Jul 4, 2025
Friday's Featured Fly
Jul 3, 2025
Columbia Gorge Fishing Report - July 3, 2025
Deshutes Steelhead
Deschutes Trout
Mount Hood Lakes
"The Gorge"
"Fly Fish the World with Us"
Jun 29, 2025
FREE Summer Guide Plus 10% Discount Code - 2025
Plan Ahead, Fish Smart: Get Your FREE Summer Guide from the Gorge Fly Shop Team
Summer is knocking... and unfortunately, so is fire season. But with a little planning, you can still make the most of every opportunity to hit the water while the conditions are right. Whether you're casting for bass in the high desert, chasing trout in alpine streams, or simply kicking back with a cold drink on the lake-shore, Gorge Fly Shop has your back this season.
That’s why we’ve put together something special just for you:
Our FREE 2025 Summer Guide, packed with seasonal tips, gear picks, fly recommendations, and exclusive deals!
What’s Inside the Summer Guide?
This isn’t some generic pamphlet. We’ve created this guide to give anglers real value and real reasons to keep fishing through the heat, wind, and whatever else summer throws our way. Inside you'll find:
Fly recommendations: Proven patterns for summer hatches across the Pacific Northwest and beyond!
No Gimmicks. Just the Good Stuff. When we say free, we mean it.
- No email confirmation hoops to jump through
- No waiting for a download link
- No spammy nonsense
Just sign up once, and your Summer Guide will be delivered instantly in your welcome email - ready to read, download, or print.
But That’s Not All…
When you sign up for the Gorge Fly Shop newsletter, you also unlock:
- First dibs on exclusive promotions and seasonal closeouts
- Early notifications on new product releases
- Access to bonus offers only available to subscribers
- Seasonal alerts for local hatches, water conditions, and fly recommendations
It’s our way of making sure our fishing family stays informed, outfitted, and ready to go whenever opportunity strikes.
Sign Up Now. Hit the Water Prepared.
Don’t wait until it’s too late—or too hot. Get ahead of the summer rush with smart planning, better gear, and expert advice that helps you catch more fish and enjoy the journey.
Sign up now and get your FREE Summer Guide delivered instantly.
Let’s talk fishing! Give us a call at 541-386-6977 or swing by the shop in Hood River.
Tight lines,
The Gorge Fly Shop Team
"The Gorge"
"Fly Fish the World with Us"
Jun 26, 2025
Fishpond Nomad Nets with River Armor - Just in
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Nomad Yampa Hand Net |
Just in: Two new Nomad Nets from Fishpond. Nomad Yampa Hand Net and Nomad Middle Fork Net. Nomad River Armor edition nets are constructed with a core of carbon fiber and fiberglass and an outer layer of woven DuPontTM Kevlar® fiber and carbon fiber. The result is an extremely strong net with enhanced durability. This composition was designed with the boulder-hopping bushwhackers in mind.
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Nomad Middle Fork |
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Nomad Yampa Hand Net Yampa features a 9" handle and 27.5" overall length with an impressive hoop size of 12" x 18" and weighs in at 0.9lbs. This is the ideal walk and wade net. Keep your Nomad net close and ready for action with the Confluence Net Release 2.0 |
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Confluence Net Release 2.0 - Gunmetal |
"The Gorge"
"Fly Fish the World with Us"
Jun 25, 2025
Outcast OSG Stealth Pro - Ultimate Crossover - New Color 2025
2025 Stealth Pro is the Ultimate Crossover Craft for Fly Anglers
Why It’s a Top Choice for Fly Anglers?
In a world of float tubes, kick boats, and full-frame pontoons, the Outcast Stealth Pro stands apart. Designed for anglers who demand serious performance without the bulk, this frameless watercraft has become a go-to for those navigating both stillwater and moving water with precision.The Outcast Stealth Pro is a high-performance inflatable frameless fishing craft built for serious fly anglers who demand portability, durability, and river-ready design. Weighing just 35 lbs and built with a rock-solid urethane bladder and welded seams, this boat is easy to transport, quick to inflate, and tough enough for remote river trips, high alpine lakes, and tight-access fisheries.
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Load Capacity: 450 lbs. |
Good luck finding an older model of the Stealth Pro. Both of the previous green and orange colors popped with high visibility but we find the new blue accents and the continued use of the two tone greys complements your surroundings and further adds to the "Stealth" approach.
Orange and Green models stacked and ready to go. Missouri River, MT We opted to mostly inflate at camp and drink coffee before heading out. |
Beyond color, what makes this boat special?
With a frame-less design – That means "No Bulk", faster setup, less weight, and more mobility. Easily drag into position down an embankment or carried. Perfect for anglers on the move. I've hoisted this boat over fences where my 14' kayak would make for quite the chore. But what exactly makes the Stealth Pro special? It's got the special sauce, the balance in features and purpose. How does it compare to other popular options in the Outcast lineup?
Let’s break it down.
Who Is the Stealth Pro Built For?
Backcountry Anglers who need a boat they can hike in with.Stillwater Specialists fishing from low-profile craft.
Travel Angler Packs small enough for flights, truck beds, or roof boxes.
Minimalists who want serious performance with simple setup.
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Multi-day trip with previous models. |
What Sets the Stealth Pro Apart?
Feature | Stealth Pro | Fish Cat Scout | Float Tube (Fat Cat) | Framed Pontoon (PAC 1000) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Type | Frameless Pontoon | Frameless Pontoon | Float Tube | Framed Pontoon |
Weight | 35 lbs | 35 lbs | ~15–18 lbs | 60+ lbs |
Portability | High (fits in trunk) | High | Very High | Low |
Setup Time | Fast | Fast | Fast | Slower (frame assembly) |
Water Type | Lakes & Rivers | Primarily Lakes | Stillwater only | Primarily Rivers |
Rowing Capability | Excellent | Moderate | None | Excellent |
Gear Capacity | High | Moderate | Low | Very High |
Garage - electric pump inflate test.
Compact Portability – Easily packs into a vehicle, float-plane, or packs up in the outcast expandible boat bag for backpack style carry and check luggage.
Durable Construction - Built with abrasion-resistant PVC and a urethane bladder for long-term rugged use.
Load capacity - Did we say durable? With a 450 LBS rating, this boat provides the confidence in both material and loading your boat for overnight adventures.
Rockered Hull - Offers better tracking and agility in both flat and moving water.
Open Deck Layout – Gives anglers freedom to cast, switch gear, and land fish efficiently.
Whether you're stalking stillwater trout or floating down technical river stretches, the Outcast Stealth Pro offers the freedom of a pontoon with the precision and performance of a drift boat, all in a compact, DIY-friendly package.
Final Take: Why Choose the Stealth Pro?
We're both lucky and fortunate to have access to some of the best fly fishing gear in the industry. Our team has had experience with various boat models.The Outcast Stealth Pro is one of our absolute favorites.
Previous Articles to further educate:
- My OSG Stealth Pro Experience - Ten Years and Counting
- Outcast OSG Stealth Pro Inflatable - Benefits of Frameless Boats
- Outcast Stealth Pro Vs. the Competition
- Outcast Stealth Pro Frame-less Pontoon Boat Review
- BUYERS GUIDE to OUTCAST BOATS & PONTOONS
The Stealth Pro is the ultimate middle ground: it offers more mobility and power than a float tube, more portability than a framed pontoon, and better fishability than other ultralight options. It’s a true crossover vessel that meets the needs of today's adventurous fly angler. Is it the best fit for you?
Call the Gorge Fly Shop | Your trusted source for Outcast boats and expert advice.
"The Gorge"
"Fly Fish the World with Us"
Jun 24, 2025
Steelhead Fishing Tips - Winter - Updated 2025
Cold-Water Steelhead: Tips for Winter Success
As the seasons shift and water temperatures drop, steelhead behavior changes significantly. Fish become less inclined to chase flies high in the water column, and your presentation must evolve with the conditions. While steelhead are known for their unpredictability, and may still surprise you by rising to a dry or skating pattern, winter fishing generally calls for a slower, deeper, more deliberate approach.
If you're heading out in colder conditions, here are a few proven strategies to increase your odds
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1. Target Slower Water
In cold water, steelhead conserve energy. Their metabolism slows, and they tend to hold in slower current where they can rest comfortably. You’re less likely to find them in fast riffles unless there’s a clear current break like a boulder or bottom depression.
Focus your attention downstream from the head of the run, where the riffle smooths into a gentle glide. These sweet spots can continue all the way into the tail-out depending on flow and depth. Think “slow walking pace” or even slower. Scan for seams, softer pockets, and deeper water with a subtle change in color.
This is the kind of water that’s most productive in the winter months. While every river is different, using current speed and bottom structure as your guide will keep you in the zone.
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Callum - "Steelheadbum" |
2. Fish Deeper
Getting your fly down to the fish is crucial in cold conditions. Use sink tips (like T-11 or T-14) paired with Skagit heads to achieve depth. The key is matching your sink tip to the specific water you’re fishing—deeper slots and trenches call for heavier tips, while shallower water requires lighter setups to avoid hanging up.
Remember: presentation matters just as much as the gear. Small adjustments to casting angle, mend size, and line control will drastically impact how deep and how effectively your fly fishes. In general:
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More upstream angle = deeper swing
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Longer cast = less control over depth
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Larger mend = more slack = more sink time
One essential winter skill is learning to "set up" your fly. Add slack to let it sink before it starts to swing. This means mending upstream, dropping your rod tip, and giving the fly time to settle before tension builds. It's not about immediate action—it's about getting that fly to depth and into the strike zone before it starts swimming.
If you’re bumping bottom too much, reduce your angle or mend size. If you’re never touching bottom and not getting grabs, you may need to add weight or adjust your presentation for more depth.
On Water Color
If the river is off-color, steelhead may hold closer to shore, even in very shallow water. In these cases, lighten up—use shorter casts, lighter tips, and avoid long slack setups that send your fly too deep, too soon. Shallow tail-outs can surprise you.
Fly Weight Matters
Lead-eyed flies can sink faster than your tip alone. If you're trying to reach a deep slot quickly, consider extending your leader length. Just note that casting long leaders with heavy flies requires technique—and some practice.
3. Slow Your Swing
Winter steelheading is all about tempo. Fish aren’t going to rocket across the river to chase down a fast-moving fly. Instead, you want to slow things down, maximize time in the strike zone, and give them a long look.
Fly speed is influenced by:
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How much you lead the fly with your rod tip
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The belly (or shape) of your fly line in the current
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Your casting angle and mend
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Fly depth
Leading the fly creates speed and presents it broadside. A little downstream belly enhances profile but speeds things up. A neutral or upstream angle allows for a slower, more subtle swing—especially important when fishing bigger winter flies like leeches, intruders, and prawn-style patterns.
Depth also naturally slows the fly. A deeply sunk fly takes longer to come under full swing tension, which gives it a more seductive movement—just the thing to entice a sluggish winter steelhead.
In short:
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Lead the fly slightly for profile
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Let it sink for speed control
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Don’t over-mend unless you're trying to gain depth
Final Thoughts
Steelhead in winter demand patience and intentional presentation. They won’t forgive a sloppy swing or a fly that’s out of the strike zone. But if you fish the right water, at the right depth, with the right speed and you’ll find yourself in the game.
Cold water doesn’t mean no fish. It just means smarter fishing. Adjust your tactics, dial in your presentations, and keep stepping down. Somewhere out there, a winter steelhead is holding in soft water, waiting for just the right fly to drift by.