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7 Fly Fishing Travel Tips

Jake Lebsack
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7 Fly Fishing Travel Tips

Few things compare to the excitement of planning and packing for a fly fishing travel trip. Whether you’re jet-setting across the globe or puddle jumping your way into the unknown, the thrill of new water and bigger fish is an irresistible draw. But, it can be daunting to plan, pack, and get to where you’re going knowing that you’re prepared. So, after years of fishing around the world and doing our fair share of mistakenly leaving gear behind, we’re here to provide some fly fishing travel tips to keep that gut-wrenching “Sh*t, I forgot ___” feeling at bay.

Tip 1: Be A List Maker

Make-a-List! And then edit it, check it, add to it, delete from it, and then recheck it. Not only will a list ensure that you actually have all of your gear, but seeing everything on paper will make it easier to determine what you actually need. Under packing and overpacking both cause problems of their own, so take your time to carefully inventory everything from clothes and accessories to rods, tippet, and flies. No one likes hauling extra gear, and nothing is worse than being unprepared.

*Pro-tip: if you’re using an outfitter or meeting a guide, ask if their lodge or shop has a packing list you can reference.

fly fishing travel tips

Tip 2: Use the Right Luggage

Choose your luggage carefully. We’re fly fishers, and we love and value our gear. Sure, clothes can get abused in an old duffel, but your rod and reel are everything for this trip. When it comes to security and peace of mind for transporting your most valuable angling assets, Sea Run Cases have you covered. Made in Italy and crafted with the traveling angler in mind, the company’s full line of cases can accommodate everything you need for your big trip. Plus, the TSA-compliant locks and compact size means you can carry them on – so no more waiting at the baggage carousel praying your gear hasn’t been lost or crushed. 

Tip 3: Pack Smart

Pack carefully and be organized. Ok, so you’ve got your packing list and your luggage, now what? Packing your bags in an organized manner isn’t an art, but it can save you from the headache of stressfully digging through bags to find something on the fly. Separating your around-town clothes from your waders is a wise idea, and you don’t want your toothpaste squeezing out into your gear. So consider packing cubes, compression travel bags, or even big ziplock bags to organize everything in your pack. Plus, one of these bags can be used as a laundry sack when it comes time to fly home.

*Pro tip: instead of folding, try rolling your clothes. They’ll be less wrinkly and will take up less space when packed. 

The Sea Run Case is the Ultimate Carry On for Anglers.

Tip 4: Carry it On

Save time and stress by carrying on your luggage when possible. Sure, some trips require more gear and bigger bags, that’s unavoidable. But if you’re able to, get it all into packs that’ll fit into the overhead and beneath your seat. You’ll absolutely want to carry your rod, reel, and all of your hardware with you – and you can do just that with a Sea Run Case. It’s also worth giving some thought to the contents of your backpack.

If you’re unable to avoid checking luggage, be sure to include the essentials in your pack. Toiletries, chargers, a spare change of fishing clothes, sunglasses, etc. Even if your luggage doesn’t make it, you’ll still be able to fish. Coming from someone who just returned from a two-week fishing trip without my checked bag, I was very appreciative of everything I carried on. 

Tip 5: Stay Charged

Between digital boarding passes, snapping fish photos, and looking up the best bar in town, phones and tech play a valuable role in having a successful trip. Plus, many of us travel with cameras, laptops, and other devices that require a charge. Buying a portable charger can save you lots of hassle, and with endless power-bank and charging options out there, it won’t be too big of a hit to your wallet. Getting off the grid is always nice, but you’ll wish your devices were charged when they’re needed the most.

*Pro-tip: International travel most likely means you’ll need an outlet adapter if you want to plug into the wall. 

Tip 6: Consider Insurance

Depending on where you’re going, you might want to think about some travel health insurance in the event of a medical emergency. A number of options exist for medical evacuation coverage, and an affordable annual cost is a small price to pay for a potentially life-saving service. Other travel insurance products can cover the costs of canceled trips, lost or stolen property, and other problems that may arise. Travel problems can be difficult to fix, so having some help is never a bad idea. 

Tip 7: Enjoy the Journey 

It’s easy to look past the planes, trains, buses, and layovers when dreaming about finally getting on the water. We’re fly fishers, we do it all the time. But the journey itself so often presents the opportunity to connect with people, experience a new place, or simply have a moment of reflection. Sure, it’s cliche, but it’s a rare chance to appreciate where you’re going, what awaits, and where you’ve been. You might as well enjoy it. 

From seasoned travelers to the occasional vacationer, traveling to fly fish is always a new and exciting experience. It doesn’t matter where you’re going or what you’re fishing for, as long as you’re prepared and open to adventure any trip can be the most memorable one. Hopefully, these fly fishing travel tips make the journey a bit more manageable and help you on your way to that destination you’ve been dreaming of.

The Norfork Expedition Fly Fishing Rod & Reel Travel Case $399.00.

Click HERE to check out the Sea Run Travel Case

Article by Jake Lebsack, an angler based in Denver, Colorado.

Gear Review: Sea Run Travel Case

5 Destinations in the United States You Should Fly Fish [2021 Edition]

 

2022 F3T Behind the Lens: Phoenix

Landen German
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2022 F3T Behind the Lens: Phoenix

Welcome to this year’s F3T Behind the Lens where we interview the filmmakers of the F3T finalists and get a behind-the-scenes look and understanding of their films. For the first installation of the series we had the privilege of interviewing the Braker Brothers about their new short film, “Phoenix”. Phoenix isn’t about some far-off destination or some exotic species. It’s a story that hits a little closer to home. It’s about Katie Fielder Anderson and her love for her daughter Phoenix, a passion for fly fishing, and her willingness to take a leap of faith in order to pursue her passion and inspire her daughter to one day do the same. A mom named Katie Fiedler, a mom of a daughter named Phoenix, a mom whose passion is fly fishing, a mom whose story tells a leap of faith in order to inspire her 4-year-old with a shared passion: Fly Fishing.

Click here to buy your Fly Fishing Film Tour tickets!

Image Courtesy: Andrew & Eric Braker

Andrew and Eric are the Braker Brothers. After last year’s success with “A Journey Upstream“, the brothers decided that they wanted to have a film focus on the human experience and fly fishing. Through Katie’s story, the Braker Brothers found their vision with Phoenix. A heartwarming short documentary that highlights the story of a full-time mom and fly-fishing guide.

Flylords: What or who pushed you to create a film about Phoenix and Katie?

Eric: It really started back in 2016 when we took a family vacation to Vail, Colorado. We went out on a guided fly fishing trip and our guide happened to be Katie Fiedler Anderson. We fell in love with her and her guiding style. It was like nothing we had experienced before. She just catered the day towards what Andrew and I wanted to do, it was so unique. At the time neither of us had caught a brook trout and we told her that’s what we wanted to do.  It was the most perfect day, we’ve never stopped talking about it. When “A Journey Upstream” was wrapping up we were already looking for our next thing. We wanted to think of a film focused on a female angler and Katie immediately came to mind. We gave her a call and the rest was history.

Image Courtesy: Andrew & Eric Braker

Flylords: Where was this filmed? Was this all filmed in and around Vail, Colorado?

Andrew: Yes, so Katie guides out of, what people refer to as the Eagle Valley. Katie, her husband Cooper, and their guiding outfit called Andersons Fish Camp guide out of the Eagle and Vail Valleys.

Image Courtesy: Andrew & Eric Braker

Flylords: If you have a message that you are trying to convey through this short movie. What would that message be?  

Eric: The heart of the film is a quote that Katie wrote in a paper about her frustrations and time in the industry. Katie states “No matter what leap you are about to take, if it’s worth it, the pain, angst, and general ridiculousness will be worth the sweet trout tugging at the end of your line.” We were hoping to capture the emotion she shares with this quote in the film. It’s about Katie overcoming adversity while also acknowledging that Phoenix is learning and watching her every move. 

Image Courtesy: Andrew & Eric Braker

Flylords: Is there a particular shot or scene in the film that is your absolute favorite compared to the rest? 

Andrew: So the ending scene is the Anderson family fishing on this small creek with a 3 WT. What’s so special is that that’s the exact stretch that Katie took Eric and me on that guided trip so many years ago. He had this really cool realization of how things have flipped. This time instead of being guided we were the ones in the background with the cameras getting to watch them enjoy and fish with Phoenix. There was just so much value to that entire scene, visit, just in general to be back there with Katie was something that was so surreal to us.

Image Courtesy: Andrew & Eric Braker

Flylords: What gear did you guys end up using? Camera, main lens, follow-cam? And Eric did you really use a sticky mount to mount your DSLR on the front of the car?

Eric: So this film was all shot on digital of course. The main camera was a Sony A7Siii shooting in 4k. And the second camera was a Sony A7iii which they also suction mounted to the hood of Katies’ car. “ was so nervous, we did one test run and was fully freakin’ out, we were on a gravel road and with every single bump, I had this vision of the camera flying off. But the Amazon suction mount did the trick and we got the shot.

Image Courtesy: Andrew & Eric Braker

Flylords: What was the filming timeline like? Did you guys have an idea of what you wanted or a vision? Or did the film kind of just naturally unfold? 

Andrew: After being guided by Katie we had always stayed in touch. So the last we had heard is that she had a daughter and that she was guiding under a new outfitter. But we didn’t know how good of a story we had until we caught up with Katie and she gave us her story that she had drafted. It was at that point that you could feel the story and development of this film.

Eric: I think we kind of just knew in general that we wanted to make a film with her and her story. The next step was embracing her story and making that come to life. Once Andrew and I sat down to discuss the film and Katies’ story we knew we had something special. We actually only used 2 weekends to get the shots we needed. It was super short but we were able to work together and get all the shots. 

 

Image Courtesy: Andrew & Eric Braker

Flylords: Is there anyone you want to thank for helping you with this film and bringing this story to life? 

Eric: The first thing that comes to mind is Katie, Cooper, and Phoenix even though she was along for the ride anyway haha. But just the fact that they trusted us enough to share their story is something that we are very grateful for. And also right off the bat our sponsors for the film especially Costa for being our presenting sponsor, Douglas, Simms, & Wise River.  

Andrew: I would also like to thank a number of people involved in the post-production qualities of the film. Original Score – Marcus Meston, Robin McCormack – Thunderbird Design, Colorist – Guy Giamio-McClung, and sound mixer – Jason McDaniel.

Image Courtesy: Andrew & Eric Braker

Flylords: I think I’m asking for the people here but what were some things that Phoenix did during filming that made you guys lose it or were just super memorable? 

Eric: Oh gosh, what didn’t she do haha. But I think for me it has to be the iconic movie poster shot. It was a short scene where Katie is holding Phoenix. We had been out filming for most of the day and Phoenix was just exhausted. She sat down on the bank and fell asleep. So, Katie picked her up dead asleep and put her on her shoulder. Another thing that I took home with me after hanging around Katie and Cooper was their sayings to Phoenix. The one that really stuck with me happened when Phoenix asked Katie if she could walk on a log or balance on a rock and Katie would say “Yeah, just don’t be sketchy.”  

Andrew: I’d have to agree that is probably one of the most memorable Phoenix antics but there’s a close second for me. In general, it’s hard to create a film with young kids because they’re either “up” so high or “down” so low, so quickly. Katie did an unreal job with having Pheonix prepped for filming. A pre-film nap, snacks, and candy went a long way. And when all of those lined up little miss extravert was the star of the show haha. It was such a blast to film her and the whole family.

Image Courtesy: Andrew & Eric Braker

Flylords: Alright guys now this is a tough question but, what do you like more, photography or fly fishing?

Eric: Believe it or not. I think I’m going to have to say fly fishing as well because the sole reason we fly fish is for ourselves. You get to really just enjoy your moment on the water for me I see videography and photography getting in the way of that moment sometimes.

Andrew: Gosh that’s hard. I’m going to have to say fly fishing because it makes you look at the world in a unique way which is why I think photography goes hand in hand with fly fishing. It gives us that same appreciation for where we are at, what we are looking for, etc…

Image Courtesy: Andrew & Eric Braker

Flylords: What’s next for the Braker Brothers?

Andy: There’s definitely going to be a future, First of all. I think we are going to really try to scale up. Improve production quality and Project size and just bring it up to the next level. Potentially even do 2 films. “With A Journey Upstream” that was an outdoor film meets an environmental film where Phoenix is more focused on the human experience. I think with where our passion and academic background we want to dive back into an environmental outdoor film.

Eric: And then a fly fishing-focused film too. That’s really our biggest goal. So far we’ve really only averaged about 1 film a year and we’d love to do 2 even if it takes a little longer than a year. I think that would be really cool.

Image Courtesy: Andrew & Eric Braker

If you aren’t already, make sure to follow the @brakerbrothers to keep up on their upcoming films and adventures. And of course, don’t forget to buy tickets for the @flyfishingfilmtour so you can see this film and the 9 others that made the cut!

Click here to buy your Fly Fishing Film Tour tickets!

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Frank Moore, Beloved Steelhead Conservationist, Passes Away at 98

Dan Zazworsky
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Frank Moore, Beloved Steelhead Conservationist, Passes Away at 98

Today is a sad day for everyone in wild steelhead conservation, as a giant in the space, Frank Moore, has passed away at age 98. If you ask most folks in the PNW, they will tell you that the work Frank and Jeanie Moore undertook in their lifetimes is one of the main reasons there are still wild steelhead in the North Umpqua River. Their impact was so great, that in February of 2019, the Frank and Jeanie Moore Steelhead Sanctuary was founded protecting 100,000 acres of the North Umpqua River.

But wild steelhead was just one part of Frank’s selfless contributions to the United States. Frank was also a decorated WWII Veteran who landed on the beaches of Normandy during the D-Day Invasion and went on to fight deep into the European theater afterward, earning the French Legion d’Honneur in the process for his heroic and selfless actions.

Frank credits his time in the war with discovering his love of fly fishing. After he returned home, Frank suffered from PTSD, which led him to find peace on the river. His love affair with the Umpqua and its wild steelhead began shortly thereafter.

https://vimeo.com/180337430

Oregon Congressman Peter DeFazio released a public statement about Frank’s passing saying:

“I am deeply saddened to hear the news that my friend Frank Moore has passed away at the age of 98. Frank’s contributions and service to the state of Oregon was monumental. A local World War II veteran and avid fly fisherman, Frank was one of the foremost conservationists in our state’s history. He served on the State of Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission from 1971 to 1974 and has been repeatedly recognized for his efforts to preserve fish habitats.

“I’m proud to have worked with him to designate the 100,000 acres in the Steamboat Creek watershed in Umpqua national forest for steelhead salmon preservation. The Special Management Area will forever bear his name, and we will honor his work to conserve our natural world for generations. Rest in peace, Frank.”

He is survived by his wife Jeanie Moore and passed away surrounded by family on Sunday, January 23rd.

To learn more about Frank’s impact on wild steelhead and the Frank and Jeanie Moore Steelhead Sanctuary, you can read the video or articles linked below.

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Fly Fisherman Magazine Names Richard May 2022’s Conservationist of the Year

Dan Zazworsky
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Fly Fisherman Magazine Names Richard May 2022’s Conservationist of the Year

Richard May is a name synonymous with cold water conservation and trout fly fishing in his home state of California. He was a founding member of the state’s first Trout Unlimited Chapter and of California Trout, a non-profit with a mission “to restore vibrance and abundance to California’s freshwater ecosystems.”

Richard’s impact on conservation spans over six decades, and he has been involved with, “Trout Unlimited and California Trout, a growing wild trout management ethos, ecosystem and habitat restoration, catch-and-release angling, the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act, dam removal, and the famous court cases CalTrout 1 and 2, which saved the Mono Lake ecosystem and established protections for the public trust doctrine and have been used nationwide to protect ecological resources,” according to Fly Fisherman Magazine.

The announcement article from Fly Fisherman Magazine is well worth a read and Richard’s accomplishments will leave you inspired to learn how you can impact your local waters.

Read the full “Fly Fisherman’s 2022 Conservationist of the Year” article on FlyFisherman.com!

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2021 West Coast Ocean Conditions Were Optimal for Salmon and Steelhead

Will Poston
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2021 West Coast Ocean Conditions Were Optimal for Salmon and Steelhead

According to reports from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 2021 ocean conditions were optimal for salmon and steelhead in the Pacific and should continue through this winter. During 2021, the Pacific Ocean off the US west coast exhibited cold, nutrient-rich waters, which is expected to benefit salmon and steelhead in those marine environments. These ocean conditions were a welcomed departure from recent periods of unprecedented bodies of warm water in the Pacific and will hopefully assist the salmon and steelhead in the PNW which experienced dismal 2021 returns–again, hopefully.

“There is certainly some optimism all along the West Coast and in the Columbia basin given the conditions we are seeing out in the ocean,” said Lance Hebdon, fisheries bureau chief for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game at Lewiston. “We hit the bottom a year or two ago and we may have a little breathing room in the future. The proof will be in adult returns,” per an Idaho Statesman article.

In 2014 and 2019, a marine heatwave, congenially named the ‘Blob,’ brought warm waters to the US west coast. These Blob periods experienced sea surface temps as much as 7 degrees above average and fueled “unprecedented ocean change,” according to NOAA. Among other impacts, the 2014 Blob shifted fish migration routes, decreased the quality of forage for juvenile salmon and steelhead, reduced the size and survival of salmon and steelhead, harmful algal blooms, and contributed to drought.

The 2014 Blob was the biggest marine-warming event ever recorded, but the 2019 blob was the second longest and largest. Thankfully, the 2019 Blob aggregation dissipated due to several well-timed storms. Still, these marine-warming events took a toll on wild salmon and steelhead returns–many of these runs’ sizes are fractions of what they once were. It’s worth noting that salmon and steelhead numbers are influenced by many factors. And while we as humans cannot actively control the weather, we can, to a degree, control salmon and steelhead habitat and how we interact with these fish.

Per NOAA

So, let’s look at 2021 ocean conditions and what that might mean for salmon and steelhead on the west coast. A return to La Niña weather conditions with strong upwelling currents brought cold, nutrient-rich water to the coastline. This phenomenon can have cascading effects on marine food webs. According to NOAA, the 2021 ocean conditions were the second best over a 24-year dataset. Notably, the ocean conditions last year fueled the highest annual biomass of Northern Copepods in the time series. Northern Copepods are a type of plankton that contain high levels of lipids, “fatty compounds that appear essential to the growth and survival of many pelagic fishes.”

The 2021 ocean conditions were only second to 2008, a period where many steelheaders do recall stronger runs. And these conditions, should they persist, will likely have a notable impact on salmon and steelhead survival both in the ocean and during their migrations to spawn. Juvenile salmon and steelhead, particularly, stand to benefit a lot, as copepods are foundational to their diets and survival.

Juvenile Chinook – Photo Courtesy of John McMillan
“The last few years of poor steelhead returns have really diminished my expectations and set off some alarm bells,” said John McMillan, Science Director of TU’s Wild Steelhead Initiative. “However, as a scientist and angler, I’ve also come to appreciate that Nature is highly variable, especially the Big Blue. In that vein, this year’s uptick in ocean conditions is a respite from what seems like an otherwise perpetually negative narrative around salmon and steelhead in recent years.  That has definitely put a smile on my face, and I look forward to seeing how this is manifested in adult returns. Regardless, it’s just nice to have some positive news for once, and I’m sure the salmon and steelhead feel similarly.”
These favorable ocean conditions are expected to persist throughout this winter, but the long-rem outlook is anyone’s guess. So, while salmon and steelhead will likely benefit this year, they will still face the same threats of over harvest, habitat loss, dams, hatcheries, and climate change. Finally, it’s important to not lose focus from one or two good years of fishing; compared to pre-dam return numbers, wild salmon and steelhead are hanging on by a thread.
Cover picture courtesy of Ben Matthews.

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Fishing Tips: What’s in the Pack

Andrew Braker
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Fishing Tips: What’s in the Pack

Follow along as Scott Battista, from the Trouts crew, takes us through what to pack for a day of trout fishing. These are some items that will be sure to improve your time on the water.

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Fishpond Firehole Backpack Gear Review

Evan Garda
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Fishpond Firehole Backpack Gear Review

Fishpond released the new Firehole Backpack along with a host of other new packs and bags for the ‘21/’22 season. This isn’t any ordinary backpack as it is rich with angling specific features that have instantly made it a go-to piece of gear. After traveling through several airports and spending a several days on the water, I’m convinced that the Firehole Backpack is Fishponds best backpack to date and the most feature packed backpack available for anglers. The Firehole Backpack is a 26L pack that can carry more than a day’s worth of gear for the most remote backcountry adventures or even a long weekend.

Fishing Features

The stowable Hypalon wader/boot pouch and four-way attachment point with Lariat Gear Straps in use.

One feature that stands out from all other backpacks on the market is the Stowable Hypalon® wader/boot pouch. By simply unzipping the pouch from the bottom of the backpack and using exterior attachment points, a perfect sling is created to hold any number of items from waders and boots to rain coats, tents and sleeping bags. The Fishpond Firehole Backpack is perfect for hauling gear to alpine lakes and backcountry blue lines. I anticipate that this backpack will truly shine come July and August when I’m regularly seeking solitude in high alpine fishing destinations throughout the west. 

An industry first, the Firehole Backpack features a Stowable Hypalon® wader/boot pouch.

This pack is ideal for the traveling angler. Four-way attachment points on either side of the pack accommodate Lariat Gear Straps (or similar gear straps like Voile Straps) allowing anglers to easily carry up to 4 rod tubes should the need arise. Upcoming saltwater trip? Navigating through a bustling airport can be tricky with hands full of rod tubes and cases, this backpack eliminates that issue by securely consolidating all the fishing essentials into one tidy pack. 

Both sides of the pack are equipped with integrated net slots.

Other fishing specific features on the Firehole Backpack include integrated net slots on either side that can conveniently accommodate larger/longer handled nets. One item of note is that my shorter handled Fishpond Nomad Hand Net fell out of the net slot several times when I bent over, so be cautious. This pack also features a ring on the back for a magnetic release if a smaller net is preferred. I’ve found that the ring on the back is perfect for attaching a tippet tender with less frequently used spools. 

The ring on the back of this pack is great for tippet spools and smaller nets with magnetic releases.
This pack also has front and rear attachment points to attach a number of Fishpond Chest Packs including: Thunderhead Chest Pack, Canyon Creek Chest Pack, and Cross-Current Chest Pack. This gives anglers all the storage of a day pack with the convenience of keeping essentials at the ready in a more technical configuration.

Standard Daypack Features

The large main compartment does not have any organization other than a pouch for a water bladder and a pass-through hole for a hydration hose. This large compartment allows room for larger items like a boat box with streamers but I use a few different zippered pouches to stay organized. One zippered pouch with key fishing gear like leaders, spare spools of tippet, fishing license, spare floatant etc and another roll-top dry bag for my phone, wallet, and keys if getting soaked is a possibility, along with a first aid kit. 

On the exterior of this pack, there is a  zippered top pouch on top that is great for easy access items like a spare fly box, hat, gloves or snacks. There is an additional vertical zippered pouch on the back of the pack that’s perfect for stashing a phone or other smaller items like sunscreen and bug spray. 

Some of the more standard backpack features include lightweight foam shoulder straps with an adjustable and removable hip belt. I personally find the hip belt to be quite comfortable especially when I’m loaded down with a little more gear. The hip belt features a smaller zipper pocket on each side that’s great for stowing frequently used items like floatant, split shot, and tippet. This pack also has a molded back panel that keeps gear inside from poking through, allowing all day comfort.

Two water bottle sleeves with elastic cinch tops and an internal key fob round out the stand features we expect on any adventure ready pack. One of the only drawbacks I can think of is that it’s not fully waterproof, but then again Fishpond makes their Submersible Thunderhead Backpack for that. 

The backpack of all backpacks.

I look forward to the spring and summer when I can really put some miles on this pack taking day hikes into the Colorado backcountry seeking solitude on blue lines and alpine lakes. In the meantime, I’ll be using this pack hiking into some of my local tailwaters throughout the winter as this pack allows me to conveniently stow all the gear I could ever need for a long day on the water.

If you’re in the market for a feature rich angling backpack or just a great all around daypack, be sure to give the Fishpond Firehole Backpack some serious consideration. At $179.95 this backpack certainly isn’t cheap but if it’s anything like my other Fishpond gear, I’ll be using it for years to come. 

Article by Evan Garda on the Content Team here at Fly Lords. He can be found chasing fish throughout the west with his trusty fly rods. Check out his adventures at @evangarda.

How to Tie: The Project Hopper v2

Greg Stohrer
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How to Tie: The Project Hopper v2

In this week’s “How to Tie” video feature, Fly Fish Food ties a hopper pattern that should fill your winter dreams and fly tying desk, the Project Hopper v2.

Difficulty: Intermediate

There may be no thrill in fishing like seeing a trout crush a hopper. With frigid temperatures of winter and shorter days here, it is best to think about the good old days of summer. The Project Hopper v2 is a hopper pattern that not only will float like a cork, but also take on the profile of a grasshopper superbly.

Although this fly may look difficult to tie, the River Road Project Hopper set will make this process much easier. No longer will you waste foam due to cutting too short or skinny pieces. This device will cut body pieces precisely and expedite the tying process. Using 6mm of foam for the body is a sure way to save floatant and keep your fly riding high all day. Hopper bodies for beginners can be difficult, but using this tool, your Project Hopper v2 will look like the real deal.

For those dog days of summer when the heat is strong and hoppers are popping off, this fly will get the job done. Being able to make many bodies at once allows you to focus your time on the vise to tying, rather than the monotonous cutting process. Until you can enjoy fishing the Project Hopper v2, it is best to stock up and fill those fly boxes so you are prepared for when the time comes.

Ingredients:

  • Hook: Fulling Mill FM51 05
  • Thread: UTC 70 Denier
  • Body: 6mm Rainy’s Cross-Link Sheet Foam
  • Back Legs: MFC Foto Foam
  • Rubber Legs: Speckled Centipede Legs
  • Wing: EP Trigger Point Fibers – Pale Morning Dun
  • Sighter: 2mm Foam – Yellow

Now you know how to tie the Project Hopper v2!

Video and ingredients courtesy of Fly Fish Food.

12 Months in SW Montana

Sean Jansen
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12 Months in SW Montana

The New Year is always an exciting time to be an angler. For some, the season we have been waiting for is about to kick off. Where others are closed either by regulations, the weather of our environment, or the seasonal movement of the species. I have been fortunate enough to cast flies in every month of the year. Swung streamers in the Pacific Northwest in January, stripped small sand crab imitations in April for surf perch, grasshoppers in August. However, if there is anywhere I’ve lived and been as an angler, I can safely say that I am grateful to call Montana home. Despite what industry numbers may indicate, the rivers and streams of the state are largely open year-round, with some even peaking in months hardly conceivable.

January

From October to May, the weather in Southwest Montana is as unpredictable as it gets. We joke about how if you want a career where you could consistently make mistakes and still have a job, become a meteorologist in Montana. We could have a cold front come down from Canada in mid-October and give us blizzard conditions with subzero temperatures for a week straight. All the while in January having a week of 55-degree days and fish rising to midges as if it were the Mothers Day caddis hatch.

February

Of course, the fame of old man winter still holds true as February and March typically take the cake for many anglers to hang up their waders and grab their skis for the joy of cold smoke on our frosty alpine slopes.

March

But for the brave, a solitude of wonderment lay and wait for those willing to slip on those wool socks, long underwear, and gloves for a chance at some of the most peaceful fishing you could ever have.

April

The snow crunches beneath your feet, snowflakes gather on your shoulders, and the line careens out of your reel, barely unfreezing through your guides as you place your line in some of the smallest water rushing through that particular river all year. Perhaps it’s safe to say that our lakes are as frozen as can be, but the rivers, despite the arctic temperatures, don’t really get frozen over. Timing is everything, as you don’t want to fish temperatures below freezing for not only being able to successfully fish without your line freezing through your guides, but also to minimize the impact you have on the fish. You aren’t the only one who is cold in this aspect. Warmer days do happen more consistently than people think, and couple that with an overcast day or a day before snow and you could have a day rival any hatch from any time of year.

May
May

If there’s a season Montanan’s hate the most, it’s Spring. From late March through to June, flip a coin to see how things can go. March has brought 70 to almost 80-degree days in recent years where just five years ago I saw the needle dip to 30 below zero. Whereas June has tickled even hotter temperatures than normal, setting records last year with our heat index. All the while, bringing a consistent snowstorm with inches of snow to even our lowest elevations on the first day of summer. The warmer days bring heightened joy for an angler as it means snow is melting and waters in elevation could begin to thaw. The time change also grants more daylight and fishable hours on the water. But that also means that rivers begin to blow out and turn to chocolate milk, deeming them nearly unfishable. But when one door closes, another opens, and when the rivers are blown, the lakes are frolicking with hungry fish that have been locked away beneath a layer of ice for months, waiting for a fly imitation for the season.

June

Despite the mixed emotions of spring, the beauty of the environment exposes itself, painting the landscape with an array of colors. Flowers line the shoreline of the lakes and riverbanks, animals forage at their leisure, and anglers nap between casts in the newfound grasses of the season. The insects begin to return and trout look to the surface to sip away like a drunk at a bar. Not leaving until that last call is casted.

July
July

Lucky for Montana, we like to drink as a state, and summer is certainly the season where happy hour is daily and the bartender is constantly pouring. With an array of beverages to choose from, the trout have options with a multitude of insects buzzing the air. With the return of the bugs, so too are the tourists. The fishing industry in the state of Montana brings in one billion dollars a year, most of which comes through our summer. Rightfully so as in the early mornings, an angler can strip streamers from a drift boat on many of the blue-ribbon trout streams and land a trophy fish before the first sips of coffee. While the mercury climbs, the terrestrials begin clicking away as the grasshoppers clumsily splash the water or the ants and beetles accidentally fall onto the river’s edge. Ambushed by the lurking brown trout beneath the reeds of the riverbank.

August

Despite all the action and congestion of anglers in the classic lower elevation waters, up high, beauty is stirring largely untouched by most of the revenue stream. Though it is far from easy and the quality of the fish deteriorates, the solitude of the alpine and the beauty of the environment and its fish make every drop of sweat and calorie burned to get there worth it. Granite dominates the landscape and with what little soil there is clinging to whichever crevasse it has gathered in from, alpine flowers paint the landscape where they can. Mountain goats and marmots greet anyone who arrives and the alpine trout rival the flowers and landscape in their color and beauty, dwarfed in size by their lower elevation cousins and the towering mountain peaks.

September

As late summer approaches, schools begin session and the tourist season slowly begins to shut its fire hose effect. The very first alpine snows begin to dust the elevations and rains deliver much-needed moisture to the fires that sparked during the last few months. Some grasshoppers cling on through the colder nights, but the layers become necessary and the streamers and trout speys are the tool of choice for the hard-working angler. Trout slowly stop feeding on the surface and gorge themselves on anything swimming.

October
October

Some of the leaves start flowing downriver to their grave while others dominate the landscape floor or cling to the trees in their brilliant reds, yellows, and browns. With the holiday season seeming to approach faster than most think, the holiday planning and shorter days take over, leaving some of the fisheries untouched even on a weekend.

November

Summer may take the cake for the ultimate combo for the angler; weather, sun, temperature, and trout sipping dry flies. All the things that, A River Runs Through It, romanticized in its scenes filmed in this corner of the state. But for those willing to stop at REI or any outdoor store and grab base layers and pullovers, the fishery remains intact and comparably untouched from its summer counterparts.

December
December

The point is that I am grateful for the days of wet wading and grasshoppers but lust for the days where you’re breath can be seen and the only fresh tracks of the day aren’t on someone else’s coattails, but of the bighorn sheep cruising the river banks or the river otters and dipper birds thriving in the water and winter wonderland that is southwest Montana. We have a saying that Montana has two seasons: Winter and July. Arguable being very accurate, the angler that dodges the storms and waits for the perfect day will largely never get it. So with some acceptance of whatever Montana meteorologists decide to make up for the day, grab your rod and just go cast into whichever river system you wish during whichever month you choose, and likely, you won’t be disappointed.

Article and photos from Sean Jansen, an avid angler and writer based in Bozeman, Montana. Follow along with his adventures at @jansen_journals.

In Search of My Five Weight

The 2022 Fly Fishing Film Tour: Tickets, Trailers & Schedule

Dan Zazworsky
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The 2022 Fly Fishing Film Tour: Tickets, Trailers & Schedule

F3T trailer season is upon us! We could not be more stoked for the 2022 Fly Fishing Film Tour. Featuring films from around the globe, this tour is going to be unique without a doubt! Of course, we’ll be releasing our “Behind the Lens” interviews presented by Costa Del Mar Sunglasses, but until those start dropping in very soon, here is a full list of 2022’s films and their accompanying trailers. Enjoy!

Buy your tickets to the 2022 Fly Fishing Film Tour, here!

The 2022 Fly Fishing Film Tour Trailers 

The Legend of Casa Mar

The Legend of Casa Mar details the history of one of the most legendary tarpon fisheries on planet earth. The film dances back and forth from past to present with a breathtaking interview from fly fishing legend Peter Gorinsky, IGFA archive footage, and supporting footage taken during the film’s production in 2021. This film follows anglers Jesse Males, Mark Evans, Micah Baly, and Thony Nunez as they uncover what the jungle has now been hiding for decades. Vibes of jungle exploration mixed with stunning tarpon action make this film run full-throttle from start to finish.

Filmed, Edited, and Produced by Jesse Males of Backwater Media Productions

Supporting footage by Micah Baly

Pheonix

Katie Fiedler Anderson has been a fly fishing guide in Vail, Colorado for over a decade, but things started to change when she became pregnant with her daughter. The short film, “Phoenix”, tells a story of passion, as Katie and her husband take a leap of faith in order to inspire their 4-year-old daughter to chase her dreams no matter what the obstacle.

Directed by Eric Braker and Andrew Braker

Produced by the Braker Brothers

Dan’s Pain

Everyone loves Dan. He’s friendly, hardworking, and loves a good laugh. But Dan has a problem. Fish don’t love Dan. So he journeys from the marshes of Louisiana to the jungle coast of Colombia, to see if South American tuna will show him some decency and respect.

Directed by Ben Meadows

Produced by Dorsal Outdoors and PopFizz Productions

Black Salmon: A Cobia Story

No one ever said it would be easy. Well, actually they did, but that was their mistake.

The Cobia in the Chesapeake Bay don’t eat a fly so much as they inspect it at high speed. A fish that is known in many places as an easy quarry and a tasty meal, is anything but in the Chesapeake (a water system where it has grown weary from all the attention, especially from conventional anglers). The result is a fish that tests Blane Chocklett’s mettle, patience, and skill in the mid-Atlantic sun.

The Cobia, a shark-meets-catfish, has become a target for fly anglers when it floats up in the water column. Captains Tyler Nonn and Jason Barham trade thoughts on the state of the fishery and strategies on how to intercept them before they move to offshore habitat in Fall. What ensues is a reminder that no matter how much you know, you’ve always got more to learn.

Inspired by a shrinking biomass and an uncertain future, Black Salmon shines a light on the wary Cobia’s issues today. As decreasing numbers and warming waters lead the fish north into unregulated regions, as we all try to keep up.

Directed by Jamie Howard

Produced by Howard Films

Cocos

For the past two years, Australians have been limited to travel within their own country. This is not all bad news when you realize the diversity of fishing options in Australian waters. In early 2021, Josh Hutchins, of Aussie Fly Fisher, and film-maker, Kane Chenoweth, set off to one of Australia’s most remote regions in search of clean water, tropical vibes, and big fish – the Cocos Keeling Islands.

With bountiful bonefish, intermittent shark-dodging, and relaxed Island vibes – Cocos was full of surprises.

Despite schools of bonefish and the odd-GT distraction, we had a primary goal for the trip: a Bumphead Parrotfish. We’d seen it done in Seychelles, and we wanted to catch one in our home waters. Let the mission begin…

Directed by Josh Hutchins and Kane Chenoweth.

Produced by Aussie Fly Fisher

Common Ground

Family has always been an important part of the steelheader’s journey. From all walks of life, no angler is entirely self-taught. Whether from your life partner, your parents, your friends, your guides, your guests, or even your community, it takes a family to make an angler.

Missy MacDonald is no exception. As the owner and operator of The Steelhead House, an intimate steelhead lodge nestled on the shores of the mighty Skeena River, Missy and her partner Darren have been cultivating their steelhead family for many years. You may not be connected through blood, but if you’re in pursuit of wild fish with a fly rod, you’re family to them. And this family isn’t gonna stop growing anytime soon.

Both Missy and Darren are accomplished anglers and stewards of both the resource and the culture. To them, it’s one big family. And in this family, everyone is brought together by common ground.

Directed by Chase White and Jordie Lepage

Produced by Topo Films

Three Sheets

In a time when travel was banned, adventure pretty much nonexistent, four obsessed anglers put their heads together to fill that empty void in their soul, they call fishing. Three sheets to the wind, full bore ahead as we set sail for 21 days to explore the endless atolls and flats of Belize, from the most famous to the untouched and unknown.

Not being welcome on land we’ll travel north to south by sailboat, foot, and paddleboard with fly rods in our hands. Led by legendary Belizean spearfisherman and Captain Deadhshot Danny, our ragtag crew of obsessed anglers head out for an adventure of a lifetime.

Like all great odysseys, the unknown surprises and obstacles create the adventure. With new species on the board and good times under the belt, life on a boat has never felt more connected to the rhythm of the ocean than now.

Directed by Chris Kitchen 

Produced by KGB Productions

Cicada / Seventeen

Join Matt Devlin of Western Pictures on a very personal journey back home from Montana to Maryland in search of a hatch that occurs once every seventeen years!

Directed by Matt Devlin

Produced by Western Pictures

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