For me, nothing speaks more of steelhead fishing than a brightly colored, finely ribbed, steelhead Spey fly topped with a graceful set of hackle tip wings—a perfect example of form and function. These captivating patterns take us back to the days of Syd Glasso, whose tying would inspire untold scores of anglers to strive for perfection at the vise in an attempt to present the magnificent steelhead with something worthy.
Episode 35 – Bob Clay
I’m joined by Bob Clay of River Watch Rod’s this week. We had a great time discussing his introduction to steelhead, building a house, building rods, fishing and family, and the fun of bamboo.
Winter Spey Stays with Confluence Outfitters
A few great opportunities to get out this winter from STF sponsor Confluence Outfitters!
NEW Book! Essential Flies for the Great Lakes Region
Working with professional photographer Jimmy Chang, Darkes goes beyond that to compile in this book the first ever collection of GL patterns (steelhead, salmon, brown trout, musky) by contemporary tiers of the region. Over 600 patterns and recipes cover the historically important patterns from well-known tiers such as Schweibert and George Griffith and Swisher and Richards as well as flies that are on the cutting edge from tiers such as Kevin Feenstra, Walt Grau, Jon Kluesing, Rick Kustich, Jeff Liskay, Dave Pinczkowski, Ray Schmidt, Greg Senyo, and Matt Supinski.
NEW Rule Changes for the Olympic Peninsula
The Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife just announced rule changes for 2021 for the rivers of the Olympic Peninsula. Most notably, the major rivers will close earlier (April 1) than previously, and there will be no fishing from a boat. The truth is these rule changes likely affect swung fly anglers the least. (We […]
Episode 34 – James Millard
This week I’m joined by James Millard to about OPST, how he started fishing, knee replacements, the difficulties of fishing and filming, and the powerful potential of fly fishing on TikTok.
Swinging Through COVID-19
The run slipped through last March without too much resistance. And the prospect of us being waist deep, swinging this year in a sideways OP rain or maybe a deep coastal Oregon mist: Well, it is the stuff of both dreams and longing and frustration.
Winter on the Coast: Upcoming Options for Winter Steelhead on Washington’s Coastal Rivers
In an online meeting on Tuesday evening, Washington anglers heard updates from state fishery managers on projected wild winter steelhead run numbers and potential regulatory options for the upcoming winter angling season on Washington’s coastal rivers. Broadly speaking, the news continues to be grim. Years of population declines, exacerbated by recent downturns in ocean productivity […]
Episode 33 – Dave Stewart
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.
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.
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 […]
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 […]