Finally the season was kicked off!

Today, I spent quite a few hours in the rain, wind, and cold... but what a blast it was! I hooked many, but landed 2 over-50cm rainbow and a small brownie. I was also extremely happy about the brown trout, as that either survived the winter or born there. Water is high and the current is pretty strong, so landing fish was a bit of challenge. Although, the over-size #6 Sage and 0.25mm leader made it OK.
I was also happy to see that the river-watcher came, checked licences, explained the no-wading rule and gave river maps. I hope to see less poachers this year.

Salmon flies tying evening

This week, I again went to Espoon Perhokalastajat r.y.'s eveing where Toni (if I recall correctly) taught us tying two salmon flies, one traditional and one tube fly (photos will follow). However, it is not the flies I learned the most from, but he shown some smart techniques (like the thumb-indexfinger hackle preparation). I was again happy to see so many fly tying fans (this time mostly different people from the previous session). Great job, EPK!

Sleeping in the Dirt - Issue 2 is out and getting attention

The latest issue of SID is out and getting lots of hits. Should you like high quality fly-fishing photos and videos from all over the world, take a look at it:
Sleeping in the Dirt - Issue 2

All the contributors and Aaron did a great job of presenting us some AWE-inspiring fly-fishing locations.

First time in this season - blank

I hit the river first time in this season and I was early. It was a beautiful day, Good Friday, with some sunny spells (mostly overcast). There were hatches of of black stone flies (was easy to see them on the white snow&ice). However, no sign of fish. Also, the water is high and fast. It is probably more brown than usual.
I fished most parts of the river with streamers and nymphs, but I got not even a tug. Despite the hatches, I have not seen a rise. There were two more fishermen out there, but they got no fish (what I saw).
In spite of got skunked, I enjoyed this trip. It was a good exercise because of knee deep snow and slippery ice & slush. That little sunshine surely made the day. I also got some great photos of both stoneflies and waterfalls. (See some below)
It looks that this time was just a bit too early for fishing the river. Nevertheless, when the flooding and runoff is over, there will be plenty of fish and fishermen. :)
Happy Easter, everyone. Have a look at these awesome Easter egg photos.

Waiting for the opening of the river

As the river here is still pretty icy, I have been trying some flies that worked very well last season and also experimented with some new ones. Indeed, I am running out of hooks. No worry, the new order is already on its way from the UK. I also ordered some flies to have a closer look at them and probably tie some more.
My new macro lens is amazing. Thus, this weekend I am also shooting macro test shots, some probably of the new flies. I will try to post them here, soon.

Fly-tying course - Espoon Perhokalastajat r.y.

On one of my last season's roadtrip, I met a fellow fisherman from Espoo. He was eager to tell about their fly-fishing club, Espoon Perhokalastajat r.y.. Indeed, I have already forgotten about his invitation to the club, when last week I run into the club's site and found out that there is an ongoing winter fly-tying course.
Naturally, today I went to meet these guys and learn some new tricks. They were really friendly and let me join the course. We tied two basic streamers. I have been tying for 4 years, thus they felt a bit too easy. So, I was there mostly for the company of fellow fly-fishermen. We were plenty, over 25 as I counted. It was great to see so many children and adults interested in learning fly-tying. At the end everyone left with two well tied flies, which certainly could catch fish!
My respect for the organizers. They provided a cosy basement, fly-tying materials, some snacks and lots of patience. All this for free. Well done, Espoon Perhokalastajat r.y.! KIITOS!
I know I will be back for the next session, which is about Salmon flies.