In this Video of the Week, we follow up with Prairie Hopper’s ep. 2. Where Scottie and Will set out in search of more unfished hidden gems in the great state of Montana. As they move spots the boys find an absurd abundance of hoppers in the tall grass. The crazy amount of bugs makes for some willing fish, some epic water, and some unreal scenery. On their way home, they decide to check out another river that Will has always wanted to fish. That river looks as if it’s glacially fed and happens to hold a high population of Brook trout and Cutthroat. So sit down and enjoy some epic comradery, unreal videography, and some crazy hopper eats!
If you aren’t already, be sure to follow Scottie and Wills Pages here to follow along on their adventures: @Wildflyproductions & @Phelps_406
Move over Norman Maclean and Robert Redford, a new fly fishing movie destined for the silver screen is in production in Montana. “Mending the Line“, written by Montana native Stephen Camelio, “is a fly-fishing film that revolves around the story of a Marine (Sinqua Walls) wounded in Afghanistan that comes to a Montana VA hospital where he struggles to deal with his trauma. There he meets a Vietnam veteran (played by Brian Cox) who is dealing with his own trauma and teaches the younger vet to deal with his physical and emotional trauma.”
Unlike many films set within the borders of the Treasure State, this production will be filmed entirely in Montana. The film’s director, Joshua Caldwell, had this to say about the topic, “To not only be able to come out here and make the movie, but to have that movie be about fly fishing and to shoot it here in Montana, in Bozeman, in Livingston, on the Yellowstone, on the Gallatin, is incredibly special and I think that to me as a director, your location is such of the movie.”
The fly fishing scenes from the film are being produced as we speak, and fly fishing consultants have been involved since day one to make sure the film is as authentic to the sport as possible. One thing that stands out to us is the involvement of many brands in the fly fishing industry including Simms, RO Drift Boats, Tom Morgan Rodsmiths, Bozeman Reels, and even Sage.
Hollywood hasn’t forayed into the realm of fly fishing as the focus of a film since “A River Runs Through It” hit the silver screen in the fall of 1992, and we’re hoping this film portrays our favorite past-time authentically.
Welcome to our newest travel series, brought to you byYETI. In this series, we will be highlighting some of our favorite fly-fishing destinations around the world and providing you with some essential angler insight to help complete your mission. Just like the new YETI luggage, this guide will aim to help you get from point A to B, but whatever adventure you choose to have in-between us up to you.
In this installment of A2B, we will be looking back on a recent trip to Northern Sweden, and heading into the Arctic circle to Swedish Laplands. There, we were enchanted by the surreal grandeur of the midnight sun, tasted the wrath of the fickle Baltic Salmon, and ventured into the highlands for some of the most mind-blowing Char fishing in the world.
Getting There:
Maneuvering Air Travel:
While some of us may like to think so, the pandemic is unfortunately not over. However, with the widespread availability of vaccines, and proper safety practices: international travel has once again become possible. Unfortunately, just because it’s possible, doesn’t mean it’s easy.
One of the most important things to take into account long before even setting foot in the airport are the international travel mandates in terms of COVID-19. Because you will most likely be flying through several countries, all with different travel regulations, it’s important to make sure you’re well versed in each countries requirements a few days in advance. For instance, some countries will accept vaccine cards as a necessary document for entering their borders, but their neighbors may require entirely different documents such as a negative COVID test within the last 72 hours.
There’s nothing worse than showing up to the airport and missing your flight because you had to take an impromptu COVID test. Trust us: we’ve been there.
Where to Fly Into:
The main airports in Swedish Lapland are Luleå and Kiruna Airport, both SAS and Norwegian fly there with great connections to international flights. There are also smaller airports in Skellefteå, Gällivare, and Arvidsjaur, with good connections to and from Stockholm Arlanda Airport.
Depending on your final destination, you can take a look at the airport map provided by Swedish Lapland’s website HERE.
Preparing for Your Trip:
Packing List:
For all of your non-angling needs, here are a few items we suggest packing along for your journey. Needless to say, there’s always more (or less) you can choose to equip yourself with, but that’s all dependant on what kind of traveler you are. Here are a few items we were glad we brought, or more likely, wish we had:
1. The Right Luggage: YETI’s 2021 Lugagge line
Check out the new YETI luggage line HERE.
We’ve all been there before; sitting in front of the baggage check area, profusely sweating, trying to fix that broken zipper or torn seam on that piece of luggage we got for cheap. It’s time to put those days behind you and invest in some luggage that’s built for the wild with YETI’s new line of travel luggage. From suitcases, to backpacks, to carry-ons – this new line is built to withstand anything from the harsh hands of baggage check to the exotic angling destinations of your dreams. With more space than you’ll know what to do with, bulletproof composure, you can kiss the days of travel turmoil goodbye.
2. Layers Layers Layers
Depending on the time of year that you’re planning your visit around, one of the most important things to note when packing would be your layers. Most everyone has been in a situation where they are forced to brave the elements because they tested their luck on a single shirt or jacket. What to remember is, you can always add and remove layers as the day progresses – but you have to have packed them to do so. On top of sun and temperature exposure, Swedish Lapland is known to have an abundance of insects such as mosquitos, black flies, and gnats. Layering can oftentimes be your best defense against these tiny airborne adversaries. Yes, gloves count as layers.
3. Bug Repellant
Speaking of bugs, sometimes the summer san can be too hot, and the number of flying pests too numerous to combat with just one’s strong will. Luckily, with modern science, hyper-effective bug repellants such as sprays, gels, and burnable coils are available. For our trip, we owe our sanity to Bushman Dry Gel. However, please note that many of these contain harsh chemicals, and you should do your research before putting anything on your body. Apply with caution. Note: A mosquito net is always a chemical-free option if you don’t mind sacrificing a little pride.
4. Waterproof Backpack and Raincoat
When entering the tundra, you never know what you’re going to get. Weather is unpredictable, and it’s always best to plan for rain. Our advice: always carry a waterproof backpack and a raincoat. Don’t compromise your peace of mind when it comes to keeping your gear safe and dry. Whether you’ve got expensive camera gear, or just a change of dry clothes, a waterproof backpack is essential when traveling through uncertain weather. Rain coats are also an adventures best friend. They can be easily packed away when you don’t need it, and you’ll be thankful when you do. Not to mention, they make a great cool-weather layer.
5. A Good Set of BootsÂ
No matter what you have planned, a good set of hiking or all-purpose boots is always recommended when exploring new territory. You never know when you’re going to find yourself ankle-deep in some muskeg or embarking on a steep hike; so it’s best to always be prepared for adventure. Pro tip:Always pack an extra pair of boot laces too. You’ll thank us one day.
6. A portable cell phone charger
While, if you’re traveling from the states, or heading to a more remote part of the region, you most likely won’t have any service anywhere you go – it’s always nice to have a camera to document your experiences. There are loads of companies out there who make portable phone chargers that can be charged beforehand, or via solar; many of which make products that’ll fit inside your pocket.
Anglers Packing List:
If you’re reading this, you’re most likely planning on going fishing. Good for you. Below, we’ve coordinated with some local Swedish guides to put together a list of some Grayling and Salmon angling essentials you should try to bring, or at bare minimum, make sure you have once you’re there.
For Grayling:Â Pheasant tail, Klinkhammer, Pheasant tail, hares ear, woolly bugger, and black gnats. The most important thing is that you believe in the fly!
For Salmon: The name and or style of the fly comes second. Make sure you bring flies in sizes from 2cm – 10cm, bigger flies up to 15cm-20cm, and can be used in the early season in high and cold water conditions during June. Make sure your hooks are strong and sharp!
Flies: Banana – Phatakorva – Sunray Shadow – Monkey – The Usual – Willie Gunn – Black & Green – Black & Yellow – Grey & Green – Cascade – Rapala – Editor – Thunder & Lightning – Kinermony Killer – Beiss
Rods:
Grayling:Â Single hand rods from 6-10 feet in class(weight) 2-6.
Salmon and trout: Double hand rods from 12-18 feet in class 6-12. Switch rods from 11 feet class 5-7. Single hand rods from 9-10 feet in class 5-9.
Lines:
For Grayling: Most WF floating lines will do.
For Salmon and trout: We suggest coming prepared with shooting heads and or versi tips with variable sinking rates in floating down to the heaviest sinking densities. Most of our fishing is within the floating to Sink 2 range. Depending on water temperatures, depth and speed, it may be necessary to go down to a heavier range of multi-density lines between Sink 1 and Sink 7. We recommend both full-length and compact heads for both wide open and short-range fishing situations.
Leaders and tippets:
For Grayling: 9-15 feet tapered leaders, with a tippet range from 0,12-0,20mm.
For Salmon and Trout: 10-20 feet tapered leaders with a tippet range between 0.25mm and 0.52mm. For colder water conditions expect leader lengths to be as short as 4 feet. Tippet from 0.38mm to 0.52mm.
Additional Gear:
Besides the usual items including nippers, forceps, waders, and boots; we recommend bringing a collapsable wading staff, and of course some polarized sunglasses. These items, while not always essential, can really enhance your angling experience.
Note: Pike fishing is also an option as the temperatures warm throughout the summer. For some tips on what to bring and how to chase some of these nasty pond monsters, click HERE.
Swedish Lapland Fly Fishing Lodges:
The following are some lodges we would recommend. There are of course individual guides and other outfitting opportunities, but here’s a list to get you started:
For non-anglers, or simply for those looking to add some additional flavor to their stay: here are some fun places to definitely check out in the area.
In conclusion, if you’re planning a visit to Swedish Lapland: you’re guaranteed the trip of a lifetime. With endless scenic landscape, and a fascinating and enriching culture Sweden is not a place you will forget soon. On top of being one of the most incredible, and challenging fisheries in the world, it’s certainly a trip that should sit at the top of every freshwater angler’s bucket list.
Thank you to YETI for making this guide possible. If you’re planning an adventure anywhere, domestic or international, be sure to check out their newluggage line that will ensure you get from A-B without hassle or worry.
Also, thank you to Swedish Lapland tourism for making this trip possible. For more information on the region and planning a trip, click HERE.
In this week’s “How to Tie†video feature, The Slide Inn gives us a legendary tutorial on how to tie the Galloup Caddis Pupa.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Caddis exist in almost every stream in the United States. Going to the river without an arsenal of caddisflies is foolish, to say the least. The Galloup Caddis Pupa is a nymph pattern that should always be in your fly box, especially during spring and summer. Kelly Galloup is a mastermind behind the vise and all his flies are tested and proven through hours on the water.
The profile of the Galloup Caddis Pupa is essential to production. Take the time to create the right dubbing loop and ensure that you have a 2:1 ratio for light to dark dub. The simplistic and easy look of this fly will be comparable to the difficulty of tying this through practice and taking the necessary amount of time for your skill level. A buggy profile combined with Ice Dub creates a look that trout unequivocally love.
Although there may not be a caddis hatch visible on your river, these bugs live there year-round. Pairing the Galloup Caddis Pupa with another nymph in a double nymph rig is a great way to survey water. This fly may just entice those active trout when they are feeding but you are unable to spot bugs on the surface. Being patient and going at the speed your tying skill level requires will greatly improve your profile, fly, and your overall competence behind the vise.
Ingredients:
Hook: Dai-Riki #135 Size 14
Body: Life Cycle Caddis Dubbing – Pale Green and Dark Green (2:1)
As hopper season continues, trout start to get more particular about the flies they choose to eat. If you want to make sure the hopper bite stays hot throughout the rest of the season, you need to step up your game. These are some advanced hopper fishing techniques that will keep trout rising to your flies.
Thanks to Red’s Fly Shop for providing these stellar tips. Check out their Youtube channel for more hopper fishing tips.
An exciting announcement for public lands users came down the newswire last week, this time with positive news for sportsmen and women looking for new lands and fisheries to explore. The US Fish and Wildlife Service recently announced an increase of 2.1 million acres that will now be open to public recreation and use.
The expansion increased the number of National Wildlife Refuges where the public may hunt up to 434. Fishing is now be permitted at 378 refuges. And the total number of Fish Hatchery units open to hunting or fishing now increases to 22.
“[The] announcement furthers a rich tradition of providing quality outdoor recreation experiences to the American people on our public lands,†said USFWS Principal Deputy Director Martha Williams. “By expanding these opportunities, we are enhancing the lives of millions of Americans while stimulating the national economy to which hunting and fishing contribute significantly.â€
Hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities contributed more than $156 billion in economic activity in communities across the United States in 2016, according to the USFWS National Survey of Fishing. This recent expansion in public access aims to bolster that growth as a part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s America the Beautiful initiative, a locally-led and voluntary, nationwide effort to conserve, connect, and restore 30 percent of lands and waters by 2030.
Palometa or permit have always been high on my fish bucket list and this was my first saltwater fly fishing experience to try to bring that dream to fruition. To say the least I was nervous would be a major understatement. I was terrified.
I not only wanted to prove to myself that I could do this, but I also wanted to do this for all my fellow female anglers, to remind ourselves that ‘we can’.
Sunglasses on, buff up, rod in hand, casting to the 1,000 shades of aqua waters. Today was going to be the day that I catch my dream fish.
We landed some bonefish, jacks, and tarpon but had not spotted any permit the whole day… until our last hour together, our guide Moises, calmly yet urgently, uttered “Palometa, 12 o’clock.â€
My grip tightened instantly around the fly rod and my heart started dancing in my chest. I spotted the tailing permit about 100 feet away from the boat, and I knew this was my last chance of the trip to even cast to a permit. There was no time to doubt myself, no time to waiver, not time to hesitate, I had to get it done.
We anchored up and Moises and I slid into the choppy waters splashing above my belly button, sneaking a little closer to the school of permit.
First cast, full of hope… FLOPS in the wind. My heart sinks. The permit are still there, unaware.
Second cast… about 70 feet away. I need the perfect double haul, about 5 feet past the school of permit to strip though and hopefully get one to take the fly… and I F**KING DID IT!!!
A cast slices through the warm winds, lands a few feet past the school of permit. Strip, strip, boom, SET the hook.
A permit takes my mantis shrimp and runs. And when I say that she ran, I mean I have never had a fish on my line go to the backing so damn fast. Such a graceful, powerful fish.
Tears of pure joy streamed down my face and merged with the salty ocean.
A 45 anxiety-ridden minute fight later, I am holding the most beautiful fish I have ever been blessed to hold, let alone lay my eyes on.
Landing this permit changed my life. I will never forget my first time saltwater fly fishing and my first permit. I am forever grateful and will always be humbled by this experience. I will always remember to believe in myself during challenging situations and to be bold in relying on my own ability.
To my friends:
Moises, mi amigo, muchas gracias desde el fondo de mi corazoÌn, hasta la proÌxima. Jesse, my friend, thank you for creating such an amazing community at the Xflats Fly Fishing Lodge @the_xflats in Xcalak, Mexico  & for one of the happiest moments of my life.
Hooking not to mention landing a tarpon from the beach is a feat for any fly angler. For one, getting a clean shot at a cruising tarpon in the shallows does not happen every day. So when it does happen you better make the most of it.
Watch below as Lower Florida Keys guide Aaron Snell hits his shot perfectly and hooks into a nice size tarpon that gives him a nice jump in which he counters. Aaron was fly fishing the beaches of Panama.
Catch Co., a leading fishing brand, content, and commerce platform, today announced that it has acquired Recur Outdoors, a Boston-based startup with a diverse mix of fishing offerings including fly-fishing monthly subscription service Postfly, Wade fly-fishing rods, Pelican fly-fishing reels, and the Badfish saltwater brand. The move unites under one roof some of the industry’s most innovative brands and offers the modern angler an unmatched breadth of brands, products, and content. The terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“I could not be more excited to add Postfly and the entire Recur offering to the Catch Co. ecosystem,” said Ross Gordon, Founder, and CEO of Catch Co. “Not only have Brian and his team built an amazing brand in the growing fly-fishing market, but their customer focus and company values are very much aligned with our approach.”
Catch Co. was founded in 2012 as a monthly fishing tackle subscription service called Mystery Tackle Box, which is forecast to sell its 8 millionth box by year-end. It has since evolved to also offer its own eCommerce platform called Karl’s Bait & Tackle and a range of compelling content, like the original series Unchartered. Catch Co. recently built upon its digital-first heritage by expanding distribution of its own products into third-party retailers nationwide, including Dick’s Sporting Goods and Walmart. Coming off a recent $38 million Series B funding round led by True Ventures, the acquisition of Recur Outdoors marks another significant milestone for Catch Co.’s growth and expansion.
Recur Outdoors has taken a similarly unique approach since its inception in 2013. The company’s Postfly fly-fishing subscription offering has been enjoyed by more than 25,000 anglers and Wade rods and Pelican reels are known as some of the highest quality products on the market. Since acquiring Badfish in 2019, Recur has leveraged the brand’s passionate following to build a tackle and lifestyle brand targeting inshore saltwater anglers. The Recur team will stay aboard to join forces with Catch Co.
“We’ve spent the past eight years building a more welcoming on-ramp for people into fly-fishing,” said Brian Runnals, Founder and President of Recur. “Catch Co.’s customer-centricity and unique brand personality are a natural fit with our company and our team is thrilled to join them on this exciting journey.”
This marks the first acquisition for Chicago-based Catch Co. To learn more about Catch Co., view its content series, and explore its unique product lines, visit catchco.com. Follow along with over two million anglers on the brand’s @CatchCompany, @MysteryTackleBox, and @KarlsBaitandTackle social channels on all platforms.
About Catch Co.
Founded in 2012 by fishing enthusiast Ross Gordon, Catch Co. is on a mission to ‘rescue people from the indoors’ with the best products, content, and shopping experiences in all of fishing. Catch Co. is best known for its innovative commerce brands Mystery Tackle Box, the original monthly subscription box of lures and tackle, and Karl’s Bait & Tackle, a membership-based eCommerce platform. The company has developed some of the industry’s most innovative products entirely in-house. It has a passionate social community of over two million followers and produces an original video series that has garnered millions of minutes of attention. For more information and inspiration to get outside, visit www.catchco.com.
In this Week’s Video of the Week, We catch up with Zach Landry and Pete Kaple who are collectively known as the “The Skiff Wanderer” on YouTube. The 17th episode of their “Rough Log” takes place back in April on the Texas Coast where they went in search of some big redfish in super skinny water. Their journey to the proper channel gets rather tedious as the water levels were too skinny to run the boat through, which left the boys with one option. Push the skiff to the promised land. So sit down and enjoy some epic eats, skinny water sight fishing, oh and of course some sweet Redfish.
Make sure to give them a follow to tag along on their adventures in the Sabine. @TheSkiffWandererÂ
