Nymphing the Salmon: The Worm is King

I do love streamer fishing, and the Salmon River is a fantastic place to chuck meat. But right now is not a good time. It has only been stocked lightly and the holdover fish are not active or hungry enough to chase a big meal. Nymphing is definitely the way to go before the majority of the fish stocking. And one of the best flies to use for early season fish is a pink or tan worm. foam or latex and some flashy ribbing or under body are great.

Today David Gallipoli and I had a great day exploring and looking for holdovers and whatever was stocked last week. I caught two rainbows, one of which was a stunning holdover, and we enjoyed a beautiful though chilly day on the river. It was also fun to prospect the pocket water and runs with worm patterns and the 10 ft. rod. The feeling of a strong tug, or the sight of the line jumping a foot upstream is always satisfying.

This should be the last of the cold weather. This week is going to be VERY warm. Aside from trying to tick the first bass of the year and looking for a March dry fly fish David and I are considering a weekday run to the Farmington.