by Mike Sepelak - Tuesday, Feb 25th, 2014
Get it down. Down where the largemouths hug the bottom in their pre-spring doldrums. Down through that suspended pod of stripers as they push their way upstream to spawn. Down into the deep intercoastal holes where the specs love to congregate. Down.
But I don’t want to be chuckin’ and duckin’. No new clouser earrings today, thank you very much. No waterhauls or lead ropes draped across the boat. Give me something I can cast.
Oh, and I need some distance. I’m not asking for much.
by Aileen Lane - Monday, Feb 24th, 2014
The Dryemerger, originated by James Ferrin, is a unique pattern that has features of both an emerger and a dry fly. Its unique design utilizes the hackled portion of the fly, which floats on the surface of the water, to hold the emerger portion of the fly in consistent position just below the surface, a zone in which trout are known to readily take emerging insects. In addition to serving to suspend emerger imitation, the hacked portion of the fly will also serve as a strike indicator, allowing for better detection of subtle takes.
It is similar in function and design to a parasol emerger but may offer the advantages of increased durability and fewer tangles due to the fixed post. This concept can be extended for use in virtually any emerger pattern.
by Ben Kryzinski - Saturday, Feb 22nd, 2014
For almost the past 30 years, Orvis has held an annual event where it gathers its endorsed guides for several days of networking, instructional seminars, health and safety training, discussions on habitat protection, beer drinking and more. Hosted again this year in Missoula, Montana, the event takes April 3-5 and features a calendar chock full of get togethers, workshops, a film festival and a downtown celebration of fly fishing culture in Missoula's Caras Park. Unlike in previous years, where the event was reserved for Orvis-endorsed guides, Orvis is throwing the gates open and welcoming all guides to join in the networking, workshops and celebration.
In addition to the other scheduled happenings, Orvis' Guide Olympics are also part of the 3-day rendezvous which features events like the guide Cook Off, Casting Contest, Throw Rope Challenge and Rod Rigging Race and awards prizes to each of the winners. The aforementioned fly-fishing celebration in Caras Park is open to the public at large, and will include food peddlers and industry vendors such as Smith Optics Sunglasses, Big Sky Brewing, NRS, Scientific Anglers, Sawyer Paddles, Hog Island Boat Works, Adipose Boatworks and many more. And there will be tunes, too. According to Orvis, "performances by the popular local band 'Lil’ Smokies' promise to create a ruckus and encourage dancing."
If you're a guide and still aren't sold, Orvis offers this final bit of encouragement on their web site: "We also offer you screaming deals on gear, network like crazy and buy the beer… enough said."
by Chad Shmukler - Thursday, Feb 20th, 2014
The rising tide of dam removal continues to strengthen, as over 50 dams were removed across the country in 2013, according to information released by American Rivers. 18 different states removed dams last year, with Pennsylvania leading the list for the 11th year in a row with a dozen dams removed. Bob Irvin, president of American Rivers, noted that "the river restoration movement in our country is stronger than ever. Communities nationwide are removing outdated dams because they recognize that a healthy, free-flowing river is a tremendous asset."
Highlights of the 2013 removals include the Stearns Dam which had blocked steelhead, salmon and trout passage on Oregon's Crooked River for over 100 years, the Whittenton Dam on the Mill River in Massachusetts and the Lassiter Mill Dam on the Uwharrie River in North Carolina.
by Colin K. Breck - Wednesday, Feb 19th, 2014
With much of the country still well in the midst of what is beginning to seem like an interminable winter, cabin fever has sent many of us out to the stream on days which would typically keep us indoors in the warmth and comfort of home. Fishing on those frigid days can be frustrating at times. You're cold. The fish are lethargic. Conditions are tough. And your rod guides and tip keep icing up, causing you to have to break from fishing to clear the ice. Patience can wear thin.
Although there's nothing you can do to improve the cold temperatures, sluggish fish and lousy conditions, you can put a dent in the frustrations that come from iced up tips and guides by experimenting with one or more of the remedies below.
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