Green Drake Buffet highlights what could be the hatch that trout look forward to the very most, the Green Drakes. In this episode we show every life stage of the Drakes, and spend our time targeting them once the hatch picks up and the dry fly action intensifies. Exceptionally large mayflies entice even the biggest of fish to the surface. We hope you enjoy!
Articles
Buffet Series Season 2 | Brookie Buffet
Brookie Buffet is the first episode of the second season of the Buffet Series. This episode features Phil Tuttle, Gilbert Rowley, and Andrew Rowley, Gilbert’s 13 year old son. Brook trout are near and dear to their hearts and weave through their life stories. This is a tale of beginnings and how the joy of fly fishing never really fades. Enjoy the visual experience!
Spring 2022 Issue Out Now!

Bully For You | Bob Covey
Bull trout have been protected in Alberta for nearly a quarter-century. Why haven’t they recovered? And more to the point: are well-intentioned anglers to blame?
Crossing Paths, Complimentary Passions | Nick Trehearne, Trevor Carruthers
Living in the East Kootenays has helped reignite a partially-forgotten passion for fly fishing. A pair of friends, targeting bull trout and west slope cutthroat on a pristine waterway in one of Canada’s trout meccas, serves as a reminder of the power of teamwork on the water.
Chrome Zone | Jason Harman
For a long time now, I have been on a quest. I’ve devoured books, podcasts and videos and if I found anyone with the slightest piscatorial predilection for mysterious, anadromous fish, I would strike up a conversation, hoping it would lead to sage sparks of wisdom.
Steel Union | Todd Penke
Wild steelhead need our help. If you put your time in offthe water, the next time you do manage to catch one, whether a summer steelhead aggressively taking a surface fly or a winter steelhead chasing an intruder swung deep, it will be the most satisfying angling experience you’ll ever have.
In Flight Meal | Danie Erasmus
Knowing when and where to imitate the different life stages of a western green drake isn’t always straight forward. But the western green drake is perhaps the most iconic mayfly in fly fishing. If you want to fool trout—particularly big trout—you need to appreciate this insect.
PLUS…
Faux Fame and Fishing| Derek Bird
Chip Shots | Jeff Wagner
Making Your Connection | Derek Olthuis
Hanging in the Balance | Brian Chan
Decoding the Chironomid | Dana Harrison
Ask the Magazine Guy | Jim McLennan
End of the Line | Howard Fischer
Cascade Muddler Variant | Félix Lamoureux
Hook: Size 7 2051 Daiichi hook (Spey hook)
Thread: Black Uni-Thread 8/0 Tail: Orange and yellow bucktail w/ a few strands of yellow Krystal flash Tag & Rib: Small silver oval tinsel Body: First half: Large silver holographic tinsel; Second half: Black Floss Throat: Brown wet-fly hackle. Wing: Black arctic fox over a few strands of black Krystal flash Hackle: Yellow hen hackle under spun orange deer body
Buffet Series Season 2 – Giveaway Launch
IT’S GIVEAWAY TIME!
We are so excited about the upcoming launch of season 2 of the Buffet Series so we’re all in on this giveaway! Entering is so easy…
Follow each of the following accounts on Instagram:
@flyfusionmag
@gilbertrowley
@phil_tuttle
@thomasandthomasflyrods
@repyourwater
@tacitcal_flyfisher
@rainysflies
Watch and then comment on the series trailer HERE!
That it! You’re in for a chance to win…. a Thomas & Thomas Zone Fly Rod, Rainy’s Fly Assortment, Fly Fusion Magazine 1 Year Subscription (5 Winners) and Rep Your Water Spring Collection Hat
Enter before Wednesday 11:59pm MST (March 16, 2022)! Winners will be announced in one week, next Thursday March 17th!
And here’s the crazy part… we are doing this same giveaway each time we release a new Buffet video (one each week for the next six weeks)! That gives you six chances to win!

Focus
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!
Read More
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!