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Four Ways to Stay Warm Fly Fishing in Winter

24 Dec
0 416 Post by

Winter can be a truly blissful time to be out on the winter as crowds subside and trout still have to eat! 

Favorite trout streams that are busy with other anglers suddenly become peacefully silent even though trout lazily slip midges throughout the warmth of midday during the winter months.  Snow gently falling and a cold breeze only accentuates the beauty to be found during this season, and many who experience this joy become addicted to spending their winter days outdoors in pursuit of fish.  One of the great challenges, of course, is figuring out a way to combat the elements and stay warm. 

Layering

Weather can change in a hurry during winter, and a brief warm spell shouldn’t be counted on.  Even if it does get warm for a period of time during midday, don’t get used to it!  Packing (and wearing) layers can help anglers be prepared for anything that comes with a day of winter fly fishing.  Something like a t-shirt, fleece layer, sweatshirt, and then wind-stopping jacket is a good place to start as a layer can easily be shed and stored during warm spells, but put back on when the weather inevitably turns again. 

Think of Your Hands and Feet

Layers of fleece pants and tops are necessary, but it’s really your hands and feet that should receive the most attention.  Nothing ends a day faster than hands that all of a sudden won’t work or feet too numb to move.  Bringing two pairs of gloves is imperative, as catching a few fish inevitably leads to some wet hands.  A great idea if to use fingerless gloves that can convert to mittens.  That way when your rig needs adjusting you have the finger dexterity to do so, but can easily switch over to the mittens to stay warm otherwise.  For socks, multiple pairs on at one time, including one heavy wool set, is key to keeping those toes comfy.

Stay Dry

This obviously goes without saying, but it’s important to stay dry during these cold months.  Not only does a fall in result in uncomfortable fishing, but if it’s cold enough getting soaked can be downright dangerous.  Packing an extra sweatshirt and hat in a dry bag can be of great importance if an accident does happen, but it’s much better to just avoid the situation in the first place.  For this reason, aggressive wading should be put on the backburner during winter.  Even though trout always seem to be feeding on that opposite bank, it’s not worth the risk to go in too far and end up in a dangerous spot. 

Pack a Stove

Jetboil, or other camping stoves, are excellent accessories to bring along on winter fly fishing trips.  Time is usually a bit more leisurely on these days, and spending a half hour on the bank boiling water for cocoa, tea, or even broth is a great way to warm up and keep the juices flowing on even the coldest of days.  Doing this not only gets you out of the water and moving around, but it injects much-needed warm liquid into your system and can help sustain on even the most frigid mornings! 

Winter offers up some of the finest fishing of the year, complete with solitude, beauty, and feeding trout.  It’s a great time to hit stretches of water that are usually bombarded with other anglers and fish famous streams in peace.  The hardest aspect of winter fly fishing is unquestionably the weather, and following these tips to stay warm will keep you on the water more and result in plenty of fish in the net!

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Categories: Best in Fly Fishing, Winter Fly Fishing

4 Great Fly Fishing Gift Ideas

24 Dec
0 115 Post by

The holiday season is upon us, and perhaps you’re wondering what to get the fly angler in your life who seems to already have everything!

There’s overwhelmingly a million accoutrements that adorn vests, packs, and boats of anglers across the country.  From the latest-and-greatest to tried-and-true pieces of gear, it can be a bit overwhelming trying to shop for someone else in these situations.  Personal preferences, a variety of options and brands, and species-specific flies/gear are just a few of the obstacles that stand in the way of you and the perfect gift.  Here are a few great ideas that are sure to excite your friend, spouse, parent, or fly fishing buddy! 

Monthly Subscription Service

Want to talk about the gift that gives all the year-long?!  Getting your fly fishing-loving person a subscription to something like The Fly Crate gives them the opportunity to receive an exciting gift each and every month.  From effective flies to trendy stickers, it’s a great opportunity to extend the holiday season and give them something to look forward to all year!

Guide Trip

The complaints from anglers usually carry a common thread, regardless of time of year or species targeted:  “Where are all the fish?”  “I didn’t have the right flies!”  “I spent the entire time untangling my line!”  Going on a guide trip alleviates all of this for your angler, and that makes it the perfect gift!  Giving them the chance to be catered to on the water and receive one-on-one instruction is something they are guaranteed to love!

Periodical Subscription

Few things match the excitement of actually going fishing, but sometimes that’s not possible. The next best thing is getting a magazine in the mail each month or quarter to transport the reader to faraway places and exotic fly fishing adventures.  There are a variety of options out there, from destination magazines to others geared more towards instruction and helping anglers fine-tune their craft.  Either way, getting the newest edition of a treasured magazine in the mail is something that’s sure to be a home run!

Gift Cards (But it’s not as impersonal as you think!)

Okay, no one likes to give gift cards for the holidays, but this one is different!  Consider sending your angling spouse, parent, or friend on a nice little weekend stay somewhere to fish, and then think about all the details from there. Get them an AirBnB gift card for lodging, research restaurants in the area and get a gift certificate for one of them, maybe even a gas card would be appropriate!  The entire thing can be set up so that they still have the leeway and freedom to call the shots, but the expenses for the entire weekend are all taken care of.  It’s all of the fun with none of the planning or headache! 

Holiday gift-buying can be a chore for the angler who has it all and wants for nothing.  Whether it’s a guide trip to explore a new stream or gift cards that create the perfect weekend getaway, there are ways to still get someone an unforgettable experience without getting too bold with your presents.  You can’t go wrong with any of these gifts, and in some cases they are things that can be enjoyed throughout the year...it doesn’t get much better than that!

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Categories: Best in Fly Fishing

5 Flies That You Either Love Or Hate

21 Oct
0 1980 Post by

Many different fly fishing flies have been made over the years from new and controversial materials. Yep, you'll notice materials used from squishy kid toys and your fancy kitchen mop are now found conveniently wrapped around a hook. Even crazier, they catch loads of fish. So as you're out on the water you'll find anglers from all walks of life using some of these flies. At a certain point, you'll have the choice to continue using your more 'natural' patterns or give these flashy, dirty flies a go. But before you do, check with your local regulations for artificial fly guidelines.

Here are 5 trout flies that you either love or hate.

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1. Squirmy Wormy

As much as you love to hate Squirmy Wormies, they catch fish. That being said, there is a time and a place for them. Aquatic worms are a natural part of the ecosystem but truly become an important food source to trout during and after rainfall or snowmelt. Anytime the water is high and carries a hint of sediment, grab a squirmy wormy and hit the slack water. In these times of high-water trout will find refuge behind rocks, fallen trees, and in natural eddies. Squirmy Wormy flies do have a rather slow sink rate because of the drag caused by the worm material on either end. As a result, add a bit of weight when fly fishing a squirmy wormy by tying in a heavier nymph below or add some split shots. Shop our assortment here.

2. Mop Fly

From your home swifter to the butt end of a larva fly, mop flies have caught the fly fishing community by storm over the past few years. Many fly anglers use these nymph flies for trout, carp, panfish, and small-mouth bass. When these flies soak up water they drop like an anvil and, as such, act as a great lead fly within nymphing rigs. Shop our assortment here.

3. Rubber Grub Fly

Crane-fly larvae and grubs are a thick treat for trout. Grubs are commonly found under rocks and in sedimentary layers of the stream bed. This fly features a squishy, rubbery grub body on a barbless hook, which is perfect as an attractor pattern.

4. Egg Fly

Egg flies just catch fish, plain and simple. They work great whenever fish are breeding and eggs are on the menu. Just don't pull trout off their redds. We love to incorporate this easy egg pattern into our nymph rigs and target sections of the stream below breeding grounds. Trout and other fish will often hang below and pick off eggs swept from the 'redds'. Shop our assortment here.

Green Weenie Fly Pattern

5. Green Weenie

The Green Weenie fly is one of the most simple flies out there. It's just a few wraps of some micro chenille and some thread to finish it off. I was skeptical of this fly at first but have slowly come around to fishing the Green Weenie at nearly every outing. The bright color and close imitation of a caddis larva make this strange pattern a top producer. While you can fish this pattern with a bead, I like to space two splits a few inches above it so the whole rig gets a rolling action across the bottom.

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Categories: Best in Fly Fishing

4 Great Fishing Spots for Summer Trout in Western Pennsylvania

10 Jun
0 2038 Post by

Pennsylvania is home to some of the most outstanding trout water in all the country.

Anglers from far and wide flock to the Keystone State in search of trout, and for good reason!  Our waters abound with brooks, browns, and rainbows as the commonwealth boasts more miles of trout stream than any other state except Alaska.  It’s no shock that Pennsylvania is truly a destination fishery for many.

The thing is, most anglers associate the famous spring and limestone waters of central PA with these great fishing opportunities. Here are four spots in the western part of the state that can rival anything else Pennsylvania has to offer!

Image From Flickr

Neshannock Creek

Located in Lawrence County, a bit north of Pittsburgh, sits Neshannock.  Over two and a half miles of delayed harvest water bring anglers in, but it’s the quality of trout that keeps them coming back.  A very active TU chapter, along with a Keystone Select designation, makes for tremendous fishing opportunities. Stopping in to Neshannock Creek Fly Shop can get folks up-to-date info on everything that’s hatching and which flies are fishing best!

Image From Flickr

Meadow Run

Tucked in the heart of the Laurel Highlands is Meadow Run.  This mountain freestone stream has a 2.2-mile section of delayed harvest, artificial lures only that features some outstanding summer fishing.  Cool tributaries and excellent hatches make Meadow a can’t-miss fishing destination for anglers throughout summer. As an added bonus, private trout clubs that own property in headwater streams flowing into Meadow stock gigantic fish that sometimes wash into the main stem.

Rob Vaughn on Flickr

Oil Creek

If wide streams with plenty of bug life and few things to obstruct a back cast appeal to you, then venture to Oil Creek in Venango County.  A well-maintained bike trail parallels this gem, making it extremely accessible. Large browns haunt the deep pools of this Keystone Select stream and the summer caddis hatches are intense enough to bring them up to the surface to feed. Wildwood Outfitters, near the town of Franklin, provides guiding opportunities as well as updated information on stream flow and fishing reports.

Photo From Flickr

Dunbar Creek

While 4.4-miles of fly fishing only designated stream are the main attraction, excellent fishing abounds in this second Laurel Highlands stream.  The French and Indian War started in the headwaters of Dunbar, and now native brook trout teem in the shadows of these historic glens and hills. In the project water, stream improvement devices have created superb habitat that holds fish all year!

Fly fishers looking to get their summer fix need not focus solely on the famous waters that litter the central corridor of the state. Western Pennsylvania holds its own and then some with terrific fishing!

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Categories: Best in Fly Fishing

Top 5 Fly Fishing Podcasts

13 Jan
0 1675 Post by
It’s the future of content consumption! Americans are devouring podcasts in record numbers, and the fly fishing community is no different!  The ability to get our fishing fix, or learn about fly fishing, at the gym or on our morning commute changes the game entirely.  There are plenty of worthy “pods” out there but below are a few favorites that anglers should download and try out.

The DrakeCast

One of the best out there is The Drake magazine’s podcast with host Elliot Adler.  It’s part fly fishing, part conservation, and part culture in nature as they take listeners around the country in pursuit of fish and the stories that come with them.  Episodes featuring Hank Patterson, updates on forest fires, and life on bonefish flats ensure that there’s something for everyone on this hit podcast. A dose of live, from-the-boat interviews give The DrakeCast an edge and uniqueness not found many places elsewhere.

The Orvis Fly Fishing Guide Podcast

Host Tom Rosenbauer is a legend in the fly fishing world and he brings some serious star power to The Orvis Fly Fishing Guide Podcast.  Most episodes are broken up into multiple segments, one featuring interviews with leading industry professionals, and another with listener questions answered with informative responses.  It’s a great mix of entertainment and learning for anglers of all skill levels.

Fish On The Brain

Sadly, this podcast ended in October.  The good news is there are over 70 past episodes still in the hopper and available to download!  Host Tim Evans, a native of Casper, Wyoming, covers fly fishing for smallmouth, tarpon, trout, and everything in between.  Pepper in interviews with Team USA Fly Fishing members, prominent artists, and expert guides and Fish On The Brain easily becomes a podcast listeners can churn through in no time!

Anchored, With April Vokey

April Vokey is one of the most well-known and respected individuals in the fly fishing community. On Anchored, she has conversations with folks like Eva Shockey and Les Stroud discussing fishing but also larger outdoor issues like public land access and wild salmon returns. There isn’t much “how-to” in this one, but the entertaining interviews allow listeners the chance to learn more about professionals in the outdoor industry. Being multifaceted enough to have a conversation with Donald Trump, Jr. as well as Roland Martin makes Anchored a captivating listen.

The Flyfishing97 Podcast

Interviews with guides, fantasizing about New Zealand brown trout, the art of tying flies, and gear reviews make up this up and coming pod. Mark Hopley, host extraordinaire, says “I started the podcast because I couldn’t find enough detailed information on fly tying, stillwater strategies, conversations with passionate people in the industry, and I was always looking for more to make my time on the water more productive and enjoyable.” He achieves these goals and then some in a show designed to share knowledge with listeners in a way that is inclusive to all while instilling a passion that is sure to grow the sport of fly fishing. Give these shows a listen, and it’ll be easy to understand why they are some of the hottest podcasts in the fly fishing world. There’s plenty of knowledge to gained, laughs to be had, and fish to be dreamed about. All that’s needed is a download for a morning commute or a jog at the gym!
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Categories: Best in Fly Fishing

5 New Year’s Resolutions for Fly Fishing

12 Jan
0 726 Post by
Forget about going to the gym or eating better; let's talk about some New Year's resolutions that really matter. That's right, we are talking resolutions of the fishing variety! There's always room to improve as an angler and expand the scope of your fishing prowess, so follow these 5 resolutions and fish your way to a better you in 2019!

1.) Fish More

Duh, right? It's true though! Often times throughout the year we will look at the stream gauges, weather, or recent trip reports and decide to stay at home. Change that habit with the ringing in of the New Year! If the water is high, go fish! Ask yourself this, would you rather write the fishing report or read the fishing report? It's amazing how productive the days have been when going out or staying home was a coin flip. Spend more days on the water this year; you'll be glad you did!

2.) Target a New Species

Last year I made the effort to target musky and pike on the fly rod. Was it an excuse to buy cool flies and a boat? Who can know, but man was it fun! Going after a new species of fish in 2019 will broaden your horizons and expand your fishing opportunities. It's a great way to be versatile and ensure that there is always something fishing well whenever you have the itch to go out.

3.) Learn a New Skill

Fly fishing is ever evolving, and as new techniques and methods come out our skill set must improve! A lot of times those new skills will either help us catch more fish, or help us catch fish in different water conditions. For example, learning to fish streamers will open up a whole world of opportunities for the fly angler, and will probably yield a few larger fish than the typical nymph angler is used to. The skill doesn't necessarily have to be on the water, though. Perhaps your 2019 skill to learn is tying your own flies, or learning new knots!

4.) Explore New Water

This is one of my favorites! Taking the time to scout a new piece of water is very exciting. While these excursions are sometimes a bust, other trips to new water produce some real gems that become regulars in your fishing location rotation. If your new water is in Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission has some excellent map resources to help narrow the search. Here's a link!

5.) Teach Someone New

Catching a fish on a fly rod is one of the most rewarding feelings. One of the few things better than that is watching someone you've taught catch a fish! Whether it's a friend, relative, spouse, or significant other take the time to show someone the merits and joys of fly fishing. The gratification felt upon seeing their interest in the sport is reason enough to have this one on the list of resolutions for 2019!
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Categories: Best in Fly Fishing

6 Different Strike Indicators for Nymphing

29 Oct
0 4544 Post by

There are fly fishing indicators designed for nearly every single different scenario. I’ve even used buoyant pieces of a twig when I made the mistake of leaving my foam indicators in the car. There must be a dozen different floating indicators, line indicators, and bio-putty. The good news is you don’t need all of them. In most cases, you will probably only need 3 different ones max.

Euro Nymphing

Euro nymphing rigs can be extremely creative. Instead of a floating indicator, you’ll use your line as a strike indicator. This is for you to have a greater control over your nymphing rig and respond to even the slightest ‘take’. By letting your line slightly arch and bend into the water the slightest take or bump will cause the bend to straighten out. The sight of your line tightening will signal you to set the hook.

Fly fishing with the euro nymphing technique is the most strike-sensitive method and picks up even the most subtle takes. These strike indicators is great for nymphing and when you feel a splash on the surface from a dry fly or floating indicator would spook the fish.

1. Bicolor Monofilament

Bicolor monofilament is super simple to use. It is a section of bright lime green monofilament and or a section of hot red monofilament that gets tied into your leader. The two different colors work with each other in varying degrees of light conditions so you can vividly spot your line in the water.

  • Neon lime green - great in low-light conditions
  • Hot red orange - great in bright water conditions

2. French Curley-Q

Much like a pig-tail, these loose coils of the Curley Q will stretch ever so slightly when a fish takes your fly. You will never have the entire Curley Q stretch out on a strike but only a small twitch. This indicator is great for selective fish using small nymphs in shallow water.

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Hopper Dropper systems are great for keeping a distance and doubling your chances.

Suspension Nymphing

Suspension nymphing is just a fancy way of saying, “Using a floating indicator.”

There are indicators for all sorts of situations from slow-runs to fast riffles. But, before you choose an indicator it is best to consider these 2 factors to figure out which one to use:

  1. How heavy is your nymphing rig.
  2. Are the fish easily spooked.

1. Balloons / Thingamabobbers

Thingamabobbers are, basically, a plastic balloon that only floats because of the air pocket cased within. In recent years these have become extremely popular in the fly fishing world.

2. Dry Flies

Using dry flies is one of my absolute favorites and here’s why. It’s an indicator...but with a hook. So not only can you tell when your nymph gets hits, but you have the opportunity of catching fish off the top. Double your chances of success.

I always make sure that I have a dry fly buoyant enough to hold my nymph rig up. Usually, I tie on a bright attractor pattern like a Stimulator or a Hi-Vis Parachute Adams for smaller nymphs and a dense foam bug like a Chubby Chernobyl for heavy weighted nymphs.

Realistically, you can use whatever dry fly you want as long as it can stay above the water with the weight of the nymph rig hanging off the back. Even better, you can go technical and match the hatch with both your nymph and indicator dry fly pattern. So if caddis are hatching, you can tie on a caddis emerger off the back of an Elk Hair caddis—or something like that.

3. Foam Football Strike Indicators

Here's our favorite indicator for nymphing. They come in all sorts of sizes but we prefer the smallest size because it's easy to take on or off without kinking the leader and its easily visible. We’ve also never had a real issue with real heavy nymphs dragging this indicator down under because it’s foam is so densely packed with air.

The only downfall to these foam football strike indicators is that it can make a ratherly large disturbance when it hits the surface. But, one way to avoid spooking fish is just to cast far enough in front of the fish that the disturbance isn’t a problem.

On the other hand, if the water is extremely shallow and fish are on high-alert switch to a wool or dry fly indicator.

4. Wool Strike Indicators

Wool strike indicators, like the New Zealand Strike Indicators, are a tuft of wool or yarn that is attached to your leader. Being so extremely light and highly visible makes them perfect for shallow water and spooky fish.

Although, you can not use heavy nymphing rigs with wool indicators because it will absolutely pull them under. It’s in your best interests to use these types of indicators with lightweight nymphing rigs and emergers.

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Categories: Best in Fly Fishing, Fly Fishing For Trout, Nymphing

6 Heart Warming Gifts for Your Fly Fishing Valentine

30 Jan
0 764 Post by
Love it or hate it, there is no avoiding it- Valentine’s Day. With V-day approaching soon, we want to help you and your better half, have the best day possible. There’s that saying, “spend money on experiences, not things.” We support that genuinely, but we also recognize that sometimes certain “things” make those experiences even better. So, whether you are looking to enhance you and your partners next fishing experience or plan a special outing together, there is an idea for every angler on this list.
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Categories: Best in Fly Fishing
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