Tippets

Sarah Giles took advantage of low tides last fall to stalk this 27-inch red. It ate a shrimp fly tied by her dad.

This month, specks will be thick in the interior lakes and marshes. Look for clear water and some tidal movement. Or better yet, diving birds.

Early, late or on overcast days, fling a popper or gurgler. Otherwise, nothing takes trout like a Clouser Minnow or EP Spawning Shrimp suspended 3 feet under a VOSI (flyrodder’s popping cork).

North winds will drop tide levels, giving fly anglers sight-fishing opportunities for reds and drum. Bendbacks, Charlies, Toads and Spoonflies will work best in skinny water.

Shad will be schooling in lakes. Look for bass to converge on the schools late in the afternoon. Crease flies, Clousers, and shad patterns work best.

Nearly all of the sandy streams across the state will have excellent spotted bass action this month. Try poppers or minnow patterns around fallen trees and cutbanks.

Bream activity will spurt this month before it diminishes. Go with 1/100-ounce or heavier weighted flies early, then switch to popping bugs late in the afternoon.

Stocking of rainbow trout renews this month in two tailwater rivers just north of Shreveport: Mountain Fork near Broken Bow, OK, and Little Missouri near Murfreesboro, AR. Early in the season, olive or black woolybuggers are all you need.

About Catch Cormier 275 Articles
Glen ‘Catch’ Cormier has pursued fish on the fly for 30 years. A certified casting instructor and renowned fly tier, he and his family live in Baton Rouge.