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Fly Fishing Essentials: Picking the Best Waders for You

Grant Michaels
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Fly Fishing Essentials: Picking the Best Waders for You

When it comes to fly fishing, we as anglers have a specific set of gear essentials that we just can’t live without. Waders are by far, one of the most crucial pieces of gear that cannot be overlooked. Picture yourself, fly fishing in the ravine of a mountainous gorge in the middle of winter, standing in 35-degree rapids without a pair of waders on. That sounds like a death sentence. Waders not only provide warmth in frigid water and temps but also offer us protection against any harmful entities contained in the water bodies we are fishing. Below, we at Flylords will highlight wader options that fit your usage level throughout a typical fishing season.

Minimal to Moderate Use Options

Compass 360 Gear Tailwater Stockingfoot Breathable Chest Wader – $169.95

So maybe you consider yourself a fly fisherman, but the hustle and bustle of life prevent you from getting on the water very often. Or maybe you love to fly fish but just don’t have the budget to drop $500 on a new pair of waders. Compass 360 Gear has the waders for you. The Tailwater Stocking Foot waders are the perfect option for the average fly fisherman, not to mention the consumer-friendly price point.

Materials and Features:
  • 4 ply constructed upper section
  • Adjustable elastic suspenders with quick-release buckles
  • An extra-large water-resistant zippered pass-through pocket
  • 6-ply nylon full wrap lower leg reinforcement 
  • 100% chloroprene 3mm neoprene booties for soft and stretchable comfort without bunching
  • Rip-stop stretch Span-dura gravel guards
  • 1.5” wading belt with quick-release buckle
  • B.A.P 3-N-1 Pocketing system

Intricate care and design leave Compass 360 Gear Tailwater waders a viable option for the average fly fisherman. There is something to be said about the quality and these waders are just that. Without breaking the bank, you can hit the water with confidence and full reliance on the durability of the Compass 360 waders.

Shop here!

Moderate to High Use Options

Redington Escape Waders – $229.99

Redington Escape Waders
Image Credit to Redington Gear

You may be a fly fisherman who spends moderate to high amounts of time on the water and you are looking for waders that will produce the quality and reliability you desire. Redington holds its name as one of the more well-known companies in the fly fishing industry providing anglers with quality yet affordable products. Their Escape Wader line fits the mold of an excellent option for anglers with high expectations of their waders.

Materials and Features:
  • 3-layer upper and 4-layer lower waterproof breathable material 
  • Ergonomic 3mm neoprene booties with increased puncture resistance
  • Large chest storage pocket with water-resistant YKK zipper
  • Chest handwarmer pocket with micro-fleece lining
  • Flip-out YKK zip pocket for storing smaller items
  • Two integrated took docks for tool attachment and access
  • D-ring at center back for hanging a net
  • Integrated gravel guards and lace hook
  • Fully coated corrosion-resistant zipper pulls, and grommets
  • A removable elastic wading belt

At a consumer-friendly price point and optimum quality, the Redington Escape Waders are a great option for anglers who spend a quality amount of time on the water.

Shop here!

Orvis Ultralight Convertible Waders – $298.00

Orvis Convertable Waders
From Orvis Fly Fishing

No matter how long you’ve been involved with fly fishing, you have surely heard of the Orvis name. Arguably the industry’s most well-known brand, Orvis is known for producing products of the utmost quality. They have made their mark on innovation with the highly versatile Ultralight Wading System. This light-weight design achieves its goal without sacrificing durability and performance. 

Materials and Features Include:
  • 100% Nylon Outer Shell
  • Bi-component Polyurethane
  • 100% Nylon Tricot Liner
  • 4-layer waterproof breathable nylon shell fabric
  • FIDLOCK SNAP magnetic fasteners for waist-high conversion
  • External storage pocket with YKK AquaGuard water-resistant zipper
  • Integrated tool dock and a fly patch on the front pocket
  • Updated anatomical neoprene booties
  • Integrated neoprene gravel guard
  • New low profile seam construction for high-stress areas
  • Internal zipper pockets with four-way stretch power mesh
  • Low profile belt loops with 1.5” stretch belt included
  • Approximate weight of 35 oz

The Orvis Ultralight Convertible Waders provide a sense of versatility unseen in many other wader styles. Because of these features, this system is an excellent option for consideration and will definitely not disappoint.

Shop here!

High Use Options

Simms G4 Pro Waders – $749.95

Simms G4 Waders
Image Credit to Simms Fishing

If you are the type of fly fisherman who spends multiple days a week on the water, it is necessary to have a pair of waders that can withstand wear and tear. While not for the everyday fisherman due to the steep price point, the Simms G4 Pro Waders are made with the utmost care and attention and are built to last some of the toughest scenarios. Featuring GORE-TEX fabric, these waders are abrasion, puncture, and tear-resistant. Brier and thorn bushes don’t stand a chance when it comes to the Simms G4 Pro Waders.

Materials and Features Include:
  • 3-layer GORE-TEX Pro Shell upper/4-layer GORE-TEX Pro Shell lower
  • Patented compression-molded stockingfeet
  • Top zipped chest pocket with fly patch and tool docking station
  • Zippered, micro-fleece lined reach-thru handwarmer pocket
  • Built-in, lower profile GORE-TEX belt loops
  • Adjustable spacer air-mesh suspender system with opposing Duraflex buckles
  • Shark Fin buckle for hemostat retention
  • Patented front and back leg seams
  • Patented 2mm abrasion resistant built-in gravel guards
  • Anatomically engineered stockingfeet

If you are looking for a pair of waders built for the elements as well as comfort, look no further than the Simms G4 Pro-Line, you won’t be disappointed.

Shop here!

Patagonia Swiftcurrent Expedition ZIP-Front Waders – $749.99

Patagonia Swiftcurrent Waders
Image Credit to Patagonia

Sustainability and carbon footprint are two aspects of today’s world that are talked about frequently and deserve the utmost attention. Patagonia is known for its use of recycled materials in all of its products as well as focusing on a sustainable carbon footprint. That being said, they have produced waders for all types of fishermen across the globe. The Swiftcurrent Expedition series is their top of the line product, perfect for anglers who spend a multitude of time on the water.

Materials and Features Include:
  • Durable H2No Performance Standard recycled polyester microfiber shell with a waterproof and breathable barrier along with a durable water repellent finish
  • Single-seam construction for durability and gusseted crotch for freedom of movement
  • Submersible YKK front zipper is fully waterproof; fully adjustable, quick-release suspender system
  • Interior organization; waterproof flip-out pocket; two drop-in stretch pockets; two daisy chains for tools; center-back hanger loop for easy drying
  • Exterior organization: two handwarmer pockets with pocket flaps
  • Articulated legs: removable foam kneepads; heavy-duty scuff guards at ankles
  • Anatomical left and right booties have lower volume and a more sock-like fit for all-day wading comfort
  • Upper: 4-layer, 6.6-oz 100% recycled polyester microfiber high-density taffeta face fabric bonded to 100% recycled polyester backer
  • Lower: 4-layer, 9.4-oz 100% recycled polyester microfiber high-density double-weave taffeta face fabric bonded to 100% recycled polyester backer

The use of recycled materials is a true testament to the sustainable push that Patagonia pursues. Looking to help our carbon footprint while also staying protected on the water? Then the Patagonia Swiftcurrent Expedition Wader line is the perfect fit for you.

Shop here!

No matter the amount of time spent on the water or your level of expertise, waders are necessary to improve your fly fishing experience. Waders range in quality of materials, design, and price, all of which should be considered when choosing the best option for your fishing style. Now, lace up the boots, grab your rod, hit the water! Tight Lines.

Written by Flylords Content Team Member Grant Michaels. Check out what he is up to here: @gemichaels

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8 Trout Fly Patterns to Tie During Quarantine

Evan Garda
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8 Trout Fly Patterns to Tie During Quarantine

With our daily routines scrambled and a greater amount of time at home as a result of COVID-19, now is a great time to fill your trout fly boxes for the warmer months ahead. Not only can you make the most of time at home, but this is also a great opportunity to support your local economy by buying materials from your local fly shop online. Take this opportunity indoors to be productive and further your skill as a fly tier and pass the time as we wait for normalcy to return. Spring is here and so too is phenomenal trout fishing!

1. Rainbow Warrior

Photo Credit: Tailwater Junkie

First up is Lance Egan’s Rainbow Warrior as it is an absolute favorite fly of mine. This thing will catch trout anytime, anywhere. This magical fly has a bright collar hot-spot and the perfect amount of flash that fish can’t seem to ignore. It is a relatively simple fly to tie that only requires a handful of ingredients and little practice. This fly can be fished as an attractor, as a second or third fly in a nymph rig, or even in a dry/dropper rig with equal success in lakes, rivers, and streams. If you aren’t fishing Lance Egan’s Rainbow Warrior, you’re surely missing out on fish! Check out the link below for tying instructions from Orvis.

Orvis: Rainbow Warrior Fly Tying Instructions

2. Elk Hair Caddis

Photo Credit: Tailwater Junkie

A tried and true classic that can be fished worldwide as a loose imitation for caddis and stoneflies. This pattern can be tied and fished in sizes 10-20 in a variety of colors depending on your location. With the arrival of spring and warmer months to follow, fill your dry box with a variety of Elk Hair Caddis. If you are feeling a little adventurous there are a variety of foam bodied elk hair caddis patterns that float even higher and longer. I have spent many a day with nothing but an elk hair caddis or two tied on with great success! Link to tying instructions below.

Orvis: Elk Hair Caddis Fly Tying Instructions

3. Chubby Chernobyl

Photo Credit: Tailwater Junkie

The Chubby Chernobyl is a fantastic dry fly that can be fished worldwide throughout the spring, summer, and fall. The Chubby Chernobyl is a great hopper/attractor pattern that is relatively easy to tie. This fly floats all day with little attention thanks to its foam body construction. An additional benefit of this fly is the highly visible poly wing. The wing is traditionally tied in white but can be swapped out for different colors for enhanced visibility in a variety of scenarios. Rig it up alone or fish it with a dropper to cover more water. The Chubby Chernobyl is effective on large rivers and small streams alike and is flat out fun to fish. Trident Fly Fishing’s Chubby Chernobyl tutorial below is a great resource!

Trident Fly Fishing: Chubby Chernobyl Fly Tying Instructions

4. RS2

Photo Credit: Tightline Video

Rim Chung’s RS2 is an incredibly versatile midge and mayfly emerger pattern developed in Colorado. This pattern can be fished as a dry, an emerger, or even a second fly in a subsurface rig. This fly can be tied in a variety of colors with different materials in sizes 16-24 to match the hatch. A large database of information pertaining to the RS2 can be found at the Official RS2 Home Page. Most of us have plenty of time on our hands these days so why not read up on this time tested fly and twist up a few of your own. Instructions on tying this legendary fly can be found at the following link.

Orvis: RS2 Fly Tying Instructions

5. Gold Ribbed Hares Ear Nymph / (Bonus) Guides Choice Hare’s Ear Nymph

Photo Credit: Orvis

No trout fly box is complete without a few Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear Nymphs. This timeless pattern has been catching fish since the 1800s and won’t stop anytime soon. It can be tied with and without a bead. There are even  tricked out versions like the Guides Choice Hares Ear (pictured above). Unlike the original, the Guides Choice version includes a bright orange/red hotspot and has an added soft hackle collar that makes it a great attractor. These flies should be in every trout angler’s fly box before hitting the water.

Orvis: Guides Choice Hares Ear Nymph Fly Tying Instructions

 6. Copper John

Photo Credit: Charlies’ Fly Box, Inc

John Barr’s Copper John has it all. A bead head, a flashy wingcase, a bright body, and its heavy. Really heavy. The heft in the Copper John comes from the bead and lead-free wire underbody and makes this a great lead fly for tandem nymph rigs. The heft of the Copper John helps get your terminal fly down fast. The Copper John pairs well with a Chubby Chernobyl for an all-star hopper/dropper system that is great for luring those big browns out from undercut banks all summer long.

In The Riffle: John Barr’s Copper John Fly Tying Instructions

7. Pats Rubber Leg

Photo Credit: Tailwater Junkie

Pat’s Rubber Leg by Pat Bennett is a simple stonefly pattern that has fooled countless trout. This weighted fly only requires a handful of ingredients and is sure to put fish in your net. Fishing a Pat’s Rubber Leg deep in the water column is the most effective method and can be used in a variety of combinations in your nymph rig. Like most flies, there is some leeway in terms of colors and size but I find the coffee/black version pictured above to be the most effective particularly in my home waters of Colorado. Follow along with Tightline Video’s instructions below.

Tightline Videos: Pat’s Rubber Leg Fly Tying Instructions

8. Zebra Midge

Photo Credit: Tightline Videos

A quick, cheap, easy, and highly effective pattern. You can never have enough midges in your box throughout the year. While it’s tempting to forget about subsurface activity in the warmer months, do yourself a favor and tie up a bunch of classic zebra midges in your favorite colors for when the dry eats stop. While almost any color is effective, I find olive green with a copper bead and copper wire to get the most takes. Check out the video below for tying instructions from Avidmax.

AvidMax: Zebra Midge Fly Tying Instructions

With a worldwide health pandemic going on and uncertain times ahead, there is one thing that I can guarantee, trout have loved these flies in the past and they will this season too. Grab some materials from your favorite fly shop online and fill your boxes with these tried and true patterns during the quarantine.

Article by Evan Garda, he is on the Content Team here at Fly Lords and can be found chasing trout throughout the west with his trusty fly rod check out his adventures at @evangarda.

7 Ways to Make the Best of Your Corona Quarantine

Free Quarantine Fly Fishing Coloring Contests

BREAKING: Washington State Closes Recreational Fishing Statewide in Response to COVID-19

Dan Zazworsky
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BREAKING: Washington State Closes Recreational Fishing Statewide in Response to COVID-19

Washington State and Oregon have just made unprecedented moves. Washington has closed all recreation fishing and Oregon has closed all their state parks from public access amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Social distancing in the wild just got a lot more difficult for anglers in the two Pacific Northwest states, who were among the first states with COVID-19 cases.

According to Oregon’s Statesman Journal, the move shut down 257 of Oregon’s state parks. While the state’s beaches will be technically open, all public access will be shut down as the state moves to slow the spread of infection.

From Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife:

OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) today announced its decision to temporarily close recreational fishing and shellfishing statewide in the wake of Washington Gov. Jay Inslee’s order directing Washingtonians to stay home and stay healthy to limit the spread of coronavirus/COVID-19.

The closures will begin at midnight Wednesday, March 25 and last until at least 5 p.m. on April 8, 2020. WDFW will re-evaluate on April 6 whether the closure may need to be extended.

“This is not a decision we take lightly, but it’s the right thing to do for the health and well-being of Washington’s families,” said WDFW Director Kelly Susewind. “Monday’s extraordinary order for the residents of our state to stay home requires all of us to work together to ensure these measures have the intended effect.”

Fishery managers have reported that some anglers have been seen crowding banks as concerns over coronavirus have continued.

“We’ve seen an uptick in outdoor recreation at some locations in recent weeks as people have looked for ways to get outside,” said WDFW Fish Program Director Kelly Cunningham. “We’ve had reports of crowded boat ramps and busy fishing on some rivers, which runs counter to the governor’s direction to stay home and practice social distancing.”

In addition, many salmon and steelhead fisheries require regular monitoring under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), which includes conducting angler interviews at access sites surrounding the state’s marine waters. The on-site, face-to-face nature of angler interviews puts people at potential risk of transmitting the coronavirus. Without such monitoring, these recreational fisheries must close to ensure ESA protections.

WDFW and other state agencies previously closed all of their water access sites, including boat launches, and other public lands where people may gather. Local and tribal governments are taking similar actions across Washington.

WDFW Enforcement officers remain on duty and will be enforcing these new closures.

Featured image courtesy of Lael Paul Johnson (@flygyde)

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How to Tie: The Redfish Minnow

Wills Donaldson
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How to Tie: The Redfish Minnow

In this week’s How to Tie video feature, Fly Frenzie shows us how to tie the RedFish Minnow.

Learn About This Fly

Difficulty: Novice

When it comes to baitfish imitations perfect for attracting hungry predators out of thick, weedy channels, the redfish minnow is one of the most effective flies on the market. This fly is the mixture of a minnow and a shrimp pattern appealing to snook and redfish alike. It is a great go-to redfish fly that has also caught the attention of tarpon and permit.\

Since it’s creation, this fly has taken on a plethora of shapes, sizes, and designs. This particular tie is one of the more complexed patterns, utilizing dumbell eyes (for weight), and rubber legs (for flash and movement). Once this fly hits the water, the hunt is instantly on. By employing a jigging method upon your retrieve, you’re sure to drive any nearby fish nuts in pursuit of a protein-packed meal.

When tying this fly, remember that it’s an attractor pattern as opposed to a replica. Instead of focusing on “matching the hatch”, this fly’s appeal is all in its crustacean-like build and flashy presentation. Like with most other salt-water flies, this fly can be tied in a plethora of different colors which will fish differently in different waters.

Ingredients:

  • -Mustad Big Game Size 2
  • -Danville’s 210 Flat Waxed
  • -Medium Cactus Chenille: -Arctic Fox
  • -Crazy Legs
  • -Medium Palmer Chenille
  •  -Saddle Hackle
  • -EP Tarantula Brush
  • -Medium Bead Chain Eyes
  • -Loon Hard Head Cement

Now you know how to tie the Redfish Minnow!

Video and Ingredients courtesy of Fly Frenzie

 

How to Tie: The Brush Mullet

How to Tie: The Velcro Crab

How to Tie: The Tarpon Bunny

 

 

Speak Up to Protect Permit Spawning Habitat

Will Poston
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Speak Up to Protect Permit Spawning Habitat

Bonefish and Tarpon Trust (BTT) is asking you to speak up and protect essential permit spawning habitat. Western Dry Rocks is a small shoal off of Key West, Florida, that sees high concentrations of permit during the spawn, according to tagging data. BTT is advocating for a seasonal closure of a 1.3 square mile area in Western Dry Rocks to preserve this essential spawning habitat, improve spawning efficiency, and, ultimately, see more and bigger permit in the Keys. I think we can all get behind this!

BTT found that permit will migrate over 50 miles to spawn at Western Dry Rocks. Additionally, however, BTT found that a high percentage–up to 39 percent–of hooked permit at Western Dry Rocks were being lost to sharks. A seasonal closure would let these delicate, yet resilient fish spawn unobstructed and greatly decrease predation rates, both of which being a huge benefit for the long-term preservation and availability of permit. Data-driven, common-sense closures like this one, are essential for the management of our fish, and we commend BTT for their work to protect this great fish. To protect Western Dry Rocks and protect permit, follow this link and scroll down to the Saltwater Rulemaking Comments section, and in the topic menu select “Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary,” then submit your comment.

For more, check out this page on BTT’s website: Protect Permit!

Again, to comment, follow this link then select “Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary” and submit your comment!

Here are some excerpts from BTT’s comments:

BTT Florida Keys Initiative Manager Dr. Ross Boucek: “Learning from past experience, we know that a closure at Western Dry Rocks will work. We know that the closure of Riley’s Hump in the Dry Tortugas resulted in bigger fish and more fish in the surrounding area. Letting fish spawn by protecting spawning aggregations from fishing in the Caribbean and in the Northeast U.S. lead to the same outcome. A seasonal closure will protect fish when they are spawning, while allowing fishing when spawning fish aren’t there. This is a fair balance between marine use and conservation. We thank you for your time, and the serious consideration you are giving to such an important area.”

Captain Diego Rouylle: ” It is my wholehearted belief after spending over a quarter century passionately learning about this one species that STRATEGIC CLOSURES will need to become a significant tool for a productive future in the fishery management of our. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. I am respectfully asking our Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to strongly consider implementing the closure of 1.3 square miles during the permit spawning season at Western Dry Rocks.”

BTT Director of Science and Conservation Dr. Aaron Adams:”For so many species, FWC is doing the maximum possible using a traditional fisheries management approach. This approach is proving to be less and less effective because it doesn’t incorporate habitat. The proposed regulations for Western Dry Rocks should be viewed as a component of an improved version of fisheries management with habitat as a core component. We therefore encourage the Commission to support the many aspects of the Restoration Blueprint that focus on protecting and restoring habitat integrity as a means to ensure a healthy ecosystem and healthy fisheries. This includes providing protections to spawning sites that are essential to economically important species like permit.”

 

Nonprofit of the Month: Bonefish & Tarpon Trust

5 Ways You Can Support Fly Fishing Guides During COVID-19

How to Fish Attractor Patterns

Sam McLean
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How to Fish Attractor Patterns

Often times we find ourselves fishing in the late months of summer when the water is so warm large fish have sunk low into the water to find cooler pockets. In this video by RIO, they explain why and when you should tie on an attractor pattern to get those lazy trout out from the deeper water. Attractor patterns serve a variety of purposes, but in this video, Phil Rowley goes through how they entice juvenile and more sluggish trout to come up and feed in late summer months.

This series of RIO videos, which we have spotlighted before, is excellent for beginning anglers looking to get a better grasp on the techniques and reasoning for some of the odd habits of fly fishermen. As Phil Rowley goes through the purposes of attractor pattern fishing and how to properly set up a rod, pay close attention to the patterns he uses and the manner with which he fishes them. Oftentimes the presentation of the fly if just as important as the pattern when trying to attract that trophy trout.

This film was created by RIO Products. Be sure to check out more of their videos on the RIO Product YouTube page.

These instructional videos are curated and written by team member Sam McLean (@sam_d_mclean).

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5 Ways You Can Support Fly Fishing Guides During COVID-19

Jared Zissu
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5 Ways You Can Support Fly Fishing Guides During COVID-19

It’s been a tough last few weeks – a few weeks of uncertainty, worries, and sleepless nights. One thing is for certain, the best thing to do right now is to stay put. Our industry is fragile – and our guides – one of the backbones to the industry will be hurting.

With no flights and travel suspended, guides will be feeling the effects of this quarantine directly.

These are guides who rely on trips to support their families and kids. Andy Mill recently dropped a video where he talked about how you can support these guides in the near future. We wanted to share his message – and a few other ways you can support the backbone of our industry.

  1. Andy Mill said it best – if you have a trip already booked, and you can afford it – consider donating this money to your guide. They probably won’t be able to fill that spot – so you would be doing a huge favor in helping support their livelihood.
  2. Consider booking a trip for later this year – this WILL eventually pass – and we know you are going to NEED to get on the water. And if you can front the payment even better.
  3. People are going to go stir-crazy during this time of Quarantine – this is a time to convince your buddy to get into fly fishing. Send them some videos – or books – and convince them to go on a trip with you later this year. Once again, work with your guides on booking a trip.
    Here is a helpful article you can send them.
  4. Support your local fly shops. A lot of local fly shops are ramping up their online shops – and even offering curbside pickup. These shops also employ local guides – so if you were thinking about splurging on that reel – now is the time.
  5. Send your guides encouraging messages. Tell them how much being on the water means to you and how it has helped you. And that you are looking forward to getting on the water with them soon. This is a tough time for everyone – and one thing we can all be doing is be kind – and supportive. If you have a local guide that you can safely get on the water with this also might be a viable option. But be careful!
  6. Bonus – You are still allowed to drink beer. Just don’t let anyone drink out of the same can… Our friends from Sweetwater launched a beer in 2019 that gives back proceeds to the guiding community. If you are going to be slugging away – consider drinking a Guide Beer!

Be sure to check out Andy’s newest podcast here.

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Maine Gov. Opens Inland Fisheries, Waives Fishing License Requirements

Dan Zazworsky
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Maine Gov. Opens Inland Fisheries, Waives Fishing License Requirements

As we all know, getting outside and on the water is probably one of the best ways, in our opinion, to reduce stress, and get some much-needed Vitamin-D. As state governments tangle with how to reduce the spread of COVID-19, some are opening up their public lands and others are considering putting further restrictions on them. For instance, Pennsylvania has delayed its trout season until the 18th of April, and San Juan County, CO has prohibited all backcountry activities to reduce strain on their emergency services.

However, the great State of Maine is taking a different stance, and opening up their inland waters early and waiving the requirement for a fishing license!

Check out our full Maine Fly Fishing Guide! 

From the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife:

“To encourage Mainers to enjoy their outdoor resources and to support a happy, healthy Maine, Governor Mills and Commissioner Camuso are enacting the following changes effective immediately:

Any person (except those whose license has been suspended or revoked) may fish without a license through April 30, 2020. This change does not apply to activities that require a commercial freshwater fishing license or permit.

All inland waters that traditionally open to open water fishing on April 1 will now be open to open water fishing effective immediately. This change does not open any body of water to ice fishing that is currently closed to ice fishing

All other tackle, length and bag limits and special regulations still apply. Visit mefishwildlife.com/fishinglaws for more information.

Visit mefishwildlife.com/covid19 for additional MDIFW updates related to COVID-19

IMPORTANT SAFETY REMINDERS:

Remember, Maine’s inland waters are very cold this time of year. It is recommended that paddlers wear dry suits when water temps are less than 50 degrees Fahrenheit, or wet suit when temps are between 50 and 60 degrees.

Be sure to wear a lifejacket on or near the water this time of year. Statistics show that most people who unexpectedly fall from a watercraft without a lifejacket will die. If you think you have enough time to get to your life jacket before a crash or incident, think again.

If you are going to be heading out onto frozen waterbodies please continue to use extreme caution. Accessing lakes and ponds should be avoided unless you can be certain of ice conditions by checking ice thickness.

Before stepping out, use a chisel or auger to test ice thickness in several places. Remember that ice seldom freezes uniformly and conditions are always changing and can vary from one location to the next. Ice that forms overflowing water and currents, especially near streams, bridges, and culverts, can be particularly dangerous.”

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IF4 Releases 2019 Reel for Free!

Dan Zazworsky
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IF4 Releases 2019 Reel for Free!

Stream the 2019 International Fly Fishing Film Festival, here!

In these weird times, it’s amazing to see the fly fishing world give back and come together even though we’re all practicing good social distancing. The latest crew to help us pass our time indoors is the International Fly Fishing Film Festival who just released the entire reel of their 2019 film reel, for you all to stream at home with your quarantine companions!

We know what we’ll be watching while we’re tying later…

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7 Ways to Make the Best of Your Corona Quarantine

Wills Donaldson
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7 Ways to Make the Best of Your Corona Quarantine

Times are strange… that’s for certain. While this worldwide epidemic continues to unravel, we as global citizens must all do our best to take necessary precautions in order to not endanger those close to us. Young or old, we all feel the effects of the COVID-19 virus and must do our best to keep our heads up during this time of change and uncertainty.

So far, a self-quarantine is the most effective measure one can take in order to reduce their risk of contamination. While some of us may only be a few days into the process, it can feel as if cabin fever has already begun to sink in. However, as we must do in strange times, there are ways to make the best out of our current situation.

Here is our list of 7 Ways to Make the Best of Your Corona Quarantine…

1. Stay Inside: Tie Some Flies

fly tying

Okay, not that you really needed any incentive to do so in the first place, but this quarantine state is the perfect opportunity to start cranking out an industrial amount of flies! Think about it this way, when are you going to have this much free time that you can spend your whole day behind the vice? Think of all the money you’ll save when preparing for your next big fishing trip if you’ve already stockpiled an army of your favorite midge! Not to mention, in times like these, small businesses could use your support. So head on over to your favorite materials site (here’s one we recommend) and begin stocking up. This is one panic buy you don’t have to feel guilty about.

2. Practice Social Distancing: Go Fishing!

wills fishing
Image courtesy of Sue Moodie Photography

Uh…DUH. Us anglers practiced social distancing before it was cool *adjusts beanie and sips $30.00 locally brewed IPA*. If there is anything better than fresh air, warm sun, and tossing a line at your favorite hole, we want to know about it. Not to mention, now you can officially write a day-long excursion as you “doing your part” to prevent the spread of the virus (instead of neglecting all other obligations). So why are you still reading? Grab your rod, your waders, and some flies; and go be a national hero!

 

3. Drink Up: Alcohol is a Disinfectant…

While the FDA won’t allow us to publish our findings in any scientific journals, we have a good hunch that alcohol kills germs and germs cause disease! So…why not explore a beer you’ve always wanted to try, Ooooor why not explore 5? While we recommend that beer consumption is met with an equivalent amount of physical and mental exercise, that “5-O’clock” rule just doesn’t seem to be hitting as hard nowadays. So, this is your time to hunker down and crack some cans, because hey…it’s science.

 

4. Support the Economy: Get That Piece of Gear You Always Wanted

We all have that moment where we walk by the fly shop and can SWEAR that we hear a little voice slip out from the door and into our ear canal. “Don’t you need a new rod? All your friends just got one! Buy me, Buy me!”. But no, you’re a responsible consumer (or so you tell yourself). Well, it’s no secret that the economy NEEDS aid now more than ever, and as a member of the fly fishing community, it’s your responsibility to break out the AED and aid in bringing it back to life. If the world’s ending (let’s hope it’s not), we assure you that you won’t look back and thank yourself you didn’t get that rod, reel, or pack. So, why not do your part, and after the groceries are bought and the rent is paid, see if you can find some room for that shiny new piece of bling. After all, it’s an investment.

 

5. Stimulate Your Mind: Sit Back With A Great Book 

A stack of fly fishing books on a wooden table

When your thumb finally grows tired from scrolling through the same social feed for the 67th time, it’s time to set down the phone and retreat back to one of the origins of fly fishing’s rise to recognition; Literature. Whether it’s John Gierach, Norman Maclean, Joe Humphreys, Jeremy Paxman, etc., there is an unlimited amount of brilliant works highlighting anything and everything fly fishing related that are available for public consumption. Can’t make it to your local library or bookstore? Good thing E-books make fly fishing novels easier to access than ever before. So, Light a fire, pour a glass of your best scotch, and dive deep into the pages of a good read that is sure to leave an impression far greater than your favorite influencer’s most recent grip and grin post. Here is a list of some of our favorites.

 

6. Turn Down the Lights: It’s Movie Time 

So maybe books aren’t your thing, that’s fine. Maybe you have that one (or one hundred) fly fishing films you’ve been dying to watch, but haven’t had the time to sit down for yet. Well, guess what, now’s your chance! With thousands of expertly produced fly fishing films available on all platforms and streaming services, your ticket to anywhere from the backwoods of Canada to the flats or Belize is just a click away. Here is a film our friend Rolph Nylinder recently released that we highly recommend, and for more great movie recommendations, click here!

 

7. Practice Your Swing: Break out the Hoolahoop

If you’re a basketball player, you practice your shot. If you’re a golfer, you practice your swing. So, as an angler, why on earth would you not practice your casts? All too often we deal with the being on the river and having to argue with a nagging uncertainty as to whether or not you can nail that perfect cast necessary to catching that trophy fish? Professional athletes don’t use game time to practice, so why should you? A great exercise we recommend (and a killer way to pass the time), is to take a fly that you have plenty of, snip off the hook, and head to your back yard for some good ol’ fashion target practice. If you’re really looking to up your game, break out some tires or Hoola hoops to aim for. While you may not be fly fishing legend Joe Humphreys after your first hour, you sure as hell will be entertained.

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