Fly Fishing Made Easy: The 1-2-3’s of Choosing the Perfect Fly
Ah, the age-old question every fly fisher asks themselves on the river: “What fly should I use today?” It sounds simple, right? But the moment you step into a fly shop or browse online, you’re met with a dizzying array of patterns and an avalanche of new terms—mayflies, midges, caddis, stoneflies, scuds, sculpin… it’s like learning a new language!
Permit Heaven: A first-timer flats fishing trip
This past October I had the opportunity to travel to Xcalak, Mexico, with 15 talented female anglers from across the country to chase permit, tarpon, and bonefish on a fly rod. A year ago, the idea of embarking on an adventure like this would have seemed laughable to me, so when Kenzie (@womenontherivercollective) extended the invitation to the Xflats in the spring of 2023, I felt woefully unqualified for such an ambitious excursion.
7 Conservation Practices Every Angler Should Adopt in 2024
Fly fishing is more than just a pastime; it’s a commitment to the natural world. As we wade into an uncertain future, it’s time to reel in our conservation efforts and cast a line toward a more sustainable future. Here’s a fun yet informative guide on the top 7 conservation practices every angler should adopt this year. Let’s make sure we’re not just catching fish out there but also making a positive for the environment!
Elevating Your Fly Fishing Game: The Roll Cast
Anglers all across the globe have always recognized the roll cast as a cornerstone skill for success in fly fishing. The roll cast, with its extreme versatility and efficiency, stands out as a fundamental tool for both novice and seasoned anglers.
Fly Fishing for Pike and Musky: Essential Gear
What’s up guys Trent Jones with Fly Life Media here again, and today I’m going to be talking about the gear you need for targeting toothy critters like Pike and Musky. They are one of my favorite warm water species to target on the fly, and can keep you up at night thinking about the one that followed to your feet. Below ill touch base on the basic gear that I use when chasing these amazing predators.
5 Tips For Catching Redfish On The Fly In Louisiana
Louisiana’s marshes offer some of the most thrilling redfish action you’ll find anywhere. But to make the most of your time on the water, it’s important to have the right techniques and gear dialed in. Whether you’re navigating murky waters or trying to spot fish on a cloudy day, these five tips will help you hook up with more redfish on your next trip. Let's dive in and fine-tune your approach to catching these powerful fish in the heart of the bayou.
Double Dry Fly Rigging: A Step-by-Step Guide
In the world of fly fishing, employing a double dry fly rig can be a game-changer, especially when targeting surface-feeding trout, or during low light conditions. This guide will walk you through the process of rigging double dry flies, offering insights to optimize your setup for a successful day on the water.
Lessons from the Big Salty Pond | Fly Fishing Pyramid Lake
Pyramid Lake. The Mid. The Big Salty Pond. Kooyooe Panunadu. These are just a few names for the remaining waters of ancient Lake Lahontan, home to some of the most massive cutthroat trout in the world. Located on Paiute land just north of Reno, NV, this lake commands respect.
Things I Wish I Knew Before Buying My First Fly Rod: A Beginner's Guide in 2024
Helping anglers select their first fly rod, learn some basics, and achieve success on the river is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work at the fly shop and as a guide, and in this article, I'll aim to walk you through what to consider before heading to the shop to swoop up your first kit.
Fly Reel Setup: A Step-by-Step Guide
Setting up a new fly reel can be an exciting yet daunting task for any angler. In this guide, we'll walk you through the entire process, from attaching backing to securing your fly line with a strong loop-to-loop connection.
"Win Back Our Water": Bonefish & Tarpon Trust's Campaign for Florida's Water Quality
This campaign aims to raise awareness and support surrounding three key issues affecting Florida's water quality:
Must-Have Fly Fishing Gear for New Anglers: 2024 Guide
Fly fishing is an exhilarating sport, but for newcomers, the sheer amount of gear that is on the market can be very overwhelming. It's easy to think you need every piece of equipment in the shop, but the truth is, you can start with just ten essential items. Here's a breakdown of the gear you'll need to hit the water and start fishing with confidence.
Fly Line Basics: How to Choose the Perfect Line for Your Fly Rod
Today, we’re diving into a topic that can be quite overwhelming for both new and veteran fly anglers alike: you guessed it, choosing the right fly line. With a ridiculous amount of options on the market, understanding the small nuances beyond the marketing jargon can enhance your fly fishing experience and help you get the most out of your fly rod.
The Orvis Helios 4 Series: A New Era in Fly Fishing Rods in 2024
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.
Five Essential Trout Flies Every Angler Should Have in 2024
When it comes to trout fishing, having the right flies can make all the difference in the outcome of your day. I personally carry around way too many flies as a guide and without them, I just feel naked them. Here are my five most essential trout flies that I think should be in every angler's fly box, helping to ensure you're prepared for a successful day on the water.
There and Back Again: Exploring Two Incredible Steelhead Lodges
Embark on an adventure into the heart of steelhead fishing with a journey to two of British Columbia's most remote and captivating locations. From the legendary Babine Steelhead Lodge, nestled along the renowned Babine River, to the unspoiled rivers of Haida Gwaii, home to Copper Bay Lodge, these destinations offer unparalleled experiences for avid steelhead junkies.
Through the Eyes of Trout | Understanding How Trout See
In the world of fly fishing, understanding the vision of trout is essential for success on the water, how they see can change your approach so knowing the ins and outs can be a huge advantage. In a captivating article originally published in Fly Fisherman in 1990 titled "How Trout See" by Gordon Byrnes, the science of fish vision was explored. Now, Don Stazicker has taken on the task of updating this groundbreaking article, shedding new light on the topic.
Will Hike for Trout: A Backcountry Anglers Word
In early summer, as the high mountain lakes begin to crack open and expose their hidden jewels within, I find myself almost magnetically drawn to the backcountry. It’s these places that give me the solitude, scenery and constant challenge that feed my ‘healthy’ addiction to hiking, fishing andexploring Colorado’s backcountry.
Sustainable Solutions: TU's Innovative Approach to Water Flow Restoration | Scofield Dam Modification - Utah
The Scofield Dam Restoration Project, a joint effort led by Trout Unlimited and partners, aims to revive Lower Fish Creek by addressing issues of reduced winter water flows that have threatened the river over the last 5 years. Through some innovative approaches and lots of teamwork, the project seeks to restore the river by boosting the trout population while helping to rejuvenate its ecosystem
Mastering the Wind: 6 Casting Tips for Saltwater Fly Fishing
Saltwater fly fishing presents a lot of challenges and one of the most persistent ones we face as anglers is always the wind. It’s very rare that you find a completely flat day on the water so learning how to use the wind is very important. Whether you're casting from a boat, wading the surf, or stalking the flats, gusts, and breezes will wreak havoc on your casting. In this article, we'll give you 6 valuable tips to help you conquer the wind and improve your casting performance on saltwater flats, and beaches.