Fly Fishing News
Gear Review: Skwala Thermo 350 Hoody
Merino Wool is a game changer! One of my best memories of Christmas was back when I was 13 and my mum and dad gave me a drab green, 100% wool British military surplus Wooly Pully sweater. It was far and away my favorite insulating layer in a duck blind or on the water fishing. (more…)
The Fly Shop News
Catch Bass on a Fly Rod
Just north of Redding, California is California’s largest reservoir Lake Shasta, a behemoth sized body of water with a surface area of 30,000 acres and 365 miles of shoreline. It’s one of California’s most productive bass fisheries with thriving populations of spots, smallmouth and largemouth. Lake Shasta is a major destination on the professional bass (more…)
Gear Review: Fishpond Stormshadow Rolling Carry-On
Gear Review: Stormshadow Rolling Carry-On By Jordan Taylor Why the Stormshadow Rolling Carry-On is My New Favorite Travel Companion: As a fly fisherman and self-proclaimed gear junkie, I’m always on the hunt for tools, gadgets, and equipment that will make my fly fishing easier, more enjoyable, and my trips smoother. There’s something about being prepared (more…)
Gear Review: Skwala Thermo 350 Hoody
Merino Wool is a game changer! One of my best memories of Christmas was back when I was 13 and my mum and dad gave me a drab green, 100% wool British military surplus Wooly Pully sweater. It was far and away my favorite insulating layer in a duck blind or on the water fishing. (more…)
Winston Bamboo – The History
Winston Bamboo The History of Winston and Bamboo by Terry Jepsen I’ve worked at The Fly Shop®, or at least been a part of it since I was 14 years old…I’m 51 now. When I started, the majority of fly rods were made of fiberglass. Graphite fly rods, which were just coming out, were only (more…)
NCCFFI Hall of Fame Event
NCCFFI Hall of Fame Event – The History & Story David Draheim, then a member of Mount Diablo Fly Fishers conceived the idea of the Hall of Fame Event to honor Fly Fishers who had given so much to the sport of fly fishing & helping our fisheries, and a way to generate funding for (more…)
Gear Review: Winston Pure 2 Fly Rods
The Winston Pure Series is known as an accurate and delicate presentation style rod with a wide range of lengths and weights to accommodate any small stream or lake. This series of rods is well known for being the perfect dry fly and small nymph rod. The PURE 2 has taken the previous model and (more…)
Staff Bio – Joel Crandall
I was introduced to fly fishing as an early teenager, when my dad would force me to go out on his friend’s boat on the Lower Sacramento. At the time, I resisted it—I only wanted to play sports and video games. Over the years, though, my love for fly fishing has grown from the solitude (more…)
Travel News
A Perfect Introduction to Saltwater Fly Fishing
Paul Lenos Hosted Trip to Bay Flats Lodge March 25-30, 2026 Trip Report This was my second consecutive hosted trip to Bay Flats Lodge – we did the exact same dates as in 2025. I had 5 guys with me this time (two returned for a second go at it). I was excited to get (more…)
Patagonian BaseCamp 2026 End Of Season Report
The 2026 season has officially ended, and winter is closing in here in Patagonian Chile. As the days get cold and snow begins to coat the mountaintops, it is wonderful to dream back to those warm summer days of just a couple of months ago. Having said that, the 2026 season was a strange one (more…)
El Saltamontes 2025/2026 Season Report
By Dane Emerson & Chiara De Tomaso Well, we’ve concluded a wonderful 2025/2026 season down here at El Saltamontes. The season flew by, with the normal hustle and bustle one would expect from another nearly sold out season. We abbreviate the Patagonia season in our little corner to focus on the optimal 12 fishing weeks (more…)
Estancia Chochoy Mallin Inaugural Season
When our good friend and Argentine outfitter, Luciano “Lucho” Alba – owner/operator of Estancia Laguna Verde and Lago Strobel Lodge on Jurassic Lake, as well as the Golden Dorado Cruiser on the Parana River – told us about his new operation, Estancia Chochoy Mallin, we were immediately intrigued. “I’ve always had my eyes on Northern (more…)
Sea-Run Browns at the End of the World
The following are my random thoughts and observations throughout my trip to Argentina. Getting There I left the house at 6 a.m., leaving another beautiful day in Redding with a projected high in the mid-seventies. I planned on being at Sacramento International three hours early due to recent news of delays getting through security checks (more…)
Hosted trips with Shane Kohlbeck
Shane Kohlbeck is one of our longest-standing guides at The Fly Shop®. He started here in 1997 and has shared many experiences with our customers over the years. He is a saltwater junkie and loves to host trips to tropical venues all over the world. The following are a couple of quick stories about his (more…)
Afloat – Akuani Floating Camp – 2026 (Part II)
By Erik Argotti This is part II of my two-week Colombia trip where I got to see two new destinations operated by the outfitter, Afloat. Part I was Akuani River Lodge on the Vichada River, which was a great peacock bass/payara combo trip. The second week was Akuani Floating Camp on the Tomo River. The (more…)
Outfitters News
Gary Whitmire
Guide Bio: Gary Whitmire We would like to welcome Gary Whitmire to the guide team here at The Fly Shop®. Gary has been guiding for us for a couple of years now, mostly on his days off from his real job. Now, he is working more with us and we couldn’t be happier. Gary grew (more…)
Bob Simonis
Guide Bio: Bob Simonis Most people call me Bob. I’m 25 years old, I’m the oldest of 3 siblings. I grew up on a 180 acre ranch in Oak Run just east of Redding in the foothills. I love hunting, fishing, snowboarding, yoga, surfing and spending time with my family and friends. Q&A with Bob (more…)
Northern California Spring Fishing Forecast
We’ve had a few good shots of rain that swelled everything and blew out all of the rivers. Fortunately everything calmed down and dropped into good shape. As we are looking at another storm on the horizon, we wonder what this spring will bring. It can go either of two ways depending upon how cold (more…)
Klamath River Renewal
For over a century, the Klamath River’s anadromous fishes have been blocked from the upper reaches of their natal spawning and rearing waters. After decades of proposals, alliances, court battles and, finally, solidified plans, four dams have been removed from the upper Klamath River and the largest dam removal project in the U.S. is nearing (more…)
Private Waters Fly Fishing Options for the Summer
‘Sometimes you just want to be alone.’ This has been our concept for nearly a half century rooting out and vetting private ranches with angling opportunities here in the North State and we have some good options this summer for you to consider if you would like to get away from the crowds. Some are (more…)
Year of the Cicada
2024 is a special year when talking about cicadas. This year, in May, we are expecting a massive hatch of these critters that will produce billions, if not trillions of cicadas. WHAT’S ALL THE BUZZ ABOUT? Unlike the recent solar eclipse, you won’t need funky sunglasses or a welder’s helmet to witness this historic spectacle. (more…)
Essential Gear: Small Streams
Essential Gear: Small Streams by Bryan Quick Poking around on a little creek fooling smaller trout is one of my favorite pursuits in late spring through summer. I’m lucky we have plenty of trout waters here in NorCal to hike to and lose myself for a day or two. My fly fishing journey began on (more…)
Fishing Reports
ESB Lodge Report 2025 – #1
Fishing Report #1 January 26 – February 02, 2025 We are off on running with the 2025 ESB Opener. Thank you for all your continued support over the years, you are all awesome! we have been hard at work making some significant improvements to the lodge. The lodge now runs 100% on solar powered electricity (more…)
ESB Lodge Report 2025 – #2
Fishing Report #2 February 02 – 09, 2025 Dear Friends, This week, the second of the 2025 season, we were honored to welcome back our dear friends from Michigan—our longtime guests, with the exception of Mike, who was visiting for the first time. Though new to our waters, he is an experienced saltwater angler. Having (more…)
Rio Marie’ Report 2024 #18
Fishing Report – Week #18 December 15 – 22, 2024 This week, Rio Marié once again proved why it’s the ultimate destination for those seeking the pinnacle of fly fishing. Despite the challenges brought by fluctuating water levels, our group of 12 anglers—comprising Brazilians and Americans—showed incredible determination and skill, landing some truly spectacular fish.The (more…)
Rio Marie’ Report 2024 #17
Fishing Report – Week #17 December 08 – 15, 2024 This week, we welcomed another diverse group of anglers hailing from different continents. Despite the challenging conditions created by rapidly rising waters, they persevered throughout the entire week, and still managed to find some impressive fish. We also had the pleasure of hosting renowned angler (more…)
Rio Marie’ Report 2024 #16
Fishing Report – Week #16 December 01 – 08, 2024 The Rio Marié once again proved why it remains the pinnacle of fly-fishing destinations. Known as the “River of Giants,” this remote Amazonian paradise is home to the largest peacock bass on Earth. This week, we had the pleasure of hosting a vibrant group of (more…)
Rio Marie’ Report 2024 #15
Fishing Report – Week #15 November 24 – December 01, 2024 This week welcomed eighth passionate Brazilian anglers, each drawn to the Rio Marié for its reputation as the ultimate destination for trophy peacock bass. For some, it was their inaugural journey into these legendary waters; for others, it was a triumphant return, fueled by (more…)
Rio Marie’ Report 2024 #14
Fishing Report – Week #14 November 17 – 24, 2024 Weather Conditions: The week brought mostly sunny days, setting the stage for another unforgettable experience on the waters of the Rio Marié. Water Temperature: 26–28°C (79–82°F) River Conditions: The water levels fluctuated early in the week but began dropping again by midweek, creating ideal conditions (more…)