Fly Fishing Seattle and Worldwide
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
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
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
Upcoming events in November and beyond…
November 9, 2017 — Our Two Hands Movie Premier — Admiral Theater — 7pm – $10 or $15 at door
Our Two Hands is an examination of the underlying cause of this decline, as well as the innovative voices in the angling community and general public fighting for a wild fish future in the Pacific Northwest. Purchase tickets here:
https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3117927
November 16, 2017 — Writer’s on the Fly – Cascadia Tour — EWA Store — 7PM– $10
What has become one of our most popular events, come see some of the industry’s most heralded authors and poets infuse their words with personality before your eyes. Greg Fitz, Jon Toby, Amanda Monthei and Ann Bodle-Nash will be reading that evening here at the store, please join us and purchase tickets here:
https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3129972
Februry 10, 2018 – EWA Spey Day — Ben Howard boat launch from 9am-2pm – FREE
Come cast as many different spey rods, lines and heads as you possibly can in a day under the watchful eye of industry reps, EWA Staff and regional casting pros.
January 13, 2018 — Wild and Scenic Film Festival — Vashon Theater from 12 – 2pm —
January 18th, 2018 – 3rd Annual EWA Fly Film Fest – 7pm – $10
Come see 5 minute or shorter videos from industry professionals and amateurs alike. Winner by audience vote will play at the West Seattle F3T event in early February.
February 7th & 8th, 2018 – Fly Fishing Film Tour – 7pm – $15
The annual industry infusion of hype to get you through the winter. Great films, huge raffle with trips, rods, coolers, sunglasses and other swag for those willing to show up, enjoy a beer and hang out! Final dates for Seattle still being determined.
February 17th-18th, 2018 – The Fly Fishing Show in Lynwood – $15
Great opportunity to come cast some of the latest models of rods, see presentations on fisheries around WA, PNW and the world. Dave McCoy will be presenting on Fly Fishing Around Washington. Visit our booth for some swag on the days of the show.
June 2nd, 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.
Classes and Schools:
Intro to Spey – $95 — Limited to 3 anglers
Nov. 4th
Intro to Fly Casting — $20 — Limited to 6 anglers — 9am @ Lincoln Park
Nov. 18th
Dec. 9th – Full
Dec. 16th
Tying One On Tuesdays — $20 — @ EWA Store — 7-9pm
Nov 14th – Puget Sound Baitfish Pattern
Nov 28th
Dec 12th
Women’s Intro to Fly Casting — $20 — Limited to 6 anglers
Nov. 5th
Women’s Bug’s n Brew’s Fly Tying — $20 — @ EWA Store — 7-9pm
Nov. 16th
Nov. 30th
Special Events
January 14-15, 2017 – Spey Casting w/ Dec Hogan $250 per angler/per day
Spend a day with the legendary spey caster, rod designer, conservationist and world renowned steelhead whisperer. Dec will talk all things spey from dropping that loop to which head and tip for what type of water and finally how to successfully play and land these majestic fish when solo with a two hander. This class will be conducted on the water on one of our local steelhead rivers, most likely the Skykomish, river conditions depending. Space is limited so sign up now! To sign up email shop@emeraldwateranglers.com or call 206-708-7250.
January 20, 2017 – 2nd Annual EWA 5 Minute or Less Film Fest – 7pm @EWA – FREE
Here we go again, our crazy evening of fly fishing shorts is on again. Pretty sure we can get the winner this year again shown at the F3T here at our West Seattle showing in early Feb. RSVP via email: shop@emeraldwateranglers.com or phone: 206-708-7250
February 1 & 2, 2017 – F3T in West Seattle (Feb. 2) at the Admiral and downtown at SIFF (Feb.1)
The crew will be here sporting the latest in fly fishing film eye candy from around the world. More details to come soon but keep an eye on these dates.
February 3, 2017 – Women’s Meet and Greet @ EWA Store 7 – 9PM – FREE
Come meet our newest staff member and Women’s Program Director, Karlie Roland. Sit down, enjoy some wine or beer and finger foods, chat fly fishing and private shop. Karlie will lay out her plans for the program moving forward and also listen to ideas from you on. Schools, outings, celebrity clinics and hosted travel are all on the radar…what else?
February 11, 2017 – EWA Spey Clave – Ben Howard Boat Launch on the Skykomish River – 10AM – 3PM – FREE
Our area needed it so he we go. We are bringing our favorite two handed rod companies together to provide an on water demo and instruction session for those new to the spey game and those looking to try a number of rods side by side so they can make an informed purchase.
June 3, 2017 – 3rd Annual EWA Fly Fest and Guide Cook Off – 10AM – 4PM @ Me Kwa Mooks Park – West Seattle – FREE
The event we look forward to every year. Come join us for a fun day in the sun. Manufacturers reps are on hand to show off all the latest rod models from Winston, Sage, Scott, Echo, GLoomis and others, clinics by our talented EWA staff on the Sound, small mountain streams and steelhead. A host of IFFF certified instructors will be on hand as well. This will be our 10th Annual Guide Staff Cook Off where our guide team competes for the greatest shore lunch. 30 minutes and $40 to feed 3 people and you get to help choose the winner!
Upcoming Schools and Clinics
Women’s Bug’s and Brew’s Fly Tying @ Elliott Bay Brewing (West Seattle) – 7 – 9PM – $40
Come join Karlie Roland for a sit down, fly tying instruction and socializing event just for you fly angling women out there.
January 19, 2017
February 23, 2017
March 9, 2017
Women’s Intro to Fly Casting – Karlie will be holding free fly casting classes starting December 10th and then every first Saturday of the month thereafter. During this intro class you will learn the basics of casting and proper technique to maintain a clean, accurate cast. Great for the beginners and novices looking for a refresher. You can sign up by e-mailing karlie@emeraldwateranglers.com, or calling the shop at 206-708-7250. MAX 6 people.
January 7th and 21st – 9am @ Lincoln Park in West Seattle
Intro to Fly Fishing Schools – 1 Day Classroom/On Water – All Equipment Provided – $195
These are the most comprehensive and intimate “how to” fly fishing school you will find in the region. We cap these schools at 3 per schools so we can have as much time as possible with you during the class. We teach from our own manual which we provide a digital copy of and cover casting, line management, essential knots, how to select flies based on entomology and answer all questions you might have throughout. Here are the current dates:
January 21, 2017
February 18, 2017
March 11, 2017
April 8, 2017
We are crazy excited to announce we have finally hired our Women’s Program Coordinator which means our women’s events will be coming back beginning in December so stay tuned.
November 3rd – Writers on the Fly, “The Cascadia Tour” – 7pm to REAL Late @EWA – FREE 75 attendees maximum
Maybe our favorite event is back but in full throttle mode! We will be hosting 1 of 5 stops on the week long PNW tour with different readers in each location. Because of the popularity of this event over the past couple years and so we can get the writers some $$ for their appearance, we are charging for this event. Tickets will go on sale here shortly and will be expected to sell out. If you want on the list for this, please RSVP via email to Jason@emeraldwateranglers.com. Sponsored in part by Patagonia and Patagonia Books.
November 17th – Cuba, Now Open to the U.S. – 7pm @EWA – FREE
Come listen to long time fly fishing industry personality and photographer Jon Covich discuss the various regions Cuba has to offer and what to expect at each one. This will hands down be the best opportunity to Q&A one of the most knowledgeable people on this topic if you were considering a trip here.
December 7th – WDFW Salmon Management, North of Falcon – Ryan Lothrop – 7pm @EWA – FREE
Come join us for the inside perspective on how WDFW obtains their science and how they use it to make management decisions. Ryan Lothrop, Puget Sound Recreational Salmon Fishery Manager will talk about this and the issue surrounding our favorite fishery as well as answer questions. Please RSVP to this event via email or phone.
January 14-15, 2017 – Spey Casting w/ Dec Hogan $250 per angler/per day
Spend a day with the legendary spey caster, rod designer, conservationist and world renowned steelhead whisperer. Dec will talk all things spey from dropping that loop to which head and tip for what type of water and finally how to successfully play and land these majestic fish when solo with a two hander. He might even go spend some time doing casting instruction with us too. Space is limited so sign up now!
January 20, 2017 – 2nd Annual EWA 5 Minute or Less Film Fest – 7pm @EWA – FREE
Here we go again, our crazy evening of fly fishing shorts is on again. Pretty sure we can get the winner this year again shown at the F3T here at our West Seattle showing in early Feb. RSVP via email: shop@emeraldwateranglers.com or phone: 206-708-7250
February 1 & 2, 2017 (yet to be confirmed) – F3T in West Seattle at the Admiral and downtown at SIFF
The crew will be here sporting the latest in fly fishing film eye candy from around the world. More details to come soon but keep an eye on these dates.
This is a Winston Biii Plus fly rod review and is intended to be informative and as objective as possible for the sake of being helpful to those researching the high end, faster action rod market.
Most of the casting/fishing with these rods has been done with a variety of Airflo lines such as the following as well as a smattering of other manufacturers lines:
Winston Boron III Plus 9′ 6wt – Exceed, Elite and Cold Saltwater
Winston Boron III Plus 9′ 8wt – Bruce Chard, Bonefish
Winston Boron III Plus 9′ 10wt – Bruce Chard, Permit
Winston Boron III Plus 9′ 12wt – Bruce Chard, Tarpon
I have spent a lot of time, in many different locations and fishing scenarios from here in Seattle to all corners of the earth in cold, lukewarm and tropical water. During these times, every chance I have to take a swing with a different rod I do so. As a guide, casting instructor and store owner I feel strongly that is behooves me to know each rod on the market whether we carry it or not. I own the B3+ rod in the 5, 6, 8, 10 and 12 weights so I can attest to most of the line up…these rods are absolute money from top of the line to the bottom.
Think about all the different situations you find yourself in while fishing. From a super short dollop cast to permit that quickly appear out of nowhere to a long light presentation cast across a windless lake to sipping trout. Then there is the bread and butter, those casts whether on a trout stream or anywhere else where you are casting and using the rod/line in THE ZONE, that sweet spot most rods are built for, 30-50 feet.
The industry is readjusting after a period of building rods way too fast for most anglers to be able to handle. Forcing those who fell victim to the marketing machine to literally throw their rod…not cast it. It wasn’t an obvious change but now we are seeing all or most of the manufacturers step back to a place where “FAST” or “TIP FLEX” is something the average angler can still feel when making casts in the zone. All in all this a great thing and it has pitted most of the major rod builders more against each other as now there are a number of great rods in this same class. That being said, the B3+ marries the most important qualities together perfectly.
I want to see a rod without being over lined be able to make a precise cast at 15-20 feet and still be able to feel the tip load and unload without having to over exert the stroke. The B3+ excels at this at all the line weights…check!
The bread and butter casts are those all important ones, the ones where your fish of a lifetime come from when you least expect it. Anglers should feel as though they are not having to think about these casts, 25-45 feet should be as easy as walking. Obviously anglers have varying casting strokes and enjoy a different feel to their rod. I look for a rod that can accommodate a variety of different lines. Not just for various applications such as bass versus spring creeks but also to manipulate the rod to fit what the angler is looking to feel from it. Classic taper to aggressive shooting head lines, these rods handle them quite well making this a versatile stick. Check!
Now to the fun aspects of choosing a rod. Can these sticks carry a lot of line, long leader and a fly well, delivering tight loops into wind then immediately hook up and be tested into the deep backbone? Yes and yes. I am not saying these rods do this and others don’t. What I am saying is as a complete package of a rod that can perform all these tasks well, I have found few that match them side by side in each category. Think of this like a competition where you would have to perform short accurate casts as well as distance, these rods kick rump.
Add a double haul to these rods with any line and they come alive. Being able to feel the line speed accelerate allows the angler to back off the power infusion and allow the rod to do the work for you. At a distance of 30-40 feet, across the board these rods will pick line up off the water well enough to be in the right position for most anglers to easily end up in their normal casting stroke even with heavier flies.
I always tell people it is akin to corporation. You as the angler are the board of directors, your rod is your CEO and the line is your company. As a board, you do your due diligence to hire a CEO you think is good for your company, give them specific goals or directions you want the company to move in and then step back and allow them to do so. I watch too many anglers micromanage their CEO and end up with a poorly run company.
At the end of the day, you can change the outcome of your cast with the line you match on your rod but by doing so for a particular fishing situation does that negatively effect how it performs in other situations when needed with that same line. If so, find yourself a place where you can legitimately cast side by side as many of the rods you are thinking of and see which one you come away with.
September 8th – Getting into Spey Casting – 7pm @EWA – FREE
Reid Curry will address the myriad of lines, head, knots, rods, spey vs switch and so on making this facet of the sport so confusing for the entry level two handed angler. It isn’t that complicated and Reid will pave the way for those looking to step in the door of the spey world.
September 22nd – Fall Fishing in Washington and Beyond – 7pm @EWA – FREE
Reid Curry, Dave McCoy and other EWA staff will discuss the road map of fall and early winter fishing in our great state as well as the region and even internationally if we want to go that far! Should be a very informative event, look forward to seeing everyone there.
September 27th – Fall Sea Run Fishing – 7pm @EWA – FREE
Long time guide and EWA staffer Alex Collier will breeze through the saltwater game around here by talking flies, lines, rods/reels, leaders and poly leaders and how they can all play a part in your success on the Sound this fall and moving into winter.
October 13th – SAGE Happy Hour – 7pm to ??? @EWA – FREE
Sage Fly Rods will be here with Russell Miller and others to talk about their new sticks and otherwise pump everyone up for fishing this fall and winter. Come in and chat about everything from light creek rods to spey to tropical saltwater and everything in between. Beverages on hand as well.
November 3rd – Writers on the Fly, “The Tour” – 7pm to REAL Late @EWA – FREE 75 attendees maximum
Maybe our favorite event is back but in full throttle mode! We will be hosting 1 of 5 stops on the week long PNW tour with different readers in each location. Because of the popularity of this event over the past couple years and so we can get the writers some $$ for their appearance, we are charging for this event. Tickets will go on sale here shortly and will be expected to sell out. If you want on the list for this, please RSVP via email to Jason@emeraldwateranglers.com. Sponsored in part by Patagonia and Patagonia Books.
November 17th – Cuba, Now Open to the U.S. – 7pm @EWA – FREE
Come listen to long time fly fishing industry personality and photographer Jon Covich discuss the various regions Cuba has to offer and what to expect at each one. This will hands down be the best opportunity to Q&A one of the most knowledgeable people on this topic if you were considering a trip here.
December 7th – WDFW Salmon Management, North of Falcon – Ryan Lothrop – 7pm @EWA – FREE
Come join us for the inside perspective on how WDFW obtains their science and how they use it to make management decisions. Ryan Lothrop, Puget Sound Recreational Salmon Fishery Manager will talk about this and the issue surrounding our favorite fishery as well as answer questions. Please RSVP to this event via email or phone.
January 14-15, 2017 – Spey Casting w/ Dec Hogan $250 per angler/per day
Spend a day with the legendary spey caster, rod designer, conservationist and world renowned steelhead whisperer. Dec will talk all things spey from dropping that loop to which head and tip for what type of water and finally how to successfully play and land these majestic fish when solo with a two hander. He might even go spend some time doing casting instruction with us too. Space is limited so sign up now!
January 20, 2017 – 2nd Annual EWA 5 Minute or Less Film Fest – 7pm @EWA – FREE
Here we go again, our crazy evening of fly fishing shorts is on again. Pretty sure we can get the winner this year again shown at the F3T here at our West Seattle showing in early Feb. RSVP via email: shop@emeraldwateranglers.com or phone: 206-708-7250
February 1 & 2, 2017 (yet to be confirmed) – F3T in West Seattle at the Admiral and downtown at SIFF
The crew will be here sporting the latest in fly fishing film eye candy from around the world. More details to come soon but keep an eye on these dates.
February 3rd, 2016 — Fly Fishing Film Tour @Admiral Theater, West Seattle — 7pm – 10pm — $15
Yes, you read this correctly! We are very excited to bring the F3T to West Seattle this year and every year afterwards so we don’t have to leave the island for it! As usual, big pre event the week before at our store and also night of, location TBD but we will intermingle with the filmmakers and the raffle will be huge so you won’t want to miss this. We will have tickets for sale at the store here soon so stay in touch.
February 11th, 2016 — Writer’s on the Fly, Installment #7 — @ EWA Store — 7pm – 9pm — FREE
One of the most exciting events to emerge from the fly fishing industry in the past generation. Enjoy the live reading from some of your favorite authors, their words in their voice and some of the stories behind the stories. An intimate experience you can only have here at Emerald Water Anglers.
February 13th – 14th, 2016 — The Fly Fishing Show — Lynwood Convention Center
Very excited to be partnering with Costa for this show this year. We will have staff on hand to answer questions on the multitude of fisheries in Washington we guide as well as discuss new locations for our international hosted travel. Look forward to seeing everyone there. Dave McCoy will be presenting daily on Fly Fishing Western Washington as well.
March 17th, 2016 — Greenland Fly Fishing — Johann Olafsson, Angling Club Lax-a — 7pm — FREE
This will be one of the most unique presentations to occur at EWA this year. A few years ago, our friends at Angling Club Lax-a in Iceland located, researched and developed a unique fly fishing camp on the southern tip of Greenland. In pursuit of Arctic Char, this is a fishery in its infancy and we are hosting a trip here August 2-9, 2016 with only 4 spaces left. This will be an exclusive opportunity to see if this is your next big trip or simply experience the iceberg filled waters of a new destination.
April 29th – 30th, 2016 — IFFF Show — Ellensburg — 9am – 5pm
We will be man/womaning a booth at the long standing IFFF trade and fly tying show in Ellensburg which occurs in April this year. One or more of our staff will likely be teaching specific classes as well as presenting on various topics we spend much of our time on. These are yet to be determined and will be changed on here once we finalize details.
May 5th, 2016 — ReWilding Washington — Chase Gunnell — 7pm — FREE
Chase is with Conservation Northwest and will be presenting on the regaining of wild and native species across our wonderful state. The concept is to provide an overview of how we have a unique opportunity in Washington to restore some of our most iconic wildlife species, protect and connect wild habitat across the region, and in turn provide a host of benefits for other animals, fish and people. And all of this is possible, and happening right now, even with the rapid population growth and development occurring in our state. Species will include lynx, wolverine and wolf among others, this will be a must see for the youth in your life.
May 13th & 14th, 2016 — Spey Casting with Dec Hogan — 9am – 3pm — $280 per person — 6 Max per day
Come spend a day with a legend, Dec Hogan as he helps you fine tune your spey casting and shares stories of his colorful guiding adventures here in the PNW. Dec is a long time friend and one of the true Ambassadors of our sport. 2 different sessions with meet and greet, book signing and beverages at the the store on the evening of the 13th. This will fill quickly so please reserve your space now, lunch and equipment provided if desired.
June 4th, 2016 — EWA Fly Fest and Guide Cook Off — Location TBA — 10am – 4pm — FREE
Never to late to plan for this. Our 2nd annual Fly Fest coupled with our 9th annual guide staff cook off was a huge success last year and we expect it to be more so this coming year. Come test cast all the rods we have in the store from Winston, Scott, Echo, Epic, Fenwick, Gary Anderson and more. All sales reps and our FFF certified staff will be on hand to provide free casting advice. Not to be missed is Abbie Schuster defending her championship plate from last year against the rest of the staff in our cook off which also provides some fabulous finger food mid day. RSVP at the store via email or phone.
In angling, at best, we just barely scratch the surface. We stand in the river or on a beach, yet remain on the outskirts, dashing in here or there, each new piece of understanding simply another layer beneath which we find more layers and yet more.
Of any angler past or present, Roderick Haig-Brown certainly came closer than most to discovering the deeper secrets of the world under water. He systematically explored the rivers, streams, and estuaries around his adopted home in Campbell River, on British Columbia’s Vancouver Island. His writings record a lifetime of insights into the rhythms, patterns, and surprises of river life.
I recently spent two weeks on Vancouver Island, a copy of Fisherman’s Fall often open on my lap as I drank coffee each morning, doing my best to learn and see and hear the way Haig-Brown did. I waded through thousands of pinks on the Campbell, swam with Chinook salmon on the Stamp, and watched coho chase my fly in an estuary I stumbled upon by accident, and which I’ll leave unnamed.
For a two week trip, I didn’t fish incredibly hard or even that often. It wasn’t a fishing trip–it was a vacation and there was hiking and snorkeling and surfing to be done as well. But I did sit on the side of the Gold River beneath a rain canopy and read about Haig-Brown raising summer steelhead nearby on his Steelhead Bee; I pulled out my tying kit and wrapped a few up of my own, small flies with light wings and tails and bodies of brown and orange floss, tied slim because of the low water, tied with orange because of the huge October caddis flying around my headlamp as I tied them. I fished the flies the next morning and though I didn’t find a summer run in the low water, I watched yearling steelhead dash repeatedly at the fly, observed their rises intently, marveled at their tenacity and abandon and absolute determination.
And I thought of Haig-Brown, in his study overlooking the Line Fence Pool on the Campbell, watching the coho and steelhead fry in his aquarium, giving them funny names like “Number 1.” I thought of him with mask and snorkel on, drifting over spawned out pinks in the eddy near his home or watching the coho yearlings rise to insects. I imagined him sitting on a rock, changing flies, watching the water flow by, unraveling the mystery as best he could. Peeling back the layers. Scratching at the surface.
