How To Make Terminal Tackle Last Part 1 Ask any western trout fly fishing guide how much money they spend each year on terminal tackle and they will cringe just by thinking about it. Over time, the cost of flies, leaders, tippet spools, and weights adds up to more than […]
Tips and Tricks
141 posts
I often get asked by my clients when is the best time to come to Vail, Colorado to fly fish. The answer is, although some months are more consistent than others, trout can be caught every month of the year. Even in the cold of January, good fishing can be […]
How to Prepare for Winter Fly Fishing Fly Fishing in the winter can be a challenging experience and requires proper preparation. The angler seeking solace, serene atmosphere and a shot at some larger trout will be awarded those wishes if the river is approached with some good gear and a […]
Why Is A Stream Thermometer Important For Fly Fishermen? Most serious fly fishermen have a stream thermometer stashed somewhere in their vest, chest pack, or boat bag. But it seems like they seldom dig it out and actually put it to work. What many anglers (and even guides) fail to realize […]
Fly fishermen across the west are used to hearing pretty much the same thing from fly shops and guides all winter long. The freezing temperatures and low water have set in for good, and the mayflies, caddis, and terrestrials that we love so much are no longer vulnerable to feeding […]
Guide Flies: Soft Hackles Still Catch Trout When my father did a lot of fly fishing in Pennsylvania in the 60’s and 70’s nymphing with strike indicators was yet to be discovered by fly fishermen and fishing with nymphs was probably not as effective as it is with modern tactics. […]
When Is the Best Time To Fly Fish During Winter? A lot has been written about how and where to catch trout during the winter since the sport gained popularity during the coldest season a couple decades ago. One often overlooked factor that is probably more crucial than any other […]
When building a traditional nymph rig with sinking flies, we almost always need to add a little extra weight above the first fly to help get our bugs down to the bottom column where we suspect the fish are feeding. Most fishermen don’t put a lot of thought into what […]
Each year when the snow begins to fly in the Rockies, I park the drift boat, pack up the car, and head to Salt Lake City, Utah for the winter ski season. No matter how good the skiing is or how much snow we get, I usually find myself on […]
There are a thousand different fly fishing tools and gadgets on the shelves and counters of fly shops, all designed to solve those little problems and inconveniences that anglers face while on the water. No matter where you fish, or what species you chase, you will always need pliers and […]
As October weather cools down, and it cools quickly in Vail, Colorado at 8,000 feet above sea level, local water temperatures correspondingly decline. Descending water temperatures can help make fly fishing and fly selection a less complicated task during autumn. When fishing our local rivers like the Arkansas River, Blue […]
Great fish pictures don’t just happen by accident. The angler, the fish, and the cameraman have to work together to capture the moment. In the previous installment, I talked about the things that the fisherman can do to make the picture better. But that’s only half of the battle! The […]