McKenzie River Fishing Guides and Rafting Tours, with support from the Lane County Cultural Coalition, are pleased to offer a 3-part workshop series on fly fishing and the heritage of the McKenzie River.
Workshops are Saturdays in April from 10 AM to 12 noon.
April 4th at McKenzie Rescue Training Center (42870 McKenzie Highway, Leaburg)
April 11th at McKenzie Rescue Training Center (42870 McKenzie Highway, Leaburg)
April 18th at locations on the river (TBD with your instructor-guide)
Register for your place in the workshop by completing this form. You will be able to select fee type. Upon completion of registration you will receive an automated email with payment information. We will send confirmation of payment once received. Unfortunately we cannot offer refunds for cancellations. Please be reasonably sure you can attend all three sessions, as there are no “make up” options.
Fee for the entire workshop (includes all 3 sessions):
Adult: $60
Senior/Youth: $35
Call Audrey at 425-420-3534 if you would rather register and make payment over the phone.
There few flies that are developed as general attractor patterns, but happen to really work for a very specific hatch. One of those patterns is Howard Croston’s Full Metal Jacket from our friends over at Fulling Mill for use fishing our spring March Brown hatch. The flies produced by Fulling Mill have an astounding level of consistency, which for this particular hatch is exceptionally important.
The flat profile of a clinger mayfly vastly differs from the more common swimming mayfly nymphs ex. baetis sp.
March Browns belong to the clinger family of mayflies which means they have a very unique body shape, silhouette, and leg configuration. There is nothing else hatching in our rivers this time of year that looks like a March Brown; in fact, we don’t have too many other major hatches of clinger mayflies aside from our beloved March Brown. Having consistent flies batch to batch is crucial with nymphs with as many unique attributes as March Browns.
Photo from shop regular Micah Bland
Clingers are characterized by their flat, ultra-streamlined bodies which allow them to thrive in areas of the river that other nymphs cannot. Their bodies are wide and their legs are burlier than swimming, burrowing, and crawling mayfly nymphs. March Browns, clinger mayflies broadly speaking, are the masters of adaptation and have filled a niche of the river that at one point was not habitable for larger, clumsy nymphs.
Howard Croston is an English fly angler, fly tier, fly designer for Fulling Mill, and member of the English National Fly Fishing Team. His Full Metal Jacket serves as an attractor pattern, but really excels for our spring March Brown hatch.
Note the hair that mimics a March Brown’s profile
The FMJ’s construction really caters to the clinger family of mayflies. A collar of hair holds its shape and provides an extra wide body near the bead, similar to a March Brown nymphs natural taper. The body of the fly is constructed of a biot and provides both realistic texture and segmentation.
I believe I read somewhere that the extra-heavy drop tungsten bead is fixed with solder for additional weight. This is perfect for spring as we can have unpredictable high flows. The FMJ’s slim body cuts through the water, with the collar/legs still providing a wider, tapered silhouette that our trout are currently keyed in on.
It is worth noting that Croston does have a Spring Brown Jig that is another fantastic option for the March Brown hatch. The beauty of the Full Metal Jacket is that it is versatile and can be fished year round as well. It is a fantastic attractor pattern that can be run under a large gold chubby in the summer, or under an oros indicator in the middle of winter.
– Simon
If you want to tie some, the recipe is listed below. The possibilities are endless with color & size combinations.
Please join us next Tuesday the 24th at Falling Sky for our monthly Community Fly Fishing & Tying Night. All are welcome, we can always expect our regulars to show up, but we have had a huge influx of new folks showing up. If you have been meaning to drop in, but haven’t, it is a great time as there have been plenty of new faces at the last few events.
Our last community night last month was a massive success as we raffled off a guided stillwater trip with Adison (@soggywaders on instagram). See photos from last month’s gathering. If you didn’t win the raffle and are interested in getting out with him, please contact the shop to get in his books (541) 342-7005. Adison also wrote a fantastic article on how to get after Smallies from the bank locally, click here to read up. We’ve got everything you need at the shop to have a successful day.
If you haven’t been to one, it is a monthly gathering that we do over at Falling Sky. It is a great excuse to get together and talk about fly fishing, tie flies, meet new people in the community, usher in newbies, etc. See the bottom of this post for the full schedule for 2026.
Tiers are encouraged to bring their vise and materials and tie flies if they choose. We will still continue with the monthly fly swap for tiers who participate. If you aren’t planning on tying, but want to bring a hand tied fly, you are welcome to bring one from home.
We have gotten in some gifts from our friends at Fulling Mill & Trout Unlimited that we will parcel out to those participating in the fly swap. We won’t give everything out this month, as we will stretch the prizes over the next few months but if you participate in the fly swap, you will have a chance to win something.
Where: Falling Sky Brewing [1334 Oak Alley Eugene, OR 9740]
When: Tuesday, March 24th at 6:30
What: Fly tying, new friends, prizes, great food, great beer, fly swap, and connecting with the community.
Falling Sky has great beer and some very talented chefs working hard in the back. Their burgers and sandwiches are fantastic, if you choose either of those you have to try the truffle fries. They also have a fantastic bacon loaded truffle Mac and Cheese. Stephen, the owner, has been generous enough to host us monthly for a year and a half. He is a fly angler himself and always makes his rounds. Be sure to extend your gratitude to the man who has made this happen every month for well over a year.
We can always expect our regulars to show up monthly. We also encourage new people to swing by. We have had a massive influx of new faces and new anglers, so it is a great time to stop by if you’ve been hesitant. Whether you’re a veteran to community night or brand new, we are looking forward to seeing you Tuesday!
Help spread the word!
-Simon
2026 Schedule
Community Nights will land on the third Tuesday of each month for 2026. Some dates are subject to change, so keep a close eye for updates.
Tuesday January 20th at 6:30
Tuesday February 17th at 6:30
Tuesday March 24th at 6:30 (Initial date of the 17th changed Due to St. Patricks)
The long awaited March Brown hatch each spring is notorious for having fantastic fishing swinging soft hackles. In this video, Simon ties a simple March Brown using one of Ahrex’s newer hooks, the LE880. March Browns have a tendency to shed their nymphal shuck subsurface. This creates cripples and stillborns suspended in the water column. Fish are already keyed in on ascending nymphs, but also will likely pick off an ascending bug in a bind. This fly features a hidden tungsten bead which aids in getting the fly down during higher spring flows. Swinging this fly is a dream for the March Brown hatch and will equally be enjoyed on a 9′ 5wt or an 11′ 3wt trout spey. The bead can certainly be removed for situations where you don’t need to get as deep. The bump of Fulling Mill Eco Warrior Dub is dubbed tight, but will pick out and add extra bugginess as the fly gets chewed on. The Fulling Mill CDC bubble is suggestive of an emerging dun and excels when the fly is beadless at holding the fly in the film. The beadless version of this fly makes a fantastic trailing cripple to run behind a dun. Tie some up and hang on tight.
In this video, Simon ties a fantastic gold stone pattern with a large bead that excels in high water. Gold Stones take their time in their nymph stage and can take several years to mature into flying adults. This means there are always varying sizes of Gold Stones in the river making themThe fly utilizes a newer material from Hareline, their Stillwater Chenille which has a fantastic natural shimmer to it. The Canadian brown color makes a fantastic match for golden stones, especially paired with a ginger marabou tail. The large bead helps the fly get deep and the legs and marabou tail cast a large silhouette making the fly a fantastic option for high water. The legs on this fly are brand new from hareline and are triple barred perfectly matching the color scheme of the body and maximizing movement. We recently have had some rain and will start seeing some spring runoff so this fly will fish great over the next couple of months. It is a fantastic searching pattern and will fish well in the summer as well, just size down the bead for lower water.
The annual Fly Tier & Fly Fisher Expo is happening this weekend up in Albany. For over 15 years, the Fly Fishers International Oregon Council has been bringing locals together for the annual Fly Tying & Fishing Expo. At the expo you can find many of our best local fly tiers displaying their work and tying their famed patterns in real time. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn some new tying techniques, or see what tying is all about if you don’t tie yourself.
In addition to the tiers, the expo will have over 45 vendors with booths setup. Everyone from local businesses, clubs, conservation groups, etc will be there. Accomplished fly casters will be displaying their skills, and offering demonstrations. There are 8+ classes to choose from covering fly tying, euro nymphing, Stillwater angling, and more. There also will be some items raffled off, tickets can be purchased at the expo.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is planning to release flow pulse from Cougar Dam on the South Fork McKenzie River as soon as Friday, March 6th for up to five days. The release will result in higher and faster-moving water for up to five days, which will create potentially hazardous conditions for recreational users and may cause minor inundation in low-lying areas downstream of the dam to the confluence of the South Fork McKenzie and the mainstem McKenzie Rivers. The increased flows will help move juvenile spring Chinook salmon and bull trout downstream, supporting ongoing fish passage efforts in the McKenzie River Basin. The water releases are also intended to activate recently restored side channels and floodplain areas, which improves the ecosystem and creates better rearing habitat for fish.
While these releases are within the dam’s standard operational range, they do not coincide with naturally occurring higher inflows. Recreators who are used to a lower river and no significant rain may be surprised by the rapid increase in flow. The USACE primary goal is to ensure the safety of the public by warning recreational users (boaters, anglers, campers, hikers, etc.) of these changing river conditions. We are reaching out to you to help us coordinate public communication efforts.
I hosted two weeks at Christmas Island Lodge this January. The lodge sits near the old Captain Cook Hotel property and has 12 airconditioned rooms and a central meeting “maneaba” for guests to enjoy the beachside breeze, meals and happy hour. Speaking of breeze, my two weeks enjoyed a steady 17-25mph wind! The wind is very normal and makes it easy for guides to always set anglers up to fish down-wind. The wind also makes staying at Christmas Island Lodge super pleasant. Each room is within a few steps of the beach and full exposure to the breeze. I spoke to other anglers staying at other lodges and the tropical island heat and humidity are a constant when you are located inland, not so at CIL.
Christmas Island is of course noted for its consistent numbers of bonefish. Expansive light-colored flats and 160 square miles of lagoon, are an ideal habitat for bonefish that range 2-6lbs on average. We did have several fish landed that exceeded the 6lbs.
Other fish are present at Christmas Island, Giant Trevally and Trigger Fish get the most interest but Blue Fin Trevally, Striped Trevally, Wrasse and more are fun to catch as well.
Week one we had outgoing tides for the most part. It seemed that bonefish were not on the flats as long as they were the following week, which enjoyed a shorter window of dropping, and a longer window of rising tide during the fishing day.
The fishing program at Christmas Island Lodge is super well organized. on arrival day, anglers are given an orientation about how each day will work, the schedule, location, tide, and transportation are discussed. Not only was this program laid out day one, but it was also followed each day to the letter. Shortly after the orientation, anglers are assisted with tackle set up so that they are prepared for their targeted species. Christmas Island Lodge does not supply any tackle; anglers must bring their own equipment.
Ideal gear included a 7-9wt for bones, 9-10wt for triggers and 10-12wt for trevally species. Floating saltwater lines, 12ft leaders, bonefish tippet 12-20lbs, triggers tipped 20-30lbs, Trevally tippet 60-100lbs. Excellent quality flats boots are a critical piece of equipment at Christmas Island. Many of our 24 anglers over the course of two weeks used the Korkers Salt Sneaker. The Korkers Salt Sneaker is super light but provides excellent support, comfort and protection from the coral at CXI.
I had a chance to try out the new for Spring 2026 Patagonia River Salt Wading Boot 2.0. The River Salt 2.0 was fantastic. Like the Korkers flats boot its lightweight. The Cordura and mesh upper is extremely durable. A draw cord and standard lacing system is included with each pair of boots. I tried both and both worked well. The draw cord system was a little bit cleaner as it tucked away under the tongue of the boot. The traditional laces made getting in and out of the boot a touch easier. Like Patagonia’s Forra Boot the River Salt 2.0 looks and wears more like a hiking boot. I wear a 10.5 tennis shoe and wore a 10 River Salt 2.0 with a super thin 2.5mm Backcountry Skin Quick Flowz Neoprene sock. If I had worn a 3.5mm neoprene sock a size 11 would have been a consideration. The sole of the new River Salt is a Vibram “Megagrip”. It was awesome on the coral and when grip was important getting in and out of a wet boat. I can see the River Salt 2.0 being used in freshwater as well, the Megagrip sole was super sticky. Think New Zealand, Alaska, South America, spots where felt is not allow and you walk a bit during your fishing day.
Christmas Island Lodge’s ideal location allows it to show anglers a large portion of the atoll. I found this intentional attempt to give anglers the overview of the very large fishing area a real plus. We fished the lagoon, the Korean Wreck, Huff Dam, Backcountry and even fished the Bluewater outside of the lagoon.
We had some serious highlights from the two weeks. First and foremost, the camaraderie among our groups. When fathers, sons, and close friends make up the entirety of the 12 anglers, you are going to have a good time. The staff and local community that helps run Christmas Island Lodge are super kind, conscientious, and responsive. You ask, they will do their very best to accommodate. For a place that has access to so little, the customer service ethos is amazing.
The weather, despite a few clouds the consistency of light that allows for hunting fish is outstanding.
After gaffing/landing a large Tuna on a spinning rod, one of our guides straddled a 45-50lbs Yellowfin Tuna. The bleeding, gaffed, clubbed, gaffed, and clubbed again, Tuna is gyrating between said guides legs for a good 10 seconds. Until, he reached under the gill plate elbow deep and grabs the beating heart and pops it in his mouth! Yep he did.
For first time saltwater anglers, catching multiple bonefish is a highlight at CXI. Other than the Seychelles CXI might be the best place to make this happen.
Interacting with the people of CXI was a highlight of everyone’s trip. Musicians and dancers presented one night per week. The genuine joy they displayed was really cool.
Of course, the fishing. While we didn’t crush it either week there are plenty of bonefish, triggers and GT’s to be had.
Caddis Fly Travel is available to answer and questions and book your trip to Christmas Island Lodge. Please email us at travel@caddisflyshop.com for current availability and planned hosted trips to Christmas Island Lodge.
Our friends over at Native Fish Society are commencing their annual Babine for a Benjamin Raffle. The Babine is a world class steelhead river up in British Columbia that spey anglers’ dreams are made of. Tickets are $100 and limited to a quantity of 150. Proceeds go towards Native Fish Society’s mission of conserving our precious watersheds and the species that depend on them. Help spread the word!
Buy Tickets for the Babine for a Benjamin Raffle HERE.
Raffle Details: Tickets: $100 each Only 150 tickets available Ticket sales: February 1 – March 2 Drawing: Tuesday, March 3 at 3pm
Trip Details: One lucky angler will win: A full week (October 23–30, 2026) of prime-time guided steelhead fishing World-class accommodations and gourmet meals at the amazing Babine Steelhead Lodge in Smithers, BC
Not Included: Does not include travel to Smithers, B.C., taxes, gratuities, or licenses.
When you purchase a Babine for a Benjamin Raffle Ticket, you’re not just entering to win a one-in-a-lifetime week on the Babine River – you’re also helping protect and revive wild abundance on rivers like the lower Deschutes right here in the Pacific Northwest. All raffle ticket proceeds directly help fund our Conservation Campaign efforts.
Embarking on a momentous year for the Deschutes River, Native Fish Society staff and partners are completing a number of scientific studies to ensure the management of the lower Deschutes protects wild, native fish to the greatest extent possible.
Want to dive deeper into Native Fish Society’s Deschutes work? Check out our recent Deschutes Diaries, where we delve into the dynamics of the river, examining its past, present, and future challenges.
Your $100 raffle ticket purchase helps make this work possible.This is your chance to experience some of the finest dry line steelhead fishing in the world while directly supporting the future of wild fish closer to home.Whether or not your ticket is drawn, your support creates ripples of impact – reviving wild fish, restoring rivers, and ensuring these fish and experiences still exist for generations to come.
Winter steelhead fishing is decent to exceptional right now! With good reports coming from up and down the Oregon Coast there is no reason you should be sitting at home on your days off. Most hatchery runs are reaching their peaks, but will have have fresh fish coming in through March. There a lot of fish in those rivers. The North Umpqua and other rivers with strong wild returns have been steady all season with natural lulls and upticks. Expect those systems to only increase in productivity through the season’s end. It is time to get out there!
The Oregon Coast in the winter – my favorite place on Earth!
We had some serious low water throughout the end of January and early February. I enjoy low water winter steelhead fishing. My Outcast Clearwater loves technical low water boating. Its been a fun tool in the program the last few seasons. It lets me fish and helps me safely navigate waters most people won’t get to in low water. I know not everyone loves low water, but it is when fly fishing for winter steelhead can be most productive. Especially this season because the rivers were not low and that cold; they were just low. Last season I fished water as cold as 36 more than a couple times. This season the lowest I have fished is 40, but it only stayed like that for a few days. Most of the low water fishing has been 43-47 degrees which is ideal biter temps according to my spreadsheet.
Regardless of my love for low water it lowered the morale of some anglers, but those who kept at it found consistent fishing with few anglers around. This consistent fishing signaled a promising return year. There just wasn’t enough water to cause a rush upriver. Optimism remained high because those who went fishing felt when the rains finally return a horde of fish would follow. And optimism has prevailed!
If you know, you know
Outlook
A lot of people give up too early in their winter steelhead season. Mid Feb to March/first week of April (depending on river system) is the time to fish. Fresh fish and lingering ones will be around. I would fish wherever you feel like. Or wherever conditions allow. From here on till the season’s end you can count on at least some willing players in your favorite waters. Looks like we might be in for a wetter end of the season as usual with a lot of rain expected over the next few days. It can really on only be wetter than its been so far, right?
A fine buck showing his colors
Gear
For spey poles I fish a Sage R8 8126 with a 625gr Max Power from Rio because I like to huck. We have gotten in our season’s order of Burkheimers for the more cultured anglers. Maybe treat yourself to a Galvan Swing or a Loop Classic reel. On smaller rivers I swing with a working class Echo SR 8wt. A rod that does what it needs to do: cast heavy stuff, short distances with ease and put the wood to hot fish in close quarters. This season I have been alternating between 500gr or 540gr Struznik Skagit Timberline. A great new fishing Skagit head from RIO. The rod seems to perform fine with either, I’ve been running the 500.
In my straightforward steelheader’s brain weight and profile trump color in fly selection. Your fly just needs to be different than the last guy’s. It needs to be aggravating. Fish different weight flies with different tips. Once you have figured out your local runs you will know which combo fishes it best. We are well stocked on Hoh Bo Speys and Signature Intruders. Two production patterns I have landed winter steelhead on! We also have some awesome Winter Steelhead Flies from local guide and renowned tyer Jim Sens in right now.
Of course it is had to beat “egg patterns”. I have gotten exceptional use out of a set of Echo Ion XLs in 7wt and 8wt models. These rods can plop over whatever amount of weight is required of them. Especially the 8. Not too many manufactures make an 810 anymore. An ION XL 810 offers excellent value, performance and unparalleled cost per fish caught (not guaranteed). Another option is the the Redington Wrangler 710. The 7wt 10′ option is the most budget friendly steelhead rod on the market at $200. Finish either off with a SA Anadro Indicator Line and some egg patterns for a successful end to winter steelhead season.
Thanks for reading and hammer down out there! -Robbie
Join Caddis Fly Shop and The Redsides Chapter of Trout Unlimited as they welcome Springfield, OR-based author, angler, and conservationist Jesse Lance Robbins for an evening of fly fishing storytelling and discussion. Jesse will read selections from his debut book The Best Fly Fishing is Everywhere, and talk about his journeys and misadventures around the globe, in the fly fishing industry and as a writer, which led him to nonprofit conservation work.
What: Book launch, reading, discussion and signing When: Thursday, March 5 th at 6:00 p.m. Where: Caddis Fly Shop, 168 West 6th Ave., Eugene, OR 97401 Why: For fun, inspiration, and fishing karma
Event is free to attend. Books will be available for purchase, and complimentary refreshments will be served.
About the book: In The Best Fly Fishing Is Everywhere, Robbins invites readers into a contemplative journey through water and time. This collection of essays, stories, and meditations moves beyond the pursuit of the perfect cast or the biggest catch. Instead, it explores fly fishing as a dialogue between human and nature, solitude and connection, movement and stillness. From the misty rivers of Oregon to the urban waters of Tokyo, the windswept flats of Key West to the trout-laced waters of New Zealand, Robbins captures the essence of place and the spirit of the angler. Each chapter is a moment suspended—sometimes triumphant, sometimes humbling, always honest.
“Jesse Lance Robbins has an eye for the unusual, the intriguing, and the downright surprising. Whether cataloguing obscene quantities of flies, delineating the precise qualities of a good cast, or simply sharing an old fashioned fishing tale, Robbins’ eye for the unsung details that make fly fishing such a distinctive and special obsession is unmatched.” —Jason Rolfe, editor of The Flyfish Journal
About the author: Jesse Lance Robbins is an essayist, creative writer, and journalist whose work has appeared in The Drake Magazine, The Flyfish Journal, Swing the Fly, Modern Huntsman, TROUT, and Atlantic Salmon Journal, as well as online. Jesse has worked in and lived various facets of fly fishing since high school—from fly shop staff, trout bum, guide, casting instructor, trip host, and writer to tackle design and development, marketing, travel, and sales; for over a decade, he worked in-house at Sage, Redington, RIO Products, and Fly Water Travel. He now works in nonprofit fisheries, river, and water conservation, connecting people with the places they love, and the work being done to protect and restore them. A native of midcoast Maine, Jesse and his partner live near the confluence of the McKenzie and Willamette Rivers in Oregon with their cache of old boats, timeless books, acoustic guitars, and always-strung fly rods.
Click and pawl reels have a special spot in many angler’s hearts. Traditionalists, purists, and those who appreciate a simpler design that requires more finesse are drawn to these reels. Nowadays, consumers can purchase heavy duty sealed disk drags that can stop the largest fish in their tracks. The draw of a click in pawl lies in its elegance and function. A light drag means an angler must use much more finesse when fighting a fish with a clicker. This creates a stronger connection between each fish and the angler; a fully immersed, more mindful experience that levels the playing field between cat and mouse.
Photo of an Iwana from Tokyoflyfishing
Iwana reels are crafted in British Columbia, but were born on a trip of a lifetime chasing the elusive Iwana Salvelinus leucomaenis, a char sometimes referred to as a trout. This salmonid makes its home in the cold mountain streams of Japan. These fish sport a dark colored background with light spots like many char, they resemble our juvenile Bull Trout. Liu Shaojie, a classic reel designer, and Wang Liang, an avid fly fisherman and traveler teamed up after their trip to give birth to Iwana.
Iwana produces high quality click and pawl classic reels. They aim to bring traditional clicker reels back on the river. Timeless silhouettes and proven click drag systems are produced with modern CNC machining capabilities, giving rise to a classic reel with tighter tolerances, more consistency, and an overall higher quality.
The Minami comes in two sizes: 2 3/4″ and 3 inches. The smaller 2 3/4″ is better suited for smaller rods ranging from 2-4 wt. Its light design makes it a fantastic option for shorter creek rods from 6’6″ to 8’4″; it certainly is not too light for a 9″ 4 wt either. The 3″ reel is better suited for rods ranging 4-6wt. If you have a 4 wt and are deciding between the two sizes, I would run the smaller 2 3/4″ on a shorter 4wt, and the larger 3″ reel on a standard 9″ 4wt. It comes in a gorgeous deep green, black, and silver.
The Minami is built lighter and simpler than the Retro Trout which in my opinion makes it a better option for lighter and shorter rods. It has a solid side plate opposite of the handle, and classic oval porting on the spool. It also features a much higher pitched click, which I generally associate with smaller rods. It makes a fantastic option for you if you’ve never had a click and pawl reel before.
The Retro Trout is more complex and flashy compared to the Minami. The first thing you notice is the elegant “S” handle on the reel, which echoes a time gone by. The Retro Trout features a heavier frame and separate colored spool. The spool nests between one solid side of the frame, and the other ported side. This creates a gorgeous contrast between the darker external frame and lighter spool. The Retro Trout also features Iwana’s cased caddis logo.
Sizing for the Retro Trout is more complex as it comes in more size options and comes in several widths. There are two sizes for the 2 3/4″: small and wide. The small is a good fit for 1-3wt rods and the wide being good for 2-4 wts. The next size up is the 3″ which works for 3-5 wt rods, with the weight I’d lean more towards 4 and 5 wt. Lastly, there is a 3 1/4″ and that is for 4-6 wts, personally I’d lean more towards 5 and 6.
My Thoughts With my Reel from Iwana
I want to share my experience with my reel from Iwana. I was torn between the more simple Minami, and the flashier Retro Trout. I opted for the 3 inch Retro Trout because I preferred the elegant “S” handle and two toned porting. The black frame paired with a silver spool created a gorgeous contrast. I also like that the Retro Trout has Iwana’s logo on it. A simple cased caddis design was something I didn’t mind having on my reel. The Retro Trout is slightly heavier and balances the 10′ 4wt Winston Air 2 Reach, which is my current nymphing stick.
The timeless silhouette of the Retro Trout instantly caught my eye. The reel feels good in hand. It is slightly heavy in the best way where you can feel quality craftsmanship and materials. The clicking sound is audibly pleasing for those who can appreciate a good click and pawl mechanism. The Retro Trout has a deeper click which I prefer for a larger rod when compared to the Minami.
Initially, I ran this reel on my winter, big water dry fly rod which is a Winston Air 2 9′ 5wt. I got impatient as Baetis hatches this winter have been inconsistent with the fluctuating weather, and I just wanted to hear my new click and pawl reel scream. I am running a 5wt Scientific Anglers Amplitude Textured Anadro Indicator wf5f on the rod and reel. For a line with such a large head, it fits nicely on the 3 inch Retro Trout. I think squeezing that line on a Minami would be more difficult.
My Retro Trout has a gotten a lot of use recently and I have caught several large 16+ fish that have awoken the reel’s deep clicking scream. I historically ran sealed disk or cork drags with more stopping power on my nymphing rod. I associated clickers with the purists’ dry fly fishing, but am pleased I have a nymphing setup with one now, especially in the winter when it meets more fish.
Choosing between the Minami and the Retro Trout was difficult; once I picked the Retro Trout picking between black and green was even more difficult. The deep emerald green color that they have for both the Retro Trout and the Minami is gorgeous. It is a rich green that is reminiscent of a Winston blank; as I primarily fish Winstons, I decided against the green, and chose something with more contrast. I am planning on adding a Minami to my collection this summer for one of my lighter rods. It will follow me up into the mountains fishing smaller tributaries and spring creeks, singing a high pitched scream all afternoon.
Iwana has redefined the classic click and pawl reel. By looking to the past for silhouettes, proportions, and design and looking at the present by incorporating contemporary CNC machining processes, they have created functional works of art. These reels feel most at home in the hands of an angler that takes things slow, and wants a deeper connection between themselves and the fish on the end of their line. The tactile clicking of the reel, the audible scream of the drag, the finesse needed to land a large fish on a traditional reel, these are all ways that Iwana offers the in tune angler a more immersive angling experience.
If you’re local and want to check one of these out, please swing by the shop. We are happy to help you find the best reel from Iwana for your needs. If you are out of state you can shop online here. If you have questions, give us a ring (541) 342-7005, email us support@caddisflyshop.com, or message us on instagram @caddisflyshop for help.
Everyone knows squirmy worms work whether you like them or not. Silicone squirmy material has a serious Achilles’ heel. The silicone the worms are made of is extremely fragile. If you crank too hard with thin, but strong thread it breaks. Sun exposure causes melts and splits. Summer heat degrades the material. It is prone to being beat up by fish teeth and torn up and breaking. Our friends over at Montana Fly Company developed a genius solution to this issue. They coated a small chenille core with silicone material. This heavy chenille core is similar to the material used in a San Juan worm; it is virtually indestructible. With Trina’s Squirm Material from Montana Fly Co, you get the durability of a San Juan Worm with the realistic look that a squirmy provides. With this upcoming rain in the forecast, the rivers will bump in flow and this fly will be a staple until levels drop.
Our February gathering is happening this month on the 17th at Falling Sky brewing. This month we have a special raffle that one of our Community Night veterans is generously donating. Adison of Soggy Waders Guide Service is donating one of his famous Stillwater trips in the valley. He donated one last year and it was a huge hit. If you are lucky enough to win, Adison will take you on his fully decked out 18ft boat chasing large smallmouth bass, spotted bass, trout, or a mix of them.
Max was the winner last year for Adison’s raffle
I have had the opportunity to be on his boat several times for Spotted bass and Smallmouth and Adison has a very unique program. The Spotted Bass push 8 pounds and will have a 6 wt doubled over like it is glass. The Smallmouth program he offers targets smaller fish in comparison to the massive Spotted Bass, but still gives you shots at chunky 14-18in Smallies all day. Lunch will be provided, but if you win, don’t forget to tip your guide for the day on the water!
Max last year on his prize guide trip with a huge spotted bass
If you don’t end up winning the raffle and are interested in getting on the water with Adison, contact the shop to get in his books. Late winter and early spring is the best time for his Stillwater offerings in the valley.
This could be you!
If you haven’t been to one, it is a monthly gathering that we do over at Falling Sky. It is a great excuse to get together and talk about fly fishing, tie flies, meet new people in the community, usher in newbies, etc. See the bottom of this post for the full schedule for 2026.
Tiers are encouraged to bring their vise and materials and tie flies if they choose. We will still continue with the monthly fly swap for tiers who participate. If you aren’t planning on tying, but want to bring a hand tied fly, you are welcome to bring one from home. We have run dry on our prize materials from our friends at Fulling Mill for this month, but are expecting more for our March gathering.
Big stillwater smallies are right around the corner
Where: Falling Sky Brewing [1334 Oak Alley Eugene, OR 9740]
When: Tuesday February 17th at 6:30
What: Raffle for a Stillwater Trip with Adison Rook, Fly tying, new friends, prizes, great food, great beer, fly swap, and connecting with the community.
Falling Sky has great beer and some very talented chefs working hard in the back. Their burgers and sandwiches are fantastic, if you choose either of those you have to try the truffle fries. They also have a fantastic bacon loaded truffle Mac and Cheese. Steph en, the owner, has been generous enough to host us monthly for a year and a half. He is a fly angler himself and always makes his rounds. Be sure to extend your gratitude to the man who has made this happen every month for well over a year.
We can always expect our regulars to show up monthly. We also encourage new people to swing by. We have had a massive influx of new faces and new anglers, so it is a great time to stop by if you’ve been hesitant. Whether you’re a veteran to community night or brand new, we are looking forward to seeing you Tuesday!
Help spread the word!
-Simon
The first smallies from 2026 are staging for prespawn in our valley reservoirs
2026 Schedule
Community Nights will land on the third Tuesday of each month for 2026. Some dates are subject to change, so keep a close eye for updates.
Tuesday January 20th at 6:30
Tuesday February 17th at 6:30
Tuesday March 17th at 6:30 (This date may change due to St.Patricks)
Blue Winged Olives or Mayflies from the “Baetis” are a staple in trouts diets all over the world during the colder season. Many places only have a good BWO hatch in the spring and fall, but our weather is mild enough that we have them opt off during the winter too. They prefer hatching on overcast days when the air is cool, not cold. In this video, Simon ties a fantastic classic unweighted baetis nymph. This creates an extremely versatile fly, one that can be fished with virtually any rig. Because it lacks a bead, it can be fished as a dropper behind a small dry fly. If you want to fish it as a nymph locally, you will have to use another fly or add split shot to aid in getting it deep enough. The fly uses a new material from Montana Fly Company called Medallion Sheeting V2. This makes a great body when palmered around the hook shank, and an even better wing case. Feel free to size this up or down and adjust colors to mimic other species of slim bodied mayflies.
Note the slim body of Baetis sp. mayfly nymphs; this is consistent for most nymphs in the Swimmer family of mayflies.
