Some of the reservoirs near near Seoul are loaded with forage fish, namely Gosam, Yeomchi, and Yedang. Fish will be busting all day, but your flies won’t get a sniff. Late in the summer many of the reservoirs are at their lowest points. This makes bank access readily accessible, and often presents wade fishing opportunities. Visit any of these places and you will see bass feeding and breaking the surface like crazy. Yet, if you look around very few people will actually be catching fish. I have come up with a few strategies that will help prevent you from breaking your rod over your knee.
1- Constantly move. You have to move around. Standing in one stop and making the same casts over and over again just won’t cut it. Even if there are fish signs there, don’t be afraid to move. If the water and other fisherman permit it- try to bounce around and fish as many spots as possible. I will rarely fish a spot more that 20 minutes if I don’t get a bite. Be careful though- make sure your trek is planned'; don’t wander and be caught in the middle of nowhere in the dark. Also practice good fishing etiquette, especially if the other anglers do not.
Big flashy flies. This one is a Bonus Bruce V1- tied by yours truly
2- Match the intensity. If you find yourself fishing open water and there is a blitz, I have found success when I increase the size of my flies and start fishing faster. Strip. Strip. Strip. Throw. Very few pauses. It is awesome when you can get bass to chase and when you finally feel the weight on the end of the line- there is nothing better. If the fish are fired up, don’t be afraid to start ripping those flies through the water. Big flashy offerings will do the trick.
3- Change gears. After you have exhausted yourself by casting a million times and ripping big streamers, try slowing everything down. It’s time to ignore the huge crashes and splashes. Focus on the weed line, structure, and tall grass. There are always fish slowly patrolling these areas looking for an easy meal. I like to fish a small minnow pattern with a nice slow retrieve. You will not feel the bite instead weight and then weeds. Make sure you have a nice stout rod that can muscle the fish plus a side of salad.
4- Don’t go top water. A lot of fisher-people will see breaking fish and want to threw a popper or diver. I wouldn’t do it. I think your best bet is to try and match the hatch. Please note, these fishing tips are primarily for the three above mentioned reservoirs.
5- Check your knots. with all the casting and cover, knots tend to weaken. I have gotten in the habit of quickly checking my knots after catching a fish. But sporadically checking your knots is never a bad thing.
Z City Minnow- Size 12 A nice small pattern to fish the weed line. A nice slow sink rate is key
6- Start small. This might sound weird, but after I catch a fish- I can fish free and relaxed for the rest of the day. Catching even a small bass can get that monkey off your back. I’m talking about a scrappy ten incher. The worst feeling is heading in the final hour of fishing and you haven’t caught a thing. Your casts become sloppy and your blood pressure is up. Start small. Small bass are much easier to catch than the big girls. They are more aggressive, will usually take a fly anytime of the day, and predictably located. So fish the shallows and rocks and liberate yourself from the idea of an impending skunk.