TANDEM ARCTIC FOX TROLLING FLIES
I have been asked for larger trolling flies to imitate bigger minnows. My original Arctic Fox Trolling flies with a 4X-Long Gamakatsu hook had a maximum length of 3.5 inches. To achieve the desired effect I added a second ring eye hook attached with a doubled stainless steel wire. I added beads to the wire loop to extend to length and add flash with a complimentary color. These articulated flies exhibit excellent movement when combined with a Wiggle Fin Action Disc. I am currently offering them in four colors, three of which imitate bait fish common to the west.
KOKANEE TANDEM TROLLING FLY
This black over pearl color scheme is typical of many fish that suspend over deep water. It is a good imitation of juvenile coho and chinook salmon as well as rainbow trout. Schools of kokanee are the primary food source for mackinaw and brown trout in many western lakes. It is an excellent choice for any deep water lake.
TUI CHUB TANDEM TROLLING FLY #2
The tui chub is a common bait fish in the high desert lakes of the Western USA. This same color scheme is common to many fish living in a weedy environment such as bass and walleye. This is my "Go To" trolling fly for large cutthroat trout in Pyramid Lake Nevada on sunny days. When trolled behind an Action Disc it is effective long lined near the surface or and any depth on a down rigger.
LAHONTAN REDSIDE MINNOW, TANDEM TROLLING FLY
This is a good representation of the primary forage fish in Lake Tahoe and the Truckee River drainage of California and Nevada. This minnow has an olive back, a black stripe down its side and a pearl/white belly. There is a bit of red flash to this fish throughout the year. During spawning season the sides turn bright red, hence the name. It is similar to many dace minnows across North America.
Black & Red Tandem Trolling Fly #2
The Black & Red Wooly Worm has been the #1 choice of fly casters fishing at Pyramid Lake Nevada for more than 4 decades. I have designed a tandem Arctic Fox fur trolling fly in this color specifically for use at Pyramid Lake NV. I fished it for the first time late December 2015. On dark over cast days it was our best producer when trolled near the surface on sinking fly lines. I recommend black flies when fishing in low light conditions because it gives the best contrast. By definition "Low Light Conditions" do not have the light to reflect off flashy materials. I would confidently troll this fly on any lake, not just Pyramid.