Last Saturday was absolutely beautiful on the Coeur d'Alene River. Mahoganies, caddis, and BWOs were hatching. The sun would occasionally tuck behind some clouds prompting the trout to rise with less wariness, which was nice because they tend to be very particular this time of year after being harassed all summer long. Want to know how the river is doing? Check out current river flows here This weekend is looking a bit soggy, which means you should probably blow the dust off your streamer box. Olive and tan sculpin patterns will always draw strikes, but don't hesitate to try a flashy fly like a Kraft's Kreelex or Sparkle minnow on cloudy days. As far as bugs go, the mahogany and BWO hatch should still be going strong, so have your 5X ready too. If you find the fish are refusing your fly, try using the most subtle dry fly in your box. I p...

Bugs are hatching and fish are up, so the dry fly guys are happy. Nymphing is strong, so anglers who want numbers of fish can get them. Streamer fishing is good, so if you get a charge out of the tug, you can get charged up. Water temps are currently in the peak zone of trout happiness. Lowering temps will eventually slow things down a bit, but we should see great fishing opportunities for several weeks. Want to know how the river is doing? Check out the current river flows here On the dry fly side, there have been some epic hatch days in the lousy weather of late. The lower river is showing more of the larger BWO’s while the upper is seeing more of the tiny little pseudos. Some caddis are also about including a few of the big Octobers. Lots of nymphs are working, but it’s hard to beat the venerable zebra midge. Unless you fish the v...

With apple harvest still going strong, I knew Luke had not had much time to hit the water of late. Last time I saw him, he was looking like he was in need of some fishing time. After checking the weather forecast for Sunday, I called Luke and asked if he was up for some time on the water. He told me, "I'll see you in the morning, I'll bring the boat." We hit the lake at about 10:30 in the morning. The weather forecast said little to no wind, well that was almost true. We ran down lake, but as we did the wind picked up and proved too much for us. Once we got closer to the north end, it was a lot more pleasant. We started out with the bigger streamer patterns that normally work for us. The action was okay, but the takes were of a half-hearted effort by the fish. We dropped the size of our streamers and start to get more positive action fro...

4:30AM Titusville, FL July 16th 89 Degrees It feels like I was at the Costa sunglasses party only an hour ago. In fact, it’s been a quick six hours of sleep, sushi, and a short drive from Orlando, Florida to the Casa Coquina Bed and Breakfast in Titusville, Florida. We checked into an 89 year old bed and breakfast, which sits beside the Indian River. I woke up to the sound of a gong and our ring leader, Joe Lamantia   from Mid-States, flipping on lights. Paul Considine, our buyer, Rob Bolke also from Mid-States, and I cleared the Costa party blur from our eyes. Looking around, we found ourselves waking up in a museum of world market items, in a room named the Black Pearl. Coffee was waiting for us, and so was our guide, Scott Macalla of Backcast Charters.  I bought two hot dogs, slow roasted at the gas station for brunch on the boat...

Whether you have only caught bits of a discussion on lines for two hand rods in a fly shop, or have been chasing steelhead with them since their modern conception, it is quite obvious everyone has an opinion on which line system is the proper tool for certain steelheading scenarios. Unfortunately, many speak in terms of absolutes. In such a complex sport there is no such thing, rather just a preferred method to maximize enjoyment and appreciation for the fish we pursue. And finally, there is more than one way to catch a fish. You can check current flows around Lewstown here. I believe if one wants to have the fullest appreciation for the natural abilities of Snake River basin steelhead, you must encounter one, with a fly, somewhere near the surface. Making the connection to a summer steelhead, a fish that has little to no business eating...

Nestled at the base of the Pasayten Wilderness, north of Winthrop, Washington, are the cold, clear waters of the Chewuch River.  The Chewuch is the beginning of a modern day success story with its contribution to natural rearing of Methow River steelhead and salmon. Natural preservation of its headwaters in the Pasayten Wilderness and quality land management by its neighbors lends itself to a pristine river shed surrounded by the beauty of the high desert meeting the pines. To preserve the spawning habitat of the Chewuch, her waters have been closed to steelhead fishing for decades. One of the grand gestures we’ve done to help preserve these wild fish shouldn’t we all have a sacred refuge? Luckily, we can still enjoy these holy waters even just for a brief time. For the past 10 years or so, the river has opened the Saturday before Me...

The near 80-degree temps we've been experiencing this week are coming to an end, which means some great fall fishing is right around the corner. The streamer bite has been really good on the Spokane River lately, especially first thing in the morning. I was able to fish a stretch in the valley on my way home from work this week and managed to land a few fish on an olive sculpin pattern. Want to know how the river is doing? Check out the current river flows here October caddis are showing up more and more each day, so don't forget to bring some burnt orange bugs in a size 8. I like the ones that float high and have rubber legs... Want to try out some new flies? Check out our fly selection here We've got a great assortment of all the flies you'll need. So come on in and get 'em while the fishing is hot!

Steelhead drive some people crazy. Searching for that perfect moment in time when it all comes together and the personal reward has reached its apex, sometimes it’s few and far between. For myself, and many others, seeking out steelhead with a swung fly is the pinnacle of fishing. Practicing casts with an imaginary rod and "feeling" the take mentally consumes a large part of my day. I probably look like a raver trying to figure out a new dance move while I picture that cast in my head and my arms move without even knowing it. I love theories. Especially fishing theories and, coming from a background in physics, this may come natural to me. Fishermen literally drive themselves nuts with theories, and steelhead fishermen may be some of the worst. Theories on such ineffable topics as why a winter steelhead in a sun baked run ate the strin...