The New Yeti Hopper M-30 Portable Cooler: Video
The new Yeti Hopper M-30 uses magnets to keep ice longer.
If you’re looking for a portable cooler that’s rugged, doesn’t leak and keeps ice frozen, the M-30 is a big improvement. Magnetic closures keep the cold in when it’s warm out. Just the thing for those summer days when WE ARE GOING TO GET OUT OF THE HOUSE!!!
WATCH THE VIDEO FOR ALL THE DETAILS ON THE YETI HOPPER M-30.
Read More »New Dry Creek Z Packs from Simms: Video
The new Dry Creek Z Packs from Simms have the coolest zipper ever!
These cool new packs are loaded with features but the toothless, self healing zipper is what really makes them stand out. No teeth means no leaks and dry gear under the most challenging conditions.
Watch the video to see the new Dry Creek Z Packs from Simms.
Read More »The Deschutes River Steelhead Camp, Sept 14-16 & 16-18 2020
If you are like me you’re ready to stop thinking about catching Covid 19 and start catching steelhead.
If you are concerned about the current situation spilling over to Sept, skip to the end of this article and read the cancelations section.
Sept 14-16 & 16-18 2020
The Deschutes Steelhead Camp, operated by Jeff Hickman’s Deschutes Steelhead Adventures, is one of our most popular trips. The cost for this 3 day session is $2200 / $3850 for 6 nights, and includes guided fishing, instruction, lodging and chef-prepared meals.
The Deschutes steelhead camp is a blast. Jeff’s operations, both here in the states and at his lodge in BC, have a fun mellow vibe. Just good times and good fishing, no attitude or pressure. The Deschutes is a beautiful river and has a fantastic steelhead run. We fish the lower river. The Deschutes is a major cold water tributary of the mid-Columbia, so steelhead bound for all of the rivers of the upper system stray into the lower Deschutes to take advantage of the cool oxygen rich water. You have a chance to catch steelhead that are headed for Idaho there.
The Deschutes is one of the best rivers anywhere to catch a steelhead on a floating line. Casting a dry line is a real pleasure, but when a big steelhead rockets up through eight feet of fast water to eat a small traditional fly, it’s anything but relaxing. The steep canyon walls offer us plenty of shaded water through the day to take advantage of the dry line bite, and even wake dry flies. It’s super fun fishing!
We run up river in jet boats to the campsite and use that as our base. There are only a few outfitters licensed to run jet boats on the river. The jets give us the ability to access fresh water any time we like, which is huge. After we get settled in at camp and have a bite to eat, we hit the river and fish until dark. The next two days we start fishing before first light and fish until lunch. We return to camp for a hot lunch and a big nap, then head back out in the afternoon as the shadows fall on the river and fish until dark. Then we have a big dinner (the food is awesome) maybe a drink or two, and hit the sack. The last day we fish until lunch and head back to the boat ramp.
Jeff and his crew set the camp in advance. You arrive to a big stand-up tent with cots and sleeping pads. All you need to bring is a sleeping bag and pillow. There is a screened dining tent, a tent with a camp toilet and a shower tent. There is electricity from a bank of solar cells and batteries. It’s ridiculously nice. There are also ample public composting toilets along the river if you prefer those.
The river is beautiful and the stars at night are amazing. You can see the milky way clear as a bell. The water is beautiful. There are great steelhead runs everywhere you look and dramatic rapids. It’s fishing of
Read More »New Bauer RVR Fly Reels for Trout: Video
The New RVR Trout reels fro Bauer offer 3 technique specific options.
The new RVR reels move Bauer into the future without sacrificing the any of the design and quality that has made Bauer one of the best fly reels on the market for decades. The RVR lineup offers a reel for every trout angler, whether you are a traditional single hand angler, a euronympher or a trout spey junky.
WATCH THE VIDEO FOR ALL THE DETAILS ON THE NEW BAUER RVR FLY REELS.
Read More »Crazy Times, A fly angler’s guide to riding out Covid 19
I know it’s only April, but dammit I’m calling it…. COVID19 wins the “Biggest Asshole of the Year” award.
As the latest news headlines roll across the bottoms of tv screens and are perched at the top of social media feeds, our country sits in a semi-paralyzed state as we wait to hear the latest steps to address this pandemic from our local, state, and federal governments (however strict or lax as you may perceive them). There are a number of differing opinions, models, and predictions about where our country is headed given varying levels of response to this bug. Some are confident we are overreacting, while some are certain the world is circling the drain. As a healthcare worker myself, what I can tell you is that this virus is eerily different from many of the outbreaks that I’ve experience in my career in emergency medicine. From the virality and transmissibility to the overall response thus far, it is certainly like nothing we have seen. One of the quickest things many of us can and have done to help quell the spread of this virus is to practice better hygiene and distance ourselves from one another. Taking these steps can help ease the strain on our hospitals and protect those more susceptible to infections, but with that, of course, brings other problems. The closing down of businesses have already caused a huge strain on millions, and even the businesses that remain open will likely experience a drastic decline in revenue. The fly fishing industry is certainly an industry that will be negatively affected by the measures we have taken in an attempt to save lives. During what is typically the beginning of the busiest time of the year for many fly shops and guides across the country, we are instead seeing closed doors and cancelled trips. With the uncertainty that lies ahead for our health and economy, which both need to be taken seriously, the best thing we can do is support each other. I have seen some amazing displays of kindness and gratitude during this trying time. Let’s keep that going. We’re going to need it. The isolation alone can be maddening enough. Add the loss of a job, a failing business, or illness to the pile and things can go dark quick. Below are some things you can do to help pass the time and keep your spirits up during the days ahead.
Brace For Impact
Let’s go ahead and get the bad news out of the way. This is going to change A LOT of the fly fishing landscape as we know it. Fly shops, manufacturers, offices, and distribution centers have had to shutter their doors to comply with executive orders. Unfortunately, some of them may never open back up. This is extremely disheartening considering the growth we have been experiencing in the fly fishing industry as of late. Even the shops and companies that do survive this economic plunge will look much different on the other side of this disaster. I urge you to help support these companies as best you can during these challenging times so that when the dust settles, they might still be around.
Support Your Local Fly Shops
Many shops have had to close their doors due to “shelter in place” orders issued by local governments. However, some shops are still able to operate and fulfill online orders. Some shops are offering “curbside” pickup of online and phoned-in orders, as well. I have seen several shops offering incentives and giving generous discounts on gear and apparel. They still want and still need your business. You’re going to have some time to restock those fly boxes, so call them up and order some tying supplies. Re-stock those leader wallets, fly boxes, and gear bags!
Support Your Guides
I know many guides are probably getting calls to cancel trips due to travel restraints or folks that fear they’ll catch the wrong kind of bug on their trip. Or worse yet, local governments shutting down public lands, making some trips impossible. Many guides charge a deposit up front that helps cover this type of thing, but it’s not meant to live off of and pay bills. If you are thinking about cancelling, consider offering to re-schedule the trip once things ease up. Many guides also tie flies, typically for their guide service, but in a time like this they may be happy to spin up some flies for you. You can also offer to purchase gift certificates or pay up front for a future trip. Every little bit helps.
Practice Your Casting
We can all benefit from a little more casting practice. Many parks and reservoirs around me have closed their gates to everyone, leaving me with very few fishing options without traveling hours away, which isn’t exactly the greatest of plans right now. However, when this mess does pass, I don’t want to be flogging the water with my whippy-stick. So, I’ll be in the yard throwing loops at hula-hoops, dogs, and small children in an attempt to keep my form in check.
Restock Your Box
A lot of folks have been tying all winter in anticipation of hitting the water this month to chase those first trout of spring. Well, as it turns out, a lot of us are going to have some more time to tie more flies. Spin ‘em up! Tie some new stuff. Try some new patterns. We’re all going to need flies to sling once this blows over. Don’t have the want and fortitude to tie your own? Refer to the above point I made about supporting a local guide, or two, to tie up some flies for you.
Get Organized
This is a great opportunity to get reorganized. My garage is a frickin’ mess! I have fly boxes, and boots, and tippet spools everywhere. And I don’t dare walk into my garage barefoot. There are way too many lost flies hiding amongst the clutter to risk it. My fly tying desk is also in dire need of attention. Sort through those hooks, feathers, and beads. You may also get inspired to tie something new with a once long-lost material. Dive into some hands-on projects and maybe build some fly rod storage. There’s usually plenty of these types of things to help keep us busy.
Get Outside
Staying home doesn’t mean staying inside all day, every day. If you’re like me, you are most happy when you are outdoors. Yes, The Tiger King is an amazingly glorious train wreck that’s hard to look away from, but try not to get pulled into the TV and
Read More »High Tech Sunglasses from Costa: Video
The new Diego fishing glasses from Costa are packed with features anglers will love.
Ventilation, glare protection and sweat control are just a few of the Cool tricks the new Diago glasses have up their sleeves. Learn all obit them and a whole lot about plastic.
WATCH THE VIDEO FOR ALL THE DETAILS ON THE NEW COSTA DIEGO FISHING GLASSES!
Read More »Postfly Expands Subscription Model to Fly Rods and Reels: Video
Postfly, the folks who put flies in your mailbox every month, now make it easier to buy fly rods and reels.
The development of rental fly gear and subscription based services is one of the more interesting developments in the fly fishing market. Postfly made it’s name from a subscription based fly service. They are now expanding that idea to renting and owning fly rods and reels, allowing buyers to try rods and pay off their purchases over time.
What’s really interesting is that it’s not simply a web based service. You can actually go into a local fly shop, try a rod and/or reel, then seal the deal at an online kiosk.
GET ALL THE INFO ON POSTFLY, WADE RODS AND PELICAN REELS IN THIS VIDEO.
Read More »Why Did I Lose That Fish?
By Kyle Wilkinson
Nobody likes to lose a fish.
’Tis the season that I’m spending a lot of time on the water guiding, and so far it’s been a great year. Whether it be the manageable flows through runoff, good customers, happy fish, good daily bug activity, good weather… everything has been shaping up very nicely and I can’t wait for these next few months with (hopefully) more of the same.
That said, one thing that never gets easier to swallow is when a customer loses a fish, particularly a big one you’ve been working hard to hook. I feel very confident in my ability to calmly coach people through fighting a fish, but the ultimate reality of this sport is that some of them are still just going to get away. This past week dealt me some of the tougher fishing conditions of the season and on top of it, we lost a couple of big fish. Not fun.
Just as most fly anglers seem to make many of the same mistakes when learning to cast a fly rod, the same is true when learning to fight fish. We’ve all heard the same old adages, “Don’t horse him in!”, “Let him run!”, “Just take your time!” (I could go one) but what happens when you’re doing those things and the fish still comes off?
HERE ARE THREE OF THE TOP REASONS I SEE MANY FISH LOST THAT COULD HAVE BEEN LANDED.
Don’t Touch The Reel Handle. This is easily the number one reason I see customers lose fish. It is always a goal of mine to get any fish of size on the reel when fighting it. That said, (and perhaps many of you can relate) having your hand on the reel at the time a fish decides to make a run is a recipe for disaster. When fighting a fish you must always anticipate another run is likely to happen, especially with the first attempt to net it. I see many customers get so caught up in the moment with the fact that they’re bringing the fish closer to the net that –even with my verbal reminding – they seem to forget this. My suggestion if you’ve ever found yourself in the above situation is to practice taking 3-5 quick turns of the reel and then take your hand off. If the fish still seems willing to come closer, grab a few more quick turns and then again… hand off. Work on gaining line back in shorter, more controlled bursts and you’ll be in business!
Use Your Rod Angles. Have you ever watched someone
The Andromeda Strain
I loved that movie when I was a kid, didn’t expect to live it.
If you haven’t seen the 1971 classic “The Andromeda Strain,” well, I guess this is a good time to catch up. The movie is about a deadly virus brought back from space. It’s a good bit deadlier than what we have now and ultimately easier to wrap up in just over two hours, and as far as I can tell they have toilet paper.
It’s a sign of the times, I suppose, that something as simple as a virus can be such a controversial thing. It seems that half of the country is convinced that Covid 19 is a giant hoax while the other half thinks it’s the end of the world. Here in Georgia a man was stabbed to death in the grocery store over a pack of toilet paper. I guess that is a step closer to the world ending. Not from Covid 19 but from mass stupidity.
I’m not going to preach to you. I honestly don’t care how you respond to this pandemic (or hoax if you like), just leave me out of it. As for me, social distancing has become a way of life this past year. I’ve been on lockdown like a New Yorker since last spring, with eye surgeries and the ensuing complications. I’m currently scheduled for surgery #7 on April first. Don’t know if it will happen or not at this point. It has been rescheduled several times due to a prolonged bout of Pneumonia, which I have just beaten.
The recent Pneumonia makes me one of those folks who supposedly die from this current bug, so I’m taking it seriously. I’m not interested in the argument over whether it’s a hoax, a conspiracy or a threat to our existence, I’m just tired of being sick. I’m staying away from people. I’m getting some shit done, trying to eat right and get some sleep. Hopefully soon, I’ll be waking my hands frequently in stream water. I still know a few spots that offer social distancing.
One thing I do know is not a hoax.
Read More »New Fly Rods foe Trout, From Sage: Video
Three new trout centered rods from Sage.
Sage is thinking specific on trout fishing. These three new offerings cover the gambit of trout fishing situation. The award winning Trout LL is a classic medium action fly rod with a focus on dry fly fishing, the Payload is a streamer throwing machine and the Trout Spey HD is an ultralight two hander. If you’re a trout fisher, one of these likely sounds good to you. Maybe all three!
GET THE DETAILS ON THE NEW TROUT RODS FROM SAGE IN THIS VIDEO.
Read More »