The Guide Blog
The Fly Crate's Guide Fly Fishing Blog is a place for all fly anglers to learn captivating tips, get advice, hear stories, and find news that leads them to discover and explore all corners of fly fishing.
Best Flies For Fly Fishing
5 Best Flies for Redfish Fly Fishing
Sciaenops ocellatus, the fish that single-handedly sparked my conversion into fly fishing, is commonly known as the redfish. If the name redfish doesn’t ring a bell, you’re probably not from
6 Killer Flies for Brook Trout
Chasing brook trout in little mountain streams becomes a full-fledged addiction for many. The colors are usually what draws people in first, from the blue halo to the brilliant orange
Top 4 Winter Dry Flies For Fly Fishing
Winter months are often spent staring at strike indicators leading tiny nymphs in an effort to muscle up trout from the depths of icy streams. While there’s nothing wrong with
Best Early Spring Dry Flies for Big Trout
I fish many stream systems and will admit that my fishing will typically focus on small streams. This means that my dry fly fishing will target some small stream fish,
11 Best Trout Flies for Early Summer Fly Fishing
When it comes to early Spring trout fishing, the forage buffet becomes troublesome to pinpoint patterns that match the hatch on your local stream. It isn’t easy to navigate the
10 Best Nymphs Guaranteed to Catch Trout When Fly Fishing
In the world of fly fishing, we are constantly confronted with the confrontation between “ideal” and “practical”. As an avid angler myself, I would love to stock my fly boxes
Top 8 Flies for Fall Fly Fishing in Pennsylvania
Anglers flock to the mountains of Pennsylvania in search of quality trout fishing. The chill of winter is set to soon be upon us, but for now the gettin’ remains
4 Great Flies for Low Water Trout
Low water poses an intense challenge for even the most skilled of anglers. Flows drop, rains become more infrequent, and the trout get sluggish in the tepid water that comes
7 Best Trout Flies for the Pennsylvania Backcountry
The hike is long and arduous as beaded sweat drips off the hat’s brim. After a chug of water and a deep breath, the walk continues on. The destination is
The 15 Best Trout Flies For Spring Fly Fishing That Actually Catch Fish
Spring fly fishing offers wonderful catches for fly anglers to catch trout coming out of their winter lethargicness. As the water begins to warm all sorts of aquatic insects begin
13 Best Barbless Euro Nymphing Fly Fishing Flies For Trout
Euro nymphs, or what some call tactical nymphs, come from the competitive side of the fly fishing community which depend on catching as many fish as possible within a timed
Best 11 Soft Hackle Flies For Swinging And Nymphing Rigs
Soft hackle flies are a little known secret to a select few in the fly fishing community. But once you know exactly how to fish them and when, they become
Top 4 Early Summer Flies That Catch Trout!
There’s a sweet spot in every fishing season. It varies from year to year, but typically it’s found somewhere between mid-May and mid-June. The air temperatures are warm but not
The Breakdown On Fly Fishing Nymph Flies
Just like every other type of fly there are different types of species you should be imitating. Your fly box should have a variety of patterns imitating each species found
Figuring Out What’s Hatching And Flies To Use
Match the hatch is more than a phrase, it’s a rule for fly fishers to live by. Trying to discern which natural insects are present and then imitate our flies
Awesome Tips For Nymphing Flies Under An Indicator
Nymphing without the aid of a strike indicator is all the rage in the fly fishing world, but there are plenty of times when tying on that Thingamabobber is the
A Simple Guide To Spring Hatches & Trout Flies You’ll Need
Hatches across the United States from March – End of May Eastern & Mid-Western Hatches Midge (Size 16-26) Sulphurs (Size 12-16) Blue Winged Olives (Size 18-22) Quill Gordon (Size 12-14)
9 Spring Streamers You Should Consider For Trout
1. Woolly Bugger (Sizes 4-12) Woolly Buggers are extremely versatile streamers perfect for nearly every body of water and can imitate a large variety of food sources such as baitfish,
5 of Our Favorite Nymphing Rigs for Fly Fishing
While visions of brown trout slurping dry flies frequent our dreams, the truth is fishing subsurface flies will yield better catch rates most of the year. If anglers are serious
Best 14 Winter Trout Flies for Fly Fishing Pennsylvania
1. Hot Head Nymph (Sizes 12-14) Something about bright orange beads sets fish off in a certain way. A few years back I was fishing on Beaver Run in Central
Best 17 Trout Flies For Fall Fly Fishing
One of the only months that rivals the vast hatches of spring is the fall. With the migration of many winged-insects in autumn and the calm cooling temperatures throughout the
How to Fly Fish in the Winter: Top 15 Winter Trout Flies
Fly fishing in the winter can be challenging but, also, highly rewarding. Most people do not venture outside their homes so winter fly fishing keeps the crowds away, and often
Trout Tips
Summertime Western Hatches for Trout
Once runoff subsides, it’s game on for anglers in the Western U.S. as they flock to their favorite trout waters. With flows receding and water warming, bugs start popping across
How to Fish Terrestrials for Trout
Once mid-June hits, the big hatches in the Eastern U.S. are mostly done, leaving anglers looking for the next thing to keep getting their dry fly fix. For most, the
3 Ways to Beat the Summer Heat for Trout
One of the more difficult times to catch trout is during the scorching heat of summer when the fish turn lethargic and hatches shut off. Unfortunately for us, the urge
4 Summer Dry-Dropper Rigs to Catch Trout
Summer means dry-droppers for many anglers across the country, and the allure of the productivity found with nymphs paired with the action of a dry fly is the perfect combination.
How to Catch Trout in Alpine Lakes
The hikes are long, the views incredible, and the trout stunningly beautiful. It’s the scene that many fly anglers dream of, and the high alpine lakes of the Rocky Mountains
Mid-West Tips for Fly Fishing Rivers During Runoff
Few situations present more of a challenge for anglers than runoff in the West. Gentle mountain streams become raging torrents and lazy tailwaters become gushing, chocolate milk rivers as snow
Guide To Fly Fishing Stillwater for Trout
Trout fishing is typically synonymous with faster currents in streams and rivers, but lakes can be overlooked gems! Stillwater provides a unique experience and it’s a stark contrast fishing in
How to Catch Trout on Stoneflies
For all of the squinting into fly boxes trying to locate the size #26 midge that goes on during winter, that goes out the window when it comes time to
Three Early Season Dry-Dropper Rigs for Trout
Much of our time is spent staring at strike indicators or sighter tippet waiting for the slightest sign of movement, so any chance to throw dry flies is a welcome
How to Catch Trout on Caddis Flies
Anglers who experience their first big caddis hatch aren’t soon to forget the event. There are surely stronger hatches with bigger bugs that occur throughout the season, but few are
3 Dry Flies for Winter Trout
While winter might not be synonymous with solid dry fly fishing, there are still plenty of opportunities to catch fish on top when the weather is cold! One of the
Top 3 High Water Nymph Rigs for Trout
Throughout much of the East, March can be a tricky time to be on the water thanks to melting snow and constant rain. The extreme cold of winter may be
Top Early Spring Hatches for Trout
While May is usually known as the best month for hatches in the Eastern U.S., March and early April can be a great time to get out and enjoy some
Where to Find Trout in High Water
For many of us, we don’t have the luxury of waiting until the perfect weather creates ideal conditions on a favorite trout stream. Winter seems eternal for the trout angler
What Is Euro Style Nymphing And How Do You Euro Nymph?
Euro nymphing is a specialized form of fly fishing using only heavily weighted nymphs with no split shots or strike indicators. It has been referred to as Czech, French, Tight-line,
4 Lightweight Nymphs for Tandem Fly Rigs in the Winter
Winter can be an incredibly rewarding time to be out on your favorite trout stream! With fewer people sharing the water, the winter months offer up a fantastic opportunity to
10 Great Multiple Fly Rig Setup Combinations For Trout With Flies You Already Have
There isn’t much that gets an angler’s heart pumping quite like a big trout hammering terrestrials right on the bank, which makes August a month to look forward to each
Where to Find Trout In The Fall And Into The Early Winter
There are few better ways to spend a crisp fall morning than standing knee-deep in a favorite trout stream. The leaves are in their full color display, deer are moving
3 Tips to E-Scout for Trout
One of the most common dilemmas among anglers is not knowing exactly where to go when they have some time to fish. When time in the field is limited, anglers
Beginner Fly Fishing Casts You Need To Know
How to cast a fly is basic in its simplest form. This is what we are about to cover. There are, for all intents and purposes, two casts that you
How To Fly Fish Tricos For Late Summer Trout
For bug enthusiasts, high summer can be a fairly dull time of year, with terrestrials taking center stage and mayfly activity bottoming out for the year. The seemingly never-ending drought
Common Tips You Should Know To Catch Fall Trout
Fall provides some of the best trout action of the year as fish everywhere feel the coming chill of winter and pack on the weight accordingly. Each season has its
4 New England Trout Flies for Fall
Fall is a welcome relief for the trout angler exhausted from the scorching heat and dry conditions of summer. There’s something special about spending the day on a favorite trout
3 Hopper Tactics to Catch More Trout
It’s no secret that terrestrials are both fun to fish and incredibly effective at luring up big trout from the depths. In terms of protein, ants and beetles certainly pack
Dry-Dropper Nymph Tactic For Selective Trout
Every fly angler has been in this exact situation hundreds of times. You’ve found a slow-moving pool with a pod of trout visibly rising to feed. The trout are rising
4 Tactics to Catch More Trout This Summer
Anglers wait all year to throw on wet wading sandals and spend warm days fishing for trout in summer. Layers of fleece and wool gloves are nothing but a distant
How to Catch Trout During Runoff
Runoff is one of the more challenging aspects of fly fishing in the West during the months of May, June, and sometimes July. Tranquil streams that were mere trickles all
4 Great Flies For Stocked Trout In The Spring Season
While everyone loves to catch wild trout, many anglers have no choice but to target stocked trout thanks to their prevalence and proximity to home. There’s nothing wrong with going
Best Spring Hatches and What Flies to Use
Spring fly fishing is punctuated by strong hatches that stir trout from their winter slumber and into a feeding frenzy. The warmth of spring stimulates bug life in a big
3 Great June Hatches for Trout
June is perhaps the best month for trout fishing in the Eastern chunk of the United States, and that’s mostly because of some extraordinary hatches. As runoff rages across much
How To Identify Bugs on a Trout Stream
The truck door slams and the sound of the rushing water gets louder as we hike down the trail towards a favorite stream. Bugs swarm into the air when we
4 Tips to Fly Fish Midge Patterns in Winter
While anglers desperately await the arrival of spring and the hatches that serve as a welcome relief from winter, midges still dominate the late winter months. Bug life often mirrors
8 Best Winter Trout Flies for Fly Fishing Colorado
When winter sets in, it’s easy to opt for the warmth and comfort of home rather than the harsh conditions outside. The easy decision isn’t always the right one, however,
Tips for Finding Winter Trout
It doesn’t matter how many boxes filled with neatly organized flies we carry with us on the stream. Split shot, strike indicators, spare leaders, and spools of tippet are great
4 Nymphs for Late Winter Trout Fly Fishing
After months of staring at tiny midges and praying for warmer weather, anglers are ready for winter to break. At first, winter is a uniquely fun time of year to
What to Wear Fly Fishing in the Winter
Would you rather write the fishing report or read the fishing report? That’s the conundrum for so many anglers during the cold winter months. Sure, the fish are out there
Top 4 Winter Dry Flies For Fly Fishing
Winter months are often spent staring at strike indicators leading tiny nymphs in an effort to muscle up trout from the depths of icy streams. While there’s nothing wrong with
4 Tips for a More Efficient Hookset
The flies land just upstream from the feeding trout and anticipation is running high as they drift into the feeding zone. As they hit the sweet spot our indicator pauses
4 Ways To Efficiently Organize Fly Boxes
At the end of the day an angler’s vest or pack can look more like a wrecked Christmas tree than anything else. Flies are strewn about, nymphs hopelessly snarled in
4 Winter Fly Fishing Tactics to Catch More Trout
There are many anglers who consider winter to be the most enjoyable time to be out on the water. Solitude is in short supply during these cold months, and the
Catch More Pre-Spawn Browns By Fly Fishing Early Fall
Visions of beautifully-colored brown trout fill anglers’ dreams all summer. The thought of these fat, gorgeous fish attacking every fly in sight is something folks from all over the country
3 Books Every Fly Angler Should Read
It’s often noted how one of the great things about fishing is there is no true “season” to it. It’s possible to fish and catch a number of different species
Effective Dry Fly Fishing For Rising Trout: A Delicate Presentation Is The Best Presentation
A delicate presentation helps keep your fly afloat longer. After work, I can’t wait to rush out to the stream and get fishing. Often times I arrive just before dusk
Top 3 High Water Fly Fishing Trout Rigs
The anticipation of the day’s fishing mounts. A few sporadic raindrops ping the windshield, but it’s hardly noticed by the pair of anglers anxiously waiting for the desired roadside pull
4 Reasons Why You Should Absolutely Hire a Fly Fishing Guide
Fly fishing guide services can be found in all 50 states and across the globe, for good reason! It’s a fairly big commitment to spend hundreds of dollars to enlist
How To Strip-Setting for Bass and Trout With a Fly Rod
A friend of mine once traveled to Montana to fish specifically for trophy browns and rainbows. His days on the water were chosen with meticulous attention to the weather, river
Killer Tactics for Fly Fishing Hoppers this Summer
The buzz of a million hoppers coming from the roadside meadow overtakes the truck’s powering down engine. A warm breeze wipes away the single bead of sweat rolling down the
Strategies You Haven’t Considered While Fly Fishing For Trout
Fishing Streams After A Rain There are always tactics and techniques to catching fish in nearly every situation, and fly fishing high, muddy streams after a rain is no different.
Hoppers 101: Fly Fishing With Hopper Flies For Large Trout
The intense buzzing can be heard from the truck as rods are hastily rigged with giant globs of foam with spider-looking legs dangling from all directions. It’s hopper season, and
How to Prospect for Trout in Small Streams
Stepping foot into a new trout stream can be exciting, with opportunities aplenty for a day to remember! The problem is that new water means unfamiliar spots, hatches different than
What Size Fly Fishing Tippet and Leader Should You Be Using?
Of all the aspects of fly fishing that intimidate anglers, choosing the right line and knowing when to use it perhaps stands above all others. What is tippet? Tippet is
4 Tips for Fly Fishing Tricos for Trout
For bug enthusiasts, high summer can be a fairly dull time of year, with terrestrials taking center stage and mayfly activity bottoming out for the year. The seemingly never-ending drought
4 Great Flies for Low Water Trout
Low water poses an intense challenge for even the most skilled of anglers. Flows drop, rains become more infrequent, and the trout get sluggish in the tepid water that comes
7 Best Trout Flies for the Pennsylvania Backcountry
The hike is long and arduous as beaded sweat drips off the hat’s brim. After a chug of water and a deep breath, the walk continues on. The destination is
How to Fly Fish Squirmy Wormy Flies For Big Trout
In many cases, fly fishing with squirmy wormies is more effective than fishing the claimed more natural counterpart of imitating hatching insects like blue-winged olives or some nymph. Some fly
7 Common Mistakes People Make Fly Fishing For Trout
Trout fishing can be a tough business! It’s why books have been written about it, guides focus on educating anglers, and fly shops make their money on helping make folks
How to Fly Fish With Dry Flies For Trout
Dry fly fishing is an addicting aspect of trout fishing. It’s hard not to argue the visual appeal it has with the explosive takes which makes it a blast! Getting
How To Fly Fish Nymphs Using Indicators In 4 Steps
As you’re tackling the deep pools and runs in your local streams with some nymph flies, strike indicators will eventually become necessary. These are nothing more than the fly fishing
Basics To Fly Fishing For Trout In Stillwater Lakes
As a fly angler coming from Pennsylvania to Colorado and never before experiencing fly fishing a lake full of trout, it is a lot different than fishing Pennsylvania’s limestone streams.
Best 11 Soft Hackle Flies For Swinging And Nymphing Rigs
Soft hackle flies are a little known secret to a select few in the fly fishing community. But once you know exactly how to fish them and when, they become
3 Ways To Find Productive Fishing During Runoff
The first sign that summer is truly here has to do with…snow? Yes, snow! More specifically, the melting of snow in the mountains that leads to swollen rivers and streams
Places Trout Will Hide And Where To Cast
Trout hide in all kind of places that are a little obvious and sometimes surprising. Overall, there is always one rule to where they position themselves: an optimal spot that
The Breakdown On Fly Fishing Nymph Flies
Just like every other type of fly there are different types of species you should be imitating. Your fly box should have a variety of patterns imitating each species found
Tips to Improve Casting and Spend More Time Fishing
A nice brown trout gently slides out from an undercut bank to sip the ant that had just fallen into the water. It’s a foolish move on the fish’s part,
Essential Tactics And Tips For Small Stream Trout
It’s hard to not fall in love with small stream fishing while scrolling through Instagram and marveling over stunning brook trout. The idea of bow and arrow casting underneath thick
Thinking Outside The Box For Trout
The hiking pace quickens as the honey hole nears. Our hearts drop when we round the last bend of the river and the spot comes into view: there are three
Proven Tips to Identify Bugs And Catch More Fish
Trout are rising feverishly all around us as we stare hopelessly into a box of neatly organized dry flies. There have been no willing participants as our caddis, drake, and
7 Streamside Etiquette Mistakes That Are Just Common Sense
There are times when the desire to fish a certain spot first will blind the angler to everything around them. Visions of fish in the net can cloud what is
Figuring Out What’s Hatching And Flies To Use
Match the hatch is more than a phrase, it’s a rule for fly fishers to live by. Trying to discern which natural insects are present and then imitate our flies
No Brainer Tips for Solving Picky Trout
Anglers of all skill levels can relate to the helpless feeling of dealing with picky trout. As we sit there and stare holes in our fly boxes searching for answers
Awesome Tips For Nymphing Flies Under An Indicator
Nymphing without the aid of a strike indicator is all the rage in the fly fishing world, but there are plenty of times when tying on that Thingamabobber is the
Land More Fish With a Proper Hookset
The elation of watching a good fish hit the net is difficult to explain to non-fishing folks. Conversely, few things match the hurt of a tight line suddenly going limp
5 of Our Favorite Nymphing Rigs for Fly Fishing
While visions of brown trout slurping dry flies frequent our dreams, the truth is fishing subsurface flies will yield better catch rates most of the year. If anglers are serious
5 Essential Fly Fishing Tips for Being More Productive in the Winter
While winter might not seem like the best time to be standing in water in pursuit of trout, our finned friends brave the cold and are there for taking to
7 Tactics For Fly Fishing For Winter Trout
As the temperature begins to drop winter fly fishing season is approaching fast. This can be a difficult time for anglers but can also be rewarding as the crowded days
How to Mend Your Fly Line For Trout In Streams
A drag free drift is something that we all dream about. There’s just something about watching your fly drift through the water in a totally unhindered way that, like a
6 Different Strike Indicators for Nymphing
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
Nymphing with Split Shots Makes All the Difference
Adding supplemental weight to your nymphing rigs is the difference between catching fish and not. Here’s why. The whole idea about split shots and using heavier beads is not only
Fly Fishing High Muddy Water
Flooding can be a major problem for fish, not just us humans. With vast amounts of debris and sediment being pushed downstream, it can be tough for fish to discern
6 Different Ways to Dry Off Your Dry Flies
If you’ve ever been fly fishing long enough with dry flies you’ll know that they always take on water and sink after a few fish and drifts. This can be
How to do the Bow and Arrow Cast: Fly Fishing with Trees Behind You
Backcasts don’t work when you’re surrounded by shad-tons of brush and low hanging branches. And, it’s not my idea of a good day when you spend the whole time untangling
4 Simple Methods to Master the Art of Unsnagging your Fly
No one likes losing their flies to the river, but it’s a part of fly fishing whether you’re a rookie or an expert. Your natural instincts will take
4 Ways to Unsnag Your Fly
Your natural instincts will take over and tell you to try and force the snag free, but this often results in losing your entire rig and even broken rods. As
Articulated And Underestimated: Fly Fishing For Large Trout And Bass
We all know and see big nasty articulated streamers in the fly shops and online thinking would a trout really eat that thing? Isn’t it too big? In most cases
Catch-And-Release In Under 30 Seconds
I myself have been completely guilty of mishandling fish, on more than one occasion in fact. I resembled a fly fishing novice back then. Fly fishing isn't easy, fish are
Best Colorado Tailwaters and How to Fish Them
Colorado grants many anglers with the opportunity to fly fish year-round, despite the long winters and heavy snowfalls. The abundance of tailwater fisheries located all over the state provides incredible
Improve Your Streamer Game With Jigged Streamers
Have you ever been sure that there is a big brown trout hunkered down in the deepest parts of pocket water, but it’s guarded by boulders, logs, and snags? And
Weight, What? Yea it’s true, you’re not getting deep enough!
Every fly fisherman, at some point in time, needs a tactical intervention. In my case, it happened to be a depth issue. I needed to properly understand the connection between
How To Fish Meaty Flies And Articulated Streamers
Everyone loves “meat” flies. I’m no exception — I love swingin’ meat to t-rex sized fish. When I first got into streamers, I loved the idea of going after those
The Deadly Technique: How to Fish Soft Hackles
Rarely do I hear fly anglers rave about soft hackle flies. That is partially due to the lack of fishermen that use them and I bet it has to with
How to Save Your Leader: Use a Tippet Ring
Tippet rings are extremely useful but can be an extreme pain if you have clumsy fingers. For those of you who are not familiar with tippet rings, they are an
4 Simple Considerations To Spook Less Trout
Written by CASTING ACROSS Maybe grandpa told you not to talk or you’ll scare away the fish. Perhaps you watched a super artsy video on YouTube where the anglers moved in
5 Small Stream Fly Fishing Tactics
Over a decade ago, I attempted to fly fish the small stream down from my house. This stream was a challenge. It was narrow and had its fair share of
Bass Tips
Fly Fishing Divers And Popper Flies For Warm Water Bass
As the water warms up in the spring and summer, you can enjoy some of the most exciting action of the year as fish activity rises rapidly. There are few
Beginner Fly Fishing Casts You Need To Know
How to cast a fly is basic in its simplest form. This is what we are about to cover. There are, for all intents and purposes, two casts that you
Warm Water Fly Fishing In The Fall And Off-Season Months
Are you a bass fisherman who loves explosive action? How about a fly fisherman who wants to try a different experience than tempting wary out? Do you live in an
How To Catch Late Summer Bass While Fly Fishing
When the summer heat warms trout streams to unsafe temperatures, it’s time to stow the three-weight and start chasing bass on a favorite river, lake, or farm pond! Many times
3 Books Every Fly Angler Should Read
It’s often noted how one of the great things about fishing is there is no true “season” to it. It’s possible to fish and catch a number of different species
4 Reasons Why You Should Absolutely Hire a Fly Fishing Guide
Fly fishing guide services can be found in all 50 states and across the globe, for good reason! It’s a fairly big commitment to spend hundreds of dollars to enlist
How To Strip-Setting for Bass and Trout With a Fly Rod
A friend of mine once traveled to Montana to fish specifically for trophy browns and rainbows. His days on the water were chosen with meticulous attention to the weather, river
What Size Fly Fishing Tippet and Leader Should You Be Using?
Of all the aspects of fly fishing that intimidate anglers, choosing the right line and knowing when to use it perhaps stands above all others. What is tippet? Tippet is
How to Fly Fish For Bass With Popper Flies
Oh boy! When bass start to look up and patrol just below the surface it’s time for bass popper flies! Fly fishing for bass with poppers is probably one of
Best 21 Bass Flies For Summer Fly Fishing
With splashy takes and hard fights, fly fishing for bass is exhilarating and requires a different set of flies than typical trout fly patterns. While bass are not the most
Tips to Improve Casting and Spend More Time Fishing
A nice brown trout gently slides out from an undercut bank to sip the ant that had just fallen into the water. It’s a foolish move on the fish’s part,
7 Streamside Etiquette Mistakes That Are Just Common Sense
There are times when the desire to fish a certain spot first will blind the angler to everything around them. Visions of fish in the net can cloud what is
4 Tips for Bass Topwater Fly Fishing
When to Fish Topwater Bass won’t always throw themselves to the surface anytime something delicious appears in front of them. There are specific conditions they look for. Firstly, they love
Choosing the Right Color and Depth for Locating Bass
When I first started fishing for bass on the fly I tied up a handful of patterns that looked most like my favorite bass lures (or, rather, my wife did).
4 Simple Methods to Master the Art of Unsnagging your Fly
No one likes losing their flies to the river, but it’s a part of fly fishing whether you’re a rookie or an expert. Your natural instincts will take
Articulated And Underestimated: Fly Fishing For Large Trout And Bass
We all know and see big nasty articulated streamers in the fly shops and online thinking would a trout really eat that thing? Isn’t it too big? In most cases
Casting For Dummies: Fly Fishing for 150 Pound Tarpon
My first-time saltwater fly fishing was off the Mexican Gulf coast targeting tarpon in average schools of 50 or more fish between 100-150 pounds. These fish were leviathans, to say the
How To Fish Meaty Flies And Articulated Streamers
Everyone loves “meat” flies. I’m no exception — I love swingin’ meat to t-rex sized fish. When I first got into streamers, I loved the idea of going after those
Steelhead Tips
Catch More Steelhead Using Streamers
Few moments in fly fishing rival the hard thud of a steelhead striking a streamer and the ensuing chaos that ranges from cartwheeling runs to violent shakes of the head.
Catch More Steelhead in the Winter
Winter on the steelhead streams of the Great Lakes can be a spectacular experience with some truly brutal weather conditions. There’s something romantic about the idea of standing knee-deep in
Easy Tips To Improve Your Steelhead Nymphing Rigs For More Hookups
Steelhead can’t resist a well-placed nymph rig, and that’s why most fly anglers start each trip targeting fish in this manner! When fly fishing for steelhead in the Great Lakes
Beginner Fly Fishing Casts You Need To Know
How to cast a fly is basic in its simplest form. This is what we are about to cover. There are, for all intents and purposes, two casts that you
Complete Guide To Fly Fishing For Steelhead: Fly Rigs, Go-To Flies, And Gear Guide
Fly fishing for Steelhead is a different sorta thing that draws a different sorta person and takes different sorts of gear and tactics. Generally, when an angler is in the
Tips for Finding Winter Trout
It doesn’t matter how many boxes filled with neatly organized flies we carry with us on the stream. Split shot, strike indicators, spare leaders, and spools of tippet are great
3 Tips to Catch More Spring Steelhead
Most anglers associate steelhead fishing with the colors of autumn and snows of winter, but there’s great fishing to be had in spring as well! Fall rains swell tributaries of
What to Wear Fly Fishing in the Winter
Would you rather write the fishing report or read the fishing report? That’s the conundrum for so many anglers during the cold winter months. Sure, the fish are out there
When Do The Steelhead Run in Erie, Pennsylvania?
That’s always the million-dollar question, isn’t it? It’s something I’m often asked by curious anglers and prospective clients as everyone tries to time up the run perfectly. Some swear by
3 Fly Fishing Tips for Targeting Early Season Steelhead
When the leaves start to tint with orange and yellow and the breeze turns crisp, anglers become obsessed with the pursuit of steelhead. In Pennsylvania, the steelhead run peaks around
3 Books Every Fly Angler Should Read
It’s often noted how one of the great things about fishing is there is no true “season” to it. It’s possible to fish and catch a number of different species
Tips for Fly Fishing Egg Flies For Trout or Steelhead
Many associate gaudy, articulated streamers with big trout, but it’s often eggs that yield the true giants of the deep. Pound for pound, nothing has more protein in a trout’s
4 Reasons Why You Should Absolutely Hire a Fly Fishing Guide
Fly fishing guide services can be found in all 50 states and across the globe, for good reason! It’s a fairly big commitment to spend hundreds of dollars to enlist
4 Ways to Prep for Steelhead Fly Fishing Now
In the painstaking weeks leading up to the start of the steelhead run, anglers are left with little to do except stare at weather reports and wait. Unless…there was something
What Size Fly Fishing Tippet and Leader Should You Be Using?
Of all the aspects of fly fishing that intimidate anglers, choosing the right line and knowing when to use it perhaps stands above all others. What is tippet? Tippet is
Tips to Improve Casting and Spend More Time Fishing
A nice brown trout gently slides out from an undercut bank to sip the ant that had just fallen into the water. It’s a foolish move on the fish’s part,
7 Streamside Etiquette Mistakes That Are Just Common Sense
There are times when the desire to fish a certain spot first will blind the angler to everything around them. Visions of fish in the net can cloud what is
Steelhead Fever: Fly Fishing for Lake Erie Steelhead
Considering how cold the Lake Erie tributaries can get, “fever” is an interesting word to use to describe steelhead fishing. It’s an accurate description, however, as the insatiable urge to
5 Fly Fishing Gear Essentials You Absolutely Need For Steelhead
The gear, and acquisition of gear, is part of what makes fly fishing so fun. While there’s something to be said for the minimalist who takes a pocket full of
4 Simple Methods to Master the Art of Unsnagging your Fly
No one likes losing their flies to the river, but it’s a part of fly fishing whether you’re a rookie or an expert. Your natural instincts will take
Casting For Dummies: Fly Fishing for 150 Pound Tarpon
My first-time saltwater fly fishing was off the Mexican Gulf coast targeting tarpon in average schools of 50 or more fish between 100-150 pounds. These fish were leviathans, to say the
Winter Fly Fishing
3 Dry Flies for Winter Trout
While winter might not be synonymous with solid dry fly fishing, there are still plenty of opportunities to catch fish on top when the weather is cold! One of the
Four Ways to Stay Warm Fly Fishing in Winter
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
4 Lightweight Nymphs for Tandem Fly Rigs in the Winter
Winter can be an incredibly rewarding time to be out on your favorite trout stream! With fewer people sharing the water, the winter months offer up a fantastic opportunity to
Catch More Steelhead in the Winter
Winter on the steelhead streams of the Great Lakes can be a spectacular experience with some truly brutal weather conditions. There’s something romantic about the idea of standing knee-deep in
Warm Water Fly Fishing In The Fall And Off-Season Months
Are you a bass fisherman who loves explosive action? How about a fly fisherman who wants to try a different experience than tempting wary out? Do you live in an
Complete Guide To Fly Fishing For Steelhead: Fly Rigs, Go-To Flies, And Gear Guide
Fly fishing for Steelhead is a different sorta thing that draws a different sorta person and takes different sorts of gear and tactics. Generally, when an angler is in the
4 Tips to Fly Fish Midge Patterns in Winter
While anglers desperately await the arrival of spring and the hatches that serve as a welcome relief from winter, midges still dominate the late winter months. Bug life often mirrors
8 Best Winter Trout Flies for Fly Fishing Colorado
When winter sets in, it’s easy to opt for the warmth and comfort of home rather than the harsh conditions outside. The easy decision isn’t always the right one, however,
Tips for Finding Winter Trout
It doesn’t matter how many boxes filled with neatly organized flies we carry with us on the stream. Split shot, strike indicators, spare leaders, and spools of tippet are great
4 Nymphs for Late Winter Trout Fly Fishing
After months of staring at tiny midges and praying for warmer weather, anglers are ready for winter to break. At first, winter is a uniquely fun time of year to
What to Wear Fly Fishing in the Winter
Would you rather write the fishing report or read the fishing report? That’s the conundrum for so many anglers during the cold winter months. Sure, the fish are out there
Top 4 Winter Dry Flies For Fly Fishing
Winter months are often spent staring at strike indicators leading tiny nymphs in an effort to muscle up trout from the depths of icy streams. While there’s nothing wrong with
4 Fly Fishing Resolutions for 2020
The ringing in of the new year often leads to sweeping life changes for folks across the country. Whether it be a new diet or workout regimen, most resolutions focus
4 Winter Fly Fishing Tactics to Catch More Trout
There are many anglers who consider winter to be the most enjoyable time to be out on the water. Solitude is in short supply during these cold months, and the
When Do The Steelhead Run in Erie, Pennsylvania?
That’s always the million-dollar question, isn’t it? It’s something I’m often asked by curious anglers and prospective clients as everyone tries to time up the run perfectly. Some swear by
4 Ways to Prep for Steelhead Fly Fishing Now
In the painstaking weeks leading up to the start of the steelhead run, anglers are left with little to do except stare at weather reports and wait. Unless…there was something
Proven Tips to Identify Bugs And Catch More Fish
Trout are rising feverishly all around us as we stare hopelessly into a box of neatly organized dry flies. There have been no willing participants as our caddis, drake, and
5 Essential Fly Fishing Tips for Being More Productive in the Winter
While winter might not seem like the best time to be standing in water in pursuit of trout, our finned friends brave the cold and are there for taking to
Best 14 Winter Trout Flies for Fly Fishing Pennsylvania
1. Hot Head Nymph (Sizes 12-14) Something about bright orange beads sets fish off in a certain way. A few years back I was fishing on Beaver Run in Central
7 Tactics For Fly Fishing For Winter Trout
As the temperature begins to drop winter fly fishing season is approaching fast. This can be a difficult time for anglers but can also be rewarding as the crowded days
4 Common Winter Fly Fishing Questions All Fly Anglers Have
1. When is the best time to go fishing? I get this question a lot and it all has to do with your daily schedule and water temperature. [A.] Go
Winter Dry Fly Fishing: Are Dry Flies Worth it in the Winter?
If our "How to Nymph in the Winter" article was any indication of which methods of fly fishing are best for winter, then you might be thinking, dries flies simply
Frozen Finger Season: Fly Fishing in Freezing Temperatures
Standing in a river all day might sound outright ridiculous to most, but if you’ve read this far into the article, I trust you are interested in learning how to
Combat Freezing Guides and Line in the Dead of Winter
Winter fly-fishing does present its challenges and perhaps one of the most common problems is freezing guides! Not only is it frustrating to de-ice between each drift but ice is
Essential Fly Fishing Tips for Winter Trout
When winter approaches, don’t feel hesitated when heading towards your favorite trout waters. Winter fishing can be very productive, and in most cases produce great trout. This is especially true
How to Nymph in the Winter
“This might be a stupid question, but can you fly fish in the winter?” I’ve been asked this question more times than I can count and the answer is YES,
How to Fly Fish in the Winter: Top 15 Winter Trout Flies
Fly fishing in the winter can be challenging but, also, highly rewarding. Most people do not venture outside their homes so winter fly fishing keeps the crowds away, and often
Spring Fly Fishing
Mid-West Tips for Fly Fishing Rivers During Runoff
Few situations present more of a challenge for anglers than runoff in the West. Gentle mountain streams become raging torrents and lazy tailwaters become gushing, chocolate milk rivers as snow
Fly Fishing Divers And Popper Flies For Warm Water Bass
As the water warms up in the spring and summer, you can enjoy some of the most exciting action of the year as fish activity rises rapidly. There are few
How to Catch Trout on Caddis Flies
Anglers who experience their first big caddis hatch aren’t soon to forget the event. There are surely stronger hatches with bigger bugs that occur throughout the season, but few are
Top 3 High Water Nymph Rigs for Trout
Throughout much of the East, March can be a tricky time to be on the water thanks to melting snow and constant rain. The extreme cold of winter may be
Top Early Spring Hatches for Trout
While May is usually known as the best month for hatches in the Eastern U.S., March and early April can be a great time to get out and enjoy some
10 Great Multiple Fly Rig Setup Combinations For Trout With Flies You Already Have
There isn’t much that gets an angler’s heart pumping quite like a big trout hammering terrestrials right on the bank, which makes August a month to look forward to each
How to Catch Trout During Runoff
Runoff is one of the more challenging aspects of fly fishing in the West during the months of May, June, and sometimes July. Tranquil streams that were mere trickles all
4 Great Flies For Stocked Trout In The Spring Season
While everyone loves to catch wild trout, many anglers have no choice but to target stocked trout thanks to their prevalence and proximity to home. There’s nothing wrong with going
Best Spring Hatches and What Flies to Use
Spring fly fishing is punctuated by strong hatches that stir trout from their winter slumber and into a feeding frenzy. The warmth of spring stimulates bug life in a big
3 Tips to Catch More Spring Steelhead
Most anglers associate steelhead fishing with the colors of autumn and snows of winter, but there’s great fishing to be had in spring as well! Fall rains swell tributaries of
Best Early Spring Dry Flies for Big Trout
I fish many stream systems and will admit that my fishing will typically focus on small streams. This means that my dry fly fishing will target some small stream fish,
The 15 Best Trout Flies For Spring Fly Fishing That Actually Catch Fish
Spring fly fishing offers wonderful catches for fly anglers to catch trout coming out of their winter lethargicness. As the water begins to warm all sorts of aquatic insects begin
3 Ways To Find Productive Fishing During Runoff
The first sign that summer is truly here has to do with…snow? Yes, snow! More specifically, the melting of snow in the mountains that leads to swollen rivers and streams
Proven Tips to Identify Bugs And Catch More Fish
Trout are rising feverishly all around us as we stare hopelessly into a box of neatly organized dry flies. There have been no willing participants as our caddis, drake, and
Spring Fly Fishing Guide And Nearly Everything You Should Know
Spring is just around the corner with the first hatches already here. In an effort to prepare you for the upcoming season, we’ve compiled all our favorite articles that we
A Simple Guide To Spring Hatches & Trout Flies You’ll Need
Hatches across the United States from March – End of May Eastern & Mid-Western Hatches Midge (Size 16-26) Sulphurs (Size 12-16) Blue Winged Olives (Size 18-22) Quill Gordon (Size 12-14)
9 Spring Streamers You Should Consider For Trout
1. Woolly Bugger (Sizes 4-12) Woolly Buggers are extremely versatile streamers perfect for nearly every body of water and can imitate a large variety of food sources such as baitfish,
Fly Fishing High Muddy Water
Flooding can be a major problem for fish, not just us humans. With vast amounts of debris and sediment being pushed downstream, it can be tough for fish to discern
6 Different Ways to Dry Off Your Dry Flies
If you’ve ever been fly fishing long enough with dry flies you’ll know that they always take on water and sink after a few fish and drifts. This can be
Fly Fishing the Eastern Sulphur Hatch in Pennsylvania
Thousands in flight and every single trout gettin’ some action.
In my small trickle of a stream, wild brown gorge on what we call Sulphurs. An Eastern late May and early
Best 17 Trout Flies for March April and May Spring Fly Fishing
Everyone has their favorite go-to flies for spring. But, across the board there is very little variety. So, we made this list to show you some other great spring flies
5 Spring Fly Fishing Tactics and Flies
For most of us, spring means warm weather and abundant hatches. From Pennsylvania to California, you'll start to see stoneflies, dark-toned mayflies, and caddis coming off. Spring offers so much
Summer Fly Fishing
3 Ways to Beat the Summer Heat for Trout
One of the more difficult times to catch trout is during the scorching heat of summer when the fish turn lethargic and hatches shut off. Unfortunately for us, the urge
4 Summer Dry-Dropper Rigs to Catch Trout
Summer means dry-droppers for many anglers across the country, and the allure of the productivity found with nymphs paired with the action of a dry fly is the perfect combination.
How to Catch Trout in Alpine Lakes
The hikes are long, the views incredible, and the trout stunningly beautiful. It’s the scene that many fly anglers dream of, and the high alpine lakes of the Rocky Mountains
Mid-West Tips for Fly Fishing Rivers During Runoff
Few situations present more of a challenge for anglers than runoff in the West. Gentle mountain streams become raging torrents and lazy tailwaters become gushing, chocolate milk rivers as snow
Guide To Fly Fishing Stillwater for Trout
Trout fishing is typically synonymous with faster currents in streams and rivers, but lakes can be overlooked gems! Stillwater provides a unique experience and it’s a stark contrast fishing in
Fly Fishing Divers And Popper Flies For Warm Water Bass
As the water warms up in the spring and summer, you can enjoy some of the most exciting action of the year as fish activity rises rapidly. There are few
10 Great Multiple Fly Rig Setup Combinations For Trout With Flies You Already Have
There isn’t much that gets an angler’s heart pumping quite like a big trout hammering terrestrials right on the bank, which makes August a month to look forward to each
How To Catch Late Summer Bass While Fly Fishing
When the summer heat warms trout streams to unsafe temperatures, it’s time to stow the three-weight and start chasing bass on a favorite river, lake, or farm pond! Many times
How To Fly Fish Tricos For Late Summer Trout
For bug enthusiasts, high summer can be a fairly dull time of year, with terrestrials taking center stage and mayfly activity bottoming out for the year. The seemingly never-ending drought
3 Things You Need to Know Fly Fishing in Low and Clear Water
Low and clear water is incredibly intimidating to many anglers. Fish get quite spooky and spots that were once fishing great are now stagnant and difficult. Unfortunately, these are the
6 Killer Flies for Brook Trout
Chasing brook trout in little mountain streams becomes a full-fledged addiction for many. The colors are usually what draws people in first, from the blue halo to the brilliant orange
3 Hopper Tactics to Catch More Trout
It’s no secret that terrestrials are both fun to fish and incredibly effective at luring up big trout from the depths. In terms of protein, ants and beetles certainly pack
4 Tactics to Catch More Trout This Summer
Anglers wait all year to throw on wet wading sandals and spend warm days fishing for trout in summer. Layers of fleece and wool gloves are nothing but a distant
3 Great June Hatches for Trout
June is perhaps the best month for trout fishing in the Eastern chunk of the United States, and that’s mostly because of some extraordinary hatches. As runoff rages across much
11 Best Trout Flies for Early Summer Fly Fishing
When it comes to early Spring trout fishing, the forage buffet becomes troublesome to pinpoint patterns that match the hatch on your local stream. It isn’t easy to navigate the
Killer Tactics for Fly Fishing Hoppers this Summer
The buzz of a million hoppers coming from the roadside meadow overtakes the truck’s powering down engine. A warm breeze wipes away the single bead of sweat rolling down the
Hoppers 101: Fly Fishing With Hopper Flies For Large Trout
The intense buzzing can be heard from the truck as rods are hastily rigged with giant globs of foam with spider-looking legs dangling from all directions. It’s hopper season, and
4 Tips for Fly Fishing Tricos for Trout
For bug enthusiasts, high summer can be a fairly dull time of year, with terrestrials taking center stage and mayfly activity bottoming out for the year. The seemingly never-ending drought
The Complete Checklist for Fly Fishing Trout In The Summer
Determine your budget Not everyone can afford name brand fly fishing gear at the full price tag. I certainly didn’t when I started out. So you’ve got to work with
3 Tips to Find Trout When The Summer Water Warms
Nobody wants to talk about it because we just want to let the good times roll, but the truth is high summer is fast approaching. It’s true: every week the
Best 21 Bass Flies For Summer Fly Fishing
With splashy takes and hard fights, fly fishing for bass is exhilarating and requires a different set of flies than typical trout fly patterns. While bass are not the most
Top 4 Early Summer Flies That Catch Trout!
There’s a sweet spot in every fishing season. It varies from year to year, but typically it’s found somewhere between mid-May and mid-June. The air temperatures are warm but not
Proven Tips to Identify Bugs And Catch More Fish
Trout are rising feverishly all around us as we stare hopelessly into a box of neatly organized dry flies. There have been no willing participants as our caddis, drake, and
Fly Fishing High Muddy Water
Flooding can be a major problem for fish, not just us humans. With vast amounts of debris and sediment being pushed downstream, it can be tough for fish to discern
6 Different Ways to Dry Off Your Dry Flies
If you’ve ever been fly fishing long enough with dry flies you’ll know that they always take on water and sink after a few fish and drifts. This can be
Fly Fishing the Eastern Sulphur Hatch in Pennsylvania
Thousands in flight and every single trout gettin’ some action.
In my small trickle of a stream, wild brown gorge on what we call Sulphurs. An Eastern late May and early
Is August For The Hopper Dropper Rigs?
In these hot summer months, I always turn to a hopper dropper rig. I remember when I was just starting to fly fish and in the late summer months, I’d
Fall Fly Fishing
Where to Find Trout In The Fall And Into The Early Winter
There are few better ways to spend a crisp fall morning than standing knee-deep in a favorite trout stream. The leaves are in their full color display, deer are moving
Warm Water Fly Fishing In The Fall And Off-Season Months
Are you a bass fisherman who loves explosive action? How about a fly fisherman who wants to try a different experience than tempting wary out? Do you live in an
Common Tips You Should Know To Catch Fall Trout
Fall provides some of the best trout action of the year as fish everywhere feel the coming chill of winter and pack on the weight accordingly. Each season has its
4 New England Trout Flies for Fall
Fall is a welcome relief for the trout angler exhausted from the scorching heat and dry conditions of summer. There’s something special about spending the day on a favorite trout
Catch More Pre-Spawn Browns By Fly Fishing Early Fall
Visions of beautifully-colored brown trout fill anglers’ dreams all summer. The thought of these fat, gorgeous fish attacking every fly in sight is something folks from all over the country
Top 8 Flies for Fall Fly Fishing in Pennsylvania
Anglers flock to the mountains of Pennsylvania in search of quality trout fishing. The chill of winter is set to soon be upon us, but for now the gettin’ remains
Proven Tips to Identify Bugs And Catch More Fish
Trout are rising feverishly all around us as we stare hopelessly into a box of neatly organized dry flies. There have been no willing participants as our caddis, drake, and
Best 17 Trout Flies For Fall Fly Fishing
One of the only months that rivals the vast hatches of spring is the fall. With the migration of many winged-insects in autumn and the calm cooling temperatures throughout the
Four Easy Fly Fishing Lessons For Fall
Trout are spawning and steelhead are coming up to chase the salmon spawn before staging themselves. All said and done, the fall is an incredible time for fly fishing! There