Have you ever thought about getting into fly fishing art? We thought right now is a great time to give it a go. So we connected with our friend Sarah Landstrom to get a little insight into how to get started in fly fishing art. Check out the full interview below.
Flylords: For people who are stranded at home right now where is the best place to begin?
Sarah: Pull out some photos of your favorite fishing trips! Fiddle around with sketching them out, even loosely. Think of this as a warm-up. Get a feel for the drawing tools you may have or the type of paper—then jump into a project that gets you excited!
Flylords: What is the hardest part of drawing a fish?
Sarah: Like any drawing, I think people get caught up in if it looks REAL. But really everyone has a unique way of making marks. And it’s beautiful! People’s personalities come out when they draw, so being tripped up by whether or not it looks REAL just holds you back.
Flylords: What is the best medium to start with?
Sarah: Starting with just a bit of paper and a pencil is great. With those tools, you can begin to understand “value” (lights and darks through shading) in black and white. After you’ve developed that skill, it can be far easier to jump into color.
Flylords: What is your favorite medium?
Sarah: Personally, I love acrylic paint. Mostly because it’s forgiving! It’s water-based and builds on itself, so you can always go back to change things.
Flylords: For people who are in the intermediate level of experience – what do you recommend as a new medium for them?
Sarah: Colored pencil or acrylic paint is a great way to experiment when you’ve reached an intermediate level! Play around too. Not every piece has to be your new favorite, make sure to test ideas. This is how you’ll really develop your “style”.
Flylords: Do you have a favorite piece you have worked on?
Sarah: I love working large scale, so likely the boats I’ve painted. It’s such a physical way of painting! Big brushes, tons of paint, and transforming a large surface is just so exciting.
Flylords: Where is the best place to get supplies during Quarantine?
Sarah: That’s a great question. Ideally, if you can avoid amazon, you may have a local store that has supplies for online purchases. Or try calling! They may be able to take orders over the phone. This solution would still help support local and likely get you the supplies much faster.
Flylords: Where do you get your inspiration from?
Sarah: I dream about fish quite a bit. So if I’m not referencing from a specific photo or trip, I likely am thinking about some gesture of scenario I’d come up with in a dream. Sounds silly, I know. Just what happens to fishing folks eventually I guess!
Flylords: When this is over, where is the first place you want to send a cast?
Sarah: Back in Michigan off of my parent’s dock. Being around people I love, but can’t see right now, and in a place that is so special to me.
Sarah is currently doing Instagram Live How to Draw Sessions, be sure to tune in at @sarah_landstrom.
Deep in Southern California’s Cleveland National Forest, US Forest Service workers are in the process of drastically improving the Forest’s creeks and streams. The aim of the project is to remove over 80 small dams, creating more room for natural fish movement upstream into the depths of the wilderness. Countless native fish species use the forest’s creeks and streams for year-round habitation or for spawning runs, like the currently endangered Southern California Steelhead. Yep, you read that right, although small in numbers steelhead run in creeks and rivers between San Diego and LA.
The project is managed by the US Forestry Service and work is being done in part by members of the US Marine Corps.
Currently, there are countless movements aimed at the removal of dams to free the rivers that they impound, like the Snake River Dams. But instead of removing a single, large dam, this project aims to remove dozens of low head dams.
“Looking at what the Forest Service did is a really smart way for other agencies to begin to think about their infrastructure,” says Serena McClain, the director of river restoration at the nonprofit American Rivers, which tracks dam-removal efforts. “The Forest Service is showing that the federal government can lead on this and demonstrate the possibility for the private sector and municipalities.”
For this installment of “Nonprofit of the Month,” we sat down and chatted with Elevate Youth’s Founder and Executive Director Alec “Griz” Griswold. Elevate Youth is a nonprofit organization operating in the Boston and greater-New England area that uses the outdoors and positive adult mentorship to empower underprivileged kids. Griz came to the realization that so many kids in his community did not have access to the outdoors and were missing out on all the health benefits and positive life lessons learned from being outside. EY seeks to highlight and correct the severity of this inequity.
Flylords: So, how did Elevate Youth start?
EY: Elevate Youth (EY) started as a result of my experiences in the outdoor industry but most importantly from a relationship with my little brother Miguel (through Big Brothers Big Sisters). Growing up, I was lucky to be surrounded by nature and I knew that the outdoors was going to be an essential part of my life. I moved to Boston back in 2011 and shortly thereafter signed up for Big Brothers Big Sisters. Miguel and I were matched, and we started doing fun outdoor activities together. I vividly remember asking him one day, “hey how about we go for a hike!?” He responded, “what do you mean? Like just go walk around in the woods.” Something at the moment clicked in my head–Miguel did not have the context to understand the benefits of nature activities, and I realized that there are many barriers to accessing nature and the outdoors for those in underserved communities. From seeing his growth and excitement about outdoor sports (especially fishing), I knew I had to find a way to bring these experiences to more kids.
Flylords: Explain Elevate Youth’s mission.
EY: Our mission is simple: Empower youth from underserved communities through year-round outdoor experiences coupled with the support of consistent adult role models. Essentially, we introduce and provide continual outdoor recreation for our youth and incorporate supportive adults, to create a safe place where our youth can realize their full potential.
Flylords: How many kids has Elevate Youth mentored/shared outdoor experiences with?
EY: Since the beginning of 2018 we have served over 400 kids, a majority of which have attended multiple outings. Our model is cohort based and focuses on creating the habit of spending time in nature. In order to create a habit, there needs to be multiple opportunities to explore.
Flylords: How does Elevate Youth use the outdoors to mentor kids in underserved neighborhoods?
EY: We use local parks, public lands, and accessible waterways as the setting for many of our outings. We believe it is imperative to use outdoor spaces that are close to our kids’ neighborhoods to educate them that these places belong to everyone.
The outdoors is the perfect place to build relationships as communication, teamwork and resiliency are inherently built into outdoor activities. Moreover, kids living in urban environments are not getting enough time in natural green spaces and this has many negative repercussions. Author Richard Louv, coined the term “nature deficit disorder,” and we are creating avenues to combat this reality. Providing opportunities for kids to explore nature is essential in ensuring their overall health and wellness.
Flylords: What does the average Elevate Youth outing look like?
EY: We provide a lot of different outdoor outings (i.e. hiking, fishing, backcountry yoga, sailing, horseback riding, kayaking, surfing, climbing, and more). Let’s take a fishing outing as an example: A typical fishing outing involves a group of 12 youth from our partner organizations along with 2 EY instructors and at least 2 volunteers/mentors. Our Lead instructor picks up the group in our van, and we head to a river, pond, or ocean. We start every outing with a team building exercise and make sure everyone feels comfortable in that particular setting. We teach the basic skills, go over different techniques, discuss the fishery and outline the importance of catch and release, and ultimately allow our kids to learn at their own pace. One of the most important parts of all our outings is the group debrief at the end of the outing, where youth recognize each other’s accomplishments and we share our favorite moments of the outing as well as discuss various challenges. Fishing is one of our most popular activities and seeing the eyes of kid when they catch their first fish is the absolute best!
Flylords: The Elevate Youth experience seems like a fun, enjoyable time—is there an educational aspect to it, or is mostly about the mentoring/getting kids outside?
EY: As we have grown, so has our curriculum. In addition to our outings, we provide enrichment sessions that focus on environmental education, strengthening social & emotional skills, and leadership. Experiential and hands-on learning is at the heart of all our outings and enrichment sessions. As part of our mission we are in the business of instilling the importance of green spaces for everyone. As a result, we aim to create the next generation of environmental stewards. Nature is the best classroom.
Flylords: Volunteers are essential for most nonprofit organizations. Describe the importance of volunteers at Elevate Youth.
EY: Our volunteers are incredible. I believe one of the reasons we have such great volunteers is that they come with a passion for the outdoors and are thrilled to share that with our youth. We have over 80 volunteers that range from our Board, development committee, outing support, and mentors. Our outdoor mentor program was just recently launched in conjunction with the local Patagonia store. It is truly a unique group mentoring program that allows for the relationship between mentor and youth to grow throughout the year. The simple act of being a supportive adult has tremendous positive impact on our youth.
Flylords: I’m sure the kids love these experiences and gain invaluable life lessons. But for you and other volunteers, sharing your time with these kids and witnessing the happiness must be a very powerful and rewarding feeling, too. Right?
EY: It is a shared experience – our main focus is providing transformative experiences for our youth and by being an active participant in this experience the adults feel and see this transformation. I’ve had numerous volunteers come up to me after an outing and express pure joy. There is something truly powerful about sharing new experiences in the outdoors with kids.
Flylords: Can you tell us about some specific Elevate Youth stories?
EY: I have some great stories but I will never forget our first outing, a ski trip at Wachusett Mountain. Jade, who is an EY veteran now, was very nervous about this new sport. She did not believe she could do it, but throughout the day we had instructors and volunteers work with her and encourage her to progress. By the end of day, she was connecting turns with a big smile on her face. She came up to me as we were getting ready to load up in the van and head back to Boston and said, “this was the best day of my life… I really conquered my fears.” Needless to say, my eyes were not dry, and I knew that Elevate Youth had the chance to be an impactful force on the youth we serve.
Flylords: Does Elevate Youth have any big upcoming projects or plans?
EY: Entering our third full year of operation, we are focused on maintaining the best quality outdoor programming for our youth. Our aim is to add two new school partners in the fall and continue working with all our current youth. Our goal is to reach and consistently work with over 800 youth in the next three years. Moreover, we are forging partnerships with other outdoor organizations & businesses to create an avenue for our older youth to find meaningful internships & employment in the outdoor industry. In order to affect meaningful change, there needs to be collaboration between nonprofits, communities, families, schools, and government. We are not in the business of one & done nature experiences–rather we aim to instill a love for the outdoors through multi-year programming and support.
Flylords: How has the recent Coronavirus craziness affected EYB?
EYB: This is such a difficult time for everyone right now, but especially for kids in underserved communities. In this time of isolation & uncertainty, it is our duty to step up and be there for the communities we serve.Now more than ever our kids need outdoor time but for those in urban environments this can be a challenge.Since we have had to suspend all programming, we have pivoted into creating a virtual platform for kids to access. In collaboration with other organizations and our partners, we are focused on providing fun, nature themed activities, social & emotional resources, movement & workout exercises, as well mindfulness activities. I encourage everyone to find ways to volunteer in their local community in this time on great need.
Flylords: How can Flylords’ readers get involved with Elevate Youth?
EY: If you live in the New England area please reach out to us and we would love to get you out on a trip to see what we do firsthand. For those not in New England, I encourage you to find a youth mentoring organization in your area and get involved–advocate for getting underserved youth outdoors! The most important thing we can do is share our passion for the outdoors with the next generation–if they don’t care about nature why would they want to protect it.
If you want to learn more about Elevate Youth, be sure to check out their website, Facebook, and Instagram!
For our latest video of the week, we had the chance to talk with Alex Blackwell, videographer for Jon B., about their trip to Sudan and their experiences there.
FlyLords: Tell us about how this trip came about.
Alex: When this trip first came to our attention, we were reached out to by Capt Jako Lucas of Capt Jack Productions. World class fly fisherman, film maker, you guys know the drill. He had set this trip up through African Waters, an extremely reputable guide outfitter that handles African based trips to remote locations. Their main point of contact is Wild Sea Expedition, we spent the majority of our trip with them & dealt with African Waters’ Guide, Brent Poultney. He’s been guiding with Wild Sea Expedition for the last 4 years.
This was the first guided trip to the Southern Red Sea. Wild Sea Expedition had acquired an old diving boat, Don Questo, for this mission. It was a bit rugged, but perfect for what we were looking to do. Normally they run trips to the Nubian Flats near the Egyptian Sudanese border, but our trip took place over 100 miles SSE of Port Sudan on small atolls & archipelagos that have rarely (or most likely never) seen a fly or fishing lure before.
After launching from Port Sudan and making our way into these untouched waters, we would take small boats called Pangas to the reefs edge & crawl inside these protected islands. Inside we found flourishing ecosystems. Sand flats contrasted the coral reefs that lined the islands edge, with gin clear water. Giant Trevally, Bluefin Trevally, Bohar Snapper, Marbled Grouper, Triggerfish were littered throughout. The occasional Napoleon Wrasse, Sweet Lips, & Permit would show themselves, but never were quite in casting range.
Once on the flats your group (normally 2 anglers) would be accompanied by a guide. We would alternate between stalking flats fish with teasing bigger reef fish from the edge. You’d always be strapped with a 12wt & an 8 wt, but ideally you’d want to have a 10wt with you just in case that elusive permit showed up.
Flies were primarily alphlexo crabs or small crab patterns for fish on the flats, while the Giant Trevally flies were size 10/0 hooks and all of 8 inches long. We brought along some Tarpon fly tackle along, but quickly learned we were dealing with an entirely different class of fish.
15-20lb tippet was standard for the flats.
150-200lb leader was standard for the reef’s edge.
The contrast in tackle was absolutely stupid. You think you come prepared for GT’s knowing they’re only 15-25kg class fish, but you soon realize even a 15kg sized fish can absolutely destroy your gear in the blink of an eye.
The GT’s eluded us on the fly, but our friend’s Mick & Ben from Australia were able to come tight on one fish over the course of 12 days of fishing
But we weren’t there to just fly fish, we were there to throw giant stick baits and poppers as well. That’s where we had the best luck. The boat probably caught over 40 GT’s, and we were told that was extremely slow.
FlyLords: What was the highlight of the trip?
Alex: The highlight of the trip was definitely the entire experience. Going into these exploratory trips you never know what’s going to happen. You just place yourself in a situation that seems productive & you cast until your shoulder feels like it’s going to fall out of the socket.
We caught over 16 different species of fish, using everything from big poppers to small freshwater bass tackle to flies.
We stepped foot on islands that have probably never seen a “modern day” angler & witnessed what a tropical ecosystem looks like without the influence of man. It was truly eye opening.
One of the trips where you look back & go, “Wow, did we really just do that!”
The fishing was slow at times, we dealt with cold fronts that dropped temperatures from 91 degree Fahrenheit to 65 the next day. Winds sustained at over 25 knots on numerous days. We didn’t have the best conditions over the course of our 12 days of fishing, but when the weather cooperated – it was world class.
Hopefully some of our pictures do it justice.
FlyLords: I heard you got to knock off some personal accomplishments on the fly. Tell us about that.
Alex: Yeah, it’s always a challenge putting down the camera when the fishing is red hot. But being that we were in Sudan for 14 days I was able to take some time & focus on my true passion, fishing.
I’ve traveled all around the US & abroad chasing fish on fly. From Bonefish and Permit in Belize to King Salmon in Alaska. When this trip came to my attention, I knew I wanted to target Triggerfish.
The Triggerfish is a Staple in Sudan. The small Atolls & Archipelagos we explored in the South Red Sea were littered with them. Singles cruising & tailing down the beach, packs of two or three fish grubbing on the sand flats. It’s a sight fisherman’s eden.
Jon was struggling on his second day targeting Triggers to come tight on fly. Everything that could go wrong, did. Fish lodging themselves into coral, tackle failure, pulled hooks, you name it. After “partially” landing his first Trigger, Jon handed the rod over to me and said “I’m done! It’s your turn.”
Getting these Triggers to hone in on your fly isn’t the biggest hurdle, it’s the Hookset. You lay out a 30ft cast, 5 ft past the fish, trying to intersect their path, it’s flats fishing 101. Your strips slowly drag your crab fly into their path & they immediately show interest. Every strip feels like an eternity, pulling a foot of line over the course of 3-4 seconds. Your knees are shaking, sweat dripping into your eyes, just waiting to feel the sensation of weight on the end of your fly line. When that fish finally eats, it feels like you’ve come tight onto a rock. Your running back, waist deep in the water, just hoping to put the fish onto the reel. And when it all comes together, it happens! The reel starts screaming, you’re into your backing in the blink of an eye & you come to the realization that “it’s happening”!
The approach to these fish is eerily similar to stalking Bonefish on a flat. The eat is so subtle, you tend to miss the first, second, even third eat. But the reward for all that stalking & patience is a colored out fish that feels like it’s better placed in a children’s coloring book than in the middle of nowhere Sudan.
Catching my first Trigger on fly is going to be hard to live down, I’m addicted from this point on. I could spend days chasing those fish on an 8wt – it’s everything you want out of a sight fished scenario.
FlyLords: How were you carrying camera gear in this harsh environment?
Alex: I was carrying our camera arsenal in a Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Backpack. It’s one of the toughest backpacks on the market when it comes to being waterproof and dealing with harsh environments. I never left the boat without the Sony A7III & Sony A6300, always had the 16-35mm F/2.8 G Master & 70-200mm F/2.8 G Master lens, my DJI Mavic 2 Pro & DJI Smart Controller, a handful of extra SD & Micro SD cards in a PolarPro hard case, 3 external 10,000 MHA Anker batteries, 2 additional USB C cables, 9 Fully Charged GoPro Batteries for our 2 GoPro Hero 8’s, and a GoPro Hero 6 in an Underwater Dome Housing. To say we were ready for anything was an understatement.
The Fishpond Thunderhead backpack held up with no leaks for 12 days exploring 7 different islands in some of the harshest weather & terrain conditions I’ve ever experienced. One splash of saltwater in that backpack could have resulted in thousands of dollars lost. She held up like a champ.
This interview was conducted by FlyLords team member Conner Grimes (@doublehaulmedia).
Self-isolating doesn’t mean that you can’t go outside. But it does mean you should make smart decisions — both for yourself and more vulnerable people and communities.
I know many members of our community have a lot of questions about travel and the outdoors right now, so here are a few suggestions about how we’re thinking about getting outside.
If you’re looking for a few concise slides to share on your networks, you can download them here.
1. Avoid road trips and significant travel for now.
Cheap flights might be enticing, and social distancing by “hitting the road” can sound exciting, but we don’t want to put small communities at risk or increase our ability to spread infection. Even in the last few days, many people flocked to places like Moab and Tahoe to “just getaway”.
Most mountain towns and rural communities simply don’t have the medical staff or facilities to handle an outbreak, and acting as a potential carrier simply isn’t worth it. Heading out on a road trip and passing through small towns can have more of an effect than you think…you’ll probably stop for gas (or to use the restroom), visit a grocery store, or interact with a parks service employee (if you’re in a national park). Sure, it might be possible to limit your interactions, bring all your own food, and see no one. But honestly, most people aren’t that self-sufficient. Beyond the threat of spreading COVID-19, you also want to avoid putting an additional strain on rural healthcare systems if you suffer an accident while climbing, mountain biking, skiing, etc.
Additionally, some rural communities (like many in Utah) are already taking steps to actively prevent additional visitors during this time. Please respect that.
For those that are currently doing #vanlife full time…I honestly don’t know. You’re in a tough spot.
2. You don’t have to stop going outside
It’s great to get outside, take a break from the incessant news, and get away from social media, and many officials are even recommending it. But be aware of and minimize your “touchpoints” when going outside. Think home ➡️ car ➡️ trail (and reverse). Don’t stray too far from home, avoid other people, and recognize any unnecessary risks that could put an additional burden on health professionals. Try and keep your groups limited to your own household.
National Parks can be a tantalizing option for many people right now, but recognize that they might also be a hotspot for crowds. Many park facilities will be closed and similar to a government shutdown, parks may not be prepared to manage visitors. If you do choose to go, don’t use public facilities like restrooms, and consider sticking to areas you know are less popular.
A lot of people might not have the privilege of being able to use a car to create distance or access the more “backcountry” outdoors. In this case, walks down the street, in the park, etc are all still good options as long as you’re maintaining at least 6 ft of space from others.
3. Listen to local officials and the CDC
Above all, follow the recommendations and restrictions of local governments and health officials. Wash your hands, practice social distancing, and keep yourself healthy.
Many people are dealing with loss of work, trips being canceled, or figuring out how to work from home. Events are canceled, summer plans are in jeopardy, and our sphere of travel has narrowed to a radius around our house. But as with all challenges, this too shall pass. We can all handle staying at/closer to home for a while.
The mountains will still be there, there will be pow days next winter, and your health is more important than any trip — as is the health of everyone in your community. While getting outside can and will be a key component for many people to reduce stress, relax, and get a bit of exercise, it’s important that we do it in ways that don’t put others at risk.
A few concise summary slides that you’re welcome to share
Let’s face it not many of us expected the novel Corona Virus to take our country by storm shutting down all non-essential businesses, encouraging social distancing, self quarantining, and limiting travel. It happened and it happened very fast. I mean it all does make sense, if we do our part we can flatten the curve, reducing the spread of the virus, allowing our healthcare systems a little more room to breathe. But our economy will suffer especially small businesses like fly shops and staff working at the fly shops.
Many fly shops across the nation have shut their brick and motor retails stores and are left with no way to bring in any sort of revenue. Other fly shops have set up creative ways to capture customer’s business. At this point we really don’t know how long this might last, the longer it does the more likelihood of many fly shops having to close down for good. So to prevent that from happening what are some ways that we can support our local fly shops?
Fly shops across the nation have begun to offer “curbside” services. Where you can call ahead and purchase items over the phone. The fly shop will prepare the items for you and deliver them to you when you pull out front. Some fly shops are even offering home delivery for certain orders.
The owner of the Silver Bow Fly Shop in Spokane, Washington Sean Visintainer stated:
“With a rapidly changing business and social environment, we are here to support the angling community while respecting their space and health. We deeply appreciate phone and online orders during these tough economic times and encourage anglers to support their local fly shops by calling in orders, purchasing from their online stores, and share/tag their home shops to help promote them. We will all get passed this together!” #flyshopstrong
Not all fly shops have online stores but the ones that do you can support during these times of social distancing. If you have been saving up for a new setup this year, now is the time to purchase one from your local shop. You can browse many fly shops full inventory online and most shops have free shipping if you spend more than $50.00-100.00.
Some online fly shops have been able to discount gear that they normally cannot. Andy Leister from Vail Valley Anglers stated, “We want to thank Patagonia for recognizing the upfront hit the entire outdoor industry is taking financially and allowing us to go on sale with their entire line of world-class products.
Our online store is the only way we are able to stay in business for the near future and purchasing through us, rather than Amazon or direct, is supporting our ability to serve the fly fishing public for the future. Thank you for your kindness and support during these incredibly difficult times.”
In Summit County, Colorado, Cutthroat Anglers Fly Shop is “allocating 30% of all online sales to their year-round shop staff as long as the retail space remains closed” according to owner Ben McCormick.
YOUTUBE LIVE | FLY FISHING THE DENVER SOUTH PLATTE with @troutsflyfishing
“With the Denver Stay at Home Order in effect, we’ve moved to ONLINE SALES only through April 10th. With everything that’s going on, we want to be there for all of our customers and help them escape whether it be through Live Streaming relevant angling content or getting them ready for a responsible day on the water with gear or some of our River or Species-Specific Staff Picked Fly Collections. We’ve got a lot of streaming content coming up in the next three weeks and we’re even launching a quarantine inspired podcast next week, as well.”
Say you don’t really know what you need for gear right now or want to get your special someone a gift amidst the social distancing. Maybe get into to fly tying..? There is no better time to buy a gift card from your local shop. Why? Most shops are offering specials where you will often receive up to 20% off or in rebates with any gift card purchase. It’s a great way to support the shop in times of not a lot of revenue coming through the business.
Aaron Alexander of St. Petes Fly Shop in Fort Collins sent over the following message:
“Things seem to change by the day, even the hour, but we are trying to adapt…keeping the health and well-being of our great community first. We are “open” to online orders, email orders, and phone orders, for everything from gift cards (pictured above) to gear to essentials. With each of these outlets, we are still able to provide that personal touch and customer care that we so highly value, and our customers deserve. Our customers and friends are always there for us, so we’ll be there for you!”
Many of us are already planning our summer, fall, and even winter fly fishing trips. If you know you are going to be visiting a certain area and want to fish with your favorite guide, now is the time to book. Many shops have flexible cancellation policies just like many of the airline carriers. Take advantage of this. And if you want your favorite guide it may be smart to book now as many of the current trips have been pushed to later dates. So take that into account when booking. If you are flying to your destination there is probably no better time to book a flight either.
If your one of the millions of people that have recently been laid off and don’t have any savings for fly fishing gear, one way to support your local shop is to help boost their online presence by giving them an online review. Most of us are looking for stuff to do at home, this is one task that takes 5-10 minutes at most. If you have a google account you can simply google your favorite shop and their business listing should come up and you can click “Write a Review”. Facebook, Trip Advisor, and Yelp are other online sites you can review your shop.
What Not To-do:
Now might now be the best time to buy direct or on Amazon. Our local economies will benefit from shopping locally, so seek out your local fly shop and support them.
Without a fly shop, the base of the angling community in that area will be lost. They are so vitally important to anglers and the fly fishing community. Let’s put our heads together as anglers and support the industry that we all do love. #flyshopstrong
For the past couple weeks now, we have been seeing the adverse effects of Covid-19 (Coronavirus) for the fly fishing industry, the larger recreational fishing industry, and obviously the entire world. Guides are seeing tons of cancellations, trade shows are being canceled, and local fly shops are losing their peak season. On top of this, anglers’ access is being restricted all over the country as a precautionary measure to slow the spread of Coronavirus. In these uncharted and trying times, it is essential that the fly fishing community stand together and support the rest of the industry.
The entire recreational fishing sector is taking a massive hit and will need federal assistance, like you hear about for other–subjectively larger–industry sectors. Thankfully, The American Saltwater Guides Association is here to advocate to Congress on behalf of recreational fishing. Check out their letter to Congressional Leadership:
If the Federal Government won’t or can’t step in to help the recreational fishing industry, we will need to step up. You’ve probably already seen the social media posts about supporting guides and local shops, but it deserves repeating. Here is how ASGA’s Vice President and Policy Director, Tony Friedrich, put it:
“For those of you who booked trips with the guides, we understand if you can’t go fishing with us in the next few weeks. Please, don’t ask for your deposit back. If you can find it in your heart to reschedule, it would be greatly appreciated. Some of our best clients are paying for the trip upfront and keeping the date flexible. We can’t tell you how much we appreciate it. If the rest of you could do what you can, we won’t forget it. If you don’t usually use a guide, please consider taking a trip with us later on in the summer or fall 2020. It will take us a while to get beyond this crisis. We would love to take you on a charter and show you what we know.
Most of our locally owned tackle shops are offering curb side pickup or online ordering. Please get something from them. Every little bit is going to help. They are there for you. Please, be there for them.
These are extraordinary times. ASGA appreciates all that is being done to curb the impacts of the virus. We believe in the country. We believe in the fishing community. The small businesses we represent are there time and time again for all of you. Please, be there for us. Pick up the phone and place an order with your local tackle shop. Email a guide and book a trip and pay for as much as you can now, not tomorrow.”
When it comes to fly fishing, we as anglers have a specific set of gear essentials that we just can’t live without. Waders are by far, one of the most crucial pieces of gear that cannot be overlooked. Picture yourself, fly fishing in the ravine of a mountainous gorge in the middle of winter, standing in 35-degree rapids without a pair of waders on. That sounds like a death sentence. Waders not only provide warmth in frigid water and temps but also offer us protection against any harmful entities contained in the water bodies we are fishing. Below, we at Flylords will highlight wader options that fit your usage level throughout a typical fishing season.
So maybe you consider yourself a fly fisherman, but the hustle and bustle of life prevent you from getting on the water very often. Or maybe you love to fly fish but just don’t have the budget to drop $500 on a new pair of waders. Compass 360 Gear has the waders for you. The Tailwater Stocking Foot waders are the perfect option for the average fly fisherman, not to mention the consumer-friendly price point.
Materials and Features:
4 ply constructed upper section
Adjustable elastic suspenders with quick-release buckles
An extra-large water-resistant zippered pass-through pocket
6-ply nylon full wrap lower leg reinforcement
100% chloroprene 3mm neoprene booties for soft and stretchable comfort without bunching
Rip-stop stretch Span-dura gravel guards
1.5” wading belt with quick-release buckle
B.A.P 3-N-1 Pocketing system
Intricate care and design leave Compass 360 Gear Tailwater waders a viable option for the average fly fisherman. There is something to be said about the quality and these waders are just that. Without breaking the bank, you can hit the water with confidence and full reliance on the durability of the Compass 360 waders.
You may be a fly fisherman who spends moderate to high amounts of time on the water and you are looking for waders that will produce the quality and reliability you desire. Redington holds its name as one of the more well-known companies in the fly fishing industry providing anglers with quality yet affordable products. Their Escape Wader line fits the mold of an excellent option for anglers with high expectations of their waders.
Materials and Features:
3-layer upper and 4-layer lower waterproof breathable material
Ergonomic 3mm neoprene booties with increased puncture resistance
Large chest storage pocket with water-resistant YKK zipper
Chest handwarmer pocket with micro-fleece lining
Flip-out YKK zip pocket for storing smaller items
Two integrated took docks for tool attachment and access
D-ring at center back for hanging a net
Integrated gravel guards and lace hook
Fully coated corrosion-resistant zipper pulls, and grommets
A removable elastic wading belt
At a consumer-friendly price point and optimum quality, the Redington Escape Waders are a great option for anglers who spend a quality amount of time on the water.
No matter how long you’ve been involved with fly fishing, you have surely heard of the Orvis name. Arguably the industry’s most well-known brand, Orvis is known for producing products of the utmost quality. They have made their mark on innovation with the highly versatile Ultralight Wading System. This light-weight design achieves its goal without sacrificing durability and performance.
Materials and Features Include:
100% Nylon Outer Shell
Bi-component Polyurethane
100% Nylon Tricot Liner
4-layer waterproof breathable nylon shell fabric
FIDLOCK SNAP magnetic fasteners for waist-high conversion
External storage pocket with YKK AquaGuard water-resistant zipper
Integrated tool dock and a fly patch on the front pocket
Updated anatomical neoprene booties
Integrated neoprene gravel guard
New low profile seam construction for high-stress areas
Internal zipper pockets with four-way stretch power mesh
Low profile belt loops with 1.5” stretch belt included
Approximate weight of 35 oz
The Orvis Ultralight Convertible Waders provide a sense of versatility unseen in many other wader styles. Because of these features, this system is an excellent option for consideration and will definitely not disappoint.
If you are the type of fly fisherman who spends multiple days a week on the water, it is necessary to have a pair of waders that can withstand wear and tear. While not for the everyday fisherman due to the steep price point, the Simms G4 Pro Waders are made with the utmost care and attention and are built to last some of the toughest scenarios. Featuring GORE-TEX fabric, these waders are abrasion, puncture, and tear-resistant. Brier and thorn bushes don’t stand a chance when it comes to the Simms G4 Pro Waders.
Materials and Features Include:
3-layer GORE-TEX Pro Shell upper/4-layer GORE-TEX Pro Shell lower
Patented compression-molded stockingfeet
Top zipped chest pocket with fly patch and tool docking station
If you are looking for a pair of waders built for the elements as well as comfort, look no further than the Simms G4 Pro-Line, you won’t be disappointed.
Sustainability and carbon footprint are two aspects of today’s world that are talked about frequently and deserve the utmost attention. Patagonia is known for its use of recycled materials in all of its products as well as focusing on a sustainable carbon footprint. That being said, they have produced waders for all types of fishermen across the globe. The Swiftcurrent Expedition series is their top of the line product, perfect for anglers who spend a multitude of time on the water.
Materials and Features Include:
Durable H2No Performance Standard recycled polyester microfiber shell with a waterproof and breathable barrier along with a durable water repellent finish
Single-seam construction for durability and gusseted crotch for freedom of movement
Submersible YKK front zipper is fully waterproof; fully adjustable, quick-release suspender system
Interior organization; waterproof flip-out pocket; two drop-in stretch pockets; two daisy chains for tools; center-back hanger loop for easy drying
Exterior organization: two handwarmer pockets with pocket flaps
Articulated legs: removable foam kneepads; heavy-duty scuff guards at ankles
Anatomical left and right booties have lower volume and a more sock-like fit for all-day wading comfort
Upper: 4-layer, 6.6-oz 100% recycled polyester microfiber high-density taffeta face fabric bonded to 100% recycled polyester backer
Lower: 4-layer, 9.4-oz 100% recycled polyester microfiber high-density double-weave taffeta face fabric bonded to 100% recycled polyester backer
The use of recycled materials is a true testament to the sustainable push that Patagonia pursues. Looking to help our carbon footprint while also staying protected on the water? Then the Patagonia Swiftcurrent Expedition Wader line is the perfect fit for you.
No matter the amount of time spent on the water or your level of expertise, waders are necessary to improve your fly fishing experience. Waders range in quality of materials, design, and price, all of which should be considered when choosing the best option for your fishing style. Now, lace up the boots, grab your rod, hit the water! Tight Lines.
Written by Flylords Content Team Member Grant Michaels. Check out what he is up to here: @gemichaels
With our daily routines scrambled and a greater amount of time at home as a result of COVID-19, now is a great time to fill your trout fly boxes for the warmer months ahead. Not only can you make the most of time at home, but this is also a great opportunity to support your local economy by buying materials from your local fly shop online. Take this opportunity indoors to be productive and further your skill as a fly tier and pass the time as we wait for normalcy to return. Spring is here and so too is phenomenal trout fishing!
1. Rainbow Warrior
Photo Credit: Tailwater Junkie
First up is Lance Egan’s Rainbow Warrior as it is an absolute favorite fly of mine. This thing will catch trout anytime, anywhere. This magical fly has a bright collar hot-spot and the perfect amount of flash that fish can’t seem to ignore. It is a relatively simple fly to tie that only requires a handful of ingredients and little practice. This fly can be fished as an attractor, as a second or third fly in a nymph rig, or even in a dry/dropper rig with equal success in lakes, rivers, and streams. If you aren’t fishing Lance Egan’s Rainbow Warrior, you’re surely missing out on fish! Check out the link below for tying instructions from Orvis.
A tried and true classic that can be fished worldwide as a loose imitation for caddis and stoneflies. This pattern can be tied and fished in sizes 10-20 in a variety of colors depending on your location. With the arrival of spring and warmer months to follow, fill your dry box with a variety of Elk Hair Caddis. If you are feeling a little adventurous there are a variety of foam bodied elk hair caddis patterns that float even higher and longer. I have spent many a day with nothing but an elk hair caddis or two tied on with great success! Link to tying instructions below.
The Chubby Chernobyl is a fantastic dry fly that can be fished worldwide throughout the spring, summer, and fall. The Chubby Chernobyl is a great hopper/attractor pattern that is relatively easy to tie. This fly floats all day with little attention thanks to its foam body construction. An additional benefit of this fly is the highly visible poly wing. The wing is traditionally tied in white but can be swapped out for different colors for enhanced visibility in a variety of scenarios. Rig it up alone or fish it with a dropper to cover more water. The Chubby Chernobyl is effective on large rivers and small streams alike and is flat out fun to fish. Trident Fly Fishing’s Chubby Chernobyl tutorial below is a great resource!
Rim Chung’s RS2 is an incredibly versatile midge and mayfly emerger pattern developed in Colorado. This pattern can be fished as a dry, an emerger, or even a second fly in a subsurface rig. This fly can be tied in a variety of colors with different materials in sizes 16-24 to match the hatch. A large database of information pertaining to the RS2 can be found at the Official RS2 Home Page. Most of us have plenty of time on our hands these days so why not read up on this time tested fly and twist up a few of your own. Instructions on tying this legendary fly can be found at the following link.
No trout fly box is complete without a few Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear Nymphs. This timeless pattern has been catching fish since the 1800s and won’t stop anytime soon. It can be tied with and without a bead. There are even tricked out versions like the Guides Choice Hares Ear (pictured above). Unlike the original, the Guides Choice version includes a bright orange/red hotspot and has an added soft hackle collar that makes it a great attractor. These flies should be in every trout angler’s fly box before hitting the water.
John Barr’s Copper John has it all. A bead head, a flashy wingcase, a bright body, and its heavy. Really heavy. The heft in the Copper John comes from the bead and lead-free wire underbody and makes this a great lead fly for tandem nymph rigs. The heft of the Copper John helps get your terminal fly down fast. The Copper John pairs well with a Chubby Chernobyl for an all-star hopper/dropper system that is great for luring those big browns out from undercut banks all summer long.
Pat’s Rubber Leg by Pat Bennett is a simple stonefly pattern that has fooled countless trout. This weighted fly only requires a handful of ingredients and is sure to put fish in your net. Fishing a Pat’s Rubber Leg deep in the water column is the most effective method and can be used in a variety of combinations in your nymph rig. Like most flies, there is some leeway in terms of colors and size but I find the coffee/black version pictured above to be the most effective particularly in my home waters of Colorado. Follow along with Tightline Video’s instructions below.
A quick, cheap, easy, and highly effective pattern. You can never have enough midges in your box throughout the year. While it’s tempting to forget about subsurface activity in the warmer months, do yourself a favor and tie up a bunch of classic zebra midges in your favorite colors for when the dry eats stop. While almost any color is effective, I find olive green with a copper bead and copper wire to get the most takes. Check out the video below for tying instructions from Avidmax.
With a worldwide health pandemic going on and uncertain times ahead, there is one thing that I can guarantee, trout have loved these flies in the past and they will this season too. Grab some materials from your favorite fly shop online and fill your boxes with these tried and true patterns during the quarantine.
Article by Evan Garda, he is on the Content Team here at Fly Lords and can be found chasing trout throughout the west with his trusty fly rod check out his adventures at @evangarda.
Washington State and Oregon have just made unprecedented moves. Washington has closed all recreation fishing and Oregon has closed all their state parks from public access amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Social distancing in the wild just got a lot more difficult for anglers in the two Pacific Northwest states, who were among the first states with COVID-19 cases.
According to Oregon’s Statesman Journal, the move shut down 257 of Oregon’s state parks. While the state’s beaches will be technically open, all public access will be shut down as the state moves to slow the spread of infection.
OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) today announced its decision to temporarily close recreational fishing and shellfishing statewide in the wake of Washington Gov. Jay Inslee’s order directing Washingtonians to stay home and stay healthy to limit the spread of coronavirus/COVID-19.
The closures will begin at midnight Wednesday, March 25 and last until at least 5 p.m. on April 8, 2020. WDFW will re-evaluate on April 6 whether the closure may need to be extended.
“This is not a decision we take lightly, but it’s the right thing to do for the health and well-being of Washington’s families,” said WDFW Director Kelly Susewind. “Monday’s extraordinary order for the residents of our state to stay home requires all of us to work together to ensure these measures have the intended effect.”
Fishery managers have reported that some anglers have been seen crowding banks as concerns over coronavirus have continued.
“We’ve seen an uptick in outdoor recreation at some locations in recent weeks as people have looked for ways to get outside,” said WDFW Fish Program Director Kelly Cunningham. “We’ve had reports of crowded boat ramps and busy fishing on some rivers, which runs counter to the governor’s direction to stay home and practice social distancing.”
In addition, many salmon and steelhead fisheries require regular monitoring under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), which includes conducting angler interviews at access sites surrounding the state’s marine waters. The on-site, face-to-face nature of angler interviews puts people at potential risk of transmitting the coronavirus. Without such monitoring, these recreational fisheries must close to ensure ESA protections.
WDFW and other state agencies previously closed all of their water access sites, including boat launches, and other public lands where people may gather. Local and tribal governments are taking similar actions across Washington.
WDFW Enforcement officers remain on duty and will be enforcing these new closures.
Featured image courtesy of Lael Paul Johnson (@flygyde)
