If there’s one thing I love, it’s swapping fish stories with anglers who live and breathe the sport. This time, we caught up with Pakito, a seasoned fly fisher from northern Spain who’s spent decades chasing big, selective brown trout. From his early days learning the ropes with dry flies to mastering European nymphing, Pakito has dialed in a system that consistently puts trophy fish in the net. He shared his top tips, his go-to strategies, and a few hard-earned lessons for anyone looking to hook into the brown trout of a lifetime.
Streamer fishing can be as simple or as complicated as you want to make it. You can grab your 9-foot 6-weight and a trusty woolly bugger, stroll out to the river, and catch fish. That’s one way to do it. Or you could get all fancy with a sink-tip line, your 1,000 $ spey rod, and all the latest streamers. But here’s the deal: I going to simplify streamer fishing down to something that even a newbie can handle. No need to get overwhelmed—let’s just catch some fish.
Winter fly fishing can be a grind, but it’s also an awesome time to land some trophy trout, and definitely wanna my favorite times a year to do some wade fishing. When the temperatures drop, you’ll need a bit more patience, but if you know where to look, you can find some great fish. Here’s my guide for finding trout in the winter months from my experience as a fly fishing guide here in Colorado for the last 20 years.
If you’ve ever tried tying micro dries, you know the struggle—keeping them lightweight without falling apart after a few casts. So, we caught up with Quinn, a master of the craft, to get the lowdown on the secret sauce for durability. Turns out, it’s all about the thread. Not just any thread, but the new wave of “super threads” that let you crank down materials without the bulk. Whether you're trying to whip up an invincible dry fly or just want your ties to last more than a fish or two, Quinn’s got the goods.
The National Forest Foundation (NFF) is leading the charge in restoring the vital Colorado River through innovative low-tech, nature-based restoration methods. Their efforts are headed by a team of passionate environmental stewards dedicated to improving forest and watershed health, with a special focus on reconnecting streams to their historical floodplains. Supported by the Walton Family Foundation, NFF is pushing forward with techniques like Zuni bowls, Zeedyk structures, and beaver dam analogs, all aimed at letting nature restore itself. These projects are crucial in ensuring the river’s health and sustaining the vital lifeline for millions across the West.
I caught up with Isaiah, a Colorado-based fly fishing guide who traded cleats for waders after a college football injury led him down the rabbit hole of fly fishing. What started as a way to stay connected to the outdoors turned into a full-blown career chasing trout from a drift boat. Now, he's gearing up for his next adventure—guiding in Louisiana’s saltwater. We talked about his journey, his best tips for fishing from a boat, and why he’ll always be a streamer junkie at heart.
Today’s Fly Life Media video takes you behind the scenes of the prestigious World Fly Fishing Championships, featuring none other than Howard Croston—World Fly Fishing Champion and Team England’s Captain and Manager. In this episode, we join Howard and the Fly Fishing Team England as they prepare for the big competition in France.
Today’s video of the day takes us on a deep dive into steelhead rigging with Dustin White and Josh Trammell, two expert guides from Mad River Outfitters. They’ll walk you through the best methods for getting your gear dialed in for steelhead.
Today's Video of the Day comes from Pat Ryan, where he tackles some common forward casting problems that could be messing with your casting game. If you're dealing with tailing loops, poor loop shape, or creeping issues, Pat’s got the solutions to help you tighten up that cast in no time. This quick fly fishing tutorial is packed with tips to get you casting like a pro—no more frustration on the water
In today’s Fly Life Media video of the day, we’re diving into the Sage Classic R8 Fly Rod, a beauty that’s perfect for those who appreciate the slower, more deliberate approach to dry fly fishing. Trident Fly Fishing gives us the full scoop on this new release that blends nostalgia with cutting-edge technology. With its moderate action, smooth energy transfer, and a finish that’s straight out of the golden era, this rod makes every cast a pleasure
Today’s video is a real treat—Urban Steel by Christian Gradowski Fishing. This film takes you deep into the grind of steelhead fishing on the Grand River, showcasing Christian’s two-year journey to capture the essence of these elusive fish. With the toughest steelhead return in a decade and weather that didn’t let up, this project is the epitome of persistence.
Today, we’re diving into the world of Orvis’ Battenkill Fly Reels with Brian Flechsig from Mad River Outfitters. Brian gives us the lowdown on the latest release, breaking down both the disc and click versions.
Get ready to embark on the ultimate fly fishing journey in the heart of Chilean Patagonia! In this video, join expert guides as they explore pristine waters, hidden spring creeks, and vast, untamed rivers, all teeming with legendary trout.
Today’s video dives into the great debate of cheap vs. expensive fly fishing lines with the team at Trident Fly Fishing. If you’ve ever wondered whether it's worth upgrading to premium fly lines, this one’s for you.
In today’s Video of the Day, we’re diving into the world of dry fly fishing with the legendary Tom Rosenbauer. If you’ve ever wondered what makes dry fly fishing such a blast, Tom’s got you covered. He breaks down the essentials in this instructional video that’s perfect for both newcomers and experienced anglers looking to fine-tune their technique
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure with Fly All SZN as he checks off a major milestone on his fly fishing bucket list! In this video, he and his best friend journey deep into British Columbia's wilderness for a dream trip, targeting massive trout with dry flies.
Today's Video of the Day features a special look at "The Art of Fly Fishing," a stunning short film by Bluff Line Media, showcasing the journey of artist and educator, Brooke Belohlavek. Brooke’s passion for fly fishing ignited atop the Grand Teton and now shines through her breathtaking trout artwork
If you’ve ever felt the sting of overpaying for a fly rod, FlyFishDan is here to set the record straight. In today’s video, he dives into the world of fly rods, offering up solid tips on how to snag quality gear without breaking the bank. Whether you’re just getting started or you’re a seasoned angler looking for a deal, FlyFishDan’s got you covered. Tight lines, folks – let’s see how to save without sacrificing performance!
Today’s video takes us into a true fly fishing paradise, as Crazy About Fly Fishing shares an unforgettable day chasing big trout in one of his favorite New Zealand backcountry rivers. With fish after fish coming to the net, this adventure will have you daydreaming about your next trip!
In today’s video, the team at Fly Fish Food introduces the innovative Stealth Packs, designed to change how you carry and access your gear. This cutting-edge fishing tech pack is perfect for anglers looking for versatility and efficiency. In the video, you'll see how these packs can be customized for your fishing needs, making them a game-changer for every fly fisher.
In today’s video, we join Howard Croston, a World Fly Fishing Champion, as he prepares for the prestigious 2024 World Fly Fishing Championships. This episode takes us through his final practice sessions in the UK, packing gear for the big event, and heading to France with his team. Howard breaks down the small, often-overlooked details of competitive fly fishing that make all the difference at the highest level. Tune in as he shares insights into his week of practice on French lakes and rivers, the fly tying process, and the mental prep needed for the competition.
When it comes to fly fishing, staying organized is everything. Whether you’re gearing up for a weekend getaway or a multi-day adventure, having your kit in order can make all the difference—especially when it means more time spent on the water. Enter the Second Wind Packing Cube Collection by Simms, a game-changer designed to keep your gear tight and your transitions smooth.
When it comes to high-quality gear, the Lid Rig 3.0 Nippers stand out in a big way. After giving them a solid run, there are a few things I absolutely love about this tool, and one small detail I'd like to see changed. But first, let’s dive into why the Lid Rig 3.0 is such a game-changer in the world of fly fishing gear
If you're on the hunt for the perfect wading boots without breaking the bank, you've come to the right place. In this review, we’ll dive into the top 3 fly fishing boots under $300 for 2025—each offering a solid mix of comfort, durability, and performance. Whether you're navigating slippery rocks or just need a boot that lasts through countless fishing trips, we’ve got you covered. From Boa lacing systems to traditional laces, there's a pair for every angler's style and budget.
If you're looking for a solid fly reel without spending a fortune, you're in the right place. Today, we're diving into some of the best budget fly reels that deliver quality performance at an affordable price. We’ll cover durability, drag systems, and price points to help you find the right reel for your needs—whether you're chasing trout, bass, or even saltwater species.
A good fly rod is one of the most important pieces of gear in fly fishing but it also doesn't have to break the bank. So today, let’s dive into my top five fly rods under 250$ in 2025. If you think I missed one, or if there’s a rod you swear by, drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
RIO is taking its legendary Gold series to new heights by introducing two new innovative freshwater fly lines: Gold XP and Gold MAX. These new lines are purpose-built and have been tested by guides across the globe to provide anglers with versatility, allowing them to adapt to various fishing conditions and techniques on the fly as as conditions change throughout the day.
In the past few years, anglers have seen dramatic shifts in how, where, and when we fish. Whether it’s unpredictable weather, crowded waters, or new opportunities to explore coastlines, change has been the one constant. From the high-mountain streams to saltwater flats, Simms’ new lineup is built for versatility no matter where you choose to hit the water.Here’s a closer look at the new gear from Simms Spring 2025 Collection.
Finding the perfect pair of fly fishing waders doesn’t have to break the bank. In this guide, we've rounded up ten top-notch waders, ranging from as low as 149.99 up to499.99, that offer comfort, durability, and performance. Whether you're fishing in your local rivers, or packing out to explore some new waters. Let’s dive into the best options for anglers on a budget in 2025
Streamer fishing is one of the most exciting ways to target big aggressive fish and has become an addiction of mine over the years. But not all fly rods are created equal when it comes to handling these big streamers. The right rod and setup make a huge impact on your casting accuracy, distance, and ability to land those giant trophies youve been looking for.
In this article, I’ll break down the key components of a fly rod that’s perfect for streamer fishing and i’ll give you my top 5 picks for 2025— Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to streamer fishing, having the right rod is essential, There is nothing worse than watching someone try and cast a giant streamer with a five-weight rod.
In this video, Brian Flechsig from Mad River Outfitters breaks down his favorite fly fishing stocking stuffers for the 2024 Holiday Season!
In this video Curtis shows some of our favorite packs from Fishpond and how they all interchange cooperate with each other in order to provide you with the best fly fishing pack you could have.
This is into flyfishing’s list of the Best Budget Fly Rods on the market in 2023. They put this list together after purchasing every one of these rods (and many others), and comparing them head to head for days on the river. They also took every rod to a nearby field to test their accuracy by casting at targets at 30, 60, 80, and 90 feet. Some of these rods we've owned for years, and some we purchased specifically to test for this list. In any case, the rods were tested thoroughly, for many days on the river, in order to narrow them down for this list.
Today Trident flyfishing is reviewing the Simms G4Z Waders and comparing them to the 2024 upgrade. These waders are known for their durability and high-performance features, making them a favorite among serious anglers. In this video, we'll dive into the differences between the original and the 2024 model, highlighting improvements and potential drawbacks. Whether you're considering an upgrade or a first-time purchase, this review will help you make an informed decision.
The Orvis Helios 4 Series represents the latest innovation in a long line of outstanding fly rods from Orvis. This new series builds on the previous Helios models, offering anglers a blend of tradition and modern technology. Today, we'll jump into the features of the Helios 4D and 4F rods, exploring what sets them apart from their predecessors and each other.
In this video, Brian Flechsig breaks down the latest Simms Dry Creek Boat Bag. He breaks down the features and why it's one of his preferred fly fishing boat bags. He also shows a great alternative fishing boat bag that we've all seen before...
Here’s a step-by-step guide for tying the micro bugger pattern, designed for small streams targeting wild rainbows and brook trout. This pattern is quick to tie, utilizes just a couple of materials, and is perfect for those backcountry fishing trips.
The buzzer fly is a highly effective pattern that imitates aquatic insects, making it a must-have in your fly box. It’s easy to tie and mimics the look of a nymph, perfect for enticing both rainbow and brown trout.
This CDC quill fly is an easy-to-tie, effective pattern perfect for various fishing conditions. By using CDC feathers creatively, you get both durability and lifelike action in the water.
If you’ve ever tried tying micro dries, you know the struggle—keeping them lightweight without falling apart after a few casts. So, we caught up with Quinn, a master of the craft, to get the lowdown on the secret sauce for durability. Turns out, it’s all about the thread. Not just any thread, but the new wave of “super threads” that let you crank down materials without the bulk. Whether you're trying to whip up an invincible dry fly or just want your ties to last more than a fish or two, Quinn’s got the goods.
The Buyout Emerger is a classic pattern with a subtle twist on the traditional Baetis nymph, created to stand out in waters that have already been heavily fished.
The National Forest Foundation (NFF) is leading the charge in restoring the vital Colorado River through innovative low-tech, nature-based restoration methods. Their efforts are headed by a team of passionate environmental stewards dedicated to improving forest and watershed health, with a special focus on reconnecting streams to their historical floodplains. Supported by the Walton Family Foundation, NFF is pushing forward with techniques like Zuni bowls, Zeedyk structures, and beaver dam analogs, all aimed at letting nature restore itself. These projects are crucial in ensuring the river’s health and sustaining the vital lifeline for millions across the West.
A recent study highlights the connection between Lake Okeechobee discharges and the duration of red tide blooms in southwest Florida. Learn how reducing nutrient-heavy runoff can protect marine life, improve water quality, and support the local economy.
The Eel River is getting a much-needed revival! After over a century of water battles that left its legendary salmon and steelhead runs struggling, a new agreement is paving the way for recovery. With PG&E removing the Potter Valley Project’s dams, fish will finally regain access to prime spawning grounds.
It looks like there’s some good news coming out of the Florida Keys: the mysterious "spinning fish" phenomenon seems to be on the decline this winter. This strange behavior, where fish lose balance and swim erratically, had been affecting over 80 species, including the endangered smalltooth sawfish. While the reports are fewer this year, scientists and researchers are still deep into figuring out the cause, and a big research push is underway with a hefty $1.75 million in funding.
With over .85 million in grants from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the NCCP is tackling priority restoration projects that will open up more habitat, improve fish passage, and boost struggling salmon populations. That’s great news for the fish, but it’s also a win for the community—this work supports at least 75 local jobs, from foresters to construction crews, proving that conservation isn’t just about fish; it’s about people, too.
Today's podcast pick is MeatEater Podcast Ep. 476, where Steven Rinella dives into the world of fishing and storytelling with Jedi Master Son Tao. Joined by Ryan Callaghan, Brody Henderson, and more, this episode explores everything from fly tying mastery to heartwarming stories of resilience, camaraderie, and the unbreakable bonds forged on the water.
Today’s podcast spotlight shines on Tom Rosenbauer, a legend in the fly fishing world and the voice behind The Orvis Fly-Fishing Podcast. In Episode 254 of Anchored with April Vokey, Tom shares his incredible journey, from crafting best-selling fly fishing books to revolutionizing the sport through education and storytelling. Dive into this insightful episode to hear his thoughts on the future of fly fishing and how he became one of the sport's most trusted voices.
Get ready to dive into the world of stillwater fly fishing with Phil Rowley, a name synonymous with expertise on the water. In Shop Talk Podcast Ep 46, the crew at Fly Fish Food sits down with Phil to uncover his journey into fly fishing, his unmatched stillwater tactics, and what makes him a standout in the industry. Packed with insights and a sprinkle of Phil’s down-to-earth charm, this episode is a must-listen for anglers of all levels.
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