I went through a phase of fishing where I spent a large portion of my time only fishing surface patterns. Regardless of temperature or conditions, I had some pattern designed to skate or wake in the film on the end of my tippet. I didn’t care much about catching a fish; I was more about […]
Spey 101: Simplify
Most spey anglers start their two-hand casting and swung fly journey with one rod, one line, and a handful of flies. Sometime soon, though, if they’re hooked, that will change drastically. Multiple rods, reels, lines and more will overfill the truck bed. If we don’t have a fishing friend who takes a… Become a member […]
The Art of Seeing
For a long time, now, I’ve been thinking of a story I heard about two men who visit the Museum ofModern Art, right in the heart of Manhattan. The island of concrete where there’s not a trout streamfor hours and hours. Just a sea of humanity. The first man is someone I’ve probably seen before […]
Spey Casting With Travis Johnson:
For more, be sure to subscribe to Travis Johnson’s Everything Spey channel on Instagram. You can book a day of fishing for Trout, Summer, or Winter Steelhead with Travis. Book with him today by messaging him directly on Instagram: @All_Waters_Angling . You can lear… Become a member of Swing the Fly To read this article […]
Covering the Water
As spey anglers, we are often most focused on the cast. And why not, spey casting is an enjoyable, engaging process. Sure, it can be frustrating, but those drawn to this sport are typically energized by the challenge as well as the tactical advantage of a cast that allows for ultimate efficiency in … Become […]
The Treacle Parkin: Dressing & Recipe
“… What did they live on?” asked Alice, who always took a great interest in questions of eating and drinking. “They lived on treacle,” said the Dormouse, after thinking a minute or two.  … Become a member of Swing the Fly To read this article and receive other special member-only benefits, including the Anthology annual coffee table […]
“So, You’re Saying I Shouldn’t Use a Skagit Line On The Skagit River?”
Photo: Joe Rossano. Yes, that’s exactly what I’m saying. At least insofar as we’re talking a standard Skagit head with a floating body and a chunk of T-whatever looped to the end. “Heresy!” you say. Maybe. Maybe not. In fact, you might be better off using a full-sinking Scandi line when fishing for… Become a […]
The Huchenwaschl
Do you know what a “waschl“ is? I’ll guess not, so you get a short crash course in Bavarian dialect. Actually, there are many variations to explain and translate this word but the main concern for us is that it usually means something big. So if you meet a Bavarian fisherman and he tells you […]
Dead Wet Things
After the last snowfall, the earth cracked open under the sun’s strange heat. The mountainssighed and spilled shimmering streams to gather at their hems; the water rolling east down intothe valleys as veins to nourish and awaken the dormant earth to a new spring. The water bodiesrose; the fish retu… Become a member of Swing […]
Tent Mates
An investigation into a friendship forged through elk’s revenge.
Episode 140 – Nick Chambers and John McMillan
This week I”m joined by John McMillan and Nick Chambers of The Deep Wade podcast, that’s right, it’s a crossover. We cover their starts to fishing, the local adapdations of both steelhead and fisherman, rebuilding… Become a member of Swing the Fly To read this article and receive other special member-only benefits, including the Anthology […]
The Last Canoe
“You can’t choose your relatives – and everybody has a cross to bear. Cousin Barry is mine.”