Devils River - Dream fly box

I'm planning a trip to the Devils this fall. What would you pack in your fly box? The regulars like clousers and deer hair poppers will be present. What else?

Some craw patterns and Gulley Worms.

I was there in March 2 years back. I hammererd big bright clousers at them, but they seemed to spook at the the splash and bright colors in that crystal water. Don't think I caught a single one on a clouser. Caught maybe two on small poppers. Subtle presentation, smaller flies with more natural colors seemed to do it for me. Caught a few on Olive Wooly Buggers with Crystal flash. Biggest fish for me was caught on a classic little black girdle bug with white legs. That Smallmouth was pushing 4 pounds and in that current gave my 5 weight the fight of it's life.

I had tied on the girdle bug to cast at a carp when the small mouth spotted it from about 15 feet away. I would definitely bring your favorite carp flies if you are into them. There are some big ones once you get below Dolan Falls. I bet I saw a hundred over 10 pounds on the stretch next to blue sage just didn't have time to pull over and put the stalk on them. Next time.........

Did a lot of snorkeling, didn't see any crayfish, but I'm sure they are there. There are lots of small bait fish running around. The fly I really wish I had had would have been a big foam dragon fly. Those were everywhere at that time.

Man, sounds like a neat trip. I'm jealous.

Been wanting to do that forever and just need to get a crew and get it done.

How many nights is a typical trip?

I've only done the trip once, had good luck on olive/orange clouser darters.

Thanks guys, I enjoyed that video last week. I appreciate the help. Rod choice is also open to discussion. Either 5wt or 7/8wt. I'm considering the bigger rod because of the size of fish I've seen in pictures and the wind I've experienced while climbing and hunting close by on the Pecos.

I'd take both in case you break one, but would primarily fish the 7/8 if I was you. I took a 5 and a 7 and fished them both equally.

Really enjoyed the video!

Nice video! Is that a bear before the turkey?

its a coon playing along the river.

Lmao almost txt you to ask same thing 2fly. The posture of it just had a little bear feel to it. I mean I know the Bears they occasionally have around there full-grown are about the size of a black lab but still lol.

Sage advice. I would place the odds of breaking one north of 50%. Keep everything strapped down as much as possible. Bring a mask and snorkle. We lost and recovered tons of gear and found a lot of gear as well. I bet we could have filled half a canoe with stuff we found and gave to the Warden at the take out.