Introducing the "Doe Bug" Fly and the First Test Trip

 Las week I was doing some shopping at an online fly-fishing supplier when I saw a product called "biothread".  To me it looked like synthetic deer sinew, and I googled up some patterns tied with it.  The resulting flies looked really good as the material becomes translucent when it is wetted showing the colors of the body below.  The twisted-up thread makes a nice, segmented body.  I figured why buy that when I have a plenty of deer sinew that I have been saving from my past deer harvests. 

I began to experiment, and I really liked the results.  I liked the orange or pink under thread color for the body, and I added another of my favorite fly attributes the soft hackle of the starling.  Thes result if a fly I call the "Doe  Bug".  Made of natural materials it mimics the sow bugs and scuds I have prevalent on some of my streams at times.  I was excited about this pattern and tied up a supply with varying weights for the bead.

I wanted to try these out!  Saturday morning's deer hunt was thwarted by some Boy Scout obligations, and there were some breezy conditions expected.  I thought about an evening deer hunt, but decided to try to hit the stream instead and try out these flies.

The state had stocked some leftover brown trout several weeks ago, so I knew there should be some left.  The stream was low and clear and there were plenty of other fisherman giving the fish steady pressure. I found a deep fast run and set up a two-nymph rig with my Doe Bug on the bottom and a small frenchie midge on the dropper above.  

On the third drift I was greeted with a nice brown on the Doe Bug.  I landed him and was thrilled I had luck on my new pattern, and I might have the start of a good day!  

I spend the next three hours fishing hard but never had another hit.  I tried lots of patterns including mops, san juans, as well as traditional nymph patterns.  No dice.  I did give the Doe bug a decent opportunity, but the fish were just not feeding well.  I saw no one else land a fish.  The nightcrawler guy gave me his lone fish before he left which was kind.  I had enough for a meal for the evening...and it was good.

I really like the new pattern and will be tying more for the spring.  I now direct my full attention to the Rut.