Perusing fly fishing articles is a great way to learn more about
the passion of fly fishing. The library of fly fishing
literature rivals other forms of fishing even though in sheer
numbers fly fisherman are out numbered by almost all other forms
of fishing. There are terms in fly fishing literature that are
thrown out frequently without explanation or definition. One
such subset of these terms is the classification of fly fishing
rivers. One can read for years and hear about freestone rivers,
tailwaters, and spring creeks, without elaboration of what these
terms actually mean in general and to fly fishers in general. We
will attempt here to explain these classifications a little bit.
This first in a series of articles will go into the spring
creek.
Spring Creeks are infamous in the United Kingdom, long credited
as the ancient birthplace of fly fishing. Specifically, in the
UK and the Midwest United States, are the limestone spring
creeks. By definition spring creeks are fed obviously by
springs. What this means for
fly fishing is that the
water temperature will most likely remain stable year around,
ideally in the high forties to low fifties on the Fahrenheit
scale. Stable temperatures allow for a healthy environment for
aquatic insects to grow, which doesn't take a huge amount of
mental power, to make the jump to the thought that this is also
great for the growth of fish.
Not only do the water temperatures remain steady but the volume
does as well. Unlike other rivers that depend upon snow melt,
and/or dams, spring creeks water comes bubbling up from the
surface, and is fed by springs and smaller spring creeks as it
works itself downstream.
When one thinks of spring creeks, one thinks of, meandering
hills, gentle slopes, meadows, and wide shallow valleys.
Although spring creeks can occur in mountainous regions as well,
carving out a niche that is usually reserved for freestone
streams. They typically are at lower elevations.
The characteristics of spring creeks, leads to some special
considerations when selecting your arsenal of
fly fishing flies. The
meandering of the typical spring creek, with all its stable
features lends also to vegetation growth. Therefore, insects that
feed of vegetation are the rule here. Also the banks tend to be
cut into the earth, perfect habitat for mud dwelling grubs,
worms and nymphs like the hex. There also tend to be abundance
of scuds, sow bugs, as well as midge patterns. Since the terrain
is likely grassy, look for terrestrials like hoppers and
crickets. And in the riverbank itself will be ants and beetles.
Terrestrials make a good bet all summer long. A good selection
for spring creeks will include, patterns imitating species
above, as well as some small classic dry flies, like Adams, BWOs
and PMDs.
Spring creeks are likely to be small and certain tactics need to
be remembered. Everything is more likely to be noticed by your
wary prey. Including your approach, your colors, your
silhouette. It is best not to wade, it is best to approach from
upriver, and you are likely only going to get a few casts, and
then moving on is your best bet. With gentle gradient the spring
creek will have many, many holding areas for trout. Using tippet
down to 7x is common, as is long leaders. Perfect presentations
are required, and it is a great time to practice your accuracy
and line management. Bring your 4x or smaller for precise fly
placement, mending if necessary must be done early in your drift
and without ruckus.
Many think of the spring creek as the epitome of fly fishing.
And with good reason. Their very nature, evokes relaxation,
tranquillity, and all the things fly fishers love.
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