Articles

Hike-in Fly Fishing at its Peak

Mon May 3rd 2021
Inspiration

One of the many reasons I’m drawn to fly fishing is that success has to be earned: developing a consistently tight loop, smooth swing, or drag-free drift doesn’t happen overnight. This higher-than-normal barrier to entry is also why I am drawn to hike-in fishing. Living in BC’s lower mainland, you’re likely to experience some variation of combat fishing in virtually any fishery that’s accessible by vehicle and within an hour of Vancouver. For those without jetboats or helicopters, hiking into remote bodies of water is only a sturdy pair of hiking boots and a pack away, and can be an incredibly rewarding fishing experience.

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New & Noteworthy | Umpqua ZS2 Wader Tote

Sat May 1st 2021
Gear Guide

Of all the gear fly anglers accumulate, perhaps none take the beating that waders do. From scrambling up and down rocky banks to bushwhacking in dense cover, our waders absolutely take a pounding. Unfortunately, the wear-and-tear doesn’t end once you take them off. We’re as guilty as any of simply taking our waders off, tossing them in the back of the truck, and forgetting about them until the next trip. Thankfully, Umpqua has come out with a pretty cool wader storage and transport solution, the ZS2 Wader Tote, to help keep your waders lasting longer.

Featuring two mesh panels on the lid for drying, an integrated water bottle holder, and—our favorite feature—a full-sized 22”x16” fold-out padded standing station, the ZS2 provides ample storage as well as a comfortable place to rest your feet as you get in and out of your waders. We’ve seen other wader bags feature space for standing, but the padded station on the ZS2 takes things up a notch, and, when clipped to the body of the pack, even doubles as a place to stow rod tubes or nets. With 2,800 cubic inches of storage, along with three internal pockets, you’ll be able to carry your waders—and much more—with confidence.

$99.99 | umpqua.com

Martian Invasion | Peter Stitcher

Thu Apr 29th 2021
Fly Tying

Peter Stitcher | Ascent Fly Fishing | ascentflyfishing.com

Trout need to see your flies if they are going to eat them.  This can be a challenge with traditional fly patterns when the sun starts to sink but the bite remains hot and trout look to continue to feed throughout the night.  The Martian series of flies were hatched to help the angler hack the science of trout vision and land more and bigger fish all throughout the night.  As the sun recedes into the west each evening, so do the cone receptors within the eyes of trout that are responsible for interpreting light as different colors.  The result is that your favorite red, green, and blue fly patterns all fade to black and blend into the dark backdrop of the river.  Trout feeding at night, therefore, key into the intensity of light and contrast created by mixing light and dark colored materials in our patterns. Designed by Aquatic Biologist and Ascent Fly Fishing owner Peter Stitcher, the Martian series of flies were created to exploit the night vision of trout and inevitably draw them through the river to eat our flies.  Like a UFO parked over a Kentucky trailer park, the glow in the dark materials used in these patterns will beam unsuspecting trout out of the river and into your landing net.  So, the next time you head to your favorite fishing hole at night, put in your earbuds, turn up Thomas Dolby’s “She Blinded Me With Science” and embrace the Martian invasion!

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Orvis Details Inclusivity Efforts and Conservation Wins in 2020 Impact Statement

Thu Apr 22nd 2021
News

We are so pleased to share, on this, Earth Day 2021, the great work being done by Orvis.  This Vermont-based, family-owned outdoor retailer proves their ongoing commitment to protecting wild places, increasing equity and inclusion in fly fishing and improving canine well-being within their 2020 Impact Report.

In 2020, Orvis supported 48 non-profit organizations, raised and donated $570,000 through its 5% for Nature program and Matching Grant Fund, and taught thousands of people to fly fish for free through its virtualFly Fishing 101 program.

We encourage you to read the full report HERE.

Flies on the Barbee – Bonus Pattern #2

Wed Mar 31st 2021
Fly Tying

Mini Chubby Chernobyl

Hook: Partridge K12ST
Thread: Semperfli nano silk 12/0
Body: Semperfli 2.5 mm black foam
Wing: Semperfli dirty bug yarn
Legs: Semperfli orange barred legs
UV: Solarez Bone Dry on the whip finish

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2020 IF4 Viewer’s Choice Winner | Travels with Charlie

Fri Mar 12th 2021
IF4 Films
News

We are thrilled to announce that “Travels With Charlie” from Todd Moen is the winning film of the 2020 IF4, based on votes cast by viewers across the world. “Travels With Charlie” follows Moen and his 11-year-old son, Charlie, as the duo embarks on Charlie’s first-ever destination fly-fishing trip – to Kimsquit Bay Lodge in British Columbia, where big rivers and big fish require Spey casts and a lot of patience

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The Wanderer | IF4 Original

Fri Jan 29th 2021
IF4 Films
Videos

Our world is constantly changing, moving from one beat to the next like a massive and unceasing machine. How do we find respite from the noise? Where do we go to escape? The Wanderer, the 2021 IF4 Original, takes us to an unspoiled, natural sanctuary in the heart of the Rocky Mountain West, full of high-mountain lakes, eager fish, and endless beauty. Take a breath, relax, and enjoy the solitude.

Be sure to get your tickets to your local IF4 viewing and check out the trailers for all the IF4 Official Selections!

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Turbo Giants | In Tents Media

Wed Jan 27th 2021
IF4 Films
Videos

Have you ever tried to stop a vehicle with a fly rod? That’s about what it feels like to challenge the giant trevally of the Seychelles. Getting them to eat a fly is only half the challenge. From there, it takes every ounce of energy and guile you can muster.

Intents Media grappled with these gargantuan brutes and lived to tell the tale in their latest film, and a 2021 IF4 Official Selection, Turbo Giants.

Grab your tickets at the IF4 website, and check out trailers for the rest of the selections!

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Out There | Hooké

Thu Jan 21st 2021
IF4 Films
Videos

Next up in our 2021 IF4 Official Selections is Out There, by Hooké.

From the filmmaker: 2020 was a difficult year for everyone, and let’s hope we can all put this behind us. But as funny as it is, the past year ended up being quite memorable for Fred and the crew. You want to know why? Because fly fishing is the best remedy out there. Follow Hooké’s journey through the wild rivers of Terrace, British Columbia, the lakes and rivers of Eeyou Istchee Baie-James, and the magnificent Matapedia river in Gaspésie. They get out there in search of big pike, Atlantic salmon, steelhead, and Coho salmon. Follow Hooké on this expedition in some of the most beautiful places on earth!

Don’t forget to visit the IF4 website to check out all the trailers and buy tickets to your local virtual showing!

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