Gather round! AFFTA Confluence has just the new gear you're looking for.
Coming off a fishy frenzy at this year’s AFFTA Confluence event in Salt Lake City, The American Fly Tying Trade Association gathered up a list of must-have new products from all parts of the fly industry. Check out the list of winners who earned the title of best fly fishing products out there this year.
Best Flying Tying Vices & Tools Winner: Dyna King – Barracuda Deluxe
AFFTA Winners
Best Waders:
Men’s:Patagonia – River Steward Waders *ALSO* awarded New Product Showcase “Best of Show” winner!
Simms has just introduced their latest Confluence waders, and the standout feature of this new release is the incorporation of compression-molded knee pads right into the design. These knee pads have been meticulously crafted to provide enhanced comfort and longevity for anglers who frequently navigate through dense foliage or find themselves kneeling during their fly fishing adventures, as per Simms.
The Confluence waders are meticulously constructed, featuring a four-layer Toray fabric in the upper and lower regions, rather than GORE-TEX. Simms has also integrated their renowned adjustable air-mesh suspender system, which is a familiar feature from their G3 waders. This innovative design is complemented by built-in tool docking stations and a chest pocket with a cozy fleece lining.
Priced at $549.95, the Confluence waders are currently available through Simms directly and their authorized dealers.
Fish stuck in discarded fishing line in Lake George.
Mammoth Lakes Tourism (MLT) is investing $100,000 to preserve their lakes with their new Clean Up the Lake (CUTL) initiative. Every dollar raised over until 2026 (up to $100,000) will be matched by MLT. Pilot research dives in four of the lakes in the Mammoth Lakes Basin including Lake George, Twin Lakes, Lake Mary and Lake Mamie over the past year resulted in a greater understanding of the environmental issues present – and remediation necessary – to ensure the health and future protection of the area’s namesake treasures.
Team assembling to start clean up in Lake George. Photo by Samantha Lindberg
“There is a widespread litter problem that has been ignored for decades in freshwater lakes all across the Sierra,” said CUTL Founder & Executive Director Colin West, “and action is necessary to ensure the future protection of the region’s most valuable resource.”
Since September, volunteers from CUTL have initiated a full-scale cleanup and aquatic invasive species survey of Lake George’s 2-mile circumference working with volunteer scuba divers, free divers and kayakers to remove fishing debris, plastic pollution and understand other threats to the environment.
Two divers descending to clean up at the bottom of Lake George. Photo by Samantha Lindberg.
CUTL will also be working alongside MLT to engage with visitors and the local community to increase education and further volunteer efforts towards remediating the issues at hand.
Removal of submerged litter, documenting any and all aquatic invasive species threatening the lakes, working to protect animal species both above and below the surface, and prevention of future pollution are key goals of the partnership.
Kayakers, divers, and many other volunteers are needed. Photo by Samantha Lindberg
“Not only will this work have an immediate impact on our pristine mountain lakes,” said MLT Executive Director, John Urdi, “but it will also highlight the importance of protecting the places we play, both for visitors, and locals alike. There is a big impact on our environment that is happening just below the surface. Much of this litter is out of sight and therefore, out of mind.”
Donations can be made via GoFundMe. To learn more about Clean Up The Lake and for more information about volunteer opportunities, visit www.cleanupthelake.org.
Twins Lake, photo by Samantha Lindberg
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“For me personally salt water fly fishing has got to be one of the most challenging yet thrilling & rewarding hobbies I’ve been able to enjoy. My husband has been fly fishing for 10+ years and I recently decided to learn the sport and let me tell you it did not come natural to me. I’m typically known as the Jess of all trades and I finally came across something I’m just not GREAT at. With my husbands, patience, coaching & persistence I have come a long way but there’s just something about getting in-front of a huge tailing red, chest beating & knees shaking that makes you forget a few things!
With a plan in place my husband and I were headed to our favorite fishing location. With only 20 minutes to our destination we noticed a severe wind change, so to our weather channel app we go. A huge storm was headed right over our fishing destination so we made a complete turn around to new water we’d never explored to dodge the storm. Shout out to the weather man for being right for once because boy did it storm there. Just 20 miles down the road we found beautiful banks, clear water, just the right amount of sunlight, perfect wind direction and the storm behind us. Everything lined up perfectly and so did the redfish. While few of them were pretty spooky others were showing themselves and all their glory.
I may have missed a couple fish but this trip turned out to be one of my best days on the bow. I have become obsessed with the sport. When I’m not fishing or sleeping, I’m thinking about fishing. If you’re interested in fly fishing, go take the casting lesson. Buy the rod & reel and practice. Get out there amongst them!”
In Iceland, recent observations at fish ladders designed to facilitate the migration of wild salmon from the sea have raised concerns about the presence of unexpected “intruders.”
Reports on social media suggest that suspected escapees have been discovered in a minimum of 32 rivers throughout north-west Iceland. One of these posts included images of fish infested with sea lice, a parasite known to pose a deadly threat to wild fish. The Marine and Freshwater Research Institute (MFRI) of Iceland has since verified the presence of farmed fish in multiple river systems.
The recent escape incident occurred at a pen located in Patreksfjörður and is owned by Arctic Fish, a prominent salmon farming company in Iceland. Arctic Fish is a subsidiary of the Norwegian salmon industry leader, Mowi. This escape incident has revived demands from environmentalists, sport fishers, and certain politicians for stricter regulations or even a potential ban on open-pen fish farming. This is not the first such incident, as in the previous year, another salmon farming company, Arnarlax, faced a £705,000 fine for failing to report the escape of 81,000 fish in 2021.
Gummi and his 73-year-old father, Jakob, have successfully apprehended 44 farmed salmon in the last two weeks by shutting off the ladder to prevent them from swimming upstream. In a garage located near their residence in the coastal village of Blönduós, just a short drive from the river, they can identify distinguishing features that differentiate the farmed fish from their wild counterparts. These include worn gill covers, shortened and malformed snouts, and the absence or damage of fins. Gummi has already forwarded 11 of these fish to the Marine and Freshwater Research Institute (MFRI) for detailed analysis.
The primary concern lies in the potential impact of an ongoing influx of farm-raised salmon into the critical headwaters of wild salmon habitats, which could result in a decline in wild salmon populations. Stay tuned for further updates as this story evolves, shedding light on efforts to manage and control the presence of farm-raised salmon in Iceland.
To check out the full story be sure to check out this post from Karen McVeigh at The Guardian.
To kick off the most wonderful time of the year, we’ve got just the treat for you: Our 8th annual Pumpkin Carving Contest. Over the last few years we’ve gotten some fantastic submissions, and can’t wait to see what everyone has up their sleeves this spooky season. We’ve got cutting edge prizes lined up to giveaway to the Top 3 winners from our contest partner, Benchmade Knives! Unlimited entries allowed, so get to carving! We will choose the Top 12 finalists, and then leave it up to YOU to vote for the winners on our Instagram stories. The contest ends at Midnight, EST, on Oct. 30th, 2023. Scroll down for details on how to enter below:
How to Enter:
Post your carving on Instagram using #flpumpkin2023
Follow @flylords and @benchmadeknifecompany in your Instagram post
Mention and tag @flylords and @benchmadeknifecompany in you caption!
PRIZES:
FIRST PLACE: Benchmade Knife Company Custom 3 Piece Set
SECOND PLACE: Benchmade Knife Company Meat Crafter or Station
Explore more of last year’s entries on Instagram under the #flylordspumpkin2022 hashtag! As submissions roll in we will be sharing the latest entries on our Instagram, so stay tuned at @flylords.
In the latest Behind the Lines, presented by Airflo Fishing we were lucky enough to catch up with Kelly Galloup. Kelly is the owner and operator of the Slide Inn, a legendary fly shop along the banks of the Madison River in Montana. Mr. Galloup has been a household name in the fly fishing industry for years, pioneering streamer tactics on the western trout rivers. As well as designing some of the most well-known flies including the Sex Dungeon, Barely Legal, Peanut Envy, Zoo Cougar, and many more. Kelly is also a fly line designer for Airflo Fishing and has designed most of Airflo’s freshwater sinking lines and nymphing lines. We were lucky enough to catch up with Kelly to discuss how he got into the industry, fly line design, and some streamer tactics, check out the full interview below!
Flylords: Where did you grow up and how did you end up in Montana?
Kelly: I grew up in Traverse City Michigan. I owned a fly shop and guide business there since 1980. I started reading about MT in the 60s. I came out in the late 70s to see my fishing buddy who was going to school in Bozeman and was working for Bob Jacklin in the summer. I, like many others, fell in love with the area from day one. I had a very successful fly shop and guide business back in MI but just could never get past the draw of the mountains. As my rivers got busier and busier I decided to follow my dream and move to Montana. I bought the Slide Inn in 2000 and moved out spring of 01, and have never looked back once.
Flylords: When and what made you decide that Montana was home?
Kelly: I think the seed was planted reading magazine articles in the early 70’s and then after I came out the first time it was really just a matter of when and not if I was moving here. I love so many parts of MT. that it is really hard to say why I chose here but the Madison Valley was the first place I fished and I think it just got into my head that it was where I belonged. I remember very clearly driving up the valley with all my life in a trailer behind me and I saw the mountain range for the first time above the Slide Inn. I took a big breath and said, this is where I belong.
Flylords: Tell us about your fly shop, how long has it been in business and where is it located.
Kelly: The Slide was in business for decades before I bought it but it was never a fly shop, more of a general convenience store. Considering it is located on the banks of the Madison it seemed like a pretty natural place for a fly shop. When I opened the shop in 2001 it was about 400 sq feet and has now grown to over 5000 sq., and we now have a second location in Ennis that is close to the same size. The Ennis location has become our base for all online sales and shipping. In both shops we cater more to hard goods than anything, of course, we have some clothing but most of our real attention is on flies, rods and reels, lines and of course we have one of the biggest fly tying inventories in the world.
Flylords: You’ve been an Airflo Fly Line designer for a number of years, what’s the process that goes into designing fly lines?
Kelly: It is pretty simple really, you find a need for something better than what we have and make it. When I first started trying to get new lines built I was told to just use this or just use that. WTF does that mean? The guys at Airflo (particularly Gareth) understood that being close enough is not what serious anglers want. We want specific tools for specific jobs, and then we build them.
Flylords: Why do you prefer Airflo fly lines over the competitors?
Kelly: Well, first off I designed many of them. I know exactly what I need in the line whether it be for me or my client. 40-plus years of guiding teaches you a lot about practical fishing techniques. There are thousands of great casters out there that can do wonders with almost any line but that is not what a guide deals with. My lines are designed to make my customers fish better, not for the parking lot hero who wants to show the world how far they can cast. I deal in real-world fishing scenarios. The team and I spend all the time it takes to make the line perform exactly how I want it to, so I am confident it will perform for anyone else. I also really like the Polyurethane-based coatings. I have designed lines for other companies who used PVC-based coatings and it was always an issue getting the lines to stay soft so they didn’t coil in colder temperature waters and then not cracking, which are both side effects of not getting the PVC cocktail right. I have never had an Airflo line crack, and that is also backed up by Airflo’s warranty.
Flylords: What is your favorite Airflo fly line that you have designed?
Kelly: That is a hard question to answer, everyone was designed for a reason which was really fun to work through, but I would have to say the SUPERFLO SHOVELHEAD is my favorite.
Flylords: One tip for anglers who are trying to step up their streamer fishing game?
Kelly: Don’t be intimidated by sinking lines. I seldom fish more than two feet below the surface and often will be hunting flats that are less than a foot deep. One of the biggest misconceptions in fishing for big trout is they are in the big deep water, they are not. I have seldom seen a big fish in more than four feet of water and like I said I often will be fishing a foot of water with a 200 to 280 and have no problem with getting hung up. If you start your retrieve as soon as the fly hits the water you can keep the fly in any depth you want. Learn to move your fly with your rod and not your stripping hand. HUNT YOUR FLY, DON’T HOPE IT!
Flylords: If you could fish one fly pattern for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Kelly: Ouch, I guess if it is just one fly it would be a Sex Dungeon, most likely unweighted.
Flylords: Favorite month of the calendar year to fish your home waters?
Kelly: October.
Flylords: Any new and exciting fly-tying patterns or fly lines you can let us know about?
Kelly: No new lines coming out this year, but do have a new fly, the Slick Willie. This fly has been racking up some great fish in the last two years. My flies don’t get released until they have been fished by me and my guides for two years. Slick Willie has accounted for more 25” fish than any other fly I developed since the Dungeon.
Flylords: Anything else you want to add, events, or projects the shop is working on?
Kelly: We have a new series coming out this fall/winter on our YouTube channel that is all fishing. I am really excited about it, mostly because I will get to go fishing more and share how we do what we do. They will be 25 to 40-minute shows featuring fishing techniques, reading water, rigging, and of course, fly tying.
To get in touch with Kelly follow his shop on Instagram at @galloupslideinn or check out his YouTube channel HERE.
In this week’s “How to Tie” video feature, Michael Jensen ties a streamer pattern that will bring the worst out of aggressive trout, the Yellow Monster Bugger.
Learn About This Fly:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Fall is officially here and that means one thing: streamer fishing. Every angler should be bringing an arsenal of streamer patterns to take advantage of aggressive fish to the river. With water temperatures cooling and brown trout entering pre-spawn mode, the fall bite has officially commenced in many areas of the states. Having a healthy assortment of streamers is an effective way to fish when water temps drop, and the Yellow Monster Bugger is a pattern to begin with.
Tying articulated streamers is not for the faint of heart. Often times these flies are very difficult and time consuming, always holding the possibility of being lost due to a submerged log or rock. The process should be enjoyed and considered practice, as the more you tie this style fly the better and more efficient you’ll become. That being said, the Yellow Monster Bugger is a fantastic articulated streamer pattern to start your inevitable tying obsession with.
Fishing a sinking line with this fly will bode well in deeper water, but prove tricky in the shallows. Bringing a floating line will allow you to fish different situations with a streamer and allow for more opportunities for eats. As the season progresses, make sure to avoid redds that pop up to leave those spawning trout alone. Enjoy the fall fishing season and increase your odds of your line coming tight by bringing the Yellow Monster Bugger to your next outing.
In this Video of the Week, we catch up with Ben Sittig from Huge Fly Fisherman in his most recent short video of an insane streamer day. Not all fishing days are created equal and that’s what keeps us coming back. Sometimes it’s the crew you’re with, sometimes it’s the weather and views, and sometimes the fishing is absolutely epic. Ben and his friends just happened to have one of those days where all those things line up and make for a trip of a lifetime. So sit down and enjoy this unbelievable fishing day of good camaraderie, views, and even better fishing.
From humor to ethics, to great storytelling, Ben has built an awesome community for the Huge Fly Fisherman crew of the world. If you haven’t already checked out his channel we highly recommend you do! As Ben would say relax it’s just fishing and Stay Huge!
Make sure to check out these epic articles as well!
