On this episode of The River Rambler I’m joined by Kate and Justin Crump, owners of The Lodge at 58 North. We had a great time talking about Volkswagen buses, humility and poaching, GPA requirements, clusterfucks, Alaska, salmon, deciding to … Become a member of Swing the Fly To read this article and receive other […]
Articles
The Way of Winter
While other anglers are fumbling in the parking lot with size 24 flies on 6x drop-shot rigs, the swung fly angler can tie on a single size 18 fly to a gargantuan 4x leader and still have plenty of time to sit on the bank and drink coffee before the hatch begins.
Icons: Dec Hogan
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 in the 21st century. This installment looks at Dec Hogan, an authority in spey casting instruction and one of the most revered steelhead anglers, guides and authors of our time. His 2006 book, A Passion for Steelhead, has been the portal taken by legions of anglers in learning the pursuit of sea run rainbows.
Off the Cuff: Kaptain Kanudia on the Lever
Our favorite friend from north of the border is back with some thoughts levers, fulcrums and which hand does what in spey casting.
Episode 90 – Terry Antoniuk
On this episode I’m speaking with Terry Antoniuk. We chat about growing up around the world, the importance of cultural exchange in English pubs, becoming a biologist, aquatic landscape ecology, “discovering” steelhead, rods and lines, road tripping, and one Mr. Kruk.
Hackling Spiders and Flymphs
There is no single correct way to hackle a wee fly, and there are a handful of ways to get the job done, but hackling is important to the proper construction. And some ways are better than others. Following is the most effective method of hackling I’ve found.
Episode 89 – Joey Mara
Today I’m chatting with Joseph Mara, of Waist Deep Media, and talk about the project he’s been working on “A Steelhead Story – The Legacy of Bill McMillan.” Along the way we also discus his first winter steelhead, being an older brother, the trials of dodgy internet, questionable dog behavior, and a dark TikTok hole. […]
Episode 88 – Brian Johnson
This week I’m talking with Brian Johnson, president of California Trout Unlimited and the Klamath River Renewal Corporation. We talk about growing up around the mighty cliffs of Iowa, dam removal and power companies, working togethor with tribal nations, the formation of Klamath River Renewal Corportain, beer talk, lowering your effectiveness but not your fun, […]
Bridge Wintertide Speyline: Quick Review
I’m one to fish whatever line suits the conditions I face: small flies and smaller water — scandi; big water dryline — long belly; and in winter I typically fish a skagit line with my sinktips. But I can’t honestly say I love casting a skagit line like I do a scandi or longer floating line. And enjoying my casting is something I value — we do a lot of it.
Enter the Bridge Wintertide line.
Guide Gossip #12: When Do You Go Subsurface?
As a guide or avid angler, you start to learn the river intimately and eventually figure out what works. What you are left with is “well… I know this works, but will this?” You find yourself down a long dark rabbit hole that is twisted and sometimes hilarious. The journey is what keeps me feeling connected and curious.
Icons: Mike Kinney
Mike Kinney, known as the “Godfather of Skagit” to many, is quietly and humbly one of the most respected legends of Pacific Northwest steelheading.
Episode 87 – John Larison
This week I’m speaking with John Larison, author of “Holding Lies” and most recently “Whiskey When We’re Dry.” We chat about his start as a mud puddle angler, questioning Euro-nymphing, New York waters, tequila, Ted Leeson, writing, trying to be like water, and the questioniable choice to method act in the TSA line. You can […]
