Tree Frog pattern for 'bows.
O.K. First off, I'm not nuts. I'm looking for a pattern (and tying instructions if the methods are unusual) imitating a small (about the size of a quarter) tree frog. Green back, pale underbelly.
Once I tell you the story, you will understand.
I was fishing a rather large shallow bay on Mahood lake over the May long weekend. On the second evening, after a fishless two days, I noticed a hatch of VERY small chirons coming off. Size 20 or smaller. I tied on the smallest pupa I had (18) and put on a ball of green bio-strike for an indicator. I did manage a couple of small agressive fish, but nothing of size would take. However, on 5 seperate occurances while lifting for a cast, much larger fish rose and attempted to take my indicator. As I was kicking back to shore, I noticed that the bay I was in was surrounded with a scraggy looking tree growth that protruded well onto the shoal. Also, the sound of frogs from this scrub was almost defening. Sure that the bigger fish thought my bio-stike was a frog (size, shape and wake) I spent that evening trying to tie a deerhair Gomphus style frog imitation. They all turned out like shyt. (I'm not good with deer hair spinning). Thrashed the water to bits the next morning and afternoon. Again, only a couple of teenies. Just before going out after dinner I figured "what the hell". I took a size 8 3XL, tied on 4 pre-tied pheasant tail legs and a triangle glob of bio-strike. I kicked down into the bay just before dark and started chucking this "thing" right to the base of the trees and "popping" it like the bass fishers do. Well, to end the story, after many missed fish I boated a nice 'bow of about 2.5# on my bio-strike thing. So, now I am convinced that in at least one spot I know, trout will take a frog imitation eagerly.
Got any patterns?

That brings up a curious point for me, I have been out 250 yards from shore a couple times in the Cariboo, and have bumped into a silly little frog swimming along beside me. I know frog pattern lures are popular on those lakes. Do rainbow feed on frogs, I guess there is no reason why not, except for size. These little guys where about 4 or 5 inches long with the legs extended, but only about 2 inches when compact. Those two lakes also usually just have fish to about 18 inches or less although there are probably some larger fish.

How about salamander patterns? The two biggest 'bows i've gotten so far this year (18-21 inches) both had large salamanders in them. Both about 4-5 inches long. The skin was dissolved, so I wasn't able to identify the species. Doesn't help that my reptile and amphibian field guides are in Ontario. Anyway, never seen a salamander fly pattern, and would be interested if someone has.

By the way, both fish were from the same lake, same spot, just north of Squamish. Fished Lucille Lake today. No fish, few rises.

I have seen many Salamanders in the local lakes.Even saw a few swim from the bottom and take a breath of air before quickly returning to the depths.The ones I have seen are brown on top and yellow bottom one the bottom half,as though he crawled though wet yellow paint.Alot of pet shops have them (north van marine dr.)Go get some and study their habits.I had 2 for a long time they eat red wigglers like mad so they must eat the same as trout.

Frog patterns ? Are you a communist ?? :)

Seriously though, there are a zillion diver/popper patterns designed for bass that would undoubtedly work for trout who are in the mood for frog's legs. Sadly, all the best ones require spinning deer hair ... which is like poking yourself in the eye with a pointed stick, for no apparent reason.

Go to the www.flyanglersonline.com site and type "frog" into their search engine ... you'll be amazed (and possibly freaked out).

I have a little popper fly that has a body of hard styrofoam which some purists might not like but whatever it's light and casts like a fly and i think is meant as a fly. The styro was painted like a frog but has worn and is now all white but still has the original green feathers on the tail. I have popped it along quite a few lakes on hot summer days and witnessed some JAWS like scenes in front of me as the bows or in one case 8" cutts hammer what they see as a nice big meal. Anyways cool, almost indestructable fly so get creative and you can probably make something similar, worth trying for the awesome takes anyways..

Tom, Lucille is a tough lake. I hear reports of big fish once in a while from the locals fishing it and catching brookies, although they are very small, is a bonus.

I've heard similar stories, but with mice as the victims. I've always wanted to try it, but I wouldn't know where and when to try it. I guess it's just a right tme at the right place thing.
Tight lines.

Dan

For trout, I've used mouse and frog patterns with some pretty good success when fishing in the evening "in August". Especially in the Chilcotins for the mouse. The larger trout can get quite fixated and will repeatedly attack, even after they have pulled the fly under and let go - as long as they haven't felt the sting of the hook. Shorelines in bays that have a decent drop off were ideal.

As for Salamanders, I tie a Bitch Creek but use yellow/orange and green/brown chenile instead of black and add a green or brown marabou tail. It has seen enough success on Lizard L and Weston L. for me to feel comfortable with it.

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