Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum

Fishing in British Columbia => Fly Fishing Cafe => Topic started by: ray on January 18, 2007, 07:54:14 PM

Title: dollie flies
Post by: ray on January 18, 2007, 07:54:14 PM
A buddy and i were thinking of going out for some dolly fishing this weekend. We were wondering what flies would work(size & types). Having never fly fished fot them we really dont know what or where to go. any info you could give would be appreciated.                                                               
                                                                Thanks Ray
Title: Re: dollie flies
Post by: bbronswyk2000 on January 18, 2007, 08:07:48 PM
Freak and I are also heading out for dollies. I will be carrying streamers, popsicles, flesh patterns and some attractor patterns. Maybe some big leeches as well.
Title: Re: dollie flies
Post by: Xgolfman on January 19, 2007, 08:09:08 PM
egg patterns...small ones indicator fished...slays dollies.. ;)
Title: Re: dollie flies
Post by: fish2much on January 20, 2007, 09:44:32 PM
How do you know Dolly water when you see it?  Do they make themselves known like the cuts or are they different?  I've never fly fished for them before but gonna head out on sunday morning and try a couple of different flows in effort to tind one.  Tips and hints would be great..... thanks
Title: Re: dollie flies
Post by: winter steel on January 20, 2007, 10:33:08 PM
    In regards to finding dollies, you really don't see them showing much until March and even then all you really see is fry boiling from being chased by these predators. Dollies do quite a bit of searching for food and will travel a fair distance within a day to attain it and so walking to find them is a good idea or better yet a pontoon boat. The Fraser is a great place for dollies, especially creek/river mouths where food gets flushed into the Fraser. Do not let the big water intimidate you on your quest for these fish. By the way Fishfreak those are some nice flies, good luck this weekend, Winter Steel.
Title: Re: dollie flies
Post by: newsman on January 22, 2007, 05:53:44 PM
Minnow patterns big ones #4 to #2/0. They are not that picky but your pressentation has to be big enough to catch their interest. There are some beasts around that will run 20lb and you would be surprised where you can find them. The trick is to offer those hogs a meal they can't refuse. The guy who taught me, had me work everything in my box through a run (nothing). Then he threw a 2/0 rolled muddler in the same water and half way through the run we was into a 15lb buck. They are smart preditors that lay in ambush for their pray and they are so good at blending into the substrate that will never know they are there until they strike. 
Title: Re: dollie flies
Post by: flyfisherman on January 28, 2007, 01:08:30 AM
FF, give your #6 fly a go, keep it a bit more sparce on the wing, the #4 fly will do well drifting into the Fraser from any trib of it.
Nice flies, love the flesh fly, sweet!!
Title: Re: dollie flies
Post by: THE_ROE_SLINGER on January 29, 2007, 09:43:59 AM
Olive wolly buggers have gotten me a few!
Title: Re: dollie flies
Post by: Derp on February 01, 2007, 02:05:13 PM
Any luck dolly fishing? a bunch of you went out, but no reports. Anyone wanna try again? I kinda wanna head out too! ;D
Title: Re: dollie flies
Post by: Derp on February 13, 2007, 01:08:43 PM
I heard the Squamish river is doing great for dollies right now. Fly fishing with Carabou streamer patterns such as articulated leeches , popsicles and flesh flies. Big sculpin patterns, and single egg patterns will do the trick! If anyone is planning on heading down there sometime, I'd love to come with.
Title: Re: dollie flies
Post by: Big Steel on February 13, 2007, 05:40:14 PM
Me too please!!  Except I don't really know how to get to mile marker 27 or whatever the heck it is!! ;D
Title: Re: dollie flies
Post by: Derp on February 13, 2007, 05:55:16 PM
Im sure we can find it on a map, I know who to get directions from. You guys wanna set something up? Like a trio fishing adventure or something down there? maybe when the weather gives us a break from all this retarded rain?
Title: Re: dollie flies
Post by: Matt on February 15, 2007, 01:11:48 AM

THE flesh fly
#8-4 streamer hook
white/ cream marabou tail
a couple strands flashabou
white / cream rabbit strip palmered around body
Title: Re: dollie flies
Post by: Derp on February 15, 2007, 12:45:20 PM
I've been out there a couple times and my best is 7 hookups, landing in an afternoon.  I know the area pretty well and I'd be interested in meeting people up there sometime next week.  Tie up some flesh flies as the rivers are LOADED with flesh right now.  Maybe some globugs too.  I personally haven't had much success on sculpin patterns although I have no doubt when fished properly they work.

THE flesh fly
#8-4 streamer hook
white/ cream marabou tail
a couple strands flashabou
white / cream rabbit strip palmered around body

do NOT weigh this fly.  A weighted pattern may work in faster water but I don't usually fish that type fo water for dollies.  A weighted pattern will NOT draw as many strikes as an unweighted pattern in slower water though.

Yeah, that'd be awesome. We should get some people together and head up there and have a good time. Since you know the area, we'll follow you,  :D lol. Next week hopefully, Im excited now
Title: Re: dollie flies
Post by: ray on February 15, 2007, 05:31:08 PM
hey how about next friday.
Title: Re: dollie flies
Post by: Matt on February 27, 2007, 04:07:53 PM
I'm away until March 9th, then, if time permits I'm game for a trip.  We could potentially meet at 6:30 or 7 in Squamish.  More details closer to when I get back.
Title: Re: dollie flies
Post by: Derp on February 27, 2007, 07:24:36 PM
I'm down matt, lets do this!! :)
Title: Re: dollie flies
Post by: fintail1 on March 01, 2007, 09:08:53 AM
i was there earlier in feb and a pink bead egg did the trick.
But right now it's closer to egg and eye season when the fry hatch. the dollies go effin crazy over these and last year my cousin said he caught too many to count. (on the cheakamus though)
Title: Re: dollie flies
Post by: Matt on March 01, 2007, 10:58:32 AM
When I was there in January it was really cold and they were stacked up in a deep almost still backwater.  That was my most successful day, but it was shooting fishi in a barrel to some extent.
Title: Re: dollie flies
Post by: dereke on March 05, 2007, 04:16:59 PM
i fish the cheakamus alot (3 times a week) and up until last wednesday was getting 6-8 lb bull trout quite regularly but it has dried up a bit in the last few days. flesh patterns are what i ve had the most success on. if yoiu guys are going out around the 9th im down to do some exploring on the squamish or the cheakamus.

let me know if you guys are looking for people to go with....

derek
Title: Re: dollie flies
Post by: Derp on March 05, 2007, 04:22:00 PM
yeah, the more the marrier, we'll head out with whoever wants to go. We'll see how saturday looks like. Hopefully we can go then maybe
Title: Re: dollie flies
Post by: Matt on March 05, 2007, 11:25:38 PM
It looks like there is a pretty good chance I will be able to make the morning of the 10th.  I second Derp, the more the merrier.  If you're a gear guy, you're also welcome to tag along.  I am bringing a 9' 8wt. set up with a Versitip.  In the time honoured tradition of fly swapping, bring some extra flies too.  Bring alevin/ fry patterns too as I think they might be around.

Say perhaps, we meet at the Tim Hortons in Squamish at 6:30am.  Check the thread a couple times before Saturday.  Can't miss it, its right beside the highway, but heres the Mapquest map anyways:

http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?latlongtype=internal&addtohistory=&latitude=77m035qgmEo7jVQCnI%2fozQ%3d%3d&longitude=BGISGIynjQ9E7F3HKi1GHA%3d%3d&name=Tim%20Hortons&country=CA&address=38930%20Progress%20Way&city=Squamish&state=BC&zipcode=V0N%203G0&phone=604%2d815%2d4311&spurl=0&&q=Tim%20Hortons&qc=Doughnuts (http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?latlongtype=internal&addtohistory=&latitude=77m035qgmEo7jVQCnI%2fozQ%3d%3d&longitude=BGISGIynjQ9E7F3HKi1GHA%3d%3d&name=Tim%20Hortons&country=CA&address=38930%20Progress%20Way&city=Squamish&state=BC&zipcode=V0N%203G0&phone=604%2d815%2d4311&spurl=0&&q=Tim%20Hortons&qc=Doughnuts)
Title: Re: dollie flies
Post by: Rodney on March 05, 2007, 11:42:18 PM
While you are there, you may want to swing by the lower river to see or participate in the 3rd annual Cast and Blast. Information:

http://www.flybc.ca/forum/index.php?showtopic=2988
Title: Re: dollie flies
Post by: Chrome Mykiss on March 05, 2007, 11:44:50 PM
Too bad I gotta work, otherwise I'd be able to join you guys  :P  I'll miss the Cast and Blast too  :'(

I so wanna swing this new fly for them bulls  ::)
(http://www.fishingwithrod.com/albums/Feathered-Lures/EyedSculpin.jpg)
Title: Re: dollie flies
Post by: bbronswyk2000 on March 05, 2007, 11:57:25 PM
Too bad I gotta work, otherwise I'd be able to join you guys  :P  I'll miss the Cast and Blast too  :'(

I so wanna swing this new fly for them bulls  ::)
(http://www.fishingwithrod.com/albums/Feathered-Lures/EyedSculpin.jpg)


That looks like a nice sculpin pattern. Are you willing to share the recipe? I have never tied with trailer hooks and want to start as I seem to miss allot of hookups with streamers, and flesh patterns with the fish nipping at the tails.
Title: Re: dollie flies
Post by: fintail1 on March 06, 2007, 03:43:25 PM
Anyone goin spring break?
I'm gonna be there the friday goin for dolls/steelies
Title: Re: dollie flies
Post by: Derp on March 06, 2007, 05:42:58 PM
If it goes well this saturday, I'm probably gonna go again
Title: Re: dollie flies
Post by: Derp on March 07, 2007, 07:22:04 PM
yeah, definatley. Would be awesome to fish with you sometime. Hopefully it won't be pouring on saturday :-\
Title: Re: dollie flies
Post by: Matt on March 07, 2007, 09:06:22 PM
Rain keeps the crowds at home, its all good, the fishing is the same.
Title: Re: dollie flies
Post by: Derp on March 09, 2007, 07:56:31 AM
So last reminder to everyone that would like to attend a fishing adventure on the Squamish River on Saturday. We are meeting at the Tim Hortons by the highway in Squamish (only timi hos there I think) at 6:30am. It should be a fun day! :)
Title: Re: dollie flies
Post by: Nicole on March 09, 2007, 10:01:40 AM
Anyone know what the Squamish is looking like today? Is it out?

I'll most likely head to the chehalis on Saturday... I'm VERY curious.

Cheers,
Nicole
Title: Re: dollie flies
Post by: Matt on March 09, 2007, 11:12:49 AM
http://scitech.pyr.ec.gc.ca/waterweb/formnav.asp?lang=0  The graph shows the Squamish to be on the high side from what I normally fish.  The Cheakamus seems more out of shape.  But, I'm no expert in relating those graphs to actual conditions.
Title: Re: dollie flies
Post by: Matt on March 09, 2007, 11:14:43 AM
Derp, I don't have access to the PM function, my mail is matthew_joyce16@hotmail.com and that is the best way of contacting me.  I will call you in a bit if I don't hear from you.  Just the same I will be at the TIm Hortons in a big white '98 Volkwagen van- the kind, you wouldn't want to see your daughter get into.
Title: Re: dollie flies
Post by: dereke on March 09, 2007, 05:54:47 PM
went out on the cheakamus today and it is in great shape. got a nice bully out of there on a flesh fly. water is really clear and has come up quite a bit in the last week making conditions (on the cheakamus at least) absolutely perfect. tried some minnow/alevin patterns today with no luck. not sure if im fishing them wrong or what. flesh works great but i have gotten no lve from the minnow patterns. any tips on fishing them you guys?  if i dont go up the hill tomorrow im in for the squamish adventure..

tight lines
derek

(http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w216/derekerlandson/cheakbully.jpg)
Title: Re: dollie flies
Post by: Derp on March 09, 2007, 06:20:19 PM
nice fishy!! hopefully we'll get into some tomorrow. You are welcome to come along if you want.
Title: Re: dollie flies
Post by: Matt on March 09, 2007, 07:28:20 PM
That fish is OBESE!  What a pig.  Figures he took flesh, last time I was up there, the river was loaded with flesh.
Title: Re: dollie flies
Post by: nigglesworth on March 09, 2007, 08:27:55 PM
I was on the river today and it was perfect.  Nice and clear.  I did not have dereke's luck though.  Nice fish!  I am going to have to try the flesh patterns!

Title: Re: dollie flies
Post by: Nicole on March 09, 2007, 08:31:46 PM
when fishing fry patterns, angle the fly so it appears to be making a run for shore... The cutts really like that, I don't know about the bulls.

So basically, but an intentional belly in your line, and raise/lower your rod tip to adjust speed.

Cheers,
Nicole
Title: Re: dollie flies
Post by: dereke on March 09, 2007, 11:17:57 PM
looks like the snow might be good up here tomorrow guys so im going to have to skip this trip but anytime you guys want to plan something up this side of vancouver im usually free to go out. i have friday, saturday and sundays off so message me and we will paln something. good luck tomorrow and let us know how it goes....most of the luck ive had on the cheak has been in faster riffle water with flesh.....

tight lines

derek
Title: Re: dollie flies
Post by: Derp on March 10, 2007, 05:16:27 AM
I was partying hard last night and I fell off a chair when I was standing on it. And when you fall like that you're not gonna have a good time. I think I fractured a rib or two (or bruised them good). Gonna see a doctor tomorrow because it hurts to breathe.

Anyways I probably won't be in shape to do Squamish this morning. So sorry. Maybe I'll stay home next time I'm gonna get out fishing in the morning so nothing happens.

I will be more free because I finished some courses in my program at bcit and I'll have more time on my hands. This means I can go fishing more often, so I'll make this up. Sorry Guys. :-[
Title: Re: dollie flies
Post by: Derp on March 10, 2007, 04:44:59 PM
i know, i don't know whats wrong? bad luck? I went to the doc today and he said i bruised a couple of ribs, it really hurts to breathe

and with bryan now thats totally my fault and im sorry.
Title: Re: dollie flies
Post by: Derp on March 10, 2007, 05:32:48 PM
I was partying hard last night and I fell off a chair when I was standing on it. And when you fall like that you're not gonna have a good time. I think I fractured a rib or two (or bruised them good). Gonna see a doctor tomorrow because it hurts to breathe.

Anyways I probably won't be in shape to do Squamish this morning. So sorry. Maybe I'll stay home next time I'm gonna get out fishing in the morning so nothing happens.

I will be more free because I finished some courses in my program at bcit and I'll have more time on my hands. This means I can go fishing more often, so I'll make this up. Sorry Guys. :-[

Do you bail everytime you have plans setup, you did it to a friend of mine as well

oh yeah and I didnt bail on you at that lafarge outing. Its just unfortunate that these things happend. They won't happen again! hopefully
Title: Re: dollie flies
Post by: Matt on March 11, 2007, 07:55:50 PM
Don't sweat it Alex, sht happens, we'll get out next time.  I fished the Squamish instead after crossing the bridge at Fergies and seeing fishermen.  I got up there about 7:30 and while trying to cross to a spot i wanted to fish, waded too deep and stepped into soft sand filling my waders and causing me to swim.  Water wasn't fast and I only had to swim a couple meters to get back standing.  I have neoprenes so it wasn't a big deal, they're tight enough that maybe only a litre of water got in, they float and neoprenes arent really any different from a wetsuit so I was able to fish the rest of the day no problems.  I ditched the notion that i could make it to my planned spot after the swimming and drove up river and fished another spot.  As I was pulling line of the reel for a cast, I flicked the fly into the head of the pool and breifly saw a flash of silver and the tip of the line twich, before i could react though, he was long gone.  that turned out to be the only fish I saw that day, for me.  It rained pretty hard but no snow.  It wasn't even all that cold out.

By the way, does anyone on this board drive an older (80's or early 90's) black Nissan pickup with a white canopy.  I'm pretty sure Ive seen that truck a number of time up there
Title: Re: dollie flies
Post by: fintail1 on March 11, 2007, 10:58:00 PM
does anyone know who the heck that guy is living in the campsite on the cheakamus in his camper? i ve seen him there since the summer , just wondering if anyon know what been doing there so long
Title: Re: dollie flies
Post by: stickler on March 12, 2007, 05:36:51 PM
I stopped and fished a favorite side channel tail out on the lower Skeena yesterday on the way back from Terrace.  It is a perfect ambush location for migrating fry and the Dollies, Bulltrout, and Cutts have been known to stack up in there. Landed  3 decent Bulltrout and kept one for the oven.  Had to quit fishing when river otter took over the water.  I was using a pink marabou pattern with trailing #4 gammy.  Biggest Bulltrout caught on this run was 27" two years ago.
Title: Re: dollie flies
Post by: Nicole on March 12, 2007, 06:47:21 PM
Correct me if I'm wrong, but all char are to be released from rivers in bc south of jervis inlet...

Cheers,
Nicole
Title: Re: dollie flies
Post by: stickler on March 12, 2007, 08:21:30 PM
I was fishing the lower "Skeena" as mentioned, Region 6.
Title: Re: dollie flies
Post by: Nicole on March 12, 2007, 10:10:04 PM
oops I didn't notice that, sorry!

Cheers,
Nicole
Title: Re: dollie flies
Post by: fintail1 on March 19, 2007, 11:13:07 PM
was at the cheak and saw a bunch of fry in the shallows, i guess its fry time guys. The dollies will be pigging out right now. ;) but i sadly i missed out because i was fishing for steelhead and noticed this at the end of the day :( but steelhead are moving in and i hooked into one after fishing half an hour, although i didn't see it i was only fishing for an hour and a half and am stolked for the steely action to come this saturday. Anyone that wants to join me on sat is welcome to and i will have times later in the week.
Title: Re: dollie flies
Post by: nigglesworth on March 20, 2007, 12:01:37 AM
Sounds like you had a good day fintail.  i am heading out there tom. and am tempted to tie a few fry patterns before hand.... its only midnight right?!  I was there on the 9th, but did not have much luck. 

Also, anyone know what the road conditions are on the upper squamish?  Can a subaru wagon make it up there yet?

Also, has anyone fished the upper cheakamus, from the end of paradise valley road up to the canon?  I have hiked all over there, but have not really fished that area.  Would love to hear about it?!

Title: Re: dollie flies
Post by: Matt on March 20, 2007, 04:40:59 AM
Your Subaru will make it fine.
Title: Re: dollie flies
Post by: fintail1 on March 20, 2007, 09:10:50 AM
the upper looked really low like the whole river has been this year. it would be hard to fish but dollies are probably going so crazy they wouldn't care  :)
Title: Re: dollie flies
Post by: fintail1 on March 22, 2007, 11:17:42 PM
anyone who is up for saturday at the cheak meet at the campsite at around 7:30(the camsite after all the reserve/smokehouse and school campsites). I will be using a drift rod going for steelhead with two others doing the same. If you wanna fish for dollies instead and fly fish then you can go right ahead.

fintail1
Title: Re: dollie flies
Post by: Zpg on March 30, 2007, 09:40:59 PM
This is a few of the flies i will try on Sunday along with some other flies

(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a121/airmazda/flies.jpg)

Hey FF

Thanks for posting a pic of these. I'm heading to the Upper Pitt next weekend mainly for Steelies but there are a ton of bull/dollies in the system so I'll try a few of these. Let you know how it works out.