With the big game coming this Monday I couldn’t resist showing off some of the New Nautilus FWX Fly Reels we recently purchased. I know the Ducks have a ton of uniforms so we will harken back to the days of “Green and Gold” with these two. We are very excited about Nautilus FWX Fly Reel Series. In terms product introductions for 2011 the FWX is right up on top. Continue reading
A little sprinkling of rain, dropping river levels, and sassy wild steelhead rolling in on every tide — this is my kind of winter. Yesterday, I perfected the drift-free drag, sloppy indicator fly fishing at its best which produced this gorgeous native specimen from one of our local hatchery-fed ditches.
It’s prime time to get after Winter Steelhead around the state of Oregon. Water conditions are excellent and in some cases getting really low and clear. The Cocktail Shrimp fly was designed to fish by itself (or with another fly to get it down quickly) in low clear water with spooky pressured fish. Continue reading
We cornered fly fishing film virtuoso Jeff Mishler to talk about his latest film, Skagit Master 2, and what he’s working on next.
Last night in Salem, ODFW held an open house town hall meeting.
Based on last night’s meeting, I feel the agency is really headed in the right direction. ODFW Fish Division Director Ed Bowles and his staff made some statements that convinced me conservation of wild fish is the agency’s number one priority, while trying to balance that with the demand for more “opportunity” — hatcheries and harvest. The agency’s plan to tackle a six-species coastal river conservation plan for the Columbia to California is going to be one of the most ambitious and important conservation projects our state has ever tackled.
We picked up a couple of winter steelhead yesterday, with temperatures in the morning heating up from 32-40 degrees by afternoon. All of our local rivers are dropping into great shape for winter fishing. Keep an eye on Oregon river levels here. For a more detailed explanation, check out Karl’s post outlining what levels are prime for fly fishing in our area.
Bill Bakke makes the case for barbless hooks in a new blog post, and provides reference to some of the best science on the topic.
The new issue of Catch magazine is online and it’s super hot.
The lunatics behind Pebble Mine are calling environmentalists legal terrorists.
Spencer Miles holds ODFW’s feet to the fire for wild winter steelhead management on the Sandy River.
All against the Haul is a homegrown effort working to stop the construction of a permanent industrial corridor for oversized loads to the Alberta Tar Sands through Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Montana.
It seemed like we were the only boat on the river yesterday. Icy winds blew right down the collars of our coats. Rob tried to stay warm rowing. Ethan taped hand-warmers inside his gloves. I’d just returned from three weeks in Ohio, and had gotten used to sub-freezing temps. But maybe the fish had not?
No, the fish were fine. First steelhead of 2011! Be careful on the roads. It’s going to be a great year.
-MS
The Shrimpinator Scandinavian style Pro Tube Steelhead fly is designed to fish for Winter Steelhead. Winter Steelhead love pink, hot Pink, Shrimp Pink, Fluorecent Pink you name it. Water levels are ideal right now. Lake Creek, Siuslaw, Umpqua, Siletz, Alsea, Yachats, Elk, Sixes, Chetco, all in good shape. It is an excellent time to get out and catch Winter Steelhead. Swing the Shrimpinator deep in “Steelhead Green” waters and hang on!
If you need more inspiration for your steelhead game don’t forget we have Skagit Master 2 IN STOCK NOW.
Pro Tube Shrimpinator Tube Fly
Tube: 40/40mm Pro Tube
Butt: Fl. Fire Orange Chenille
Tail: Jungle Cock Eyes
Body: Flat Diamond Braid Shrimp Pink
Collar: Ice Wing Fl. Hot Pink
Hackle: Hot Pink Saddle or Schlappen
Wing 1: Pink Arctic Fox, Fucsia Pink Angel Hair
Wing 2: Pink Arctic Fox, Ice Wing Hot Pink, White Ostrich
Tuesday, January 4th, 6-9pm the Inland Sports Fishing Advisory Committee will host an “All Come” meeting in the Commission room at the ODFW Salem HQ. Director Roy Elicker, along with Fish Division Administrators, Program Managers, ODFW Fish Management staff and Oregon State Police will be at this “Town Hall” meeting. There will not be specific agenda items slated for discussion, however staff may propose some budget or management overviews to get public comment on current fishery management or department issues. All meeting attendees will have an equal opportunity to ask questions of ODFW staff.
So, mark your calendars for January 4th and leave a comment if you’re interested in car pooling from the shop. This is an important opportunity for wild fish advocates.
Yes, it’s here, and it’s worth the wait. This DVD is a total game changer, no matter your skill level, and speaks particularly well to Eugene-area steelheaders, as Scott offers techniques for effectively swinging “ledge” water. We’ve got Skagit Master 2 first, so come on down to the shop or call today to get your copy! Remember, we offer free shipping for items over $25.00 in the USA.
If your river-time is the only time you have to geek out with your buddies, you are undoubtedly building up a dangerous amount of pent-up geekness. Have you found yourself blurting out optimum grain weights or tactical head lengths at dinner parties? Do your wife’s girlfriends shoot worried looks across the table when you start ranting?
Face it, folks: if you are passionate, you are not normal. And in order to fit in with the mall-shoppers of the world, you need to feed your inner geek. Repressing the geek creates frustration, the kind that can disintegrate your normal-person facade. This can eventually lead to full-blown mid-life crisis, and in worst cases to you living in a tiny shack by a lonely river with nobody to hang out with but small-town drunks. Do not let this happen to you!
We continue our series of Pro Tube Steelhead fly patterns with Tony’s Tormenter a Scandinavian Style Tube fly. The Tormenter uses a Pro Tube 40/40mm tube, modern synthetic flashy materials and natural favorites Arctic Fox and Finnish Raccoon. Continue reading
Tube flies have been around a long time but are gaining popularity of late in conjunction with some of the massive flies folks are “hucking” with two handed rods. Tube flies do make a lot of sense when tying and fishing Salmon, Steelhead and other fly patterns. Continue reading
We continue our series of Pro Tube fly tying videos with another gorgeous winter steelhead pattern. When waters are running a bit high, or if you need to drive a fly into a deeper run, a copper colored fly will often be found. The Pro Tube Cone on this fly adds to it’s flash and action. Continue reading
