a little more earthy: Drunken Discoursmocus leading to - Drunken Decumscumus the end result - Drunken Discustmocus
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Since politics is on us for the next two years, and since you are so political fighting for conservation: How about the "October Surprise"? I know, not vulgar or catchy enough, but if you stare at it long enough . . . . Shane
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First, I would like to thank the Academy for selecting me, as winner of this prestigious Name a Fly award. Next I would like to thank each of you who helped make it happen... Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you ..... (Music plays) Wait, what do you mean I lost? What do you mean you liked the faux(ny) latin names better?... I was robbed, I was robbed.... just because I wouldn't pay shipping... ... more OH THE HUMANITY !!! Steve
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Fat Albert Upper Sac Pimp Daddy Jeeze, You'd think a guy who just turned 61 could be more dignified. Maybe it's all the road food I had on my last fishing trip.
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I'm stealing a bit from Heddon 17, but "Slaw Caddis" sounds good.
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Covering all the bases: Egg Laying Decumscumus or, the more discreet: Adult Decumscumus
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WHOOPS -- spelled it wrong-ok-Decumscumus
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OK. Forgive me. Here it comes -- Decumsmumus
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Ohh, Latin. Nice touch.
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Caddis Cadaver Or Chandler's Caddis Cadaver The Ailing Caddis (TAC) Or invoking the Latin Caddis terminatio Caddis cadaverosus
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this damn computoer cuts me off just like my wife does. How about "Chandler's Chippy". He says it's one of his favorites(favorite what) and he does spend a lot of time away from the house and desk where he is to be entertaining us.So it figures he's Chipping on the side with something...where is that bottle of Patron?
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Hold it, hold it ...stop the press I got...damn thing kept up all night, ok I confess the jalapeno burger with extra habenaro chilies at 10:30 helped in the lack of sleep department...but blaming you is much cooler.
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I don't know if I'm allowed to submit twice but I don't care either: The U.F.O. - Underground's Flying Orange
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Here's the winner: " Sloptober Caddis "
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pumpkin splash flying gourd the harvester fall birdbug Orange troutoverground
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Suddenly, I'm afraid of my own readership. Several of you are clearly cut out for serial killer-hood. Still, you all may be crazy, but you're the Underground's crazies, which means you're like family (only you don't get to stay here when you visit). I didn't put a deadline on the contest, but I'll probably pick a winner this weekend. Keep 'em coming...
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Tangerine Dream Catcher (TDC)
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Hey, Tom, With apologies to Reggie, how about MISTAH OCTOBER
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Just so you can be proprietary: Tom's Dingle Berry Steve
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How about "The Scarecrow"?
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Cantera's Tanker (it kills fish all down river) David
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Chandler's Chimera...heck, slaw dog was already taken
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Now I'm starting to think that "Bill the Cat" has been taken. If there isn't already a fly called the BTC then its a good name for this fly. If there is then I'm just a hack. WT
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Candy Corn Caddis
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Tom, I almost forgot. The Cointreau California Can you hear the soundtrack? Better, Bill
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OK Tom, here goes: Chandler's Orange Caddylicious Marmalade Mountain Mama Dunsmuir Delight The Scarlett O'Hara Way Bug (SOW BUG) and Tom's (or Tommy's) Little Orange Tickler Best, Bill
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Hard to get around the succinct:October Caddis. Or, keeping with current trends: Tom's October Caddis. I checked, and nobody,s patented the name yet. So: Patent the obvious name - and if anybody else wants to name a fly for this insect: they have to pay you, or resort to one of the more outlandish names.
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Your problem is you dont do enough steelhead fishing. With the Trinity, Klamath, and rogue close by you have no excuse. Steelhead flies names ROCK.
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Last Chance Caddis.
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How about Chandler's October Mothra?
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Well, after two trips to the ER this weekend this resembles what shot out of the end of my third member finally after three agonizing pain filled days. So in honor of that, how about the GKS? That stands for the golden kidney stone.
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I've just read the list, and mine's a loser, and also probably going to get me in trouble with somebody, but I feel like I'm among friends: Readhead Stepchild Dave
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I thought you were taking the day off? How about Chandler's Bunion Bug? I have the book already though. Lee
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Hi Kid, How about Hot Pepper Fly? Or do you live too far north to know about this? Mom
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How about Mr. Orange or Orange Crush.
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wtf, you guys are some twisted-ass old men! In any case here's my shot: "Bug of Paradise"
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Smacks of a Ratty Looking Bushy Bugger to me. Chris p.s. I already have the book, so you can have that one for free.
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Slaw Dog Special
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Spookaboo Shasta Slattern Burnt Umber Trollop - B.U.T. Ochre Choker So Many Fish So Little Time = SMFSLT = SmufSlut
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Orange Tang
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After I get all of the head cement out of the eye, it does resemble a well lipped Marlboro.. I'm thinking active, so "Turgid Nicotino" or "Tawny Turdlet"..that beast is as aerodynamic as a cupcake on kite string...
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"Yeah man, the big orange caddis were out in force but if you didn't have a #10 BTC you were out of the game." Huh?! Huhhhhh?!
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"Bill the Cat" or BTC for short. Accthppt! WT
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Shasta Strumpet or Chandler's Cinammon Tart
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Attention Whore
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Firehaus Sexxx October porn Orange butt floss ps: you site visits just went through the roof! ;-)
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Candy's Caddis or Orangatan or Fall's Maiden or Fall's Maple Maiden Regards from Albany,NY, Steve Altshuler
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Steve: No shipping, but there is the $17.95 handling fee...
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The "First Freeze Flailer"
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Last Entry: The Dingle Berry Still not paying shipping. Sincerely, Steve (The Literate Bastard)
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PS I'm not paying shipping.
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Death on a Shingle
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How about Orange Blossom Special
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