Editor’s Choice: Simms Flyweight Boots

I’ve got two primary goals when I fly fish. One is to catch fish, and the other is to catch fish in places where I’m all by myself. To achieve those goals, it’s not uncommon for me to hike long distances. When Fly Fusion HQ sent me the Simms Flyweight Boots to test out, it was kind of a “you had me at hello” type scenario. The quarter-top boots shed some noticeable weight with less material in the boot’s height, but also in construction. I tested boots in size-11 which weighed 51 ounces for the pair (which is just slightly over three pounds. The Flyweights were comfortable to hike in, and as a bonus I reduced the poundage of my checked baggage for my Rocky Mountain trip this past summer. With less material, I also found the boots to dry faster, which was also a bonus for traveling.

After wearing them over thirty days on the water thus far, here’s what I found appealing. The boots show no sign of abnormal deterioration. They’re dirty, but they’re not falling apart—no broken seams, no tattered material, no cuts, or gashes on the soles. The boots hold up, which is good because I plan to wear them beyond the testing period. With the type of fishing I did, throughout the summer and fall, I didn’t notice a trade-off. I didn’t miss the higher ancle support, and I didn’t miss the stiffness of a sturdier boot. On top of that, I’m impressed with Simms Vibram soles. On a grip scale, with studded felt being a ten and tennis sneakers being a one, I’d place Simms Vibram soles at a solid eight, which I think is quite good for a rubber sole boot. The industry has come a long way in the last few years. I waded confidently and completely upright and have the added peace of mind knowing I’m not spreading micro-organisms from stream to stream. ~ Derek Bird, Founding Editor

Scott Fly Rods’ 50th Anniversary Edition Collection

This year, the Scott Fly Rod Company proudly celebrates their 50th anniversary. “It’s been a journey filled with fun, firsts, camaraderie, and a half-century of handcrafting high-performance fly rods,” states Scott president, Jim Bartschi. “In contemplating the most fitting tribute to the anglers who fish Scott rods, the rodsmiths who craft them, and the rod designs of Harry Wilson, Larry Kenney, and myself, we picked one rod from each decade that exemplifies Scott innovation and, in some way, changed the way we fish.”

The 50th Anniversary Edition fly rods were chosen from an award-winning series of Scott rods that are even more celebrated by the anglers who fish them. For those anglers, these are never-part-with rods. Rather than simply replicating the originals, Scott has built the rod blanks to spec with a resto-mod approach to finishing them. Though instantly recognizable to Scott history buffs, these anniversary rods are finished with today’s best-in-class components and construction techniques. In celebration, the Scott Fly Rod Company offers these tribute fly rods with a heartfelt thank you to the whole Scott family.

F 703/4

When Harry Wilson founded the Scott Fly Rod Company in 1974, he built a name for himself and the brand by making some of the most coveted light-line multipiece fiberglass fly rods. At a time when the typical fly rod was a heavy, clunky 8-foot 6-weight two-piece rod, Scott’s light-line multipiece rods opened up new opportunities for anglers fishing cold, clear streams with dry flies by providing light, responsive, and smooth rods for the task. Advanced tapers and the Scott hollow internal ferrule were central to accomplishing this feat. No model exemplifies this better than the F 703/4.

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April Vokey joins ambassador team at Ross Reels, Abel Reels, and Airflo

Mayfly Outdoors, the award-winning manufacturer of high-performance fly fishing products and parent company of Abel Reels, Ross Reels, and Airflo, is excited to announce that world-renowned fly fisher, guide, author, and conservationist April Vokey has joined the Mayfly family as a brand ambassador.

Known for her work through Anchored Outdoors and years of guiding in some of the world’s most iconic fisheries, Vokey has become a respected authority in fly fishing, conservation, and education. Her ability to connect with anglers of all skill levels, coupled with her dedication to preserving rivers, has solidified her role as a leader in the industry.

“I couldn’t be more excited to join the Mayfly Outdoors family. I’ve respected Ross, Abel, and Airflo for decades, and having the chance to represent them now is both an honor and a full-circle moment,” Vokey shared. “These brands stand for more than just fly fishing—they embody a deep respect for craftsmanship, adventure, and the wild places that inspire us. I’m looking forward to working with the team, sharing new ideas, and continuing the tradition of creating products that truly connect anglers to the heart of the sport. This partnership feels like the perfect fit, and I can’t wait to see where it takes us.”

As an ambassador, Vokey will engage in a range of initiatives, including product testing, collaborating on educational content, and offering valuable insights for product innovation. She will also continue her advocacy for conservation, working alongside Mayfly to support their ongoing commitment to habitat preservation and community-driven stewardship.

“April truly embodies what our brands stand for—performance, craftsmanship, and respect for wild places we love,” said Jeff Wagner, CEO and President of Mayfly. “We’re beyond excited to have someone with her passion, expertise, and authenticity representing Ross, Abel, and Airflo. April’s influence and knowledge will be an incredible asset as we continue to innovate and honor the traditions of fly fishing for future generations.”

This collaboration marks a new chapter for Mayfly Outdoors as the company strengthens its ambassador roster and continues to develop industry-leading fly-fishing products.

Iconic fly-fishing brand joins Mayfly Outdoors

You can consider yourself truly blessed when providence favors you with the extreme good fortune to turn your life’s passion into your lifetime vocation. This has certainly been the case with Andy Renzetti. He loves to fly fish, work with his hands and create beautiful things for others to enjoy, a natural progression to building a company that is renowned for offering the best in fly tying vises, fly-tying hand tools, accessories, rod building equipment and manufacturing solutions to business.

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Iconic fly-fishing brand joins Mayfly Outdoors

The ORVIS Special Edition Four Wheel Camper

For over a year, Orvis and Four Wheel Campers have been crafting the ultimate pop-up truck camper for full-sized trucks, designed specifically to elevate fly fishing adventures. This collaboration between two iconic brands, each a leader in their respective outdoor niches, brings an unparalleled offering to the fly-fishing and camping community. Renowned for their commitment to quality and durability, both companies have poured their expertise into this camper. The official partnership, which began in 2023 under the guidance of Orvis’ Product Design and Development Director Shawn Combs and Community Leader Davis James, alongside FWC’s President Dan Welty, represents the pinnacle of innovation and tradition.

Fly fishermen have long relied on Four Wheel Campers for their angling excursions, and this new product takes that experience to the next level. Key features include a lockable rod bunker for up to six fly rods and a mud locker with waterproof storage and drain for wet gear. The camper also boasts a vertically mounted exterior L-track system for flexible gear mounting, as well as upgraded cabinetry, countertops, fabrics, and appliances to ensure comfort in all seasons. Imagine heading out to your favorite fishing spot, knowing your gear is securely stored in the rod bunker, ready for action. The mud locker ensures that your wet gear won’t create a mess, keeping your camper clean and organized. The L track system provides the flexibility to mount your essential gear on the exterior, allowing you to customize your setup according to your needs.

Inside, you’ll find comfort and convenience. The upgraded cabinetry provides a sturdy and stylish workspace. Anglers can choose between a portable induction or propane stove, a new option for FWC. High-quality fabrics and appliances have been chosen to withstand the rigors of outdoor life, ensuring you remain comfortable no matter the season. The craftsmanship and attention to detail in this camper reflect the values of both Orvis and Four Wheel Campers. Each element has been thoughtfully designed to enhance outdoor adventures, making this camper not just a vehicle, but a reliable partner in fly-fishing journeys.

As you venture into the wild, you’ll appreciate the legacy of innovation and excellence that defines this collaboration. Both Orvis and Four Wheel Campers have a long history of producing products that stand the test of time, and this camper is no exception. It’s built to be enjoyed for decades, offering a durable and dependable base for countless fishing trips. The Orvis Special Edition Four Wheel Camper is more than just a product; it’s a testament to what can be achieved when two industry leaders combine their strengths. This camper is designed to meet the needs of serious anglers, providing a perfect blend of functionality, comfort, and durability. Whether you’re a seasoned fly fisherman or just starting out, this camper will elevate your outdoor experiences, allowing you to focus on what you love most—fly fishing and enjoying the great outdoors.

St. Croix Fly Announces TECHNICA Series of Premium Fly Rods

PARK FALLS, Wis. (May 30, 2024) – If you spend enough time chasing hatches on technical trout fisheries where 5X is maximum, 6X is the norm, and 7X lives in your pack because some days that’s the difference between looks and eats, you begin to realize the deck is stacked. Persnickety fish eating micro-morsels in the film have their inherent challenges, but add in complex currents, leader-defeating winds, and impossible hook sets at distance, and having the right tool for the job becomes mission critical.

“After talking with a bunch of dedicated trout guides about the challenges of dry fly fishing with clients, a common issue emerged,” says St. Croix Fly Brand Manager, Tom Larimer. “What we heard from the Deschutes to the Delaware, is that traditional deep-flexing dry-fly rods are fine for parking lots and calm days, but when the wind ramps up and you’re trying to get a long leader to turn over, they fall short. These conversations led to a unique action specifically tuned for technical trout fishing.”

INTRODUCING TECHNICA
The new TECHNICA Series answers the call of PhD-level trout fishing. Its responsive, moderate action paired with an advanced carbon fiber matrix and exclusive MITO® Graphene technology delivers exceptional line speed, endless loop stability, and absolute accuracy.

“The best way to describe TECHNICA’s action is balanced,” says Larimer. Simply put, a softer lower-end and mid-section stores energy and produces a smooth-loading, soulful in-hand feel while helping the caster make efficient mends and protect light tippets and small flies. Higher up on the second and tip sections, the taper maintains the perfect amount of stiffness for picking up long lengths of line when recasting, sniper hook sets on long, downstream dry fly feeds, and fast tip recovery for turning over long leaders in the wind.” But there’s a deeper layer to the story of TECHNICA’s action: Functionalized MITO Graphene.

“We learned a lot about the rod-performance attributes of MITO Graphene with the three-year development of EVOS, released last year,” Larimer says. “So, when we began the job of designing TECHNICA, we knew we could bend the rules of traditional moderate-action design.”

When viewed on a deflection board, TECHNICA appears to be a very soft rod. But MITO Graphene greatly impacts how the rod casts. “The addition of functionalized graphene to our established SCVI, SCIV, and SCII carbon fiber matrix increases rod recovery by 20%,” Larimer says. “The benefit is an incredibly stable loop with maximum line speed, while the overall result is a blank that possesses all the feel, finesse, and tippet protection of a moderate-flexing rod, with the speed and power of a medium-fast action.”

A TECHNICAL LIGHT-LINE PACKAGE
Outside of refined blank performance, TECHNICA incorporates numerous design aspects inspired by the environment and demands of technical trout fishing.PAINTED FOR PRESENTATION: Baetis Back Green matte paint reduces rod glare and ensures a stealthy approach to wary trout.LIGHT + DURABLE GUIDE TRAIN: Single-foot RECOIL guides paired with CERECOIL stripper guides are ultra-light and durable, which is ideal for sliding in and out of rod vaults or boat storage.INTUITIVE GRIP DESIGN: With accuracy being critical for success in the dry-fly game, the snub-nose grip promotes a forward-hand position, helping the angler cast with increased precision.

TECHNOLOGY MEETS SOUL: While TECHNICA may be the most technologically advanced dry-fly rod on the market, the rod’s aesthetics speak to the slow, methodical approach of chasing hatches on technical trout water. The chassis is packed with new-school tech, but we couldn’t resist giving TECHNICA some old-school appointments of class.

TECHNICA TECHNOLOGY SUITE

  • Advanced materials matrix consisting of ultra-high-modulus/high-strain SCVI carbon, high-modulus SCIV carbon, and premium-quality SCII carbon
  • Mito Graphene unlocks the power of hybrid polymer materials and delivers radical hoop strength, optimized loop stability, and absolute accuracy
  • Integrated Poly Curve (IPC) mandrel tooling provides improved energy transfer, increased strength, and mega-efficient rod recovery
  • Advanced Reinforcing Technology (ART) adds a magnitude of 10X strength with virtually no increase in blank diameter or weight
  • Fortified Resin System (FRS) boosts blank strength by 33% over standard resins and curing methods
  • Reinforced Slim Profile Ferrule (SPF) design adds herculean strength with minimal added weight

FEATURES

  • RECOIL single-foot guides
  • CERECOIL stripper guides
  • Hook keeper
  • Snub-nose flor-grade cork handle
  • Uplocking, machined-aluminum reel seat with tiger maple insert
  • Aluminum rod tube with rod sock
  • 15-year transferable warranty
  • Designed and precision crafted in Park Falls, WI

MODELS

  • TE590-4 / 5-weight, 9’0”, 4-piece, moderate action / MSRP: $975
  • TE586-4 / 5-weight, 8’6”, 4-piece, moderate action / MSRP: $975
  • TE489-4 / 4-weight, 8’9”, 4-piece, moderate action / MSRP: $975
  • TE480-4 / 4-weight, 8’0”, 4-piece, moderate action / MSRP: $975
  • TE389-4 / 3-weight, 8’9”, 4-piece, moderate action / MSRP: $975
  • TE379-4 / 3-weight, 7’9”, 4-piece, moderate action / MSRP: $975

New TECHNICA Series fly rods will be available to anglers at St. Croix Fly Pro Shops and online at stcroixfly.com beginning May 31.

ABOUT ST. CROIX FLY
At the core of our brand ethos lives a simple yet fierce conviction; we exist to create dynamic fishing tools that intuitively help you evolve as a caster and angler. Our focused philosophy continually questions conventional wisdom, inspires innovation, and drives our persistent pursuit of fly rod perfection. When you own a St. Croix, it’s more than just a rod; it’s a promise. It’s 75 years of hard-earned knowledge aimed at designing and building the Best Rods on Earth, so you can be at your best in your own persistent pursuit.

Orvis Releases New Helios™

Orvis, the family-owned and operated outdoor retailer that pioneered the modern fly rod, announces its next generation of Helios rods. The new Helios is four times more accurate than its ground-breaking predecessor the Helios 3 (H3) and is 25 percent stronger and 10 percent lighter in hand. The result is an intuitive fly rod that is defining a new era in fly rod manufacturing. “Helios rods are what people think of when they think of Orvis innovation and leadership in fly fishing,” said Orvis President Simon Perkins. “We had something really special with the Helios 3, and we wanted to challenge ourselves with something better. Because the team in our Rod Shop is the best in the world, the result is revolutionary.”

Conceived and built by designers, engineers and rod builders in Manchester, Vermont, the new Helios is the most advanced fly rod in fishing and an unprecedented leap forward in the industry. The new rod displays dramatically increased hoop strength and a radical reduction in rod tip displacement when casting. The result is a rod that is able to deliver a cast that is measurably more accurate than the competition, tracking four times better than the industry-leading Helios 3. It is endorsed by Orvis’s vast network of professional guides and anglers many of whom part of the official testing process across seven countries.

“The new Helios is a reimagining of what’s possible in a fly rod and its ability to deliver the best experience for an angler. Four times more accurate than the industry-benchmark H3 is not hyperbole,” said Shawn Combs, director of fishing design and development. “We’ve built the tools to quantify what’s been measured historically in our industry through feel. This rod is where instinct and innovation meet. The result is the most accurate rod in the world. We know it when we cast it, and we see it in the data.” The Helios is available in two distinct series, Distance (D) and Finesse (F). The D-Series offers increased line speed, lifting power and stored energy and is available in a variety of sizes, from 4-weight for small stream trout to 14-weight for billfish in saltwater. The F-Series features increased sensitivity optimized for delicate presentations and tippet protection and is available in sizes ranging from 2 weight to 8 weight.

“It’s fun to think of Orvis as a start-up in the 1850s and how Charles F. Orvis wanted to give someone the tool that would introduce them to the natural world in a way that would change their life,” said Perkins. “That’s really what this new generation of Helios does. It makes any angler their best. And when you’re your best, you want to get out and live for more unforgettable moments on the water.” The Helios fly rod collection (MSRP $1098-$1198) is available online and at select independent fly shops and Orvis retail stores. To explore the Helios collection, please go to www.orvis.com/helios-fly-fishing-rods.

2023 Stimmies Awards

We are excited to officially welcome submissions to the 2023 Stimmies Awards!

Building off the current momentum of the International Fly Fishing Film Festival, the Stimmies Awards recognize top emerging and professional filmmakers and encourages creative fly-fishing films that celebrate our community.

Submit your project in one of two categories – short and feature-length film – via the our easy-to-use award submission platform –> HERE!  Entries will be accepted until May 31.

The top 10 films will be selected by an internal committee and then the top films will participate in a month long public vote, supported by a massive social and web campaign, reaching thousands of voting anglers around the world.  The winning film will take home bragging rights, $1,000, and will be considered for inclusion as an Official Selection of the 2024 International Fly Fishing Film Festival.

The Fly Fishing Show, Fly Fusion, Angling Trade and Fly Fishing Journeys announce “Consumer Choice Awards” Winners

Anglers who attended the Fly Fishing Shows across America have voted on their favorite products, and the results are in…

Fly-fishing aficionados of all ages and skill levels—from trout enthusiasts to purveyors of the saltwater flats—were given the unique opportunity to vote for their favorite products among those exhibited at the popular Fly Fishing Shows held across America this winter and spring.

Voters from 15 countries around the word cast over 17,000 votes for 183 different products in 41 categories ranging from rods and reels to waders, boots and polarized sunglasses.

The big winners included Ross Reels, which swept both the freshwater and saltwater reel categories with its “Evolution” model. Similarly, Scientific Anglers took top honors for freshwater and saltwater fly lines with the Amplitude Smooth MPX and Amplitude Smooth Grand Slam, respectively. Umpqua’s Thunder Grass hopper was the winning freshwater fly pattern, and its Danger Muffin Crab claimed top spot for saltwater fly. Fly-fishing upstart Skwala won the outerwear and wader categories, and Simms Fishing Products took top honors in nine other categories.

Here are all the winners for 2023:

Most Innovative: Simms G4 Pro Powerlock Boots

Sunglasses: Bajio Piedra.

Fly Rod (freshwater): Hardy Aydon

Fly Rod (saltwater): Thomas & Thomas Sextant

Fly Reel (freshwater): Ross Evolution FS

Fly Reel (saltwater): Ross Evolution FS

Men’s Waders: Skwala Carbon

Women’s Waders: Simms G3 Guide Stockingfoot Wader

Women’s Wading Boots: Miss Mayfly Moxie

Men’s Wading Boots: Simms G4 Pro Powerlock

Youth Product: Simms Kids Tributary Stockingfoot Wader

Accessories under $50: Simms Taco Wader Bag

Accessories $50-100: Norvise Automatic Fly Tying Bobbin

Accessories over $100: Fishpond Nomad Mid-Length Net

Artwork: Cody’s Fish Brown Trout License Plate Art

Boat (personal watercraft): Watermaster Kodiak Raft Package

Books and Maps: Joe Humphrey’s Trout Tactics (revised edition)

Chestpack/Vest: Simms Dry Creek Z Sling Pack

Eco-Friendly Product: Simms Fall Run Insulated Hoody

Entertainment/Education: “Trout and Feather” (YouTube)

Fly Box: Tacky Original River Mag Box

Fly Hooks: Tie! Jig Force Sizes #20 and #22 by Fulling Mill and Umpqua

Fly Line (freshwater): Scientific Anglers Amplitude Smooth MPX

Fly Line (saltwater): Scientific Anglers Amplitude Smooth Grand Slam

Fly Pattern (freshwater): Umpqua Thunder Grass Hopper

Fly Pattern (saltwater): Umpqua Danger Muffin Crab

Fly Rod (Two-Handed/Spey): Temple Fork Outfitters Pro III

Fly Rod (Freshwater): Hardy Aydon

Fly Rod (Saltwater): Thomas & Thomas Sextant

Fly-Tying Materials: Umpqua Jig Bombs

Fly-Tying Tools: Norvise Automatic Fly-Tying Bobbin

Fly Tying Vise: Renzetti Limited Edition Traveler

Freshwater Combo Kit: CD Fishing All Fly Ultimate Plus

Gift Items (under $100): Atollas Fly Caddy

Insurance (guide and outfitter): Cross Current Guide Liability Insurance

Leader/Tippet: Scientific Anglers

Luggage/Backpack: Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Backpack

Men’s General Apparel: Rep Your Water Merino Wool Blend Retro Camo Sun Hoody

Men’s Outerwear: Skwala Fusion 3/2 Puffy

Women’s Outerware: TWO WAY TIE: Simms G3 Guide Jacket / FISHE Steel My Heart Riffle Snap Fleece

Tenkara Rod: Tenkara Tanuki Pocket Ninja

Women’s General Apparel: Simms Solarflex Cooling Hoody

Skwala and Bushy Camo Announce Limited Collab

Skwala has challenged the boundaries of what’s possible in fly fishing apparel since their inception a year ago. Today’s announcement of a limited collab product with innovative camouflage lab Bushy Camo® signals their willingness to disrupt the fly fishing industry further than anyone imagined.

“People thought we were crazy to re-think traditional wader design,” said Kevin Sloan, Skwala’s CEO and Founder. “Wait till they see this [stuff]!” 

Bushy Camo, a plucky upstart in visual deception wearables, sees this joint venture as an opportunity to expand into a demographic and market share that their competitors have not yet tapped. According to Randy Holstein, Bushy Camo’s Chief Designer, “We don’t know much about fly fishing, but we make camouflage patterns that fool the world’s pre-eminent non-lethal snipers. I think we can trick a few fish.”

The two brands have been in development for 2 years on the first products in the collaboration with more promised later this year. The new Skwala Invisibility Suit™ is built for anglers who rely on stealthy pursuits of their favorite fish. Designed with the latest Barely-See® fabric technology from Bushy Camo, this new proprietary pattern renders trout and other species helpless, while also protecting anglers from the eyes of overzealous landowners. 

“This brand new collab project combines the very best of two worlds—amazing fabrics and design from Skwala and camo technology the world has never seen,” says Sloan. “In fact, no one has seen it, it’s so good at its job.”

The new wading suit debuts at $1,299 MSRP and is available online at SkwalaFishing.com and select Skwala retailers in North America