Catching sea run cutthroat trout on the Titanic top-water fly

[@vcutter]

I'm glad you mentioned the fact that you generally won't hook as many SRC on surface flies. I think the SRC often get too aggressive while chasing and slashing at the fly. That means they tend to miss it and have to do a quick turn to catch again. For this reason, when fishing it with any current I always fish it right back to a leader length from the rod tip. Not hooking as many fish is made up for by the savage attempt the fish make to catch the Titanic.

[@vcutter]

Tim, that is a great idea to use the EVA foam strip as the body and glue directly to it. I'm glad that you had success with the Titanic.

[@timothybird7008]

Thanks again to you, Vic, for introducing me to the pattern. And for the construction tips!

[@riverwalker2173]

Thanks for sharing your cool footage🎦

[@Sigtryggr154]

Nice video Tim, I'm up in the north sound. I am going to give this a try for sure. Seems like the sea-runs love pattern. Thanks for the informed demo.

[@timothybird7008]

Hope it works for you.

[@LeslieBernard222]

nice weather today! last night's torrential downpour was crazy!

[@dowmer3093]

Nice one Tim, thanks for the tie and demo. Those fish sure seem to hit that fly aggressively.

[@timothybird7008]

Glad you enjoyed it. It certainly seems to grab their attention.

[@TightLinesNW]

Really interesting pattern and some great tips. Thanks for sharing!

[@timothybird7008]

Thank you!

[@hooks4nooks]

Nice video. Nice cutthroat. Thanks for the fly demo. Does that fly run partially submerged then or mostly on top? Im just wondering if that fly could be used as a popper variation? For silvers in the rivers in hot pink and larger.

[@timothybird7008]

The fly runs mostly on the top, with the tail partly submerged. I'm not much good with hydrodynamics, but I feel pretty sure that you can't pop it. The way the leading edge is curved it tends to part the water like a slider. I think poppers need a flat surface at the front. If I retrieve with very fast short pulls, I can make a bubble trail, but that's about all. I know for a fact that coho will hit this fly - just like you said, I made some about twice as big, and in all pink (pink foam too). I haven't managed to hook one yet, but they do chase them.

[@hooks4nooks]

@@timothybird7008 great info. Thank you

[@vcutter]

There are times when I "pulse" the Titanic with a harder strip than Tim was using in the video. This makes the Titanic push more water and also spray water ahead of the fly much like a popper will do if fished aggressively. I use this technique when there is a lot of chop on the water or in heavy current.

[@RiverbendWoodworks]

Fantastic video, Tim! If you wander up to Jefferson County, let me know! I am hoping to put together a Catch-to-Carve video for my channel featuring the sea-run cutthroat and am planning to get out there soon! Would love to meet up and fish!

[@timothybird7008]

Hi @RiverbendWoodworks. Thanks for your comment. I checked out some of the videos on your channel - that is some beautiful work you do! I do sometimes get up into Eastern Jefferson County, but not likely until next spring. Tight lines!

[@chaselamoreaux3383]

What weight rod do you generally favor? And do you find yourself fishing floating lines more often than not?

[@timothybird7008]

Generally, I fish with a 6-weight rod. I spend an equal amount of time fishing with top-water and sub-surface flies, so whenever possible I carry two rods; one with a floating line and one with a full-intermediate. If that isn't possible, I'll load a floating line, but carry an extra reel filled with intermediate. If you're restricted to just one line, then I think the sensible option is to go with the floating - you can always use a long leader and still get a streamer down to where the fish are.

[@DR-vr1xl]

Hello Timothy. I was wondering if you flies are for sale anywhere in the area? I live in Ida but plan to vacation around Puget Sound this summer. Thanks.

[@timothybird7008]

I just tie for my own boxes, but if I could get your mailing address offline, then I'd be happy to send you a few flies. The easiest thing would be to find me on Facebook and then send me your details via a personal message.

[@bigairboarder121]

What are you using for a fly line?

[@timothybird7008]

Rio Outbound Short floating.

[@lyndonfish6229]

Would there be any cutts there in late Jan or Feb, or have I missed them all?

[@timothybird7008]

Looking at my fishing log, I have to say that I've never caught many fish during those months in the north Sound or Hood Canal - they start to show in good numbers in early March. If you go further south, than I believe you'll do much better in the winter.

[@squamishfish]

This very popular fishing on Vancouver island , The greater Victoria area and further up the island ,

[@williambone6566]

Do you sell your flies?

[@timothybird7008]

No, I don't sell them. If you can get in touch, though, I'd be happy to send you a few flies. I think the only way this will work is if you can find me on Facebook, and send me a personal message. I go by Timothy Andrew Bird.

[@mattkayser7830]

Thanks for all your sharing and videos. I’m new to the PS area. Wanting to learn and connect with like minded anglers. Could I buy you a cup of coffee?

[@timothybird7008]

Hi Matt. I'm recovering from some surgery, and am housebound for the next several weeks. I'd be up for a coffee later in the year. Where are you located?

[@mattkayser7830]

@@timothybird7008 Hi Timothy, I hope your recovery goes well. Sounds like you’ll be back on your feet just about time for spring fishing. So, that’s good news. I’d be happy to meet at your convenience. I live west of Silverdale, about a 10 minute drive from Scenic Beach State Park. Happy to travel to meet.

[@NorthweSteelheadJunkies]

Nice video but please remove your gloves and keep the fish in the water while in the net. Mortality in brackish and salt waters are very very high from handling

[@charlesspringer4709]

The cuts are behind you. They like very shallow water unless disturbed. Make the first casts left and right along the beach and work deeper. Drifing in a boat I see them swimming behind the fishermen in waders.

[@timothybird7008]

No, the cutts weren't behind me. I was there. With my polaroids on, and looking for fish! But your advice is certainly a good strategy in many situations

[@charlesspringer4709]

The water looked really nice. I have a couple of candlefish patterns that are great for Puget Sound/Hood Canal. One is in a couple books on salt water fly fishing books. But seeing them hit at a dry/floating fly is a blast.