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Upcoming Fly Fishing Events – February 2020

February 1, 2020 by adminewa Leave a Comment

Sauk Magic steelhead fly by Nathan Keen.

Bienvenidos, willkomen, benvenuta, ようこそ and welcome…to winter steelhead season! We are writing this as nearly every river on the coastal side of the mountains is at or near flood stage, a momentary refuge for our andadromous friends making their way into the local rivers!

We just finished up our 4th annual EWA Spey Day and the buzz coming out of that was incredible. Maybe one of the biggest highlights was the time spent throwing the new long belly lines from Bridge Fly Fishing and having Tim Arsenault on hand to help take away some of the anxiety. Seems like another life when we were using rods longer than 13 feet and heads were longer than 25ft. With some Canadian encouragement, we watched as many got after the 60+ foot heads, we all felt like little kids again. Fabulous to see that level of enthusiasm on the water. Thank you to everyone who came out, sales reps, FFI instructors, friends and new spey casters, it was a blast.

Some great events still to come with us here at EWA and our surrounding area and we hope to see you at one or all of them, scroll on down and have a terrific February!

Upcoming Intro to Fly Fishing Schools – Coed – 3 students per teacher. We cover essential knots, fly selection based on entomology, casting skills, reading water, approach and line management. Equipment happily provided.
April 18
May 23
June 20

Women Intro to Fly Fishing Schools – 3 students per teacher
March 21
April 11
April 25
May 9
May 16
June 6
June 20

Women’s Intro to Fly Casting – 5 students per teacher
March 6
March 7
April 5
April 19
May 3
May 17
May 31
June 7
June 21
July 12
July 26
August 9
August 23

Tie One On – Coed Fly Tying
February 6 – Nathan Keen and Bill Marts – Steelhead and Salt
February 20 – Saltwater
March 3 – Tying Party!

The Fly Fishing Show – Lynnwood
February 15 – 16
EWA will not be in attendance with a booth this year but two of our Women’s Program leaders Jenn Fluke and Bethany will be at the Women’s Meet and Greet. But if you find something you really NEED, come on in and let us know and we will get it in your hands.

TreFin Seafood’s Tuna Pick Up – 3pm – 7pm
March 1
Come by the store and get the skinny on fishing for Albacore off the Washington and Oregon coast and pick up fresh tuna from the guys who line caught it and processed it in Ilwaco. Pre Order and Pick Up HERE

Montana Fly Fishing Film Festival – Admiral Theater – 7pm
March 20

Come see some regionally focused fly fishing films to help kick off the spring season. Always a fun evening.

Art on the Water – Mercer Island Community Center – 7pm – 9pm – $25
March 27

A spectacular event joining all th elements we love…fly fishing, water and art. Join our very good friends and fellow Patagonia Ambassadors Dylan Tomine and Riverhorse Nakadate and former editor of The Flyfish Journal Steve Duda for a reading and fundraiser for The Red Badge Project supporting veterans.

Movie Night @ EWA – Tomorrow’s Fish – Hosted by AFFTA 7pm – 9pm
April 1

Come join us for a private screening of Tomorrow’s Fish, a great new film on fly fishing off the coast of New York City.

FFI Casting and Education Fair – 9am – 5pm – Mercer Island
May 2

Dave McCoy will be teaching an introduction to fly casting class at this event and there will be plenty of other instructors working on everything from beginning to advanced techniques.

EWA Fly Fest – 9am – 3pm @ Seattle Community College
May 9
Our annual event to try all the latest fly rods and lines, get personal instruction, attend seminars, ask questions and meet other local anglers. Patagonia, Thomas and Thomas, Scott, Sage, Redington, Echo, Winston, Gloomis, Hardy, Scientific Anglers, Airflo, Rio and Bridge Fly Fishing will all be on hand.

EWA Youth Fly Fishing Camp – 8 Youth Max – 8am – 5pm – $650
August 10 – 14

Finally, we are putting together a camp experience for mid teen youth to experience how we view the sport through the lens of education, stewardship and conservation while exploring and enjoying our outdoor world.

Filed Under: Emerald Water Anglers, Events Tagged With: 5050 on the water, AFFTA, casting instruction, Emerald Water Anglers, FFI, fly fishing events, Fly Fishing Seattle, fly tying, Meet and Greet, Olympic Peninsula, Pacific Albacore, spey casting, steelhead, swinging flies, Trefin Tuna, washington fly fishing, Wild Steelhead, women's fly fishing

Gear Review: Patagonia R1 Gloves

December 31, 2019 by adminewa Leave a Comment

The last pair of winter gloves you’ll ever wear…well, maybe. They’re pretty darn good with a few alterations. 

Every winter steelhead angler knows the struggle of cold hands on those cold mornings, whether it be on the Skagit or the OP or the Oregon coast, or the Skeena, or wherever. We all have been searching for a garment that will keep your hands warm but also allow for some sensation of feeling to be able to manage your running line properly. We have found the answer! Or at least the best possible option at this point in time. 

In the rainy and cold Pacific Northwest, we need a glove that stays warm in a variety of conditions, especially in wet weather. There are few garments on the market that keep you warm like the Patagonia R1 Gloves do. 

These gloves are made of a thin neoprene and are much more like diving gloves than fishing gloves. They keep you fairly dry but more importantly, they insulate when wet…unlike their competition. They still retain enough feeling to comfortably make casts but they are certainly not perfect in that regard. 

The gloves come with full fingers in tact but we have found that if you cut the tips off the important fingers used for knot tying, you will stay warm but still are able to tie on a fly without taking your gloves off. I cut off the thumb, index, and middle finger, which works well. For the dedicated steelheader, I would snip the ring finger too for the sake of holding loops of running line. 

Throw in Patagonia’s “Ironclad Guarantee” and you will never be disappointed. They will take care of you if you are unsatisfied and if these gloves aren’t for you, they will help with a replacement. These gloves are made in a Fair Trade Certified sewing facility in which the company pays employees a living wage, elevating their standard of living. 

Experiment for yourself, at $45/pair, it’s not such a big deal to get a little creative with these gloves. 

Filed Under: Emerald Water Anglers

Upcoming Events – Nov. & Dec.

November 20, 2019 by adminewa Leave a Comment

Well, we apologize for not getting this up sooner, things have just been a bit crazy around these parts lately. Good news is, they are finally here, our fly fishing events for the next 6 weeks and beyond. Fly tying, customer appreciation, spey and single hand casting classes mixed with the Holidays…yep it is going to be a busy season so grab a beverage, sit down and peruse the schedule, it may take awhile!

Currently, we are booking Puget Sound trips (has been fishing very well lately) and steelhead in all forms for the remainder of the year and the winter/spring season. We will book solid this year so if you know you want to dance on the water with us, let’s get you scheduled soon!

Look for more fly fishing events to be added here soon, what is new with EWA as a company. Follow us here:

Instagram @ewaflyshop_seattle and @emeraldwateranglerswa
Facebook for Store and Travel
Facebook for Women’s Group News and Events

Fly Tying – Women’s Bug’s n Brew’s and our coed Tie One On. Click links with each event to register:

Bug’s n Brew’s – Women’s Only $25 per class per person
December 3rd: Marbou Popsicle (Intermediate)
December 17th: Skagit Mist (Advanced)
January 7th: Skwala Stones
January 21st: Blue Wing Olives

Tie One On – Coed $25 per class per person

November 29, 2019 – Black Friday
November 30, 2019 – Shop Small Saturday

We will be open normal hours those days and the store is currently STUFFED and ready for you to come pick up gifts early if that is your thing!

December 5, 2019 – Customer Appreciation Night 5pm – 9pm
Come hang out, enjoy live music from Ryan Barber, register for gifts you really want so friends and loved ones from near and far can get you exactly what you are looking for this year.

Patagonia will be in the house with the new Swiftcurrent waders to try on and size perfectly so you can take advantage of a pre order opportunity that evening to get just the right size. These are the first ever wader with a 100% recycled outer fabric so come check them out. Of course refreshments provide and this is dog and kid friendly!

December 10, 2019 – Wild Steelhead Coalition Reception – $TBD
Come join and meet the people working hard for our wild steelhead. More information coming very soon.

On River Spey School – $225 per person – Learn from our well versed professional staff of guides/instructors the fine craft of spey casting and swinging for steelhead! This is a full day, on the river school covering casting from both banks, head variations and coinciding tips, reading and cover water. 3 anglers max per school, call to reserve, equipment can be provided.
December 1, 2019 – 1 spot remaining
December 13, 2019 – 3 spots remaining
January 10, 2020 – 3 spots remaining

December 25 & 26, 2019 – Store Closed
We may have some staff available to guide on the 26th but please provide as much notice as possible and have a wonderful Holiday Season.

January 9, 2020 – Coastal Cutthroat Coalition Event –$35
Annual fundraiser for this organization doing good work for our local wild sea run cutthroat both in the salt and fresh water. Will be at Hula Hula again, please bring your liver.

January 29 – 30, 2020 — F3T West Seattle — Admiral Theater — $16
This is the season opener to get hyped about this sport and all it encompasses. Filmmakers travel to all corners of the globe to pursue exotic fish like GT’s, Arapaima, Payara, Taimen and even Rainbow Trout! Always a great time tickets available online or at the store. Tickets available soon!

January 25, 2020 — EWA Spey Day — Snoqualmie River under Fall City Bridge — 9am – 3pm — FREE
The premier spey event in western WA, come cast the latest and greatest in two handed rods and lines with our staff, sales reps and special guests. This is the perfect opportunity to hone your skills, get some one on one instruction or figure out the optimal match of line and rod for the winter season.

February 15 & 16, 2020 — The Fly Fishing Show — Lynnwood — $16
We will be attending the show again this year. Great opportunity to hear Dave McCoy talk on Puget Sound and fly fishing around Washington. See his all new photos and insights on how, when, where and with what on some of our most dynamic fisheries. We will not be attending this year…sorry!

May 9, 2020 — EWA Fly Fest — @ Location TBD – 9am – 3pm — FREE
Our annual kick off of summer event will be better than ever with more classes including spey casting, more guest speakers and more reps from the industry and of course the guide cook off.


Filed Under: Emerald Water Anglers, Events Tagged With: casting classes, casting instruction, Emerald Water Anglers, ewareports, F3T, fly fishing film tour, fly fishing guide, fly fishing reports, Fly Fishing Show, fly tying classes, Patagonia Waders, Puget Sound, Sea Run Cutthroat, Seattle, Seattle Fly Fishing, spey casting, SRC, steelhead, washington fly fishing, women's fly fishing

2 Day Fly Fishing Immersion Schools

October 31, 2019 by adminewa

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2 Day Fly Fishing Immersion Schools

  • You’ll leave this class familiar with the foundational techniques for feeling line and hauling
  • Refine your casting while learning new skills
  • Perfect as a refresher class or a casting tuneup

Get on the water with other women and have fun, learn and become more accomplished anglers. We are currently pairing 2-3 women together for group guided trips. You will be placed with anglers who have similar skill levels so all newbies and experienced anglers welcome! All equipment provided, transportation and lunch! Tax and gratuity not included.

Upcoming Day Trips

Dates Here – or contact us

Filed Under: Classes & Schools

EWA Guide Training School

October 31, 2019 by adminewa

This is not a school for those looking to get into the sport. This school is designed to train eager, well knowledged individuals who are looking to guide in this part of the country. Having the ability to do everything here and do it exceptionally well, puts you in an elite group of professional guides across the country who are talented and capable of guiding anywhere in the world.

That means an intense week of saltwater, stream and stillwater trout as well as steelhead and salmon with spey and single handed rods, tactics for these and other species as well as locations. We are not looking to teach you basic knots and how to identify the 3 major insects in trout streams, you need to come knowing this already.

Instructors will be a mix of our 3 staff guide trainers. Qualified individuals will possibly be hired as a part of our staff. We are not looking to place guides elsewhere, just here.

Cost: $3100 per guide
Maximum: 3 guides per instructor

Guide School Contact Form

Please contact us to discuss the opportunity to schedule this class.

    Filed Under: Classes & Schools

    Women’s Steelhead Group Trips

    October 25, 2019 by adminewa

    McCoy_D_MCZ6A6367a

    Women’s Steelhead Group Trips

    • You’ll leave this class familiar with the foundational techniques for feeling line and hauling
    • Refine your casting while learning new skills
    • Perfect as a refresher class or a casting tuneup

    Get on the water with other women and have fun, learn and become more accomplished anglers. We are currently pairing 2-3 women together for group guided trips. You will be placed with anglers who have similar skill levels so all newbies and experienced anglers welcome! All equipment provided, transportation and lunch! Tax and gratuity not included.

    Upcoming Day Trips

    Dates Here – or contact us

    Filed Under: Emerald Water Anglers

    Bug’s and Brews

    October 22, 2019 by adminewa

    Bugs-&-Brews-11a-2

    Bug’s and Brews

    • Women only
    • Beginner to Intermediate fly tiers welcome
    • Learn techniques unique to specific flies
    • Meet fellow fly angling women in the sport

    Come join us at our shop in West Seattle for this fun and educational learning session just for the ladies. Drop into any of sessions to learn techniques unique to different types of flies. Leave this hands on learning experience with the confidence to start tying your own flies.

    Upcoming Dates

    November 12th: Reverse Spider
    December 3rd: Marbou Popsicle (Intermediate)
    December 17th: Skagit Mist (Advanced)
    January 7th: Skwala Stones
    January 21st: Blue Wing Olives

    Contact Us About Upcoming Classes

      Filed Under: Classes & Schools

      5 Hour Destination Mini School

      October 22, 2019 by adminewa

      McCoy_D_COW1V7A3992a

      5 Hour Destination Mini School

      • Deep dive into topics like Spey or Tropical Saltwater
      • Learn knowledge tailored to global destinations
      • Expand comprehension of your favorite fishery
      5 Hour Destination Mini School

      The mini-school has been structured for the person going on a trip with friends who may be more experienced and don’t want to slow them down. Three and one-half hours learning essential knots for freshwater fly-fishing as well as an intro to fly selection based on entomology. The last hour and one-half is spent becoming familiar with casting a fly rod. This class is meant to prepare you to be on the water and confident in your ability to tie on your fly, cast to and hopefully land a big fish. During this time the instructor will also talk about reading water and understanding where fish will be located and why.

      This is also a great class for more experienced anglers heading into a new realm of fly fishing. For freshwater anglers heading to the tropics for the first time, this is great class to take advantage of our staffs vast experience guiding/hosting/fishing all over the world. We can introduce you to new knots that will be essential in a new environment, fly patterns, casting techniques for wind on the flats and general discussion of what to expect, wherever you might be wetting a line!

      Cost: $175 per person
      Maximum: 4 anglers
      Comments: Emerald Water Anglers Intro to Fly-Fishing Manual included

      Upcoming Dates

      Ready to take the deep dive into your fly fishing? Use the contact form below and let’s schedule your clinic.

       

      Contact Us To Schedule Your Clinic

        Filed Under: Classes & Schools

        EWA Guide Training School

        October 22, 2019 by adminewa

        McCoy_D_COW1V7A3992a

        EWA Guide Training School

        • Meet fellow lady anglers during this educational hour long clinic
        • Build confidence and consistency with your casting
        • A great way to tune up your casting before the season

        EWA Guide Training School

        This is not a school for those looking to get into the sport. This school is designed to train eager, well knowledged individuals who are looking to guide in this part of the country. Having the ability to do everything here and do it exceptionally well, puts you in an elite group of professional guides across the country who are talented and capable of guiding anywhere in the world.

        That means an intense week of saltwater, stream and stillwater trout as well as steelhead and salmon with spey and single handed rods, tactics for these and other species as well as locations. We are not looking to teach you basic knots and how to identify the 3 major insects in trout streams, you need to come knowing this already.

        Instructors will be a mix of our 3 staff guide trainers. Qualified individuals will possibly be hired as a part of our staff. We are not looking to place guides elsewhere, just here.

        Cost: $3100 per guide
        Maximum: 3 guides per instructor

        Upcoming Dates

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        More Fly Fishing Classes

        Filed Under: Classes & Schools

        Pontoon/Drift Boat Rowing Class

        October 22, 2019 by adminewa

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        Pontoon/Drift Boat Rowing Class

        • Learn the fundamentals of staying safe on the water
        • Necessary equipment for boating water safety
        • Reading water for maximum efficiency while rowing, including depth, speed, direction

        So you just bought a new boat, yet your experience behind the “sticks” is minimal, or you have a boat and your friends give you a hard time for not keeping them in the zone while fishing. This is the class for you!

        Learn how to read water currents, white water and how to properly and safely negotiate most situations. The goal is to make you feel comfortable rowing your boat in the water you are going to use it in most often. Great for beginners or experienced boaters wanting to learn some new tricks to help you become more efficient and safe while on the oars. READ MORE…

        Cost: $250 per person
        Maximum: 2 persons per instructor

        Upcoming Dates

        Please contact us using the form below to schedule your class. 

        “You make it look so easy. How hard can it be?” If we only had a nickel for every time we heard that. Rowing a boat is easy but without proper training, it can be dangerous and difficult to master.

        One thing boat manufacturers usually don’t tell you when buying a boat, is how to row it! Over the years, we have rescued people from situations where had they known how to row in the first place, they wouldn’t have found themselves in that predicament. Usually it was the lack of understanding of water, direction of the current and how much power it has that landed them there.

        Here is what we thoroughly cover with our Swiftwater Rescue Technician trained staff:

        –Various rowing seat configurations, how they can affect your ability to safely handle a boat

        –Rowers personal fit to the boat with regards to rowing efficiency, regarding fore and aft placement of oars/seat, oar/seat heighth, distance from foot brace, length of oars

        –Safety gear for the boat itself, the rower and anglers/passengers, rescue ropes, throw bags, life jackets, cam straps/webbing, spare oars, first aid kits

        –Legitimate upgrades in equipment for the boat, oars, anchors, bottom coatings, other manufacturer options

        –Boat construction, how it affects your rowing both positively and negatively; weight, width, length, height, chines vs no chines, bottom coatings, anchor set-ups, bottom rocker, seat placement, hull material, gunnel shape/strength

        –Boat construction, how to maximize space and comfort but not compromise future uses, width differences and how they affect performance of the boat, seat types/sizes

        –Trailer set up, what to look for when buying a trailer, because there are options out there

        –Reading water for maximum efficiency while rowing, including depth, speed, direction

        –Anticipatory vs reactionary rowing and why the first is where you want to be, for fishing and safety

        Hey Dave,

        Fantastic class.  You are a stellar instructor.  I can’t wait for the river levels to rise around here so I can get out and start practicing.

        Mark Vickers
        Forest Grove, OR
         Our most important concern is your safety while on the water. Learning to row a boat well will enable you to row with more confidence and open up new rivers for you to fish.

        One of the biggest parts of the class is learning how to read water. By reading water, you can tell depth, speed, current direction and hydraulic force, all of which play a large role in safely navigating any river.

        Hand in hand with learning to read the water is also learning what your boat will do in or on the water when you supply power from the oars. Little tricks of using the rocker of the boat, certain water currents and a stroke of an oar can make your job a lot easier.

        For those who already know how to row but want to become better at rowing for fly fishing, this is a perfect class for you. We work on holding on seams, entering large eddies to fish them without spooking fish, crab or sideways rowing and other little things to make the anglers in your boat a little happier.

        5 most popular reasons for taking a boat rowing class:

        1 – Just bought a new boat
        2 – Friend has a boat and you don’t know how to row
        3 – Learn to row for fly fishing
        4 – Learn to read water for rowing safely
        5 – Row more technical water to navigate more difficult rivers

        Dave McCoy, the Washington instructor is Swift Water Rescue trained 5 times, and has been guiding driftboats, rafts and pontoon boats through class 4  and 5 whitewater in several western states, including Colorado, Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Utah for the past 20 years.

        Rowing School Contact Form

          Filed Under: Classes & Schools

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