Swing the Fly

Latest articles

Spey 101

Building a basic understanding of Spey casting, including techniques, equipment, terminology, and history. All Spey 101 content is free to view for non-members. Learn and Enjoy!

Conservation

Brought to you by Patagonia logo

Passing on healthy rivers and fish populations to the next generation is a responsibility all swung fly anglers must be committed to. Keep tabs here on the latest news from our conservation partners and learn how you can help.


Fly Tying

Atlantic Salmon

  • Luck Is Never Far Away
    It's early October in eastern Canada. A misty drizzle gives the air a pregnant, mysterious quality. My guide and I carefully are driving along a…
  • Icons: Simon Gawesworth
    Icons, a web series from Swing the Fly, looks at the most influential figures in spey casting and swinging flies from North America and beyond…
  • Episode 66 – David Bishop
    https://www.spreaker.com/user/11272357/episode-066 I got the chance to speak with David Bishop this week. Listen in as we discuss fishing at two-years-old, the beauty of casting, working…
  • The Last Salmon
    I sometimes feel as if Angler #1 (Dry Fly Guy) is perched on my left shoulder and Angler #2 (Bottom Ranger) sits on my right…

Great Lakes

  • Great Lakes Run Timing
    Understanding the nuances of when and how the various species migrate on Great Lakes rivers can directly impact the quality of the fishing experience.
  • Playing in the Mud
    Rick Kustich gives us hope when the water turns muddy. Check out this article and perhaps you will have new strategies when other fly fishers…
  • Two-Handed Overhead Casting for Musky
    For a number of years before I took to the two-hander for musky, my fishing partner Nick Pionessa utilized two hand casting to effectively deliver…
  • Adding Movement to the Swung Fly
    Controlling fly speed and depth through casting angle and line manipulation typically provides the presentation enhancements that result in success.

International

Brought to you by:


Spey Casting


Trout Spey

  • Vacuuming The Blue Line
    Steven Bird revisits days of old, and the often overlooked success of swinging the small water.
  • The Dog Days of Caddis
    "What's old, is new again." Dan Gates dissects working caddis flies.
  • Alaskan Trout Spey
    Alaska-based contributor Oliver Ancans walks us through why spey may be the way for (almost) year-round fun in the 49th state.
  • The Platte River Spider
    "Life moves quickly and you never know which fishing trip will be the last with your buddy. Call them and make plans to get out…

West Coast