Think of a stream or lake as a big sandwich. There is the slice of bread on top – the surface, the slice of bread on the bottom – the substrate, and the filling in between – the water column.
Bugs in Three Dimensions
Simon Gawesworth Talks Trout Spey
The final episode of season 1’s “How To” series is “How To Set Up a Trout Spey/Switch rod”. With the surge in popularity of light two-handed rods for trout fishing, more and more anglers are looking to purchase one of these light, fun and highly enjoyable fishing outfits, but find many pitfalls on the way to getting the perfect rig. In this episode RIO brand manager, Simon Gawesworth, explains how to choose the right sized Trout Spey rod based on fish size, compares a Trout Spey rod to a regular single handed rod, and goes through the various fly line options for Trout Spey rods that are on the market, and when to use each one.
This film is an invaluable tool for anyone looking at getting a two-handed Trout Spey or Switch rod, and really helps anglers dial in how to get the most perfectly balanced rig.
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Gear Review: Orvis Waterproof Sling Pack
Through the summer, Fly Fusion staff tested out the Orvis Waterproof Sling Pack and had an overwhelmingly positive experience with the gear bag. Waterproof zippers have the potential to be stiff and sticky. However, because of the system Orvis uses, the zipper is relatively smooth for a watertight system. It’s a double-layered zipper with the slider pulling together a conventional zipper the lies underneath a waterproof, rubber-like sealed zipper. To add to the functionality of the bag, the shoulder strap has a sheath-like compartment to house or clamp mitten scissors, the front of the bag has a place to attach a tippet holder, and the side of the bag contains a compartment to hold a water bottle. The team also found the bag extremely comfortable with sufficient padding on the shoulder strap and foam-like embossed back panel for ventilation. Aside from the bag’s functionality and comfort, testers also gave high grades for aesthetics. Waterproof gear often has a very plasticy look, but Orvis’s waterproof series has a sharp-looking textured finish. And most importantly, the bag keeps gear and valuables dry during an unexpected dunk or a deep wade. Check it out here.
To Know a River…And Why It Matters
It is a game of trial and error, of countless trips, exhausting hikes and fishless days. But when it finally starts to pay off, you will have developed a unique relationship with the water and its inhabitants. It will elevate the notion of “home water” to a whole new meaning. And, such intimate connection to place and time in the natural world may well be the very essence of fly fishing.
The Fly Angler’s Hierarchy of Needs
Maybe what looking deep into the fly angler’s hierarchy of needs will do though is help anglers realize they are not alone in their passions and idiosyncrasies, that they may be misguided and lost in their pursuit, but in the words of the band Blue Rodeo, “If we are lost, then we are lost together.”
Buster Midge
It may seem odd to think of midges as robust attractor patterns, but believe me it’s definitely worthwhile tying this delicate insect as an attractor. I realized this in early spring of 2010 on an afternoon when there were millions of midges hatching and drifting down a riffle and into a nice deep run. There were some big browns sipping in the slack water and I caught a few using a size18 Parachute Midge, but to my amazement most of the action was in the shallower riffle at the head of the run. I noticed not only snouts poking up, but violent splashes to large clusters of midges. I tied on a size 14 foam pattern I call the Buster Midge and cast to the head of the riffle. I watched as a snout appeared and inhaled the fly. After three or four jumps and a couple of charges I landed a 22 1/2 inch brown.
Click through for full recipe and tying instructions…
Down Under with the Beetles
Beetles are recognized as terrestrial fare for trout, certainly, but we usually think of them as dry flies. Well, fly tiers are never satisfied with the status quo, regardless of the success of status-quo flies. Beetles wet are an excellent addition to any fly fisher’s tool box.
Photo Feature: Hooking Brookies
Photo captured by Aaron Hitchins of Rockhouse Motion.
Getting to Know RIO
Check out RIO’s “Behind the Brand” video featuring their R&D production designer, Wayne Peterson, spending some time on the Teton River.
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Gear Review: Costa’s Corbina with Sunrise Silver Mirror Lenses
It’s safe to say most fly anglers consider sunglasses a necessity on a few different levels—fish spotting and protection from wayward flies. The first and likely the most important test is whether or not the frames remain comfortable over an entire day of fishing. And without a doubt this was the case with the Costa frames. They’re lightweight so they don’t create pressure points after multiple hours of use. Costa attributes their lightweight feel to the fact they manufacture their frames from an earth-friendly bio-resin. Testers give company high marks for creating an environmentally responsible product (part of their Kick Plastic initiative). Along with their comfortable all-day feel, the glasses provide superior fish-spotting capability with Costa’s new Sunrise Silver Mirror lens. The lens is ideal for low-light conditions, which makes them extremely useful for any sight-casting applications. The lens is also versatile in changing light conditions. The Silver Mirrors are available in eight different frames. Check them out here.
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