I've been living in Bangkok for the last two years, so this white and frozen Northwest winter is a foreign country to me. My first experience with driving in the snow was to get stuck in the pass from Helena to Great Falls during this last storm they named Astro. Ended up staying at a little motel in Cascade, which I found out later doubled as one of the best fly shops on the MIssouri River. So... What does this winter weather have to do with Bluetooth and music you ask? Why, let me get direct to the point: the BE Headwear beanies that we stock at North 40 Outfitters. Check out our selection of online headwear here. BE Headwear Review: Warmth and Music I tried one of these beanies out after the snow storm I talked about above--I went out into the below zero weather when traditional headphones would not have been an option, and I wouldn'...

We've all been there: standing in front of racks of winter horse blankets in a sea of colors and styles wondering which winter turnout is going to meet your horse's needs as well as yours. WeatherBeeta has taken the pain out of blanket shopping by suggesting turnouts based on your horse's personality. Our entire selection of WeatherBeeta blankets is online here. The Blanket Friendly Horse This horse can use the same blanket for two or three winters in a row because this horse is a lady or gentleman. Maybe older, or maybe with a slow and quiet demeanor. This is not the horse you see at the rodeo tied to trailer trying to dig a path the freedom through solid steel, no, this horse is blanket friendly and kind and can get along just fine in the WeatherBeeta Standard turnout Blanket. The Blanket Houdini Horse This horse is a little hotter tha...

Lewiston, Idaho--home of the swung fly... plus a whole lot more. So much in fact, that this could quite possibly become the next destination on your "places to travel" list. If you're a local, you'll have probably done at least a few of the activities that we've outlined below; and if you're planning on visiting Lewiston? Then you just found what's probably the coolest travel itineraries you'll find online. We've been in this area for a long time, and because of that, we've learned about some of the coolest things you can do in the area--from locals, and from staff... and some of these we don't know where the Intel came from (or we aren't allowed to release it ;). If you read through this list, and you feel like we missed a vital piece of "to-do in Lewiston," please give us a head's up using the form below, or find us on social here. My...

Right under the Canada/US border lies a little explored Montana town--since the 1800's Havre has been a stopping point for travelers and settlers looking to explore the West. If you live around here, or if you'll be driving through Montana up to Canada, this list will make stopping over and checking out Havre a must-do. Enjoy the list and let us know if you think we've missed anything--reach out to us on Facebook, or let us know using the form at the bottom, and we will get our list updated ASAP.   Walk the Mission Canyon bridge- This natural bridge is 60 feet tall and located on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation. Camp somewhere along the Milk River- The Milk, named for its whitish color, spins itself out over remote prairies and through backcountry cottonwood bottoms. Less people, more wildlife. Fall asleep by Bearpaw Lake- 15 m...

  Colville, Washington... tourist destination of the stars. You may think I am kidding... after you read this list, you won't think that. The list below was built by extensive interviewing of locals... and by testing ourselves on the ground. If you live here, or if you're planning on visiting or driving through the city, you've just found a list of things you have GOT to try in Colville. Read on, and if you think we've missed something, please use the form below or contact us on Facebook, and we will add your ideas! Jog by Diamond Lake- A natural lake with 6 miles of shoreline- this is a nice local spot to go fishing. Ask our employees for more information. Grill chicken and go swimming at Bradbury Beach- The best place to go swimming. There is a large roped off dock in the middle and the water is warmer and slower moving than any...

*Redacted Text At work I was approached by Sam and Denver to film a short fly fishing video. The catch, we were going to one of Denver and Sam’s spots on the AAAAAAAAAAAA.. Being taken to a "secret spot" is pretty common when fishing with friends. After all, no one wants to have the whole city fishing in their favorite run. Denver and Sam took this concept a bit over the top. In what felt like a police interrogation, I was sworn to secrecy and they never even told me where we were going. The best part, if I was going to be allowed to tag along, 'I would have to be blind folded on the way in and out of the fishing spot.’ This, of course, from Sam. -.. Not cool After being baited in by stories of a relatively untapped stock pile of trout, I reluctantly agreed to being blindfolded. I admit it was not my proudest moment. In my defense, ...

With the Okanogan river flowing over 1800cfs and the Methow blown out as well I decided to enlist my best bud Matt Featherly (North 40 Archery Lead, Omak WA) to go catch some fish at Omak Lake. Arriving at Omak early in the morning the wind was blowing out on the lake sending in some nice rollers to the bank, but with the mountains shielding us, the conditions were perfect. We had multiple hookups right off the bat and the morning was going great! Our choice fly for the day was one our very own Keith Roe tied, barred white bunny streamer. Another fly that worked well was the sculpzilla in the olive color. Matt had multiple hookups with some fish ranging from 18-20 inches running a floating line with a 9 foot leader. I chose to use a type 8 sink tip at the end of my floating line and 7 foot leader. We had several short strikes on the flie...

Not a lot of reports coming in lately. Its been windy and many folks are busy hunting. Rick decided to kick back and chill with his buddies instead of battling the mid day breezes yesterday. Nick from our tools department had another plan. He fished the Missouri from sun up to sun down yesterday and worked a number of runs from the Dearborn to the Untouchables Bridge. He said it was a great day! Nick started out fishing streamers on the swing and the bites were steady. You will have to ask Nick what he was swinging, because he ties his own bugs. The streamer bite slowed down mid day and he switched to a nymph rig. A purple Lightning Bug was the money fly. The streamer bite kicked in again for the last hour or so of the day. Nick switched to an single hand rod and stip retrieve. He said the grabs were savage. By this time, everyone has he...

We just received the new bug collars from Bozeman Fly Goods. If you have been on the internet lately, chances are you have come across them. We are excited to work these into some of our favorite winter patterns for the Missouri river. The bug collars make a great hot spot, adding both a metallic element as well as extra weight, helping you get your flies where they need to be that much faster. The cold weather will be here shortly so make sure you are ready for winter tying sessions!