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One of our primary purposes of this page is to project an inspiring light on the various fisheries and regions we enjoy guiding and traveling to. This inspiration is obvously to help us show what the areas are like before you travel there yourself but it is also to shed a light on how each of these regions needs to be cherished and protected for everyones future enjoyment. Below each are listed organizations we feel are working hard to accomplish that very goal.
Please click on images below to visit each of the journals. Also note our staff is willing to travel anywhere in the US to do presentations on any one of these and other destinations we offer for fly fishing clubs, corporate groups, fly fishing shows or fundraising events. Just contact us to discuss arrangments.
WA and OR Destinations |
Introduction |
| Cascade Mountain Creeks, WA |
The Real Gems of the PNW -- While many anglers of the region focus attention on the namesake larger waters here in search of steelhead and salmon, most of these little tributaries to the tributaries of these rivers go untouched.
Small yet aggressive native species strike dries with reckless abandon. Everyone of these little watersheds reminds anglers of how it once was and the mantra of many outdoor enthusiasts:
"Leave only footprints and take only photographs."
Wild Fish Conservancy
Friends of the Trail
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| Puget Sound, WA |
Washington's Best Fishery -- Large and daunting, Puget Sound intimitdates and overwhelms most fly anglers with its size and complete change in angling terminology for trout and salmon than most are accustomed to in freshwater.
Completely unappreciated by most fly anglers and ignored by the rest, it is one of the regions most abused aquacultures by industry and public alike.
However, for those wiling to learn and take it on, the nearly 3000 miles of shore line offer the most unique and rewarding fly angling opportunities in the country.
Walk these beaches and witness wild silver salmon crashing bait balls of herring and sand lance while Orcas and Sea Lions make like innocent by-standers just off shore. Once "hooked" expect to devote time not only to plying its waters with line but also to protecting it and its inhabitants.
People for Puget Sound
Mud Up
Puget Sound Keeper Alliance
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| Snoqualmie River, WA |
So Close -- Sometimes its amazing how many Puget Sound based anglers flock to other trout fisheries in Washington, driving right past what is without question one of our better ones close to home.
Again, fish are not large but if you were looking for any reason at all to buy a new fly rod, this river and its tributaries are it.
Scenery is spectacular and above Snoqualmie Falls, almost all the species you will find are native and aggressive. Some refer to them as stupid, we prefer to depict them as voracious and understanding of their environment.
As wonderful of a place to introduce new young fly anglers to the art as anywhere you will find in the US.
Stewardship Partners
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| Cowlitz River, WA |
Under Estimated -- Known for decades as the best hatchery steelhead and salmon fishery in the Pacific NW, most fly anglers won't give this place even a second thought. 300 jet boat trailers in the parking lot, shot guns going off every couple minutes, garbage and smelly outhouses at the boat ramp...hmm, I wonder why not!
It only takes less than a mile away from the boat ramp to lose about 95 percent of that traffic and find yourself alone on a remarkably scenic and wildlife rich river. And oh yeah, one with all makes and models of fish to put bends in all rods. From kings and coho to steelhead and cutthroat trout, it is all here. |
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| Yakima River, WA |
Busy but Beautiful -- Yep, it is busy and during the times when any one of the 8 better known hatches on the river are in their prime, it's real busy.
But there is no lack of water and the majority of the guides and public working the river all know it is a small world so being cordial comes with every boat passing, almost anyway.
Beatis in March and
October: check, check again
Mother's Day Caddis in May: check
Skwala Stones in February and March: check
PMD's in April: check
Fall Caddis in September and October: check
March Browns in, well, March(and April): check
Hoppers in August: check
After you have gone through this list, try to work in some time for fishing the other great waters here in Washington.
Mid Columbia Fisheries Enhancement Group
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| Skagit River, WA |
NativeSteelhead -- There likely isn't a fish and a region more neck deep in both history and controversy than the Pacific Northwest.
Some of the legendary writers of our time in this sport can barely get the words out of their mouths regarding the overwhelming visual and hands on tangible experiences they had here and nearly all of it was regarding steelhead.
Before the dam was put in on the Skagit for electricity purposes and before the numerous other faculties taxing the resource, steelhead numbered, by some experts, at nearly 100,000 in the Skagit alone at one time in a single year.
Sadly, we now look at less than 5,000 by the state's count but most of us feel it is easily less than that.
However, every year hundreds of anglers, mostly fly now, come to savor the same air and water words written over 60 years ago still inspire them see and pursue steelhead in knowing their chances are slim at best.
Trout Unlimited
Wild Fish Conservancy
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| Sauk River, WA |
Steelhead and Dolly's -- The Sauk is the Skagit's largest tributary and another of the famous freestone steelhead rivers of Puget Sound. Half of all wild fish returning to the system steer themselves south, into the Sauk.
Smaller than the Skagit, it can make finding one of these elusive, full grown Mykiss much easier to find in these waters.
As mentioned above in the Skagit, these fish need help. Many fingers are pointed in various directions as to why their numbers have declined so much.
Amongst the obvious culprits are WA state fisheries management, tribal netting rights, logging practices, by catch by commercial fishing and water polution.
No question that some of these have played large parts but there are others as well, consider these part of the problem as well. Poaching by recreational anglers, poor handling and releasing of fish, increase in predatory ocean species, hatchery origin fish and timing of their release, reduced food supply both in the river system and the ocean.
It is easy to lay blame on the shoulders and look back at what once was but today and tomorrow is what counts and these fish need involvement by any and all fly anglers around the world.
If our children are to ever realize these magnificent fish as native to this region of the world, it is imperative that we act now. Here are some ways you can get involved that we believe in:
Wild Steelhead Coalition
Native Fish Society
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| Olympic Peninsula , WA |
Steelhead Oasis -- The OP might have the highest number of both steelhead and guides per square mile of any location in the world and for good reason. Every year, a 30+ pound steelhead is caught on the Hoh or one of the handful of other renowned rivers in the Forks area.
This is also an area of conflict as an epicenter for timber, fishery management, Native American tribes and conservationists to come to head to head, at times feverishly, with a passion for their respective interests.
Hoh River Trust
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| Deschutes River, OR |
Wind and Steel -- Deschutes has become possibly the most spoken of and photographed steelhead destination in the lower 48 states. Anglers flock here from around the world and for good reason. While traffic on the water can be pretty heavy at times, water is in abundance and without question, there are enough fish to go around.
Water Watch
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| Umpqua River, OR |
Legendary Waters Upheld -- What more needs to be said about the Umpqua that hasn't already been verbalized, written and imagined.
This is the quintisential steelhead river in the lower 48 states for fly anglers to pursue steelhead. Scenery, challengin runs, slick bedrock and hard fighting fish all in the same ball of wax as strict regulations on weight of fly and knowing, you too could hit it big here.
For many, it is considered a graduation of sorts to lay a line across these waters and maybe more should feel that respect and passion for it and all other rivers in which steelhead swim. Nice work Ump, keep it up!
North Umpqua Foundation
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| John Day River, OR -- Steelhead |
Pristine Steelhead -- Going out on a limb here and saying this might be the best, most beautiful and thrilling steelhead fishery in the US, maybe North America.
Fish here are not large by steelhead standards, 14 pounds would be on the large side for sure. But this is THE largest, in tact run of native steelhead left in the Columbia River drainage and that is saying something.
Second longest undammed river in the lower 48, over 230 miles long and most of it inaccessible to the public during prime steelhead season unless really determined, and I mean really.
Very little as far as public access on the river and where there is some is typically pretty busy. Bordered by mostly by BLM land but all the BLM is bordered by private ranches, many of which are 5th, 6th and 7th generation owned and not really willing to allow some gangly fly angler to drive in past their 5-9 locked gates. And there isn't enough daylight this time of year to hike it either.
Floating between the boat launches during winter flows, good luck doing any fishing on all but one or two of them. You will spend all your time pushing your boat over gravel bars, eating to keep enough calories in you to continue and sleeping because it is too dark to do anything else. Don't forget about the upriver wind in the early afternoon either.
In the end, no matter how you do it, if you are a true steelheader, this river has to be a place you wet a line at least once in your life, you will regret it if you don't.
Western Rivers Conservancy
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| John Day River, OR -- Bass |
Bass, in the PNW? -- Not only are there bass, but tons of them and this is without question the most scenic place in the country to take smallmouth on a fly. The canyon is majestic with red walls and pictographs from Native Americans scattered all along the float as well as the remnents of past early settlers in the region from the turn of the last century.
Bass and steelhead coexist here because water temps change at just the right time to allow most steelhead fry to exit prior to the bass waking up after being dormant all winter.
One of our favorite rivers anywhere! |
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| Grande Ronde River, OR -- Steelhead |
Last Wilderness/Steelhead Frontier -- Many are familiar with this river, and what it used to be is likely far fewer. It is no secret that the bulk of the angling community is quite happy with places they can fish within close proximity of their vehicle, in other words lazy.
For those with a slightly different genetic make-up, there is the Oregon side of the Grande Ronde River, very likely the last saved wilderness steelhead experience one can have in the Pacific NW of the US.
A wild and scenic section, motorized boats are prohibited and due to the distance from top to bottom, it requires a multi day float some rowing skills, right equipment and knowledge of the river.
Every steelhead junkie I've asked, "What was your favorite part of the trip?" answered, "The scenery and serenity of nobody else around."
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Regional Destinations |
Introduction |
| Colorado |
Canyons and Mountains -- Many of the best trout streams in this state originate way up in the Rocky Mountains, most above 10,000 feet.
Colorado is also home to one of the newest National Parks, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison which made NP status during the Clinton administration and well deserving of it.
The Black Canyon is deeper than it is wide at times making for one of the most legitimate canyon, multi day float trips in the country.
Another reason Colorado is one of our favorites is there are more unheard of trout streams that rival that of Montana and Idaho than one could fish regularly while living there. The Eagle, San Miguel, Dolores, Arkansas, Piney and Sweetwater to name but a few.
Other notables would be where Scott fly rods and Ross reels are made and home of John Gierach.
Colorado Trout Unlimited
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| Alaska |
Great White North -- It is not as if fly anglers world-wide didn't already know about Alaska but much of the recent press from the state shouldn't hurt business up there.
However, for those who think it is just the way it always has been and that it will remain that way, please note that liberals are not making stuff up with regards to the potentially destructive practices of large, influential industries.
Drilling and mining in fragile, areas will have negative affects on the fishing industry as a whole up here and it can't be allowed to happen in regions where the last remaining holds of native fish still flourish. It just isn't worth it.
Want to learn more and get involved? Start by perusing our images and visiting these sites:
Red Gold -- A film by our good friends Travis Rummel and Ben Knight.
Save Bristol Bay -- An affiliate of Trout Unlimited
Puck Febble -- Bristol Bay blog
NY Times Article
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| Montana |
Land of Large Trout -- What more needs to be said about Montana. While there are a handful of rivers everyone on earth knows about, there are 30 others which are of exceptional quality both in size of fish and numbers and most would be the top trout fishery if they were deposited in another state.
That said, there remain some amazing spring creeks, streams and hidden lakes that require not only the knowledge of but also the willingness to work at getting to them that most are unaware of.
It is why many consider Montana the "Trout Capital of the World."
Clark Fork Coalition
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| Hawaii |
Bonefish--Yes! -- Everyone knows bonefish are the perfect segway fish for anglers stepping from freshwater into warm saltwater. Typically, after anglers have done a few trips to Mexico, Bahamas or Christmas Island, they tire of them and move on to more challenging species such as tarpon, permit, trevally or even milkfish.
Well that is all about to change as this place has what the others are missing in the bonefish world; super selective fish as singles or pairs averaging about 7-9 pounds with shots at legitimate 12-15 pound and larger fish.
This isn't easy fishing like those other places, expect to get skunked but when hooked up, you had better have a 10wt in hand or you won't be landing any of the big ones. It isn't a matter of them just running away, it is more you stopping them prior to going deep and breaking you off on coral, which happens almost every time.
Food for thought, we are using 20-30lb Maxima or flouro straight to the fly because you need that much to have a chance.
Save Our Seas Foundation
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International Destinations |
Introduction |
| India |
Mahseer and a Billion Humans -- As much of the angling world appears to be getting smaller and new destinations look to be coming to an end, along comes India.
This place is at times chaotic and lawless while serene, welcoming and breathtaking, nearly all at once. For these reasons, any angler who seeks thrills both on and off the water must come here to fish and spend a few days in the city of their choice.
Golden Mahseer are an exuberant and voracious fish, ready to crush surface flies as well as drain your reel.
Finally, how often can you go fishing and regularly compare your foot print to that of a leopard, tiger or even and elephant that was left in the sand the day or night before? Something humbling about being a few rungs down the food chain.
Taj Mahal, curry, wet wading in pristine rivers and red faced monkeys everywhere, I promise you won't be disappointed.
Tiger Watch
Tigers Forever |
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| Chile and Argentina |
Trout Mecca -- So much water, so few roads and so many fish! While a new lodge sprouts up every couple of weeks it seems like down here, there remains a ton of real estate to explore that see very few if any anglers.
While many in the northern hemisphere hold the Patagonia region of these countries as big fish country, other facets are easily overlooked. Yes, there are some wonderfully large trout down here but there are also some of the most pristine small streams you will find anywhere. And while they are tribs to the larger rivers with the larger fish, many of these are rarely if ever fished. And coming home with photos of you, a fish and stream nobody has ever heard about much less pronounces correctly could maybe be the highlight of a week to month long excursion down here. Something to consider. |
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| Bahamas |
Sand and Bones -- For many, this place is and always will be the epitomy of flats fly fishing with endless white sand flats, large schools of bonefish and blue skies. Many also consider their to be two moderate length windows in which to travel here to fish, spring and fall. While these times of year can be ideal it is always a gamble on weather and for us, if the weather is going to be a gamble, why not bet the house and go when the rewards are huge!
Winter fly fishing in the Bahamas carries a number of surprises, one of which is the lack of other anglers (not surprising) and the enormous schools of bonefish milling around that would otherwise be a tad spookier or much smaller.
Also, while there are the never ending flats of North Andros, there are also other opportunities here not often mentioned such as blue water access to Dorado, Wahoo and Sailfish as well as other flats species such as permit and tarpon.
While other locals are getting alot of press right now, the Bahamas are still going to be here waiting for the dust and excitement to settle.
Save Our Seas Foundation
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| Mongolia |
Taimen and Camels -- I regret knowing that many who travel here to fish are not exposed to the finer qualities of the culture and people of Mongolia.
Whether by choice or time constraint, anglers cheat themselves out of what could easily be a life changing experience.
Sandwhiched between Russia and China, Mongolia has managed to retain a culture all its own, mostly free of the influence of either of its neighbors. To really experience this however, travelers must step off the beaten path just a bit, but it doesn't need to be for long. The people of Mongolia wear their generosity and rugged durability on their sleeves.
Mongolia's Prime Minister in 2008 also made catch and release of Taimen mandatory for the entire country. Many will scoff at the idea much less the ability to enforce this but here again, we can make a difference.
Much like Alaska, big industry, primarily mining threaten the waters these fish live in. Equally if not more importantly is they also pollute the rivers so badly even residents of the region, some for centuries have to relocate as the water is completely poisoned.
Bottom line, if you care, get involved and here is how:
Taimen Conservation Fund
Megafishes Project -- A National Geographic sponsored study of the largest freshwater fish on the planet, Taimen are one of them.
Goldman Environmental Prize -- Ts. Munkhbayar has been working hard to restore water quality to some of the worst hit rivers in Mongolia. |
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| Mexico |
Pacific and Caribbean -- Mexico has without question some of the most diverse fly angling oportunities to be found in a single country.
Both coasts offer dramatically different water types as well as species and both warrant a visit by any fly angler who finds themself in need of some hard to catch or just hard fighting pescados on the end of their line.
Not to be overlooked or forgotten are the food, beverages and plenty of sun.
Save Our Seas Foundation
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| Honduras |
No Man's Land -- Honduras, depending on how you look at it is either conveniently or inconveniently located south of Guatemala and north of Costa Rica in a region rich with species but poor in professional operations.
Fishing here can be as good for bones as anywhere in Central America with the addition of tarpon, snook and the elusive permit.
Local people still don't understand what they have as far as a "resource" goes. The idea of it being worth thousands and thousands of dollars as a fly angling destination doesn't compute so fish are still caught for food, however is easiest.
Anglers looking for something new, off the beaten path and still virtually undiscovered should land here. |
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| South Pacific |
Fiji, Tahiti, Vanuatu and New Caledonia -- Coming Soon... |
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Please contact us for more information. |
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