Fly Fishing Scene In the Works

I have spent the last few weeks deciding on a few new subjects and items to paint.  I decided to paint a new fly fishing scene first in order to expand my library of this style of painting.  I have some details to add, but figured I would post this painting now.

Please let me know your thoughts.

Thank You – JW

New Work in Progress – Brown Trout In Hand – Still Working

It is always a tought decision when I paint or draw something new to decide when the item is complete.  I think that any time you create something you are your own toughest critic.  This is a watercolor painting I have been working on of a brown trout as he is to be released back into the water unharmed. 

I am close to finishing the work, but I keep playing with the colors. 

Please let me know what you think of the painting so far.

Thank You – JW

Realistic Fly Patterns – Stone Fly and a Mayfly Emerger

I have taken a keen interest in the art of realistic fly tying over the past few years. The following photo’s are of a few of the realistic patterns that I have tied recently.

Please let me know what you think of the end results.

This is a mayfly emerger pattern to be fished in the “film”.

Thank You – JW

5 Flyfishing Forums – A Great List to Start your Online Fly Fishing Experience

I have taken some time in order to assemble a list of flyfishing forums that I have visited or actively post.  If you enjoy trout fishing streams, fly casting to smallmouth or carp fishing you will find a flyfishing forum and group of friends to talk with here. Flyfishing forums are one of the best locations to meet fishing patners, discuss fly fishing methods and discover new items.  Please enjoy the list and join the groups.

I hope to talk with you soon at one of the flyfishing forums.

1.  http://dryflywaters.com/flyfishingforums/

2.  http://flyflicker.com/Default.aspx

3.  http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/indexold.php

4.  http://flyfishingforums.hipwader.com/

5.  http://www.greatlakesforum.com/index.php/Michigan-Fishing-Hunting-Recreation-Resources.html

Trout Time slows – Bass Time Approaches

I have often spent a ton of my winter time pining for the first glint of the spring sun to inspire the dawn of trout season. Once that time is upon is I begin to think of the dog days of summer in which I hit the bass rivers at the end of a long humid day to fight off the mosquitoes in order to pursue the second passion of my fishing season – small mouth bass.

The start of my trout time this year was spent on a local stream and a 4 day trip to fish the Northern Michigan rivers. The weather was still cool and the fishing was tough. The spring and summer have been strange here in Michigan.

Now that I am planning a few smallie trips I hope the weather and the fish cooperate.

Wish me luck and keep the thoughts of fall trout, salmon and steelies in your thoughts as you pursue the bronze-backs.

Trout Season Opener in Michigan – High Water Levels and Good Times

I passed up the chance to go fishing at the local trout stream this past weekend to handle yard work and assess my fishing equipment.  The last Saturday in April marks the seasonal love affair many Michigan residents have with trout and fly fishing.  I often miss out on the actual day for trout fishing in hopes of missing the congestion.  I see my time on a stream or river as an escape from the crowds and everyday business.  I instead try to hit the water the week following the opener.  I had a chance this week to spend an evening fishing for trout and pan fish at a local stream and pond.

As I geared up in the back of my truck I realized how much enjoyment comes from just the anticipation of getting into the stream.  I had spent countless hours over the winter tying flies, painting and drawing fishing art and preparin for the first time spent fly fishing this season.  Last season I spent most of my free time working.  I was able to work like a dog because the work was there.  This season there is not potential to work overtime so I have decided to get out on my local stream once a week if possible.  As I waded to the bank I became aware that the “stream” was about 2 feet higher than usual.  We have had a tremendous amount of rain in Michigan lately.  I knew the fishing would be tough, but the fishing is what I was looking forward to – not the fish!  I spent a few hours at the spot shown in the picture and had a few hits on a beadhead prince nymph and one 14″-16″ fish come up and check the fly and then go back down.  That was it as far as trout or the day.  On my walk after stream fishing I came across a small pond that was full of bluegill and sunfish.  I cast a few times and caught a pan fish every cast or two.  I was a perfect end to a perfect day spent fishing.

Smallmouth Bass Original Painting by Jonathon A. Waske

I have just completed a new painting of a small mouth bass.  Please check it out below and let me know your comments. 

This work will soon be available for purchase as an original, a basic print and a giclee print at DryFlyWaters.com.

Let me know your thoughts about my latest work of art.  Thank You – JW