If you fish and wade around slick boulders, basalt ledges, heavy pocket water or just need the most stability a wading boot can offer, you owe it to yourself to try these boots!
Footage: Caldwell Rohrbach
Edit: Caldwell Rohrbach
Copy: Greg Fitz
Talent: Tom Mahan & Andrew Burr
Holy emerging insects, can you believe it is already March? We can’t either! It has been a rough winter but as we move into the spring time frame, casting classes, photography seminars and new women’s events are all on the immediate horizon. Look forward to seeing everyone here soon and often
March 5, 2019 — Tying Competition and Celebration – register here
Women’s Bug’s and Brew’s Tying Night’s
March 27, 2019 — Copper John — sign up here
April 3, 2019 — TBD — sign up here
April 17, 2019 — TBD — sign up here
May 1, 2019 — TBD — sign up here
March 10, 2019 — Montana Fly Fishing Film Festival — Admiral Theater — 6pm/$15
Come see what fly fishing is all about in our great neighboring state of Montana! Tickets at the door, show begins at 7pm.
March 21, 2019 — Native Fish Society Meet n Greet with J. Michelle Swope — 7pm/FREE
Come sit in and meet our new WA River Steward Coordinator J. Michelle Swope and hear about what is going on these days with NFS. Q&A with her, some snacks and beverages, should be a good evening.
March 29, 2019 — Women’s Meet and Greet Potluck — @EWA — 7PM — $15
We are so proud to have Kayla Lockhart join our women’s program and this is your chance to meet her and pick her and Devon’s brain for where, how, when, why and what surrounding fly fishing in our area and elsewhere. Please RSVP HERE….
April 18, 2019 — Fly Fishing Photography Series — EWA Store — 7PM — FREE
Photography is a huge part of our sport. Capturing the moment, remembering a fish and telling a story of the beautiful place you recently visit. We want to help you document all of these better! So we are asking some of our friends from the photographic side of the industry to share some ideas on how to this.
First up is Matt DeLorme who lives here in West Seattle and has shot for Patagonia, The Flyfish Journal and many others. He is going to discuss “Story Telling in 12 Images or Less” and how to think about composition of your adventure photographically
June 1, 2019 — EWA Fly Fest and Guide Cook-Off — Me-Kwa-Mooks Park– FREE
Our 5th year of this event and we are already excited for it. So many cool new products, new staff and new techniques to show and share with all of you. Event is from 9am – 3pm with the cook-off happening at 12:30. Class schedule will be posted about a month in advance.
“Patagonia is in business to save our home planet.” Chouinard is not willing to sacrifice our planet just to produce another product. This is abundantly clear when looking at the ever-popular Ultralight wading boot; the problem was life span. The Ultralight’s ended up in the landfill far too quickly for Patagonia’s liking. Therefore, they committed to designing the best, longest lasting boot ever built in conjunction with Danner; a boot manufacturer in the Pacific Northwest. Danner has set the gold standard in boot manufacturing since 1932. The armed forces and law enforcement trust Danner when everything is on the line, and so should you!
River Salt Wading Boot – $449.00
This is by far my favorite wading boot I have ever worn. Not only does it excel on the flats with a neoprene wading sock but it stands above the rest when wearing waders and navigating our slippery steelhead rivers. The River Salt is ideal for the angler who hikes long distances, fishes fresh water and salt, and wants a lightweight boot that will last a lifetime. With a flexible upper, I found myself absent-mindedly rotating my ankle for the first time while fishing, and let me tell you it is more liberating
Foot Tractor Boot – $549.00
The Foot Tractor Boot provides all of the options that you might expect from Patagonia. They have the standard felt sole, rubber, and their very own aluminum bar. The Idrogrip is a redesigned sticky rubber from Vibram that redefines traction from a rubber sole. Last but not least, the Aluminum Bar provides the best traction of all. Based on the success of the original Foot Tractor, they made slight modifications to make this boot even better. A new split
Boot Recrafting
Danner’s Boot Recrafting program will repair your boots from simple part replacement and leather care to major overhauls. The days of worn-out soles with plenty of life in your boots are now a thing of the past. The soles can be replaced time and time again due to the stitch down construction, subsequently keeping your boots out of the landfill for years and years to come.
Everyone who has worn the new Patagonia Boots by Danner agree that these are by far the best we have ever worn. Here at Emerald Water Anglers, we will have all three of the Foot Tractor options as well as the River Salt Wading Boot by early next week (February 18, 2019.)
Tie One On Fly Tying Events @ EWA Store – $20
February 5, 2019 — Sea Run Bugger – register here
February 19, 2019 — Intruder — register here
March 5, 2019 — Tying Competition and Celebration – register here
February 1, 2019 — Writer’s on the Fly – Cascadia Tour @ EWA Fly Shop — $12 per person
It is BACK and we get to host some of our greatest friends reading at the event this year including Nathaniel Riverhorse Nakadate, Dylan Tomine, Cameron K Scott, Bridget Moran, and others! In addition, our pop-up art gallery will feature artists Rachel Finn, Tyler Hackett, and Emma Yardley. Tickets are gone…SOLD OUT!
February 2, 2019 — 3rd Annual EWA Spey Day — @Snoqualmie River/Fall City — FREE
This is it, THE day to come cast those two handed rods you have been hearing, reading and talking about all season. All the regional sales reps, PNW industry leaders, our talented staff and others. Cast Thomas and Thomas, Gloomis, Sage, Scott, Echo, Winston and more. Free clinics and demo rods, lines and waders/boots available while you spend a day taking in all things spey. Lunch and beverages provided. #ewa_swingon
February 16 – 17, 2019 — The Fly Fishing Show — Lynwood Convention Center — $TBD
The annual collection of the greater fly fishing industry descends on the Seattle area again. At least one of our staff will be presenting at the event again on Fly Fishing in Washington and Puget Sound by Foot.
March 10, 2019 — Montana Fly Fishing Film Festival — Admiral Theater — 6pm/$15
Come see what fly fishing is all about in our great neighboring state of Montana! Tickets at the door, show begins at 7pm.
March 21, 2019 — Native Fish Society Meet n Greet with J. Michelle Swope — 7pm/FREE
Come sit in and meet our new WA River Steward Coordinator J. Michelle Swope and hear about what is going on these days with NFS. Q&A with her, some snacks and beverages, should be a good evening.
June 1, 2019 — EWA Fly Fest and Guide Cook-Off — Me-Kwa-Mooks Park– FREE
Our 5th year of this event and we are already excited for it. So many cool new products, new staff and new techniques to show and share with all of you. Event is from 9am – 3pm with the cook-off happening at 12:30. Class schedule will be posted about a month in advance.
Tie One On Fly Tying Events @ EWA Store – $20
January 8, 2018 — Wiggle Minnow – register here
February 5, 2019 — Sea Run Bugger – register here
February 19, 2019 — Intruder — register here
March 5, 2019 — Tying Competition and Celebration – register here
January 17, 2019 — 4th Annual EWA 5 Minute or Less Film Fest — @ EWA Store — $20 per person/60 maximum
Our personally selected fly fishing short video stories from filmmakers all over the world. Winner will play at the F3T which will be announced here shortly. Please submit to Dave McCoy, dave@emeraldwateranglers.com.
January 30, 2019 — F3T Seattle — @SIFF and @Admiral — $20 per person
Here it is, the proverbial season kick off event with the best of the best films from our industry. So popular here in Seattle we have 2 events to cover it to make it as convenient as possible for everyone to participate. Look forward to seeing everyone there.
February 1, 2019 — Writer’s on the Fly – Cascadia Tour @ EWA Fly Shop — $12 per person
It is BACK and we get to host some of our greatest friends reading at the event this year including Nathaniel Riverhorse Nakadate, Dylan Tomine, Cameron K Scott, Bridget Moran, and others! In addition, our pop-up art gallery will feature artists Rachel Finn, Tyler Hackett, and Emma Yardley. Tickets will go FAST so get yours today…HERE…
February 2, 2019 — 3rd Annual EWA Spey Day — @Snoqualmie River/Fall City — FREE
This is it, THE day to come cast those two handed rods you have been hearing, reading and talking about all season. All the regional sales reps, PNW industry leaders, our talented staff and others. Cast Thomas and Thomas, Gloomis, Sage, Scott, Echo, Winston and more. Free clinics and demo rods, lines and waders/boots available while you spend a day taking in all things spey. Lunch and beverages provided. #ewa_swingon
February 16 – 17, 2019 — The Fly Fishing Show — Lynwood Convention Center — $TBD
The annual collection of the greater fly fishing industry descends on the Seattle area again. At least one of our staff will be presenting at the event again on Fly Fishing in Washington and Puget Sound by Foot.
March 21, 2019 — Native Fish Society Meet n Greet with J. Michelle Swope — 7pm/FREE
Come sit in and meet our new WA River Steward Coordinator J. Michelle Swope and hear about what is going on these days with NFS. Q&A with her, some snacks and beverages, should be a good evening.
June 1, 2019 — EWA Fly Fest and Guide Cook-Off — Me-Kwa-Mooks Park– FREE
Our 5th year of this event and we are already excited for it. So many cool new products, new staff and new techniques to show and share with all of you. Event is from 9am – 3pm with the cook-off happening at 12:30. Class schedule will be posted about a month in advance.
We recently fished the Thomas & Thomas 1208 DNA Spey Rod and loved it. We paired this rod with an Airflo 480 Rage Compact head which casts like a dream. Although this rod is an 8wt, we are fishing it as though it is a true, do it all, 7wt rod. This stick can slog it out with Skagit heads and heavy sink tips, but thrives with a longer line. If you are in the market for a new Spey rod, give us a call at 206-708-7285.
Tie One On Fly Tying Events @ EWA Store – $20
November 6, 2018 – The Bugmeister – register here
November 13, 2018 – Slumpbuster Sculpin – register here
December 11, 2018 — Fish Taco – register here
January 8, 2018 — Wiggle Minnow – register here
February 5, 2019 — Sea Run Bugger – register here
February 19, 2019 — Intruder — register here
March 5, 2019 — Tying Competition and Celebration – register here
November 29, 2018 — Langdon Cook — Reading and Book Signing –@EWA Store — FREE
Local author, angler, forager and fungi expert will be in the store to read from his latest book, Upstream, Searching for Wild Salmon, From River to Table. If you have never been present for one of Langdon’s readings, don’t miss this one as he infuses excitement and passion into the words between the covers.
December 1 – 2, 2018 — Dec Hogan Spey Clinic — @ Skykomish River — $295 per person/per day/6 maximum
The man, myth and legend, Dec himself will be back in the PNW to enlighten and answer questions on all things spey and steelhead. Whether just learning or well seasoned, Dec is always a pleasure to spend the day with. Please call the store to reserve your space. #ewa_swingon
January 17, 2019 — 4th Annual EWA 5 Minute or Less Film Fest — @ EWA Store — $20 per person/60 maximum
Our personally selected fly fishing short video stories from filmmakers all over the world. Winner will play at the F3T which will be announced here shortly. Please submit to Dave McCoy, dave@emeraldwateranglers.com.
February 2, 2019 — 3rd Annual EWA Spey Day — @Snoqualmie River/Fall City — FREE
This is it, THE day to come cast those two handed rods you have been hearing, reading and talking about all season. All the regional sales reps, PNW industry leaders, our talented staff and others. Cast Thomas and Thomas, Gloomis, Sage, Scott, Echo, Winston and more. Free clinics and demo rods, lines and waders/boots available while you spend a day taking in all things spey. Lunch and beverages provided. #ewa_swingon
February 6? – 7?, 2019 — F3T Seattle — @SIFF and @Admiral — $20 per person
Here it is, the proverbial season kick off event with the best of the best films from our industry. So popular here in Seattle we have 2 events to cover it to make it as convenient as possible for everyone to participate. Look forward to seeing everyone there.
February 16 – 17, 2019 — The Fly Fishing Show — Lynwood Convention Center — $TBD
The annual collection of the greater fly fishing industry descends on the Seattle area again. At least one of our staff will be presenting at the event again on Fly Fishing in Washington and Puget Sound by Foot.
Wow, fall has arrived quite quickly, so fast in fact we didn’t even get up an upcoming events for the month of September. So with fall and winter on the horizon we are in the process of getting a schedule of events for Tying Tuesdays and Saturday Casting at the Park so check back often as we will update as we finalize these classes. In the meantime, here are some things to keep an eye on:
October 14, 2018 — Women’s Meet n Greet with Devon @ EWA Store — FREE
Come in, hang out and meet like minded ladies here at the store, get fitted for waders and boots and hear about which fisheries we are excited about moving into fall and winter.
November 6, 2018 — Tie One On Tuesday’s – The Bugmeister – @ EWA Store — $20
November 13, 2018 — Tie One On Tuesday’s – Sculpin – @ EWA Store — $20
November ??, 2018 — Writer’s on the Fly Cascadia Tour — @ EWA Store — $20 per person/60 maximum
Yes! Here we go again and we couldn’t be more excited. Come spend and evening with our staff and some of the writers shaping our sport with their prose. Listen as those who read give back story and emotion to the words you have or may not have read before. Talent yet to be determined, stay tuned…
November 29, 2018 — Langdon Cook — Reading and Book Signing –@EWA Store — FREE
Local author, angler, forager and fungi expert will be in the store to read from his latest book, Upstream, Searching for Wild Salmon, From River to Table. If you have never been present for one of Langdon’s readings, don’t miss this one as he infuses excitement and passion into the words between the covers.
December 1 – 2, 2018 — Dec Hogan Spey Clinic — @ Skykomish River — $295 per person/per day/6 maximum
The man, myth and legend, Dec himself will be back in the PNW to enlighten and answer questions on all things spey and steelhead. Whether just learning or well seasoned, Dec is always a pleasure to spend the day with. Please call the store to reserve your space. #ewa_swingon
December 11, 2018 — Tie One On Tuesday’s Fish Taco — @ EWA Store — $20
January 17, 2019 — 4th Annual EWA 5 Minute or Less Film Fest — @ EWA Store — $20 per person/60 maximum
Our personally selected fly fishing short video stories from filmmakers all over the world. Winner will play at the F3T which will be announced here shortly. Please submit to Dave McCoy, dave@emeraldwateranglers.com.
February 6? – 7?, 2019 — F3T Seattle — @SIFF and @Admiral — $20 per person
Here it is, the proverbial season kick off event with the best of the best films from our industry. So popular here in Seattle we have 2 events to cover it to make it as convenient as possible for everyone to participate. Look forward to seeing everyone there.
February 9, 2019 — EWA Spey Day — @ Skykomish River — FREE
This is it, THE day to come cast those two handed rods you have been hearing, reading and talking about all season. All the regional sales reps, PNW industry leaders, our talented staff and others. Cast Thomas and Thomas, Gloomis, Sage, Scott, Echo, Winston and more. Free clinics and demo rods, lines and waders/boots available while you spend a day taking in all things spey. Lunch and beverages provided. #ewa_swingon
February 16 – 17, 2019 — The Fly Fishing Show — Lynwood Convention Center — $TBD
The annual collection of the greater fly fishing industry descends on the Seattle area again. At least one of our staff will be presenting at the event again on Fly Fishing in Washington and Puget Sound by Foot.
The weather was tough this year for the Second Annual Carp Jamboree at Banks Lake. The wind blew hard, stirring up the water, but even so, folks still managed to find a few nice sized carp. More importantly: laughter, learning and prizes were enjoyed and shared among the great crew of folks who came out for the tournament. We’re already looking forward to next year!
Windy Conditions
When competitors arrived to Banks Lake on Friday Night, the wind was already blowing hard enough that some folks had trouble setting up their tents. Undaunted, a keg of beer was tapped and Bill Marts gave a presentation on the tactics, flies and gear required to chase carp with a fly rod. Those anglers with more experience at Banks Lake gave directions to new friends for good places to hunt tailing fish the next day.
On Saturday, the wind continued to blow from the Northwest. This put whitecaps on some portions of the lake, made casting difficult and stirred up the water, impeding sight casting opportunities. Generally speaking, it sounds like most of the fish were caught in the afternoon when the wind died down a bit.
Banks Lake is a good sized body of water with a strong population of carp. It has great flats where the fish cruise and feed, making themselves available to a well presented fly in the process. Some anglers were carefully wading the flats while others approached the lake in power boats or stand-up paddle boards.
Whatever the method of transportation, a cautious approach was required. One angler on a stand-up paddle board reported spooking fish when he set his paddle down to pick up his rod! No one ever said carp fishing was easy…
In the end, the Matt Paluch won the jamboree with seven carp landed. Craig Schuman took second place with three fish. Three other anglers competed for third place by landing a single fish each. The tie was broken by comparing the length of their carp from photos.
Afterwards, a group of anglers stuck around on Saturday night to trade fishing stories and finish the pizza and that keg of beer.
Thanks
The tournament wouldn’t have been possible without generous sponsorship from Sage and wonderful prizes and contributions from Costa Sunglasses, Sea Eagle boats, Scientific Anglers and Hardy Fly Fishing. A big thanks to all of them for their support and participation.
The Carp Jamboree is a result of the tireless work of Bill and Boyd Marts. It wouldn’t happen without their organization and inspiration. Huge thanks from all of us, Fellas.
A big thanks goes out to the anglers who shared boat space with other participants, too. That is above and beyond the call of duty for a tournament of any kind, but a perfect example of the wonderful tone set by this great event.
Final Words
Let’s wrap up this post with a final word from the host and spiritual leader of the Carp Jamboree, Bill Marts. Bill says, when discussing the windy conditions of this year’s tournament, “To everyone who put out the effort to get there and fished that day: My big straw hat is tipped to you.”
Few More Photos
Carp are a challenging and powerful freshwater fish for the fly angler to target. If you’re new to this game, or are curious to learn more, swing by the shop and we’ll talk carp tactics, flies and locations. We love those spooky monsters!
Brita Fordice will be in the shop tying her remarkable baitfish patterns on the evening of Thursday, August 23. We’re really looking forward to this event.
Anyone interested in chasing fish that feed on other fish, either in fresh or salt water, or anyone interested in learning from masterful fly tying shouldn’t miss this event. Brita’s meticulous flatwings, squid, eel and shrimp patterns are uncanny representations of baitfish species.
Watching a few of them get built is sure to be a real treat.
Event Details:
Brita will start tying at 7:00pm. She’ll work through a series of patterns and techniques and answer questions for an hour and a half. Tickets are $10 and available here. We’ll have some special materials ordered for the event and all fly tying materials will be 10% off for ticket holders.
Bio:
Brita Fordice was born, raised and learned to fish in Washington state. She taught herself to tie flies at age 10. Once she started, she never stopped.
These days she is an accomplished angler and guide on the beaches of the Hood Canal and Puget Sound, where her custom patterns really shine for cutthroat and salmon. She’s fished extensively in Alaska, Idaho, the Bahamas and Florida. Her flies have been featured in national magazines and she currently works for Sage Manufacturing in their research and development department.
If you’re interested in seeing more of her work, follow her on Instagram @seafly907 or check out her Etsy page.
Brita Fordice Fly Tying Demonstration: Thursday, August 23. 7:00 to 8:30 pm.
We can’t wait to see the patterns Brita is going to be tying for us that evening. It will be a great opportunity to get a close look at some refined fly tying skills in action. There will be plenty to learn. Hope you can join us. It is going to be a great night. Get your ticket at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fly-tying-presentation-w-local-legend-brita-fordice-tickets-48968423874
