A Note From Meredith McCord (@meredithmccord):
Angler Story of the Week from Meredith McCord, be sure to follow her instagram at @meredithmccord !
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5 Best Flies for Largemouth Bass
Bass can be some of the most rewarding, exciting, and underrated aspects of fly fishing. The largemouth bass is one of the most abundant fish species in North America, making them available to many anglers. With their tolerance of low oxygen levels and heat, bass can survive in almost any sort of aquatic environment. Their predatory instinct enables them to eat many prey species like fish, bugs, and even amphibians. Fly anglers around the world target these fish for their fight and willingness to eat a topwater fly. However, those opportunities aren’t always presented, and that is when having the right flies is key.
Living in central Texas, bass fishing has become a staple in my fly fishing excursions. To maximize my time on the water, I have learned what flies to throw at different times of the year. In the spring and summer months, bass tend to be more active, along with their topwater prey like frogs, grasshoppers, and even mice. These are the long-awaited times when throwing a topwater fly can be your best choice.
Come fall and winter, bass tend to move towards deeper water, which makes it difficult to target them with just topwater flies. In these scenarios, many streamers and weighted flies come into play when trying to find them. During this time, bass key in on specific forage, so matching the hatch is a must. To put more fish in the net, we’ve put together a list of our five best flies for largemouth bass that cover you through all seasons and conditions.
5 Flies for Largemouth Bass
Frog Fly
Fulling Mill Bass Popper
Pros
- Great pattern in the early spring/summer months when bass are looking at prey on the surface
- Floating fly, which enables you to pull over weeds, lily pads, and structure
- Easy to tie and is very effective with a dropper fly
Cons
- Can spook wary fish
- Not ideal for fall/winter months when bass are in deeper water
Every angler dreams of a big bass exploding at the surface to hit a fly. Like conventional frog lures, topwater frog flies are incredibly effective at fooling these aggressive predators. Frog flies can be constructed out of deer hair or foam for a multitude of actions and scenarios. They are equally effective on rivers, lakes, and ponds and do an outstanding job of imitating amphibians and bugs that travel across the surface of the water. Simply cast them out in areas where bass are holding and work it back with quick twitches for a subtle popping motion. This surface commotion is irresistible for bass looking for an easy meal, especially in the warmer months.
Kreelex
Kreelex
Pros
- Sinks fast for deeper water fishing
- Due to the flashy material, it is easily seen in semi-turbid conditions,
- Easy to tie
Cons
- This fly can be easily trapped in vegetation, rocks, and branches
The kreelex is a pattern I tend to use in the winter months on my home waters here in central Texas. It mirrors the style of a Clouser minnow but is tied with flash for the entirety of the fly. As a result, it shimmers when stripped and sinks fast. This pattern makes a great minnow/shad imitation when fish are deeper and looking for schools of bait fish. Strip it, crawl it, or simply let it sit on the bottom for a versatile and effective pattern. It is most effectively fished on a semi-sinking or full-sinking fly line.
Galloup’s Belly Bumper Craw
Pros
- Effective pattern in rivers with fluctuating depth
- Drags near or on the bottom, imitating a crawfish
- Many retrieve methods
Cons
- Fished on primarily sinking line
- Heavier fly, harder to cast
Kelly Galloup is synonymous with streamer fishing. He’s developed iconic flies like the peanut envy, sex dungeon, and the butt monkey. Among his fly patterns is a crayfish pattern that may not get the recognition it deserves: The belly bumper craw. Bass have an affinity for crawfish, making up a majority of their diet at certain times of the year. This crawfish pattern is ideal for river systems and small bodies of water alike. It does an outstanding job of imitating a living crawfish moving through the water towards the bottom. When retrieved fast, the claws on the fly create tons of movement, which entices bass to take a nibble. For the best results, pair this fly with a sinking line to reach the bottom, where crawfish are found.
Game Changer
Game Changer
Pros
- One of the best swimming shad imitations available
- Articulated tail, which provides maximum movement when stripped in
- Draws out larger fish, looking for a larger meal
Cons
- Sink rate is typically slower
- Holds water when casting
Blane Chocklett developed the game changer as a lifelike imitation of bait fish. It matches the profile and swims like the real thing. Since its inception, several variations have hit the market, each offering its own pros and cons. The original game changer still has its place, especially for bass anglers looking to draw a big bite.
The white version of the game changer is an excellent shad imitation. Bass tend to chase shad when they spawn in rivers and in larger lakes. When they are in a feeding frenzy, this fly is ideal for tossing in big schools of baitfish. I have had tremendous success with this pattern on larger lakes for big bass.
Clouser Minnow
Clouser Minnow
Pros
- Skinny minnow pattern, imitating all the species of baitfish in one fly
- Effective for rivers and smaller ponds
- Easy to cast and easy to tie
Cons
- Easily trapped on structure and vegetation
The Clouser Minnow has been around since 1987 and has been one of the most popular flies in the industry for all species of fish, salt and freshwater. This fly uses bucktail and a bit of flash to imitate the subtle minnows flashing through our river systems and lakes. It was originally invented for smallmouth but has been known to be effective for almost every fish species that feeds on smaller minnows. In my experience, the clouser has done well in transitional zones like sandbars, rockbeds, and rocky drop-offs. It is at the top of my most used guide flies and has caught many bass in my years of fly fishing.
Final Thoughts
Largemouth bass are synonymous with fishing in the US. They fight hard, readily eat, and are found just about everywhere. These top five bass flies are by no means an extensive list, but in my experience, they mimic the major food sources and cover all seasons. With the variety of water covered, time of year, and specific patterns, these bugs will effectively match the hatch on your water bodies. So grab your 8-wt, hit the water, and tie on one of these bass flies to put more fish in the net this fall.
Blue Ridge Relief Giveaway
Hurricane Helene, a Category 4 storm, made landfall on Thursday, September 26th, in Northwestern Florida before moving through Georgia, Western North Carolina, and Eastern Tennessee. The ensuing winds and heavy rains caused unimaginable flooding and damage to small towns in the storm’s path.
Western North Carolina and parts of Tennessee were hit particularly hard. The mountainous terrain caused severe flooding and landslides as runoff quickly filled the rivers and reservoirs. As the people of the affected communities look to rebuild, we’re joining as a collective to help the community of guides get back on their feet.
The Aftermath:
Helene’s impact has been felt far and wide, including by Flylords team member Tripp Nazziola. A resident of Boone, NC, a town hit particularly hard, he has been boots on the ground helping with the rebuilding process. Along the way, he has seen the devastation and met with local guides and fly shop owners, hearing just how the storm has impacted everyone.
Jessica Whitmire (Headwaters Outfitters)- “Helene directly affected our business in many ways. Our shop, guide service, and all operations were closed from September 25th through October 11th. Sixteen days of lost revenue in one of our busiest months is very difficult. However, we are so lucky both our buildings are standing, and only our taproom took on water. While the financial hurt is felt, all our staff are safe. Our biggest concern now is pivoting to support staff now through the winter.”
Patrick Fulkrod (Owner of South Holston River Company)- “We have been receiving a ton of cancellations, right now over 33 days worth. These cancellations are huge as we are rounding out the end of our season. We may not have lost our home to the storm, but now we are trying to fight not to lose it to the bank.”
Miller Watson (Co-Owner of Hunter Banks in Asheville)- “We have seen a big hit, as well as the entire city of Asheville, now that tourism simply is not here. The town of Ashville is weeks away from water, so there is definitely a long road ahead for us. Many structures along the French Broad have been decimated, so from a visual point of view, the river will probably never look the same.”
The Giveaway:
Partnering with the Guide Relief Fund and the Blue Ridge Guide Association, we have organized a package valued at over $34,000 for someone to win. Our goal is to raise $100,000 to benefit both the guides and fisheries in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Every single penny from this giveaway will be directed to the region, whether to give the guides financial support or support stream restoration efforts.
How to Enter:
To enter the giveaway, visit the Guide Relief Fund page HERE.
Official rules for the giveaway can be found HERE,
This giveaway would not be possible without the support of the Fly Fishing industry: Adipose, Costa, Flylords, Simms, YETI, Riversmith, Trxstle, Marsh Wear, Grundens, Orvis, Sawyer Paddles and Oars, Tornado Anchors, Umpqua, Fishpond, Ross Reels, Airflo Lines, Scientific Anglers, Turtlebox, On Water Fish, Frigate Reserve Rum, St. Croix, Winston, and Redington.
The Best Rain Gear of 2024
We tested the best offerings for Rain Gear in the 2024 season against everything mother nature can offer, here’s what came out on top.
All too often, trips to the river or the shore are foiled by a rainy forecast. However, with the right gear, a rainy day can be incredibly productive: increased insect activity during precipitation can lead to big surface hits and sub-surface feeding frenzies. If getting wet is holding you back, a good jacket can mitigate your fears and get you out on the water.
We tested jackets for everything from warm summer showers to cold winter rains. What we found was a group of jackets that kept us dry and were breathable and comfortable in less-than-ideal conditions. So tie on some thick hackles, turn on your windshield wipers, and don’t let foul weather stop you with our best rain jackets of 2024.
- Best Overall: Simms G3 Guide Wading Jacket
- Best for Wading: Patagonia SST Wading Jacket
- Best For Warm Weather: Free Fly Cloudshield Rain Jacket
- Best For Cold Weather: Grundens Portal GORE-TEX Wading Jacket
- Best Lightweight: Orvis Ultralight Wading Jacket
- Best Bib and Jacket Combo: Gill Fishing Apex Pro-X Jacket and Bibs
How We Tested:
Living in Vermont, summer showers, nor’easters, and freezing rains are the norm throughout the year. It’s safe to say I’ve become an expert in rain gear in an effort to prolong my days on the water and catch a few fish. So, I gathered wading and rain jackets from leading brands in the fly fishing industry to see how they matched up against the variable and unpredictable New England weather.
From early morning 40-degree drizzles to humid, tropical storm downpours, each jacket went through the ringer of inclement fall weather. We made sure they held up to basic rain jacket standards: breathable, dry, and comfortable. In addition, anglers have unique requirements standard rain jackets may not offer. We took this into consideration when evaluating just how these jackets held up to the rigorous demands and gear requirements of fly fishing.
This is how they stacked up:
Best Overall: Simms G3 Guide Wading Jacket
Best Overall
Simms G3 Guide Wading Jacket
Key Features:
- Material: 3-layer GORE-TEX – 70D 100% nylon with DWR/100% nylon tricot backer
- Weight: 19 oz (Size medium)
- Design features: Built-in fly patch, large chest pockets, built-in sunglass lens cloth
Pros:
- Lots of pockets for storage
- Rugged, breathable, and great mobility
- Good with a variety of layers
Cons:
- Expensive
- Can be sweaty in the hottest temps
If the professionals rely on it, you can bet it does the job. The G3 guide has been a staple in the rain gear world for years, and the newest iteration offers the same legendary performance with new features. The G3 has everything you need in a rain-oriented wading jacket: 3-layer GORE-TEX with integrated stretch panels for mobility, a stashable retractor dock, interior and exterior pockets for ample dry storage, watertight cuffs, and much more. The G3 manages to include a variety of features and gadgets while still keeping weight down to a minimum. The built-in sunglass cloth is one such feature we didn’t know we needed until we had it. Fishing in the rain means your glasses will inevitably get wet. The left pocket houses the cloth, keeping it dry for when you need it.
The hem of the jacket hits a happy medium, pairing well with waders and still performing on docks and boats. It is comfortable, waterproof, and with the capacity necessary for guides and serious anglers. The outer layer of the G3 is sturdy and holds up well, whether pushing through brush or scraping up against rocks. What makes the G3 stand out is its versatility as a rain layer. It can keep you dry in the heat, cold, wind, and even snow while providing ample storage and integration for waders and rain bibs alike. Oftentimes, a product that claims to do it all sacrifices something, but I can find no such loss in effect in the G3.
Best for Wading: Patagonia SST Wading Jacket
Best for Wading
Patagonia SST Wading Jacket
Key Features:
- Material: Waterproof/breathable H2No® Performance Standard shell
- Weight: 17.5 oz
- Accessories: High/waterproof chest pockets, water-resistant cuffs, and back stash pocket
Pros:
- Excellent wader integration
- Thoughtful pocket placement and construction
Cons:
- Not supremely useful outside of the wading environment
A long-time standard in wading jackets, the SST has been purpose-built to integrate seamlessly with any pair of waders. Boasting the 3-layer construction standard in rain gear, the SST is made of 100% recycled rip-stop nylon with a DWR coating. Waterproofing aside, this jacket has plenty of storage in two large lay-flat pockets positioned well above the waist to ensure easy access in deep wading. The high hem sports easy-to-use belt loops to fit snugly with your waders and keep the jacket secure even in high, fast water. This jacket also offers a unique back stash pocket to store gear items like additional fly boxes, extra layers, and other larger items. When it’s pouring rain, and you don’t want to bring a bag or vest, this added storage comes in handy.
Best For Warm Weather: Free Fly Cloudshield Rain Jacket
Best for Warm Weather
Free Fly Cloudshield Rain Jacket
Key Features:
- Material: 3-layer shell (38% Recycle Polyester / 30% Recycle Nylon / 16% Nylon / 16% PU + DWR)
- Weight: Lightweight (120GSM)
- Accessories: Quiet matte fabric, side pockets, and adjustable hood
Pros:
- Comfortable
- Lightweight and packable
- Perfect for warm weather when paired with a sun hoodie
Cons:
- Not for cold weather
- Lacking in pockets and gadgetry
Free Fly Apparel is no stranger to breathable, light clothing. The Cloudshield continues this trend with a deceptively waterproof jacket that is extremely comfortable to wear. Free Fly created this jacket with the goal of making a packable and lightweight performance jacket that you can keep on you at all times. For summer showers and trips on the road, the Cloudshield has become our go-to jacket. We can store it in one of our favorite packs with relative ease, and in the event of a storm, we can pull it out and stay dry.
The jacket gets its performance thanks to a membrane-style construction lined with a tricot backing for an abrasive-free feel even when worn next to the skin. Amazingly, the Cloudshield is by far the quietest jacket on this list and features excellent mobility. It is fully seam taped and exceedingly breathable, perfect for summer thunderstorms. This is not the jacket for those inundating, brutally cold downpours of late fall. However, it fits well in anyone’s mid-summer kit, ready to be deployed when the clouds gather.
Best For Cold Weather: Grundens Portal GORE-TEX Wading Jacket
Best For Cold Weather
Grundéns Portal Wading Jacket
Key Features:
- Material: GORE-TEX 3 Layer Laminate
- Weight: On the heavier side
- Accessories: Welded tippet pocket with line pass throughs, handwarmer pockets, neoprene sleeve cuffs
Pros:
- Durable
- Legendary waterproofing that keeps you dry even in the most driven rain
- Well thought out accessories
Cons:
- Quite heavy comparatively
- Best for cold wading conditions
When most people think of foul weather gear, they think of Grundens. The brand has long been ubiquitous with waterproofing, as proven by its track record with dangerous off-shore conditions. Recently, they’ve bridged the gap by building purpose-built gear for fly anglers, and the Portal Wading Jacket is certainly no exception.
Built with cold weather in mind, this three-layer laminate jacket does what it’s supposed to—keep you dry. Additional pass-through pockets keep your gear dry, and dedicated hand-warmer pockets keep you warm when you’re not fishing. Shingled neoprene cuffs make this the ultimate cold-weather wading platform by sealing out water even if your hands are submerged. This jacket is on the heavier side, but rightfully so, as a cold-weather fishing piece. In the cold and damp northeast falls, this has become a staple in my gear rotation. You never know when the weather will change, and the burly design extends its use deep into winter snow storms.
Rounding out the package are deep fly box pockets, which add to its utility, and a welded tippet pocket sports laser-cut holes to feed the line without opening anything up. Having a built-in tippet line holder solves the issue of digging through pockets and letting water get in during downpours. This jacket is a beast, and Grunden’s reputation for burly, tough products lives up to the hype.
Best Lightweight: Orvis Ultralight Wading Jacket
Best Lightweight
Orvis Ultralight Wading Jacket
Key Features:
- Material: Nylon with PU lamination
- Weight: 15.8 oz
- Accessories: Side zip pockets, single chest stash pocket, and added weatherproofing from old design
Pros:
- Light yet durable
- Very well made
- Works well both in and out of rain
Cons:
- It is unusually long for a wading jacket
- Not exceedingly breathable
Oftentimes, a lightweight jacket sacrifices durability and waterproofing in the name of shaving weight. This is not the case with Orvis’ new and improved Ultralight Wading Jacket. Among some of the many upgrades for the 2024 season include a more substantial membrane and DWR coating, integrated neoprene cuffs, fully taped seams, and an adjustable hem. Coming in at only 15.8 ounces, this lightweight jacket manages to capture portability while still keeping you dry.
It fills a needed gap in my rain gear lineup as a piece I can carry in a pack without sacrificing waterproofing. In torrential downpours, it holds up exceptionally well, keeping you dry without added weight. I’ve also found that layering under this jacket can extend its use into colder seasons. This jacket also includes well-built pockets and storage that speak to Orvis’ tradition of fly fishing excellence.
Best Bib and Jacket Combo: Gill Fishing Apex Pro-X Jacket and Bibs
Best Bib and Jacket Combo
Gill Fishing Apex Pro-X Jacket
Best Bib and Jacket Combo
Gill Fishing Apex Pro-X Bib
Key Features:
- Material: XPLORE+® 3 layer fabric construction
- Weight: n/a
- Accessories: Waterproof pockets, side leg zips on bibs, attachment points for kill switch
Pros:
- Extremely waterproof
- Warm
- Complete foul weather protection
Cons:
- Expensive
When looking for a jacket and bib combo, there is no room for compromise. Boat gear needs to be rugged, beyond waterproof, and comfortable to wear for hours on end. The Apex Pro-X series is all of these and more: both jacket and bib are made of 100% nylon with proprietary XPLORE+ 3 layer construction and XPEL plant-based water and stain coatings. Not only does this combo shed water even in the hardest sideways rain and wind, it is easily washed free of scales, blood, and guts. Articulated joints keep you comfortable for long periods of exposed casting, and the jacket features pockets that are specifically designed to be accessed while wearing a PFD. This combo is hardcore, meant for the most menacing conditions, and with the quality of construction to ensure a safe, dry ride back to the dock.
Final Thoughts
There are many options when it comes to rain gear, and nothing is worse than finding out your choice doesn’t perform when it matters most. Beyond this, not all rain is made alike. From light sprinkles to rain that hits you from above and below, anglers require a lot of protection. While there is no perfect solution to bad weather, it isn’t an excuse to keep you indoors dreaming of tight lines. Our picks for the best rain gear are meant to give you the tools you need to make a decision about what fits your style of fishing. So find the rain gear that’s right for you, and go catch some fish.
Angler Story of the Week: Fly Fisherman Finds Abandoned Truck While Fishing for Brook Trout
A Note From Matt Williamson (@nobootprints):
“I arrived at my favorite spot, only to find that there was a vehicle in the middle of the pool. After a thorough inspection of the scene, it was clear that somebody abandoned the vehicle after getting it swamped in the river. There is an old crossing just up from here that people still try to cross, which likely was attempted unsuccessfully. So, once I determined that there were no safety concerns, I decided to go ahead and fish as planned, and hooked up with several nice trout, including this beautiful male, which was hooked a few feet beside the rear passenger’s side wheel. 🙂 Made for some comical footage.” Matt Williamson
Angler Story of the Week from Matt Williamson, be sure to follow Matt Williamson’s instagram at @nobootprints!
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Fishing Tips: Split Shot vs Weighted Flies
Which is more effective – split shot vs weighted flies? Check out this video from Troutbitten for the full breakdown comparing split shot vs weighted flies.
Striped Bass Action Alert–Add Your Name to Protect the Future of this Stock
For the East Coast, no species comes close to striped bass. You catch them from Maine to Virginia with every angling technique and skill level imaginable. This stock, however, is in dire straights, as at least 5 consecutive years of terrible recruitment (spawning production) threaten the long-term health of this fishery and will greatly challenge the mandated 2029 rebuilding deadline (striped bass remain overfished since 2019). A recent stock assessment makes it abundantly clear–we will not rebuild without management changes.
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The American Saltwater Guides Association is the community voice for all things striped bass and the leader when it comes to conserving important recreational fisheries in the salt. ASGA has initiated an Action Alert to tell Striped Bass Managers (through the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission) to take action at the Annual Meeting later this October.
In summary, ASGA wants the ASMFC to reduce harvest to leave more spawning-sized fish in the “system” to both rebuild and hopefully produce a large year-class. Getting into the weeds a little bit, ASGA also is calling for reductions to be equal across commercial and recreational sectors and remains opposed to coastwide no-targeting closures (i.e. prohibiting anglers from catching and releasing a striper).
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Be sure to read ASGA’s full letter and sign on to show support for this INCREDIBLE fishery!
Cover picture courtesy of Gorilla Tactics Sportfishing
The Rundown: Everything You Need to Know About the NRS Approach 120
Welcome back to “The Rundown,” a Flylords original series where we take an all-encompassing look at the latest and greatest products from your favorite brands in fly fishing. We review high-level info and tech specs here while sharing our initial impressions. To cap off each installment of “The Rundown,” we hear from product designers who brought their vision from blueprints to the showroom floor.
In this Rundown, we’ll look at the newest release from Idaho-based fishing and whitewater vessel company, NRS, to bring you an all-encompassing look at their latest release: The Approach 120 Fishing Raft Two-Person Package.
Table of Contents
Background:
If you’ve done any float fishing, chances are you’ve come across an NRS raft. Inflatables like the ones NRS is known for are a mainstay on the rocky rivers of the West. Their ability to navigate rough terrain and white water is unmatched, and they have amassed quite the following.
NRS, or NorthWest River Supplies, was founded in 1972 and released its first production raft in 1983. Since then, NRS has been manufacturing rafts and watercraft, as well as technical items such as life jackets, apparel, and more. It is headquartered in the small town of Moscow, Idaho, and has been entirely employee-owned since 2014. Building on its love for watercraft and its passion for innovation, NRS has since begun strategically expanding its raft line.
The newest generation of rafts means technical fishing machines tailored to the adventure angler. Guides and enthusiasts no longer need to kit out a whitewater raft to make ends meet while fishing. The newest addition, which we’ll be diving into today, is the Approach series of rafts. This line includes two sizes, the 100 and 120. Of the two, we took the 120, a two-man fishing raft, for a spin to see how this lightweight raft stood up to our rocky rivers.
What’s New:
Today’s fly anglers are constantly on the move. While a drift boat is great for accessing water, trailering one around is not always an option. That is exactly what NRS set out to fix with the Approach series of rafts. They are designed to be lightweight, rugged, ready to fish, and, most importantly, easy to travel with. The Approach 120 can easily be transported in a truck bed or on the roof of a vehicle.
In addition to its lightweight and portable design, the Approach is rugged. Like any NRS product, the Approach is built to last, with a 6″ drop-stitch floor, Leafield™ C7 inflation valves, and three main air chambers in case of a puncture.
Now that you know the what and the why, we will dive into some exciting new features that set the Approach apart:
Dry Storage:
Fishing rafts, particularly small ones, are notorious for lacking good storage options. This usually means wet gear at the bottom of the boat. NRS made solving this issue a priority when designing the Approach. The result is a nifty dry storage system incorporated directly into the seats.
The Approach 120 gets two of these dry boxes, one for each seat. They work with a simple closure system that unlocks ample dry storage. It is perfect for a bag, extra layers, a life jacket, and anything you need to stay dry. While this raft is on the smaller size by design, having gear out of the way makes it feel like a much larger boat.
Internal Anchor System:
A good anchor system is a must for any raft or drift boat. To maximize the Approach’s efficiency, NRS developed a slick internal anchor system that won’t snag on gear or anglers. It works with a simple Spinlock Anchor cam attached to the side of the boat. This system is quick and easy to engage and disengage on the water.
Additionally, the anchor lock is fully enclosed, meaning the cam system encloses the anchor line. This is designed to prevent your line from “jumping the lock” and rapidly deploying. The result is a smooth and easy-to-operate anchor system capable of deploying easily with single-hand operation.
Adjustable Slot Rails:
NRS is known for building adjustable and customizable rafts, and the Approach is no different. Built with integrated slot rails, users can adjust seat position and oar locks and add additional accessories for the ultimate use experience. Despite being a smaller raft, the ability to customize your configuration allows users to fish in various fishing conditions. In addition, the adjustable seats help manage weight distribution for the smoothest possible rowing experience.
Built-in Rod Racks:
One of our favorite features of the Approach 120 is the built-in rod racks. On a small raft, optimizing storage and protecting gear is key. Rod holders are incorporated into both sides of the frame rail via strategically placed cutouts. These are paired with loop closures to secure fully rigged fly rods. On a float trip, when you are switching between techniques, added rod storage keeps you fishing rather than rigging. Simply switch out pre-rigged rods, and you can go from nymph fishing to streamer fishing in seconds.
Rower’s Package:
If you want to take the guesswork out of dialing in your raft setup, NRS offers the Rower’s Package. This package comes with everything you need to start rowing to the best of your ability. The packages are sized specifically to the size raft you get, so the Approach 120 package is tuned for the 120 size raft. This includes 7.5’ Advantage Oar Shafts, Helix Oar Blades, a 2:1 anchor assist pulley, and an 18lb Tornado Anchor. While this is an add-on package, having everything you need to optimize the water performance more than makes up for the hassle of dialing it on your own.
Tech Specs:
Here is the full tech spec sheet from the NRS website.
(Note: these are the specs for the Approach 120 Raft, which is the raft shown in the photos within this article. For other models, please reference the “specs” noted on the NRS Approach 100 Raft page. These specs do not include the Rower’s Package, see website for more details).
| Raft Package Contents: |
|
| Weight: |
|
| Series: | Approach |
| Length: | 12′ |
| Width: | 49″ |
| Diminishing Tube Diameter: | 16″/12″ |
| Number of Thwarts: | 0 |
| Bow Kick: | 22″ |
| Stern Kick: | 22″ |
| Number of Air Chambers: | 4 |
| Valve Type: | Leafield – C7 |
| Self Bailing: | Yes |
| Type of Material: | PVC |
| Weight/Denier of Tube Material: | 52 oz/2000D |
| Weight/Denier of Floor Material: | 52 oz/2000D |
| Bottom Wear Patch: | 68 oz / 4000D PVC |
| Number of D-rings: | 10 |
| Number of Handles: | 6 |
| Center Compartment Width: | 17″ |
| Repair Kit: | Yes |
Our Experience:
It was about a year ago that we first got our hands on the NRS Approach Raft, and since then, our team has collectively logged hundreds of hours, both in the rower’s seat and at the bow. With those experiences in mind, if there was only one word we could use to describe this watercraft thus far, it would be versatile.
The NRS Approach Raft, specifically the Approach 120, was designed to take the slogan of its cousin, the NRS Slipstream, “No Boat Ramp necessary,” and go one step further, leading to the Approach’s mantra: “No trailer necessary.” To try to explain why a raft that doesn’t need a boat trailer warrants special attention seems superfluous, but we’re going to talk about it anyway.
The NRS Approach 120 is noticeably smaller than most fishing rafts. Coming in at 12 feet in length and 165 pounds fully loaded, it’s the second shortest fishing raft NRS offers (just behind the Slipstream 106, which comes in at 10’6” and 145 lbs). However, where it adds on in length, the Approach 120 makes up for in width. Coming in at only 49 inches from side to side, the Approach 120 is over a foot slimmer than the Slipstream 106 (5’3”), making it ideal for pushing into the back of truck beds, as well as on top of roof racks and cabs. This is where the “no trailer needed” slogan comes back into play.
Throughout our adventures, be it a quick float in the backyard or a weekend trip to Idaho, having the ability to leave the trailer behind has been paramount both in finding new fishing spots to float and fueling our desire to do so. There’s nothing more freeing than being able to stop on any random pull-off and decide, “This’ll be a good place to start today,” and it’s a right we like to exercise regularly. Not only does this ability lend to added creativity with our fishing spots, but it’s also given us more control over how long our floats are. What was once a 5-hour float that would’ve taken us into the dark after putting on post-work is now a 2.5-hour or shorter float and can be replicated repeatedly. Having this ability to dictate just how long we’ll be on the water by altering our put-in location (as opposed to how fast we forward-row) is an unbeatable advantage in its own right. However, the size advantage doesn’t end there.
Because the raft is both lightweight and extremely durable, your ability to be creative when it comes to put-ins broadens even further. There have been multiple times where a roadside pull-off perfect to house a few vehicles was over 100+ yards from the river. Does this mean giving up? Not with the Approach 120. With the desire to break a little sweat before a long ride on Easy Street, a small 2-man portage is more than manageable with the 160-lb raft. We’re speaking from experience; making the quick waddle to the water is more than worth it. Even in instances where we didn’t have a willing and able buddy to help carry the raft, because of the extremely high-quality PVC that the raft’s made out of, it can be dragged like a sled with no worry necessary.
Our favorite features:
We’ve talked a lot about the size and weight, but the NRS Approach 120 really outshines the competition in its features. This raft is built with a lot of consideration toward angler-specific use cases, but a few features stand out above the rest—specifically the leg braces, the under-seat storage, the integrated rod storage, and the motor mount.
The new and improved leg braces are molded in a more function-focused manner than the metal “U” braces of standards past. The new system features a strong plastic base featuring cup holders and different wells for fly boxes, tippet, or other important gear. Their design is more reminiscent of a drift boat as opposed to your run-of-the-mill raft.
One of our favorite features, the under-seat storage, is where anglers get a refund for their storage space lost with the lessened width of the vessel. Both seats in the NRS Approach 120 feature a metal storage box that can be accessed simply by lifting the seat. Extending to the boat floor, these boxes can fit PFDs, large Streamer Boxes, first aid kits, jackets, and much more. They’re also sealed with a rubberized gasket, so they’re a great storage option for keeping valuables dry during harsh weather conditions or through big waves.
Moving down the list, the integrated rod storage on these boats is a game changer. Rod holders on boats aren’t a new invention, with offerings previously available from NRS itself, as well as some 3rd party players such as Riversmith, but what makes the Approach’s rod storage solution so much better is that it’s integrated right into the frame. Not only does this design create fewer line catch points, but it also offers a strong and durable storage solution that you can be sure will never bend or loosen.
Last but certainly not least, we want to mention the new transom built onto the back of the frame. Again, this is a design we’ve seen in drift boats before but never really on a fishing raft. The incorporation of this motor mount really proves that NRS wants these boats to be taken ANYWHERE. This feature is especially helpful for anglers who like to fish in medium to large lakes. By just strapping a transom-mount trolling motor or even a 4-stroke kicker, the Approach 120 can be turned into an effective stillwater craft. Now, not only can you get to your favorite spots on the reservoir that much faster, but you don’t have to blow out your shoulders in the process (save that part for the endless casting you’ll be doing for hunkered down musky).
The slot rail frame is another feature we didn’t mention on our shortlist but really deserves some recognition. Unlike any boat before it, just about everything in the boat is attached to the frame via T-nuts and a slot rail. The reason we want to talk about this is because it allows anything in the boat to be adjusted with extreme ease and without taking anything apart. The seats, oar locks, bars, and anchor system can be adjusted to accommodate different anglers by loosening the nuts. This is great for our team as every rower and angler can be balanced and comfortable every time they step into the boat.
A Short Interview with NRS:
Having used this raft for over a year and thoroughly enjoying every minute of it, we were eager to learn more from the team behind NRS. We sat down with Mike Dolmage, the NRS Director of Fish, to learn more about what it took to bring this product to life.
Flylords: What role(s) did you play in bringing the Approach 120 to life?
NRS has a passionate design and development team that works together to bring user-focused solutions to the fly fishing watercraft industry. As the Director Of Fish, I work closely with Kirk Turner (Senior Industrial Designer), Will Root (Senior Development Specialist), and Rob Gleason (Fabrication/Manufacturing).
I was responsible for researching what fly anglers value in easy-transport fishing rafts with smaller platforms. Once there was an understanding of what features and attributes fly anglers were looking for in easy-transport fishing rafts, I was able to set the vision for the Approach 120. As a team, we began the design and development of the raft, which provided key features that fly anglers were seeking in watercraft. We logged hundreds of hours in our frame shop and on the water, creating and testing prototype watercraft. The NRS design/development team worked tirelessly to deliver the most complete and versatile fly fishing watercraft.
Flylords: Where did the idea for this raft begin? How did it evolve?
The idea for Approach 120 originated with the desire to eliminate the need for transportation with a trailer (focused on a “truck launch” concept) and create new possibilities for launching a fishing watercraft in rugged conditions. With every journey on the river, there’s gear that’s critical to the pursuit of fish. The Approach 120 concept evolved to focus on solving the dilemma of keeping the watercraft lightweight and easy to transport while incorporating areas for storing gear.
Another aspect of Approach 120 that evolved with the project included adjustability for the positioning of the oar mounts, rower’s seat, and angler’s seat to account for onboard weight distribution and different-sized rowers/anglers. The Approach 120 is a complete departure from the way NRS has constructed frames for over 50 years. Instead of using standard NRS tube side rails, we designed the Slot Rail to add quick component adjustment along the side rails of the watercraft. The new NRS Slot Rail provides a track that allows components and accessories to easily move along for adjustments and then securely lock in place.
Flylords: What was the most difficult part of bringing this project to life?
The most difficult part of the Approach 120 development was keeping the watercraft transportable and lightweight while creating storage areas to protect critical gear. Every adventure requires gear, and it was a delicate balancing act to keep the watercraft lightweight while still providing storage areas for onboard gear.
- We integrated storage capacity for rigged fly rods into the frame, keeping rods fully protected and ready for fly anglers.
- We drew inspiration from our 50+ year whitewater heritage to put dry box storage for both the rower and angler, keeping critical gear dry and out of the way. You always need space to store PFDs, technical layers, fly boxes, tools, and a first-aid kit.
- We provided quick-access storage areas for the rower and angler with dry box side trays, a thigh hook with a storage reservoir, and two cup holders notched out to accommodate beverage containers with handles (your morning coffee mug with a handle).
Flylords: What was the most exciting part of bringing this project to life?
The most exciting aspect of developing the Approach 120 was seeing the versatility that the watercraft provided for fly anglers on any adventure in pursuit of fish. Layers of the Approach 120 can be stripped off to reduce weight for ultralight journeys.
- A transom for an outboard motor was integrated into the frame, allowing anglers to change their means of transportation for long stillwater sections.
- Layers of the Approach 120 can be stripped off to reduce weight for those ultralight journeys (steep embankments, longer portages, or fly-in trips).
- The bow thigh hook can be removed.
- The rod holder exoskeleton frame portion can be removed.
- The motor transom can be removed.
- The stern anchor system can also be removed.
Flylords: What key components of this raft make it stand out from any others in its class?
In the easy-transport class of multi-person fly fishing rafts, NRS stands out from the current competition (Flycraft, SmithFly, and Stealth Craft).
- Fully adjustable frame components can even out the weight distribution and adjust areas for rowers or anglers of different sizes.
- Bow dry box seat
- Rower’s dry box seat
- Rower’s oar mount locations
- Rower’s foot bar
- Dry box storage – keep gear out of the way of the rower and angler (eliminate trip hazards)
- Stores on-board essentials – PFDs, bags, gear, technical layers, tools, etc.
- Fully protected rod holders – Eliminate the risk of breaking/damaging on-board rigged fly rods.
- Made In The USA – NRS whitewater frame craftsmanship is built in Moscow, ID, with 50+ years of experience.
- NRS World-Renowned Custom Service – There’s an NRS team available 6 days a week to support any customer need or answer any question.
Flylords: What type of angler does this raft serve to accommodate?
The NRS Approach 120 is designed for the fly angler looking for a watercraft with the versatility to handle any condition. If you can imagine the adventure, the NRS Approach 120 is the watercraft that will turn it into reality. NRS worked hard to listen to the needs of fly anglers/boaters and deliver the watercraft to support their adventures to the fullest extent.
Final Thoughts
All in all, no boat is perfect for everything. Would we suggest taking the approach 120 down a large river with class 3-4 rapids? No (although we have done it). If we were to consider the Slipstream series from NRS, the Multi-tool of fishing rafts, we’d probably consider the Approach 120 a scalpel. This is because it’s a raft that’s built to be specialized. The general features of this raft suit the needs of any angler, but the ability to fine-tune it to meet specific angling scenarios, such as skinny rivers and large lakes, is really what makes this raft stand out. Couple that with its size and portability, and you have something that’s going to change the standard of fishing rafts forever. Overall, we really have nothing bad to say about the Approach 120, and we would recommend it to just about anyone looking for a more specialized watercraft.
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