Finally, spring appears to be here. We are seeing the hints of green and all the low elevation snow is gone. We are still dealing with lower than average temperatures, but they are a welcome change considering the fire ravaged summers of the past few years. A cool wet spring and a pleasant summer make getting out to our favorite fishing spots a whole lot more comfortable, even if it does slow the fishing a bit. We are lucky to have some early opening local lake fisheries in North Central Washington. My favorites include Dusty, in the Quincy Lakes area, and Spectacle, south of Loomis. This year my plan was to fish Spectacle with my friend, Scott from Tonasket and see how the Rainbow population made it through the winter. Fishing with balanced flies can help bridge "the seasons" We launched our personal watercraft in the early afternoon a...

The start of trout fishing season always involves getting out your gear for a quick inventory and thorough cleaning. If you're like me, then your fly line might have had a few encounters with sharp rocks, tree branches, mud, and the sun. These elements can take a toll on fly lines, which are a critical component of dry fly fishing. I have learned over the years that new, modern line can be the difference between being in fish all day and struggling to get a good drift. When I saw the new line from Scientific Anglers (SA) arrive in the shop I was pretty stoked to get last year's line on the backup rod and line my old Sage DS with a new treat. In year's past, Sharkskin line has dominated the field for mending and shooting capability. The idea of a ridged line provides less surface contact with the guides which results in less friction. The...

First off, although nearly every species of fish can be caught on a fly, I’m going to answer this assuming we are asking what flies should I buy to get started fly fishing for trout. I’ve got this question a lot over the years, and if you want to understand fly fishing for trout at all- pay attention. The first, truest, and most frustrating answer is, "It depends." It’s necessary to know where you are fishing, on what type of water, and what time of year to answer this question at any one point in time.  If you go to a local fly shop in your area, you'll get the best information if you can give the shop employees an idea of where you will be fishing, and when you plan on going. If you're in Montana, Idaho or Washington, or you plan on visiting, you can get our latest fishing reports here, to give you an idea.  However, again, Iâ€...

These days, there is often doom and gloom when it comes to wild fish, but read on and I will get to some good stuff. This past Friday, the Missouri River Fly Fishers hosted the F3T. I always get a buzz from watching the films and my itch to fish gets racheted up even higher. We are fortunate to have lots of great water in Montana with healthy fish populations. The Missouri River Fly Fishing Club has dedicated members who have been helping us with access to those waters as well as supporting FWP with funds for habitat projects. Thank you to those who supported the club at the Banquet and the Fly Fishing Film Tour. There were a number of great films this year, but near and dear to my heart was the film Long Live The King. I have had the fortune to live and work for 25 season in Alaska. I have fished alongside a number of the folks featured ...

Protecting our fish, wildlife and the environment is actually good for our economy. Those of us in the industry know this. Montana thrives on dollars that sportsman spend from both residents and those that travel here from throughout the country. All of you who fish and hunt know how important healthy habitats are for your recreation. Its great to see that Washington is noticing. On March 6, 2014 Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Sen. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) introduced the National Fish Habitat Conservation Act (NFHCA). The bipartisan legislation authorizes the National Fish Habitat Action Plan (NFHAP) an unprecedented national partnership effort aimed squarely at protecting, restoring and enhancing the nation's fishery resources and fish habitat. For more info follow this link to the American Sportfishing Association Tight Lines!

Fly Fishing the Missouri River in Great Falls, Montana. Wild Urban Trout I don't wait for fly fishing. I take it whenever I can. The last six weeks, there was little to take. Today it was 42 degrees and raining at noon, but the wind was not blowing. I consider that prime fishing weather and besides, I've got Simms Gore Tex. When I'm working in the shop, I have an hour for lunch. I'd head up toward Craig if I could, but that is not an option. So I go fishing when and where I can, even if its only for a few minutes. Sometimes I just need to cast or pull a new fly through the water. Today, my afternoon in the shop got a whole lot better, thanks to the lunch bite. Tight Lines!

Six days of fly fishing in two parts of Belize! March 29th thru April 6th. Spots still available. Call or stop by the Great Falls Fly Shop for more details. PH (406) 761-7441 Email: gtfflyshop@csww.net March 29 Once in Belize City, transportation will be provided to the regional air carrier for the 15 minute flight to San Pedro. There is a 10 minute taxi ride from the San Pedro airstrip to the Tides Resort. Two anglers per room. An orientation will be given on the town of San Pedro' how to find a store, restaurant, bar etc. Anglers will be briefed on what to expect during the fishing program. March 30, 31, and April 1 in San Pedro Breakfast at 6:30am at the resort. 7am start to your day of guided fly fishing. Two anglers per boat Lunch will be provided by the guide along with water and soft drinks. Dinner will be on your own in town Apr...

A few years ago Sam brought in a new fandangle gadget into a buyers meeting that he wanted our fly shop stores to start carrying. He made his presentation to the group on the overhead projector on a computer with awful audio quality and we were all shown our very first glimpse into the world of GoPro. Despite the Mickey Mouse type audio from computer speakers, GoPro easily made its way into our stores and the rest, as they say is history. These days GoPro is everywhere in the media from its own piece on 20/20, reality TV shows, it's huge success on social, and even winning it's very own 2013 Emmy Award for its ground breaking Hero3 camera technology, GoPro has made it very easy for anyone to capture engaging perspectives that were never before possible. GoPro works hard on developing new mounting accessories and ways for people to wear th...

The following is an informative link by the folks over at Gink & Gasoline on how to best take fish pictures when you're out by yourself. The emphasis of the article, of course, is ensuring the fish survives the photo session and is none the worse for wear when released. In addition to Gink & Gasoline's wisdom & help it's also important to keep in mind a few other details that give your catch a chance to fight another day. Avoid using abrasive nets, instead opt for a quality rubberized material Keep a pair of pliers, hemostats or a release tool handy at all times Avoid using hard jerking motions when removing your hook. I've seen many anglers try to release a fish by quickly jerking or popping the hook out only to have the hook stay and the fish's mandible damaged. If you don't plan to keep your catch for dinner, it makes sen...