Phillips Lake with Uncle Wes Malmberg

[Mike Carey]

Uncle Wes Malmberg has perfected a system he calls "Blue Collar Fly Fishing". He shows some of these techniques on Washington's Phillips Lake in Mason county.



He also has a new book out for southern Puget Sound counties:

http://www.wildadvpress.com/store/index ... cts_id=554

By "Uncle Wes" Malmberg
The Flyfisher’s Guide to Washington’s Lakes covers the fabled lakes of the Evergreen State like never before. Local legend “Uncle Wes” Malmberg guides anglers through the best and most consistent trout lakes, including depths, trolling routes, trolling tactics, fly lines, flies, and fish-holding areas on each water.
Malmberg knows these lakes like the back of his hand, and has consistently caught more and bigger fish than other anglers using his perfected techniques. Reading this book will put more rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout on your line when fishing these lakes.
Dozens of detailed maps show depths, access points, bays, and all other pertinent information. Also included are stocking records, directions to each fishery, fish species descriptions, and information regarding sporting goods stores, fly shops, accommodations, restaurants, and all the other information needed to plan your trip.
Understanding and utilizing the tactics in this book will help anglers catch more fish in Washington’s lakes.

[oneshot]

Uncle Wes has a sweet mustache!

can one troll flies with a spinning setup?

[Toni]

Uncle Wes has a sweet mustache!

can one troll flies with a spinning setup?

Absolutely. That is the only way I have done it. Back when I was fishing for trout. Woolly Bugger was my first choice then Caddis flies then it was time to fish for crab and salmon in the sound then salmon in the rivers.
Straight mono to leader or mono to swivel then leader.

[oneshot]

i need to try that out sometime now that i have a small boat.. i have never fly fished or used flies.. sometimes they fly around me.. thats about it..

[Jigking Fishhead]

I personally do not call that fly fishing. Call it what you want, this isn't flyfishing.

[oneshot]

I personally do not call that fly fishing. Call it what you want, this isn't flyfishing.

that's why its titled "blue collar fly fishing"

[Toni]

Maybe mine is redneck fly fishing. I didn't even use a fly rod. Just the fly.

[oneshot]

Maybe mine is redneck fly fishing. I didn't even use a fly rod. Just the fly.

I almost used the "redneck" reference too.. but didn't want to offend anyone. another one i like to use is "Bubba" :P

I am a bubba at heart.. city dwelling bubba..

[Uncle Wes]

I personally do not call that fly fishing. Call it what you want, this isn't flyfishing.

Very effective method. Helps to introduce anglers to the fly rod & reel, also gives new life to guys like me that are to crippled up to cast and once again enjoy the fly rod and the tussle with trophy size trout. Is nymphing considered fly fishing? All those folks in float tubes and pontoon boats will be sadly disappointed to find out they are doing it wrong as they kick around the lake or paddle their pontoon boats around dragging flies.

[Gringo Pescador]

I might have to pick a couple of those up to try rigging either on a drift rig or under a float for steelhead.

What's the deal with the woman in the blue dress on the bank at 6:30-6:35??

[Uncle Wes]

You got me.

[MotoBoat]

Wes, do you mess with depth much or strictly flies? Your trolling speed appears to be 2.0mph or so, maybe more? As the lake surface warms, how do you adjust? Type 1 -5 sinking fly line, trolling at that speed, is not going to be a significant depth change! I would think maybe 10 ft deep using type 5 sinking line, with all 90ft out? I did notice your putting a bunch of line out.

[Uncle Wes]

I use a 6wt type 6 full sink. I figure depending on wind and weight in the boat I run between 4-12 feet. Yes I have used split shot on occassion for depth but I can get deeper depending on how sharp I work my "S" turns. Most of lakes are running between 25-35 feet deep so there is not a big variance in the depth they run. yes I do mess with the flies I prefer taking a guest with me and fool around until we find the right color combination. I do let out all 100 feet of my line then give the reel about two turns. Hope this answers your question.

[Mike Carey]

I might have to pick a couple of those up to try rigging either on a drift rig or under a float for steelhead.

What's the deal with the woman in the blue dress on the bank at 6:30-6:35??

? Just some woman sitting on the ground. Maybe she's fishing. Funny the things that get noticed after filming.

BTW, years ago when I started using a tube and kicking around dragging a nymph on a sinking line I had the same thought cross my mind - "this isn't fly fishing". I think the reason is we are so used to seeing guys cast dry flies that we think that is the only definition of "fly fishing". But at it's most essential definition, it is "fishing with a fly" so I'd say this is fly fishing, albeit on a more non-physical skill level. But one still has to "break down the lake" and "match the hatch" or it's just a boat ride. Just MHO.

[Uncle Wes]

3 types of fly fishing and all 3 have been around for years. Casting, Nymphing, and Trolling. There have been 100's of books written on casting and probably just as many on nymphing. What I have done is perfected trolling a fly and put it out there for everyone to read. It has helped promote not only the use of the fly rod but also the sport of angling. many of the folks that I have introiduced to my style have taken it even further and have learned to cast.

[MotoBoat]

First off a disclaimer. "I am not a "fly fishing" snob. With that said, I like to cast a fly on traditional fly line, using a fly rod, from a bank, boat or float tube. I also enjoy "fishing a fly" by dragging it behind a powered boat, rowed boat or float tube. My personal thoughts are that "Fly fishing" includes the art of casting the fly, on fly line and fly rod. "Fishing a fly" is dragging a fly, attached to mono or fly line, behind a floating device. Or casting from a spinning rod, via water bubble or other form of weight attached to the mono line.

I agree with Mike when he say's:

It's most essential definition, it is "fishing with a fly" so I'd say this is fly fishing, albeit on a more non-physical skill level.

And also add, with each person there is a individual "interpretation". With that comes the far "right", far "left", and every where in between.

For me, "fly fishing" is the art of casting a fly with fly line, rod and reel, in any waters. And view this to be the thought of a Traditional fly fisher would take.

While a fisher "fishing with a fly", using either method. Beit dragging with fly line and rod or mono line, using spinning or casting equipment. And casting with anything other than fly line. Would be either a "fly fishing poser" or "using the wrong terminology" when describing there method of using a fly for fishing.

I use all methods above when using a fly. Even, on occasion adding a "worm or power bait" to the pointy end, when legal to do so..

This is one persons "opinion". Not intended to hurt or offend any other person. This means, I could be guilty of being a poser, if improperly using the term "Fly Fishing" to describe my method of fishing a fly.

I think the "traditional" method began as casting a fly. Then other methods developed depending on skill, handycap, comfort level, cost, ect......

Keep on keeping on Uncle Wes!! I like what your doing for the sport.

[Uncle Wes]

Thank you. Did I mention I work in a Fly Shop? Anyway I just got my second book review and I am quite pleased with it. The book is doing really well, thanks to all of you. The publisher and editor are smiling. Just waiting for two more reviews keeping my fingers crossed. Thanks again to all of you!!!

[MotoBoat]

Wes, how effective is the Fish Finder your using? I really never gave the fishing buddy any consideration. Mostly thought the batteries would be more of a pain. Than anything, dealing with dead batteries. Give me a "Consumer reports" review of the fishing buddy. Do you use that to determine fishing depth?

[Uncle Wes]

I love it. Yes I use it for depths probably more than anything else. I use rechargeable batteries and never worry about dead batteries. Charge them up before heading out. I have been using one version or another of the Fish'n Buddy for about 10 years. I have the very basic one and I think it runs around 120.00 bucks. In my opinion well worth it. I have a reputation for being frugel so for me to suggest you spend your hard earned green backs really means something.

[MotoBoat]

I love it. Yes I use it for depths probably more than anything else. I use rechargeable batteries and never worry about dead batteries. Charge them up before heading out. I have been using one version or another of the Fish'n Buddy for about 10 years. I have the very basic one and I think it runs around 120.00 bucks. In my opinion well worth it. I have a reputation for being frugel so for me to suggest you spend your hard earned green backs really means something.

What do you get in the way of a run time on a set of batteries? Say your on a two or 3 day trip, without a power supply for recharging? Would a spare set of batteries be needed, or more than one?