Been meaning to update the SMOTM for July, with a slew of smolt enthusiasts getting out and showing us their smalltime trophies, it has been perhaps the most competitive SMOTM to date. Of course this has happened to coincide with the arrival of salmon season in the Puget Sound, where, with the right tides, the right winds and the right run-off levels, the fish come pouring into the bays, coves and inlets. And for those who are on it, cohos, pinks and sea-run cutthroat can be had on clousers, poppers and even terrestrial patterns wading off the beach.

That is to say the SMOTM judges have been a touch AWOL. But they have been dragged back from the undisclosed location to peruse the July entrants, and announce the winner on Tues. Aug 9.

Everything is bigger and better in Texas……

This is a picture of my very first fish caught from Guadalupe River. It fell for a finally flung Olive Woolly Bugger, and is my favorite fly caught fish. I had been waiting 10 years to fish the Guadalupe, and all I can say about that is, NEVER put off something you want to do.

Thanks,
Chris Lewis
Bullard, TX.

Nothing says Smolt of the month like a baby musky! Even a lil guy of this size hammered a small 10″ musky deer fly. The fish was in around 18″ and smashed the fly like it owed him money. If its not the winning Slab of the month I bet its the most bad ass smolt in the group.
Thanks and keep up the good work at the FFJ.

Jason Manning

Helps when you tuck your fingers in

Kristen Mustad

While trying to catch a one of the famed “Slabs” in this tailwater I happened to get this “big” guy!! Please don’t berate me for being a “smolt molester” the barbless PT was quickly removed and the little guy was returned unharmed (except the hole in his lower lip?).

Cheers,

Alastair Rimmer

PS. Thanks for the great blog!!

The majestic Middle Tennessee Shad. Enjoy fellas.

Osborne Crosby

Megabass on a fly.

Thanks guys-
Robert Lacitinola

Fishing for Mayan Cichlids in S. Fla I caught this tiny little Peacock Bass on a shrimp fly. Thanks!

David McKenzie San Jose, Ca

Here is my entry for your Smolt of the Month. Hope it is small enough 🙂
Thanks for the chance to win that sweet Canteen Package.
Tight Linesl

Trout MaGee

http://fishing-catchingchronicles-troutmagee.blogspot.com

This giant brook trout hit a size 14 humpy in a small native stream in Tionesta, Pa. It almost smacked me in the face after the heave ho hook set I be stilled on it.. Still was awesome to catch some wild native trout in Pa.

Joe Pesce

was tying on a double rig when I swallowed the second fly(RS2 #18) that I was holding on my tongue. So, I had this little brookie take a look for it? Kinda like chicken, more like snot….
Thanks for all your hard work with FFJ! My buddies and I love the magazine!!!

Chris Menig
PS- caught and released, he now measures 13”(same sandy pool!)

Dear Fly Journalists,
included is my entry for your Smolt of the Month contest. It’s a rudd (Scardinius erythrophthalmus), a European ciprinid, very common in our Dutch waters. These babies grow to around 15 inches and have deep golden flanks, high backs and blood red fins by then. On “good” days they’re very willing to take flies, both nymphs and dries, and since we hardly have any waters containing trout here in the Netherlands, they are great fun if you want some fly fishing close to home. Fish ranging from 8 tot 10 inches are your average catch, but guppies like these aren’t uncommon either, especially if you fish with smaller flies. This one was caught on a #16 dry “white” tag fly.
Take care and keep up the good work!
Pieter de Wolf