Well, another week has passed and we find ourselves in the same predicament as last week. It’s only mid-week and you are thinking about that big fish that refused your dry over the weekend. Well unfortunately I don’t have a cure-all for missing fish symptoms but what I can provide is another chance to live in someone else’s wading boots for about 14 minutes or so. In this segment of Video of the Week, we take a look at Wild Fly Production’s spontaneous trip out to the great state of Idaho.
Image Courtesy: Scotty Finanger
In the first installment of his graduation trip, Scotty meets up with Scott Kennedy, and Sam Miller to fish the famed Salmon fly hatch on the South Fork of Snake. Great weather, big fish, and good friends make for a pretty spectacular session. So sit down, grab a beverage, and enjoy some epic footage.
My husband KC planned a surprise anniversary trip for me, we drove to a legendary river in Southern Oregon for a few days of steelhead fishing to celebrate. This river has years of history and stories that so many steelhead anglers cherish and share. We woke up eager to fish first light, so we were up at 5 am to be ready. We got out on the water around 6 am-ish. As the sun was rising steadily we started noticing the smoke billowing above the trees, we figured it was from all the fires happening and it didn’t seem out of the norm to have a mellow amount of smoke in the sky.
As we continued to swing through a few runs, I sat on a rock and saw a smoke formation engulfing the sun, and I watched as the sky changed to this deep hue of orange.
We fished for 15 more minutes keeping our eyes on it and talking back and forth about what could be the cause, by the time we were finishing our sentences, we knew this didn’t look good as the smoke had grown abruptly over the sky. That’s when I knew this had to be a fire nearby. We took a few last casts and snapped a few photos and decided it was time to head to safety.
When we got into service I looked up any fires that could be nearby and what I found was that someone’s camper trailer caught fire at a campsite not far from where we were. We got off the water and drove to the motel and that’s where first responders met us to tell us to evacuate immediately.
We then obviously ended our trip and headed back to Portland, driving through blankets of red and orange skies. If this isn’t all a huge sign from Mother Earth telling us how pissed she is, then I don’t know what is.
And a major sign that humans have a huge role and impact in our environments and what can and can’t be prevented. All I hope is that people will start listening. And from the words of Amanda Monthei (@a_monthei) who said it better than I could “We are going to have to reassess our relationship with our landscapes.â€
This historic stretch of river is engulfed and the historic landmarks like, the Dogwood Motel and the Steamboat Inn that so many steelhead anglers cherished are gone. My heart goes out to everyone who has experienced loss through this. And an immense amount of gratitude goes out to the women and men risking so much and fighting these fires. We all can’t thank you enough. 💔
Article from Kayla Lockhart-Badger, an angler, artist, and traveler based in Portland, Oregon. Additional photos from her husband KC Badger.
The Orvis Company has been a mainstay in the fly fishing industry for years, providing anglers with the necessary gear to improve their time spent on the water. Sling, chest, and hip packs are the future in the industry due to their compact and versatile nature. Amid the pandemic scare, Orvis is set to deliver new, never before seen designs and features with their 2021 line up.
The 2021 line up includes new features such as the patent-pending Tippet Whippet and a recessed docking station in each pack. Larger packs include a Fat Lip net storage pocket for secure storage. All packs are constructed with 600D CORDURA ECO polyester fabric which is made of 100% recycled material. The interior design is lined with 200D polyester which also uses recycled materials. Sustainability is a key motive for Orvis and that initiative is highly reflected in the production of the 2021 line.
The 2021 Featured Packs
Orvis Guide Sling Pack – $149.99
Image by Orvis
The Guide Sling Pack features 18 liters of capacity with room to hold multiple large fly boxes. Heading out in a rainstorm? Don’t fret, the Guide Sling Pack has plenty of room to store your rain suit along with any other tools you’d need.
Features include:
The patent-pending Tippet Whippet, capable of holding up to 6 tippet spools.
The Fat Lip net storage for secure and instant access on the water.
A large internal stash pocket.
A smaller main body internal zip pocket with multiple drop-in pockets.
A front zipped storage pocket with hidden forceps storage.
A water bottle holder.
Ridged back panel for structural integrity and breath-ability.
CORDURA ECO 600D polyester shell.
100% recycled materials.
Orvis Guide Hip Pack – $149.99
Image by Orvis
The Guide Hip Pack features 9 liters of capacity perfect for the organized angler.
Features include:
The patent-pending Tippet Whippet, capable of holding up to 6 tippet spools.
The Fat Lip net storage for secure and instant access on the water.
A large main compartment with a large fly patch.
Inside zipper and drop-in pockets for sorting.
A smaller front compartment with mesh pockets.
Two removable shoulder strap options.
A water bottle holder.
Ridged back panel for structural integrity and breath-ability.
CORDURA ECO 600D polyester shell.
100% recycled materials.
Orvis Bug Out Backpack – $189.99
Image by Orvis
Up for adventure? The Bug Out Backpack has the capacity to hold 25 liters of gear for lengthy trips out on the water. Although the backpack is designed for fishing, this pack doubles perfectly for travel and hiking.
Features include:
Top and side entry with removable internal compartments for gear storage.
The Fat Lip net storage for secure and instant access on the water.
External water bottle or rod tube holder.
Docking stations on shoulder straps and buckle receivers compatible with Orvis’s chest and hip packs.
Padded front pocket that is capable of holding a hydration pack, a laptop, or a tablet.
Tricot-lined on top for valuables storage.
Ridged back panel for structural integrity and breath-ability.
CORDURA ECO 600D polyester shell.
100% recycled materials.
These packs will be accompanied by six other styles and will be available in February 2021. For more information, visit www.orvis.com or click here.
Most fishermen view them as a nuisance. They lurk around every corner of many ponds, waiting to jump out and steal your fly. Their older cousins are bigger and more elusive, so why would anybody give them the time of day. Well, as it turns out, snot rockets, slime darts, mini taxmen, or simply Pickerel, are great targets to cast a fly at. They have great colors, ferocious instincts, and a bad attitude that tends to keep them filled with liquid rage that they can turn on at will. Chasing these backyard scrappers with light gear and loud flies can lead to a pretty awesome day on the water.
A little scrapper
What are Pickerel?
Chain Pickerel are a member of the genus, Esox, which also contains Northern Pike and Muskellunge (Musky). Although Pickerel are smaller than their close relatives, they behave very similarly. They ambush their prey, waiting for the exact right time to lunge and kill. These fish will often lurk behind a fly for quite a ways, calculating the best way to kill it. Pickerel will lie in ambush in weed beds, lily pads, overhanging brush, and especially fallen trees. All members of the Esox genus are opportunistic feeders. They seem to only know how to kill and reproduce, which wouldn’t surprise me if they were occasionally able to accomplish simultaneously. Their favorite prey are smaller fish, like bluegill, shiners, shad, and perch. They will also take advantage of any frog or rodent that finds itself in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Tools for the backwaters
Gear:
For chasing Chain Pickerel on the fly, I would recommend a 5 to 7 weight rod, with a weight-forward floating or sink-tip fly line. Smaller pickerel are not very strong fighters, but when they grow above the 20-inch mark and pack of some gut, they transform into strong fighters that will give any 5wt a run for its money. An essential piece of gear when fishing for pickerel is wire leader. Pickerel have multiple rows of very sharp teeth that will bite clean through monofilament and fluorocarbon all the way up to 50lb test. You can buy tie-able wire leaders from some fly line manufacturers. All you need for your leader setup is 4 to 5 feet of straight 15lb test line that is tied to your fly line with a six-inch section of wire to the fly. For wire to fly connection, I use a loop knot because it allows the fly to have a much larger range of motion, which can give the fly that extra wiggle that turns a curious Pickerel into a caught one.
This fly got off lucky
Flies:
Based on the information above, you should realize that Pickerel are very aggressive feeders. From rodents to baitfish, they won’t pass up an opportunity. When selecting flies to use for pickerel, I take advantage of their desire to kill. I know that if something catches their eye in the water, and moves like food, it will trigger a reaction strike. I use brightly colored streamers from three to six inches in length. Colors like white and chartreuse will draw their attention, and a well-tied streamer will seal the deal with lifelike action. To get the most movement out of my fly, I will sometimes throw an articulated streamer. The size of the fly you throw is determined by what weight rod you use and how big the fish is that you are chasing. Big Pickerel are lazy. They want to eat a few large meals instead of many small ones. Slowly stripping a beefy bucktail deceiver, flashtail whistler, or other loud patterns can trigger the big girls to strike. Just always remember to bend down all of your hook barbs, for the fish’s safety and your own.
Exploring the swamp
So, grab your fly rod, a few wooly buggers, deceivers, and anything else you want to get torn up, and hit your local pond. You never know what is hiding close to home!
Bonefish Tarpon Trust’s annual NYC Auction and Awards are one of the more legendary evenings for anglers passionate about the conservation of flats species. Usually held in-person, BTT has pivoted to host the auction virtually, with a live event hosted by Tom Brokaw and cast of Buccaneers and Bones on September 17th at 7 PM ET. Register for the free, live event, here!
This year’s online auction is already underway, featuring everything from one-off works of art, guided trips, and an incredible adventure at the legendary Alphonse Fishing Company. You can see everything up for auction and place your bids, here.
For more information, head to BTT’s site and we will see you all at the virtual awards ceremony!
The John D. Voelker Foundation and the American Museum of Fly Fishing (AMFF) are pleased to announce the winner of the 2020 Robert Traver Fly-Fishing Writing Award: “Blue Lines†by Alexander Benoît. Mr. Benoît’s essay describes how he creates rough hand-drawn maps of places he has fly fished to help him remember those places and events and to tell stories. He describes a deep map of a fishing trip in Alaska to communicate the story to his ailing grandfather, who had once entertained him with stories of his own trip to Alaska years ago.
The winning entry will receive a $2,500 prize and be published in the Spring 2021 edition of the American Fly Fisher, the journal of the American Museum of Fly Fishing.
Alexander Benoît is a high school and middle school teacher at Greenfield School in Wilson, North Carolina. He lives in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. “It’s an honor to receive the Robert Traver FlyFishing Writing Award and I look forward to seeing my story in the American Fly Fisher,†Mr. Benoît said. “I’d like to thank my grandfather and my family for providing the inspiration to write this story.â€
The Traver Award judges also bestowed Honorable Mention recognition on two other entries:
“The Best Fish I Ever Caught†by David Gray-Clough of North Yorkshire, UK
“Grace Note†by Michael Thane of Hingham, Massachusetts The 2020 competition drew a field of 60 entries. Entries were judged anonymously to narrow the pool down to seven finalists. The other four finalists were:
“Caddis Flats†by Trigg White of Allenspark, Colorado
“Homecoming†by Robert H. Miller of Louisville, Kentucky
“The Mertrout†by Jon Tobey of Duvall, Washington
“A Small Act of Reverence†by Anthony Lavers of Oxford, UK
The Traver Award is named after Robert Traver, pen name for the late John Voelker, author of Trout Madness, Trout Magic, Anatomy of a Fisherman, the 1958 bestseller Anatomy of a Murder, and the fine historical novel Laughing Whitefish.
The Traver Award was created in 1994 to encourage and recognize “distinguished original stories or essays that embody the implicit love of fly fishing, respect for the sport, and the natural world in which it takes place.†The Traver stories and essays must demonstrate high literary values in one or more of these three categories:
A. The joy of fly fishing: personal and philosophic experience
B. Ecology: knowledge and protection of the natural world
C. Humor: piscatorial friendships and fun on the water
Since 1994, twenty-one Traver awards have been given for winning entries.
To learn more about the annual contest and this year’s winners, discover them here!
While summer may be drawing to a close, there are still a million excuses to get on the water and crack a cold one. As we all know, there’s nothing that pairs better with the sport of fly-fishing than a cold frothy beverage, so we wanted to make sure no angler was left thirsty. That’s why we scoured the shelves of every beer shop and gas station in town to utilize our (self-certified) expertise to seek out the perfect ales for your time on the water. So go ahead, grab some ice, break out the Yeti, and load up with our picks for the 12 best beers to pack for your next fishing trip. (2020 edition)
Oh and please, leave the glass at home…
1. 20″ (20-inch) Brown – Cascade Lakes Brewing
5.2% ABV, 17 IBU’s
Starting off our list is the beer with the title that matches the description of the catch your buddy (supposedly) brought in this weekend. Composed of 6 different strains of Northwestern malts, this beer from Cascade Lakes Brewing delivers a smooth, rich taste that is sure to kick your day of fishing off right. Brewed as dark as the depths the beasts of our dreams lurk in, 20″ brown will be the perfect beer to fill the hole in your heart left by an ornery trout.
Hopper or dropper? Well, why not enjoy both? Like the rig that rules them all, this delicious India Pale Ale is a sure-fire catalyst to a great day spent in waders. This west coast style IPA delivers a gentle hop bite, making it the perfect brew for those tentatively venturing into the world of IPA’s. So, next time your traveling to your local trout waters, make sure to pack a few chubbies, a few pheasant tails, and a country-cool six-pack of liquid courage.
If you fish at all, there’s a good chance you’ve seen someone enjoying this crisp refreshing brew, or most likely, had one or two yourself. SweetWater Brewing has outdone itself with this magnificently simple, yet revolutionary lager. Brewed with pilsner malt, and flaked corn, this lager delivers a traditional smooth taste while also providing a small hoppy kick with a mixture of Hallertau and Mt. Hood hops. Not only is this golden ale delicious, but by drinking it, you’re helping make the world a better place. 11% of all profits from Guide Beer is donated to help guides who can no longer pursue their life’s work. So, reach in the cooler, scoop out another 16 ouncer, and raise a can of Sweetwater Guide Beer to the men and women who show us the way!
Untappd flavor profile: Hoppy, Light, Clean, Smooth, Full
4. First Cast IPA – Elevation Beer Company
6.5% ABV, 60 IBU’s
Just like the first cast of the day, there is unlimited potential behind this beer and Elevation Beer Co.’s ability to deliver a quality brew. This IPA is packed to the gills with hops (2 pounds per barrel!) and delivers delicious notes of grapefruit, citrus, and pine. Whether or not you’re landing any fish on your 1st (or 901st) cast, take our advice and keep your beer bitter, so you don’t have to be.
You don’t need to wait until Oktoberfest begins to enjoy this delicious brew from across the pond. Here, 4 Noses Brewing Company has concocted a delicious German style Pilsner for anyone who enjoys a malty, wheaty alternative to the abundance of IPA’s in the fishing space. So, crack a can and net your hefty Hoffer, because this brew is one to make you say Heiliger Strohsack! (Yes, we had to google that…)
“Pairs well with a fly rod”. Well, you don’t need to tell us twice. Grab a sixer of 3 weight session IPA’s and head up to your favorite brookie stream, because this tasty beverage is one for the mountains. This golden easy drinking IPA is brewed with some of our favorite hops, including, but not limited to, Cascade, Citra, Magnum, and more. Mixed with CaraRed malts, this beer delights its patron to a light and smooth, yet still hoppy drinking experience. Just
8. American Beauty Hazy Ripple IPA – Dog Fish Head
7% ABV, 35 IBU’s
Calling all Haze Heads. Here we have the continuation of Dog Fish Head’s Grateful Dead beer colab: The American Beauty Hazy Ripple IPA. Inspired by the Grateful Dead’s beloved “American Beauty†album, this New England style IPA is an unfiltered brew made with spelt – an ancient heirloom grain that contributes earthy notes and a natural haze – that’s then dosed (no, not that kind of dosed) with a special yeast variety to accentuate hop aromatics. It’s flavorful, it’s delicious, and it will pair perfectly with your brand new Flylords Grateful Dead T-shirt!
Red Fish, blue fish, one fish, two fish. No matter what you’re catching, this American style red ale is the perfect complement to a day spent fishing your local trout stream. This well-balanced beer is the perfect beverage for the average IPA lover looking to try a little something new. This beer delivers the rich mahogany flavor one would expect in a red ale, with a delightful twist of citrus, which results in some serious drinkability. So toss a cast and crack a can, because once you have one of these, you’re bound to want another.
We’ve all caught ourselves saying it. Sitting there alone, whispering under our breath, “Hey Fishy…. Here fishy fishy fish”. Whether or not this tactic actually works (we don’t have any scientific evidence to dispute anything…), we know one thing: if you’re cracking open a cold can of Good River Beer’s “Hey Fishy Fish” you’re bound to get hooked in more ways than you think. With generous fruity and citrus notes, this easy-going IPA delivers a full mouthfeel with a perfectly balanced kick of hops that’s sure to have you singing with joy no matter the bite.
Whether you’re floating the Two Hearted River in Michigan, or having a lazy day on the creek in central PA; Bell’s Two hearted ale is the perfect frothy drink for a breezy summer day. With hoppy aromas ranging from pine to grapefruit, this American IPA packs a remarkably drinkable body along with a malty backbone. With heavy additions of hops in both the kettle and the fermenter, this power-packed ale will leave any hop lover satisfied.
12. (Editor’s Choice) Fat Tire Amber Ale – New Belgium Brewing Company
5.4% ABV, 22 IBU’s
Fat Tire, the poster child of New Belgium Brewery, is a finely crafted amber ale that has withstood the test of time by continuously offering a deliciously crisp and balanced taste. With profiles of toasty malt, this beer offers a sweet, yet perfectly hoppy kick that’ll have you reaching for your second helping before your done your firsts. With a 5.4 ABV this is the perfect drink to enjoy all day, while still keeping your focus on the fishing. Oh yeah, did we mention it’s America’s first carbon-neutral beer? Now, not only can you enjoy the taste of a great brew, but know you’re supporting the future of sustainable brewing. With that in mind, let’s raise a can and drink up.
IF4 recently announced that they’re launching a virtual streaming platform to host 2020’s showings.
According to the press release sent last week, “After buying a ticket, viewers will be able to log on to the virtual platform within 48 hours of the event’s date and have 7 days to watch the film festival.”
From IF4:
Cranbrook, British Columbia: The International Fly Fishing Film Festival (IF4) today announced the launch of its exciting new virtual streaming platform, designed to allow fly-fishing film fanatics from around the world to watch the 2020 Virtual IF4 from the comfort of their own homes.
Tickets for the upcoming Virtual IF4 screening dates will be available for purchase through the IF4 website (flyfilmfest.com) as well as virtual host websites. After buying a ticket, viewers will be able to log on to the virtual platform within 48 hours of the event’s date and have 7 days to watch the film festival. Upcoming dates and locations will launch on September 1 at flyfilmfest.com/2020schedule.
Virtual screening dates will begin in late September and run through the end of the year. Many of the virtual screenings will include live chats, contest giveaways, and welcome intro videos from the hosts. An overall grand prize winner will be selected from all ticket holders, with generous donations from the IF4 sponsors.
“We wanted to bring the IF4 to the fans in the safest, most enjoyable way possible,†says IF4 producer John Van Vleet. “This virtual platform allows us to share the festival with our audiences around the world, and we couldn’t be more excited.â€
About IF4: The International Fly Fishing Film Festival is the world’s most exciting, inclusive, and far-reaching fly-fishing film event. Consisting of short and feature-length films produced by professional filmmakers from all corners of the globe, the IF4 showcases the passion, lifestyle, and culture of fly fishing. The films at this popular event have captured the attention of anglers around the world.
Fly fishing is an excellent escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It allows you to explore, encounter new species, and digest nature in its finest locations. It can also be one of the more frustrating sports out there when things aren’t going as planned. I mean come on, we have all had those days! There isn’t an angler on the planet that likes hooking into a snag and unfortunately if you are used to fishing with nymphs, this happens far to often. Luckily there is a way to prevent this from happening as often. The Drop Shot technique may sound familiar to conventional small mouth anglers, but can also be applied to fly fishing. A split shot is dropped off of the bottom of your leader keeping your flies free of debris and snag ups! This technique works very well in cold water conditions when trout are reluctant to move great distances to feed. In this tips and tricks video of the week, Red’s Fly Shop demonstrates how to create and fish the drop shot rig.
How to Create the Drop Shot Rig:
Start by tying a stop knot at the end of your leader. A triple surgeons loop is perfect for this.
After the loop is tied, cut the loop off just above the knot.
Place a spit shot on your leader and slide it tight against your stop knot. This essentially creates your drop.
Next, you can rig your fly 1 to 2 feet above your drop shot depending on the depth of the water column.
Use a triple surgeons knot to attach a tag end of light tippet to your leader. The tag end should be about 4 inches from your leader.
You have the liberty to add multiple flies to your leader providing variety to feeding trout.
A suspension rig/indicator system is best for this style creating tension to keep your flies off of the bottom. If you are tired of falling in to snag city, give this method a try!
CBS This Morning covers fly fishing in this simple news-style video about how fly fishing originated in the United States. Joan Wulff, the Queen of American Fly Fishing makes an appearance and she discusses how she has spent her life trying to get women in the sport and states “they finally are.” Renowned author and recent Flylords contributor Peter Kaminsky also makes an appearance to discuss how long he has been fly fishing for and what fly fishing means to him.
“Fly fishing, one of the most enduring and enchanting pursuits in the world, is finding legions of new followers during the coronavirus pandemic. Jeff Glor looks at the birthplace of American fly fishing and spends time with a writer who has been at it for over 50 years, and the Queen of American fly fishing, who has been practicing for over nine decades.”
