A hydropower project of sorts in central Wyoming may stabilize energy demand during peaks but at the expense of the famed North Platte watershed. Analogous to a reserve hydropower battery, pumped storage projects utilize reservoir water to produce hydropower during periods of high power demand. It’s a good idea in theory, but Trout Unlimited and other conservation groups are concerned about harmful ecological impacts. Their action alert calling on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to conduct a complete environmental review concludes Friday, March 14th.
Potential negative impacts to Wyoming’s North Platte and famed Miracle Mile include: water temperatures exceeding thresholds, increased turbidity, diminished flows, and more. These impacts stand to threaten a truly world class trout destination, prime habitat for bighorn sheep, and other outdoor recreation activities.
Courtesy of TU’s Josh Duplechian
“The Miracle Mile is a world-class trout fishery that draws anglers from across the country and fuels local economies, but the Seminoe Pumped Storage Project poses serious risks to its water quality, fish populations, and surrounding habitat,” said Patrick Harrington, TU’s Wyoming Government Relations Director. “Trout Unlimited supports responsible energy development, but not at the expense of one of Wyoming’s most treasured fisheries. A full Environmental Impact Statement is essential to ensure this project doesn’t irreversibly harm the North Platte River ecosystem and the communities that depend on it.”
If you’ve ever fished the famed stretches of the North Platte or have dreams of making it out to this blue ribbon fishery, be sure to check out the TU Petition and make your voice heard.
Project Healing Waters (PHW) is one of the most meaningful and impactful fly fishing organizations there is. Their goal is to help veterans and military service personnel through fly fishing, fly casting, fly tying, and fly rod building as a means of therapeutic outdoor recreation. Since its inception in 2005, PHW has continued to improve its program and has grown nationwide, offering its services at Department of Defense hospitals, Warrior Transition Units, and Veterans Affairs Medical Centers and clinics. During college, I had the privilege of volunteering my time at the local VA, tying flies, sharing stories, teaching, learning, and seeing the incredible work PHW does firsthand.
Donations from new onWater subscriptions will directly contribute to Project Healing Waters fly fishing outings, tying programs, and other initiatives. Photo courtesy of Cameron Cushman.
Recently, onWater Fish, a water mapping service and long-time supporter of PHW, has announced their newest partnership. In this campaign, onWater Fish is using its platform to raise money to support Fly Fishing 101 classes through PHW. Every new subscription will donate $20 to PHW, and during this campaign, new users will receive 20% off their subscription through this landing page. For more information about this incredible partnership and ways to support PHW, view the full press release below:
Project Healing Waters Celebrates 20 Years of Veteran Healing Through Fly Fishing
onWater Fish Partners with Project Healing Waters to Support Veterans’ Mental Health Through Outdoor Connection.
Louisville, CO – March 12, 2025 — For the past two decades, Project Healing Waters (PHW) has been providing physical and emotional rehabilitation to active military personnel and Veterans through fly fishing and associated activities. This March marks their 20th anniversary of empowering Veterans through the therapeutic benefits of fly fishing and the strength of a supportive community.
A Critical Mission
Every 82 minutes, a Veteran takes their life in America(1). This sobering statistic underscores the urgent mental health crisis facing our nation’s heroes. Young male Veterans are particularly vulnerable, with suicide rates significantly higher than their civilian counterparts.
Project Healing Waters’ mission to address this crisis through community, connection, and the healing power of fly fishing has never been more important. Their evidence-based approach combines outdoor recreation with peer support, creating pathways toward resilience and post-traumatic growth.
“Twenty years ago, our founder, retired Navy CAPT Ed Nicholson, was inspired by a simple but profound idea – that fly fishing could be more than a hobby, it could be a lifeline,” says John Langford, President and CEO of Project Healing Waters. “Today, we’ve witnessed thousands of Veterans find peace, purpose, and community through our Programs. The water heals in ways that traditional therapy alone cannot.”
onWater Fish Partners to Support Veteran Access
In honor of PHW’s 20th anniversary, onWater Fish, longtime partner and supporter, is launching a special giveback campaign from March 12-26, 2025. This initiative reflects both organizations’ commitment to increasing fishing access for all and supporting Veterans’ mental health.
“We believe in Project Healing Waters’ mission and have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of time spent on the river,” says Alex Maier, CMO of onWater. “Through this campaign, we’re proud to support and supplement funding for Fly Fishing 101 instruction for Veterans, helping to expand access to the hands-on skills, guidance, and community that make a real difference on the water.”
During the campaign:
Each new subscription will fund a $20 donation, helping to provide Fly Fishing 101 instruction for two Veterans through PHW.
New onWater App users will receive 20% off their subscription.
“Beyond this campaign, onWater is committed to making fishing more accessible by providing public land and water data, including over 160,000 fishing access points, boat ramps, rapids, hazards, and more—ensuring Veterans and individuals with accessibility needs can safely enjoy their time on the water,” adds Maier.
The Therapeutic Power of Fly Fishing
Research increasingly supports what PHW Participants have experienced firsthand: fly fishing offers unique therapeutic benefits for veterans struggling with PTSD, depression, and other combat-related challenges(2). The combination of mindful focus, natural settings, and a supportive community creates a powerful environment for healing.
Cameron Cushman, U.S. Army Ret., credits fly fishing with helping him reclaim his life:
“While going through the medical retirement process, I wastold I would never live a normal life again, that I would never work, and that I would never do the things that I loved. Hearing this day after day for months, I decided I couldn’t accept that reality. So I did what I was told not to do, I picked my fly rod back up and headed to the most secluded river I could find, the Devils River in southwestern Texas. It was there that I found a sense of peace, a relief from the physical and mental pain, a place where nothing mattered but my focus on the water. Nearly ten years later, the water still brings me those moments of peace, and I’ve had the privilege of sharing these experiences with other Veterans all across the country.”
Research shows that fly fishing helps Veterans with PTSD by providing a structured, immersive coping mechanism that fosters mindfulness, restores control, and supports posttraumatic growth. Engaging in fly fishing offers immediate relief from intrusive thoughts while promoting long-term emotional resilience through skill-building, connection, and a renewed sense of purpose2.
Expanding Access and Inclusion
As PHW celebrates its 20th anniversary, the organization continues to expand its reach and inclusivity. Their recently launched women’s initiative addresses the unique needs of female Veterans, who now make up approximately 17% of the U.S. military(3).
“Our mission has always been to ensure that every Veteran who can benefit from our programming has access to it,” says Langford. “We are dedicated to eliminating barriers to create an inclusive space where all Veterans can experience the healing power of fly fishing.”
***
About Project Healing Waters Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc. is dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of active military service personnel and Veterans in need through fly fishing and associated activities including education and outings. The Project Healing Waters program provides basics of fly fishing, fly casting, fly tying, and rod building for wounded military personnel and Veterans in need. All activities, services and equipment are provided at no cost to participants. Learn more at projecthealingwaters.org.
About onWater Fish App onWater Fish is a mobile app designed to empower anglers of all skill levels to find success on the water, while promoting conservation awareness and responsible fishing practices. The app provides users with real-time fishing information, interactive maps, catch tracking tools, and a platform for sharing experiences. Learn more at www.onwaterapp.com.
“Luke, only 13 years old, came to Hawaii with a dream of catching a big Hawaiian bonefish on the fly rod. A dream that is not too far-fetched in the winter months in Hawaii. But to capture it all on video, WOW!! What a privilege to witness such an experienced and passionate fly fisherman at such a young age. Luke’s definitely on his way to a lifetime of incredible fishing adventures for sure.”
“My favorite part of this hook up video is Luke’s wide open mouth of disbelief and his dad laughing with excitement in the background. I’ll be guiding for the rest of my life, ain’t no other feeling that makes me happier than to witness a moment like this. Damn I love fishing!!”
Last year, the city of Denver tried to pass a ban on fur products. That ban was ultimately rejected, but that didn’t stop anglers from mobilizing against it. That ban would’ve outlawed felt hats and other animal products, and there was concern fly shops wouldn’t be able to sell fur-based products (like an elk-hair caddis) if the ban passed.
Boulder, Colorado, already has a fur ban in place, but there’s apparently a carve-out for fly shops.
Now, Washington State is jumping on the fur ban bandwagon with a proposal in the state legislature that has moved out of committee.
According to The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF), this Washington fur ban “claims to be a fur farming reform; however, it would have impacts on trapping, fly-fishing, and other outdoor activities and products.”
The bill’s text reads that a person “may neither participate in fur farming, nor produce or manufacture a fur product.” Fur is defined in this bill as “any animal skin with hair, fleece, or fur fibers attached.”
However, the bill specifically states that a “fur product” doesn’t include “deerskin…with hair attached,” or “the pelt or skin of an animal that is preserved through taxidermy.”
Despite that explicit language, some detractors are still concerned the ban is too far-reaching and will directly impact fly anglers. After all, if you’ve ever tied flies before, you’re aware of how many fly tying products come with the skin attached. Elk, deer, moose hair, and bucktail are examples that come immediately to mind.
Would a patch of elk fur used for fly tying count as a fur product “preserved through taxidermy?”
That lack of specificity, and a lack of explicit exemptions for fly anglers, has the fly fishing community particularly upset.
On a broader scale, though, this bill could impact fur trapping in Washington, which is essential to keeping predator populations in check, according to CSF.
“Washington state relies on the services provided by licensed trappers to aid in human-wildlife conflict mitigation through their Wildlife Control Operator program,” CSF said in a statement.
The bill is currently out of committee, and there is no word whether it will be taken up in the full House of Representatives.
“On certain moon phases, when giant sea mullet push into the rivers with big tidal currents, packs of big GTs follow for an easy meal. They hunt in packs, cruising up and down the system with barely a ripple to give them away. Spotting them takes full focus, patience, and precision from both angler and guide. But when it all comes together, it’s chaos—one second, you’re listening to the rainforest birds, the next, you’re locked up, drag maxed out on a 12-weight, battling a river Geet at full speed!”
You wouldn’t use a Zebco on a tuna, just as you wouldn’t use a 4-weight on a tarpon. Any way you put it, there are optimal weight rods for each and every scenario. If you’re new to fly fishing or are diversifying into new species, there’s a learning curve. Going from a 5-weight trout rod to an 11-weight tarpon rod can be quite the change. While we can’t teach you how to cast a new rod, we can give you the tools to find that new rod. This guide will help you choose the right fly rod, no matter the species or scenario you are fishing in.
Rod Types
There are two main types of fly rods widely available on the market: fiberglass and graphite. Between these two, they vary dramatically in how they cast and fish. For starters, fiberglass has a lot more flex or give. This results in a slower action rod and a longer, more methodical casting stroke. Fiberglass rods also excel at roll casting and offer excellent tippet protection due to their soft and forgiving tip section.
On the other hand, graphite rods are much faster. Depending on the rod and manufacturer, this can vary slightly. Some companies make ultra-fast rods, while others make more moderate action fly rods. Regardless, you’ll notice the casting stroke is quicker, and the rod is much stiffer. This translates to more casting power, accuracy, and the ability to quickly shoot line. Graphite rods are the dominant technology in fly fishing and are generally the preferred rod setup.
Rod Weights for Trout Fishing
There are three main techniques in trout fishing—dry fly fishing, nymphing, and streamer fishing. To maximize your efficiency at each technique, a quiver of rods will serve you well.
Dry Fly Fishing
Let’s start off with the purest, most desirable, and sought-after trout fishing scenario possible: dry fly fishing—the act of presenting a fly on the surface to rising trout. Whenever I am fishing dries, I like to use a 5-weight rod with a floating line. This way, no matter the wind conditions or distance needed, you are able to shoot the line out quickly and with as much distance needed while also having the ability to pick any amount of line up off the water when mending. A lot of people use 4 weights for this purpose; however, if the wind conditions change, it’s a little easier to get that fly where it needs to be with a 5 weight. I prefer a 4 weight on smaller streams like the Galletin, where not a lot of distance is required, and wind speed is usually minimal.
For small streams, such as the Smoky Mountains National Park, where I fish for wild brook trout, I really enjoy fishing with a very small 2-weight or 3-weight rod. This is a great time to use a slower-action glass rod. The improved roll casting abilities excel with the tight casting windows and dense overhanging brush. You can also use a bow-and-arrow cast to slingshot your fly into tight pockets.
Nymph Fishing
Nymphing is the act of fishing weighted flies under the surface, typically with some sort of strike indicator. It involves heavy flies and added weight in the form of split shot to ensure your flies are making it to the river bottom.
For nymph fishing, I prefer a 6-weight rod. Whether you are throwing a short dropper with small #22 midges under an indicator or a long dropper with double stoneflies, a lot of weight, and a large indicator, a 6-weight rod can get those nymphs out from under the water and where they need to be.
When choosing a nymphing stick, rod length is also important to consider. For larger rivers, 10-ft rods are a great tool. That added length improves line management, mending, and your ability to reach seams further out.
Streamer Fishing
Throwing streamers for trout can result in some of the most aggressive strikes and largest fish in the river. That said, when preparing for river giants, the right rod setup is a must. Generally, I prefer an 8-weight rod with a sink tip line. An 8-weight offers anglers the needed power to throw large and heavy flies in addition to the needed backbone to land big fish.
When a big fish hits, setting the hook and fighting the fish also becomes easier. In my opinion, there is no need to stick with a smaller rod when streamer fishing. When fishing a bigger river, such as the Missouri River, the further you can get that streamer out there, the better.
Species Guide
If you’re fishing for species other than trout, different rod weights may come into play. We’ve broken down the various species and recommended rod weight ranges to help you find the best rods for different scenarios.
Recommended Weight for Panfish: 1-4
Don’t overlook catching panfish on the fly. Bluegills, warmouth, pumpkinseeds, and more are a blast on the fly and relatively easy to fool. It’s a great starting point for new anglers or a good escape from trout fishing when water temps rise. Rods ranging from 1 to 4-weight are ideal. They enable you to enjoy the fight of panfish while still practicing fundamental casting techniques.
Recommended Weight for Bass: 5-8
Bass on the fly continually grows in popularity. Depending on the flies you are throwing, you can get away with some smaller poppers with a 5-weight rod. Optimally, you will want to be throwing a 6-weight for heavier flies, improved casting distance, and better fighting power. For dedicated bass anglers, 7 and 8-weight rods are the best bet. These rods can consistently throw any fly you might need for bass fishing.
Recommended Weight for Musky: 10-12
Musky aren’t known for their hard fight, but they are known for their love of big flies. Throwing big, sometimes triple-articulated flies means heavy rods. A 10-weight excels at throwing smaller musky flies with less strain on your body. If you find yourself consistently throwing large flies, choose an 11 or 12-weight rod. Whatever you decide, make sure the rod has an extended fighting butt. This aids in figure-eighting the fly at the boat and can be used to two-hand cast.
Recommended Weight for Bonefish: 7-9
Bonefish, or the “grey ghosts,” are surprisingly strong for their size. I often say if bonefish grew to the size of tarpon, you would never land them. For smaller bonefish and flat conditions, a 7-weight rod is a great way to enjoy the fight while not feeling outgunned. In general, most anglers opt for an 8-weight. These rods combat windy days and can tackle just about any size bonefish. For true trophy bonefish in the 10+ pound range, choose a 9-weight. With ample backbone, you can better tame the long, blistering runs of big fish.
Recommended Weight for Tarpon: 10-12
Tarpon fishing has brought more people to saltwater fishing than any other fish. If you find yourself on the deck of a skiff with tarpon stringing down, having the right rod is crucial. These days, most anglers opt for 11-weight rods. It offers a good balance of power and distance, all while minimizing arm fatigue. If you find yourself fishing for pressured fish that are wary, go with a 10-weight. You can land the fly softer and increase the number of hookups. If you regularly target fish pushing 150+ pounds, then a 12-weight is your rod of choice.
Recommended Weight for Permit: 9-10
Permit are known for their finicky attitude. More often than not, they’ll swim right over to your fly, stare it down, only to swim off in search of better things. While this may be the case, getting your fly in the right spot is key to getting their attention. A 9-weight can do the job on most permit and is a great crossover between bonefish. For those dedicated to solely permit fishing, a 10-wt delivers accurate casts, punches through the windiest conditions, and lands softly enough so as not to spook any fish.
If you have any questions about what rods to use for other species, please leave them in the comment section below, and we will do our best to respond!
This is an updated article, originally written by previous Flylords intern Turner Rowland. You can find Turner on Instagram @turnerrowland1
Winter fishing, spring runoff, and cooling fall temperatures all have one thing in common: cold water. When it comes to staying warm, base layers are the name of the game. Just as you wear upper base layers, bottom base layers are key to staying warm and comfortably fishing when temps drop. While sweatpants may have been the gold standard of the past, the fly fishing industry is trending toward under wader pants. These pants maximize comfort and insulation, creating a comfortable cold-weather layering system on the water. With an ever-growing market for under wader pants, we left no stone unturned in testing the best under wader pants of 2026. So here’s to embracing the cold, the lack of crowds, and the memories made while staying comfortable in the most uncomfortable conditions.
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.
How We Tested
Field testing an array of winter fly fishing pants made us suckers for type 2 fun. Whether we were battling 3-foot waves in 40-degree water and 20-degree air temps, standing waist-deep swinging flies for b-run steelhead, or standing on ice shelves watching bobbers, we put these pants to the test to find the best pants to help you stay warm all winter long. To make our list, pants had to be comfortable, offer features that aid in the fishing experience, and, above all, be warm. Below, you will find what each pair of pants excels in and how they stack up against one another.
Phenomenal Heat retention from a “High-Pile” fleece interior
Features an abrasion-resistant semi-hard lining that doesn’t pill
Two YKK 10” side vents for improved ventilation
Cons:
Almost too warm
When it comes to the best overall, a pant had to be comfortable, warm, and designed to fish. The Orvis Pro HD Under Wader Pants did all that and more. For starters, the pants feature properly sized foot stirrups. This ensures your pants stay in place when you put them on, while not constricting movement when fishing. For warmth, the pants feature a fleece lining that keeps you warm; in fact, it is almost too warm at times (hiking into a spot may leave you toasty). Orvis thought of this, too, with 10″ side vents to improve ventilation and cool you off on strenuous hikes.
The best feature of these pants is the abrasion-resistant lining meant to reduce friction against your waders. Now, wait a minute, friction? You might be thinking, why am I talking about friction for a thermal pant review? Well, friction dramatically affects how your pants fit in your waders, how hot you get, the wear and tear of your internal wader seams, and last but not least, your mobility. So, in short, you don’t feel these pants under your waders, and that is a great feeling. When you add in the warmth, the vents, the 3 pockets, and a clean look, these pants take the cake.
Materials: Compression-resistant fleece inner and nylon outer
Foot Stirrup: Yes
Sizes: Medium to 3XL
Pros:
Compression-resistant fleece is incredibly warm and soft
Outer material is soft and has incredible flexibility, allowing for no friction or restricted movement
Foot Stirrups ensure pants stay in place in waders
Cons:
Integrated belt is a pain with frozen hands
When it came down to it, the Gradient Pant from Sitka was a close second to Orivs for the best overall. It ultimately came down to a few more features in the Orvis pants, but what the Gradient Pant lacked in features, it more than made up for in warmth. From a tech spec standpoint, they are lighter than the Orvis HD pants. The Gradient Pant gets its warmth from the high-loft fleece Sitka chose, but does this without sacrificing mobility and flexibility. Compared to other pants in our test, they feature a more tapered or tighter fit. This results in a pant that comfortably fits under waders with minimal friction. Sitka also minimized the number of seams in the pants, further contributing to their sleek fit and feel while minimizing heat loss. Rounding out the package are two pockets, foot stirrups, and a double-access front zipper.
Materials: Outer shell 100% Nylon Primeflex™ and a puffy full-stretch synthetic insulation inner shell
Foot Stirrup: No
Sizes: Medium to 2XL
Pros:
Integrated belt system
Puffy interior pant technology with a protective outer shell
Minimized seams for full-leg movement
Cons:
Most Expensive
When you think of puffy pants, the typical puffy jacket probably comes to mind. Skwala set out to build a version that is truly one of a kind with the Fusion 90 Pant. These pants blend the benefits of a puffy style—warmth and a lightweight feel—with a protective outer shell similar to other pants we tested. The result is one of the lightest pants we tested, which are also incredibly warm and comfortable. The smooth finish outer shell adds a level of durability and aids in the zero-friction point we made earlier. These pants feel like nothing in the best way possible, which translates to long days on the river in comfort. The package rounds out with four pockets, a built-in belt system, and zippered ankles for a good fit.
Materials: Blend of nylon, polyester, and spandex with a fleece liner
Foot Stirrup: Yes
Sizes: XS to 2XL
Pros:
Abrasion-resistant outer-facing liner means no friction
Moisture-wicking fleece liner
Belt loops and a modern fit that you can wear out
Cons:
The least warm option out of the pant lineup
We measure value as the trade-off between what you pay and what you get. With that said, the Orvis Pro LT Under Wader Pant quickly rose to the top. At just $119, they are the most affordable pants in our test. So what do you get? Consumers can expect premium features from the Orvis HD Pant, like the frictionless outer shells, strategic pockets, and an overall comfortable fit. There are some sacrifices, however. These are not the warmest pants by any means. Ideally, they are great for spring and fall fishing. They excel on those 60-degree days, where the water is still cold but the air temp is not. The LT Pants have the feel of wet-wading pants with durability and warmth added in. And once again, you get the frictionless feeling in waders with these pants, resulting in increased movement and flexibility.
Materials: Stretchy recycled fabric with DWR coating and no PFAs
Foot Stirrup: No
Sizes: XS to 2XL
Pros:
Patagonia Grid fleece interior keeps you warm and lightweight
Water-resistant DWR finish
Regular fit with Tapered legs
Made without PFAS
Cons:
2 pockets
No Stirrups
Anyone who has fished in the cold has layered up only to feel like the Michelin Man when it comes time to leave the truck. Lightweight pants are key to adding mobility in the cold, and the Patagonia R2 Techface Pants do just that. These pants are built for the fisherman who doesn’t want all the extras. The grid-fleece pattern does an exceptional job of trapping heat while wicking away moisture. While these pants don’t feature foot stirrups, they do have elastic ankle cuffs. It’s not as effective at keeping your pants from riding up, but for the most part, it does the job. The outer coating is also DWR-treated to repel water and keep you dry. If lightweight is your priority, consider the R2 Techface Pants.
Materials: 95%, 20.5 Micron Merino wool and 5% spandex
Foot Stirrup: No
Sizes: M to 2XL
Pros:
Incredibly comfortable and warm
Tapered fit with ankle seams
Versatile use-cases
Cons:
No Stirrups
If you’re used to wearing sweatpants under waders, look no further than the Skwala Thermo 350 Pants. Skwala set out to make under wader pants that resemble sweatpants, and they did, but that is where the similarities end. These pants are made from 95% premium New Zealand micro-merino wool. Translation: these pants are warm. In addition, unlike other pants we tested, you get the benefits of wool, like staying warm even when wet. On the water, the Thermo 350 Pant proved to be incredibly warm and comfortable. But what really sold me was off the water. In fact, they were so comfortable that it was hard to take them off. So if you catch me off the river, there’s a good chance I’ll be wearing the Thermo 350 Pants.
Final Thoughts:
Long gone are the days of old sweatpants for under waders. With new technology and countless offerings, dedicated under wader pants should be on every angler’s winter fishing list. Depending on how and where you fish, your needs may change. An angler hiking miles to remote rivers may prioritize ventilation, whereas a tailwater angler standing in the river all day may opt for warmth. In our testing, we set out to find the best under wader pants for any scenario anglers may come across. Whatever your needs are, there is a pair of pants out there to do the job.
One of the things I love most about fly fishing is how this sport endlessly generates new stories. Even with the shocking amount of data in this world (the internet doubles in size roughly every two years), we haven’t run out of things to say about fly fishing.
The Drift: Life on the Water is a new weekly column here at Flylords, and it’s my attempt to hopefully put out some enjoyable stories for you. From observations on the water to opinions in the fly fishing world, my goal is to tackle it all. I hope you can learn something from these stories, as well.
To kick things off, I want to share what happened on the water last week.
First Signs of Spring
I live in Wyoming, and winters here are never easy. This winter was tougher than usual, though, thanks to a few cold snaps that held temps around -20F. It’s the sort of cold that seeps into your bones and doesn’t leave, no matter how high you crank the furnace.
The cold finally broke in the past two weeks, and it’s more like spring now. At the first sign of decent weather, I ditched my work obligations and spent most of the afternoon on a local tailwater. It might be warming up, but the freestones are still frozen solid.
This particular river fishes well year-round, but this transition between winter and spring can bring out some of its biggest fish. Last year, I hooked into a rainbow trout that was every bit of 25 inches. Of course, I didn’t land that one. It snapped my leader with an almost disappointed shake of its head, as though the fish expected more of a fight from me.
One of the smaller rainbows I hooked before the 25-incher broke me off.
As we all do, I had a slight hope I’d hook into that big fish again. Everything seemed to line up perfectly, too. The ever-present Wyoming wind was taking a smoke break, it was about 45F, and there were clouds of midges hatching when I pulled up to the river.
There weren’t any fish rising, but that’s typical for this portion of the river. It takes a thick hatch to bring these trout up, and while this midge hatch was the best I’d seen all year, it wasn’t anything crazy.
I tied on a sow bug and midge, found a bobber in my vest, and got to work drifting through the deeper runs and pools.
This river tends to fish slow, outside of June and July when the Yellow Sallies, caddis, and pale morning duns are out and about. So, I didn’t think much of it when an hour had passed, and I hadn’t hooked into anything yet.
I moved on to another part of the river, where the water’s a bit quicker. I thought that, even if the fish weren’t rising, maybe the fish would follow the midges into faster water.
Another hour passed, and I hadn’t touched a fish. I hadn’t even seen a fish. The river felt as lifeless as a Super Bowl party without wings. I started to worry about getting skunked.
I don’t mind getting skunked. I know it really rubs some anglers the wrong way, and I have a few friends who do just about anything to avoid going home empty-handed. I’m willing to take my lumps when they come, but I don’t enjoy it. I just reckon the days of not catching anything are part of what I signed up for.
But this was one of those days where the skunk just didn’t make sense. I fished hard for three hours. I picked the water apart to the best of my abilities. I switched out flies, toyed with my depth, and drifted through anything that looked like it might hold a fish.
The trout, if they were there, ignored everything. The river was thoroughly kicking my butt. My pride was taking a hit, too. I’ve lived in this part of Wyoming for three years now, and I like to think I have a handle on my local rivers.
No matter how well you think you know a fishery, though, I’ve found they’ll always surprise you.
With about an hour of daylight left, I drove out of the canyon, following the river where it flows through a nearby town. I parked next to a bridge, tied on a squirmy worm, and started drifting through a little trough.
I could see houses across the river, and cars drove over the bridge. It was hardly a wild setting, but at least I was putting in the time and effort to not get skunked.
I felt a half-hearted tug on my line, so I set the hook. The trout fought like it was still winter, but it wasn’t a bad fish at all.
The fish that kept the skunk off – for the day, at least.
These days are a good reminder that fishing isn’t supposed to be easy, but it’s definitely meant to be rewarding.
In this week’s “How to Tie” video feature, Mike from LIFliesMike ties a fantastic sand eel or small baitfish pattern for Striped Bass, the Eelie.
Learn About This Fly:
Difficulty: Easy
Saltwater season in New England is closing in and I personally could not be more excited. The east coast of the United States may not offer productive steelhead or salmon fisheries, but it does have incredible runs of other diverse species. The Striped Bass is the most popular of these migratory fish that many anglers are addicted to but others include the Bluefish and False Albacore. Although they can be caught in nearly any style, eels are Striped Bass’s guilty pleasure and the Eelie is the perfect imitation to fool overzealous fish this Spring.
Tying saltwater baitfish patterns can often be easier for novice tyers to master due to their size and materials used. These flies can range from sizes 8 to 8/0, depending on the water being fished and conditions present. Profile is regarded as the key for the salt and natural materials seem to always offer some of the most accurate and successful imitations. The Eelie is built with both natural and synthetics and will be attainable by even a first timer with the right patience.
Fishing this fly in areas bass are actively feeding on schools of juvenile baitfish or sand eels will bring you productivity. Whether chasing them in a boat or blind casting from shore, this pattern’s profile and movement in the water will fool fish. For tackle, an 8 weight setup with floating or intermediate line will likely suit you best while chasing Striped Bass inshore. If you decide to start throwing larger flies, bringing an additional 9-10 weight is smart to cover all your bases. What better way to celebrate longer nights and warmer days this Spring than using the Eelie to trick Striped Bass at the beach!
“I sensed that there was a good fish in that pool, so I placed my drone right above it. The fish followed the fly several times until it finally took it. With the elbow recovering, you can hear a cry of pain at the first attempt to put it in the landing net. But finally it was mine.” – David
Reel of the week from @davidpikefly, be sure to follow him on Instagram here!
