I got a chance to speak with Dave Stewart, of the Wet Fly Swing podcast. We discussed the popularity of nymphing, 2020, dories and drift boats, and the sacred art of podcasting.
Articles
Sponsor Product Highlight: Thomas & Thomas Trout Spey
If you haven’t been hiding under a rock for the past few years you probably have seen that Trout Spey has been all the rage lately. And why not? For the swung fly enthusiast its a great way to expand our season and broaden our horizons. With all that rage has come a host of […]
Skjern Å: A Real Life Fairy Tale
Like the ugly duckling from Hans Christian Andersen’s famous fairy tale, there is a hint of metaphor in my small story about a “ditch” that, after many years of mishandling, turns into a prolific and beautiful salmon river.
Cold Water Strategies
As the colder side of fall begins to settle in, occasionally an acquaintance or distant family member aware of my “fascination” with fishing will ask, “Is your fishing over for the year?” When I answer, “Nope, it’s just getting started,” I get that look of confusion. It’s an expression that seems to… Become a member […]
Respect and Responsibility: Speaking Up for the Wild Spring Chinook of the Oregon Coast
Truth is, these fish are tough, resilient and magnificent beings that do not need saving. Instead, they need respect. They are here, asking for acknowledgment and the basic conditions that allow them to live their lives. I’m certain there is no one action that will be able to give that, but, if the status quo continues, our relationship with spring chinook won’t continue.
Big Rods, Wee Flies
As Trout Spey continues to grow in popularity we encounter information outlining the applications of two-handed rods designed for trouting. This info is fairly sound, except too often we are told the lighter weight Trout Spey rods are most suitable for presenting wee soft-hackle flies, while the hea… Become a member of Swing the Fly […]
Are You a Reactionary Caster?
This is a bit of a rhetorical question, but it needs to be addressed. At some point, or in some Spey casting situations, we are all reactionary casters. The real question is are the common casting mistakes you make based on a reaction to another sequence in the Spey cast? Let’s uses an example we […]
PHP: The Dream Team of Flies
Admittedly, the effectiveness of a fly relies principally on the confidence that the fisherman has in it, but it also has to be recognized that the nearly-doubled rate of success kills any prior prejudice; the PHP flat-out works.
Scientific Anglers Spey Lite
The Spey Lite series includes both integrated and head-only versions of Scandi Skagit lines. They are available in a wide range of lightweight grain-ages (150 to 420 grains) for the new push of Trout Spey rods. The Spey Lite Scandi Head has been my go-to trout line for several years now. I pair it with […]
Exploring Summer Steelhead Fly Patterns: Idaho’s Clearwater
Many rivers and their native fish have nuanced fly preferences. Sometimes it seems to be based on available food sources or prevailing river conditions; but sometimes it just seems like the fish – or anglers – have … well … preferences: cheeseburger over hotdog. Idaho’s Clearwater tests both of thes… Become a member of Swing […]
The Wind
A reflection on life and a trip of a lifetime.
Quick Review: RB Meiser Trout Spey
A while back I purchased a Meiser 12′ 6″ 3-5 wt Trout Spey. Most are well aware of the gorgeous craftsmanship typical of RB Meiser Rods and this one is no exception. I love a beautiful fly rod, but must admit that performance is more important in my book. Well, this rod far exceeded my […]