The storied waters of the West Coast of North America, from the Skagit to the Clearwater and North Umpqua, to the famed Skeena tributaries of BC, are home to a deeply rooted tradition of chasing steelhead with a swung fly. From the fly patterns to the anglers and guides, Swing the Fly will pay tribute to this history.
“WE are the voice for the river and the fish.”
In part II of this new video series, No Fish Harmed, from Swing the Fly and Tight Line Films, we visit with our friend Mia Sheppard to learn more about fly fishing culture and conservation and “nervous energy” and how it relates to catching steelhead on a spey rod.
In this installment, we visit with Kerry Burkheimer in his shop on main Street in Washougal, WA, where he shares the meaning of “hand rolled soul,” explains how he became one of the most innovative spey rod designers in the world and why his mom slept in the trunk on fishing trips.
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.
Mike Kinney, known as the “Godfather of Skagit” to many, is quietly and humbly one of the most respected legends of Pacific Northwest steelheading.
ertainly at the same time—in Oregon, Washington, BC, and on other streams in CA—fly anglers were succeeding in catching these enigmatic fish on flies, but on the Eel, with John Benn in the forefront, the sport really found its legs…and its founding flies.
I believe people who chose to fish for steelhead with a swung fly choose more than just the species itself. It is about the connection with the river, with the community of stewards and friends, the moments of laughter and pause, the difficult chase at hand, the long days of slow fishing, and the new zest that the river life brings to you.
How can you better your odds, when the odds are against you? I always think creatively and have a positive attitude, and that seems to help with most anything. However, these helpful tips below from guides might find you thinking outside of the box.
Mossy’s Fly Shop provides two-handed expertise in the heart of Alaska
hearing your reel scream and telling yourself, “Be patient…be patient”? I have heard it as “the 10 second rule” or “wait for 3 seconds” or “wait for 1-2 feet of line pulling off your reel.”
On that day, a fisherman was born; if it has fins and swims, I want to cast a fly in its direction and see what happens.
I’ve never been able to get a handle on the value metrics we attribute to fish. Why do we consider certain salmonid species more desirable than others? Would we think that way if we hadn’t been influenced and acculturated with the prevailing notions of others?
Staying the Course with the Dry Fly Through the New Normal of Low Expectations.
