Spey Casting Class: Great Day

November 8th marked a great day for the art and science of spey casting. Adrian Psuty and myself played teacher to 9 awesome students. About half of the students had never done any spey casting and by the end of the day they were booming loops. The other anglers had experience and graciously allowed Adrian and I to tweak their casts to increase proficiency.

We tackled just about every topic imaginable and dove head first into every question asked.

We took at look at many different styles of flies and how to fish them on the swing

Here is Adrian demonstrating how to rig a tandem tube fly

One more look at pure discovery

Great news: We are doing it again... Join Adrian Psuty, Keith Kaneko and myelf as we will be unveiling the spey world.

Novermber 22, 2009
9am-5pm
Cost: $75
5 spots currently open
Contact Ryan Miller:
530-913-8312
email: rhmiller@gmail.com

Yuba River Fishing Reports

I have been on the Yuba almost exclusively the last few weeks and am having a ball. The fishing thus far has been good to very good. There were a couple of those unreal days with over 35 fish hooked and a few with less than 10 hooked. Overall the egg bit has been very strong with the occasional nymph being swiped.

Over the last few days the fish have been picking up almost as many nymphs as eggs. Nymphs that have been getting it done include, small PT's, micro mays and the Red Headed Step Child from Hogan, today, that fly rocked it! I will say that the fishing has slowed down, but with some clouds and rain it should pick up.

Swinging flies has proven to be aweseome over that past few trips. I have a few days where 5-8 big fish were hooked in just a few runs. Most clients swinging are throwing switch rods with either Scandi and Skagit heads.

The following are a few shots from the past few weeks... enjoy!

Spey Casting Class: Updates

We are set for tomorrow's first class with 9 students ready to tackle spey casting with spey and switch rods.

There are currently 5 spots left for another class on November 22nd.

If you are ready to get into the spey world or elevate your game this is the class you can't miss.

$75 per student, all day, plus tons of gear to try out.

Contact:
Ryan Miller
530-913-8312
rhmiller@gmail.com

Spey Casting Class: More cool news

I am happy to announce that Adrian Psuty will be joining me as an additional instructor for the spey class offered on November 8th. Adrian brings with him an arsenal of rods for us to try and more importantly a wealth of knowledge in the spey world. He has the an incredible technical comprehension for spey applications and is eager to share it with you. With this addition I have opened up more spaces.

Currently there are 3 spots left for this class.
The November 22nd class has 6 spots left.

Cameron Miller Photo

Contact me for more information.
Ryan Miller
Cell: 530-913-8312
Email: Rhmiller@gmail.com

Presentation to Davis Fly Fishers

Tomorrow, October 27, I will be giving a detailed presentation on fishing with "indicators." This class will explore many of the environmental indicators that may yield secrets to catching more fish.

Here is a little peak at what I will be talking about: How to approach new situations with a methodical G.R.I.D. The GRID is looking at Geographical significance, River structure, Insect populations and Desired casts. This approach might help you break down variables.

In addition I have broken down strike indicators to a mad science and will show how to properly rig and use them. You might be thinking that there isn't much to using one of these fancy bobbers, me too. However, somehow I ended up with a 10 page manual on the how to's... crazy. All who join me will get the manual plus other goodies.

Any Granite Bay folks out there have seen this presentation and let me live, so you might like it

Here in the info link: http://ffd.x10hosting.com/pdf/FFD0910.pdf

It would be great to see you there.

Thanks,
Ryan

Detailed Spey and Switch Classes on the Yuba

Spey and Switch Rods on the Yuba
With Ryan Miller

This class will be held on the Yuba River and will be dedicated to exploring the world of spey casting and utilizing spey techniques. Learn everything from how to hold the rod to properly working a run. I will show you how to select rods, reels, lines, tips, flies, spey casts and water. We will dive into Skagit, Scandinavian and long belly line applications. If you do not own a two-handed rod, no problem, I will show you how to do everything on a single-handed rod. This is the most complete spey class out there.

The November 22 date will feature local guide, travel agent and my good friend Keith Kaneko of Angling On The Fly. He and I will spill the beans about one of our passions. *class must have 6 anglers for both instructors to be there.

Two Dates:
November 8: 5 anglers max cost is $100 per person
November 22: 10 anglers max, cost is $75 per person

Students will be taken on a first come, first serve basis and ability does not matter.

Both classes will start at 10am and end at 5pm.

Contact Ryan Miller at rhmiller@gmail.com, Phone: 530-913-8312 with questions or to sign up.
For more information on Ryan Miller visit:

The Web Page

Photo by Andy Guibord
Let's swing some flies

Fishing Report: Yuba, 2 days

Guided the Yuba Tuesday and Wednesday and had some great days. Clients Ken and Peter waged war on the selective trout on the almighty Yuba. I am not usually a number counting kinda guide, however, this time we counted. In two days we hooked 42 rainbows, landing over half of them. Most of the fish were over 16" with at least a dozen fish 18-21". We hooked fish with several bugs including stones, eggs, March Browns, pt's, princes, and caddis.

Dry fly activity was nill, nada, nothing... We did see a salmon fly though, woohoo.

There are some great pictures coming and I will post them soon.

These were two incredible days with great clients to boot.

Stay tuned as my guiding calendar is FULL through mid May. I will be posting reports as often as possible.

DownStream Fly Fishing

I have begun the exciting task of setting up DownStream Fly Fishing 2009! This is an annual event that features both adults and children with Down Syndrome. The event will take place on April 24, 2009 just outside of Marysville near the Yuba River.

It is my hope that through fly fishing, children with Down Syndrome can improve coordination, fine tune motor skills, boost social skills and attain a sense of accomplishment while having fun. Additionally, my goal is to include family members in order to promote family activities in an outdoor environment.

2009 should prove to be our greatest event yet. We have secured a private facility with multiple ponds teaming with eager trout, bass and panfish. Students will have the opportunity to tie flies, learn to cast, get into fish art and hook a fish! We are working on assembling the most talented and qualified volunteer staff possible to coach our students. I am also excited to announce that we are working with Trout Unlimited.

More details to come.... If you are interested in donating ANYTHING, please contact me for ideas.

If you would like to attend please contact me, this will be an invite only event.

Thank you for your support,
Ryan

Yuba With Ken Hanley

I had the pleasure of guiding/fishing with Ken Hanley on the Yuba not too long ago and we had great day. We had a nice start to the day with a few bugs hatching around us with fish working the surface. The goal of the day was to hang out, chat about fly fishing and see if we could fool a few 'bows. Without a doubt the day was a complete success, I had the pleasure of learning about Ken's recent travels and stories of the great fly fisherman that are still casting, tying, speaking, teaching and fishing. In between stories we were able to fool a few nice trout under 'cators and got a few solid tugs on the swing. I always enjoy days spent with Ken, I learn a ton and laugh my butt off with all the great stories.

Ken holding Yuba gold
Last fish of the day... good way to end it

A few months back Ken's new book, Tying Fureld Flies, was released and has been well received. If you have not checked out Ken's work I highly recommend you do. Most fly shops carry the book, check it out soon.

Thanks for a great day Ken, hope to fish with you on your turf soon!

Fishing Report: 10 Days Worth

Being on the river everyday is demanding and does not leave me with much energy to post everyday. The following is a summary of fishing reports from the Lower Sac, Feather and Yuba. I will be on the river most of November as well and will try to get you more up-to-date reports and information.

The following are summaries by river:

Lower Sac:
Overall fishing has been great, the egg bite has been strong throughout the river as well as the runs of steelhead. I have been floating mostly the lower river and having great days hooking 20-40 trout and a few steelhead everyday. Myself as well as several other guides have watched clients hook huge chromers in the Barge hole area. In 5 days we hooked 12 fish that were over 6 pounds, one might have pushed the 12 pound mark... of course that one got away, so we will call it 13 pounds ☺! Fishing will continue to fish very well for the next few months, look for bigger trout to move in to the feeding lanes during these colder months. I have had insane days all the way through January.

Flies: Brown Rubberlegs, eggs patterns, PT's, Hare's Ear, Poxyback Micro Stones in black (size 12), Amber wing prince, and Hogan's S&M nymph.

Technique: Nymphing under an indicator.

A few digital memories

The All-Mighty 'Bow

Nice Sac Steel


Injured Bald EagleBarge Hole SteelNice fish Sasquatch They were made for each other.

Yuba River:
The Yuba has improved since the last time I fished it. I was on it a few days over the last few weeks and was pleased to see that we are still landing some fat rainbows. I am anxious to get out there after this rain to see what came in and what moved around. Fishing should improve dramatically with a few more storms and higher water. There have been some incredible dry fly fishing opportunities thus far. If you are looking for dry fly action in the winter months don’t forget to try the Yuba.

Flies: Egg patterns, rubberlegs, golden stone patterns, midges, PT’s, Hogan’s S&M pattern and leeches in black and olive.

Techniques: Nymphing under indicators and swinging with light spey rods(switch rods).

Quick Pic

Yuba McFatty

Feather River:
Overall fishing has been tough, there are a few big fish in the river, however, the numbers of fish are currently low. I will be on the Feather tomorrow and expect to find some big, fresh steelies. The number of salmon that are in the low flow looks to be normal, currently the numbers in the high flow are low, but I feel that with the last shot of rain we got the big fall-run chinook should be on their way if they are not there already.

October Chrome:

Muy Caliente

Classic Feather River Steelhead

One of the coolest features about this time of year is just how quickly things change. In a matter of hours a salmon can cut a redd and begin spawning. This goes for all the rivers with spawning fish. The key to success this time of year is time on task, if you have a poor day on the river don't sweat it, just get back to the river as soon as possible. The Feather will fish well through November and even into the first few weeks of December.

Flies: Egg Patterns, Pt's, Kyle's Beerhead Baetis, Sloan's Mighty May, green caddis.

Technique: Nymphing under and indicator.

Well, thanks for checking back in! I will be on the water most of November, if you would like to book a trip I am currently taking names for a waiting list. If I have a cancelation, I will contact the next person on the list.

Please contact me with any questions.

Thank you and take care,
Ryan

Yuba: October 13, 2008

She gave us glimpse of glory! Overall fishing was slow, however, we did managed to hook some fat 'bows and LDR'd a few more. There were still very few eaters over the course of the river. One of the last runs of the day really produced. We landed 4 or 5 and hooked 6 or 7 out of one run. It sure is nice to have a few crazy moments in the day like that.

Flies that worked: Eggs, poxyback stones, pt's...

The Yuba is improving. Flows appear to be dropping a little.

Yuba: October 12, 2008

The Yuba showed her temperamental self to us. She threw us for a major curve ball not yielding very many hungry fish. As you may have read the fishing was great over the last few weeks, and then things came to a screeching halt. I guided Rob Elam as we pounded the water with indicators and spey rods. We worked every nook and cranny and threw the kitchen sink at them, with limited results. We managed to hook a few on egg patterns, but not much else. I will say that we did not mind the slow fishing, we had a blast working different spey rods with different lines, playing with flies and generally working hard to crack the code. We were accompanied by other boat who also drew up a blank... crazy river. The salmon continue to stack up and cut more redds, it is only a matter of time before fishing is back on!

Flies that worked: Kitchen Sink, color: stainless, tied by Moen

Gotta love the Yuba-

Lake El Salto - Final Day

5 AM wakeup calls are usually unwelcome and dreaded,…unless you are heading out to offer trophy fish your twisted creations! By the time breakfast was over everyone was fired up and ready to hit the water. The weather we perfect, dead calm, quiet and bassy. As the truck-drawn carrier takes us to our boats (50 yards from the lodge) it is clear that we all have a green glimmer in our eyes. The glimmer of hope that a green, razor-back bucketmouth, aka the “big girl,” will be fooled for one second. One second is all we need to get the BLOW-UP evoked from a puppeteered popper…

Top water BLOW-UP

The last day of fishing could not have been better. The lake was glassed over, sky’s scattered with clouds and huge bass busting tilapia EVERYWHERE. One of the most exciting features of fishing this lake is the abundance of baitfish (shad and tilapia) that are under constant harassment by bass. There were times when I could see a 100 yards of bass blowing up bait, it looked like small landmines detonating. Fishing was good for everyone that day, Ken and Keith encouraged kamikaze bass to blow-up on poppers. Ken and Bill were the stars of the show, hooking more than 50 bass and landing 35 hogs! The afternoon session treated me well with a beautiful 8 pounder.

Five anglers, five days, camaraderie and countless supercharged Mexican Bass makes for a memorable trip. Personally, I was captivated by this place and know I will be back soon. Anglers Inn at Lake Mateos and El Salto is a spectacular place to leave reality and enter bass insanity.

Let it out Ken...

Seriously, I will fish for coy in my neighbor's pond... all fish are great but BASS ARE RAD!

Thank you for reading and stay tuned...

Mexican Bass: Part 2... El Salto

Lake El Salto in Mexico is one of the best places to fish to largemouth in the world. Currently the lake record is 18.8 pounds... that is ridiculous! We were only able to fish for a few hours today, but they were productive, all of us combined landed dozens of hogs. Our day was cut short by an awesome display of lighting, wind, rain and thunder. Most of us were ok with not fishing; it was nice to be in a storm like that. I am not sure what it is, but I always feel invigorated after being in a massive storm. All in all it lasted an hour and took us into dinner.

I do not have a ton of fish pictures for you... bass fishing for me is fast paced, after I hook one and land it I want another one, unfortunately, this leaves no time for pictures.

Here are a few photos to keep you going... way more to come soon.

The infamous Gummy Minnow, hated by some anglers, loved by fish everywhere

Tropical storms are awesome!

Here is a my first attempt at video editing...

Although I will not win any awards with this clip it was fun working on it. The shots were filmed by Kevin Doran and are of Keith "casting on water..." sometime fishing is fun :) The other shot is of Keith coming out of the downpour. That area of Mexico is just coming out of its rainy season, by primetime the weather is perfect!

More Bass on the way, stay tuned...