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. In this installment we visit with Dana Sturn, founder of Speypages.com, defender of the Thompson, and we relive his son’s first steelhead. Tell us something […]
B.T.S & S.B.S: Michael Rogan’s Deadly Bobber
Steve Szeliga shares a fine story and how to tie Michael Rogan’s Deadly Bobber.
Homemade Shanks with Jeff Mishler
There are many commercially made shanks available, but customizing mine by cutting the shank to the right length proved to be a huge benefit when designing winter steelhead flies that are easy to cast and effective at getting into the zone quickly.
Steelhead Fly Signatures: Hackle Tip Wings
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.
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 […]
Prichard’s Western Angler
By Sean Dahlquist I love my fly tying books. I’ve collected dozens over the years and am always seeking more. They are the first thing I reach for in my library; every so often I’ll be flipping through the pages of an old favorite for the hundredth time when, suddenly, I am struck by a […]