The Brown "Magic" Bug Adventure

When I went down to New Mexico this past weekend, I loaded up with flies in size 20-24, thinking that was all that I was going to throw.  Sure, I had my spare back up boxes just in case I wanted to throw a streamer, copper john, or a prince nymph.  But, I knew in the back of my mind, that it was going to be a weekend of "small stuff".  This river is just well known for tiny midges and annelids.  I had my red larvae ready to go too, as this is a staple down there.  I still had half of a box of flies that someone nice had tied up for me back in Feb. when I headed to NM.  So, I was in good shape.  Little did I know that there would be a new favorite bug on this river.  But, there will be no photos of the Brown "Magic" bug, as it is a creation of this guy... but, just trust me... it works!

Thanks David, for sharing your expertise on the water...

I learned a lot and "mending" is my friend!!

We had two half days with traveling and two full days.  Two rivers to experiment with and find the "trophy" fish.  As I went down thinking "BIG FISH"... I was pretty much like a hound dog... searching for holes that would hold fish down deep.  I don't normally care how big the fish is that I catch on a typical day... But, I got myself into this darn Facebook contest and had to come up with something respectable to submit.  It had to be tape measured for the entry.  I will tell you know... that is the last time that I try to measure a fish.  It was ridiculous!!  For me and the fish...  Even with David helping me out with the tape... I just don't like keeping out the fish out of the water for any length of time.  Usually a quick 10 sec grip and grin photo and back they go.  Here are the results... No, I couldn't beat a Pyramid Lake fish from Nevada.  Whitney had that one made in the shade. Sydney from MT and I tied with a 20 inch fish...  All said and done, I believe that we were all winners.  Wouldn't you agree?

I definitely can't complain about my netted beauties.  In a river of 150k of planters this past year, (yes, I said 150k),  I did find some nice fish with one common denominator.   Almost all were caught on the Brown "Magic" Bug...  = )   Barbless and 6x is the requirement down there... but, I cheated opted out and put on a 5x.  And sizes 20-24 all weekend long.  Darn fish!  Don't they know that my eyes are getting old!!!

So, thank you New Mexico and Colorado... I love your rivers and beautiful trout!  Even your friendly trout that never leave your feet!

This will be my last journey out of state for awhile.  Now, it's time to fish the home waters for the winter.  Until we meet again...  

Brown "Magic" bugs and all...