Choosing the correct running line can be very difficult for spey casters just getting into the game. There are many different types of running line and even more opinions on which one you should choose. I’m going to break down the two options you have coming in the door, and advantages and disadvantages so you can pick your own and try them out. Typically, there are two main types of running line: Mono Running Line Coated Running Line Here are pros and cons of each (in my experience), and what I generally tell people when they ask me at the shop. Mono Running Line Pros: Shoots further than coated. It’s cheap and easy to come by. Made in many colors so that you make sure there is nice contrast between your head and running line for casting. Cons: Tangles more than coated lines. Harder to control in hands of a beginner (u...

September to October is the time when the October caddis appears on many of our rivers. Everything swimming in the rivers seems to like them. The steelhead are no exception to that. This pattern is a variation of one I tied years ago. The only real changes I've made is the body dubbing, which is synthetic material instead of the natural material I use to use. Swing it or strip it either way it has proven quite effective for me. Thread: 140 Ultra Thread, Burnt Orange. Hook: Gamakatsu T10-8H #8 Butt: UNI Floss, Orange Body: Hare's Ice Dub, Rusty Orange Rib: French Tinsel, Small Oval Gold Hackle: Mallard Barred, Flank Wood Duck Wing: Squirrel Tail, Natural Fox Flash: Krystel Flash, Copper

When a fly line is designed by the Skagit Master, Ed Ward, it’s going to create a buzz with those who know spey.  I’m going to make a prediction that it won’t be long before these lines change the thinking of fly fishing anglers across multiple disciplines.  The OPST Commando Heads are touted to be excellent lines for single hand, switch and two hand casting applications.  They will work with any rod matched to the correct grain window.  That means you don’t need a spey rod or even a switch rod to begin fishing them. Commando Heads are shooting heads.  Outside of spey casters, many fly anglers using single hand rods, really don’t understand the shooting head concept.  There are some old school steelhead and streamer guys that have been making their own shooting head systems for many years, but anglers new to the sport have...

If I were to ask any avid waterfowl hunter what his or her dream limit of ducks is, the response will more than likely be seven mature green heads. In many parts of the country, seven mallards is a regular occurrence for any hunter with a dozen decoys. However, most of us in the Panhandle region have to work hard if we wish to kill our seven greenies. It wasn't until today that I asked myself, "How far am I willing to go to bag my limit of green heads?" morning started off with a steep hike down a rocky cliff fully loaded with decoys, shell bag, gun and layout blind- all while loose rocks rolled beside me. Once the easy part was over and I reached level ground, I began the trek through knee deep mud and small puddles trying to find the spot I mapped out in my head the day before. I knew from past experience to keep my feet moving boots g...

         From our most recent eMag HERE! The thought of throwing long casts with traditional flies on dry lines and getting pulls from aggressive steelhead made me a bit giddy. The thirty two hours we put in on the floor during the grand opening of the Lewiston Idaho N40 Outfitters went by like a slack tide.  While we were in the store, river reports were coming in.  Fish counts were good.  On Friday, the flows were over 6000cfs and temps were averaging 54 degrees. Cornfed went out early on Saturday morning and swung four steelhead on a skater.  I could already feel that first big pull. Unable to take it after work, we went out Saturday night with Captain Calvin.  While back trolling two boats tied together and loaded with people, Calvin put the crew on two steelhead and a beautiful King Salmon in complete darkness. Knowing tho...

Kevin Lyons came in the other day disgusted with all the rising fish he was seeing on tiny midges. Make no mistake, he caught some on a tiny midge, but he was hoping for BWO’s.  The weather was spot on for fall BWO’s, overcast, calm, and spitting rain.  Where were they? BWO’s are usually easier to fish than tiny midges. They are small, but you can usually still see them. The bottom line is that there are lots of rising fish out there, but you just won’t always get to pick your chosen bug to feed them. Or you can pick your chosen bug.  Maybe you can even throw an attractor.  Just fish it and see what happens.  Be happy that you are fishing a dry fly with potential for success however you measure it. Better make sure you’ve got a few Griffiths Gnats on hand just in case. I’ve heard lots of anglers ask when the streamer bit...

If you live in Montana, or the Northwest for that matter, you have inevitably had at least 3 discussions already today regarding "the weather." From the changing temperatures to the howling wind. From the rain (or lack of it) to the snow (and how it is still falling in June). No matter the conversation, weather has always dictated what footwear I choose. And my footwear has always determined the type of sock that I wear underneath. Fall, although longer this year, is beginning to give way to cold nights and frosty windshields. Hunting season has also started and I am finding myself with many more excuses to wear boots rather than shoes (and on the rare occasion a pair of sandals). The FoxRiver Boot Sock is a great sock for this time of year and highlights November's Sock of the Month. It is a taller sock that fits great with my hunting b...

This is a simple fly that has proven its' worth on the river. It started out as a KILOWATT, but I toned it down some and added a stinger hook. It has proven itself on the local trout as well as steelhead. I tie this in a number of color combinations, this one is Black and Blue. A favorite of mine all year round. Materials: THREAD: 140 Ultra Thread, Black BEAD: Brass Cone Head, Medium Nickle BODY SHANK: Any streamer style hook will work. You'll be cutting the hook part off. STINGER HOOK: #4 Octopus style BODY: Ice Dub, Blue Steelie UNDER WING: Flashabou, Black OVER WING: Flashabou, Black WING AND TAIL: Marabou Blood Quill, Black COLLAR: Ice Dub, Blue Steelie

Wayne Jordan just demoed a Sage One for the first time.  He really liked it. He was back at the rack fondling the rods today and I asked him what he was doing.  He said he was feeling the "serenity sticks."  I had one of those aha moments.  While I often touch them and have waking dreams all the time, I’ve never quite framed the fly rod as a "serenity stick."  But serenity can certainly be attained when handling a fine fly rod.  Whether it happens on the water, in the store or at home, just picking one up can take you back to that moment or that perfect place where we all love to dwell.  An unspoiled morning on the river, a memorable fish, and a day spent with a great fishing partner. When work gets you down, think about reaching for your favorite serenity stick.  If your current stick does not make you go ah with pleasure, come...