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Oregon Poachers Steal Spawning, Brood-Stock Steelhead

Dan Zazworsky
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Oregon Poachers Steal Spawning, Brood-Stock Steelhead

Do you know what’s easier than poaching fish with a rod and reel? Poaching fish from fish traps designed to retain hatchery brood-stock fish, and that’s exactly what’s been happening on Oregon’s Woodward Creek.

Woodward Creek is a very important steelhead run, as it is where state biologists collect mature brood-stock steelhead for hatchery spawning. There, the state has installed specially designed fish traps meant to hold returning hatchery steelhead as they make their way upstream. Unfortunately for these fish, poachers have taken notice of the fish sitting in the traps and run, and have begun plucking the ripest fish from the run.

ODFW biologists clearing the Woodward Creek fish trap in preparation for spawning winter steelhead.

“We’d get a call from a volunteer saying there were six or seven fish in a trap,” says district biologist Mike Gray. “Then when we got there, the trap was empty. We found evidence that the trap had been damaged, so we knew someone was getting in there.”

According to Oregon F&W, “District staff contacted OSP Fish and Wildlife troopers, and mounted trail cameras to monitor the traps and nearby waterway. The first night, they saw at least three people enter the area, access the trap, and then use a net to remove fish. The thefts came during a shortage of spawning fish in the Bandon Hatchery breeding program.”

To learn more about the incidences and help identify suspects, check out this press release from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

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G. Loomis Announces All New IMX-Pro E Rod

Wills Donaldson
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G. Loomis Announces All New IMX-Pro E Rod

A week after the release of the NRX+ SF rod, G. Loomis has unveiled their next installment in their specialty rod series: The IMX Pro E Rod. Designed specifically for Euro nymphing, or tight-line nymphing, this rod comes in several weights and sizes perfectly designed for those looking for a premier, but affordable, Euro-nymphing setup. With the tactical finesse in mind, G. Loomis has also released the IMX Pro Creek Rod, designed for those who like to explore small waters in tight quarters.

Last December, we had the chance to head out on our local waters with John Newbury, to capture this rod in action. Check it out HERE.

behind the scenes
Behind the scenes with the Flylords Team.

From G. Loomis HQ this morning:

Loomis Delivers Specialized Tools that Fly Anglers Demand

Loomis rods enable success by boosting anglers’ natural ability in any setting where a fly is cast. Now, G. Loomis reveals two new fly rods with purpose-driven design: The IMX-PROe for euro nymphing and the IMX-PROc for stalking fish in small creeks.

fish in hand

All IMX-PRO fly rods, including the new IMX-PROe and IMX-PROc, share common technological roots designed to give anglers the advantage. G. Loomis handcrafts these rods using high-modulus, high-strength graphite fibers, and advanced GL7 nanotechnology resin to yield a light, sensitive, and durable blank. Exclusive Conduit Core Technology creates a thinner blank to reduce its overall weight while providing additional reinforcement with strategic scrim placement to yield precise tapers and technique-specific flex. Each IMX-PRO rod also incorporates a proprietary Multi-Taper Design to enhance durability while further decreasing the blank’s weight. A series of “micro tapers” within the overall taper of the rod, G. Loomis’ innovative Multi-Taper Design process enables rod engineers to use more material on potential stress points and less material everywhere else. The result is a broad library of precisely defined rod lengths, powers, and actions that strike the perfect balance between durability and performance.  IMX-PRO Euro and IMX-PRO Creek rods incorporate these core technologies, with additional features and specifications coupled to their target applications.

IMX-PRO Euro

imx pro e

Lift. Lob. Repeat. Downright deadly, modern euro nymphing is a beyond-proven tactic for boosting catch count. For many anglers – especially those in high-traffic fisheries with pressured fish – it’s one of the best ways to achieve maximum effectiveness. True disciples of this method require specialized tools with innovative actions and components configured to satisfy a set of unique tactical demands – like the new G. Loomis IMX-PROe.

fly fishing

“Euro nymphing has become widely popularized over the past three decades, and since its introduction, G. Loomis has offered several rods designed for this technique,” notes Steve Rejeff, G. Loomis Director of Engineering. “What we now have in the IMX-PROe is a highly-refined, lightweight, quick-responding rod with a sensitive tip, designed to be used with very thin leader tippets and to absorb the reaction of the hooked fish as it attempts to escape.”

At 10’ (#2, IMX-PRO E 2100-4) or 10’6” (#3, IMX-PRO E 3106-4), the IMX-PROe keeps as much line off the water as possible as the angler guides the fly down current, watching for a strike. Then, the sensitive tip and moderate power midsection provide a positive hookset, absorb the fight, and bring the fish to hand. Indeed, the benefits of Multi-Taper Design are on full display in the IMX-PROe . “The very tip end of the rod is quite flexible and forgiving,” states Rejeff. “Then, the second and third sections of the rod develop a little more lifting power and capability for quicker hooksets. The butt section of the rod is notably stiff so that there is enough power to draw the fish in close to the angler for landing.”

euro nymphing

Additional refinements continue along the length of the IMX-PROe: The cork handle is slender and provides a comfortable grip for anglers that hold the rod close to the reel. The hook keeper is relocated forward on the rod to allow anglers to cradle the blank with their forefinger for increased feel and sensitivity. Thoughtfully designed guide placement, starting at the stripper guide, eliminates line droops and sags and ensures full contact between the line and the guides.

tightline

With a moderate flex pattern and generous power through the bottom half of the blank, the G. Loomis IMX-PROe loads easily for improved casting accuracy without sacrificing the “oomph” behind the hookset. Premium construction and components round out the feature set in this purpose-driven euro nymphing powerhouse. The IMX-PROe is available for purchase at G. Loomis authorized dealers with an MSRP of $575.

IMX-PROe Features:

Conduit Core Technology

Chrome Single-Foot Guides

Chrome Stripper Guides

Multi-Taper Design

Hook Keeper

Micro Full Wells Premium Grade Cork Grip

Custom Aluminum Reel Seat with Rood Insert

Tube and Cloth Rod Bag

Handcrafted in Woodland, Washington, USA

Limited Lifetime Warranty

imx pro

Be sure to check out the new G. Loomis IMX Pro E and Creek Rods HERE, and stay posted for more exciting news from G. Loomis and the Flylords Team.

G. Loomis Announces All New NRX+ Swim Fly Rod

Flylords Father’s Day Fly Fishing Gift Guide

California to Consider Heightened Protections for Species of Spring Chinook and Summer Steelhead

Will Poston
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California to Consider Heightened Protections for Species of Spring Chinook and Summer Steelhead

Next week, on June 16th, the California Fish and Game Commission will decide whether to list Klamath Spring Chinook salmon and Northern California Summer Steelhead under the state’s Endangered Species Act. These species, well most species of steelhead and salmon in the contiguous United States these days, are in bad shape due to loss of habitat, development, climate change, and over-harvest. The California Endangered Species Act conserves and protects “plant and animal species at risk of extinction.” This listing will aid in controlling the decline of the salmonids in question and put them on the path towards recovery.

The Native Fish Society is advocating to list these fish based on their “unique life histories.” The group has organized a form letter to show members of the California’s Fish and Game Commission that these fish need to be listed to ensure conservation action is taken to protect them.

Kirk Blaine, Native Fish Society’s Southern Oregon Regional Coordinator, had this to say, “For years these fish have been suffering from declines. There are multiple limiting factors contributing to the decline. Listing these fish will be the first step in acknowledging they need our help and we are committing to restoring them to abundance. Collectively we must work together to find a solution to restoring these fish and implementing conservation actions that will keep them around for future generations.”

For more on this decision and how to comment, click here!

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Pro Gear Review: SIMMS Flyweight Collection

Flylords
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Pro Gear Review: SIMMS Flyweight Collection

In this Gear Review: New Zealand Guide and SIMMS Pro, Mike Kirkpatrick of Latitude Guiding will sit down to go over his thoughts on some of the new SIMMS Flyweight gear that was released last April. In this review, Mike will touch on his favorite features of the gear line, his personal experiences in the field, and what the flyweight experience means to him.  pro review kirkpatrick

Initial Impression:

I’m Mike Kirkpatrick, owner of Latitude Guiding at the top of NZ’s South Island and I never scrimp on gear. As a company, we always strive to use the best in all of our equipment because when you are 20km’s from your car up a river valley gear failure is not an option.

fly fishing new zealand

I’m lucky enough to help Simms with product testing, and prior to the Flyweight range being released, had the pleasure of doing a three-day photoshoot testing almost the entire line. They’ve nailed the styles, versatility, and colors in what I believe is their best release yet…

I’ve always loved the Flyweight boot, which came out several seasons ago, and rate it as the best boot I’ve ever owned. Period. They are light, rugged, stylish, and fit me like slippers. So my expectations of the new range were high. Simms certainly delivered.

flyweight boot
The Flyweight Wading boot from Flylords’ shoot with SIMMS last Fall.

Upon Testing:

The Flyweight Shell Jacket is amazingly light, packs to a very small form factor for easy storage, and does what it needs to do by keeping you dry! They are generous in size as well, so fitting over layers and vests poses no issues at all. I Love the understated Olive color too.

flyweight shell

The Access Hoody is warm, light, and stylish enough to look great even In the pub after a day out. I’ve often worn mine out as a casual jacket, it looks that good! Plus I love making my mates jealous…

The packs are a revelation with their small size, built for purpose, functionality, and incredibly lightweight. These are great-looking packs with the new modular system making it easy to make additions or alterations to suit your day out. Every pocket/compartment is thought out and of course, purposefully built for the active fly fisher.

flyweight backpack

Speaking of adding things – the new modular system is a masterstroke as you can purpose build your entire Flyweight system to suit whatever your needs might be on any given day. It’s a game-changer.

modular flyweight system

The flyweight waders are incredibly light, stretchy, and are the best ‘shape’ of any wader I’ve used. They just fit so well and are the best looking I’ve used. Zips, to tighten the waist if needed, give a slim and comfortable fit. A big one for me is it doesn’t feel like you have waders on as they are far less ‘bulky’ than conventional waders, making them perfect for long hikes.

hiking in flyweight waders

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the Flyweight collection suits me here in New Zealand as we cover often serious km’s (I know I do!), and having some serious weight trimmed off your gear, while being modular for flexibility in use, make them is a no-brainer. The fact is the lack of weight takes the stress off your body while being highly functional and great-looking.

covering km's in flyweight

To learn more about the Simms Flyweight collection, Click HERE.

Photos courtesy of Kiyoshi Nakagawa.

“Behind the Seams” – A Look Into SIMMS’ Flyweight Collection

A Look at the New SIMMS Flyweight Line

Flylords Father’s Day Fly Fishing Gift Guide

Video of the Week: All Jokes Aside with Eeland Stribling

Landen German
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Video of the Week: All Jokes Aside with Eeland Stribling

In this video of the week, we catch up with Redington and Eeland Stribling in their newest short film “All Jokes Aside”. Eeland is a wildlife biologist, fly fisherman, and stand-up comedian. A true jack of all trades. Fly fishing for Eeland is a way to find relief and a place to clear his head. He talks about the odd similarities between stand-up comedy and fly fishing such as ” you really don’t need either of them but you can look at them interchangeably.” Through this view, Eeland expands on how all of our lives are made up of a series of moments. Such as the light, the heavy, the humorous, and the serious. And how if we’re not paying attention, then we might miss the ones that are most important, right now, at this moment, such as Bristol Bay & Black Lives Matter. So sit down and enjoy as Eeland puts all the jokes aside.

Check out more of Eeland’s Page here: @Blacksteveirwin

Make sure to check out these other articles as well!

Angler Spotlight: Eeland Stribling

A Recipe for Catching Trophy Cutthroat in the High Country

Video of the Week: On the Salmon Route with Hooke

Fishing Etiquette: Flats Fishing

Andrew Braker
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Fishing Etiquette: Flats Fishing

Many of you may have heard of stream etiquette … but have you heard of flats etiquette? In order to deliver the best info on how to navigate the flats responsibly and respectfully, we caught up with Key West fly fishing guide Brandon Cyr. These are the 6 tips for flats fishing etiquette.

Tip 1: If Someone’s At The Spot, Keep Moving

With more and more people enjoying the sport, it’s only a matter of time before you show up to one of your favorite spots only to have someone else already there. The way you handle this situation is very important, and the solution is simple… keep moving on! If there’s enough room, slide behind the boat without getting in their way. Then, turn your attention to a new section of water.

At the end of the day, fishing in new areas helps improve your skills as an angler. While we all feel connected to a handful of special spots, being forced to try new areas will push you to learn new spots on that tide— giving you more options in your playbook in the long run! 

Tip 2: Learn About The Local Fishing Culture

As with any fishing scenario, each place you visit will have a slightly different fishing culture, and a slightly different approach to the way anglers interact on the water. Figuring out the local etiquette is an important step in having an enjoyable time in the fishery while respecting the environment and people around you. 

The best thing to do in order to learn about the local culture is to stop by the local fly shop. Fly shops, being cultural hubs for the local fishery, provide a great window into the way that the respective fishery functions. You’ll learn a lot just by visiting the shop and listening to the way that the guides talk about fishing in the area. This is also a great opportunity to ask guides specific questions about etiquette in the area. Since guides have a vested interest in having more respectful anglers on the water, they will be more than happy to provide you with information on this matter… Information on their favorite spots, however, is another story.

Tip 3: Keep Your Distance

When encountering another angler on the flats, there’s some important things to consider. Is there a channel separating the flats that you’re on? What is the “line” that the other angler is pushing on? Are you interrupting their flow of fish? Will they have enough room to work as they want to? Each scenario will have different answers to these questions, so it’s always a good idea to reassess each situation. It’s always better to stay on the cautious side and leave more room than necessary. If you feel like you’re too close, you probably are.

Tip 4: Don’t Boat Over Prime Fishing Territory

A common thing we see down here in the keys is people “burning flats” (driving on plane over shallow water). Even though this practice is well-known as a bad thing, it isn’t just the new DIY anglers that are making the mistake. There’s also experienced guides that will do this. Sometimes people get lazy and don’t want to run the extra mile or two around the flat, so they “jump” the flat instead. This leads to blowing fish out (which you may not realize are there) and possibly tearing up the flat. At the end of the day, most of the decisions you make behind the wheel should be consciously driven with the goal of limiting your footprint on the environment you’re in. We are all lucky to be able to enjoy this beautiful ecosystem, so do your best to respect it.

Tip 5: Approaching Boats in Channels 

If you’re trying to get to a spot that requires you to drive by someone fishing in a channel (or on a channel edge), if at all possible, find another route (even if it’s 15 minutes out of your way). If you must go through the channel, slow down to an idle to pass the angler/guide. In most circumstances the angler/guide will wave you through. For me personally, I’d rather have someone just run through when I wave them through. But, the courtesy of passing on idle is greatly appreciated.

Tip 6: If It Feels Wrong, It Probably Is.

Most mistakes on the water are followed with the statement “I wasn’t sure.”  Some of the best advice I’ve ever received is simple, yet massively effective… The concept of “just go with your gut.” Typically if you have to question whether or not you’re doing the right thing, you probably aren’t. Follow your moral compass and go back to your elementary school days where you practiced the golden rule: “treat others as you would like to be treated.”

If more anglers can abide by these tips, flats fishing will be more enjoyable for everyone. Try to keep some of these tips in mind the next time you venture out there. Thanks to Brandon Cyr for taking the time to share his experience!

Stay tuned for more installments of the Fishing Etiquette Series.

 

Alaska Native Corporation Protects Land in Bristol Bay, Another Nail in Pebble Mine’s Coffin

Will Poston
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Alaska Native Corporation Protects Land in Bristol Bay, Another Nail in Pebble Mine’s Coffin

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers rejected key permits for Pebble Mine, the controversial mine in Bristol Bay’s headwaters, this past fall. However, efforts to protect the underlying real-estate from future development are the only long-term option for Bristol Bay. Last month, the Pedro Bay Corporation, an Alaskan Native Corp, voted to sell conservation easements on 44,000 acres near Bristol Bay, preventing future development. In another blow for the foreign-owned mine, Pebble planned to build a transportation corridor directly in the region. This is a major win for Bristol Bay and all the stakeholders that rely on a healthy watershed. Additionally, it deals another blow to the embattled Pebble mine.

“This transaction supports the values of our community members by protecting their land, their subsistence, and their traditional way of life,” said Pedro Bay Corporation CEO Matt McDaniel. “This is an opportunity that will provide our community benefits and economic value in perpetuity. After years of consideration, the shareholders have now made an informed decision on how to manage and protect their privately held ancestral lands.”

Image without a caption

Save Bristol Bay wrote, “Hats off to @PedroBayCorp and the people of Bristol Bay for continuing to protect the lands, waters, fish, and cultures of southwest Alaska.”

We at Flylords agree with @SaveBristolBay! And we hope to see more of Bristol Bay’s land and waters preserved and protected from future development.

Check out this Washington Post article for more!

Cover picture courtesy of @FlyOutMedia

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Guide to Every State’s Free Fishing Days in 2021

Dan Zazworsky
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Guide to Every State’s Free Fishing Days in 2021

Nearly every state offers some kind of free fishing day, where licenses are not required to fish. These days give folks who otherwise might not be able to afford licenses or are just dipping their toes into fishing to give it a try. Many of these dates coincide with the summer months, making them a great way for traveling anglers to dip their toes into a state’s waters without having to invest in a non-resident license. Check out the list below to find the dates for all 50 states’ Free Fishing Days!

From TakeMeFishing.org:

Alabama:
Second Saturday in June – June 12th

Alaska:
Youth anglers (under age 15) and seniors (61+) fish for free year-round.

Arizona:
First Saturday in June – June 5th

Arkansas:
Second Full weekend in June – June 11-13th

California:
First Saturday in July – July 3th
September 4th

Colorado:
First weekend of June – June 5-6th

Connecticut:
Free Fishing Day – May 8th,
Free 1-day licenses – June 20th, August 14th

District of Columbia:
May 31 – June 6

Delaware:
First weekend of June – June 5-6th

Florida:
First consecutive Saturday and Sunday in April (freshwater) – April 3-4.
Second consecutive Saturday and Sunday in June (freshwater) – June 12-13.
First consecutive Saturday and Sunday in June (saltwater) – June 5-6.
First Saturday in September (saltwater) – Sept 4th.
Saturday following Thanksgiving (saltwater) – Nov 27th.

Georgia:
June 5th
June 12th
National Hunting and Fishing Day – September 2

Hawaii:
Year-round (Saltwater)

Idaho:
Second Saturday every June – June 12th.

Illinois:
Father’s Day weekend in June – June 18-21st

Indiana:
First Sunday in May – May 2nd
First weekend in June – June 5-6
National Hunting and Fishing Day – Sept 25th

Iowa:
First Friday, Saturday, and Sunday that land in June – June 4-6th.

Kansas:
First weekend in June – June 5-6th.

Kentucky:
First full weekend in June – June 5-6th.

Louisiana:
Second Saturday and Sunday in June – June 12-13th.

Maine:
Presidents Day Weekend – Feb 13-14th
First Weekend in June – June 5-6th

Maryland:
First two Saturdays in June – June 5th and 12th.
4th of July.

Massachusetts:
First Saturday & Sunday in June (Freshwater) – June 5-6th
Fathers Day weekend June (Saltwater) – June 19-20th

Michigan:
Feb 13-14th
June 12-13th

Minnesota:
Take a Mom Fishing Weekend (MN resident moms fish free) – May 8-9th
Take a Kid Fishing Weekend (MN residents 16+ fish free with kids under 16) – June 11-13th
Take a Kid Ice Fishing Weekend (MN residents 16+ fish free with kids under 16) – Jan. 15-17th, 2022.

Missouri:
Saturday and Sunday following the first Monday in – June 12-13.

Montana:
Father’s Day weekend – June 19-20th.

Nebraska:
Free Fishing Day – May 22nd.

Nevada:
Second Saturday in June – Jun 12th.

New Hampshire:
Third Saturday in January – Jan 16th.
First Saturday in June – June 5th.

New Jersey:
June 5th
October 23rd

New Mexico:
First Saturday in June – June 5th
Last Saturday in September – Sept 25th

New York:
February 13-14th
June 26-27th
September 25th
November 11th

North Carolina:
July 4th

North Dakota:
First weekend in June – June 5-6th.
Last weekend in December – Dec 25-26th.

Ohio:
Father’s Day Weekend – June 19-20th.

Oklahoma:
First Weekend in June – June 5-6th.

Oregon:
President’s Day Weekend – Feb 13-14th
First Weekend in June – June 5-6th
Thanksgiving Weekend – Nov 26-27th

Pennsylvania:
Sunday before Memorial Day – May 30th
Independence Day – July 4th

Rhode Island:
First Weekend in May (Freshwater Fishing only) – May 1-2nd.

South Carolina:
Memorial Day – May 31st
Independence Day – July 4th

South Dakota:
May 9th
May 21-23rd
June 20th

Tennessee:
Saturday of the first full week in June – June 12th.

Texas:
First Saturday in June – June 5th.

Utah:
June 12th

Vermont:
Fourth Saturday in January – Jan 30th.
Second Saturday in June – June 12nd.

Virginia:
First full weekend in June – June 4-6th.

Washington State:
First weekend after the first Monday in June – June 5-6th.
June 13th.

West Virginia:
Second Saturday and Sunday in June – June 12-13th.

Wisconsin:
Winter Free Fishing weekend – Third weekend in January – Jan 16-17th.
Summer Free Fishing weekend – First Saturday and Sunday in June – June 5-6th.

Wyoming:
First Saturday in June – June 5th.

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Simms & KGB Productions Release “Baja Lines” Full Film

Dan Zazworsky
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Simms & KGB Productions Release “Baja Lines” Full Film

Featured in the 2020 Fly Fishing Film Tour, “Baja Lines” follows a group of anglers and freeride mountain bikers in search of unridden lines and the incredible fish that call the waters off the desert peninsula home.

From KGB Productions:

In remote Baja, Mexico childhood friends stumble upon an untapped Mecca for two dissimilar passions – stalking striped marlin on the fly and progressive, freeride mountain biking. But in this part of the world, almost nothing, other than a cold beer at the end of the day, comes easily, and through hardscrabble adventure and misadventure, this motley crew hopes to find never-before ridden terrain and experience marlin exploding into chaotic topwater action.

Check out our interview with the filmmakers, here!

Stay tuned, KGB will be releasing the sister film to “Baja Lines”, “Baja Dust”, later this month. Check out its trailer, below!

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Colorado River: Feds Considering First-Ever Water Shortage Declaration as Record-Setting Drought Continues

Dan Zazworsky
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1
Colorado River: Feds Considering First-Ever Water Shortage Declaration as Record-Setting Drought Continues

As Lake Meade, the US’s largest man-made reservoir, nears its lowest level on record, the federal government is considering a Water Shortage Declaration for the Colorado River, which would restrict the amount of water distributed to agriculture and, if the drought continues, residential usage as well. The drought the American southwest is currently facing is the worst in modern history.

Currently, Lake Meade sits at an abysmal 37% of capacity, a scary number for those 40 million people who rely on the Colorado River for recreation and industry.

The last time Lake Meade was full to capacity was in 2000.

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