The waiting game is over and spring has finally arrived on the Swiss streams.
April 1st saw the season opening day for the streams of Canton Schwyz for season permit holders (day permits become available May 15th), but the continued cold weather put pay to any signs of fly life.
Jon's first venture on to the streams for 2013 drew a blank, waters were crystal clear but very cold.
The following days brought temperatures that were more spring like, and Jon and his very good friend Markus planned a trip to a private club stretch of the Rumlig, located in Canton Luzern.
With temperatures of 22 degrees C the expected snow melt had started but the waters were running clear, if a little high, and things were looking good. Jon and Markus began with dry flies and the first 30 minutes or so drew a blank.
Casting in to the pool shown above Jon's fly was dragged just under the surface as it hit the white water, this brought the first sighting of a fish for the day and a beautiful brownie was quickly brought to hand.
Waters were starting to rise slightly and a change of tactics was needed. Markus had a fine selection of weighted nymphs in one of his boxes, and he quickly tempted another nice fish from the depths of one of the pools.
Markus emerging from behind a boulder with one of his nice fish.
Conditions became more challenging with the continuing snow melt now starting to cloud the water and levels were rising. Despite this, Markus with his selection of gold head nymphs landed another three very nice browns before calling it a day.
Spring conditions continued for the following week and Jon headed out in search of waters in Canton Schwyz clear enough to fish. A small stream was located, a little high but running clear.
The occasional sighting of a hatching up wing fly was not enough for Jon to reach for his dry fly box, a gold head hares ear nymph with a bit of "something extra" added during the tying was the fly of choice. After a couple of leader straightening takes and a slow person on the end of the rod, Jon finally woke up and landed his first fish on the waters of Canton Schwyz for 2013.
Another two fish were landed and a few other fish sighted, so things look promising for the coming season.
A couple of days later the same stretch was still fishable but higher and less clear. One fish was caught to a weighted nymph, and one or two other fish spotted.
Beautiful backdrop from the stream.
