Summertime Fly Selections for Trout

Summertime Fly Selections for Trout & Bass

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Summertime Fly Selections for Trout & Bass
by Zach Thurman

We are in the middle of trout season here in Northern California, and with the weather heating up the hatches are changing and have switched from the bigger bugs to caddis and mayflies throughout the region. With this transition the flies that are the most productive have changed as well. We have listed some of flies to match what’s hatching up here now.

Flying insects in front of a drift boat

Caddisfly hatches in the evening during the summer can be legendary. The trout go crazy chasing the emerging insects. For caddis our favorite nymphs and dries are the following:

If you have a selection of these in sizes 14 or 16 in tan and olive you will be covered in most situations this summer.

Rod and reel with a fly box full of flies

On the spring creeks like Fall River or Hat Creek, and on Baum Lake, summertime means gigantic Pale Morning Dun hatches. These mayfly hatches have also been strong recently on several of the local waters and our top patterns have been:

Have a selection of these in sizes 16 and 18 in Baetis and PMD and you should be all set.

Fly box of streamers and midges

Midge patterns are also important through the summer months as the water temps warm up and water levels drop. Mostly we will fish nymph patterns and the top patterns are:

A selection of these in size 18 or 20 in different colors will cover you, and black is always a safe bet.

Fly box of summer streamer flies

Streamer fishing, while sometimes challenging, is a fun way to fish a lot of our mountain rivers and streams. There is a wide variety of streamers that are productive but are favorites are:

A selection of these in black, brown, or olive in sizes 6 through 12 will have you dialed. These patterns are all weighted differently so having some heavier and lighter patterns is a good idea as well.

Umpqua Swimming Frog

Top Topwater Bass Flies
We are in the heat of summer now and water temps are rising, lily pads have emerged which means it is time to fish topwater patterns for bass! With so many lakes, ponds and creeks in our area we are fortunate to be able to catch one of our favorite warm water species on the surface. Typically with the hotter air temperatures and longer days fishing when the light is low (morning and evenings) is prime time to target bass on the surface. There are a lot of effective topwater bass patterns, and having a selection of hard body, deer hair, and poppers with weed-guards is a good idea depending on whether you are fishing open water or weeds/lily pads. Color and size doesn’t have to be too critical, but you should have some lighter and darker color schemes in sizes 2 through 10. Our favorites are:

We regularly update our Stream Report with the latest hot flies for all of our locations here in Northern California. Are you interested in speaking with an expert on local hot flies? Give us a call (800) 669-3474 and we’ll be happy to set you up for success!

2023 Father’s Day Gift Guide

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Perfect Fly Fishing Gifts for Father’s Day

Father’s Day is just around the corner and we have come up with some wonderful gift ideas for that very special person in your life. Dad, this one’s for you!

Skwala Sol Tropic Hoody

As we grew up we all knew that our father was the coolest! And we all still believe this, it is a fact. Now you can get the coolest cat in your life the coolest shirt obtainable anywhere, the Sol Tropic Hoody. This technical shirt is the lightest high UPF shirt there is. It will maintain its 40+ UPF protection even when it’s wet. Developed for high humidity environments, it has all the do-dads, thumb loops, the scuba hood, and it looks great.

Costa Sunglasses

Dads can be cool, but we all know their fashion sense can use a boost from time to time. Be a good kid and help them out in this area with a pair of Costa Polarized Sunglasses! Not only will they look great, you will also be showing them how much you love them and their well being by providing industry leading sun and UV protection. Their superior vision will likewise allow them to out-spot the guides on their flats trip.

20/20 Magnetic Tippet Threader

Even the best dads out there will need help when the light gets low and the flies are small, this handy gadget is an economical way to save his day when it comes time to get that #22 Parachute Adams strung up! Nothing is as infuriating as finding yourself thigh deep in prime water with Caddis popping off in swarms, watching noses poking up slurping down dries when you can’t get your dry strung up. Spare pops the agony and hook him up with the threader!

Fishing Net

Nothing chills a vibe like watching your fly pop out of a nice fish’s mouth just as you are about to land them. These aren’t the kind of memories we cherish, however, and if your father fishes on foot or out of a boat, we’ve got a net that will help save the day. And nets don’t just help you land fish, they help you keep them healthy for a clean release.

Coolnet UV+ Buff

Buffs are the OG face and neck protection, and their latest iteration was able to improve upon the best. With 50+ UV protection, 4-way stretch material, seamless construction, built-in bug deterrent, a variety of stylish colors & patterns, and now Polygenic odor control, it is easy to see why no one has been able to match this product. And your dad can never have enough around.

Fly Fishing Vacation

What’s on your father’s bucket list? Chances are that floating a picturesque freestone river, casting large dry flies or streamers to hundreds of hungry, wild trout, and returning to world class dining to watch the sun set over is one of them. No? Maybe making shots to tailing Redfish on the bow of a skiff in the Gulf is more their style. If you would like to help your dad complete his bucket list, you don’t necessarily need to break the bank. Two great examples are Kingfisher Lodge in Montana on the Bighorn River has been in operation for decades putting clients on large Rainbows and Browns while providing world class accommodations. And Bay Flats Lodge in southern Texas is a wild and adventurous saltwater flats destination right in our backyard. Getting to either is easy, and both offer a variety of lodging and guided fishing packages from a one night stay up to an entire week.

Guided Day of Fly Fishing for Dad

We can’t think of anything better for your dad than to spend a day on the water with their kid. We guide a variety of locations, either from a drift boat on some of our larger rivers, or wading rainbow-stuffed smaller streams up here in NorCal. We have the best professional guides anywhere and a day spent with a The Fly Shop guide is fun, productive and can be instructive as well. If your dad needs some time to unwind and hook into a whole passel of fish, set him up with a guided day, he will not be disappointed.

3-Day School Spey School at Gold River Lodge

Speaking of Bucket Lists, if Steelhead, Atlantic Salmon and Alaskan Silvers & Kings are on it, chances are swinging flies on large rivers will be on the agenda. Two-handed fly rods are the tool of choice to chase these fish for many reasons, and if your pops is looking to pursue this item on his list, the 3 Day Spey School on the Lower Klamath is the definitive venue to get him a solid footing in the swing fishing world. With a Certified Instructor staff, great accommodations on the estuary of a storied steelhead river, and center-pinned on the most prolific run of fish, anyone who wishes to become an effective Spey fisher will come away from this school with new and improved skills.

Fly Boxes

An inexpensive accessory, but an important one that every fly fisher uses, is the fly box. Flies are integral to the sport and chances are your father owns a few. Well, probably more than that. The fly box is a simple way to organize, safeguard and store your flies as well as have them ready to go when needed. We have some nice ones that are not super expensive, like our Signature Double-Sided Waterproof Fly Boxes that slip right into your breast pocket, or Fishpond’s Tacky Day Pack Flybox.

Gift Card

Does your father already have a trip scheduled? Does he tie his own flies? Own every rod, reel, fly line, and tippet size? Not sure what he’s going to go after in the next few weeks? Help him cover any last-minute needs, fly purchases, leaders, hats, or whatever, with a Gift Card. He can apply it towards any of our online store items, Private Waters, Guided Fly Fishing Trips in Northern California, or to any of our International Fly Fishing Destinations.

Not seeing something that you are looking for? You can find all kinds of other products in our online catalog. This gets updated regularly with new products as they become available.

Happy Father’s Day!

2023 Mother’s Day Gift Guide

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Perfect Fly Fishing Gifts for Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is just around the corner and we have come up with some wonderful gift ideas to show how appreciative we are for moms. It’s an opportunity to say, “Thanks Mom, thanks for being there for me; for getting me to practice, for taking care of me when I was sick, for picking me up off the mat when I failed, and for celebrating my life victories.” It really doesn’t matter what you get your mom – a card, flowers, or even a hug. What’s important is that you show your love. Even giving her a call and saying “Thanks for having me, Mom…”, is great. We’ve put together a short list of love-gifts for your flyfishing mom you might also want to consider.

Patagonia Women’s Tech Joggers
Patagonia has been making women’s clothes for close to 50 years – technical clothes built specifically for active women. These could possibly be the most comfortable pair of pants that we’ve ever seen. Many of our staff wish these were made for men as well so they could own several pairs, but they are made just for the ladies. They are lightweight and quick-drying with a comfort-stretch waistband, two deep front pockets and a thigh pocket with a corrosion-proof zipper. Patagonia’s Tech Joggers feature a lightweight 100% recycled polyester stretch ripstop with a tapered silhouette and elastic at the ankles to keep them in place. Getting mom a pair or two of these will ensure that she remembers your thoughtfulness every time she puts them on. Available in two great colors and perfect for everyday use, going for a walk, or a quick jaunt to the store.

Damsel Snoods
We had these on our list last year as we really like them for sun protection and a multitude of purposes. Whether your mom is on the water or in the garden it is always a good idea to be protected from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Not only will she look good with these colorful options, but she will be protecting her skin. The Damsel Snood is the answer to protection while adding fashion. Multiple snap positions and an elastic band make for the perfect fit for all sizes. The 100% polyester material is moisture-wicking and has a soil release finish.

Patagonia Women’s Capilene Cool Daily Hoody
Like the Tech Joggers, this is a piece that can be worn anytime, not just for fly fishing. Mom can throw this on to walk the dog or run errands around town, all while looking great in its bright color with an artistic graphic on the back. It is quick drying, has stretch for mobility and comfort, plus HeiQ® Pure odor control. Made with 50-100% recycled polyester, Capilene® Cool Daily styles keeps mom comfortable when she’s working hard, both in the heat and in the cold.

Guide Day of Fly Fishing for Mom
We can’t think of anything your mom would want more than to spend a day on the water with her kid. Life gets busy and we forget it’s the small things that really matter – time together. What better way to spend quality time with your mom than in the outdoors chasing trout for a day.

Korkers Buckskin Mary Wading Boots
A good pair of wading boots can make or break your day on the water or on the trail. Help mom have a great day wading the river or stream by getting her a comfortable, durable pair of wading boots, specifically engineered for ladies’ feet. She’ll be thanking you each and every step she takes.

Damsel Wading Belt
Add mom’s favorite color to her wading attire with a great new wading belt. All waders come with a gray or black wading belt for safety – blah! Our friends at Damsel Fly Fishing made five great colors to add the perfect splash of color on the water. Made with elastic stretch for comfort on the water, these belts adjust from 27 to 48 inches for the perfect fit.

Patagonia Women’s Nano Puff Fitz Roy Trout Hoody
If you have an active mom, then she needs a great jacket to stay comfortable during her outdoor outings. We can’t think of a more functional jacket than this trout hoody. Being lightweight, warm, compactable and windproof are only a few of the features this “puffy” incorporates. And it’s tailored for a ladies figure and looks great!

Women’s 3-Day School
Has mom ever shown an interest in fly fishing and you weren’t sure how to get her started? Why not send her to our 3-day women’s school where she will learn along with other ladies just getting into the sport? Expert instructors are on hand to guide students through the course, and our low teacher-student ratio ensures a comfortable and personal atmosphere, with plenty of individual time and attention. An abundance of material is presented in a low-key fashion during the school and the practice sessions and lessons are presented in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. After 3 days with our instructors mom will be fishing right alongside you and possibly teaching you a thing or two. Fly fishing is a gift – give mom a gift that will last a lifetime.

Not seeing something that you are looking for? You can find other women’s products in our online catalog by visiting our Women’s Gear section. This gets updated regularly with new products that became available.

Fly Fishing Fitness

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Hi everyone, This is the first installment in a series of articles dedicated to fly fishing fitness. Over the last couple years, many of us have put on a few pounds due to the Coronavirus, we like to call it the Covid-19, 25, or 30, it doesn’t make a difference, what does make a difference is moving and getting back into shape so we can take full advantage of our favorite fisheries. We thought it was a great time to suggest some simple exercises that can get you back into tip top fly fishing shape.

#1 Strength & Balance Conditioning
by Zach Miller & Pat Pendergast

It’s inevitable – we are all going to get older. Like my dad says …”the alternative is not too good…” And with age, especially around the half-century mark, we start to lose balance, which is more about losing strength, which in the end makes us not as comfortable wading our favorite trout streams and rivers. But all is not lost, you can regain agility and balance with four simple exercises you can perform at the gym, or easier, at home, that will help you gain strength and balance and keep you in the fish like when you were in your twenties.

Understanding how the body works and taking care of your body go hand in hand in regards to living a fruitful life. It is interesting the number of people who succumb to the belief that they are unable to do certain things, simply because they are “too old.” Sure, this is a true statement in some instances. But does fishing belong on that same retirement shelf? NO! You can have an old body with a young mind, and still be able to enjoy the things you did while you were younger. Just as a NFL pro trains for his craft, we must train for ours. Luckily for fly fishermen, we’re not training to blast the pads off an opponent, but rather stand effortlessly in a moving stream and present a dainty fly to a feeding trout. Nonetheless, we need to ensure that our body is kept at a fitness level that enables us to continue to safely enjoy what we love, and that is accomplished through exercise.

Exercising can seem intimidating but it is just like anything else in life, just keep it simple. The body is a remarkable machine, and has many mechanical features which enable us to do simple movements without thinking. When it comes to balance, the key word is “core.” Having a strong core will ensure that you have the muscular strength and endurance, remaining balanced in an uneven and moving environment. What does it mean to have a strong “core”? Think of your core as the foundation of a building. Core muscles are the muscles which connect your thoracic (chest) region to your pelvic (hip) region, while simultaneously reinforcing your lumbar (lower) spine. These muscles are used in day to day movements such as walking, running, and picking up items off the floor, including landing a trout on your favorite stream. Improving your core strength will automatically improve your balance, and having a strong core will decrease the likelihood of injury, or taking a header in a trout or steelhead stream.

Here are four exercises that you can do at home or in a gym:

Diagram of single-leg balance

1) Single-Leg Balance – The single-leg balance is as simple as it gets, yet one of the most effective exercises that help regain an equal equilibrium. To perform this exercise, stand upright in a neutral position. You can stand next to something to hold onto if need be. Engage your abdominal muscles, then raise one one foot off the ground while keeping your hips level. Hold your foot off the ground for 30 seconds, then lower your foot back to down. Repeat on both sides twice.

Diagram of chair squats

2) Chair Squats – This exercise will strengthen your legs as well as your core. To perform this exercise, place a high-seated chair behind you and stand directly in front of the chair. Standing with your feet shoulder width apart, in a slow and controlled manner, lower yourself onto the chair. Do your best to engage your abdominal muscles and look straight ahead. Allowing the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glute muscles of the leg to control your movement downward and upward is crucial to your balance. Stronger legs and hips will equate to higher confidence and a better sense of equilibrium.

4-Stance Foam Balance

3) 4-Stance Foam Balance – This exercise sounds complicated but it is not. You can stand next to something to hold onto if need be. You will need two squared pieces of foam two to three inches thick and big enough to place your foot on easily with room. Place the two pieces of foam next to each other. For the first stance, you will stand with each foot on a piece of foam shoulder width apart. For the second stance, stand with each foot on a piece of foam, but have the foam pieces a foot apart. For the third stance, each foot will be on a piece of foam, but you will have one foot in front of the other (e.g. your left foot will be in front of the right.) For the fourth stance, simply swap feet, so the other foot is in front. Stand upright, engage your abdominal muscles and hold each stance for one minute.

Thumb Stare

4) Thumb Stare – While standing up straight, bring both feet together so they are almost touching. Extend and raise one arm up and extend your thumb (thumb’s up.) Rotate your arm from in front, to the side, then straight up while keeping your eyes locked on your extended thumb. This will help retrain your body to maintain a sense of balance and equilibrium while you are concentrating on something completely different. This translates beautifully in a fishing scenario, as there are many instances where you are fixated on a target (i.e. a feeding trout) and attempting to maneuver closer to it.

If you don’t use it, you’ll lose it. Performing these exercises 1 – 2 times each day will help retrain your core muscles. After several weeks, your body will be able to adapt to unstable environments like river and stream bottoms, much better, and your confidence to wade will increase. Your safety should always be a number one priority, so maintaining a strong foundation “core” will make you a stronger wader so you can fish longer and fish safer.

Zach Miller is one of our many talented guides here in NorCal as well at Lava Creek Lodge in Alaska with a passion for fly fishing and fitness. He earned his degree at Oregon State University (GO BEAVS) in Zoology and Kinesiology, finding a burning passion for physical therapy. Currently attending Physical Therapy school at Sacramento State, he continues to find his solace knee deep in trout water and helping others get back out in the game.

Please note:
Before beginning any exercise program or changing your physical activity patterns, you should always consult with your doctor or physician, particularly if you have been inactive, are very overweight, or have or suspect any sort of medical condition that might be worsened by exercise.

Wading Staff

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Wading Staff
by Pat Pendergast

One of the most asked questions we get from traveling trout fishermen is whether they should bring a wading staff. Our answer is simple and pragmatic – if you use one on your home waters, then bring one on your trip.

Several years ago I was in Kamchatka, Russia, fishing on the Savan River with globetrotting UK photographer and ardent fly fisher, Matt Harris. Now Matt is a stout man, in good shape, a former rugby player who probably tips the scales at 16 stone (200+ pounds), or thereabouts.

On the first morning of our float we were getting our kits together for the fishing day and Matt took out a wading staff and strapped it to his wading belt. I kind of stared for a minute, and finally asked him, “Matt, why do you use a wading staff? You’re still a strong wader…”

He answered matter of factly, “A wading staff allows me to get to waters that no one else can.” So the combination of being a strong wader and using a wading staff gives Matt a marked advantage on the river. Brilliant.

Anglers crossing the river using a wading staff

The more I thought about it, the more I realized that Matt was spot-on in his thinking. Even if you are a strong wader, and don’t necessarily need to use a wading staff (yet) it could give you a marked advantage when trying to reach a difficult piece of water or hiking on a tricky trail. Additionally, it goes without saying that a wading staff does add a level of safety to your fishing. Using a staff acts as a third leg (think tripod) and provides stability and support in the river and on the trail. A wading staff will take stress off your joints, help maintain balance on uneven surfaces – wet and dry – and increase your trekking speed to the water. In a pinch, a good staff can be used to help your fishing mate out of water, or get them out of a boot-sucking mud pit. Believe me, It happens…

Angler walking with a wading staff

Look for a wading staff that is sturdy, and built from carbon fiber or aluminum to keep the weight down. The staff should be adjustable for different heights, and once adjusted for length needs to lock into that position so you can use it to both push and pull if need be. The staff should have a comfortable handle (cork or foam) that fits your hand, feature a hand strap, and have some sort of lanyard, either fixed or retractable, so it is instantly available to grab (and you aren’t tempted to leave it on the shoreline). If you are traveling with your wading staff, make sure it collapses to a length that will fit in your roller duffel. Most staffs come with a rubber foot and/or carbide hardened tip, both of which should be replaceable as they wear out over time.

There are quite a few companies out there making quality wading staffs specifically for fishing. Some of our favorites are from Simms, Patagonia and Orvis. Other manufacturers include Folstaff and Hammer.

Even if you are a strong wader and don’t think you need a wading staff, give some thought to it as Matt Harris did…it might get you into a difficult-to-reach stretch of water that is holding your next trophy trout, steelhead or salmon.

Exciting Fly Fishing Gear for 2023

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Exciting Fly Fishing Gear for 2023
by Terry Jepsen

As we inch forward in 2023 (always quicker than expected!), we thought we would share some of our favorite new products. The items listed below aren’t just stuff that we’ve seen in catalogs or on some mannequin, but rather items that we have personally field-tested and given our full endorsement to.

We get asked all the time, “How do you choose new products for your catalog?” That is a great question! As an experienced group of anglers ourselves we ask a simple question during each dog and pony show…Would I pay full retail price for this product? If enough of us say “yes”, then we add it to our upcoming catalog. Of course, there is a bit more that goes into catalog selection than that, but that is the gist of our process.

Additionally, the dozens and dozens of lodges, outfitters, and guides from all over the world give us their insights as to products they like or want, be it a fly, rod, line, hat, reel, tippet, etc…

What you will see on this particular list are those products that our own staff would personally buy and have in their kits.

Patagonia Men’s & Women’s Fitz Roy Trout Nano Puff Hoody – $279.00
Although this isn’t a “new” piece from Patagonia, it is a fly fishing specific piece. With the new Fitz Roy Trout Logo rather than the standard Patagonia logo you get something that you can only get in the fly fishing world. This is one of those clothing pieces that you can wear for everything, from everyday use to the coldest fly fishing experience imaginable. It makes for an excellent layering piece when fishing frigid steelhead fisheries during fall and winter, as well as a great coat for running errands around town. The jacket is equipped with a beautiful brick quilting pattern with horizontal lines on side panels which stabilizes the insulation, and uses durable stitching for abrasion resistance. Comes with two zippered pockets for carrying those small items such as your phone, keys and wallet. Those pockets also work as a stuff sack for the jacket when you are wanting to travel with it and are worried about space. Available in two very nice, outdoorsy colors – Smolder Blue and Basin Green. Also available in both Men’s and Women’s cuts and sizes. Don’t leave home without your “puffy”.

Hardy Fortuna Regent Fly Reels – $750.00-$950.00
This was a great addition to our reel lineup for 2023 and perfectly rounds out our saltwater offerings. This reel has won several awards and was tested in some of the toughest conditions on the planet, particularly on GT’s in the Seychelles. This great series of reels come with up to 22 pounds of drag pressure in a simple-to-use, 360-degree rotation. The drag on these things could stop a train, or at least any angry fish running for deep water. The sealed, waterproof hub keeps all debris and other nasties from infiltrating your drag system and causing failure or slippage. The large arbor picks up line fast and the narrow spool allows it to stack properly without tangling. We really like this reel and our own Justin Miller will be testing it out in the Seychelles soon. So far we’ve only been able to test the lighter models on bonefish and smaller saltwater species, but we are really looking forward to putting it through its paces in the coming months on Providence Atoll.

Loon Apex HD Plier – $100.00
Ever since Abel discontinued their #2 and #4 pliers years ago we’ve been on the search for an exceptional set of pliers. We’ve tried several that just didn’t quite meet our standards or needs. Abel brought back their pliers for a couple of years, but again discontinued them. Leave it to a great company like Loon Outdoors to finally fill that niche with the Apex HD Plier. They offer both a saltwater and a trout version, but we decided to only pick up the saltwater model as that was the gap we were looking to fill. These new pliers are the perfect tool for big flies and big fish. Great for in the boat or on a belt, they come equipped with a durable rubber sheath that swivels for easy access. A leash is included so you don’t lose them, and know exactly where they are at all times.These lightweight aluminum pliers are a superb tool at a very attractive price. A good set of pliers is a luxury we can’t live without.

Patagonia Women’s Tech Jogger – $99.00
Although these aren’t necessarily new, they are new to us here at The Fly Shop®. As we see more and more women entering the fly fishing world we decided that this was the year to bring in a more comprehensive line of goods for ladies. We partnered with Patagonia to outfit the women of the sport just as we have for years for men. The first item on our list was the Tech Jogger. This is a technical piece of clothing that can be worn both on the water or around town. Equipped with three pockets for storage, two in the front and a side zipper pocket, you’ll be able to carry almost everything you need. These are perfect as a layering piece beneath your waders. The elastic cuffs allow them to be worn above or below the calf and the quick dry material is ideal for wet wading. They also make for a great pair of pants to put on after a long day of fishing. Available in 2 colors, Smolder Blue and Drifter Grey, in sizes XS – XL.

Mercer’s Jiggy Scuds – $3.95
It was a cool and rainy October afternoon in 2021, and I was at my desk at work when I noticed my colleague, Erik Argotti, speaking animatedly on his cell phone. Hanging up, he tinkered with the phone, swiveled towards me, held it out and said, “Hey Mercer, check this out.” Taking his phone I saw a close-up of a man’s hand, the palm completely covered in bright orange scuds. “What lake did he find these in?” I asked. “No lake,” he answered, “my friend just pumped the stomach of a Lower Sac rainbow he landed about an hour ago, and these were inside.” My mind momentarily froze, wondering if this was a joke, but Erik wasn’t laughing. Scuds, in the Lower Sac?? We’d been noticing our resident rainbows getting even more obese than normal over the past couple of years, and really had no answer as to why…could this be the reason? A few days later I headed out to wade the Sac, first cranking out a handful of flies I thought accurately imitated what I’d seen in the picture. The next hour and a half was one of the most memorable big fish days I’ve ever had on the river, catching unbelievable numbers of heavy-shouldered rainbows on the new bug. I was pumped!

Fast forward a year and we have come to understand that there is a very healthy population of scuds in our home river. They come in all sizes and colors, though the majority seem to be in the #14-#18 size range, with colors tending towards tans, oranges and olives. I’ve tied patterns accordingly, and the fish seem to like them all. Because they have a tungsten bead, they plummet quickly, with even small versions getting down fast. I typically fish them beneath an indicator, either as the bottom fly below a Pat’s Rubberlegs or in tandem with a second scud of a different size and color; or, two to three feet under a Chubby Chernobyl in a dry/dropper rig. However you like to nymph, give these a try…we are finding they work well even in streams that have no scuds!

Skwala Sol Tropic Hoody – $99.00
We started working with Skwala last year and have reviewed several of their products in our blog series. This new shirt just came out about a month ago and we couldn’t be more excited about a sun shirt. The Sol Tropic Hoody feels like silk on your body and boasts the lightest high UPF fishing shirt ever built. Like their other Sol shirts it comes equipped with the scuba hood to give more sun protection by coming up higher and protecting your entire neck. The 40+ UPF shirt is the perfect choice for the jungle, saltwater, and any humid, dry and hot fishing situation. Comes in a beautiful saltwater color (Gray Mist) so you not only are protected from the sun, but look good wearing it. The built-in thumb loops keep the sleeves where they should be, providing extra protection for the tops of your hands. We highly recommend this sun shirt! So does your skin!

Scott Wave Fly Rods – $675.00
Scott was at it again in late 2022 when they released their newest fly rod, the Wave. This rod filled an important price point in fly fishing and they hit it out of the park. Like all of their other rods, the Wave feels light in the hand and has an impressive backbone when both casting and fighting fish. We’ve already put this rod through its paces by taking it all over the world. Our first test was done locally with our rep, Matt Callies, but it was soon off to the Bahamas with Mike Michalak. Mike really enjoyed fishing with this rod for bonefish at Soul Fly Lodge and upon his return told us that it was just as fine of a tool as the much more expensive rods on the market. If you are looking for a great fresh or saltwater rod with some grit, then give the Wave a waggle, you won’t be disappointed.

Zack’s Bomb Squad Midges – $2.95
Zack Thurman has been employed at The Fly Shop® for 15 plus years and is a very talented, innovative fly tyer. Zack has been tying flies professionally since he was a teenager and is a current “Pro Tyer” for Umpqua Feather Merchants. We can practically guarantee that if you are a trout bum you’ve most likely tied on one of Zack’s patterns at some point. Zack’s Bomb Squad Midges are the most recent pattern designed by Zack. It has fooled many finicky trout across numerous stillwater fisheries. Four perfect color options that sink fast with a tungsten bead. It is a midge that covers countless angling situations. This fly rocks!

Patagonia Capilene Midweight Crew & Bottom – $79.00
These are infamous in every outdoor sporting activity. Whether you are an angler, hiker, climber, biker, etc…, you’ve most likely owned a pair of Patagonia Capilene. Most likely you even still wear them – they last forever! They’ve been upgraded over the years with new features such as thumb loops and removing the foot stirrups, and are made with recycled materials, Patagonia’s commitment to reducing their footprint. They are still the same great product that we’ve all come to expect, with some updates that make this iconic piece of clothing that much better.

Fishpond Elkhorn Lumbar Pack – $99.95
Fishpond has another winner with this pack. It includes all of the features and necessary storage capacity in one bag. With 5 liters of capacity and plenty of attachment points you won’t have to decide which fly boxes or tools to take with you. Just grab everything you need and load it up. It makes for a great all-day bag as well, with 2 water bottle holders (bottles not included), and compression straps on the underside of the pack provide a place to stow an extra layer. We had a tough time finding anything that this new pack is missing. And not to worry, this pack, like other Fishpond packs and bags, comes with an easy to access net holster. Throw it on and hit the water with everything you could possibly need…this pack will handle it.

Not seeing something that you are looking for? You can find other new products in our online catalog by visiting our New Arrivals section. This gets updated regularly with new products that became available after our catalog goes to print.

Gear Review: Skwala Sol Series

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Gear Review: Skwala Sol Wading Pant & Sol Tactical Hoody

Right before I hopped on a plane to Brazil to target some ridiculous jungle monsters, I received two new Skwala products to try out. I had heard great things about Skwala’s new waders, jackets, and cold weather layering pieces, but no one had tried out the lightweight, hot weather, sun gear yet. I was going to be the guinea pig… and I was not disappointed!

The jungles of the Brazilian Amazon are not a comfortable place… It is always hot with the sun, humidity and heat relentless in their attack. And I’m a ginger, so sun protection is mandatory for my survival in that environment. I took two new products with me that promised to protect my jellyfish-like complexion from head to toe. The SOL Wading Pant and SOL Tactical Hoody were extremely comfortable, in extremely uncomfortable conditions.

SOL Wading Pant
I absolutely loved the Sol Wading Pant. They were the most comfortable “flats pants” I have ever worn. Technically, we were not on the flats, but one could argue we were in rougher conditions in the jungle than in the salt, and it is the same wardrobe in both games.

The pants have an amazing cut, perfectly form fitting but with tailored lines that allow for maximum flexibility. I never felt them binding up, even when they were wet. That is usually a difficult task for most flats pants. These pants are not all baggy and billowy, while a lot of other flats pants I’ve worn get their range of motion by adding material and making them more spacious, but that leads to drag in the water, heaviness when wading, and the wind flapping them around like a loose sail when you are standing on the nose of a skiff. The contoured cut of the SOL Wading Pant puts them above the rest.

The material they used in the construction of the SOL Wading Pant is super innovative. They are four-way stretch for maximum comfort and mobility, and they have a grid-type design, with micro holes in the grovers, making them extremely cool in the hot weather and allowing them to dry very quickly.

Justin Miller holding an arapaima in Brazil

Skwala put a lot of effort into making the SOL Wading Pant the most technical flats pants in all of fly fishing, but they also made them look amazing as well! You can wear these pants out to dinner or even to the office – some offices, I guess – but I suggest you wash all of the mud and fish slime off of them first. I made an absolute mess of these pants, crawling around in the clay mud shallows wrestling arapaima to shore. I took the pants into the shower each evening, ran some shampoo through them, and they were as good as new. I would have worn them to the office the next day, for sure…

SOL Tactical Hoody
This hot weather shirt is super innovative. At first I was like, “How much can you improve on a stinking shirt?” Well, a lot apparently. The SOL Tactical Hoody had a bunch of features that I haven’t seen in other shirts until now. This product was extremely well thought out.

The first thing I noticed when I put the shirt on was the comfort. The material they designed for the SOL Tactical Hoody has a light and airy jersey knit feel all over the torso and upper arms. The forearms and shoulders are made from a far more durable and water repellent material that does not absorb water. Spending 10 straight hours in sweltering humid jungle heat though, you will make them get wet, but with a quick boat run, it was amazing how fast they would dry out. In some of the worst heat we would encounter, this shirt still felt cooler than other shirts I have worn. And when it got really bad, we would go for a quick swim to cool off and the shirt was fantastic as it dried and cooled you off. It was by far my favorite tech shirt in the jungle.

Justin Miller holding a payara in Brazil The hood was one of my favorite features. Again, light and airy. It provided great side protection from the sun on your face and protected your entire neck at all times. No sunburn stripe where your buff just doesn’t quite reach the collar line of your old hoodless tech shirt. I have fished in other hooded tech shirts that were tight and constricting. The SOL Tactical Hoody was the most comfortable that I have ever worn.

The other innovative design feature on the SOL Tactical Hoody is the deep side pockets. There is no other shirt on the market with anything like this. They run from just under your armpit all the way to the bottom hem. Nothing is falling out of these pockets. At first I was skeptical, but I tried them anyway and ended up loving them! You wouldn’t want to put your raincoat and a spare reel in there, but they were perfect for a small little fly box and a spool of tippet, maybe a lighter and lip balm… and your phone in a pinch. It’s perfect if you were going on a little wade mission out of the boat, and way better than the pockets on your pants, where your stuff is guaranteed to get soaked.

And maybe the most important feature of the SOL Tactical Hoody is its 50 UPF rating. This means only 1/50th of the sun’s harmful UV rays can penetrate through it. A normal shirt only has a 5 UPF rating! Needless to say then that this shirt is not messing around with its level of protection. You are not getting burned through this bad boy.

Conclusion:
I was very impressed with the performance of both SOL warm weather pieces. The SOL Wading Pants are the best fitting and most comfortable flats pants that I have ever worn, and the innovative SOL Tactical Hoody was extremely comfortable in the stifling heat and humidity of the Amazon rainforest. Both pieces kept me as cool as one could hope for in those conditions and were very durable in these rough conditions despite their light feel. They were also so easy to clean in the shower each evening and throw right back on the next morning. I can’t wait to put them both back in action in the saltwater this spring! They are now at the top of my tropical destinations wardrobe. Outstanding Team Skwala!

Justin Miller
International Travel Specialist
The Fly Shop®

Last-Minute Gift Ideas

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Last-Minute Gift Ideas

The holiday season is here, and it reminds me that many of us are last-minute shoppers. Maybe you’ve already gotten the big gift(s) and are still looking for that perfect stocking stuffer. We all get busy with other things this time of year – holiday parties, meal planning, normal day-to-day routines – and too often we realize the day before we need it that we forgot something and end up rushing out to the closest store to come up with anything.

Fear not! We’ve put together a list that will hopefully help with last-minute shopping. Many of these fly fishing items will make great stocking stuffers or additions to the gifts you’ve already purchased.

20/20 Magnetic Tippet Threader – $11.95
No one enjoys standing in a blizzard hatch amid rising fish while trying to tie on a fly. And I can’t tell you how helpful this little tool is when on the river at dusk trying to hit the evening hatch. No longer are you spending time trying to thread your tippet through the eye of the hook while the fish are rising in front of you. Nor are you having to put on your magnifier glasses to see both the tippet and fly. Simply put the fly eye down on this baby and thread your tippet down the indented line. All you have left to do is tie the knot and you’re back in the game.

Buff Coolnet UV+ – $24.00
Sunscreen is a must, of course, but for the best chemical-free sun and UV protection for your face, neck and ears, you need a physical barrier between you and the largest nuclear reactor in our solar system. Nothing beats the Buff Coolnet – these were the first and remain the best. These simple tubes help protect you from the sun and keep you comfortable. The UPF 50+ face coverings will keep you from getting burned and keep you from being stinky with their built-in odor control. Some similar products have uncomfortable seams that cause irritation, but the Buff tubes are seamless for continued comfort. A must have for every angler.

TFS Beanie – $24.95
If you are an outdoor enthusiast you probably have a few beanies in your wardrobe. We’ve made our own, both with the cuff or without. These warm, comfortable beanies come with an embroidered TFS fly logo and will keep your fishing pal or loved one nice and toasty on cold days. Both can also fit over your favorite fishing cap so you can keep the good luck flowing.

Fishpond Headgate Tippet Holder – $19.95
Tired of waiting for your fishing buddy to rig up while they spend an eternity rifling through their vest or sling looking for tippet? The Fishpond’s Tippet Holder is a great gift – for both of you! This great tool can be attached to many different things and puts your favorite tippet spools right at your fingertips. Designed to be attached to most, if not all, of the Fishpond products, it can also be added to any D-ring. Holds seven standard spools of tippet and comes equipped with a built-in razor cutter so you aren’t having to get out your nippers.

Casey Underwood Fish Decals – $5.95
We’re not sure there is a better way to represent your favorite species than with one of these decals. Designed for outside use, they are perfect for vehicles, boats, fly boxes, or rod tubes. Heck, help remind your fishing pals with one of these stickers for their coffee mug that you need to get out and fish more often. Casey is a great artist who has hit it out of the park with these fish decals. Measuring only 5 1/2″ L x 2 1/2″ H, they aren’t gaudy and look great.

Water Views – $45.00
When fly fishers aren’t on the water, they’re generally thinking or dreaming about the landscapes they love. This book features a stunning collection of aerial fly fishing images taken for Winston Fly Rod Company while the owner of the company, David Ondaatje, explored wilderness areas, local rivers, lakes, and oceans with a fly rod over the past several years. It will keep your fishing pal or loved one connected when they can’t be on the water.

Scientific Anglers Rod Sleeves – $16.95 – $29.95
‘Tis the season for merry spirits, and one thing that will always harsh that mellow is a tangled rod. This is one that most people don’t think about until they are on the water and moving from one spot to another. We haven’t seen anything better for transporting rigged rods than these tubes from Scientific Anglers – they are guaranteed to take the Jingle-Jangle out of a rigged rod during transport. Just load your rigged rod into the sleeve, and your worries about line tangling in brush or catching on things is gone. It also works great for storing rigged rods in your boat so you’re ready to fish as soon as you hit the water. Available in full or half sizes.

Umpqua DreamStream Fly Tying Tool Kit – $79.99
If you are just getting into fly tying, you are probably starting to realize that quality tools matter as much as quality materials. This seven-piece kit comes with everything you need and more. Don’t waste your time fighting with cheap tools – invest in this quality kit that will make fly tying much more enjoyable. Many kits come with tools that will wear out quickly and often won’t work properly for long, but that can be easily remedied with this amazing selection. It includes a carrying case for travel or storage.

The Fly Shop Gift Card – $10 – $1,000
Is a gift card a total abdication of your gift giving responsibilities? Absolutely not! In fact, this is one of the most loving and well-considered gifts for your fly angler. Fly fishers purchase many small items, which can comprise the bulk of their budget, and you can’t always predict what flies, tippet, leaders or other odds and ends they will need, so a TFS Gift Card ensures your beloved fly fisher will have peace of mind when they are heading out to fish or if they need to make some last-minute purchases before a trip. Sometimes they never know what they’ll need – until they need it.

Reasons to use a travel agent

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Reasons to use a travel agent for your next fly fishing trip

We get asked all the time why anglers should use a travel agent when they can book directly with the lodge. This is a great question that I wished more people asked, so I’m going to share a few of the best reasons in this post.

You won’t pay an extra dime for their services – it’s free.
You don’t pay an extra penny. There are no hidden or increased costs when using an agent. The agent makes their money from the lodge, not from extra costs passed on to you, the angler. Why is this an advantage, you might ask? Read on…

You get unbiased advice on what trip will best meet and exceed your expectations.
A huge advantage is that you get an expert opinion and professional, unbiased advice. We have no interest in upselling you to a higher-priced lodge — we want to make sure you get the most out of your fly fishing vacation. Maybe you want to catch loads of bonefish every day, or maybe you are only interested in monster bones and are content hunting for just one or two memorable fish each day. It’s possible the next thing on your list is catching dozens of ocean-bright silver salmon on retrieved flies until your arms are tired or swinging for a few big king salmon. Maybe you want to travel to Alaska for those big rainbows you’ve always heard about. Well, did you know there are several very important questions you should be asking to make sure you end up at the right place? There are so many online options – most stating they are the best – that it is easy to become overwhelmed. That’s where the experts come in. An agent will help you find the perfect destination and lodge. Many lodges advertise being the best, and in fact some of them are… at very specific things. So you need to make sure you book a lodge that caters to your very specific desires.

Pat Pendergast and Mike Michalak working on reservations

You have an advocate if something goes wrong.
Booking through an agent gives you someone who will advocate for you if something goes wrong. Like we say here at The Fly Shop, “We’ve got your back!” We saw this time and again during the COVID pandemic. Many who booked directly were stuck with whatever the lodge decided to do. However, those who booked with an agent had help in navigating the constant changes to policies (rollover costs, cancellations, etc.). Some who booked directly thought they would be covered because they had travel insurance, but most of those policies didn’t cover the pandemic, so many anglers were left with questions and dissatisfied with the outcome. But agents such as The Fly Shop® fought back against the handful of operators who tried to implement draconian rollover charges and advocated for our clients.

COVID was an anomaly when it came to travel challenges, but there are always smaller details that will pop up from time to time. What happens when your flight is delayed in Houston due to weather? How do you let the lodge in the Bahamas know that you will be arriving a day late? Will there be someone there to meet you and get you to the lodge? What happens when an emergency at home requires you to cancel your trip? With an agent by your side, these issues are easily managed. An agent will contact the lodge to inform them of your delay and make sure someone is there to greet you and get you to your final destination. Unable to make your trip? An agent will do their best to find a replacement angler to help you get all or part of your money back. Direct bookings often don’t give these same services. A lodge has no incentive to find a replacement angler, as they already have your money (and therefore been paid for the week).

You’ll receive accurate and time-tested information on travel and equipment.
A quality agent also provides the documentation and details so you know what to pack, what to expect once you arrive, any shots or vaccines you may need for a specific county, and tackle and gear lists. And we’re not talking about boilerplate checklists – these are details accrued through many personal visits to the destinations, as well as having a close working relationship with the lodge owners and guides. Agents, such as The Fly Shop®, don’t make these lists to sell you gear but rather to make sure the traveling angler is well prepared and has the best opportunity for a wonderful and successful holiday.

Greeting client with a sign at the airport

You’ll have a partner and friend who will do everything they can to make your next fly fishing trip a success and memorable experience.
There you have it – for all these reasons – using a professional agent like The Fly Shop® for your next fishing trip is the smart way to go.

2022 Holiday Gift Guide

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Take the guesswork out of buying that special holiday gift for the fly fisher in your life. The list of gifts below is just a sample of the thousands of items available at The Fly Shop® – and all are available online, in our mail order catalog, or in our shop.

If you can’t think of what gift to choose, give us a call (800) 669-3474, and we can look up your fly fisher’s purchase history and suggest a great gift. Or you can purchase a gift card or send an online gift certificate to your angler’s inbox and let your fly fisher have fun shopping.

Skwala Carbon Jacket – $399.00
The jacket for every occasion! Built for anglers who demand flexibility and dexterity but aren’t willing to sacrifice comfort, the Carbon Jacket is fully waterproof, truly breathable, and easily packable. Though designed to pair with the Carbon Waders, this shell stands alone – weighing less than a pound and featuring a four-way stretch hard-shell outer layer that moves unlike anything you’ve ever worn. Whether you travel across the globe, or just higher up your local creek than most are willing to venture, the Carbon Jacket will keep you dry without holding you back.

The Fly Shop’s Fresh H2O Outfit – $275.00 – $325.00
The budding fly fisher aspiring to become the next Lee Wulff, Mel Krieger or Lefty Krey will find no drawbacks to this outfit. Although inexpensive, this complete set up with the rod, reel, backing, & line comes with a segmented carry case, extra tip, and The Fly Shop’s trademark fun engineered into the rod! These Fresh H2O Outfits are exactly what we have used at our Fishcamps™ and Fly Fishing Schools since their founding and not only do they cast well, but have ably absorbed the abuse you would expect from generations of neophyte fly fishers and continue in service. From the Hat Creek (4 weight) to the Mad River (8 weight), these outfits will provide dependable performance for years at a fraction of the cost of the high-end set ups.

Wapsi Deluxe Fly-Tying Kit – $109.95
A perfect way to get someone into the art of fly tying. This fine kit comes with all the tools, thread, wire, and other materials to get started. We have seen a lot of fly tying kits over the years, and this one was one of the best ones we have found. It comes with a variety of materials to tie the basic nymphs, dries, and even streamers. Also included is instructional booklet and DVD to help assist with the learning curve.

Fishpond Switchback Wading Belt 2.0 – $119.95
This great belt system is ideal for the minimalist who would like to set up gear for each outing. Equipped with a shoulder strap for extra comfort while including the perfectly sized waist pack for the essential gear for the day. Not limited to what you see, as the molle system allows you to add other items such as a water bottle holder or a Quickshot rod holder. This is great for either the left- or right-handed angler as it was designed with an ambidextrous view. Built-in net scabbard keeps your net within easy reach at all times.

Winston Air 2 Freshwater Fly Rods – $1,095
One of our favorite all ‘round trout rods that we have ever used! The lighter line weights are gems for casting dries on smaller streams, the 9 footers are amazing for spring creeks and stillwaters, and our personal favorites, the 9′ 6″, are one of the finest nymphing and stillwater rods we have held in our hands. Featuring Winston’s famous Boron technology, the Air 2 has all the power you need in a rod, yet still features a moderate mid and tip section that keeps you from worrying about lighter tippets breaking on big fish. Undoubtedly there is not a better looking or cleaner finish than these “Green Sticks.”

Coolnet UV+ Buff – $24.00
Protect your face and neck from the unfortunate effects of the sun, even in the winter. These are UPF 50+, quick drying, 100% seamless, and feature 4-way ultra stretch and polygenic odor control. We don’t leave home for any day on the water without a couple of these with us.

Korkers Wading Boots – $119.95–$259.99
Since their inception, these innovative boots have revolutionized the way people think about wading footwear. With the ability to swap out the soles to meet a particular need, anglers no longer have to purchase more than one set of boots for that trip to Alaska or anywhere felt soles are forbidden. Each pair of Korkers comes with a kling-on rubber and a felt sole. When one set wears out, you can swap the old out for a new one. And with many options to choose from, there are styles with and without robust ankle support, laced styles or the Boa system. Just about every niche is covered in Korker’s lineup. No more shopping every couple of seasons for that next set of comfy boots – you can keep your favorites for years.

Umpqua Dreamstream Tool Kit – $79.99
All of the necessary tying tools in one kit! One of the best ways to ensure a positive tying experience is to use a good set of quality tools. Umpqua has taken their very popular Dreamstream line of tying tools and put the essential items into this nice seven-piece kit complete with a padded carrying case.

Renzetti Vise – $195.95–$278.95
The ultimate goal of most fly fishers is to fool a fish on a fly of their own design and creation. Beginning and veteran fly tyers alike excel when they have the best tools at their disposal, and a solid, proven vise forms the foundation for any fly tyer’s kit. The Renzetti Vise is a premium tool and has all of the features you would need and expect.

The Fly Shop's Gift Card

TFS Gift Card – You choose the value
Is a Gift Card a total abdication of your gift giving responsibilities? Absolutely not! In fact, this is one of the most loving and well-considered gifts for your fly angler. Fly fishers purchase many small items, which can comprise the bulk of their budget, and you can’t always predict what flies, tippet, leaders or other odds and ends they will need, so a TFS Gift Card will ensure your beloved fly fisher will always have that peace of mind when they are heading out the door to fish, or if they need to make some last-minute purchases before a trip. Sometimes they never know what they’ll need – until they need it.