SHOP NOTES | C.J. BOVA RODS

photos: Clint Bova Many waterborne specimens in the spring are slightly darker shades like the Hendricksons and caddis. They are often a dark steely dun and on a value scale maybe a 70 or 80% gray. The small Olive Mayfly comes off the water in a darker value than its counterparts during the midsummer months. Tying Mayfly micropatterns can be challenging not because of the specific techniques involved but because of proportion and uniform scale. If you don't already have the book by Darrel Martin “Micropatterns”  get a copy it is a wealth of informative insights and creative tying techniques that will stretch your creativity. The below sequence uses basic fly tying techniques that will allow you to knock out dozens of these little guys very quickly for your early season stash. Using waterproofed Antron in a cream color lightly singe a tag end on your spool card (only a few fibers) less is more length should be around half the length of your hook shank or  slightly less, ti...

 This adult fly pattern is a fly I use all the time especially in the late summer and fall. Like many caddis patterns during the fall season adult midges take on a rusty tan color on the Mad River. The Ginger Smudge is tied on a fine wire short shank hook. It is a relatively simple pattern to tie other than the fact that it is very small. Keeping the bulk down is very important so I count my wraps, use fine beaver belly dubbing, and minimize the amount of CDC, two or three feathers is sufficient. The TMC 531 #20 is first wrapped with a ginger dyed quill and varnished Micro knotted ginger pheasant tail legs, do this with tweezers  and a high powered magnifier Tie in knotted pheasant tail three hook eyes back, four legs are  enough two on either side Underwing use Tiemco Aero Dry Wing or waterproof Antron  a hook eyes distance short of the hook bend Dub in a sparse collar of ginger beaver belly Tie in Ginger CDC (over wing) make sure it does not extend  beyond end...

Because I live literally a stones throw from a trout stream I am able to constant acquaint myself with actual water born specimens. I keep them in test tubes filled with a formalin solution which is the safer version of formaldehyde. Season after season I see changes that occur based on global warming, winter damage, summer drought, and increases in dioxin levels in the watershed. Midges are however somewhat resistant to a lot of natural and human biological hazards. Lets break it down once again with the adult midge and its most discernible attributes. Abdomen: Extends to the rear beyond its wings, waxy and segmented, tapered like a carrot Thorax: The darkest value body part (two hook eye distances down the shank) Wings: Transparent, lay in a delta geometry, connected to thorax near “the business end” Legs: Three pairs connected at thorax extend to the total  length of the abdomen and forward Figure 1. CB's Adult Smudge Hook: TMC 531 Dry Fly Hook Thread: Veevus 16/0 dun Body: (a...

Vincent Marinaro is the man who really inspired me to look very closely at nature through a creative lense. Vincent distilled nature down to its simplest form, he immersed himself in it like a mad man. As a craftsman this is of utmost importance. Making bamboo fly rods, fly tying, drawing, and painting are all part of my daily routine which is a reason I connect to this man deeply. Fly fishing to Vincent wasn't just a pastime it was a way of problem solving, coping, and working, it became a lifelong ritual. Noise in the world today has a way of pulling you away from nature, it secretly robs you in many different ways. To stay grounded I often channel a handful of men that have managed to live a quieter existence focused upon what matters most, craftsmanship. These books I hold closely to my heart as I move through my life and often refer to them for comfort and affirmation. His books speak volumes about his seemingly maniacal observations, and work ethic. His obsession in understan...

“Bushwhacker” Midge Emerger in a size #18 The venerable TMC 212Y has proved itself in the emerger family of great hooks. Fine wire and a well designed gape and shank slope make it my most favorite hooks next to the TMC 531. The Bush Whacker as I call it is the go to fly in my short list of midges when stealth and a delicate delivery are needed in slow brushy waters. A relatively simple CDC wing with an underwing of Aero Dry Wing in a medium dun paired with Beaver Belly thorax and a natural peacock quill running the length of the shank.                                       Hook: TMC 212Y in sizes 16-22                                       Body: Natural Peacock on black thread base                                   ...

An early season adult midge specimen  collected from the Mad River March 25th 2025 Adult midges are probably one of the most misunderstood insects in the fly tying world. They are prolific waterborne insects that habitate ponds, rivers, lakes, and bogs. Literally anywhere there is standing water the possibility of midges hatching is pretty high. Midges are NOT mosquitoes! An adult midge is alive for 3-4 days. Typically their lifespan is much shorter than that based on the fact that many other creatures such as Dragonflies, birds, bats, and yes trout seek them out with a number one food target on their back, or wing case, as is the case (double pun).  The adult midge has NO TAIL (they do however have trailing shucks in the emergent phase) only an extended abdomen that actually stretches beyond the length of the wing. The abdomen is finely segmented, it is NOT hairy and buggy. The abdomen is waxy and has a fairly strict geometry when it comes to various specimens. Lets break i...