Articles
Decoding the Chironomid – Bonus Patterns
If you were lucky enough to have lot of days under your wading belt last season, inevitably, supplies will be running low; it’s time to refill the fly boxes. Surely you’ll want to restock the prince nymphs and the hare’s ears. The Copper Johns and pheasant tails will probably need replenishing. And don’t deny that you left a few stimulators, Adams and elk hair caddis streamside. But what about that fly you kept hearing about last season? That tiny thing the older gentleman across the lake was landing fish after fish on? That pattern that seemed somewhat enigmatic in style and apparently limitless in variation, size and colour? That hard-to-pronounce thing that you told yourself you’d get acquainted with next season?
Make sure to check out Dana Harrison’s Decoding the Chironomid in the Spring issue and then add these two patterns to your fly box!
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The Winter Collection | Rainbow Buffet
Fly fishing lakes is a great way to catch some of your biggest fish each season. Phil & Gilbert were fortunate to meet up with good friends, Jace Adams and Shaye Jackson who showed them a special gem of a lake in Southern Utah. Southern Utah is known for it’s red rocks and desert, but there just happens to be some rainbows down there that should also be calling for attention.
The Winter Collection | Belize Buffet
Belize reveals it’s amazing tarpon and permit fishery!
Phil and Gilbert had one of the most outstanding saltwater fly fishing adventures with El Pescador Lodge based in Belize. Each day they target tarpon, and each day they jump and land multiples. Presented with many shots at feeding permit each day, and a handful of other flats species – this fishery did not disappoint!
The Winter Collection | Chrome Buffet
Winter steelhead are super large, aggressive fish that are truly in a class of their own! They can reach lengths over 40 inches, and some of these fish are in the 20 lbs range. The rain forest of the Olympic Peninsula is home to many rivers that feed right into the ocean. When these winter fish leave the salt and return to freshwater they are in their prime. Pure muscle that is chromed out in all it’s glory!
Phil and Gilbert have been chasing steelhead for nearly a decade. However, neither had experienced fresh chrome fish within a few miles of the ocean. This is a different ballgame! With the help of Captain Keith Allison of Chrome Chasers, they were blessed to find some winter steel that only dreams are made of!
The Ties That Bind
The wind whistles quietly, hinting at the onset of winter across the Blue Ridge Peaks, the sycamores reflecting over the freshwater creeks and river systems as they wrap gently through the barren hills. A “gold mine” they say, home to the “fish of a thousand casts.” To those familiar with musky, these conditions signal the onset of the season’s most productive and rewarding pursuits when it comes to pursuing musky.
The Winter Collection | Bully Buffet
Hands down one of the most magical fly fishing excursions! Bull trout are some of the most amazing predators on this planet. Their voraciousness and willingness to eat giant streamers puts them in an elite group of freshwater predators.
The Winter Collection | Baja Buffet
Roosterfish have to be the coolest predator fish on the planet with a reputation of being one of the toughest species to land on a fly rod! In this episode of the Buffet Series you will see more displays of ferocity than you can count! Phil and Gilbert have the time of their lives as they hook into some of the most amazing fish either of them have ever caught!
The Winter Collection | Desert Buffet
In the heat of the desert there’s more to be found than scorpions and rattlesnakes. Experience bass fly fishing and underwater action for HUGE bluegill where the water meets the burning sand!
When you think of chasing bass, fly fishing isn’t usually the first thing that comes to mind. However, Phil and Gilbert were able to implement subsurface tactics that made for some extremely fast fishing! Relax and warm up to the summertime vibes emitted from this film and get outside soon to find some bass for yourself!
The Winter Collection | Xcalak Salty Buffet
Xcalak is a small secluded fishing village located near the Mexico/Belize border. Surrounded by flats that are full of bonefish, permit, snook, jacks, barracuda, and many other species, Xcalak is the perfect place for a saltwater fly fishing destination trip. Phil & Gilbert made the most of their time while there, from sun up to sun down they were on the water looking for anything that would eat a fly. Assisted by friend Alex Beck, local guide Alejandro and his son Thomas, they not only found many willing fish, but also some world-class size bonefish that are rumored not to exist on Mexico’s flats. Minds were truly blown with this experience!