Friday's Featured Fly

Another, variation of one of our favorite stillwater flies.  The Hale Bopp Leech in wine.  This can be an overlooked color on many lakes. 

 

Sometimes a little blood in the water is just the ticket!

There is still time to visit Justesen Ranch Lakes, fall fishing is really good right now but spaces are limited.  Or make your reservations for Spring 25', it will be here soon.  Contact us today for details and reservations.

Just in time for Halloween  Aqua Flies Stu's Barred Ostrich Intruder in black/orange.  Great color combo for late fall steelhead!  

Check out our Gorge Fly Shop Spey Line Kits - we put these line kits together, making it easier for you to get the right setup for your trout spey or spey rod.  

Fall means streamer time for trout!  RIO's Brammer Seasoned Geezer holds a solid profile and pushes plenty of water on the strip.  Sure to cause some aggressive takes!  As we enter the winter season here, now is the time to plan for your next adventure.  Visit our travel page, let Fly Water travel bring your angling dream destinations a reality.  

RIO's Silver Hilton - Pink Butt  -  This steelhead fly has a lot of good going on! Black, blue, pink, flashy and webby.  Killer!

From the West Coast to the Great Lakes, the Aqua Scandi is fantastic sink tip fly.  It has ample flash and just enough material to hold a strong profile.  Also an easy caster.

Aqua Flies - Stu's ostrich mini intruder - Pink and orange sure pops!  Great sunny day color combo for winter and summer steelhead.  Steelhead fishing is good right now and only going to get better this year.  Make sure your fly box is stocked and ready to go!

Halloween is right around the corner.  Time to break out the black and orange!  Aqua Flies Stu's Mini Ostrich Intruder is a great sink tip fly. Especially in clear water. 

This miniature version is tied on a size 2 Aqua talon hook, 27mm Aqua flies shank

and a 5/32 brass dumbell eye.

 

It’s prime terrestrial time and it sure is hard to beat a good hopper bite!  This is truly one of the best patterns of all time, RIO's Morrish Hopper.  Holds up a dropper well, but still rides flush in the film.  Don’t leave home without it!

It can be pretty hard to beat a Purple Green Butt Skunk. This is Travis Duddles pattern and a must have for your steelhead flies collection. This fly is slim, flashy, and just the right amount of Chartreuse.

Steelhead season is upon us and fishing is really good, pack your fly boxes and get ready.

We have all of the neccessities and non neccessities but just fun to have like a new new spey rod, new reel to go with the new rod, waders

Smaller sink tip flies definitely have their place in a dialed steelhead arsenal. Especially when the water is running clear.  RIO’s Bantam fits that bill perfectly.  It has enough material to maintain a visible profile at depth, but it’s not so big that it spooks fish.  Added bonus...it’s super easy to cast!

Shop Steelhead Sink Tip Flies

With the current number of summer steelhead in the Columbia, this is going to be a great season to commit some time to skaters! Aqua Flies Brett's Obie Skater is a great one to try. Small, buggy and tied on an extra sticky stinger hook. Perfect for water on the clear side. 

Fly tier Brett Jensen considers the Klamath his home river, and it is the Klamath that has been the inspiration for many of his summer and fall steelhead patterns. He ties his patterns with attention to materials that not only give his flies a look, but lets them perform as designed when fished.

Shop Dry Line Flies

The Para Wulff combines the characteristics of a low-riding dry fly parachute pattern with the high visibility of split calf tail wings.  If you’re looking for a great mayfly imitation that’s easy to see, look no further.  Available in several colors and sizes.

Don't Forget your fly box

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Galvan Swing Fly Reels Blends Tradition with Innovation

Galvan Swing is for two hand anglers. It's starts with the sealed and reliable disc drag from the Galvan Grip fly reel. Machined from 6061 aluminum the frame features a full cage housing to keep those thin shooting lines in check. It's finished off with a solid back and stealthy Gunmetal Grey color. 

Size ranges from 2/3 to 10+ for everything from trout spey, steelhead and salmon.

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Burkheimer's in stock

Just Reloaded with Burkheimer's

See our Selection - IN STOCK and Includes FREE FLY LINE

Few rods are as coveted as the small Washington town, handcrafted, one of a kind Burkheimer's.

They may be mostly known in the Northwest for their extremely comfortable, yet power two hand spey rods. There is also quite a following for the "in the know" trout angler who especially respects the deep load action of the DAL Trout Series.

While we'll gladly take your special custom order for any C.F.Burkheimer you wish for, be sure to first check our current selection, "in stock" of a few of our favorites in both Classic and Vintage finishes.

See What's In Stock...

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Columbia Gorge Fishing Reports - October 18, 2024

Deschutes Steelhead

It's been a great season on the Deschutes.  Consistent fishing started early and remains strong.  The later portion of the season should prove to be good for those willing to deal with colder weather.  It looks like fall has officially made its showing in the Gorge, so be prepared for some crisp mornings.

The bite as of late has been all over the map, particularly on the lowest portion of the river.  Fish are certainly being caught but you definitely need to put some time in...or just get really lucky!  The return of Fall Chinook notably messes with the steelhead fishing for a bit in late September and the first couple weeks of October.  Fortunately, the salmon should be nearing the end of their life cycle soon and the steelhead fishing will improve.

One thing to keep your eye on is the water temps.  With much colder nights in the forecast, the water temperature is starting to slide.  The fish don't love when the temp is dropping on a daily basis, but they get happy again when it stabilizes for a few days.  Getting your fly down a little bit in colder water can dramatically increase your odds.  That doesn't mean that you have to dredge, but switching from a floating polyleader to a slow sink can be a game changer.  

Shop Steelhead Flies

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Deschutes Trout

Fall is such a wonderful time to trout fish the Deschutes.  The cooler water just makes the fishing a lot better.  The trout know that winter is just around the corner and they try to pack on some weight before the water temps start to slow them down.  Expect to see a smattering of caddis and BWOs in the afternoons.  Nymph and streamer fishing will be great.  Though it may be blasphemous to some, have a handful of egg patterns in your arsenal, too.  Indicator fishing with an egg trailing a heavy nymph is a homerun with all the salmon present.  Like it or not, trout love eggs!

Shop Trout Flies

Shop Egg Patterns

Local Lakes

We are nearing the end of stillwater season here on Mount Hood.  Please check the regulations as many of the lakes in the Central Region close at the end of the month.  If you have the opportunity to give it a try, focus your efforts on the later half of the day and expect the bite to fade as soon as the sun is off the water.  It's been getting pretty cold up at elevation and the snow level is getting lower and lower.  The warmest part of the day will present the most opportunities.

Hatches are noticeably on the decline, but there will still be some chironomids buzzing around in the afternoon.  Indicator fishing with a balanced leech and chironomid dropper will be a great bet.  Be prepared to slim down your tippet at this time of year.  As the water cools, much of the suspended algae dies.  The water can be gin clear and switching from 4x fluoro to 5x and 6x tippet will make a huge difference.

For those looking to extend their stillwater season, we've just received some glowing reports from the Justesen Ranch!  It gets rather hot out in Grass Valley, but that time has come and gone.  Water temps are ideal and the fishing has been fast and furious.  These private lakes will stay open until the weather gets really bad.  If you haven't been to this ranch, put it on the menu.  The scenery is spectacular and your party will have a private lake all to yourself for the day.  It is well worth the drive and the rod fee!

Shop Stillwater Flies 

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Scientific Anglers - New for 2025

Amplitude Smooth Trout Standard is a true to AFFTA line weight casters fly line. Built with a mid-length head for exceptional mending and accuracy at long distances. If you love casting this will quickly become one of your new favorites.

Features

• Features the revolutionary AST Plus slickness additive for superior shooting ability and increased durability
• Mid-length head for exceptional mending and accuracy at distance
• The casters line
• Braided multifilament core

Weight forward fly lines can be tailored to a variety of tasks. However, sometimes a Double Taper is just the best tool for the job. Whether is a classic rod, a modern glass or just a need for delicate dry fly deliveries the Amplitude Smooth Double Taper will give you feel you desire with the performance you need.

Features

• Features the revolutionary AST Plus slickness additive for superior shooting ability and increased durability
• Excels in medium-to-long distances with dry flies and smaller nymphs; wonderful on glass and bamboo
• For use in moderate and cold climates
• Braided multifilament core

You've traveled half way around the world in pursuit of a fish that will test every single piece of your gear, you shouldn't have to worry about your fly line failing. Amplitude Smooth Titan GT features our 65lb. Tropical-core design these lines are designed to perform when it counts.

Features - 

• Features the revolutionary AST Plus slickness additive for superior shooting ability and increased durability
• High-contrast sighter to identify the back of the line when fighting fish on long runs
• Built one size heavy to load quickly and deliver the biggest flies to the furthest targets
• Specially designed for tropical environments
• Built on a 65-lb. core
• Comes with 100lb braided add on loops.

Sonar Titan GT loads quickly and delivers the biggest flies to the furthest targets with excellent turnover due to short, powerful head and short front taper.

Features - 

• Loads quickly and delivers the biggest flies to the furthest targets
• Excellent turnover due to short, powerful head and short front taper
• Specially designed for tropical environments
• Built on a 65-lb. monofilament core for tropical climates
• Floating running line
• Sink Rate: 1.25 ips (Intermediate)

Scientific Anglers Sonar Titan Pelagic fly line is designed for anglers who pursue the world’s strongest saltwater game fish. Featuring a 65lb. Tropi-core, it delivers unparalleled strength and reliability when it matters most. Engineered to reach deep and provide exceptional stopping power, this line ensures your gear won’t fail in critical moments.

Features - 

• Loads quickly and delivers the biggest flies to the furthest targets
• Excellent turnover due to short, powerful head and short front taper
• Specially designed for tropical environments
• Built on a 65-lb. monofilament core for tropical climates
• Sink Rate: Sink 6 = 6.0+ ips with intermediate running line

Sonar Musky Gen 2 features powerful turnover of large flies and built tough for the demands. Oversized, intermediate running line with fast sinking type 5 head. 

Features - 

• Powerful head to turn over extremely large flies
• Reinforced loops
• Oversized running line for increased line management and positive strip sets.
• Intermediate running line and Sink 5 head works well for lakes and rivers
• For use in moderate climates
• Braided multifilament core

Sonar Musky Gen 2 - Custom Cut is designed Specifically for two-hand rods featuring a powerful turnover of large flies and built tough for the demands. Oversized, intermediate running line with fast sinking type 5 head and a custom cut tip design that allows anglers to fine tune for their application.

Features - 

• Designed specifically for two-handed Musky rods
• Cut to fit design lets you cut the tip to the ideal weight to match rods between 550 and 800 grains.
• Intermediate running line and Sink 5 head works well for lakes and rivers
• For use in moderate climates
• Braided multifilament core
• Reinforced loops and additional braided loop included

Shop all Scientific Anglers Fly Lines

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Lamson Guru S New Color Blackout

Lamson Guru S Blackout is a new color for the 2025 season. This Blackout color model will come in all standard sizes of 3+, 5+, 7+ and 9+ as well as an HD version in sizes 5+, 7+ and 9+. 

Guru S color OG or Olive Green for the 2025 season. 

Guru S is the Lamson Star of great value and performance. It features a machined, 6061 Aluminum frame and large arbor spool. Type II anodizing for long lasting finish and Lamson's famous Sealed Conical Drag System. Guru S is lightweight and balances great on modern fly rods. 

Find Guru S and other Lamson Fly Reels at Gorge Fly Shop

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Winston Pure 2 Fly Rods

100% MORE FEEL. 100% MORE HEART.

Introducing the new PURE 2 - crafted for fly anglers who demand both precision and joy on the water. Building on our 95 - year legacy of excellence of crafting the world's finest fly rods for trout, this rod embodies the essence of the "Pure" fly fishing experience: a deep connection to fly fishing and free from distractions.

THE PURE 2: CRAFTED IN THE HEART OF TROUT COUNTRY:

Introducing the new PURE 2 - meticulously crafted for anglers who demand precision and performance on the water. The name “Pure” is an intense and unfiltered feeling of happiness that arises from all the genuine love and connection we experience fishing. This continuation of the “Pure” name reflects our commitment to crafting a rod that enhances the connection between angler and water, free from distractions and complications.

For the last five decades, we’ve been headquartered in the middle of Trout Country, on the banks of the legendary Jefferson, Beaverhead, Big Hole, and Ruby Rivers, each serving as our incredible R&D lab. Our proximity to these world - class trout waters has helped us authentically craft premium, application specific rods to help anglers present dry flies to picky fish and feel a sense of joy and freedom.

Paired with a Bauer RVR Fly Reel

For 2025, we’re pleased to introduce the latest edition of Trout Country, the new PURE 2, adding to a legacy of building the world’s most beautiful rods for the most technical fisheries, to match your own genuine love, connection, and experience to fly fishing’s purest form.

Shop Winston Fly Rods

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Bauer SLT Fly Reels

Four years in development. Countless prototype iterations. Two years of research and development on the water. The result? The incredibly powerful, durable, and intuitive Bauer SLT fly reels!

Stacked with Power: 

The newly designed drag system is powered by a cutting - edge, alternating stainless steel and carbon disc stack, that effectively disperses heat and facilitates ultra - smooth engagement when fighting the world's most powerful fish. Additionally, the new drag stack features a high and low - end hard stop, preventing over - tightening and free spooling ,allowing for linear drag resistance with every click

Smooth Under Pressure: 

The SLT features a re-imagined and incredibly smooth clutch mechanism. Inspired by the tried and true clutch that revolutionized the fly reel industry for two decades, the reimagined clutch seamlessly transitions from the highest drag settings and provides ultimate smoothness when fighting unforgiving fish.

Engineered For Ease: 

Utilizing a threaded hub for easy on/off access to the drag system, the re-designed clutch is labeled for left/right hand retrieve, providing anglers with fast and easy change, without the use of any tools. All internal componentry has been made larger for easy handling, tighter tolerances, and is made to take higher heat and torque that come with fishing for tarpon, giant trevally, and arapaima among others.

Built to be Off The Grid:

The SLT is designed to have the most durable drag package on the market . All SLT internal parts are Type II anodized with 6061aluminum, 7075 aluminum, and stainless steel. The SLT's internal and external components resist wear and tear, and will withstand a lifetime of drops, slams, and overall abuse. Featuring a fully water and debris sealed system, hardcore anglers can rest easy knowing the SLT can withstand days of saltwater, mud, sand, and dirt without fail.

Shop Bauer Fly Reels and Get a FREE FLY LINE

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