The open vise night is a casual fly tying night catered to any skill level of fly tyer. Bring your own vise, tools and tye any pattern you desire. This is a communal event with an open format to share tricks and tips with each other.
Doors open at 5:30pm and will wrap up at 8:00pm. BYOB for the night, a 10% discount will be offered to anyone who joins on all fly tying material.
RSVP to info@flyandfield.com so we know how many tying spots to set up.
]]>If you are looking to learn how to tie winter steelhead flies this class is for you. This is a free tying class offered to fly and field customers, we only have 8 spots available so call the shop and book your seat. Tyers are responsible for bringing their own vice, tools, and materials. A material list will be emailed to each guest participating. We will be recording Jeremiah going through the steps on how to tie these patterns and publish them to our youtube channel for future viewing. To book your spot email info@flyandfield.com or call the shop 541.318.1616
Jeremiah Houle is the owner of Stone Fly Sales. He is a fly fishing manufacture rep for Orvis, Scientific Anglers, Loon, and Aqua Flies. Some more on Jeremiah...
Since he was 16 years old, Jeremiah has been in and around fly shops and the fly fishing industry. He has spent time managing stores, helping open a fly shop, guiding and managing an outfitter before moving into a sales representative career. His passion and time around the industry helps to ensure you get the best tools possible to grow your business and enjoy your time on the water.
]]>We are really excited for 2024 and what is to come this year. We are rolling out new programs and events to bring the fly fishing community together. Bend Oregon truly has an impressive fishing culture that is unrivaled. Below are some of the things we are getting ready for.
Our new beginners class in January sold out quickly. We still have plenty of room for our February 10th and March 9th class. Click the image below to learn more about this class.
ANADROMOUS OUTFITTERS WINTER STEELHEAD PRESENTATION
Fly and Field is hosting Will Griffiths owner of Anadromous Outfitters on February 8th here at the Bend location from 6:00pm-8:00pm. Will is presenting on how to fish the Oregon Coast for Winter Steelhead.
FLY FISHING FILM TOUR F3T PRE PARTY @ FLY AND FIELD BEND
The Fly Fishing Film Tour will be making there stop here in Bend February 15. They will be doing two showings of this years films first starting at 6:00pm and second at 9:00pm. Fly and Field will be hosting a pre-party at the Bend location at 4pm.
FLY SWAP
The 2024 fly swap will take place April 20th weekend. This is an annual Fly and Field Event where customers can sell or buy each others goods. This is a good way to clear out your fishing goods that don't have a use anymore or to find something you need at a great price. We will be doing some in store promotions for our customers during the event as well. Even if you are not in the market to sell or buy the Fly Swap is a good time to just come hang out at the shop and chat. fishing.
PINT NIGHT
We've teamed up with some of our local breweries for monthly pint nights. We will be provided a casting tournament at each location. Stay tuned for more information
The official trout opener for the Lower Deschutes, Crane Prairie, and Wickiup. This time frame can often be the best fishing of the year as these fish have not seen a fly in months. The Lower Deschutes can be lights out when the river opens. In some years the opener on the two reservoirs can vary due to access and snowpack. We will keep you posted on the possibilities of fishing these places when we get closer. This time of year books out so get our guide schedule now to secure your dates.
Every May the famous salmonfly hatch happens on the lower Deschutes. While every years tells a little different story during this hatch it is a good one to keep your eye on. In general the first salmonflies occur around May 10th in the upper part of the lower river. The hatch typically lasts until the first week of June. If you are interested in getting on our guide calendar for this world famous hatch, it is best to do so by March. We typically book up in the month of May.
Quite possibly the best multi day camp float in West, this trip is not to be missed. This trip floats your through some wild country in the high desert. The fishing down there is some of the best on the entire river. We always say there is a good excuse to book a camp any month that the river is open. May and June dates always book up so be sure to get on the calendar early. For more info on camp trips click the link below.
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Our beginners fly fishing class is back in action in 2024. We know getting into the sport of fly fishing can be a confusing and somewhat intimidating task. We are here to help with our new curriculum rolling out. This class will help untangle the challenge of how to get started in fly fishing. We guarantee this class will teach you more in a day than you could teach yourself in a year. So if you're new to fly fishing or missed some steps along the way this class is for you.
This class will begin in the fly shop. Students will get a tour around the shop to make sense of all the gear. We will go over rods/reels/lines, boots/waders, packs, tackle and flies. From there, we will start our classroom "table talk". At the table guests will learn knots, tackle, and how to set up a fly rod. We will study flies and get an understanding of entomology.
After the in store portion of class we will take an intermission and meet back up on the river. From here we will spend a little over an hour doing a casting lesson. This is often considered the most valuable portion of the class. Developing the proper casting stroke from the beginning will save you headaches down the road.
Once the casting lesson is finished we will hit the water. On the river you will learn how to wade safely, approach a river and read the water to identify where fish like to hold. During the on the water clinic portion of the class the students will get to learn different techniques for fishing a river. We will go over dry fly fishing, dry dropper, nymph, and streamer fishing for the rest of the day.
To book your spot call the shop and we can get you on the books
Topics Covered...
What’s Included…
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One essential tool that is used multiple times on every fishing trip are your nippers. The Simms Freestone Nipper is a perfect gift for a stocking stuffer. Most anglers are carrying a basic nipper with them, they wear out fast. These higher quality nippers are an injection-molded nylon with a steel blade for clean line cutting. They last forever and won't fail.
Who doesn't need a new pair of fish sock for around the office or on the river during a cold day of fishing? Fishing socks make great stocking stuffers and every angler could use an extra pair. The Simms OTC sock is the best sock out there for keeping your feet warm.
Leaders and tippet make great gifts. These are essential tackle that anglers will blow through during the fishing season. Most anglers do not carry back up leaders and tippet and running out on a fishing trip can be frustrating.
Our most popular holiday item is our Fly and Field branded gear. Our customers love to show their love for Fly and Field Outfitters by sporting our hats, shirts, and sweatshirts.
A perfect gift for the aspiring new fly tyer is the Complete Fly Tying Tool Kit from Loon. Loon tools are the best fly tying tools on the market. This complete set comes with all the tools necessary for tying flies.
For the fly tying addict in your life, they can always use upgraded tools at their fly tying bench.
The Simms Pro Nipper is that special guest that most anglers want but may not buy for themselves. Made in the U.S.A., this is the best nipper money can buy. Any angler will appreciate this special gift.
Every angler out there needs good net with a big basket and long handle. The fishpond nomad net is carbon fibre and light weight. It comes with a rubberized webbing in the netting that protects the fish that come in contact with it.
The Simms ExStream Insulated Hoody is lined with a prima loft insulation. This incredibly warm jacket is tough enough for harsh winter fishing. Plus it doubles as great wear around town jacket.
This fully submersible backpack from Patagonia will protect your gear and electronics on the water. The zipper system is smooth and easy to get in and out of. Not only is this a great backpack for fishing it is also a great travel, gym, and ski pack.
Quite possibly the best gift you could give any angler is a guided trip with a Fly and Field Guide. This can be a great way to learn local fisheries through the eyes of a pro. Our guides pride themselves on being able to make any angler better after spending time with them on the water. Base price for trips are based on 1 or 2 anglers so this can be the gift that keeps on giving by inviting someone they want to spend a day fishing with.
Still not quite sure what to get that special angler in your life? You cannot go wrong with a gift card to our store. Our gift cards do not expire and can be used in the store, online, or towards a guided fly fishing trip.
]]>The three questions to answer in any fishing situation is where are they, what are they eating, and what time are they eating it? Winter fishing can be much more simple than fishing in the warmer months. Fish will tend to pod up in slow moving deep pools. The food menu gets smaller with baetis mayflies and midges on top winter bug list. Best fishing time is during the warmest time of the day 10:00am to 4:00pm. Make sure to prepare with appropriate winter attire out there. Winter fishing can be a magical time to fish. Winter fisheries can really show off their beauty in the colder months. Here are some places to look at fishing for the next few months. Below we will highlight the best winter fishing spots along with essential flies for winter fishing.
Click here to view current fishing report
If you're looking for a short drive and high probability of catching fish, the Fall River is your ticket. The roads will be maintained all winter so snowpack will not be an issue. The Fall River is a stocked spring creek just south of SunRiver. The river is easily accessible and wading is simple.
The menu for hatches is pretty straightforward from now until the spring. The fish will be feeding on small blue wing olive, and midge patterns. Egg, worm, and general attractor patterns can oftentimes find fish too. Small streamer patterns near the log jams can get fish to chase from time to time.
Dry Flies
Nymphs
Streamers
You’re looking at about a 45 minute drive from bend the Crooked. The river will be running low this winter. The fish will be podded up in deeper slots making where to fish a lot easier to determine. The bug hatches will start around 10:00 in the morning but it is common to see fish rise to spinners first thing. This is the time of year to break out the smaller 3 and 4 weight fly rods for light trout style fly fishing.
Dry Flies
Nymphs
The middle D is open year round to fishing. This section is huge from Benham Falls all the way down to Lake Billy Chinook. The section from below Benham falls through the town of Bend is a great winter option where you will spend more time fishing then driving. This section is home to wild rainbow trout averaging 8-14 inches. There are some decent sized brown trout lurking throughout the river. Flows remain low all winter.
The section west of Redmond can offer great fishing opportunities. These sections are harder to access and require more hiking to get to the river. Wading and bank access is pretty rugged in this area which can keep the crowds out. Bigger rainbows, browns, and whitefish live down in this area. Flows run high in the winter months.
Dry Flies
Nymphs
Streamers
From Bend you're looking at about an hour and some change of drive time out to the Metolius. The “Met” is a great winter tie option with really good hatches through the season. Be prepared to nymph fish for the most part but hopefully you can be there on a day where the blue wing’s pop off. If this happens you are in for a treat if you like technical dry fly fishing. Keep in mind the Metolius is a really challenging river. A couple of fish to hand a day is a really good outing. Everything you can think of in terms of technical fishing applies here. The Metolius can at times have out-of-season bugs hatch on it. For example Golden Stoneflies have been known to hatch in the middle of winter so be prepared for anything. Fluorocarbon leaders are a must. The challenging fishery is the price to pay to fish the most beautiful trout river in the world. Bull trout will be around throughout the winter so if that is your thing throw the biggest streamer you can find.
Dry Flies
Nymphs
The lower D near the Maupin area can be a great winter fishing destination. You are looking at about a 2 hour drive from Bend to the area. The target is wild redband trout and whitefish. When fishing the right areas during the right time of day anglers can expect lots of hookups while nymphing.
Nymphs
The Middle Fork WIllamette is about a 2 hour drive from Bend. The river has an abundance of spots to fish for trout and whitefish. Keep an eye flows, anything under 2500 at the gauge in Oakridge is fishable. Oakridge has its own little microclimate of weather. Warm days can occur midwinter sparking spring hatches early in the year. The skwala hatch and march brown hatch are not to be missed and can happen as early as January.
Dry Flies
Nymphs
The Oregon Coast which is a very broad description of about 20+ rivers to check out can be a daunting task of pursuing a winter run fish. Conditions can be volatile with water levels and storms. It is best to string together two or three days of fishing to be successful. Winter run fish enter their home rivers between January through March. Nymphing or swinging are the two options for catching a fish all winter. A lot of research and planning goes into fish the Oregon Coast, give us a call at the shop and we can help stir you in the right direction.
Nymphs
Spey Flies
If you can string a few days together Pyramid Lake is a must fish lake in Northern Nevada. Out of Lake Tahoe flows the Truckee river through two states eventually dumping into Pyramid Lake. The “Mid” is home to the historic Lahontan Cutthroat Trout. The two strains of this fish are the cookie cutter summit and the behemoth pilot peak.
Fishing pyramid is really pretty simple, two options are nymphing and stripping streamers. Indicator fishing tends to be the most productive way to catch fish on the lake. Big chironomids and flashy nymphs get the job done. Stripping streamers on sink tips can be a good way to produce a giant fish. Flashy big wooly buggers and flashy beetle patterns are the ticket.
There is plenty of access along the south and west shore of the lake. Pyramid is famous for people fishing off ladders. There is a natural drop off rim around the whole lake. Sometimes the drop off can be reached from the bank, some of the areas you’ll want to wade out as far as you can and set up a ladder. It is not a bad idea to hire a guide if it is your first time out the Pyramid. Learning access and set ups around the lake can help you for future trips.
Camping is allowed on the Lake in designated areas. If you want lodging check out Crosby’s for available cabins.
Nymphs
Streamers
One of our guides tells his story about a Simms Guide Classic jacket he bought back in 2009. To this day it is still in operation despite getting throttled by many seasons in Alaska, 15 winter steelhead seasons, and multiple trips to the flats. He wished he would have known the jacket was going to last so long as he jokes “it was an ugly color when he bought it and didn’t get any better with age.”
Whether you are replacing, upgrading, or making a first time purchase on a wading jacket here are the 5 key points to weigh when shopping for a wading jacket.
As the saying goes…”there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad gear.” A wading jacket is an essential piece of equipment to help keep you fishing when the weather turns ugly. Poor quality jackets can ruin a day of fishing and even provide an element of danger if conditions are cold and wet.
Quality waterproof fabric like GORE-TEX or H2No® will keep you dry. They are the top two materials on the market that when constructed into a wading jacket will last you for years. They will also protect your body from the wind and rain. With the advances in materials they have been able to create better waterproof yet breathable fabrics that are lightweight. Make sure to take note that just because it feels lighter on the touch does not mean it is less durable.
When choosing a wading jacket, it is important to consider the brand of which it is produced. We believe that Simms and Patagonia are the top brands creating wading jackets for our customers. While there are several more competing brands out there we’re sticking with these two as they continue to create the highest quality gear.
Make sure to take into consideration that higher end wading jackets can last over a decade. You’ll really want to make sure the fit is right or you might be uncomfortable for years. Make sure the jacket fits comfortably on your arms and shoulders and that your body has good range of motion. For new anglers, note that most wading jackets are cut short in the torso to keep the jacket out of the river when wading deep. Some of the newer styles have started to get more lengthy so that they can be worn as everyday apparel.
Most wading jackets on the market are non insulated waterproof jackets. Meaning they will protect you from the elements but will not keep you warm. Choosing the right layering system underneath to stay warm is key. While getting fitted for a new jacket take into consideration what you will want to wear underneath. Bring your layers with you when trying on jackets in the shop to get the most realistic fit possible.
The number one determining factor on how much you should spend on a new jacket should be how many days a year you will fish in it. For the angler who is willing to battle the harsh cold, wet, and windy days all winter long should look for higher end jackets. The higher the price correlates to the amount and quality of material, pockets, and zippers used to make it. These jackets fetch a hefty price tag, but that is the price to pay for top of the line gear to protect you from the elements for years to come.
For the casual angler who will less frequently spend days in the cold and wet conditions a mid priced jacket should do. The mid priced jackets are a great tool for the intermediate level angler who is starting to spend more days in the elements. Lower priced jackets are a good starting point for the new angler. The jackets wont break the bank and will keep you dry for a few seasons. They are a great first time purchase but will probably be upgraded down the road.
We can’t say enough good things about GORE-Tex. The fabric has been around since the 1950’s and offers the most breathable waterproof, and windproof material on the market. There is something about the feel and comfort that can’t be beat.
Patagonia’s H2No® has been put through the gauntlet of product testers in the harshest conditions. It performs at the highest level and will be with you for the long haul.
‘Toray’ is a waterproof breathable material used in jackets with a lower price. This material will do all the same things higher priced jackets do just for not as long of a time. The life span of products made with ‘Toray’ tend to delam quicker than GORE-Tex and H2No®.
After considering material, make sure to study the bells and whistles of the jacket. Check out the pocket configuration and zippers and make sure it suits you. Internal pockets for phones, wallet, keys, and fly boxes are key. Bigger chest pockets for fly boxes and tackle are important. Check out that the cuffs on the wrists are comfortable. Study the hood of the jacket and see if you like how it sinches and integrates with a ball cap or a stocking cap.
We absolutely love the new version of the Bulkley Jacket. This is a PrimaLoft® Silver insulated jacket on the inside and 2 layered GORE-TEX outer shell. It is 100% waterproof, windproof but still breathable.
Mostly, we like how you can wear light layers underneath giving your body more mobility while fishing. The PrimaLoft® Silver inside provides plenty of warmth all winter long. We are digging the neoprene cuff system being the most comfortable cuff while casting and rowing.
This 4 layer H2No bullet proof jacket is the most durable jacket in our line up. It features two big front pockets for fly boxes and two zipper lined hand warming pockets on the chest. The hood is fully adjustable, it has vents so you don’t get overheated and it integrates to any headwear you choose.
The G3 jacket is made with 3 layers of the first GORE-TEX Pro stretch. This jacket gives your body full range of motion while on the water. The gore membrane is folded up like an accordion when manufactured. When your body moves the accordion folds expand and flatten giving you incredible range of motion. The cut of the jacket fits longer from the collar to the waist so it is suitable for everyday wear.
This timeless wading jacket has been in production for decades. The quality of materials have improved over time but the design of this jacket has remained the same. It is made with 3 layer GORE and it has been the workhorse for anglers. It has the true wading jacket cut above the waist for the anglers who like to push the limits when it comes to wading deep.
This is the best entry level jacket on the market. It is constructed with 3 layers of ‘Toray’ with ample pockets. It has a comfortable fit and can withstand the pouring rain and when the wind blows sideways. This jacket fits true to size and you will get a lot of use with it out of the gate.
]]>Fall River
The Fall River is a short spring creek that flows into the Deschutes River a few miles north of LaPine State Park. The Fall River Fish Hatchery regularly stocks the stream with rainbow trout. At first, these fish are eager to take a fly but after a while they get picky. The Fall River is naturally a nutrient-poor stream, which means that the majority of aquatic invertebrates are rather small. The fish are aware of this, on certain days a tiny size 22 is all the fish are interested in. Once these finicky fish decide to play along, they’ll fight like crazy. The Fall River is open all year long. Stop in the shop or give us a call if you’d like more information on fishing the Fall River.
Upper Deschutes River
The headwaters of the Deschutes River span from Little Lava Lake down to Crane Prairie Reservoir. This section is well known for its fly fishing. Most of the water here is small. The fish prefer to sit in deeper pools, under undercut banks, or around logs. Dry flies, nymphs, and small streamers all have potential, due to the streams’ smaller size, flies smaller than size 14 typically work the best. Redband trout, mountain whitefish, and non-native brook trout can be found here, in good numbers. All the fish in this section of the river are wild. This section of the Deschutes River is open from May 22nd - September 31st. Our walk and wade guide trips often head up to the headwaters, give us a call or stop in the shop if you’d like more information or if you’d like to book a trip with one of our guides.
Crane Prairie Reservoir
Of all of Central Oregon’s astounding rainbow trout, the “Cranebows” are definitely special. There are some incredible trout to be caught in this reservoir. Throughout most of the year, fishing with callibaetis nymphs, chironomids, and balanced leeches is productive. In the spring and early fall, there can be some lights-out callibaetis dry fly-fishing. You definitely want a boat to hunt for the amazing wild trout lurking in the reservoir. Crane Prairie is open from April 22nd - October 22nd. Our lake guides love taking guests here, there’s no better way to learn how to catch a Cranebow than learning from a pro. Give us a call or stop in the shop if you’d like information about the fishing or about booking trips.
Davis Lake
In this area, you don’t hear about bass all that often, until you start talking about Davis Lake. There are monster largemouth bass in here. Fishing from a boat is ideal but bank fishing isn’t impossible. Fishing with streamers is effective, as are poppers and other top-water tactics. This lake is fly fishing only and it’s open all year; although, in the late fall, winter, and early spring the lake is snowed in. If you’d like more information on Davis Lake, give us a call or stop by the shop. We’d be happy to help you harass some bass!
East and Paulina Lake
East and Paulina Lake are located in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. Both lakes sit in the caldera of an old volcano. East Lake is far shallower than Paulina, making it the ideal choice for fly fishing. Paulina can still be fly-fished in the shallower areas. East Lake is stocked each year with rainbow trout. Both lakes host productive populations of rainbow trout, brown trout, and kokanee. The brown trout get big up there. Trophy fish are caught every season using a variety of tactics. Nymphing with callibaetis nymphs, chironomids, and balanced leeches is typically the most productive in spring and summer. Once fall rolls around, streamers tend to entice the big fish to come out and play. Both East and Paulina Lake are open year-round; however, they are snowed in from November through April. Our lake guides love to take people fishing out on East Lake. Let us know if you’re interested in booking a lake trip with our guides or if you’re looking for more information on fishing tactics in the Newberry Caldera.
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So you've spent the whole day out on the water, and now you're wondering what's next. Nothing can compare to the peace and serenity of fly fishing; however, plenty of activities around Bend will keep you entertained until your next fishing journey. Here are some leisurely activities that'll keep you and the family occupied for the evening.
Breweries
We have a brewery for every 4,500 people in town here in Bend. We've got so many options to choose from. A few of the most popular breweries are Deschutes, Boneyard, Cascade Lakes, Crux, and Bend Brewery. Most people in Bend have still yet to visit every brewery in town.
Downtown Bend
If you're looking for shops, then Downtown Bend is where to be. There are tons of shops, galleries, and bars. Even the Tower Theater if you'd like to enjoy a play, performance, or film. A lot of the best Bend can offer found in the Downtown area.
Food Cart Lots
Bend has an impressive collection of food carts. Sometimes you can find better food at a cart than at a sit-down restaurant. The Lot, The Podski, River's Place, and On Tap are four of the significant food cart lots in town; however, there are many more.
Ice Skating
Bend has two great skating rinks to visit if you're visiting in the winter. The newest is The Pavillion, which also offers rollerblading from April through October. The Seventh Mountian Resort has a smaller circular skating rink. Check online for more information about the Pavillion and The Seventh Mountain Resort.
Golfing
Bend has some great golf courses. Widgi Creek, River's Edge, and Awbrey Glen are a few of the courses in town, but many others are in and out of town. Go out and hit the links with a few friends after a nice day of fishing.
Disc Golfing
Pine Nursery Park and The Seventh Mountain Resort sport excellent disc golf courses. Mt. Bachelor has its own Alpine disc golf course if you want to get into higher elevations. Disc golf is a great way to get out and enjoy the last few hours before sunset.
High Desert Museum
The High Desert Museum holds a special place in many Central Oregonian's hearts. Here you can take a trip back to the days of the frontier. The museum also has an impressive collection of animal exhibits. Attending a bird of prey encounter is fun and educational, and who can pass up an opportunity to watch river otters frolic.
Lava Lanes
A couple of us here at the shop love to hit the bowling alley after a day of fishing. Lava Lanes is the place to go. They've got great drinks, good food, lots of lanes, and an arcade. A legendary local bowler and fishing guide named Wyatt frequents here, try and get an autograph from him if he's around.
These are just a few of the post-fishing activities Bend has to offer. There are tons of great places for a walk and even more hiking places.
]]>Mayfly hatches are a dry fly fisherperson’s dream. A large hatch looks like a ton of mini sailboats floating gracefully on the surface of the water. Mayflies can be found in both still water and moving streams. The best mayfly hatches are often in spring and fall; however, hatches can occur at many different times of the year. Trout key into the hatches but a well-presented mayfly nymph will get attention most of the time. Most mayflies are around size 16 but some can be as small as size 22 (Baetis) or as big as a size 4 (Hexagenia). All mayflies start out as an egg in a water body. The egg then develops into a nymph, a small insect living under the surface of the water. The nymphs consume detritus, living plant material, and some predate on other aquatic insects. Mayfly nymphs go through several “molts” or instars before reaching the stage when they are ready to become adults. Once the conditions in the water and on the surface are prime, the nymphs rise up into the surface film of water. In the surface film, the mayflies shed their old nymph husk and become adult mayflies with wings. Some individuals get stuck in their nymph husk, these are called crippled mayflies. Trout love the easy meal cripples provide. Adult mayflies are unable to fly immediately, dun is the word that describes this stage of adulthood. Trout gorge themselves on vulnerable duns. The life span of an adult mayfly is short. Once the duns take off they mate and die en masse. During this stage, the mayflies are called spinners. Mayfly spinner falls offer trout another great opportunity to fatten up on mayflies.
Mayflies are very diverse. Stop in at your local fly shop to find specifics on the common mayflies in your local fisheries.
Stoneflies (Order: Plecoptera)
Stoneflies are an important food source for trout at all times of the year. In the spring and sometimes fall, stoneflies are scattered all over the bank-side vegetation. During the winter, stonefly nymphs are all over the bottom of the river and provide trout with a consistent food source. Stoneflies can be found in still and moving water. They typically live on the stones at the bottom of a waterbody; although, some live in the hyporheic zone, an area of saturated soil underneath a river or lake bed. As with mayflies, the life cycle starts with an egg. A nymph hatches out of the egg. Stonefly nymphs have several different instar (molt) stages. Detritus, living plant material, and other aquatic insects are consumed by stonefly nymphs. When water and surface conditions are ideal, stoneflies crawl onto rocks, vegetation, and other things along the streamside to metamorphosis into their adult stage. Adult stoneflies are clumsy and they often fall into the water, where they are picked off by trout. Stoneflies have a huge range of sizes, some are as small as size 20 while salmon flies can be as big as a size 2. There’s nothing quite like watching a trout smash a large stonefly on the surface.
Stonefly hatches occur at specific times on many rivers. Check-in at a local fly shop to check when the hatches will start to happen on your local river.
Caddisflies (Order: Tricoptera)
Caddisflies are an incredibly diverse group of aquatic insects. Most caddis species live in streams, there are much fewer species that have adapted for life in still water. Caddis larva are capable of creating cases that protect them from predators and harsh stream currents. Not all caddis species create cases, some spin webs to collect food, some create small shelters and others live freely in the river, like stonefly and mayfly nymphs. The life cycle of caddis starts with an egg. Larva emerge from the eggs. Larva consume detritus, living plant material, and other aquatic insects. The larva develop into pupa. Pupae drift in the current until the optimal water conditions are found for metamorphosis. Sometimes pupa will drift miles downstream until the right water conditions are found. Because of this, the pupa are easy prey for trout. Pupa rapidly transform into adults, there is only a brief moment where the adult caddisfly stays on the surface of the water. Adult caddisflies can live for multiple days but after they mate and reproduce they die. Typically caddis are around size 18-14 but some can be nearly microscopic and others can be as big as a size 8.
The huge diversity of caddisflies is overwhelming. If you need help narrowing down your flies of choice, head into a local fly shop and they’ll help you slim down your choices.
Dragon and Damsel Flies (Order: Odonata)
Dragonflies (suborder: Anisoptera) and damselflies (suborder: Zygoptera) are some of the oldest aquatic insects still living on the planet. Most insects of the order Odonata live in still water environments. Their life cycle starts with an egg that contains a nymph. Unlike other aquatic insects, Odonata nymphs are almost completely predatory. They utilize an extendable jaw to capture other aquatic insects, amphibians, and even small fish. Once mature, the nymphs crawl onto vegetation, logs, and rocks near the water body and then morph into adults. Adult Odonata are agile fliers that hunt other flying insects. Typically, anglers imitate Odonata nymphs because they are the most readily available to trout. Damselfly nymphs are very important for fishing at the Cascade Lakes. Sometimes a spent dragon or damselfly adult will get the attention of a large trout.
The tactics used to effectively imitate Odonata can be difficult to learn. If you need help learning the ropes, ask us or your local fly shop for assistance.
True Flies (Order: Diptera)
The order Diptera contains all true flies. Generally, fly fisherpeople will imitate chironomids (midges) and sometimes cranefly larva but there are many more types of aquatic true flies. The diversity of the Diptera order is mind-boggling. Aquatic and non-aquatic Diptera is one of the most prominent orders of organisms on the entire planet. For simplicity, I’ll describe the basic life cycle that most chironomids exhibit. As with all other aquatic insects, an egg is the first step. A larva emerges from the egg, which then spends time collecting and gathering organic matter to consume. The larva becomes a pupa which then elevates to the surface of the water to become an adult. Trout will typically key into chironomid larva and pupa but sometimes in the winter, the adults are also on the menu. Chironomids are generally small, as are many Diptera species, although some can be large such as craneflies. There are many different families of Diptera besides Chironomids. If you’d like to learn more about Diptera, macroinvertebrates.org is a great place to start.
There are many more orders of aquatic insects besides Ephemeroptera, Plecotera, Tricoptera, Odonata, and Diptera. Coleoptera (beetles), Hemiptera (true bugs, e.g. water skimmer and water boatman), and Lepidoptera (moths) are just a few of the other orders of aquatic insects. Of course, it is not necessary to have a degree in entomology to be a great fly fisher; however, a basic understanding of the different types of aquatic insects will prove useful out on the water.
]]>Here are a few images of what it is looking like so far:
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Crane Prairie Reservoir
Are you looking for huge rainbow trout in a fairly shallow Stillwater fishery? Look no further, Crane Prairie is the place. Chironomids, callibaetis, and other aquatic invertebrates provide the trout with plenty of nutrients to grow to monster sizes. Locally, the trout that come out of Crane Prairie have gotten the nickname “Cranebows” due to their huge sizes. Typically, indicator fishing with balanced leeches, callibaetis nymphs, and chironomids gets the job done. Retrieving damselfly nymphs and leeches can also fool fish here. Every now and then, the lucky angler finds themselves among frenzied fish rising for callibaetis duns. Crane Prairie is open from April 22nd - October 31st. During the season, our guides get to know the feeding patterns of the trout incredibly well. We’d love to take you out and show you what the Cranebows are all about.
East and Paulina Lakes
Ever fished in the caldera of a dormant volcano? East and Paulina Lake can provide the opportunity. Not only is the geology of the lakes fascinating, but there are also some truly monstrous fish in these lakes. The state record brown trout came out of Paulina Lake, and East Lake also holds trophy brown trout. Both lakes also sport good populations of rainbow trout and kokanee. Paulina lake is very deep which can me fly fishing difficult; however, it is possible to fly fish in shallow waters or you can target the depths with a sinking line or a down-rigger. East Lake is much shallower than Paulina which makes it ideal for fly fishing. Both lakes are open year-round; although, the roads up to the lakes close once the snow begins piling up. Our lake trips often head up to East Lake, let us know if you’d like us to show you the ropes!
Hosmer Lake
Do crystal clear water and sizable brook trout sound like a fun time? If yes, Hosmer Lake is the place to go. Hosmer Lake has a unique shape. The lower lake is deeper and less clear and the upper lake is shallow, cold, and clear. A channel connects the lower lake and upper lake. Many of the fish can be found in the lower lake and the channel. Callibaetis hatches make for fairly consistent dry fly action. Retrieving leeches and nymphs with an intermediate line produces fish. Indicator fishing with chironomids, nymphs, and balanced flies is the most productive technique. Hosmer Lake is a very popular location for paddling. We recommend fishing here on cooler spring and fall days if you want to dodge the crowds. Hosmer Lake is located along the Cascades Lake Highway slightly past Elk Lake. Hosmer Lake is fly fishing only and motors are not permitted. Give us a call or stop in the shop if you need advice on fishing Hosmer Lake.
Three Creek Lake
Want to go fishing in a water body situated in a high elevation hemlock forest at the base of a dormant volcano? Three Creek Lake is the perfect place. True to its name, Three Creeks Lake is formed by a dam that collects the water from three creeks. The shallow waters of Three Creek Lake hold brook trout and rainbow trout. There are good hatches of callibaetis, caddis, and midges. Subsurface fishing is mainly done with intermediate lines due to the lake's shallow nature. Dry dropper fishing is an excellent method as well. Indicator techniques are viable in a few of the deeper areas of the lake. Motors aren’t allowed here. We recommend fishing from a boat. Let us know if you have any questions about fishing at Three Creek Lake!
]]>Black spot disease is caused by a type of parasitic flatworm called trematode flukes. Uvulifer ambloplitis is the specific parasite that affects fish in the Lower Deschutes. This parasite has a complicated life cycle. It starts by infecting aquatic snails and then it transfers to trout if they consume an infected snail. Trout have an immune response to the disease which creates small black raised cysts, thus the name black spot disease. The final stage in the life cycle involves a fish-eating bird or raptor, often a belted kingfisher. After a bird or raptor consumes an infected fish, the parasite lays eggs in the bird’s digestive tract. The eggs are then deposited into the river and the cycle continues.
Over recent years, black spot disease has been more prevalent in the Lower Deschutes. It’s unclear what the cause is. A 2014 macroinvertebrate study indicated a large increase in the number of aquatic snails present in the Lower Deschutes River. This could contribute to a higher population of parasites. Some say that the increase in snails is caused by an increase in algae in the river. A study performed in northern California suggested that higher water temperatures increase the abundance of aquatic snails and fish that are infected with black spot disease. There have been no studies performed on the Deschutes River.
Without concrete science, we can only wonder what is driving the increase in black spot disease. More specific research is needed to uncover what is causing the increased amount of infected trout. The good news is there is currently no evidence that the disease is significantly affecting trout or salmon populations within the river.
References:
Greg McMillan. (2016, March 18). Deschutes River Alliance. Black Spot Disease Seen in Lower Deschutes River Fish. https://deschutesriveralliance.wordpress.com/2016/03/18/black-spot-disease-seen-in-lower-deschutes-river-fish/
Schaaf, C. J., Kelson, S. J., Nusslé, S. C., & Carlson, S. M. (2017). Black spot infection in juvenile steelhead trout increases with stream temperature in northern California. Environmental Biology of Fishes, 100(6), 733–744. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10641-017-0599-9
DATES: March 19th and March 20th, 2021- overnight stay at the ranch or nearby at Summer Lake Lodge (additional cost).
WHAT TO EXPECT:
There will be four demonstrations over the two days. The demonstrations will are hosted by shop owner and Cascade Lakes legend, Scott Cook. The lessons will last about an hour; then participants will be released to test their skills on the lakes under Fly and Field guides' supervision. Free fishing time will be your chance to speak one-on-one with guides to hone your Stillwater fishing skills.
This educational opportunity has limited spots and will fill quickly. Please click here to call and reserve your spot or click to email here.
Two Meals: We will provide two meals, grilled dinner on Saturday night and breakfast, Sunday morning. Please plan on bringing your other meals, and libations as you wish.
Lodging: If you own a camper or RV, feel free to bring it along! If you don't have a camper or RV, there is plenty of room to set up a tent.
*COVID-19 Considerations: there will be limited access to the cabin on the property (bathroom use for those without camper bathroom). There is also lodging available just 5 min away at Summer Lake Lodge (additional cost).
]]>Trout populations in the Upper Deschutes River were once phenomenal. Unfortunately, they have declined since the creation of the Wickiup Dam. Irrigation water is stored in Wickiup Reservoir during winter and is released during spring and summer. This results in 100 CFS winter flows and 1800 CFS summer flows (CFS = Cubic Feet per Second). Historically, the river rarely flooded and flows were steadily 600-700 CFS year-round. Thanks to efforts made by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the local irrigation districts, and countless other stakeholders, more water is being allocated towards winter flows. By 2026, the Upper Deschutes will have winter flows of 200 CFS, which will drastically improve conditions for trout. We are very excited to see more water in the river for our trout to enjoy.
Thankfully, trout are resilient and there are still lots of fish to be caught on the Upper Deschutes River. In fact, every year trophy brown trout are caught in the stream and there are definitely some that lurk in the waters near Sunriver. As mentioned before, the river slowly meanders through Sunriver. The fish here are spread out and there aren’t many places that the fish collect in large numbers. Logs, seams, anything that provides good fish habitat is worth throwing a cast at.
You’ll want to use mainly large flies. Streamers are definitely a favorite for searching for the bigger browns. Using streamers ensures that you’re covering lots of water and the chances a fish sees your fly is much higher. Nymphing can also be effective; however, nymphing techniques do not cover water very efficiently. It’s best to use large attractor nymphs to try and get the attention of some fish. Fishing with large terrestrial patterns can be effective during the summer months.
Your biggest advantage to fishing the Deschutes around Sunriver is patience. There are amazing fish that lurk in the waters but they are moody and smart. With enough casts, your fly will be lodged between the teeth of a big brown.
]]>Spare Base Layers
When things are wet and cold having a backup is a must. If your base layers get wet while you’re out fishing it usually results in an early departure. Having backup layers is always a great idea but having backup base layers is a must.
The Simms Lightweight Baselayer Bottom is highly recommended. HEIQ fabric naturally keeps these bottoms fresh and odor-free. The polyester fabric dries quickly, making for a perfect fishing base layer.
Simms Lightweight Baselayer Top is our favorite baselayer shirt. It has the same HEIQ technologies that keep the shirt odor-free and dry.
Gloves
You never know what may happen in the winter. That’s why having spare gloves around is a must, even if you don’t wear gloves while you fish. When car trouble or other unforeseen mishaps occur, gloves will be your best friend.
The Simms GORE-TEX INFINIUM Half Finger Mitts are our favorite gloves for fishing and other activities that require finger dexterity.
Socks
If your socks get wet, you’re toast. No other option than to pack up and head on home. Unless you’ve got extra dry socks around. Whenever you’re fishing, but especially during cold weather, pack extra socks. Your feet will thank you.
The Simms Merino Midweight Over the Calf Socks are perfect for winter fishing. Merino wool has natural moisture-wicking and odor-fighting properties.
Warm Winter Cap
Humans lose lots of heat through their heads. The quickest way to warm up is to put on a warm cap. While you’re out in the elements, it’s a luxury to be able to put something dry and toasty on your head. It can also be a life saver in extreme situations.
The Patagonia Powder Town Beanie is the warmest hat we’ve got in the store. The comfort this hat brings in the winter is unbeatable.
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Coastal
The coast has amazing opportunities for fly fishing for anadromous fish species. There’s some awesome winter steelhead fishing from January through March. Spring Chinook can be caught on the fly with the correct tackle. Late summer brings opportunities to target sea-run cutthroat trout in small streams and rivers. There are also a few rivers with summer steelhead runs. Fall and early winter is accompanied by runs of fall Chinook Salmon and a few steelhead.
Willamette Valley and Western Cascades
Similar to the coast, the Willamette Valley and Western Cascades are more well known for their anadromous fish. The winter brings great opportunities for winter run steelhead. Spring offers Chinook salmon runs. Certain rivers, like the McKenzie, have good trout fishing during the summer. Fall and early winter are great for targeting fall Chinook and summer steelhead.
High Elevation Mountains
The High Cascades and other mountain ranges across the state have amazing fishing opportunities. In the winter, most fisheries are either closed or frozen over. As soon as the ice thaws the lakes and streams in the mountains are full of hungry trout. Early summer is often just as good as the spring, if not better. By late summer, the fish are usually a bit more finicky but they're still hungry. Early fall brings a start to cool weather which begins to slow the fish down. The snow can be deep as soon as mid fall. The best fishing won’t start until the snow thaws.
Central and Eastern Oregon
Lower elevations in Central and Eastern Oregon have some of the most productive trout waters in the state. Winter typically has slower fishing than other seasons; however, there are a few rivers that have productive steelhead runs and the trout will bite on nymphs. Usually by March the fish begin to get more active. From mid spring to early summer, the fishing is very productive with surface and subsurface flies. Mid summer and late summer can bring hot temperatures to the region, which slows fishing a bit. Slightly cooler temperatures in early fall get fish back to their active feeding states. By late fall, cold temperatures slow fishing down slightly and nymphing is generally most productive.
]]>After you’ve experienced your share of our amazing fisheries, it can be great to have a relaxed day on the Cascade Lakes. Elk Lake is an excellent place to lounge and soak up the beautiful Cascade mountains. It’s also excellent if you’re looking to rent a paddleboard or a canoe for the day.
If you’re visiting in the winter and the Cascades Lakes are snowed in, go have some winter fun up at Hoodoo or Mt. Bachelor. Even if you don’t ski or snowboard it’s lots of fun to get into the snow for a day of play.
Bend has a brewery for every 4,500 people. We like our beer around here and we like to think we have some pretty good choices. Cascade Lakes Brewing, 10 Barrel Brewing, Deschutes Brewery, and Boneyard Brewing are some of our favorites but there are many more to visit while you’re in town.
Looking for a day of shopping? You won’t find much for indoor malls but we have some killer outdoor shopping centers. East cascades shopping center, The Old Mill, and Downtown Bend have some great stores and lots of restaurants to choose from.
We’ve got some amazing hiking trails in the area, too many to write about. A couple of good ones to check out are the Deschutes River trail, Shevlin Park, Green Lakes trailhead, Smith Rock State Park, and Riley Ranch Nature Preserve.
One of my favorite things to check out in the area is the High Desert Museum. It’s a great place to learn about the local flora and fauna, especially if you’ve got kids.
Still looking for something to do? Come hang out at the shop and ask for George, he loves sharing his fishing spots with as many people as he can.
]]>The first time you use a leader it is not essential to tie on tippet. Once you swap out your flies once or twice you’ll want to tie on tippet material. If you don’t use tippet material you will eat away your leader fast. Leaders aren’t cheap so buying tippet is to your advantage. Below we will discuss different kinds of tippet and when to use them.
Nylon
Nylon tippet material is strong and fairly inexpensive. It will naturally float which makes it ideal for fishing with surface flies. It can also be used for subsurface fishing; although, it reflects sunlight under the surface of the water which can spook picky fish.
Fluorocarbon
Fluorocarbon tippet is a strong material that stays nearly invisible under the water. It naturally sinks so it doesn’t work well for surface flies. Using fluorocarbon while fishing subsurface can make a big difference, especially in crystal clear waters.
Now we will talk about how much tippet is needed for different fishing tactics.
Surface Flies
Anywhere from 8 - 18 inches of tippet can work well. Adding too much tippet will negatively affect the way the leader casts. Too little tippet can cause your fly to be too close to the knot connecting the tippet to the leader, which may spook fish.
Nymphs and Wet Flies
For nymphs, 8 - 12 inches of tippet will do fine. If you’re rigging up multiple nymphs, make sure there is roughly 8 inches in between the flies. Fish get suspicious when they see two nymphs right next to each other.
Streamers
When fishing streamers it’s more common to have a sinking line or a sinking leader than a tapered leader. Tapered leaders still work; however, tapered leaders are not necessary when streamer fishing. Fish that eat streamers are aggressive, they don’t typically spend too much time investigating your fly when they eat it. A 2 - 3 ft section of tippet is all that’s needed for streamers, any more and your sinking line will be less effective at bringing your streamer down.
]]>Size and Color
For those who are just getting started with fly fishing, sometimes simple is best. Almost everyone has their fly box organized by size and color; however, more experienced anglers may know the specific species that flys imitate or the specific location that the fly will work best. Most of the time beginners do not have this information, which makes it easiest to just organize everything by size and color.
Tactic
Nowadays most fly anglers will swap between fishing with dry flies, nymphs, and streamers. Once you have enough flies it becomes inconvenient to keep every kind of fly in one box. Organizing your flies by the tactic you use to fish them is an excellent choice. Have a streamer box, a dry fly box, and a nymph box, fly boxes are designed for specific sizes of flies so keep that in mind while selecting your box. You can take this concept further by organizing your specific boxes. For example, you could organize your streamers based on how heavy they are or you could organize your nymphs based on how deep you like to fish them.
Target Species
For a multispecies angler, you should definitely consider organizing your flies based on which species of fish they work for. Fishing for pike? Grab the predator box with all the bucktail flies. Fishing for trout on a headwaters stream? Grab the small trout box with all your midges and small mayfly patterns. This can make preparing for fishing trips a breeze because you’ll never need to mix and match flies from different boxes.
Season
Certain flies work better during specific times of the year, especially if the flies are meant to imitate aquatic insects. Organizing your flies based on when they work best can be very useful. You can simply rotate through your boxes throughout the year and if you’re on a shoulder season just bring two boxes.
Location
Anglers that know their local waters well may want to have specific fly boxes for specific fisheries. This isn’t recommended for those who aren’t familiar with their local waters. This strategy can have its limitations, sometimes insects and fish are unpredictable and the fly that always used to work suddenly falls off the menu.
Insect Species
Trout anglers often favor organizing their fly boxes based on specific insect hatches. This is effective because you always know exactly what box to look for when a hatch pops off on the water. You’ll also have your emergers, cripples, and duns in one place so it’s easy to swap to something the fish are keyed into.
These are some of the common ways anglers like to organize their fly boxes, there are sure to be many other strategies. Remember that it’s important to search for a method that fits your individual preferences. It is an excellent idea to mix organizational methods so things are organized in several ways. You’ll never be sorry about spending some extra time perfecting your fly boxes.
]]>When to change flies is a much more nebulous topic. Even very experienced fly fishers will struggle to answer this question.
When fishing dries, it can be fairly obvious when to switch flies, when the fish aren’t rising to your fly, swap it out. Fish refusing your dry fly is a sign to change to a slightly different pattern, maybe try an emerger or cripple, or try a different size. If the fish are completely ignoring your dry fly then switch things up more drastically.
It can be really difficult to decide when it’s time to change flies while you’re nymphing. Typically, if the fish haven’t given my flies any attention after 10 - 20 casts in the same spot, I will change things up. Another option is to move to a different location and try some casts there. Either way after getting 15 - 20 good drifts through an area you can be fairly sure that the fish aren’t very excited by your flies. On certain rivers and certain conditions, sometimes this rule doesn’t hold true and the fish are just finicky. When you’re unsure what to do, follow your intuition.
When streamer fishing, changing flies is about confidence and conditions. When you're searching for a trophy trout with streamer tactics, you don’t want to waste your time on the water constantly tying on new flies. Pick a fly you have confidence in and pick a fly that works in the current situation. Fishing in a deep pool on a cloudy day? Tie a black weighted streamer on. Fishing a tailout during brown trout spawn? Throw a big unweighted yellow streamer. Once you have lost all confidence in your streamer choice is when you should swap it up.
As you get more experienced with fly fishing it becomes easier to decide when you need to switch flies. Certain rivers and certain species of fish have their quirks. If you’re having trouble on any of our local lakes or rivers, give us a call or stop in at the shop. We’re always available to provide you with the inside scoop.
]]>Basic knots all fisherpeople should know
Knots are often the most intimidating part of learning fly fishing. You’ll find that there are only a few knots that you’ll need to know in order to be a proficient fisherperson. Below are 6 knots that will come in handy out on the water or at home.
Loop-to-Loop Connections
It would be fair to say loop-to-loop connections aren’t even a real knot, they do not require anything but two loops on two different lines.
1st Photo: For this example, pretend the orange loop is your fly line and the blue loop is your leader.
2nd Photo: The orange loop was put through the blue loop.
3rd Photo: The tag end of the blue line (the leader) was placed through the orange loop.
4th Photo: Straighten out both loops and the connection is finished.
Perfection Loop
The perfection loop is great for making loop-to-loop connections. I tie the perfection loop the most when I need to attach a piece of tippet to a sinking line for streamer fishing.
1st Photo: A loop was made with the tag end underneath the rest of the line.
2nd Photo: Take the tag end and make another loop that passes over the first loop and ends with the tag end of the line behind the first loop.
3rd Photo: Now take the tag end and place it in between the first and second loops and keep it pinched there with your thumb and index finger. While keeping the tag end between both loops, grab the second loop and pull it through the first loop.
4th Photo: Continue to tighten the knot by pulling on the second loop. The final result should be a sturdy loop that doesn’t slip or move.
Double Surgeon’s Loop Knot
The double surgeon’s loop knot is often used for attaching backing to the fly line.
1st Photo: Double over a piece of line or backing to create a large loop.
2nd Photo: Create another loop with the doubled-over line as if you were tying a normal overhand knot.
3rd Photo: Pass the loop through the loop just like an overhand knot.
4th Photo: Instead of only once, pass through the loop 2 times.
5th Photo: Pull the primary loop tight and your knot is finished.
Triple Surgeons Knot
The triple surgeon’s knot is very useful for attaching two lines together, specifically attaching the leader to the tippet.
1st Photo: Take two separate pieces of leader material or tippet (they can be different diameters) and place them so that there is a 3-5 inch section where they overlap. In this example pretend that the orange line is the leader and the blue line is the tippet.
2nd Photo: Make a loop with both lines just like you would if you were tying an overhand knot with both lines.
3rd Photo: Pass both lines through the loop 3 times.
4th Photo: 2nd pass through.
5th Photo: Third pass through.
6th Photo: Keep tension on both sides of the knot and pull to tighten.
7th Photo: The final knot should be fairly low profile, always test the knot to make sure the connection is sound.
Clinch Knot
The clinch knot is a tried and true knot for tying on all kinds of flies.
1st Photo: Pass the line through the hook eye and then twist the line 5 - 7 times.
2nd Photo: Take the tag end of the line and pass it through the small loop right before the hook eye.
3rd Photo: This is an optional step that makes the knot slightly stronger. After completing the previous step there should be a new loop that begins at the end of the twisted portion of the line. Pass the tag end through this new loop.
4th Photo: Tighten the knot by pulling the tag end. Make sure the knot is seated well.
5th Photo: The final knot should sit directly on the hook eye.
Non-Slip Loop Knot
Non-slip loop knots are another knot used to tie on flies. It is specifically useful for tying on streamers or any fly that is supposed to move and react to the current.
1st Photo: Start by tying an overhand knot in your leader or tippet and then passing the tag end through the hook eye.
2nd Photo: Pass the tag end through the overhand knot.
3rd Photo: Twist the line 3-7 times. The amount of twists is dependent on the size of the line your using, a smaller line needs more twists.
4th Photo: Take the tag end of the line and pass it through the front side of the overhand knot.
5th Photo: After completing the previous step, a large loop spans from the twisted line to the overhand knot. Pass the tag end through this new loop.
6th Photo: Pull on the tag end to tighten the knot, make sure that it’s seated well. When tied correctly, this knot shouldn’t slip.
Nail Knot
The nail knot is likely the most difficult knot on this list, which is why I like to use a knot tool while tying it. Nail knots are perfect for attaching backing or leader material to fly lines.
1st Photo: A basic knot tool. For this example, pretend the blue line is the fly line and the orange line is backing or leader material.
2nd Photo: Place the blue line in the tip of the knot tool and hold the tag end with your thumb. Hold the orange line with your thumb and then wrap it around the tip of the nail knot tool 4-5 times.
3rd Photo: Take the tag end of the orange line and pass it underneath the wraps that you just made. This is where the knot tool is nearly essential.
4th Photo: While keeping both lines pinned under your right thumb, quickly pull the orange line so that it slips off the tip of the knot tool and immediately tightens around the blue line.
Knots can be confusing and I’m sure that my descriptions aren’t perfect. Please let us know if you need help tying any of these knots, we’d be happy to show you the ropes in person here at the shop.
]]>The first thing that goes onto a fly reel is backing, most of the time no more than 100 yards of backing is required. At fly shops, backing is inexpensive and the fly shop employees know how to put it on the right way. The backing is necessary for two reasons, the first being that it provides a lot of extra line that you may need to wrangle in the fish of a lifetime. The second reason is that backing increases the surface area of the spool on your reel. A large surface area means that the reel is able to “pick up” fly line faster.
Fly line is the second thing that goes onto a fly reel. Most of the time fly lines have a loop at the beginning and the end of the line. If your fly line has no loops then you’ll need to tie a nail knot that attaches the backing to the fly line. Another nail knot is needed to attach a small portion of monofilament (or any type of leader material) to the fly line, a loop is then tied into the leader material. If your fly line has a premade loop at both ends, tie a double surgeons loop into your backing and then attach the fly line with a loop-to-loop connection.
Attaching a leader to the fly line is the last step. All this requires is a loop at the end of both the fly line and the leader. Just make a loop-to-loop connection and you’re ready to go.
We are always happy to help spool reels with new lines, stop in the shop and we can get your new setup ready to hit the water in no time!
]]>Whitefish are totally edible. They have more bones than trout, but otherwise there is not much difference between them. An added bonus is that there is often no bag limit for whitefish. These fish taste great, especially when fried or smoked.
A lot of people think that whitefish directly compete with trout. It is true that typically, when whitefish populations are lower trout populations are higher and vice versa. However, whitefish will feed on the bottom of a river, while trout will feed on aquatic invertebrates drifting through the water column. Competition between trout and whitefish is minimal and you shouldn’t blame whitefish for poor trout populations.
Ecologically, whitefish are very important. They serve as a prey buffer between trout and their predators. If whitefish weren’t present in rivers, ospreys and eagles would only eat trout. The presence of whitefish means that trout are not the only fish on the menu for terrestrial and aquatic predators. Whitefish are also excellent indicators of the water quality in a river. Polluted rivers do not support healthy whitefish populations.
Next time there’s a whitefish at the end of your line, take a second to appreciate that you’ve hooked a native fish on a fly rod.
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