In this week’s “How to Tie†video feature, Davie McPhail ties a mayfly dry that every angler should carry with them this winter season, the Ultra Dry Yarn Dun.
Learn About This Fly:
Difficulty: Easy
With colder weather upon us, smaller mayfly and midge patterns will begin to be the key for success. Temperatures dropping is often a great indicator to start decreasing the size of both flies and tippet. Throwing dries when mayflies are popping off in the winter is a great way to mix things up and get away from just throwing nymphs. This Ultra Dry Yarn Dun is a simple yet effect mayfly imitation and should be in every trout angler’s dry box this season.
This fly joins the list of very simple patterns that any level tyer can master. The simplistic steps and materials allow for different variations to be made with ease and cover all your bases on the water. Tying in the tail may create frustrations for newer tyers, but patience is the best remedy for overcoming that. Following Davie’s proportions and material quantity for his Ultra Dry Yarn Dun is my best advice for producing the best results.
Stock up on this fly for when temperatures drop even more into the winter season and watch the magic happen. Tying a variety of sizes and colors is the perfect way to prepare yourself for any mayfly hatch on the water during cooler months. Don’t put away the rod for the season at the end of fall, as some of the most technical and fun fishing can be had right after. Be sure to continue your angling adventures into the winter and don’t forget to bring a batch of this Ultra Dry Yarn Dun to imitate any mayfly coming of the surface.
“This was my first ever tiger trout on the fly and I was pumped that it was a stunning male full of colors. As I was about to take a quick photo, I heard this thrashing beside the boat. To my surprise this mink was aggressively climbing the net and trying to get in and scoop my fish! I was a little nervous as you can tell by my voice!”
“I wanted a picture with the tiger trout before this thing took it so it was me versus him and I shook a little more aggressively to get him loose off of the net. The tiger trout was released safely!”
Angler Story of the Week from Shawna Solar, be sure to follow her on Instagram at @shawna.solar.
Fa-ll fi-sh-ing (n): a captivating and enchanting experience that offers an enticing blend of natural beauty and angling excitement.
Finally – the season that begs embrace from anglers: changes of color, cooler temperatures, wildlife in the mountains… we’re thinking of chasing big browns, bull reds, and starting to plan those mid-winter saltwater trips. As always, with the change of season comes the changeover of gear, and that’s where the Flylords 2023 Gear Guide comes in to save the day.
In this installment of the Fall Gear Guide, our team sat down to share some of our favorite fall products on the market that will help you ease into this seasonal transition with style, grace, and functionality. Whether it’s a brand new pair of Costa Sunglasses, our new Flylords sticker pack, or a sink-tip fly line – this guide will give you the tools to tackle fall’s elements!
Disclosure: The article may contain affiliate links that may result in a commission at no additional cost to the reader.
Clothing & Apparel
Poncho Outdoors Blue Bison Shirt
Medium weight, stretchy, and one of the softest flannels we’ve ever gotten our hands on, it’s a no-brainer to add the Poncho Outdoors Blue Bison Shirt to your arsenal of tops. This performance fabric wicks sweat, dries fast, and offers built-in stretch for movement and comfort. With a built-in lens cloth, slit to hold your sunglasses, hidden zipper pocket and easy to open magnetic pockets – it’s like the Swiss army knife of shirts. Throw it on, hit the water, or grab a beer with friends in style with this sharp flannel.
Duckworth Men’s WoolCloud Full Zip Jacket
When down material (which is made from bird feathers) gets wet, it becomes a mushy ball. Why? Down and synthetic materials become compressed after being wet, and these materials provide less insulation which results in leaving the water earlier… and who wants to do that? That’s why the folks at Duckworth spent years coming up with a solution – the Duckworth Men’s WoolCloud Full Zip Jacket, made from wool. The WoolCloud is filled with Merino Wool batting which never loses its loft and insulation. A recent Flylords favorite that’s offered in two different colors (spruce and midnight), this jacket is a great piece to wear under the waders or on a stroll to the office when mother nature is dishing out her fall elements.
Free Fly Women’s Gridback Fleece
A soft interior and a wind resistant, yet flexible exterior makes the Free Fly’s Women’s Gridback Fleece Jacket a seasonal staple. Super warm, comfortable and flattering, it’s the perfect layer for fall camping, brisk morning walks or those cooler days on the water. It keeps you dry against the elements and maintains breathability while also keeping you warm. The cozy fleece lined pockets are perfect to keep your things in and warm up your hands, and zipping it up all the way warms your neck, but doesn’t restrict it. It’s lightweight, packable and perfect for any adventure.
RepYourWater Big Brookie Hat
RepYourWater does a fantastic job of turning their catches into bad*** artwork. The Big Brookie Hat does just that – boasting the beautiful brook trout design, exfoliating the red, orange and green hues atop a smooth gray hat with a green mesh back makes this trucker hat one of the more stunning ones on the market. A portion of your purchase also goes to their conservation partners, which you can check out on their site here.
Free Fly Men’s Latitude Pants
There’s comfortable, and then there’s Free Fly. The Free Fly Men’s Latitude Pant takes comfort to a whole new level. Outfitted with UPF 50+ protection from the sun, rock these pants on the deck of a skiff, or even on the plane to your next fishing destination. These pants feature guide-approved details like a featherweight, quick-dry construction, along with long-lasting durability. A partial elastic waistband won’t restrict your movement when you’re reaching down to take the hook out of a redfish or running around, prepping for your next day on the water. A Team Flylords favorite, whether we’re shooting content or we get the chance to hit the water without our cameras, the Latitude pant from Free Fly is a must-have piece.
Howler Brothers Chisos Fleece Parka
Almost any Howler Bros fleece is a must have for cooler weather – but the Chisos Fleece Parka is taking the cake for the fall. It’s got that classic, toasty warm 100% polyester high pile fleece – but this time around, they’ve added on a hood, pockets with zippers and an athletic style ribbed cuffs and waistband. You’ve got a useable outdoorsy jacket that also doubles as a stylish street style epic that comes in an off white and a charcoal black color. Why look any further?
Flylords Swing Flies Tye Dye Hoodie
Let’s be honest – tie dye truly doesn’t go out of style. This mono blue tie-dye is one of the classier yet cool dye patterns to swing on for a chillier day of fall fishing or to change into and enjoy an après river bevy. The Swing Flies ‘Till You Die screen print brings the party to the back, and a subtle nod right to the front chest pocket, and it’s our favorite piece of Flylords merch for fall.
Marsh Wear Clothing Lobeco Button Up
Whether you’re hitting the duck blind or strolling downstream in search of an eager trout to hit a Blue Winged Olive, the Marsh Wear Clothing Lobeco Button Up is a great-classic look while delivering the performance you need in a shirt this fall! Inspired by the small town of Lobeco, SC, this button up is a great laid back look for adventures or a night out on the town. With moisture wicking fabric and its subtle green camo pattern, it’s a shirt that doesn’t sacrifice style for functionality.
Seager Caliber Cotton Flapjack Brown Hat
You may think you don’t need another hat, but you do. When you’re having outside time this fall, the last thing you need are freeing ears. We want to hear the crunching leaves, swift swooshes atop the surface of the water – so let’s warm those puppies up! This cap has sherpa lined ear flaps that really pop against the brown color of this hat that boasts a cool and subtle “Seager” circle patch.
On The Water & Gear
Simms Confluence Wader
The wader makers at Simms have worked day and night to release this bad*** new wader. Designed for the angler that’s working all the angles, the stockingfoot Confluence wader from Simms provides the perfect balance of comfort and durability. With upper and lower 4-layer Toray fabrics, the standout features of the Confluence waders are the compression-molded neoprene knee construction, and the compatible tool-docking station loops integrated into the fleece-lined, hand-warming chest pocket. While the fall introduces some pre-winter conditions, those colder temperatures sure make us want to throw those trusty waders on again.
Sage Salt R8
Tough with a tinge of soft… kind of what that salt life is about anyways! Sage got it right with their new Salt R8 rod – their R8 graphite it adds 25% more strength per weight – which also increased the fight in the rod (yes even the six-weight). Think increased pulling power without any of the extra stuff. This rod gives you the ability for faster landing times, reducing fish stress and catch and release pressure. Sage wanted to focus on more strength and fight, but also uphold the important for that feel of fine touch shots and precise presentations – which is somewhat rare in the saltwater rod world! Hey, a little sugar goes a long way!
Airflo Superflo Ridge 2.0 Streamer Max Short Fly Line
Chuckin’ meat requires string to fling. The Airflo Superflo Ridge 2.0 Streamer Max Short fly line might be Flylords’ favorite freshwater line on the market. Meant to hunt the depths, the Streamer Max gets down and dirty with its 160-320 grain, 7-10 inches per second sinking line. Offered in 5-9 weight-forward sinking options, there’s a line for each and every freshwater angler. Whether you’re getting down in the stillwater or focusing on the banks from a drift boat, this line was made with the intention of bank-robbing and getting those streamers dancing in deep water! If you’re looking at getting a new sink-tip fly line, be sure to grab a Streamer Max Short line from Airflo this fall.
Costa Sunglasses King Tide 6 & 8
Pictured here: Costa King Tide 8
Taking a whopping five years to develop, Costa seriously knocked it out of the park with these 40th anniversary sunglasses. Made for any and every angler, the King Tide from Costa was introduced earlier this year and offers two different frame types: the six and the eight. The difference? The six offers a wider wrap, and the eight has a tighter-wrapped frame. Costa offers all the bells and whistles with the King Tide: their signature 580G polarized glass, removable side shields for optimal viewing on or off the water, a case and cleaning cloth. The King Tide 6 & 8 offers five different lens types, whether you’re offshore in blue water or fishing in lower light for trout. If you’re looking at getting a new set of shades, check out the all-new King Tide sunglasses from Costa this fall!
Flylords Sticker Pack
Yup, we finally did it. Introducing the Flylords sticker pack – whether it’s a gift for a die-hard Flylords fan, or someone who loves well designed stickers, this pack includes five of our newest stickers. Slap ‘em on the van, the cooler or your laptop. There are no rules when it comes to this one, folks!
Grundens Buoy X Bib
Ah, fall… full of mystery and surprises. You might get some beautiful days out on the water, and then some forceful ones. This is why the Grundens Buoy X Bib was constructed, to keep the elements off you by keeping you warm and dry. Made from GORE-TEX waterproof and breathable materials, the Buoy X Bib from Grundens offers an incredibly durable solution without the burden of added bulkiness. Whether you’re fishing for albies or stashing it in the dry box of your floatation vessel, the Grundens Buoy X Bib is a great solution to staying warm and dry this fall! PS: They’re also on mega sale right now… did we mention they come in three different colors?
Sea Run Cases Norfolk QR Expedition Case
Mexico, Belize, Christmas Island, or Alaska, wherever the fish swim, protect your gear on the way to your fishing destination. The Sea Run Norfolk QR Expedition Case is a great piece of luggage to protect four to six 9’6†fly rods, and up to six reels. Sea Run Cases are equipped to be TSA compliant with three locks, rustproof stainless hinges, and are constructed from a patented ABS material. Whether you’re traveling to the pristine white-sand flats in the Bahamas, or headed to find that big Montana brown, the Sea Run Norfolk QR Expedition Case is a great option for the tavelin’ angler.
Orvis Pro Insulated Convertible Mitts
Pictured: The Orvis Pro Insulated Convertible Mitts in Camo
The freezing-cold fall days are loading, so it’s time to bash the banks with streamers out of a drift boat! Stripping fly line in can be brutal on the fingers, so Orvis released the convertible Orvis Pro Insulated Mitts to lessen the pain and keep you focused on the fish. These mitts are fully convertible – so whether you’re on the sticks rowing and want your fingers covered or you’re on-deck flinging those streamers and need your trigger finger, these mitts will give you the warmth you need this fall. Inspired by the Orvis Insulated PRO hoodie, it grants you stretch, and decreases the tangle of fly line around your hands with their fold-away feature. This insulated mitt is a great option for trout, salmon, or steelhead anglers this fall. Offered in two different colors (“camouflage†or “blackoutâ€) and available in four different sizes, these mitts will keep your digits warm even on the most brutal days.
NRS Fishing Chinook PFD
Pictured: NRS Chinook Fishing PFD in Bark
PFD’s, Life jackets, PDF’s whatever you want to call ‘em, rock your float fishing game with the best safety piece on the river. Whether you’re drifting down a picturesque stream, or sight fishing for reds on a SUP, the NRS Fishing Chinook PFD is one of the only “decked out†personal floatation devices you can get your hands on. Talk about storage–this piece has all the bells and whistles you need. The mesh-lower back offers added ventilation on hot summer days and features two large-zippered pockets to fit fly boxes, tippet, leaders, or even a fishing license and ALSO comes in four different colors. Check out the NRS Fishing Chinook PFD!
Yakoda Supply Guide Laces
Pictured: Yakoda Guide Laces in Salmon
You never know when your laces on your wading boots are going to snap. Whether they’ve had a long life or have basked in the sunshine, having an extra pair (or two) of laces in the truck or in your fishing pack is a great move. Yakoda Supply introduced the Guide Laces so you don’t get into this “oh shit†position in the backcountry. Yakoda supply offers the Guide Laces in eight different color options and three different lengths. The best part? If you know what wading boot you have, they have mapped out a “cheat sheet†so you know what length to order for your boot. Grab a pair (or two) and just have ’em ready when needed this fall!
Ross Colorado Native Cutthroat Reel
If fly fishing had a runway, this reel would win Miss USA. Classic sound and feel with modern strength and design makes the new Ross Colorado Native Cutthroat Reel a functional piece of art on and off the water. Designed for small streams, big rivers and everything in between, the new semi-caged frame gives you that unprecedented strength in a lightweight (did we say stunning?) package. This reel is a special edition 4â„5 reel made for the Trout Unlimited x Ross Reels Native Series Special Edition Collab. That means there’s only 495 of these reels available – each includes their specified number and “Colorado†on the reel foot. With each purchase, a donation will be made to Colorado Trout Unlimited and the projects supporting Colorado cutthroat conservation efforts.
Patagonia Forra Wading Boots
These baddies swept the awards at the AFFTA Confluence this year. Winning best wading boots for men and women, they are engineered for the trail and river, and are lightweight without sacrificing performance. Stocked up with their Vibram Mars sole technology for traction and grip, they feature a high ankle, sturdy toe box adjustable, non corrosive lacing system and are specifically designed for quick-draining and quick drying. In summary, a lightweight boot that stays sturdy and will probably last a lifetime? Sounds good to us!
Fishpond Summit Sling
Pictured: Fishpond Summit Sling in Granite Fabric
This classic just got better. With its comfortable and functional design, the Summit Sling 2.0 boasts a total of seven compartments with plenty of storage space and quick access to the tools you need the most. They’ve got their patented molded drop down fly/cargo bench with the outside velcro for fly path attachment, Hypalon attachments for your forceps, retractors, and floatant holders, their shoulder pad for station, exterior water bottle holder with a lock cord and of course, the net sleeve on the back panel of the sling. It fits everything you need for a day on the water and comes in two different color patterns.
In this episode, Montana PBS explores how trout numbers in three southwest Montana rivers are at or near historic lows. As Fish Wildlife & Parks ramps up its effort to find the problem, local groups are also stepping in to help. We’ll see what’s being done to find answers.
Be sure to follow Montana PBS for more updates. Header photo courtesy of PBS.
In this Week’s episode of Video of the Week we catch up with our good friend in South Florida, Eric Estrada in his new series “Draw With Me”. In this first installment, Eric takes us through his process of drawing one of his favorite fish, The Bonefish. “Life Inspires Art”, so sit down and enjoy as Eric catches a local Biscayne Bay Bonefish and uses it as inspiration for his bonefish sketch.
Eric Estrada is an artist, musician, fisherman, and father based out of Miami, Florida. Whether it be Largemouth Bass, Peacock Bass, Snook, Tarpon, and whatever else you can find in these unique Floridian canals Eric will chase them. He also creates incredible fishing-based art pieces. Check them out here: @estrada_art.
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is slated to conduct a final vote on October 23-24 regarding a regulation that would mandate the catch-and-release of wild brown trout in select waterways, allowing stocked trout to be retained in those areas.
This regulation would make brown trout in the 12 specified streams catch-and-release only. Other trout species would maintain the current creel limit of five trout a day (minimum length of 7 inches) during spring and summer. These waterways would be catch-and-release from the day after Labor Day until the third Monday of February.
The 12 streams under consideration for this regulation in central and eastern Pennsylvania are: Bald Eagle Creek (section 06), Fishing Creek (sections 13 and 14), Kishacoquillas Creek (section 05), Little Lehigh Creek (sections 04 and 07), Martins Creek (section 01), Monocacy Creek (section 09), Penn’s Creek (section 02), Pohopoco Creek (section 04), and Yellow Creek (section 04).
Take a look at the full article from Brian Whipkey, a PA Outdoors Columnist for the Daily American.Â
In the 2023 Northern Pikeminnow Sport Reward Program, a top angler netted over $100k by removing just over ten thousand pikeminnow, while the runner-up earned $98k for 9,700 fish. This annual conservation bounty initiative, operating in the lower Columbia River and funded by the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), runs from May 1 to September 30, offering substantial rewards to anglers who help reduce pikeminnow—a species that preys on salmon and steelhead smolt. Critics argue that the program focuses on the wrong issue, diverting attention from the impact of BPA’s dams along the Lower Snake River on native fish species.
No matter your perspective, this program is unquestionably one of the most lucrative ways to catch unwanted fish. In 2023, anglers earned $6 per fish for their first 25 qualifying (9-inch-plus) catches of the season. Between 25 and 200 fish, the rate was $8 each, and beyond 200, they earned $10 each. Specially tagged fish could yield anglers rewards ranging from $200 to $500.
This year’s bounties matched the 2022 rates, which were increased by the BPA to boost program participation. Take a look at the full story from Field & Stream News Editor Sage Marshall by clicking here.Â
In this week’s “How to Tie†video feature, Charlie Craven with Charlie’s Fly Box ties a yellow sally nymph that every angler should carry when fishing water these stoneflies call home, the Two Bit Sally.
Learn About This Fly:
Difficulty: Intermediate
There is no doubt that simple flies get the job done and will produce in nearly every stream, but sometimes they just aren’t as fun to tie. Bugs that are more complex to tie will leave you with a new found satisfaction when leaving the vise for the night and may end up being the ticket on the next stream you fish. The Two Bit Sally is a yellow sally nymph pattern that will undoubtedly fool trout during warmer months and keep the rod bent on the water.
For novice tiers, this pattern may be frustrating but will lead to increase skills on the vise. Once you practice difficult patterns, your range of tying skyrockets. No tyers began whipping up dozens of complex patterns and you should not be afraid to get outside your comfort zone. The Two Bit Sally is certainly attainable for novice tyers, but will require time and patience.
Whether fishing an indicator rig or under a dry in a dry-dropper, this pattern will produce. The double bead allows for a fast sink rate and longer time spent in the desired zone. Fish this pattern with confidence during those summer months and don’t be afraid of changing colors to match other stoneflies in your water. The Two Bit Sally is one pattern that every angler should carry in their box when fishing waters with prominent yellow sally hatches.
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 production of the film 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.
Check out this awesome footage doubled-up on big tarpon!
Reel of the Week from Jesse Males, be sure to follow Jesse on Instagram at @backwaterflyfishing. Photo/Video courtesy of Jesse Males.Â
Looks like this was the spot to be at! Photo by Hayden Dobbins
Boasting 50 teams and 66 female anglers, the competitors represented five states from all across the Southeast. This inaugural event brought the fly fishing community together in the sport and benefit of Charleston Waterkeeper, whose mission is to defend and restore Charleston’s waterways.
How it worked: Each team declared their fishing day, prepped for the long weekend ahead, and the winner was to be decided on the last day by combining the inches of the team’s three largest fish. The weekend brought precarious weather, but that didn’t stop the groups from absolutely conquering the water. The final results from every team ended with 1,122.5 total combined inches caught from all teams, 43 caught and released redfish over the weekend.
Great way to spend the weekend! Photo by Hayden Dobbins
FINAL RESULTS:
First place: Bre and Wilds Drake of Team Drake – a combined 88.75 inches.
Second place: Meg and Rob Fischer of Team Ladyfisch – a combined 82.25 inches.
Third place: Caroline Irwin and John Irwin of Team Flyright – a combined 81 inches.
“The tournament brought together a community of female anglers and friends from across the Southeast to have a fun weekend on the water doing what we all love most,” said Kait Dobbins of Marsh Wear Clothing. “The number of women who caught their first redfish on the fly, got back on the water, or went fly fishing for the first time really makes it all worth it. It’s about bringing our community together and building those relationships that will last far beyond one weekend.†With the weekend filled with great food, company, laughter, stories, dancing and music – we’re definitely keeping this one on the radar to join next year.
Charleston – if you’re around and looking for another party, don’t miss our stop for the Fly Shop Tour at Rivers and Glen on November 3rd! Scroll below for more info on the event.
