Portrait of Pierre KUNTZ

Alsatian Fly Fisherman

Pierre Kuntz in competition on the Dore River
Pierre Kuntz at a national competition on the Dore

Pierre KUNTZ, born in 1994, grew up in Lampertheim (67) and now remains in Grenoble (38), where he graduated from a school of engineering in science materials. He is currently carrying out a thesis on Li-ion batteries. He was very young won by the passion of fly fishing and embarked on the adventure of the competition in 2011. He quickly became one of the best French competitors, despite his young age.

As a competitor, Pierre is a member of the Meribel Sports Club (73), section of fly fishing.

But if he fishes very regularly in reservoirs and river as a competitor, his passion brings him to the edge of the water as soon as he has a moment of free. I am fortunate to have known this sympathetic young man since his adolescence. I have seen him evolve in his technique and approach to the river or reservoir and continually seek to progress. He knows how to challenge himself and adapt effectively to all conditions, which is the brand of the greatest fishermen I have had the pleasure of meeting.

Pierre Kuntz with a shadow of the Bruche
Pierre Kuntz with a beautiful grayling of the Bruche
Pierre Kuntz with a beautiful trout fario of the Bruche
Pierre with a browntrout from the no-kill route of Muhlbach on Bruche

If his record is already impressive as a competitor (cf. infra), he also became a captain with the youth teams, demonstrating qualities of leadership of men. He has not lost his natural humility and is always willing to share an observation or technique with those who meet him on a fishing spot. If you have this chance, do not hesitate to ask him for advice. He will be happy to share any of his competitor tips with you.

His way of practicing fly fishing

  • Flyfishing beginning: 2008 (Competition in 2011)
  • Techniques Flyfishing: Dry, dry/nymph, nymph in sight, nymph with thread, streamer, wet flies, boobies
  • Preferred Flyfishing Techniques: The dry without hesitation, but “the vagaries of fishing conditions and the mood of fish” make him fishing the majority of the time with nymph.
  • Rods preferred for this technique: Maxia MX4 9 ‘ 4 silk of 3
  • Favorite reels for this technique: JMC Yoto
  • Preferred lines for this technique: Scientific anglers VPT n ° 3
  • Preferred tippet for this technique: 9 or 12 foot 5x rat tail
  • His favorite flies:
  • Dry: caddis tyed of duck with a hare collar
  • -Wet fly: Hopper
  • -Nymph: Pheasant tail, gold/silver/copper ball, with and without tag
  • -Streamer: “Pouic” Bunny, Sparkler
  • Favorite Rivers: The Bruche (67), the Dranse (74), the Aude (11)
  • Preferred reservoirs: the Stork reservoir in Seltz (67), the Landie (63), the Mouille (74), Barouchat (73)
  • Favourite fish: Brown trout and grayling. He particularly likes to be able to catch these two species in the same place
  • Best souvenirs of fly fishing: his first World Championship title in 2016 in Spain, as captain of the French youth team. On Today’s Day, France is the only team to have won the title of world champion as well as the first 3 places of the individual ranking in a world championship.
A caddis fly in duck and hare, one of Pierre Kuntz's favourite , similar as the SCL in the C.B.F. collection
Caddis in duck feather and hare
Nymph bead head, similar as the TVC-2 of the C.B.F. collection
Model of nymph of Pierre Kuntz

His palmares in competition

-Champion of France D2 Rivière 2013 -Vice-champion of France D1 River 2017 -third D1 River 2018-Third World Youth Championships Team 2012 (France) -World Young Team champion in 2016 (Spain) and 2017 (Slovenia) -Champion Senior European Team 2017 (Portugal) -Vice-Champion of individual Europe senior 2017 (Portugal) -In december 2019: world champion with the french team in Tasmanie.

Pierre Kuntz on the Bruche
Pierre in his works on the Bruche in Molsheim
Pierre Kuntz with a beautiful rainbow trout from the Bruche
Pierre with a beautiful rainbow trout on the no-kill course of the Bruche in Schirmeck

My most recent flyfishing trips

Here you will find reports about my fishing trips elsewhere than in Alsace, my fishing trips C.B.F., my travels in other parts of the country, and my fishery discoveries.

September 2023 in the U.S.A.

I was not alone on the San Juan (New Mexico)

During my “backpacker” holidays in the United States, with my wife, I brought all my fishing equipment, with the idea of discovering some beautiful American rivers. I fished for 5 days in total, on the San Juan (New Mexico), Colorado (Colorado), Blue river (Colorado) and Big Thomson (Colorado) rivers.

The weather was mild, even if the good weather was each time accompanied by a “bad” N or N/W wind which picked up from 12 p.m. or 1 p.m. The rivers were low. I rarely had the opportunity to fish for rising fishes, except for 2 hours during my day wading on the San Juan and 2 hours during my morning on the Big Thomson, before a strong wind stalled. the fish.

In the lack of mayfly or caddis hatching, I have had to use most often tiny flies, on hooks 20 to 24, particularly on the San Juan, where trout peck all year round at the thousands of micro midges rushing into this river that comes out of the dam lake at Navajo Dam.

I caught most of my (big) trout on the San Juan on micro-nymphs (h 22 and 24) the others on NFL-2 (h16), MCA-2 (h18) and still some nice rainbows with dry, on TOT (h14) , CTC-2 (h20) and FMF-2 (h20)

In the Colorado and Blue rivers, I caught most of the fish on nymph, with NFL-2 (h16 and 14), MCA- 4 (h18) and TVC-2 (h14)). The few trout that I caught with dry flies on the Blue River were with CTC-2 (h18), TOT (h16) and KMM-3 (h16)

I was lucky enough to be the first to go up (at 7 a.m. today) on the Big Thomson River, which meanders through the meadow of Moraine Park, in the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park. Although the river is small, it is home to a nice population of wild fish, which were active until around 11:30 a.m. I caught several brown trouts and brook trouts with nymph, on TVC-2 (h14) and MCA- 4 (h16). But above all I caught a good twenty fish on dry, on SEP-2 (h16 and 14), KMM-3 (h14) and TOT (h16)

With the very strong wind that had picked up from noon, I stopped fishing at 1 p.m., after encountering a magnificent elk doe, lying in the grass at the water’s edge. the animal stood up quietly when I approached slowly, snorted 10 m from me, drank, ate two tufts of grass, licked itself, before slowly returning to its herd which was watching me from about thirty meters away. A meeting like we rarely have, a moment of grace where time seemed to stand still.

a nice brown torut from the San Juan
wading on the San Juan
the upper Colorado river (Colorado)
a nice brown trout from Colorado river, caught with a nymphTVC-2
fall on the Colorado river
the Blue river (Colorado)
fishing the Big Thomson im Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)
a brown from the Big Thomson, caught on a SEP-2
I meet an elk on the edge of the Big Thomson
elk on the river
a brook trout ifrom the big thomson

From 28 May til 3 juny 2023 in Slovenia

Jean marie on the Sava Bohinjka

My friends Jean-marie and André wanted to return to Slovenia, where they had made their first fishing trips with friends, more than 20 years ago. Serge and Jacky accompanied us on this stay which was to prove to be a halieutic-gastronomic one.

We fished the Sava Bohinjka and the Radovna, with still strong water. Although the weather was fine overall, the week was marked by the permanence of a strong wind from the North or North-East. The snow, still present on the summits, did not improve things by melting, stalling the fish a little more.

Jean-Marie and I caught some beautiful fish in heavy nymphs. Mainly on NTO , but also witht NTJ-1, and CNC-1.

But despite these difficult conditions, we also managed to catch fish on the dry flies, with even two trophy trout for my part (55 and 60 cm.) During these moments of happiness, here are the models that proved effective: CBF, SHP-1, SRC , EBF-1, KMM-3 + SEP-2 and TOT the latter having (again) been the most regular.

The atmosphere and friendliness of this week were excellent, as were the dinners or lunches prepared by our friend Serge. A beautiful week that will leave us with beautiful memories.

a nice rainbowfrom the Sava Bohinjka ,caught on the surface with a TOT
this rainbow from ther Radovna was taken my SEP-2
a grayling of 40 cm caught on a SHP-1

 

from 31 october til 03 november 2022 in Germany

Pascal on the Blau when the evening came

As part of my last C.B.F. stay, I took Philippe and Pascal, clients who have become friends over the past few years, to finish the season on the rivers near Ulm in Germany. We successively fished the Blau, the big Lauter and the Danube, being successively an average river, a stream and a big river, enough to alternate atmospheres and approaches.

We caught some pretty fish, all in very good condition and feisty, in these chilly waters at the beginning of November.

Depending on the moment, we alternated nymph over and dry, Philippe having opted for the streamer on the Danube on the morning of the last day. It worked for him, because he caught on one of my CBO sculpin imitation, a magnificent rainbow trout. For the nymph, we hit most fish, including a trophy trout on the Blau and a 40cm grayling on the Danube, on TVC-1, TVC-2 , NFL-2, NTJ-1, MCA-4 , MCA-5 and CNC-2. Regarding the dry flies, my “classics and essentials” have assured, with some other models with proven efficiency: CBF, PHB-1 , KMM-2 , TOT, PDR and CTC-2.

For this last fishing trip, the atmosphere was particularly warm and the complicity, both through conviviality and personal exchanges and the emotions shared while fishing, was constant. Thanks to Philippe and Pascal for this sharing and this trust. Thank you also to all those who trusted me during these 12 years of fishing stays in my company.

the fog come on thge river and surrenders the flyfisherman
a last trout took the nymph TVC at the end of the day
Philippe on the “big” Lauter, in a wonderful landscape
a nice brown trout from the big Lauter
on the Danube in Ulm
a grayling of 40 cm caught on the nymph TVC-2 in the Danube
this ranibow of the Danube was caught on a MCA-5
the chubs from the Danube take also little nymphs like the MCA-4
Pascal on the Danube
memorable picnics

from 05 til 08 July 2022 in Germany

François on the Neckar in the evening

As part of a C.B.F. stay, I accompained François, a passionate fly fisherman, eager to improve his skills and curious to discover the Murg and the Neckar in the Black Forest.

Hot weather, even scorching. The waters were very low and clear on the Murg, the Neckar at its low water level, but with water slightly tinted by the many algae. Aquatic insects were rare during these 4 days and the evening hatches were very discreet. François, who was attentive and diligent, has clearly progressed in the approach of the positions, the discretion of the landings and the conduct of the fly in the good veins of water.

During these 4 days of fishing, François, like me, caught some beautiful fish, chub, brown trout and a rare graylings. While either was caught nymphing over, on TVC-2 , most were caught on the dry fly. If the CBF, SEH, SHP-1, PHB-1 and KMM-2 allowed us to hit several fish, a fly ensured more regular success on the surface by the fish, (about 80% of catches) the TOT, my fetish imitation of straying terrestrial insects, often most appropriate in hot weather and in the absence of aquatic insect outbreaks.

A stay where fishing was not easy, in a period of high heat, but with a warm atmosphere and a beautiful complicity, both through conviviality and personal exchanges and the emotions shared while fishing.

this brown trout from the Murg was caught on a TOT
François on the Murg
nice brown trout of the Murg
François on the Neckar bringing a nice brownie in the net
A grayling caught with a nymlph TVC-2 in the deepth
in the same minute; brown trout for François and a big chub for me, both with a TOT

From 15 to 24 september 2020 in Sweden

Pascal bringing a nice grayling on his net on the Giman river

My client and friend Pascal, passionate like me by grayling fishing, spoke to me in October 2019 during our C.B.F. trip in Austria (see below), from the Giman, a Swedish river famous for its graylings that he discovered in June. We had decided to organize a weeklong stay there to satisfy this passion. Considering that the autumn graylings were the most fascinating, we had planned this trip at the end of 2019. Despite the uncertainties linked to the Covid pandemic and after flights changes to Stockholm, we were finally able to leave for Sweden where life at most near Nature in the forests of pines, firs and yellowing birch trees quickly made us forget the vicissitudes of current events.

The Giman is a wide river flowing from lake to lake with currents winding between large pebbles and numerous rocks, some of which are enormous. It was low for the season and the heat which had not spared Sweden this summer even forced the managers to close the fishery in August. Significant mortality of aquatic insects seems to have resulted from this heat and the draining of 30% of the stones that make up the bottom and the edges of the river. As a result, few insects were present: a few 2nd generation baetis, a few caddis of the limmnophillidae family and small blackish stone flies of the leuctridae type.

With cool temperatures accompanied at all times by strong winds, fortunately from the west, fishing with nymph would quickly prove to be essential for regularly touching the largest specimens. So that’s what we did, selecting a few light or light weight models. No tungsten therefore because otherwise we would systematically have algae attached to the tip of the hook. Here are the models that allowed us to touch beautifully adorned graylings, with a good proportion of fish over 40 cm:: GMS-1, lthis scud imitation was the most successfull, NFL-2, MCA-1, 2 , 3 and MCA-4, LAC- 2, so as TVC-1

We have nevertheless succeeded (irregularly and more often by fishing for water than the very rare gobings) to bring up some very beautiful fish (including 5 trout) on the dry fly. By insisting with this technique, three models were particularly gripping: KMM-2, TOT and PHB-1. But we caught also some nice fish with these models: EBF-1, CTC-1, FMF-2, SAC-1 and SAC-3, SCL.

It is with regret that we left this beautiful region, magnified day after day by its autumn adornment, eyes filled with gratitude for this river which had shown us its treasures, graylings with fins and magnificent hues.

nice autumn colors in the wood and on the edge of the river
A nice grayling of the Giman
the Giman: big stones and rocks ewerywhere. Not easy to wade..
What a nice dorsal finn have the graylings of the Giman

From 06 to 12 septembre 2020 in Austria

The Salza in « Gschöder », fished by Ernest Hemingway..

As part of a C.B.F. stay, I accompanied Gilbert, Daniel and Christian to Austria. After the cancellation of several fishing trips due to the Covid-19 epidemic, we were able to finalize this trip, which had been booked for 1 years. My clients have not regretted it.

After arriving under a downpour that was to last all night and rivers in flood the first day, the weather improved for the remainder of the trip. Fishing was not easy in these strong rivers where many posts remained inaccessible by wading. It was nonetheless successful, with many fish caught every day, particularly with nymphs.

We fished the small lake Hubertus and the Walster the first day, the Ybbs being in flood, then t 2 days on the Salza and finishing, in style, on the Steyr, which gave us our larger salmonids. They were very combative in this cold and well oxygenated water.

As a nymph, the most effective technique in these strong and rough currents when insects were rare, we caught brown and rainbow trout plus some big graylings on the following models: NTO, NFL-2, MCA-3, MCA-4 (in the lake) , TVC-1 and 2, so as NTJ-1 and NTJ-2. I personally fished more with dry flies than my clients and that didn’t stop me from catching as many fish as they did, or even more at times, which in turn inspired them. With this technique, the models that were the most effective: SEP-2 and TOT (mostly of my fish), SEP-3, KMM-2 (my biggest trouts) and KMM-3, PHB-1, EBF-1 and CBN.

In the end, despite not always very favorable conditions, a great week of fishing, in a very friendly, convivial and cheerful atmosphere.

Christian with a nice rainbow trout, caght on EBF-1
Tnice rainbow from the Steyr
On the Steyr
Daniel catching a nice rainbow ont a nymph TVC-2

From 19 til 25 June 2020 in Italy and Slovenia

Evening light on the big Sava

As part of a C.B.F. flyfishing trip, I accompaned Pascal , Yannick and Jean-Claude to Slovenia. .But France was on a “red list” for Slovenia the day of our departure. Pascal, Jean-Claude and Yannick therefore first found themselves in Italy where we fished the Falschauer. Fishing there was good despite difficult conditions: a strong river, cold rain all day. Each caught at least one trout 40 cm or more. And the next day France was on the “green list” for entry into Slovenia. So we traveled the 350 km early in the morning to be able to fish the Sava Bohinjka on the Saturday afternoon, and so we were the first French people to be able to fish in Slovenia.

We fished the next day, in the heat and in great sun, the big Sava, where a release of the dam associated with a very strong wind made fishing particularly difficult. the Radovna, still very cold and always with a very strong wind, even stormy in the morning, welcomed us the next day. Fishing was difficult there but this gem rewarded us with the most beautiful fish of the stay: a brown trout of hybrid type (marmorata according to the dress, possibly lake trout according to our local Slovenian correspondent), in any case a superb trophy fish of almost 60 cm, which forced Pascal to follow him over forty meters passing between large rocks. The fish had taken his NTO while fishing downstream.

The next day we had an excellent day of fishing on the Sava Bohinjka, despite the still strong wind. The fish were active and several large specimens let themselves be seduced by our dry flies, like this 50 cm grayling, which had quietly mounted on a large SRC, a 50 cm rainbow taken with the crossbow, on a SEP-2, or this 44 cm rainbow which put me on the backing after having violently taken my TOTpresented along a rocky bank in a strong current. A one-day extension having been voted on unanimously by the participants, we ended the stay with a day on the Krka. the fishing there was sumptuous, with many rainbow trout and some brownies. The evening hatch, when the caddis flies came to lay on the river was particularly intense. The fishing was generally good during this adventure-filled stay.

here the flies which hade the most succes: As dry fly, CBF, KMM-2, KMM-3 , TOT , SRC, PHB-3, TTC-2, and SEP-2 . On the Krka , also the big mayfly EDM-2 was succesfull bevor the caddis came on the beginning of the dark. As Nymphe and wet flies, we caught some very nice trouts on NTJ-1 , NTJ-2, NTO, and TVC-1 and 2.

The atmosphere of this very convivial week was excellent, despite the icy rain of the first day, the almost permanent strong wind, the strong heat and the program changes. My three fishermen were delighted with their stay, the discovery of new fishing sectors, which allowed them to touch many trout and several graylings, of which a return noticed on the gravel pits of the Sava Bohinjka is a pleasure.

Päscal with his big brown trout that he caught on the Radovna with a NTO .
The big Sava: strong current and harder wind !
A perfect moment on the Sava Bohinjka before the evening hatch
This grayling of 50 cm came on the surface to take my SRC !
this reinbow of 44 cm could not resist on myTOT .
Yannick on the Krka

From 29 september til 05 Oktober 2019 in Austria

Christian on the Isel

As part of a C.B.F. flyfishing trip, I accompaned Alain, Pascal and Christian in Ost-Tyrol. We stayed in the pleasant Hotel Rauter, hich manages several fishing areas on the Isel and Tauernbach, between 1700 and 1000 m above sea level.

An overall pleasant weather for the season, with a big rainy day. The fishing was not very regular, but overall pretty good, with many fish every day, usually with nymph in the morning, and dry in the afternoon, including the last afternoon that has earned us a beautiful hatch of Baetis Rhodani of 2nd generation on the Tauernbach, to check the beautiful density of the fish. They were very combative in this cold water and well oxygenated.

As dry flies, the models that have been particularly effective: : CBF, SEP-3, KMM-2 , TOT, PHB-1, EBL and SAC-3, the last three especially on the occasion of the aforementioned hatch. As nymph, we caught brownies and rainbows and a dozen graylings on models always reliable: NTO, NFL-2, MCA-3, MCA-5 , TVC-1 and 2.

In the end, despite conditions not always very favorable, a beautiful week of fishing, in a very friendly and cheerful atmosphere.

Christian with a nice grayling on the Isel
This brown trout of the Tauernbach was caught with a nymph TVC-2 .
the “big” Isel
this rainbow from the Tauernbach took my SEP-3 on the surface.

From 15 til 21 september 2019 in Italy

Jean-Michel, Daniel et Christian, 3 very good fishermen !
As part of a C.B.F.flyfishing trip , I accompanied Jean-Miche, Daniel and Christian in northern Italy, in southern Tyrol. Given the (relative) mildness of September, the Adige and Isar were still too strong. We thus fished essentially Valsura and Passer (Passeria in Italian). The Passer, powerful and rocky, not always easy to access, but so rich in beautiful fish was particularly appreciated by my fishermen, all three of experience.

We generally fished with dry with some success, even though the activity of the fish was sporadic. But even when we were fishing the water, we managed to get some nice fish. 
As in the previous stay, the SEP-3 was the fly that caught the largest number of trouts, including several trophy fish above 50 cm. The other dry ones that succeeded us: KMM-2, KMM-3, CBF,  PDR and TOT. With nymph, my TVC (n° 1and n°2) , NFL-2 and NTO allowed us to touch very beautiful trouts, including several marmoratas.
 

I personally caught my finest marmorata, in dark blue-gray color, on nymph, with a small “brassie” on hook 16. This is one of those flies that I have been testing regularly for several years. As part of the new 2020 catalog, you will find 3 models (natural copper, red and olive) in the C.B.F. collection, specifically in the serie of ” Micro Casque Argent”: These are the MCA-3, MCA-4 et MCA-5.

In conclusion, again a very beautiful week of fishing, with a flawless conviviality, a lot of emotions , in short a happy week.

The Passer above Merano (Italy)
This strong hybrid marmorata/ brown from the Passer took my SEP-3 on the surface
A nice marmorata caught in a strong current with a SEP-3
Several big fighting rainbows have also honored our flies

From 25 til 31 august 2019 in the italian Tyrol

this trout i an hybrid beetwen brown trout and marmorata trout

As part of a C.B.F.flyfishing trip , I accompanied Gilbert, Jean-Marc and Jérôme in northern Italy, in southern Tyrol. Given the warm weather of end august, the Adige and Isar were still too strong. We thus fished essentially Valsura and Passer (Passeria in Italian). The Passer, powerful and rocky, not always easy to access, but so rich in beautiful fish was the most appreciated by my fishermen. Fishing was not easy, but we caught beautiful fish every day, each with his favorite technique, the downstream wetfly  for Gilbert, the nymph  for Jean-Marc, the dry fly for Jerome and myself.

We have often been able to fish with dry fly, which has allowed us to raise beautiful trout by fishing the water, sometimes using a single fly throughout the day, the SEP-3.  But other fish came on the KMM-2, KMM-3, CBF or PHB-1. The TOT was also very succesfull. As nymph, mostly trouts were gaught on TVC-2 and  NTOthe latter allowing Jerome to capture several big fish, including a beautiful rainbow of about 50 cm (see picture infra). It was with this same fly, used as wetfly, that Gilbert and Jean-Marc also caught a lot of trout, including several hybrids, Gilbert thus catching the only “true” marmorata of the stay, a unfortunately small specimen.

This beautiful week of fishing, with a friendliness and a good mood at all times, will leave all four of us an excellent memory.

The Passer above Merano (Italy)
This nice brown trout was caught with a well presented SEP-3
Jérôme bringing a big rainbow trout, caught with a  NTO, on his net
ua nice hybride brown/ marmorata, caught with a TVC-2

26 may – 31 may 2019 in Slovenia and Alsace

Pascal brings a nice rainbowx trout of the Sava in his net
As part of a C.B.F.stay , I took to Slovenia Christian, Lionel, and Pascal, a group of Alsatian flyfishermen, eager to (re) find the beautiful rivers and trout Slovenian.

the Sava Bohinjska was already strong when we arrived, and we fished it on the first day in the rain. The rest was going to be frustrating, since the rain did not end, and after a day of tourism and tying flies, it is the heavy heart that we had to resign ourselves to return to Alsace.

If the morning fishing was difficult with reduced activity, the afternoon we were treated to a beautiful hatch of large and small may flies, brown caddis and small yellow stone flies, during a lull of showers . The fishing was then excellent for all, with many trouts including some beautiful specimens, on CBF, SEH-1, KMM-2, TOT and EBF-1,  the most regular, and with which I had the chance to capture a very beautiful rainbow of 64 cm (see photo below). In nymph over, we also caught some fish on  NTO, NTJ-1 and TVC-1 and 2

Back in Alsace, we fished the Bruche a day, and the Thur the next day. The fishing was good on both rivers and the fish were regularly interested by our flies, nymphs in the morning, and dry mainly in the afternoon. With nymph on TVC-1 and 2 and even on HNC-1. As dry flies, KMM-2, TOT and EBF-1 provided the greatest number of catches in the day. But at the end of the day, when the brown caddis came “to dance” above the current, the CBF was one of the safest values.

The atmosphere of this very convivial week was excellent, despite the rain, the climatic hazards and the modifications of program. My three fishermen were delighted with their stay, the discovery of new fishing areas, which allowed them to touch many trout and some graylings.
During ythe time that the waders dry, we enjoy an old Rhum
This big rainbow trout ( 64 cm) was caught wit an emerger EBF-1
Pascal caugt this trout with a nymph TVC
This brown trout of the Bruche (67) came on the surface to take my KMM-2
Our group , with the young  Edgar,ready to fish the Thur (68)
Pascal on the Thur
Evening hatch on the Thur in Thann (68)
Grayling of the Thur, which I caught with a CBF


From 28 april to 03 may 2019 in Slovenia

Pierre with a flying trout, who took his NTO

The rivers we fished, the Sava, the Radovna and the Krka, were very strong. The Sava Bohinjka particularly tinted on our arrival. Rains and snow had preceded us and came back at the end of the week, which was so complicated. The fresh snow melted did not improve things, stalling a little more fish.

Pierre discovered in my company the subtleties of mending for dry flyfishing, nymph over and wetflies. He was going to catch fish with all these techniques, which did not seem to have won at first. As he was very attentive, always enthusiastic, his perseverance would allow him to take beautiful fish, with heavy nymph, over or wetfly, mainly on NTO , but also on TVC-1/T and NTJ-1.

But despite these difficult conditions, we also managed to touch beautiful fish with dry flies, with even a trophy trout of 61 cm. We were also fortunate enough to experience a beautiful hatch of brown caddis flies on the Krka, which allowed us to fish on rising trouts for several hours. During these moments of pure happiness, the fish were rather selective and we had to target the effective models: CBF, SCL, SRC on the Krka, EBF-1, KMM-2 on the Radovna, the same + SEP- 3 and TOT on the Sava.

The atmosphere of this week, shortened by one day because of new heavy rains, was excellent and my friendly Pierre was delighted with his stay, which allowed him to live his best moments with the fly.

Pierre on the Sava Bohinjka under the sun
this nice rainbow trout could not resist on my CBF
The Sava Bohinjka under the sun, but also with strong wind

In October 2018 in Austria

the river Isel in Austria -Tyrol

As part of a C.B.F Holiday I accompanied Alexandre to Tyrol, despite Jerome’s defection for health reasons. We stayed in the very nice hotel Rauter, which manages several fishing areas on the Isel and the Tauernbach, between 1700 and 1000 m altitude.

A mild weather for the season, as in the whole of Europe, associated with low water but tinted by the melting of glaciers has not been very favorable to the activity of fish. Nevertheless, the fishery was still quite good, with many fish every day, usually as a nymph over the morning, and dry in the afternoon. The fish were very aggressive in this cold and well oxygenated water.

As dry fly, three models were particularly effective: SEH, KMM-2 and 3, SEP-3, was particularly successful for me on the 3rd day, with 17 trouts including 2 large rainbow. With nymph, we caught brown and rainbow trouts on heavy models, for harsh conditions and tinted waters : NTO, CBH, LAC-2 as good as TVC-1 and 2.

In the end, despite unfavourable conditions, a week of fishing largely positive, in a very friendly atmosphere, with Alexandre, more and more efficient in dry fly fishing.


In September 2018 in Slovenia

river Sava Bohinjka in Slovenia

As part of a C.B.F Holiday I accompanied in Slovenia Jean-Michel and Christian, two habitueted flyfishermen, eager to (re) discover the beautiful rivers and the Slovenian trout.

The Sava Bohinjska and the Radovna, were of a pleasant level, low without being too low, and clear. We also fished a day of heavy heat the Krka, disappointing by this sunny weather, and the funds still clogged with brown algae. Faced with very selective fishes and with the exits of tiny black gnats several times, we had to deploy all our know-how to deceive some (rare) graylings and finally a lot of trout, including several large fish, some of More than 50 cm, on TOT, CTC-1, RTR, KMM-2 , OPK, SEP-2 et 3et CBF. In nymphs, heavy nymphs were most effective, like NTO, CBH, and TVC-1 + 2, LAC-1, LAC-2 andt 3, LGC -1, CNC-2 and 3.

The atmosphere of this week was once again excellent and my two fishermen, who did not know each other initially, became very complicit, delighted with their stay, which allowed them to touch very many and beautiful trout.

August 2018 in Slovenia

big Sava in Slovenia

As part of a C.B.F Holiday I accompanied in Slovenia Gautier, Alain and Philippe, a group of flyfishermen from 30 to 73 years old, eager to confront the beautiful Slovenian fish.

The rivers were very low, including the Sava Bohinjska, which we fished with the Radovna. It was hot, like everywhere this summer, but the relative nocturnal freshness kept the fish in shape.

My “Favorites”, all three good fishermen, managed to catch some beautiful fish. In these low waters and less oxygenated than in spring, with very selective fish, fishing was not easy. But we managed to catch a number, with dry flies, on, RTR, SEP-3, KMM-2, PHB-1 and 2, SHP-1, and TOT again the most regular. In nymph, over or sighted, we also caught some nice fish, on NFL-2, NTO , LAC-1, LAC-2 et 3 , LGC-1 et TVC-1 et 2(tungsten or not)

The atmosphere of this week was excellent and my three fishermen were delighted with their stay, which allowed them to indulge themselves, mainly with beautiful trout, the graylings having been scarce for 2 years on the Slovenian rivers as on many Other rivers in Europe.

In July 2018 in Slovenia

on the big Sava near Bled in Slovenia

As part of a C.B.F Holiday I accompanied in Slovenia Jérôme and Daniel, two flyfishermen, eager to discover the beautiful slovenian rivers and trouts.

The Sava Bohinjska and the Radovna, were of a pleasant level, low without being too low, and clear. We also fished a day the great Sava, a little more tense because of a dam, but as the water had dropped around 14h, we were entitled to it in the late afternoon to two hours of surface activity of the large fish that populate it.

NB: This activity earned me an hour of memorable success, with 4 fish hit successively on emergent EBF-1 and EBF-2, with 2 graylings of 48 and 49 cm and two + rainbow of 50 cm caught. Difficult fishing in deep water, facing suspicious fish, but then what fights and what emotions.

My “favorites” were not accustomed to confront the difficulties of the medium and large rivers, controlling both the fly fishing in the streams of their region of origin (Valserine in the Jura for Daniel, Corsican creeks for Jérôme)

After a first day a little complicated, handicaped more by rods poorly adapted to this type of rivers, they learned a lot, improved their technique and tactics over the week and different waters. In the Face of very selective fish and the fallout of Black gnats on several occasions, they managed to take their first (rare) graylings and finally quite a lot of trout, including several large fish, some more than 40 cm, on EBF-1 et EBF-2, KMM-2, SHP-1, FMF-2 , RTR and TOT once again the most regular model, with the CBF. After an initiation to nymph fishing, both also caught their first trouts with this technique, on NTO andt TVC-1 + 2

The atmosphere of this week was excellent and my two fishermen were delighted with their stay, which allowed them to touch many fish.

In June 2018 in Slovenia

a trophy rainbow trout, caught on the Sava by the author, claude Behr

As part of a C.B.F Holiday I accompanied in Slovenia , Christian, Lionel, two Alsatians, and Joerg, a German fisherman, in short an international group of fishermen, eager to confront the beautiful Slovenian trout.

The Sava Bohinjska and the Radovna, were still a bit ‘ tense ‘ on our arrival like all the Slovénian rivers, but found little by little a good level, because if we had daily thunderstorms, these remained measured.

My “Favorites”, two of which were not accustomed to confront the difficulties of the rivers, however good fishermen, managed to catch many and beautiful fish, essentially with dry flies. Although the fish were selective, we managed to deceive many specimens on CBF, EBF-1 and EBF-2 , KMM-2, PHB-2 + 3, SHP-1, and TOT, the most regular. I had the chance to finish my last day, fishing discreet rises under the branches, in the rain and in the deep water, to capture on an emergent EBF-1 A very beautiful rainbow of 58 cm (see picture supra). While fishing with nymph, we also had good times, with some trophy fish on the key, like this rainbow of + 60 cm that I caught on sight, on an NFL-2. The NTO was formidable, and some fish were also taken on
LGC-2 and TVC-1 + 2 (tungsten or not). Christian, also tried successfully with streamer by sequence, whether with a CBO, or a SFM-4 and a mini Zonker.

The atmosphere of this week was excellent and my three fishermen were delighted with their stay, which allowed them to touch many beautiful trouts.

May 2018 in Austria

satisfied and happy customers of Claude Behr Favorites on the Isel in Austria

As part of a C.B.F Holiday I accompanied to the Tyrol, Philippe, Jean and Patrick. We stayed in the very nice hotel Rauter, which manages several fishing areas on the Isel and the Tauernbach, between 1700 and 1000 m altitude.

A mixed weather associated with water often tinged with snowmelt has not been conducive for dry fly fishing. The nymph over the wire ensured most of the catches. Each flyfisher caught many trout, some exceeding 40 cm, particularly combative fish in this cold and well oxygenated water..

With the dry fly, it was only on the last day that each of my favorites caught trout, either with CBF, or SRT. And, as far as I’m concerned, I’ve brought up this last day about fifteen trouts, against the rocks on the edge, on a SEP-3.

With nymphs, we all caught brown trout and rainbow trout on my favorite heavy nymph model for very difficult conditions and strong, cold and dirty waters, the NTO which once again proved particularly effective in these conditions, where the fish were propped up. When the water was a little clearer and a little less strong, we also tcaught some nice fish on TVC-1 and 2 .

In the end, despite very difficult conditions, a week of positive fishing, in a warm atmosphere and conviviality, and beautiful memories for my favorites, which impressed me with their perseverance and their efficiency, with a technique in Which they began little or more.

To the page of all my fishing courses


To your health:-)


Flyfishing with C.B.F.

Requested for many years, I started in 2010 in the organization of fly fishing trips in different European countries. I know that these trips have left memorable memories for everyone. In 2022 I organized my last trips to Alsace and Germany. If this adventure is now over, you still have the opportunity to fish for a day with me, either to initiate you, or to improve your technique in one or other of the techniques, to know the insects, to learn to read the water , to choose the right fly model at the right time, how to take care of its presentation, etc.

If you are interested in a day of accompaniment by myself, do not hesitate to contact me to discuss about it.

to the recent news of the C.B.F.  flyfishing trips

>  to the latest news of my flyfishing trips

november 2022: End of the day on the river Blau in Germany

My best flies for Europe

The flies for Slovenia and other european countries. Here you find the flies that have been by the best during my fishing trips in Europe since 1983. Advised and used by my customers since 2009, they are very regularly in Germany, Austria, Italy, Slovenia, Bosnia, Serbia, Croatia, as in Norway (Glomma). You will find them in a selection of flies from the collection C.B.F. entitled Europe.

a nahdfull CBF

For many years, the CBF has been giving a lot of rising fishes and catches from spring to the end of autumn, even making move fish that do not eating and even taking off the big graylings, which obviously do not always take it. In case of infidelity, we always return to this fly, because the biggest rising fish rarely let it pass without honoring it with a climb…

Petit Diablotin Rouge

The PDR is an excellent imitation of caddisfly (trichopterae) and it is often very effective when the river is overflew by swarms of small dark caddis. Moreover, it is well visible in the currents, even from far.

Spent Hepta Perdrix
Spent Hepta Perdrix

The SHP has been tested and improved over several years. Initially with the assembly of wire on the body and a grey CDC wing, it became more visible with a clear CDC wing, and more addictive with a red dubbing body. Floating low like natural insects, it regularly allows me to deceive the most beautiful fish that take the imagos of the great héptagéneidae coming to lay and die, becoming spents, in the late evening

Tip Vert Casquée-1

Even if I fishless by nymph, from time to time I try a trophy fish in the depth at sight, or when no fish is active on the surface I sometimes fish the water with a nymph. In these cases, my first choice is this nymph/ wetfly, the TVC, which is my favorite model. Itregularly interests the beautiful fish and has earned me, on a particularly difficult day, my only (big) catch on the Idrijka.

Renegate Tête Rouge

The RTR is one of the models that earned me the greatest number of catches in the fall of 2009, when the graylings were not inclined to rise to the surface. Perfectly imitating two coupled gnats, it is a fly that floats well and remains visible to the fisherman despite its small size. His red butt and his head of the same color really seem a plus compared to the classic rénégates. Since 2015, it has been very regular on many European rivers or the hatch of small black gnats make the fishing often very complicated for flyfishermen.

Peute Hommage Bresson-1

The PHB-1 is the most consistent model for the graylings in the late season since 2010, while the PHB-3 model is most effective on trout in late spring and summer. It is sometimes particularly effective at evening hatch.

Klinkhammer Montage Maison-2

This KMM-2 allowed me in June 2011 to catch a rainbow trout of 65 cm, getting it out from under the hedge where it was hiding. And two days later its attractiveness did not contradict itself when a large trout turned around to fetch it 3 meters behind it, the steel it to one of its congeners to whom I had just presented it. It is so regular that it appears in good place in my selection of essential flies.

Terrstrial Orange Tag
Terrestre Orange tag

TOT is an imitation of terrestrial insect, floating low but not easily flowing, remaining very visible despite its small size. In recent years she has surpassed the CBF several times by fishing for water. Particularly effective in the absence of aquatic insects, from April to October. Sometimes also surprisingly effective at summer evening shots. This one is also in good stead in my selection of essential flies.

Other models are regularly successfull during the C.B.F. stays, including EBF-1 and EBF-2, for the large mayflies emerging in spring, CTC-1, on Hook 18 and 20 when fish are sitting on micro midges, and of course the NTO, nymph/wetfly Indispensable when the conditions are particularly unfavourable for fly fishing.

In anticipation of a trip to Slovenia, Italy, Bosnia, Serbia, Croatia, or even Germany, Austria, Norway, as many flyfishermen who trust me, you can rely on the selection for Europe of 52 flies from the collection C.B.F. that I propose for these destinations.

the author, Claude Behr, with a trophy rainbow trout from the sava in Slovenia, caught on a emerger EBF-1
A beautiful trout that did not resist a EBF-1 presented along the opposite shore

Portrait of Jean-Louis Preisser

Alsatian Fly Fisherman

Jean-louis Preisser, master of bamboo rod building, and flyfisher master
Jean-Louis Preisser present some split bamboo rod of his confection

Jean-Louis Preisser remained in Strasbourg (67), where he was born in 1939. Modest, almost shy, he does not indulge easily, but for those who know how to put him in confidence, Jean-Louis will be an endless and invigorating source of passion for fly fishing. This passion guides him constantly in his approach to materials, rivers, nature, to his philosophy of life.

Jean-Louis was until 2005 one of the last French bamboo rod builder masters, specialist of the split bamboo. He still makes rare models of these wonderful fishing tools and has constantly perfected his most recent models (see infra photo).

His way of practicing fly fishing

Homemade Quality Equipment
  • Flyfishing beginning: 1957
  • Flyfishing techniques practiced: all techniques
  • Favorite Flyfishing Techniques: wet-fly with 3-fly train
  • Rods preferred for this technique: Split bamboo Preisser self made, 8 to 9 feet, # 5
  • Favorite reels for this technique: Artisanal (1998-J. Claude Chenavas), in Duraluminium, multiplier, with ratio 1/3; LOOP Evotec LW 4 Seven
  • Preferred lines for this technique: Devaux WF 5f, Teeny T130 with sinking tip
  • Preferred tippet for this technique: Devaux (1.50 m) + Point 20 °/° °, followed by 3 decreasing strands (70 cm) in 18, 16 and 14 °/° °
  • His flies prefered: mayfly with yellow body with Parachute as dry-fly, wet flies in soft feathers (cf. picture infra), braided body or vinyl rib for nymphs, black rabbit streamer with tungsten head.
  • Favorite Rivers: Murg, Forbach and Kinzig in Germany. Skeena and its tributaries in British Columbia in Canada.
  • Preferred reservoirs: the stork reservoir in Seltz (67)
  • Favourite Fish: All salmonids
  • Best souvenirs of Fly fishing: his meeting at the edge of the Murg, in 1996, with Reinhold Bruder, former German casting champion, who became his friend since that meeting.
The classic wet fly train of Jean-Louis Preiser

His creative anguish, which motivates him in a permanent search, and the desire to improve everything he touches, makes him also an extraordinary fly-tyer and an outstanding fisherman. Nourished by all his encounters and knowledge, he readily shares his experiences. You will no longer meet him in British Columbia, where he loved to hunt down steelhead trout and coho salmon. Jean-Louis now essentially fishes the Rhine aera. You may have the chance to meet him in Alsace (Stork Reservoir) or in Germany (Murg, Kinzig).

Jean Louis Preiser in British Columbia with a beautiful coho salmon
Jean Louis Preisser with a salmon coho (silver) in British Columbia