There is a fish phenomenon that happens during the first part of the season at Rapids Camp Lodge during the month of June. The “smolt bust” is where predatory Rainbow Trout swim around the rapids section of the Naknek River and target smolt to eat. You can tell it’s a bust from the smolt and Rainbows exploding near the surface of the water targeting the abundant amount of smolt in the river during that time of year.
When you see a “bust” happening you cast at the boiling water and start moving your fly. The popping and gurgling action make your fly a prime target for the Rainbows and they can’t help but strike. There are times you will see five to ten smolt busts happening at one time and your biggest challenge is trying to pick which one to cast too. It truly is an amazing experience.
The concept of this fly comes from a couple of anglers who fished the rapids on the Naknek River during the smolt bust. They wanted a fly that would pop and gurgle on the surface of the water to resemble what a wounded smolt would do in the river. This creates quite the target for Rainbows looking for an easy meal.
Although we didn’t share tying instructions, we do share the ingredients, which will get you started on the right track. Just make sure you mold the front of the fly to acquire a good “pop” and “gurgle.” Go get the materials at your local fly shop, get creative, and share with us what you tied at info@deneki.com. We’d love to see your version.
Ingredients for the Deneki Smolt for Rapids Camp Lodge:
- Hook: Daiichi 2460 1/0
- Lower Tail: White Rabbit Hide
- Upper Tail: Opel Flashabou Mirage
- Inner Body: Opel Flashabou Mirage
- Butt: Ice Dub UV Peral
- Eyes: 4.5 Dome Eyes
- Back: Thick White Foam
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