Richard DeLisle displays a
fly-caught Landlocked Salmon
Smelt are the principal
forage for Landlocked Salmon and Brook Trout in the lakes and ponds of
Maine in the spring. The two weeks following ice-out can bring
fast action for anglers who troll or cast near stream inlets on ponds.
This is a favorite pattern. |
May 6, 2005
In 2004, Richard DeLisle and I trolled many new lakes,
exploring and learning, but we did not score many hookups. "Last season,
we did terrible." he exclaimed as we left the dock at Lake St. George
this morning. "It just looks like a fishy day, Dad," I said as I
stripped sinking line from my reel, staring at the passing shoreline.
And I was right. The water temps in area Central Maine lakes were
pushing into the low fifties. I had scouted three lakes the day before
and all reports on the shores gave me cause for good hopes. Smelts
are plentiful, anglers are enthusiastic, I heard stories of good catches
and personally saw several anglers land fish. I even caught a little
Brook Trout just before I headed home. "But that was yesterday." Dad
argued pessimistically. About 10;30, Dad's arm shot up like a kid in
school anxious to get the teacher's attention. I soon netted a bright
Landlocked Salmon for him and although the picture does not show it, he
soon displayed a huge grin. Dad announced, "I guess we got the stink off
the boat!"
The Ripogenous Smelt is a favorite spring trolling pattern among veteran
Maine anglers. This fly was originated by the late, great Eddie Reif of
Bangor with whom I had the pleasure of fishing the Kennebec River when I
was just starting out as a guide. Eddie was a consummate angler and
well-known fly tier. Here is the recipe for the fly;
Ripogenous Smelt
Thread: black
Tag:
Flat Silver Tinsel
Body: Burnt Orange Floss
Tag: Flat Silver Tinsel
Throat: 4 strands of
peacock herl next to hook, then sparse white buck tail, both extending
slightly beyond bend of hook, then a bunch of white hackle barbules,
then a small golden pheasant crest, curving upwards.
Wing:
2 light blue saddle hackles flanked by 2 grizzly saddle hackles
Shoulders: Dark barred teal flank
(I use any barred flank feather)
Cheeks:
Jungle Cock (Mr. Rief's original dressing omitted the cheeks.)
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