Thank You God for the Terrestrial Season

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Fly fishing during the terrestrial season you can cut back drastically on gear. Photo Louis Cahill

About this time every year, when I’m starting to get run down from guiding, the terrestrial season arrives, and I’m blessed with a second wind.

I’m always astonished at how the addition of terrestrials can make my familiar waters seem so fresh to me, even after I’ve already spent hundreds of hours during the season drifting flies through the same riffles, runs and pools. Despite the terrestrial season being one of my busiest times of the year guiding, every day I’m more excited than the last. I tip my hat to the creator and give thanks, for he sure did a fine job of planning out the life cycle and timing of the terrestrials. Yep, life is grand for the fly fisherman when the terrestrials are out. The water and air temperatures (at least where I live) are usually warm enough to leave those stinky waders at home, and the longer days allow us the luxury of staying on the water for a few extra hours.

During the terrestrial season, trout seem to have the same look in their eyes as me, pure addiction. It’s not the end of the world if I forget my strike indicators or split shot either. Trout often rise to terrestrials with such dependability, that I can often call my fish even before my fly lands on the water. I love that every take on the surface seems unique. My heart always seems to beat a little bit faster when I’ve got a terrestrial tied on, because I never know if my foam hopper or beetle is going to get smashed like a freight train or get sucked in, and make that beautiful popping sound, just like the blotting sound my wife makes after applying that sexy red lipstick.

Louis Cahill Photography

Andy Bowen waits on the hook set, something many anglers find hard to do, and causes them to miss fish.  Photo Louis Cahill

This time of year, it’s nice not having to worry about fish completely shutting down if the forecast is calling for blue bird skies. All I need to find is some shade against the bank and hold on. I like that my achy lower back gets a summer break from not having to lug around twenty pounds of gear all day. There’s nothing like the feeling you get fly fishing, when you know all you really need to carry is a half dozen flies, a spool of tippet, and some gink. I also love that the terrestrial season seems to decrease my desire for catching as many fish as I can in a day. All I need to get my trout fix, is have the pleasure of witnessing one of those perfect, slow motion rises, and the day’s been a total success. Thank you God for the terrestrial season.

Be ready for this year’s terrestrial season. It’s right upon us. Find time and treat yourself to some extra time on the water. It’s by far one of my favorite times of the year to fly fish for trout.

I’m ready for the terrestrial season to get here, can you tell?

Check out some of my other fly fishing articles about fishing terrestrials.

10 Tips for Targeting Rising Trout with Terrestrials

Kiss the Bank with your Terrestrials

Lay the Smack Down

Keep it Reel,

Kent Klewein
Gink & Gasoline
www.ginkandgasoline.com
hookups@ginkandgasoline.com
 
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4 thoughts on “Thank You God for the Terrestrial Season

  1. Great post, great timing as I have been spending the last few nights churning out some hoppers on the vise. By far, my favorite patterns to fish and I am always amazed how much the fish love them!

    It’s also worth mentioning the versatility of terrestrials as well. I haven’t found a fish yet in my neck of the woods that didn’t enjoy a good hopper. Trout, bass, bluegill all tear them up, and that makes a day on the water much more enjoyable, no matter what type of water you may be fishing.

  2. I freakin love terrestrial season! To me, it’s so much more fun than tossing caddis patterns, or other dries. On top of that, it’s really the only time of year that I’ll throw a single dry without a dropper. All I’ll bring with me is a box full of beetles and hoppers, and some 4x tippet. Watching trout crash on terrestrials all day is hilariously fun and just can’t be beat. Even the little guys up in the tribs will smash a size 4 beetle when given the chance.

  3. God is great! He made it all in perfection to where it all works harmoniously in unison right down to trout and hoppers! Glorious Creator!

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