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The PFAS Scare in Montana

By
Spencer Durrant
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streanmer bite brown

Recent reporting emerging from Montana Public Broadcasting and other outlets has raised alarm bells for those concerned about PFAS contamination in both waterways and fish throughout the state. Montana PBS also raised evidence that officials within Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks (FWP) suppressed a report about PFAS contamination since 2024, even though it showed conclusive evidence of those chemicals in fish throughout some of the state’s most popular fisheries.

What Are PFAS Chemicals?

PFAS chemicals are “forever chemicals” that continually persist in the environment. These chemicals are usually water, grease, and stain resistant, so they’ve become extremely popular in both firefighting applications, as well as recreational equipment like waders and wading jackets.

Columbia River Keeper, a conservation group, defines PFAS thusly:

“Often called ‘forever chemicals, these chemicals do not break down in the environment, and the PFAS produced in the 1940s are still in the environment today. They are incredibly pervasive and are found nearly everywhere. They are bioaccumulative, meaning they build up in the bodies of living organisms, causing harm to both human and ecosystem health. In fact, PFAS are so pervasive that research suggests PFAS are likely in the blood of nearly all Americans. We’re still uncovering the impacts of PFAS to human health but high levels of exposure can harm hormone, immune, and cardiovascular systems; cause reproductive and developmental issues; as well as increase the risk of cancer.”

Report Withheld

The report from FWP was deliberately withheld from the public until the Montana PBS documentary was about to be released. Josh Bergan reports that “Despite testing conducted in 2023 by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, neither the full report nor clear consumption guidance was made available to the public until just hours before the PBS investigation aired, apparently as the agencies’ hands were forced.”

This has caused backlash against the department in charge of monitoring, preserving, and managing the fisheries throughout Montana, a state whose identity is tied in large part to fly fishing.

Impact On Fish

PFAS chemicals have persisted in the environment since their invention and use in the 1940s. However, this report from FWP was the first to look at how those chemicals have impacted fish throughout the state.

“That had never been looked at in fish before in Montana,” FWP Pollution Biologist Trevor Selch told KTVH in Helena. “DEQ had done monitoring across the state in the water. And so we used the results they had from that water sampling to kind of follow up with fish testing to see if the fish were safe to eat.”

What they found was high contamination levels of PFAS in fish throughout the Missouri River, Whitmore Ravine, Lake Helena, Prickly Pear Creek, East Gallatin River, Yellowstone River, Fort Peck Reservoir, Nelson Reservoir, Clark Fork River, Flathead Lake, and Flathead River.

The PFAS levels were high enough to cause FWP to issue consumption advisories, telling people to only eat as little as one meal a week of contaminated fish, and to avoid fish over certain sizes entirely.

The fish with elevated PFAS levels were smallmouth bass, pike, rainbow trout, brook trout, brown trout, walleye, lake trout, crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, perch, and whitefish.

The Bottom Line

Montana’s fish do have significant PFAS levels, enough to warrant a consumption advisory. What’s most concerning to people in the fly fishing world is FWP sitting on the findings until the PBS documentary forced their hand to release it. That lack of transparency, from a historically respected agency, is alarming.

You can watch the full documentary here to learn more about the PFAS problem in Montana.

The Closest Tarpon Eat Ever?

By
Tripp Nazziola
-

A Note from Alexander Gomez (@silverkinggomez):

“That day we were fishing for resident tarpon. We happened to hit the mother load on a super calm day. Literally the perfect tarpon day multiple eats and landed a couple.

I’m a third generation flyfishing guide. My father and grandfather were tarpon guides so when it comes to tarpon nothing really surprises me I have had many encounters where the tarpon eat right at the boat. Including times where the leader is in the guides so when the tarpon eats and takes off it takes the tip of rod due to knots in leader.

Tarpon are the most unpredictable gamefish in my opinion.”

Angler Story of the Week from Alexander, be sure to follow his Instagram HERE!

5 Best Pike Flies

By
Francesca Krempa
-

The first time I caught a Northern pike, I hated it. This was back when I just started fishing and could barely throw a spin rod. I had hooked into a 24-inch pike on the Raquette River in the Adirondack Park and was immediately grossed out—I didn’t understand the snakey, toothy, slimy creature on the end of my line was actually a prized game fish many anglers purposefully targeted, and, much to my boyfriend’s chagrin, got it out of the boat as fast as possible. 

Now, as a more seasoned angler, I dream of catching one of these dragons on the fly. I’ve caught a handful of smaller pike in the Adirondacks that were still wicked fun to pull in on a fly line, but nothing over 24-ish inches. This is very frustrating for me, a gal who knows plenty of people who have caught monster pike on the fly, but just can’t seem to get on one herself… 

The author, with a pike on the fly.

My good friends Fred Schroeder, mastermind behind First Cast Flies who fishes Great Sacandaga Lake, and Max Hogg, who guides for the Hungry Trout Fly Shop in Wilmington, New York, both have the pike game undeniable game in—and love to rub it in my face. Come spring and fall, the two of them are always showing off the massive fish they pull up out of the waters around the North Country with giant flies hanging out of their jaws. So, on my never-ending quest to hook into one of these mean, freshwater dragons, I asked them: What are the best flies to catch a big Northern Pike? 

Fred Schroeder with a trophy pike.

Both Fred and Max agree that these fish are not picky. “Pike may be sneaky while they hunt, but they’re not interested in delicacy,” says Fred. “Your flies should be loud and erratic, push water, and just make a commotion, whether they’re 5-inches or 14-inches long.” 

Max Hogg with a large fall pike fooled on the fly.

Max agrees and says when in doubt, size down. “A rule of thumb I have is they won’t always eat a big fly, but they will always eat a small fly,” says Max. “Now, if you are specifically hunting a 38″+ fish, throwing big flies is the way to do it. But sometimes those giants aren’t in your fishery, or it’s a tough day and you need some pike slime in the boat—downsizing is a great way to hook into some fish.”

Things to Consider When Choosing Pike Flies

Colors: 

Like most streamer fishing, the color of your fly will largely depend on 1) the baitfish you’re trying to mimic and 2) the water quality you’re fishing in. If the water is clear, go smaller and natural. If the water is cloudy or tannic, go dark and shadowy. In Northern New York, “fallfish/sucker and olive/yellow/white are my favorite natural colorways,” says Fred. “But the all-time musky classic still holds true for pike—black is king. Black and chartreuse is my personal move, but you can trust all black colorways to perform in every season and condition.” 

Movement: 

You want your streamers to move, which is why larger, articulated flies that push around a lot of water and wiggle around make good pike snacks. “I want that fly to glide, push water, be loud, and swim,” says Max. Reach for flies made with long, trailing soft fibers that “flow” and undulate like a real baitfish in the water. Long twisty Pacchiarini Dragon Tails are great at adding action and encouraging a fish to strike, too. 

And a key tip from Max: Slow down your presentation before changing out a fly—especially on bright, clear days. A long pause, a twitch, or a slow jerk can be really good at getting them to bite. 

Profile: 

Again, this depends on the bait you’re trying to mimic. “You can answer that question based on the forage in your fishery,” says Max. “Are they eating smelt and alewives or are they eating 2-pound smallies and suckers? If they are eating 5-inch alewives, they won’t touch a 10-inch Buford.” 

With all that in mind, there are a few patterns that work better than others. Here are a few flies the pros love to throw when targeting Northern Pike. 

The Best Flies for Northern Pike

Single Bufords – 2/0-5/0

Single Buford

Buford Fly
See Here

Unsurprisingly, the Buford is a top choice for professional pike anglers. This iconic musky fly is beloved for its large, bulky head and long body that mimics a baitfish in the water. “With the big spun bucktail head, and nice, flowy hackle and flash as the tail, these flies swim and push water like no one’s business,” says Max. And despite them looking heavy, they’re relatively lightweight, making them easy to cast and overhand strip back. “Since it is a single hook, you can tie these in some smaller sizes when you want a smaller fly to still push a lot of water,” Max suggests. 

Chocklett’s Game Changer – 2/0-6/0

Chocklett’s Game Changer

Chocklett's Game Changer
See Here

Fred and Max both call Blane Chocklett’s pattern “a classic in any pike box”, and arguably, any streamer box. These popular articulated streamers are a must-have for movement, whether they’re tied in brush, feathers, or both. In the water, they look incredibly realistic thanks to that spine of articulated shanks that shimmers and sways on the strip back. “They swim, they jerk, they hang, and the smaller sizes are perfect when fish are feeding on small bait,” says Max. 

Fletcher Sams XL Tweaker – 2/0

Fletcher Sams XL Tweaker

Tweaker Fly
See Here

If you want to get a pike’s attention, the XL Tweaker will do it. This is one of my personal favorite flies, and what I’ve caught most of my small pike on (the red and white are irresistible, IMO). Designed by Fletcher Sams, this big articulated pattern is basically a Frankenstein of all the best pike fly attributes—it pushes a ton of water, moves like it’s alive, and has an irresistible side-to-side shimmy on the strip. Fred calls these patterns in the 5 to 9-inch range a “staple” for luring in big, hungry predatory fish. 

Lefty’s Deceivers – 1/0-4/0 

Lefty’s Deceivers

Lefty's Deceiver
See Here

“Deceivers are my go-to when pike are on small bait,” says Max. “They’re a perfect fly when you need to downsize.” Originally designed by Lefty Kreh, this classic pattern proves that simple still works. With its slim profile and clean, natural movement, the Deceiver imitates just about any baitfish—from perch to smelt—and has enough built-in flash to catch a predator’s eye without overdoing it. It’s easy to cast, durable enough to survive a few toothy encounters, and swims beautifully even on lighter rods.

Clouser Minnow / Half-and-Half Clousers 

Clouser Minnow / Half-and-Half Clousers

Clouser Minnow
See Here

These aren’t exactly “traditional” pike patterns, but don’t let that fool you—Max says they still slam. Their slim, weighted heads give them an irresistible jigging motion on the strip, darting up and down like a wounded baitfish. “If I am struggling with pike fishing, I’ll switch to bass and start throwing a clouser—then start catching pike,” says Max. “They’re not flies I carry in my pike box, but pike go crazy for them.” 

Fred’s Rover – 2/0-6/0

Fred’s Rover

Rover Fly
See Here

Fred has been dialing in his own creation over the years to target mean, massive pike and musky, which he’s dubbed “The Rover.” “It consists of a synthetic brush core that’s veiled in bucktail, so most of the water sheds quickly with a false cast,” Fred says. I got out on Great Sacandaga with Fred last month and fished these flies all day on a 10-weight, and they work—I had three awesome follows from HUGE pike on a bright, calm day. Max swears by ‘em, too, “if you want a fly to glide and hang, this is it,” he says. “Fred ties them usually 7″-8″, they’re the perfect big pike fly. Musky also loves this fly.” 

Final Thoughts on Pike Flies

Now, any guide will tell you that there is no single fly to rule them all—but a box of patterns you’re confident in certainly helps. “By having a nice selection of flies—where each fly does a different thing—then you are one step closer to dialing in your fishery,” says Max. As for me, I’ll be out there again through November, armed with all these flies and probably still chasing my first real giant.

The Drift: Is Fly Fishing Too Luxurious These Days?

By
Spencer Durrant
-

A few headlines this past week grabbed my attention, and not in the best way. The first was someone’s response to the new TV show “The Madison,” another entry from Taylor Sheridan (creator of “Yellowstone”). The author said that his wife finally understands why he fly fishes, after she watched that show, which stars Michelle Pfeiffer and Kurt Russell. It’s set on the Madison River in Montana.

The other headline was about a luxury ski resort in Utah pulling double-duty as a great fly fishing destination during the summer. Most of Utah’s ski resorts are a stone’s throw from decent fly fishing (I’d hesitate to call it great, and I grew up there), and there’s no shortage of multi-million dollar homes lining the banks of some of the state’s most pressured rivers.

This all sat in the back of my mind as I drove through Bozeman and Livingston this week. I don’t begrudge anyone their success, and I applaud folks who figure out how to live and play in some of the prettiest places in America. But I’d be lying if I didn’t admit I feel more and more like an outsider whenever I visit some of these places, and I’ve lived in the West all my life.

Fly fishing has always been a pastime of the better-off, but in recent years, I feel like the sport has made serious strides in being more accessible. The beginner fly fishing kits these days are leaps and bounds better than what I started out with. There’s no shortage of great instruction on YouTube, in books, or at fly fishing shows. The community as a whole feels more welcoming and accepting of newcomers.

I understand that exotic travel sells, that luxury resorts make a tidy profit, and it makes sense to market your wares to the folks who have the most disposable income. That’s just good business. But these headlines, and that feeling of being an outsider, aren’t one-off experiences. It feels like there’s a concerted effort to show off the luxurious, high-end side of fly fishing, even as the sport is probably more visible and mainstream than it’s been since the ’90s.

To put it another way, there’s been a major shift in the way a lot of folks consume media, especially video content. Creators with massive followings are still doing well, but they don’t have the stranglehold on the ecosystem they used to. Folks want authentic, relatable content, and they don’t care if you have 50 or 5,000,000 subscribers. If you’re telling a story they can relate to, people will gravitate to your content regardless.

I’d argue that we’re losing out on a lot of connections with potential anglers when so much of fly fishing media wants to focus on the sexiest destination, the biggest fish, or the newest gear. And before you ask—yes, I’d rather have more people fishing right now, even if it means my rivers are a bit more crowded, because that means we’ll have exponentially more reach and help when we need to stand up for and defend our fisheries.

Maybe I just saw the wrong headlines, and maybe I’m wrong about the geographic centers of Western fly fishing—Montana, Colorado, even parts of Wyoming—becoming resort towns that cater to the extremely wealthy. I very well could be completely off-base.

Regardless, I think we can all use the reminder that fishing isn’t about fancy lodges or drift boats or five-star meals after a day on the water. There’s an awful lot to love in the small creeks, after-work sessions, the long drives with friends, sleeping in the car because you don’t want to spring for a hotel, and fishing dawn-to-dusk. And it’d be a shame if we lost our focus on what this is all actually about. To borrow a phrase from John Gierach, at the end of the day, we’re all just standing in a river, waving a stick.

Gear Review: Winston Air 2 5-Piece

By
Spencer Durrant
-

Winston’s Air 2 fly rod might be the best the company’s ever built, which is saying something with their pedigree of fantastic trout sticks. The Air 2 is a great blend of power, finesse, control, and just plain fun. So, when they announced a 5-piece version of this flagship, I was surprised and anxious. Winston’s previous 5-piece rods, the LT series, were good. They still sell for a decent price on the used market, but they’re not as beloved as two-piece IM6 rods, or even some B3x models.

New Gear

Winston Air 2 5-Piece

FreeFly Elevate Hoodie
Buy Here
Key Features:
  • Crisp dry fly action
  • Packs into 24.5-inch rod tube
  • Classic Winston look and feel
Pros:
  • Excellent with dries and smaller dry-dropper rigs
  • Smooth casting at every distance
  • Made in the USA
Cons:
  • Price

Winston was kind enough to send me a 5-weight to review. They also make a 5-piece Air 2 in 4 and 6-weight, both of which are 9 feet long. In keeping with the Air 2 lineup, the 5-piece 5-weight is fast, but it packs plenty of feel so that the rod doesn’t feel overtly quick. It has a crisp, dry fly action that’s perfect for tossing size 20 tricos or size 12 hoppers. It roll casts beautifully, feels wonderfully smooth at every distance, and has that “fun” factor that’s tough to describe, but absent from far too many rods these days.

Winston has it priced at $1,295. That’s a serious chunk of change, but Winston has always charged top dollar. It’s just a shame this rod is likely out of reach for a lot of anglers, because it’s one I think everybody should try at least once.

What I Like

Doesn’t Feel Like A 5-piece

I’ve fished—and enjoyed—Winston’s LT rods, their latest iteration of 5-piece sticks. Those rods aren’t anything to crow about, but they definitely felt like a 5-piece rod. The Air 2 5-piece feels almost smoother than its 4-piece counterpart. It’s certainly a bit slower, which I prefer, and I reckon many Winston aficionados will, too.

I even read somewhere that the 5-piece Air 2 is lighter than its 4-piece version. I don’t know if that’s true, since Winston doesn’t publish rod weights anymore, but if anything, that’s a testament to Winston’s ability to craft and build something that doesn’t feel like a travel-sized rod.

I was so impressed with the rod that I called Hank Haen, Winston’s rod designer, and asked if he’d sold his soul for the secret to the perfect 5-piece rod. It’s honestly that impressive. In fact, I’m cooking up a few excuses I can give when Winston asks for this review sample back, because this isn’t a rod I want to part with. Think they’d believe that I lost it?

Smooth and Responsive

I fished this rod extensively, both on tailwaters and smaller freestones. At regular trout fishing distances (15-60 feet), it’s smooth as silk. It packs all the feedback you could want, so you can dial in your casting stroke to match the rod. I paired this with a Ross Animas reel and Scientific Anglers Amplitude Infinity line.

The only time this rod felt a bit under-gunned was with a larger nymph rig, which isn’t out of the ordinary for most 5-weights. I never tossed streamers with it, but I’d imagine it’d handle size 10 and 12 woolly buggers without too much trouble. If I’m throwing streamers, though, I’m grabbing at least a 6-weight.

The Ideal Dry Fly 5-Weight

Since the 5-piece Air 2 is a tad slower than the 4-piece, I think it’s a slightly better dry fly rod. Both versions are great, mind you, but if I had to pick just one 5-weight to fish dries with, I’d opt for the 5-piece. I keep bringing up how smooth it is, but that’s probably the best way to describe it. This rod doesn’t ask a lot from you as a caster. That’s not to say it casts itself, but if you enjoy tossing dries on longer leaders, this rod’s combination of power and finesse is hard to beat.

Plenty Of Power

Even with a 13-foot leader, a size 14 March Brown, and a size 18 mayfly nymph, the 5-piece Air 2 turned the rig over. When hooking into decent trout, I never felt like I might get pulled around the water. I kept feisty browns away from snags and rocks, and quickly got them to the net.

Again, this wouldn’t be my pick if I needed to nymph a size 8 Zirdle Bug all day (I’d opt for a 6-weight in that case), but for medium-sized nymphing work, this rod will do the job wonderfully.

Build Quality

Winston and Thomas & Thomas build the prettiest production rods on the market. I’m partial to Winston, but I can’t objectively put one above the other when it comes to aesthetics. Something about Winston’s green blank, though, just catches the sunlight in ways other rods don’t.

The cork, reel seat, hardware, and guides are all what you’d expect from an expensive rod. Winston’s cork is consistently among the best on the market, as well, and their grip shape feels great in my hands.

You do get a lifetime warranty with the Air 2. I’ve had some warranty work done on a few other Winstons lately, and their repair department has been a blast to work with every time.

What I Don’t Like

Price

Winston has always charged a premium for its products, and deservedly so, in my opinion. They make some of the finest rods on the planet. Even so, $1,295 for a 5-weight is a lot of money. Plenty of anglers will be priced out of this rod, which is a shame, because it’s so much fun to fish.

If you want a 5-weight you’ll use forever, and love every minute of casting, then the Air 2 5-piece should at least get some consideration, even if you’ve got to pack some cash away for a while to afford it.

Final Word

Winston outdid themselves with the Air 2 5-piece. It’s light, responsive, roll casts like a dream, and feels even a bit smoother than the 4-piece Air 2. It’s everything I want a 5-weight to be, complete with a relaxed action, a crisp finish on the cast, and the best build quality this side of the Mississippi. In fact, I might go so far as saying I like this rod more than my 9′ 5-weight B3x.

I’ve long been a Winston fan, and I own a dozen of their rods. They’ve never paid me for a review, obviously, and some of their rods over the years didn’t quite hit the mark for me. Winston has also never sent me a review model to keep (some rod companies prefer you to keep and fish the rods they send for reviews). I’ve paid for all but one of my Winstons, an 8′ 5-weight IM6 that was a gift from my wife, who was my fiancée at the time.

The point is that, while I love Winston rods, I’m objective about them, too. I know they’re usually not for everyone. The Air 2 5-piece is an exception to that, though. I think it’s so smooth, so fun to fish, so light and lively, that any trout angler would have a blast with it.

Episode 4: Midwest Fly Shop Tour Now LIVE!

By
Max Inchausti
-

Now entering: the land of GIANTS. As we continue through Wisconsin, we turn our bearings North to meet with legendary smallmouth guide and fly shop owner, Tim Landwehr. Tim, as well as his head guide, Nate Sipple, are considered, in many circles, to be some of the first to really crack the code of smallmouth on the fly. In this episode, we see that knowledge in action as we undergo a smallmouth initiation ceremony in the form of trial by fire. Amongst this crew, all that glitters is not gold: it’s oftentimes Bronze….

5 Flies for River Smallies

By
Max Inchausti
-

Few things are better than river smallmouth—floating down a slow-moving river in summer, casting to likely hides, and waiting for a fiesty bronzeback to dart out after your offering. Luckily for anglers across the country, these fish, once native to the Midwest and parts of the Great Lakes, can now be found throughout the country, even as far as Hawaii. Regardless of where you target smallies, here are five proven fly patterns to up your success rate.

1. Game Changer

Game Changer

Invented by Blane Chocklett, the Game Changer is an articulated baitfish fly pattern that has fooled many smallmouth bass. It relies on a body tied on shanks for a realistic swimming action that bass can’t seem to resist. Its original form consists of a synthetic fiber body that adds bulk to the fly; however, several other adaptations have been added since. Both Micro Changers and Feather Changers are equally effective on smallmouth bass. Fish them with a steady retrieve, or quick, short pauses. The magic in the Game Changer is that, however you fish it, it has lifelike movement.

2. Sneaky Pete

Sneaky Pete

The Sneaky Pete is a timeless classic for good reason; it catches fish. This topwater fly is designed to slide rather than pop. It does so with a cone-shaped head that makes a subtle commotion on the surface. While there are times that the aggressive chugging sound of a popper may be the ticket, more often than not, the subtlety of the Sneaky Pete will do the trick. Long slides with pauses in between will draw strikes even on the wariest summer bass.

3. Murdich Minnow

Murdich Minnow

The Murdich Minnow is one of the simplest yet most effective smallmouth bass patterns in existence. It’s a quick tie, requiring only a handful of materials and a single hook, unlike many of the more complicated streamers you’ll find in a fly shop. The reason this fly is so effective is its versatility on the water. It’s designed as a baitfish pattern, and can be stripped as fast or as slow as you need. One of the go-to retrieves is hard strips with pauses in between. Many times, smallmouth will grab it on the pause, especially during warmer months when they are less likely to chase down a fast-moving fly.

4. Clouser Minnow

Clouser Minnow

A smallmouth bass fly list wouldn’t be complete without the Clouser Minnow. Bob Clouser originally developed this fly on the Susquehanna River for smallmouth bass. Since its introduction, the Clouser Minnow has been one of the most successful streamer patterns ever made. If there’s a predatory fish, chances are it’s been caught with a Clouser. The simple yet lethal design makes it an incredibly effective and versatile smallmouth fly. Strip it, drift it, or crawl it on the bottom—this pattern does it all.

5. Schultzy’s Swingin’ D

Schultzy’s Swingin’ D

Smallmouth bass love the twitching action of jerk baits, but imitating that on the fly was tricky until Mike Schultz changed that all. His Swingin’ D fly is an articulated streamer pattern designed specifically for an aggressive side-to-side action. In addition, the floating head pair creates a suspending action in the water. For fly anglers looking to tap into conventional gear tactics, this fly is one of the best smallmouth bugs out there.

Check out the latest episode of Fly Shop Tour, where we put some of these flies to work!

The 10 Best Mother’s Day Gifts for the Moms Who Live on the Water

By
Francesca Krempa
-

For moms who love to fly fish, the best Mother’s Day gifts are the ones that make time on the water even better. I hate to break it to you, but she doesn’t want flowers or a gift card—she wants fishing apparel and gear that gives her an excuse to go fish. 

With Mother’s Day around the corner, now’s the time to pick up the perfect present for your fishy Mom. This year, give her a gift she’s been quietly eyeing up all year but hasn’t bought herself, like new wading pants, polarized sunglasses, or a gear box. Whether she’s wading a favorite trout stream at home or planning her next Bucket List salt trip, these picks are made for moms who’d rather be casting. 

All products featured on Flylords are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Soča The Button Down – $150

Soča

The Button Down

Finally, a fishing shirt that doesn’t look like it was borrowed from your dad’s closet. Soča’s Button Down blends technical performance with actual style, complete with quick-dry, breathable fabric that can handle long days fishing and still look good at the brewery after. It’s full of thoughtful touches, including a tailored fit, utility pockets, and bright stitching for a pop of color. Designed by women who fish, it’s a thoughtful, elevated piece she’ll want to wear well beyond the water. 

Orvis Wide-Mouth Guide Net – $229

Orvis

Wide-Mouth Guide Net

If Mom’s net could use an upgrade, get her this one from Orvis. It’s lightweight, beautifully built, and roomy enough for bigger fish, with a fish-friendly rubber basket that protects her catch. The extended handle isn’t too long that it gets in the way while wading but still long enough that she won’t have to strain to net her fish. She’ll never go back to her old net again. 

Huk Women’s Rogue Wave Boots – $110 

Huk

Women’s Rogue Wave Boots

Every angler needs a good pair of deck boots. The Rogue Waves are fully waterproof, grippy as hell, and built for slick boat decks, muddy launches, and surprise downpours. They’ve got the durability of a hardcore fishing boot without looking clunky or overbuilt. Color-wise, there’s something for everyone—choose from classic grays and whites, bright aquas and pinks, and even cool camo prints. 

JBL Go 4 – $50 

JBL

Go 4 Speaker

For days on the water when she doesn’t want to lug a huge speaker around, the JBL Go 4 has her covered. It’s surprisingly loud for how compact it is, and it’s totally waterproof. She can toss it in a dry bag, clip it to her pack, or keep it in the truck for hanging back at the launch. The battery life punches above its weight, and at this price, it’s an easy win. 

Yeti Daytrip 6L Lunch Bag – $85

YETI

Daytrip 6L Lunch Bag

She’ll love this lil’ Yeti lunch bag for stashing mid-day snacks and sandos. The 6-liter capacity is the perfect size for packing along on day trips, while the serious insulation keeps lunch cold for hours on end. A sealed, zippered pocket offers a convenient, waterproof spot for silverware, napkins, and even condiments, while the magnetic closure up top ensures everything stays protected inside. 

High Camp Flasks Parkside Flask – $110 

High Camp Flasks

Parkside Flask

No trip is complete without a riverbank bevvy, which is why she’ll adore this gorgeous High Camp Flask. It holds a full bottle of wine (yes, a whole bottle), yet still slips into most water bottle pockets on packs for easy carrying to the river, trail, or campsite. The integrated tumblers nest neatly on the outside via magnets, so she won’t even have to worry about bringing cups. It’s equal parts rugged and refined, built for backcountry toasts and golden-hour pours.

Bajio Paraiso – $219 

Bajio

Paraiso

Bajio’s Paraiso is a lifestyle frame she can wear everywhere—on the water, on the road, or out to dinner—without sacrificing performance. The brand’s lens tech cuts glare for spotting fish and reading water, while the shape and styling feel more elevated than your average technical shades. Lightweight, comfortable, and endlessly wearable, they’re built for moms who want one pair that does it all. 

Free Fly Apparel All Day Tank – $74

Free Fly Apparel

All Day Tank

Soft, breathable, and made with Free Fly’s signature bamboo blend, the All Day Tank belongs in every woman’s fly fishing wardrobe. It’s compressive without being too tight, is moisture-wicking, and has built-in UV protection for days when she’s in the sun. She can wear it literally everywhere—under waders, with trail shorts, while walking the dog—which makes it well worth the price tag. 

Miss Mayfly Moxie Wading Pants – $297

Miss Mayfly

Moxie Wading Pants

This Mother’s Day, replace her boxy waders with these game-changing wading pants from Miss Mayfly. Designed specifically for women—and available in an impressively inclusive range of sizes— the Moxies are flexible, flattering, and surprisingly comfortable for something built to walk through cold rivers. The high-waist fit adjusts to whatever layers she’s wearing underneath, and the lightweight fabric moves with her, not against her. Kit her out with a pair of matching wading boots and she’ll be ready for anything.

Kitworks Gear Box – $299 

Kitworks

Gear Box

This gear box is perfect for anyone whose fly bench, truck, and boat bag are in a constant state of organized chaos. Its modular storage system is designed to keep fly boxes, tools, tippet, and all the little essentials in one smart, customizable place. It’s fully waterproof, too, so she can toss it in the boat without worrying about spray, weather, or wet gear. Burly, beautifully designed, and endlessly practical, she’ll use it for years, even when her gear collection inevitably grows. 

How to Tie: The Flavilinea Sparkle Dun

By
Greg Stohrer
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In this week’s “How to Tie” feature, Cheech with Fly Fish Food ties a dry fly that should be in every trout angler’s summer box, the Flavilinea Sparkle Dun.

Learn How to Tie This Fly:

Difficulty: Intermediate

Summer is on the horizon, a welcome sight for those who have dealt with snow and winter conditions the past several months. Warmer weather kickstarts the metabolisms and energy levels of many living organisms, but as anglers we care primarily about those below the surface. Both bug life and trout will begin to show signs of life in spring, from a subtle rise to the inevitable launch out of the water at an adult insect. If you’re lucky, you’ll see consistent surface activity through summer, and the Flavilinea Sparkle Dun is a mayfly imitation every trout angler should be carrying with them to take advantage of happy fish.

Working with deer hair can be intimidating for novice tyers, and for good reason. This natural material can be finicky to work with no matter how long you’ve been tying, especially when measuring proportions and keeping control during application. Ways to mitigate frustration and create accurate proportions include using a hair stacker and becoming familiar with the material through repetition. Once you manage to overcome this heavy obstacle, you’ll find that many streamers and dry flies such as this Flavilinea Sparkle Dun will become a piece of cake.

Tying batches of dry flies might not be your first thought of a night in now that it’s warm out, but preparing for hatches by tying or buying is a great way to burn rainy/cold spring days. Adding variation in size and color will be a great way to cover your bases and have an arsenal of options leading into the prolific hatch season. When it comes to tying and gearing up for summer, enjoy the time and remember to appreciate the process of it all. The Flavilinea Sparkle Dun is one of many patterns to consider for your summer dry box this year and should be kept close to the chest when mayflies begin popping off the surface.

Ingredients:

Now you know how to tie a Flavilinea Sparkle Dun!

Video courtesy of Fly Fish Food.

No Hearings Held On Roadless Rule Repeal

By
Spencer Durrant
-
Court

The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) is moving ahead on its attempt to repeal the Roadless Rule. However, unlike other rule changes—and even the rule’s implementation in 2001—the Forest Service isn’t holding any public meetings about this monumental shift in forest management.

What Is The Roadless Rule?

The Roadless Rule was adopted in 2001 to protect certain areas of forests from any road construction or commodity logging. It applies to 58 million acres of forests across the country, essentially turning them into Wilderness Areas. Backpacking, camping, fishing, and hunting are still allowed in Roadless Areas.

Last year, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the department’s intent to rescind the Roadless Rule, opening up 58 million acres of forest to logging and road building.

No Meetings

Christine Peterson, a freelance journalist reporting for High Country News, was among the first to bring to light the Forest Service’s decision not to hold any public meetings as it pushes to completely rescind the Roadless Rule.

“Under federal law, agencies like the Forest Service must seek public comment before any major land-use change, often through lengthy comment periods and public meetings,” Peterson writes.

During this process to rescind the Roadless Rule, however, public meetings aren’t being held, and comment periods have been significantly reduced. This is in stark contrast to the implementation of the Rule back in 2001. At that time, Peterson writes that over 600 hearings were held over two years, giving the public time and opportunity to shape the Rule.

Grassroots Meetings

The bulk of Peterson’s story is about grassroots meetings that are taking place across the country, without Forest Service personnel present.

“These hearings enable local and national nonprofits, tribes and conservation organizations to inform locals about the Roadless Rule repeal, answer their questions, build community around the issue and record testimony to submit for comment,” Peterson wrote.

In addition to those grassroots meetings, other groups are publicly calling for community engagement on the Roadless Rule. Wild Montana, a conservation group focused on preserving public lands, wrote an open letter to USFS chief Tom Schulz, writing in part that “Accordingly, we, the undersigned, call on the Forest Service to hold public meetings, with virtual options, for every National Forest that includes lands protected by the Roadless Rule. At the very least, these meetings should occur in each community where a Forest Supervisor’s office is located. This is necessary to share information about and gather perspectives to inform the Agency’s proposed repeal of the Roadless Area Conservation Rule.”

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