James Lund is a Swedish fly tyer, known as @onceandaway on Instagram. Recently, he sat down with a friend of Flylords, Hugo Harlin, to do some art tying and that’s when this crazy bat fly creation was born, after a 3-4 hour tying session. We got in touch with James to ask him a few questions about his spooky fly and how he tied it.
Flylords: How did you create those incredible wings?
James: Basically it’s a technique called origami wing that I learned from Hugo Harlin a while back. It’s a really good way of getting nice-looking wings I think. I’ve mostly used it in caddis patterns and it’s also surprisingly durable for fishing flies. For this Bat fly, I wanted to see how much you could shape the wing and since the batwing has a unique look I thought that it would be the ultimate challenge. I use a pair of tweezers and bend the hackle stem (on a half-stripped coq de Leon feather) in the places where the shape chances and then I run the wing through a nozzle (used for silicone tubes). That way the fibers align quite well and if there are some of them that end up wrong you can correct them with a dubbing needle while the feather ends are still in the nozzle. I’ve made a short tutorial (Youtube link in my Instagram profile) on how to do this technique on caddis wings and it’s exactly the same thing with this only the batwing has more â€bending pointsâ€.
I think there is still room for improvement and bolder shapes because the feather seems to adjust really well no matter how you want it. The potential of the technique is huge I believe!
Flylords: Was this fly freehand or did you have a design in mind when you started?
James: Well, it’s kind of freehand because I hadn’t seen anything like it so there was no fly I was trying to copy but I had done a lot of â€head tying†(trying out different techniques in my head) so the pattern was sort of clear. This is actually the second one I tried because I wasn’t satisfied with the proportions of the first one. It became a bit too fat basically.
Photos and fly by James Lund, check him out on Instagram: @onceandaway, and on his Youtube channel for more amazing fly tying content!
Yesterday, news broke that the Bristol Bay Defense Alliance filed a lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency in the United States District Court for the District of Alaska. The Alliance alleges EPA broke the law, when the Agency withdrew its Proposed Determination this past summer. This Proposed Determination refers to a July 2014 decision, where the EPA found that Bristol Bay “is an area of unparalleled ecological value, boasting salmon diversity and productivity unrivaled anywhere in North America.” Then, on August 30, 2019, the EPA announced that they would be withdrawing that Proposed Determination.
Well, the Bristol Bay Defense Alliance–which is made up of Bristol Bay tribal, commercial fishing, and economic organizations–is suing EPA on the grounds that this decision was arbitrary and capricious, arguing it had no rational basis, was an abuse of discretion, and was unlawful.
In a different lawsuit, today, Trout Unlimited (TU) separately challenges EPA’s decision to withdraw the 2014 Proposed Determination in the United States District Court for the District of Alaska. TU in its court filing argues: “EPA has wholly failed to explain why it cannot keep the Proposed Determination in place as the record develops, why science and data is not necessary here, and how the record evidence can possibly support a withdrawal of the Proposed Determination.” TU (represented pro bono by Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP) goes on to allege EPA violated both the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) and the Clean Water Act (CWA) in its Withdrawal Decision.
First, TU alleges EPA violated the APA by providing faulty, arbitrary and capricious, and misguided justifications for the withdrawal. The APA governs how federal agencies develop and implement regulations. TU alleges EPA did not adequately explain its decision to withdraw the Proposed Determination given the ample scientific evidence that Pebble Mine would “pose unacceptable adverse effects” and, thus, “rendering the decision arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, and/or not in accordance with law.”
Second, TU alleges EPA violated the CWA by not acknowledging or considering “that the agency [EPA] had previously found–as recent as July 1, 2019–the Pebble Mine project may have substantial and unacceptable adverse impacts on fisheries resources in the project area watersheds.” Section 404(b) of the CWA prohibits the permitting of any discharge of dredged or fill material if the discharge will cause or contribute to significant degradation of the environment and/or violate water quality standards. EPA had previously made this finding in the Proposed Determination. The Withdrawal Decision is, therefore, arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, and/or not in accordance with law.
TU is seeking declaratory and injunctive relief against EPA. TU is requesting the Court “enter an order vacating the Withdrawal Decision and directing EPA to either leave the Proposed Determination in place or provide adequate explanation for withdrawal of the Proposed Determination” and ” issue injunctive relief [a stop order] as appropriate to protect Bristol Bay against threats posed by mining and associated activities, causing irreparable harm.”
This is a significant development in the battle over Bristol Bay, and one that TU does not initiate half-heartedly. TU said, “[they] don’t pursue litigation loosely or often. But this is the one place where we will use every tool at our disposal–relentlessly–to protect and stop this mine.”
TU CEO, Chris Wood, had this to say: “sacrificing a place such as Bristol Bay for some gold is a short-sighted fools-errand. We are not a litigious organization, but we and millions of other sportsmen and women will not allow greed to compromise the most important salmon fishery on the planet.” I couldn’t agree more and hope you do too.
The fight for protecting Bristol Bay needs any and all support we, as fishermen, can offer. Donations to protect Bristol Bay can be made here and will be matched by TU! Also, you can take direct action to protect Bristol Bay; follow this link to find out how.
This article was written by Flylords’ Conservation Editor, Will Poston.
Biologists have begun sequencing the DNA of the Brown Trout (Salmo Trutta) in an effort to gain more knowledge about the species as a whole. Brown Trout are one of the most genetically diverse vertebrates on the planet with around 50 identified sub-species. Researchers hope by sequencing the brownies’ genome, they can develop plans for better conservation of the species as a whole, hoping to identify genetic markers that help the species cope so successfully with changing environments.
Historically, brown trout were some of the first fish to recolonize freshwater after the last ice age, and as many of us know, can thrive in waters that normally should not be conducive to successful trout populations. Their adaptations, for example, helped “different populations to exploit particular biological niches, with some living their whole lives within a 200-meter stretch of a freshwater stream while others migrate from the stream to the open sea,†the researchers said.
Some of the identified markers have been credited with giving the brown trout the ability to adapt relatively well to more acidic waters, and researchers hope that these new developments will help guide conservation efforts tackling acidity levels in rivers and oceans due to climate change.
In this week’s “Flylords: How to Tie” video feature, our friends from Trident Fly Fishing bring us their take on one of the most famous flies in the game. Here we have how to tie the Elk Hair Caddis.
Learn About This Fly
Difficulty: BeginnerÂ
Created in 1957 by the pioneer fly fisherman, Al Troth; the Elk Hair Caddis has been a staple to the game since most can remember. Originally tied to imitate the green caddis, famous for their massive hatch in central PA every summer, this fly has undergone hundreds of variations, and has since grown far from its original inspiration, the red sedge fly.
The caddis fly is known as a notable favorite amongst hungry trout and steelhead looking for a topwater snack. When caddis are in their early stages of life, they are submerged larvae that float amongst rivers and streams (and are a very popular nymphing pattern amongst anglers). Once conditions are correct, larvae molt into the caddis fly, of which there are over 14,000 different subspecies of. Due to their lives surrounding water, it is clear as to why trout are accustomed to looking for these tasty buggers.
The deer hair caddis is a common fly amongst anglers, and usually a favorite as well. capitalizing on their elk hair (or deer hair) wings, these flies are excellent for faster flowing water, as their meaty frames will enable them to stay afloat for longer drifts. Also note, this pattern can also be highly effective in imitating stoneflies.
Fly fishing, a small subset of the fishing world as a whole, claims an unnaturally large percentage of fishing books. Just Google “fishing books,†and you’ll see that nearly every result on the first page is related to fly fishing.
Maybe it’s because of the finesse of the technique, which lends itself to a creative outlet. Maybe it’s that trout and trout habitat are beautiful enough to inspire authors. Whatever the reason, there’s no shortage of good fly fishing literature out there, and that bodes well for anglers.Â
Every fly fisherman should spend some time diving into books on the subject, both for practical and intangible reasons. Some books impart serious knowledge, from tactics and techniques to places to go. Others entertain, and some simply bring to light minute aspects of the sport that ring true for fishermen.
The selection of books ranges from classics that still stand the test of time, to new releases that often explain modern tactics used by extremely successful anglers. Whatever your style of fly fishing literature, there’s definitely a book out there that fits the bill.
This book isn’t number one on the list by accident. The fact that it’s almost cliche at this point isn’t an accident either. The reason it’s on nearly every list out there is that it’s an absolute must-read for any fly fisherman. In early 20th-century Montana, Maclean and his brother balance family, life, religion, and fly fishing, and maintain their relationship despite very different life paths. If you read this book once, there’s a high chance you’ll pick it up again.
One of the few true fly fishing novels out there, The River Why is sure to hit home for anyone who has ever wanted to drop everything, buy a cabin, and fish every single day. This book follows Gus Orviston, who pursues his passion for fly fishing and learns a lot about fishing, himself, and love along the way.
Though not directly related to fly fishing (the actual act of fishing is only referenced a handful of times), The Feather Thief is perhaps one of the hardest books to put down on the list. In 2009, a young fly tier named Edwin Rist broke into the British Natural History Museum and made off with hundreds of rare bird skins. These skins, some valued at thousands of dollars apiece, were like gold in the small, passionate group of traditional salmon fly tiers Edwin associated with. Some skins were returned to the museum unharmed, but many made their way into the secretive world of salmon flies and were never recovered. This book covers the history of the skins, the heist itself, and the aftermath.Â
Tom McGuane is widely known as one of the best fly fishing writers out there, and many consider him a favorite writer of any genre. The Longest Silence is a collection of essays that range from trout to permit and everything in between. In addition to being a great angler, McGuane is a great storyteller and finds just the right way to convey what he means. Although McGuane has written multiple books related to fishing, this one is probably the purest fly fishing book he has.
While most of the books on this list are at least somewhat reflective, this one is a practical read. Like the title implies, the book covers 50 places to fly fish around the world, with a couple pages dedicated to the techniques, access, and other pertinent information for each location. The real plus to this book is that despite being informational, it’s not a bore to get through. A lot of practical fishing books can be a little mind-numbing, but with vivid descriptions and amazing pictures, this one will keep you hooked.
No fly fishing book list would be complete without at least one book by John Gierach. The hard part isn’t finding a book of his to include, but rather narrowing it down to just one or two. Having written over 20 fly fishing books, Gierach makes it hard to choose. Where the Trout Are All as Long as Your Leg is a good one, as it will resonate with something every angler is familiar with: favorite fishing spots. From appreciating a hidden gem that holds monsters, to finding solitude on a small creek, this book hits it all.
The concept behind this book is exciting in itself. Prosek decided to fly fish his way around the world along the latitude of his home, which is at the 41st parallel. The trip takes him through Spain, France, Mongolia, and more, and each place is unique. One of the refreshing things about Fly Fishing the 41st is that it highlights all the non-angling aspects of fishing that matter to fishermen. Interesting places, unique species, and relationships formed along the way are some of the best parts of fly fishing, and Prosek does a great job of bringing these to the forefront.
Featured Image from California Department of Fish and Game
For the first time in almost 100 years, the Paiute Cutthroat Trout will once again swim freely in an area they once natively inhabited, which many conservationists are hoping will allow the species to recolonize and eventually remove itself from the list of threatened species. Briefly thought extinct, the species was saved when sheepherders moved a small population of trout above a waterfall on Silver King Creek, which inadvertently protected the species from other invasive species of trout and fish.
Around 30 individual Paiute trout were taken from an existing population in Coyote Valley Creek in the eastern Sierra Nevada wilderness in September and were transported by mule 2 miles to their final destination in Silver King Creek, another stream in the wilderness area.
The Paiute Cutthroat Trout was one of the first species added to the Endangered Species List in 1967, and its reintroduction marks decades of hard work from conservationists. Another reintroduction is scheduled to take place soon to ensure the new population reaches the numbers needed to become self-sustaining.
A stiff hike brought me to familiar water and clear skies. Mayflies fluttered above the water and caddis scraped over rocks underneath. Slow, sporadic sips spotted the surface, pointing to emerging mayflies. The pursuit began with a traditional dry but didn’t garner any interest. I transitioned to a tan Klinkhammer only to have trout give nose bumps and turn away.
Continuing my search, I came upon a large stationary shadow a few feet under the water’s surface. I couldn’t decipher which direction it faced until another shadow moved by causing it to shift just slightly. An Ecstacy soft hackle was tied on as I took a knee, quartering behind the fish.
The cast of hope was made and I waited with trepidation as the fly made it’s way down. I began a slow twist retrieve and saw the head shift just slightly. A brief pause was followed by sudden tension; the rod doubled over and the trout shot deep.
Ecstacy Soft Hackle
The first run ripped over 50 feet of line and worry set in as backing became more and more visible. I was led far down the bank until finally pulling enough to turn its head. I pulled the net from my waist but just as it entered water the trout bolted with the sickening pops of knots shooting through guides. This final run was short; pulling the sheer weight of the fish to the net tested both rod and tippet.
I scooped her in to see beautiful vermiculation and deep shades of green; this was one of the most beautiful Tigers I had ever come across. The moment was captured on camera and she was sent on her way. I have yet to spot her since, but I hope she might grace me with her presence again soon.
Article and photos from Brandon Evans, a tiger trout crazed angler, check him out on Instagram or check out his group on Facebook All Things Tiger Trout.
As Yeti continues to dominate the drinkware and cooler market, it’s hard to keep up with new products and new colorways, but this latest drop definitely caught our eye. Introducing the River Green Collection!
We had a shoot planned with Captain Abbie Schuster up in Marthas Vineyard to target some Fall Albacore running off Edgartown Mass, so our friends from REI sent up some new products in Yeti’s River Green Collection.
Although Yeti says the collection is “INSPIRED BY GLACIER-FED RAVINES IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST, RICH WITH EMERALD UNDERTONES†we thought it fit pretty well in the northeast as well…
I am going to be quite honest when saying this is the first time I’ve reviewed a drinking mug, but dam, this thing is the real deal!
Coming in at 12 OZ this rambler is the perfect size for a cup of Joe, and since we were on a boat for most of the trip having a 100% leakproof Hotshot Cap was crucial. The selling point for us here was also the River green colorway. If you are in the market for a new mug or are looking for a good gift idea, this is definitely a great option. Coming in at 29.99 with the Hot Shot cap included you aren’t killing the bank (Especially for a Yeti product). Click Here to Shop.Â
It took me a little while to understand where this would come in handy. $79.99 for a lunch bag? What’s wrong with a paper bag??
That’s when it hit me, all those years of having soggy lunches floating around the cooler. The Day-trip Lunch Bag eliminates soggy lunch, as Yeti says “Pack a lunch you’ll actually look forward toâ€. It’s the little touches on this bag that make you realize Yeti didn’t leave out any details. Like the magnet closure, and the way the front of the bag hinges down effortlessly. The cherry on top of the cake? The bag is lined with hours of insulation, heck you could throw a few beers in there if you wanted to and this could become a small portable cooler! Click here to shop!
I think it’s safe to say we were saving the best for last here…
Every year Yeti finds new ways to improve their products, and the update to it’s previous Hopper was a big one. They somehow found a way to eliminate Zippers completely on this model. Using their new HydroShieldâ„¢ Technology – a strip of ultra-strong magnets – this soft cooler closes on its own. The first few times you use it you kind of need to ask yourself (What kind of wizardry is this???)….
I’ve read some other reviews about the cooler being hard to open, and needing three hands, and although at times it’s hard to open with one hand, I still think this is a big improvement from Yeti’s last model and worth the upgrade. Not to mention the cooler looks badass, and comes in River Green!
We spent 3 days in Marthas Vineyard loading this thing in and out of boats and cars opening it up for drinks and food, and we loved it, Abbie loved it. Coming in at $299.99 this cooler is definitely an investment, but it’s also backed by Yeti’s 5-year warranty, and would be a killer addition to your drinkware arsenal! Did we mention it came in River Green? Click here to shop.Â
We had a killer time testing out these products in Marthas Vineyard! And we are excited to see what Yeti comes up with next!
Shoutout to Abbie for the day on the water, and to REI and Yeti for supporting this #sponsored review.
Joey Oesterle, Robert Hawkins, and Aaron Przybylski went to the Northwoods of Wisconsin to fish a Musky on the fly tournament. A couple of dudes drinking beer, a lucky pair of Nike Air Monarchs, 700gr full sinks, and addiction to musky… perfect for a weekend full of shenanigans. No fun was had….
Locked and loaded, no drift boat today power all the way.The backseat rod organization for 99% of all musky anglers.Morning beers on the way to the zoneDecisions, decisions, decisions.The musky being musky faceMaybe this one will work?On the board!Taste the rainbow.A gentle reminder to debarb your hooks.Ouch!Let’s go Day 2!The best fish from Day 2…a beauty!Until next time.The secret to every Musky Angler’s get up, Nike prostaff!
Photo essay by Joey Oesterle, check him out on Instagram at @joey.oesterle. Other anglers include Robert Hawkins owner of Bob Mitchell’s Fly Shop in St.Paul, MN @mnflyshop, and Aaron Przbylski, @stcroixpeezworth.
Stick to impacted trails and access points: Trail braiding and streamside trampling are common problems at popular fishing spots, stick to already impacted trails and use designed access points as much as possible.
Practice appropriate stream etiquette: Respect other anglers by keeping your distance, sharing the water, and being mindful of your volume.
Trash your monofilament: Â Carry out everything you bring in, and do mother nature a solid by packing out the trash of others as well. Remember that monofilament takes 500 years to photodegrade, and even the smallest piece of tippet can be fatal to wildlife.
Lead-free – the way to be: Lead used in split shot and fly-tying materials is a common source of wildlife poisoning. Tungsten, stainless steel, tin, and bismuth are all suitable and non-toxic alternatives. Â Â Respect the catch: Fish are only a renewable resource when given the opportunity to thrive and reproduce; know how to properly handle, photograph and release a fish. Remember that rubber nets are gentler than cloth, and wet hands are better than dry.
Don’t fish for likes: Consider the ramifications of telling the world about your favorite fishing spot. Use social media in an environmentally responsible way and think before you post. Â
Visit LNT.org to learn more about what you can do to support and protect your favorite outdoor places.
Marian Orlousky is a Leave No Trace educator and works along the Appalachian Trail for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. Be sure to check her out on Instagram @gingerhiker!
On the shoot, we were testing out the new 
