Emerald Water Anglers

Fly Fishing Seattle and Worldwide

Seattle Fly Shop - Guide Service - Global Travel Outfitter

4502 42nd Ave. SW Seattle, WA 98116
10-7 Mon-Fri, 10-6 Sat, 11-5 Sun
info@emeraldwateranglers.com
206-708-7250
  • Seattle Fly Fishing
    • Women’s Fly Fishing
    • Puget Sound
    • Yakima River
      • Cle Elum River
    • Mountain Creeks
    • Snoqualmie River
      • Middle and South Forks of Snoqualmie River
    • Cedar River
    • Warm Water Fly Fishing
    • Olympic Peninsula Steelhead Rivers
      • Bogachiel River
      • Hoh River Steelhead Fly Fishing Guides
      • Queets River
      • Sol Duc River Steelhead Fly Fishing Guides
    • Puget Sound Steelhead Rivers
      • Sauk River
      • Skagit River
      • Skykomish River
      • Snoqualmie River
      • Stillaguamish River
    • Columbia Basin Steelhead Rivers
      • Cowlitz River
      • Grande Ronde River
      • Kalama River, WA
      • Klickitat River
      • Methow River, WA
      • Wenatchee River, WA
    • Albacore Tuna
    • Our Seattle Fly Fishing Guide Staff
  • Classes and Schools
    • Classes And Clinics
    • Women’s Classes & Guiding
    • Private Instruction
  • Travel
    • Fly Fishing Destinations
      • Alaska
        • Intricate Bay Lodge
        • Wild River Guides
      • Colorado
        • Black Canyon of the Gunnison
        • Roaring Fork River
      • Hawaii
      • Oregon
        • Deschutes River
        • John Day River
        • Oregon Coast Steelhead
        • North Umpqua River
      • Africa – Tiger Fish
      • Argentina
        • Salta – Golden Dorado
        • Tierra del Fuego – Sea Run Browns
      • Bahamas – Bonefish
        • Abaco Lodge
        • Bair’s Lodge – South Andros
        • H20 Bonefishing – Grand Bahama
      • Belize
      • Bolivia – Golden Dorado
      • Brazil – Peacock Bass
      • Canada
        • Skeena River Meadows, B.C.
      • Christmas Island
      • Cuba
      • Greenland – Arctic Char
      • Honduras – Fly Fish Guanaja
      • Iceland – Atlantic Salmon
      • India – Golden Mahseer
      • Mexico
        • Tarpon Caye Lodge
        • Zihuatanejo
      • Mongolia – Taimen
      • New Zealand
      • Russia
        • Kamchatka – Rainbow Trout
        • Kola – Atlantic Salmon
      • Scotland
      • Seychelles – Giant Trevally
      • South Pacific
      • Spain – Pyrenees Mountains
      • Venezuela – Los Roques
    • Hosted Fly Fishing Travel
  • Reports
    • Blog
    • Puget Sound Tides, Wind and Food Forms
    • Yakima River Hatch Chart
    • CFS Washington Rivers
    • CFS Oregon Rivers
  • Shop
  • About Us
    • Our Seattle Store
    • Upcoming Events
    • Contact Us
    • In the Media

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 30, 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

Why Fly Fishing by Claire Topalian

August 22, 2019 by adminewa Leave a Comment

Having only a romantic notion of “FLY-FISHING” running through my imagination, I am bent on learning the sport. If I can admit to one thing up front it is this: when I am bent on something, the borderline aggressive determination (also read: stubbornness) that tends to surface is something you’d not want to meet head-on as an opponent.

For a number of reasons, fly-fishing has captivated me, despite the fact that I am a complete outsider – or perhaps partly because of this reason. The more deep-seeded reasoning may come from cultural exposure: I’ve always loved A River Runs through Itand was enthralled by The River Why.

The more immediate impetus might stem from the fact that I injured my ankle a little over a month ago, and being a naturally restless person, I needed an outlet that didn’t require too much consistent strain on my right foot. I suspect that the reasons behind this motivation will continue to unfold as my project progresses. Perhaps what draws me in most from a philosophical standpoint, though, is the drought that I perceive upon examining my own life. This is a drought in terms of nature, prayer, and patience.

Tackling a project like this is a response to this lack and a personal challenge that I hope becomes a life-long journey.So, as with any new endeavor that I develop a curiosity around, I’ll begin with books and questions.  Simple Fly Fishing by Yvon Chouinard, The Curtis Creek Manifesto, The Fly Fishing Handbook from L.L. Bean… What are the types of flies used? How will I know which to use? What knots do I need to learn, and when do I use certain knots? What is a tippet? (Truly, I am starting from scratch.) From there, I put my research to use ‘in the field’; that is, out on the lawns near my apartment, where I can practice casting (much to the confusion of my neighbors, especially those in my age group). Eventually, there’s only so much I can read, and only so many times I can cast a line towards Lake Washington before I need to stand in a river – if only to get a change of scenery and avoid losing heart.  

This is a project with purpose, so I will be writing about the process: each outing, class, and development as well as every reflection on the sport itself, my progress, and my setbacks. I also hope to gain a deeper understanding of why others fly fish, and plan to write about that consistently. I want to entertain what draws people to this sport. Why is it that when I meet someone who identifies as a fisherman, their passion seems to emanate the moment the topic arises? Why do humans love fly-fishing?

I suspect that the more meaningful answers to these questions will be drawn out over time, but I can postulate around a few angles. Recently, I came across an article by James Prosek in the New York Times. It is beautifully written and touches on the appeal that fly-fishing has as a part of our evolutionary journey. He writes, “To me, trout fishing, in particular fly-fishing, is many things, but above all, it is a conversation, a communication — with a creature to which we are connected by common ancestry not so very long ago (420 million years, give or take). The rod, the line and the hook are the tools of this communication, but the fly or lure is the ultimate translator between languages, between our world of names, structures, systems and hierarchies and theirs of instinct, impulse and experience. Trout fishing connects us not only to our ancestral past, but to our legacy as hunter-gatherers, to a time when we needed to catch and kill in order to survive.”

This resonated with me: I find that the standard rhythm of “city life”; the 9-5 churn, is just that … a churn that threatens to chip away at our adrenaline-based resources and moments, gradually pushing us away from those experiences and depleting our childlike fuel tanks, our imagination and our flexibility to “get away” – even for a day. I’m not someone who is opposed to professionalism or the business world; there are plenty of elements within that space that appeal to me, but not at the cost of those experiences that bring us closer to our “ancient selves.” These are the experiences that seem to fade out of view more and more as society complicates itself. Worse, the more removed from our ancient selves we become, the more money we spend trying to obtain it again – whether that is channeled by paying a hefty sum to a guide group to summit Mt. Rainier, or an up-front investment in a new “extreme sport” that quickly becomes an all-in-one Craigslist sale.

As a young woman, I am simply striving to participate in the modern society around me on a professional level (also read: earn enough money and professional stature to maintain some influence and connection point to projects in my community) without sacrificing a sense of adventure, albeit menial at this point. Fly-fishing may be one of those outlets through which we re-connect with nature and our ancient selves on some level…an invitation to disengage with technology and other modern complications and re-engage with patience, water, and humility.

Filed Under: Emerald Water Anglers, Events Tagged With: beginner fly angler, Claire Topalian, fly fishing writing, Seattle, Washington, women fly fishing

Upcoming Events – June

June 5, 2019 by adminewa Leave a Comment


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. 

June 1, 2019 — Summer Steelhead Fly Tying Demo w/Katy Watson — @ EWA Store @6pm — FREE
Come watch as British Columbia steelhead guide and Spey – O – Rama contestant Katy meets and greets, answers questions and shows how to tie some of her favorite low water patterns for BC steelhead.

Intro to Fly Casting — Lincoln Park, north parking lot next to baseball field — $25 — Equipment Provided

Wednesday, June 5, 6:30PM sign up here
Wednesday, June 12, 6:30PM sign up here
Saturday, June 15, 9AM sign up here
Saturday, June 22, 9AM sign up here
Wednesday, July 10, 6:30PM sign up here

June/July/August — Photographer Series — @ EWA Store @7pm — FREE
Come learn from some of our leading industry photographers on how to better compose images, tell stories and be better with your DSLR camera or smart phone. Here is who is on deck so far…

June 20 — – Matt DeLorme, Telling a Store in 10 Images @ 7pm at EWA Store – FREE
July 20 — – Dave McCoy, Underwater Imagery @ 7pm at EWA Store – FREE
July 25 — – Colton Jacobs, iPhone Composition @ 7pm at EWA Store FREE
August 1 – Earl Harper, Portraits in the Field @ 7pm at EWA Store – FREE

July TBD — Get to Know Your NGO — @ EWA Store @7pm — FREE
A full room of our favorite non profits from around this region doing great work for our land, water and fish. Date coming soon..

May 30, 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: Emerald Water Anglers, fly casting classes, fly fishing events, fly fishing reports, fly fishing schools, June, Photographer Series, Puget Sound, Rainbow Trout, Sea Run Cutthroat, Seattle, Seattle Fly Fishing, Seattle Fly Shop, summer fly fishing, summer steelhead, Yakima River

Upcoming Events — March

March 3, 2019 by adminewa Leave a Comment

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. 

Filed Under: Emerald Water Anglers, Events Tagged With: casting classes, Emerald Water Anglers, fly fishing events, fly fishing schools, fly tying, fly tying classes, Seattle, Washington, West Seattle

Upcoming Events – January

December 2, 2018 by adminewa Leave a Comment


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. 

Filed Under: Emerald Water Anglers, Events Tagged With: Danner Boots, Emerald Water Anglers, EWA, Film Festival, fly casting classes, fly fishing events, fly tying classes, Native Fish Society, Seattle, spey casting, spey clave, The Flyfishing Show, Washington, Writer's on the Fly

Upcoming Events – October

October 1, 2018 by adminewa Leave a Comment


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. 

Filed Under: Emerald Water Anglers Tagged With: book reading, Dec Hogan, Emerald Water Anglers, EWA Spey Clave, F3T, fly fishing film tour, fly tying classes, Langdon Cook, Seattle, spey casting classes, The Fly Fishing Show, Tie One On Tuesday, upcoming events, Washington, women's fly fishing, Writer's on the Fly

Upcoming Fly Fishing Events – August

July 27, 2018 by adminewa Leave a Comment

Phew, where has summer gone?!!  Feels as though we just finished up our winter steelhead season, went on a big trip to the Seychelles, woke up and it was August already, holy cow!  Anyway, we have some very exciting events coming up, here is a glimpse of what is on the calendar thus far, more to come soon!

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…

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 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 2, 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. 

Filed Under: Emerald Water Anglers, Events Tagged With: Dec Hogan, Emerald Water Anglers, F3T, Film Festival, fly fishing events, fly fishing film tour, instruction, Seattle, Skykomish River, spey casting day, Spey Day

June 2nd – EWA Fly Fest Schedule

May 18, 2018 by adminewa Leave a Comment

Last years podium from the EWA Guide Staff Cook Off with Jason Rolfe taking top honors for the second year.

Hello everyone, it is almost time for our 4th Annual EWA Fly Fest at Me Kwa Mooks Park here in West Seattle where we invite everyone to come on out and join us kicking off the summer season.  We will have the sales reps from Thomas and Thomas, Winston, Gloomis, Echo, Scott, Hardy and Sage with every rod under the sun to test cast. 

We will also have a few free clinics to work on casting, approaching Puget Sound and the creeks and the introduction of our SWING ON program which is all two handed all the time! 

Here is the schedule for clinics and so on at the fly fest this year and we may still be adding a few things so check back and worst case scenario, show up:

8am – Women’s Casting with Karlie and Devon
9am – Festivities Begin
9am – Saltwater Tactics – Dave, on beach across the street
11am – Planetary Fly Fishing – Travel – Dave, under tent
10am – Small Streams, Where, When and How – Ben, under tent
11am – Women’s Meet and Greet – Karlie/Devon under tent
1pm – Staff Cook Off – Everyone
2pm – “SWING ON” All Things Spey Discussion – Rohr
3pm – Double Haulin’ – Dave
4pm – Last Minute Q&A, Pack Up and Call it a Day!

We look forward to seeing everyone out there soon.

Filed Under: Emerald Water Anglers, Events Tagged With: cook off, creeks, demo day, Emerald Water Anglers, fly casting instruction, fly fishing events, fly fishing guides, June 2nd, Puget Sound, Seattle, women fly fishing, Writer's on the Fly

EWA Fly Fishing Events – May

April 26, 2018 by adminewa Leave a Comment


EWA Fly Fishing events coming up in May and beyond…here are some things to put on your calendar for sure!  As we head into summer, now is the time to freshen up your casting with some private casting, finally pick up fly tying or join us on one of our many fishing excursions we offer throughout the summer.  Creeks, Yakima, Puget Sound, bass and summer steelhead are all on the table, we know them all and are excited to get on the water with you. 

Yakima May Day’s – May is maybe the month to be on the Yakima as caddis are out, fish are focused and the sun is usually shining.  Here are some dates in May we still have open to get you out throwing dry flies on the Yak:

May 9th
May 27th

May 8, 2018 — Christmas Island Revisited! — 7pm @ EWA Store — FREE
Come listen and watch as Karlie and Caldwell revisit their trips to Christmas Island this past spring.  Beverages will be provided and good times will be had for sure!

June 2, 2018 – EWA Fly Fest @ Me Kwa Mooks Park in West Seattle – FREE
What has become quite an event continues to grow.  Cast every rod available from Winston, Sage, Scott, Loomis, Epic, Echo, Fenwick and Thomas and Thomas.  See the latest in reels from Nautilus, Bauer, Lamson, Sage, Tibor, 3 Tand and more as well as put new lines on your favorite rod.  Instruction, classes, seminars and our 11th Annual Guide Staff Cook Off.

July 20-21, 2018 — 2nd Annual EWA Carp Tournament @ Banks Lake — $75 per angler/50 Max
If you haven’t pursued carp on the fly before you haven’t lived!  Sight casting to these selective and strong fish either by foot, from an SUP or $60K boat, either way, they live up to what fly fishing is supposed to be…fun!  Sponsored by Sage, winners will walk with some extraordinary prizes and all with leave humbled for sure!  Please call the store to book you space, few slots left.

December 1 -2, 2018 — Dec Hogan Spey Clinic — $295 per person/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.

Bug’s ‘N Brew’s – $20 – EWA Store @ 7-9pm – Women Only!
May 3rd – 7-9pm
May 17th – 7-9pm

1 Day Intro to Fly Fishing Schools – $225 – Forks of the Snoqualmie – 3 people max
June 23rd – 1 spot open
July 11th – 2 spots open

2 Day Fly Fishing Immersion Schools – $425 – Forks of the Snoqualmie -3 people max
May 5-6 – 2 spots open
June 20-21 – 2 spots open
June 23-24 – 1 spot open
July 14 – 15 – 1 spot open

Drift Boat Rowing – $250 – Snoqualmie River, 3 people max
June 23rd
July 7th

Filed Under: Emerald Water Anglers, Events Tagged With: bass, boat rowing, carp tournament, Dec Hogan, Emerald Water Anglers, fly fishing event, fly fishing schools, fly tying, guiding trips, Seattle, spey casting, steelhead, trout, Washington, women's fly fishing, Yakima River

G.Loomis IMX PRO Short-Spey Rod Review

January 3, 2018 by Caldwell Rohrbach 1 Comment

From the moment you pick up the IMX Pro 7 11’11” you know this rod is different. It redefines lightweight while also maintaining a strong enough rod to turn big fish in heavy water. Where I used to think a 13′ 7wt and a 9′ 8wt with a single hand skagit line were the perfect quiver on a number of Washington rivers, I now think the compact modern “Short Spey” will take the place of both.

This is the first short spey of it’s kind and I do differentiate this from other switch rods. THIS IS NOT A SWITCH ROD! This is the next generation of Spey rods that marry’s the feel of a 13′ rod with the fast action necessary of modern short skagit heads.

The first time I cast this rod was with a 480 grain Skagit Scout line (18.5′) and 44lb Impact mono running line and there wasn’t a situation this rod struggled with. We fished the Deschutes for two day’s in high water and cast a number of tips effortlessly including: 10′ Flo Tips in the t-10 and t-14 ranges as well as straight sections up to 12’ in t-10 and t-14. We battled high winds as well as cold temperatures and were able to feel a few nice tugs on the end of our line. (Since that trip, I have enjoyed fishing the 480 grain Skagit Switch line, just a foot longer than the Scout at 19.5’.

When you cast this rod, you seem to forget how compact it is until you find yourself tucked under overhanging trees and wading deep, tight against the bank.

The other thing you can’t seem to believe is the price of this rod. Compared to other rods in excess of $1000, this rod excels. For $575, this rod is a home run and one that I can’t wait to get out and fish. A component I typically overlook on other spey rods is the reel seat. However, on this one you are drawn in by its modern looks, sleek design, and smoothness.

For those gearing up for our winter run fish, the 7wt is the perfect addition to your existing lineup or a single rod quiver for the new spey angler.

As for trout spey, I think you can stop searching once you land on the IMX Pro 4wt 11’11”. This rod has all the power you could want but still has some major play when fighting a fish. For those searching for the lightest rod, that can still throw big streamers and heavy sink tips, the 3wt can be another great option. Karlie Roland prefers the 3wt.

As for the con’s associated with this rod, it is hard to come by. We literally cant keep these on the shelf. If there was one thing that I had to change, it would be the bottom grip, I prefer a slightly larger knob but that is one that you quickly forget once fishing! GLoomis knocked this one out of the park.

Other lines we enjoy on the IMX Pro 7 11’11”: Skagit Switch G2 510, Rage Compact 450, Scandi Compact 450

Karlie: 3wt 270 Scout, 225 OPST Commando

Give us a call with any more questions or feel free to stop by the shop to see for yourself 206.708.7250.

Photo’s and text: Caldwell Rohrbach

Filed Under: Emerald Water Anglers Tagged With: Emerald Water Anglers, fly shop, Gloomis, IMX Pro, Olympic Peninsula, PNW, Puget Sound, rod review, Sauk River, Seattle, Short Spey, Skagit River, steelhead, swinging flies, Washington, wild fish

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • …
  • 5
  • Next Page »

Contact Us

  • Reservations/Contact
  • Newsletter Sign Up
  • Speaking Engagements
  • In the Media

Emerald Water Anglers

4502 42nd Ave. SW
Seattle, WA 98116
10-7 Mon-Fri, 10-6 Sat, 11-5 Sun
206-708-7250

Contact Us!

Reports and Blog

  • Scales : Our Blog
  • Events
  • Fishing Reports
  • Dave McCoy Photography

2019 Copyright © Emerald Water Anglers. Global Fly Fishing Specialists

4502 42nd Ave, SW Seattle, Washington 98116

Copyright © 2019 · Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in