Jul 4, 2025

Friday's Featured Fly


Trout is like a medieval apothecary. They love leeches!


FIRE BUTT SKUNK - Variations of the SKUNK are endless and we love them all!  The Fire Butt Skunk is yet another tidy tie by AQUA FLIES -   LOW-WATER style, stout hook, and a little flash in the beautiful white wing.  Perfect for your first summer fish of the season!


Slim, dark, and a little sparkly....RIO's new Raven Leech suits many stillwater trout scenarios.  The body has the look of peacock herl, but the added durability of ribbed dubbing.  This pattern will be good for a pile of fish before it bites the dust!




Chrome is a great color for chironomid pupae, and RIO's Hanging w/ my Chromies has plenty of it.  The metallic base of the abdomen imitates the gas bubble chironomids use to ride to the surface.  Simple and deadly!


RIO's  PTO Dreadnought are named after their distinctive shape.  Shaped after early battleships.  This unique design allows them to be fished in many different styles.  You can pop it, strip it, slow, fast, this fly can do it all.

Jul 3, 2025

Columbia Gorge Fishing Report - July 3, 2025

Deshutes Steelhead

Here we are again.  The front end of Summer Steelhead Season!!!!  It's a truly magical time of year for its devotees, but per usual, fraught with a bit of uncertainty.  Most of this is related to warm water in the lower river again.  The Moody gauge at the mouth has already hit 70.  Sadly, not an uncommon situation for this time of year.  The lower Deschutes was once a coldwater sanctuary for its native fish and for salmon and steelhead headed to other locales further east.  Now, it's not terribly uncommon for the lower river to be warmer than the Columbia, making it unappealing for any migrating fish.  Not to be all doom and gloom here as this all can change with the flip of a switch, more or less.  There was a breif yet notable drop in temp out of the dam in early July last year.  Hopefully this will happen again.

So what's going on with the front end of the run?  Early numbers of fish moving through the Columbia are a fair bit below where they were at this time last year, but that could easily be weather-related.  We've had some heat, but it's been fleeting.  Certainly not enough heat to bring up the Columbia temps enough to make steelhead move quickly upriver.  Recent counts over Bonneville are starting to go up.  As are numbers over the Dalles.  Hopefully this is the tip of the spear!

If you're ready to give it a shot for the first time, go early.  Fish for a few hours starting at first light when the water temps are at their coolest.  This is a dry line game.  Fish heavy tippet and stout hooks.  If you are lucky enough to come in contact in the next few weeks, be prepared for a serious battle.  Early summer fish are truly about as good as they get in every conceivable fashion!  They can be borderline unlandable in a lot of situations....and that's a risk worth taking!


Deschutes Trout

As we slide into steelhead season, Deschutes trout tend to take a back seat.  The beloved anadromous cousins steal the limelight, but don't forget how good the trout fishing can be!  We're settling into the standard summer trout program which largely entails dead caddis early in the morning and swarms of mating bugs in the evening.  Look for the best dry fly fishing of the day to be in low light.  The last hour of fishable light often has the river very alive with trout looking for caddis.  Dead drift it...skate it...sink it and swing it.  Lots of techniques can be effective when they're into them.  


Mount Hood Lakes

The stillwater fishing continues to be steady.  Callibaetis are present area-wide and the warmer weather is starting to spur more damsel activity.  The last few days have presented some interesting conditions.  Lighter winds with sporadic bug activity.  Fish were rising here and there.  Blind-casting a Callibaetis dry and letting it aimlessly drift was drawing the most attention.  Random small terrestrials were working, too.  Below the surface, fish were definitely looking for Callibaetis nymphs both under an indicator and creeped along on a midge tip line.  



https://www.gorgeflyshop.com/store/pc/Sale-Closeouts-c38.htm

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977


"Fly Fish the World with Us"

Jun 29, 2025

FREE Summer Guide Plus 10% Discount Code - 2025

FREE Summer Guide - Plus 10% Discount Code

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.

  1. No email confirmation hoops to jump through
  2. No waiting for a download link
  3. 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"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977


"Fly Fish the World with Us"

Jun 26, 2025

Fishpond Nomad Nets with River Armor - Just in

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.
Nomad Middle Fork
Middle Fork features an 18" handle with an overall length of 37" and weighs in at just 1.1lbs. Ideal size for net slots in packs and belts or just tuck it in your wader belt. 
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

Confluence Net Release 2.0 - Gunmetal



https://www.gorgeflyshop.com/store/pc/Sale-Closeouts-c38.htm

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977


"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.

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.

Stealth Pro - Green and Orange
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.

River drifters running smaller, technical waters without a trailer.

Minimalists
who want serious performance with simple setup.

Multi-day trip with previous models.

What Sets the Stealth Pro Apart?

FeatureStealth ProFish Cat ScoutFloat Tube (Fat Cat)Framed Pontoon (PAC 1000)
TypeFrameless PontoonFrameless PontoonFloat TubeFramed Pontoon
Weight35 lbs35 lbs~15–18 lbs60+ lbs
PortabilityHigh (fits in trunk)HighVery HighLow
Setup TimeFastFastFastSlower (frame assembly)
Water TypeLakes & RiversPrimarily LakesStillwater onlyPrimarily Rivers
Rowing CapabilityExcellentModerateNoneExcellent
Gear CapacityHighModerateLowVery 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:

  1. My OSG Stealth Pro Experience - Ten Years and Counting
  2. Outcast OSG Stealth Pro Inflatable - Benefits of Frameless Boats
  3. Outcast Stealth Pro Vs. the Competition
  4. Outcast Stealth Pro Frame-less Pontoon Boat Review
  5. 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.




https://www.gorgeflyshop.com/store/pc/Sale-Closeouts-c38.htm

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977


"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
.

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.


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:

  • More upstream angle = deeper swing

  • Longer cast = less control over depth

  • 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:

  • How much you lead the fly with your rod tip

  • The belly (or shape) of your fly line in the current

  • Your casting angle and mend

  • 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:

  • Lead the fly slightly for profile

  • Let it sink for speed control

  • 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.



Steelheadbum.com - 541.386.6977

Jun 21, 2025

Columbia Gorge Fishing Reports - June 19, 2025




Deschutes Trout

Put June right up there as one of the best months to trout fish the Deschutes.  It is annually amazing that so few people fish for trout out there after big bugs are gone.  It's uncrowded and the fishing is excellent.  Yes, that includes dry fly fishing!  The caddis program is going strong and it doesn't have to be complicated.  Grease up a size 14 or 16 Elk Hair and fish the choppy edges and fast pocket water.  You may not see a bunch of fish rising but they are definitely looking for caddis.  There are also a bunch of aquatic moths out there right now.  They are a little smaller than most of the caddis and a bit lighter in color.

Beyond the dry, it's kind of a "choose your own adventure" scenario.  Nymph fishing has been very strong with various Euro jigs and anything looking approximately like a cased caddis larva.  Smaller flashback Hare's Ears in 16 and 18 fit the bill there.  Don't be afraid to get out the trout spey, either.  Jigging streamers through deeper/faster runs has been producing some freight train grabs from bigger fish.  SO MUCH FUN!

The great news on Deschutes trout is the impending cloud cover.  We have some very welcome darker weather moving through, and even a chance of rain out there on Saturday.  This should spur a little more mayfly activity along with the caddis.  The fishing is going to be outstanding.  If you're feeling trouty, this is going to be a great week to give it a try.  


Mount Hood Lakes

Stillwater fishing is in full-swing.  Callibaetis are present daily on most lakes to some degree.  The tricky part about targeting this hatch has been nailing a time period when there are a lot of bugs and lower wind.  It's been Gorge Summer windy here as of late.  Howling!  It has been relatively calm most mornings for a bit, but the cooler nights keep the bugs at bay until later in the day.

Subsurface fishing in the chop has been excellent on most days.  Wind-drifting balance leeches below a slip indicator is pretty hard to beat.  All leech colors seem to be working, but some of the lighter color schemes have been particularly strong as of late.  This could be related to the increase in Damselfly activity.  Either way, tan and lighter olive leeches have been great!


Gorge Smallmouth

Lots of folks coming through on their way the John Day as of late.  Smallmouth fishing is game-on for the summer.  This is a great trip if you're looking to do some serious catching!  Fishing smaller poppers or foam bugs on a lighter rod will draw plenty of attention from the fish.  If you want to try for a bigger one, take out a heavier rod and use a much larger surface fly.  Or fish a big streamer on a sinking line in the deepest water you can find.  There are some bigger bass out there, but it can be hard to keep smaller offerings away from the plentiful little ones.  


https://www.gorgeflyshop.com/store/pc/Sale-Closeouts-c38.htm

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977


"Fly Fish the World with Us"




Jun 19, 2025

Buyer's Guide to Korkers Soles

Felt, Studded Felt, Kling-On and Studded Kling-On Soles

The OmniTrax 3.0 Sole System

Korkers has done an extremely good job of refining their modular wading boots.  All the Korkers boots stocked at Gorge Fly Shop come standard with two sets of soles; either felt and Kling-On or Kling-On and Studded Kling-On.  Beyond these standard stock options, Korkers builds several other soles to suit any wading situation imaginable.  If you find yourself searching for the perfect sole for a particular wading scenario, read on!  

Felt - Compressed felt sole that provides excellent traction on slippery rocks.  Straight felt soles provide for maximum surface area contact with the bottom substrate.  For decades, felt sole has been the industry standard on wading boots.  Though widely used, it is worth noting that a handful of states have outlawed the use of felt due to its potential of transporting invasive species.  Be sure to check your local regulations to avoid any violations.

Studded Felt - Korkers standard felt sole equipped with carbide studs.  Studded felt is the go-to sole for most anglers fishing slick rivers with heavy current (think Deschutes!).  The studs on this sole protrude enough to give you a noticeable amount of extra bit, but not so much that they detract from surface area contact with the rocks.  If you're fishing places with heavy current and flat bedrock, you've likely noticed yourself sliding downstream with plain felt soles.  The studded option takes care of the "slide factor".

Kling-On Rubber - Basic sole that comes with most Korkers Boots.  Great for use with any type of watercraft.  Excellent for hiking and light wading duty.  Not recommended for extra slick rivers with fast current.

Studded Kling-On Rubber - The standard Kling-On rubber sole equipped with carbide studs.  The studs significantly increase traction.  This is a great option in places where felt is outlawed.    



Vibram XS Trek an Studded Vibram XS Trek Soles


Vibram XS Trek - Deep and aggressive lug pattern. About as grippy as a straight rubber sole gets.  

Studded Vibram XS Trek - Standard Vibram XS Trek sole equipped with carbide studs for added traction.  One of the best rubber sole options where felt is outlawed.  

Korkers Triple Threat Soles


Triple Threat Aluminum Bar, Hex Disk and Carbide Spike Soles

The Triple Threat System - Beyond the more "standard" sole options, Korkers offers the Triple Threat Series.  These products all start with the same base; the Triple Threat Blank Sole.  They are available in the pre-built versions seen above and as a blank sole that can be customized with any combination of their aluminum bars, hex discs or carbide spikes.  All of the metal components are offered as accessories to put together your own sole or replace the parts as they wear down over time.  

Triple Threat Aluminum Bar - Solid bars of soft aluminum on this sole become extra grippy when the metal gets scuffed.

Triple Threat Aluminum Hex Disc - The Hex Discs combine the grip of soft aluminum with the traction benefits of all the edges.  Extreme traction!

Triple Threat Carbide Spike - These soles have the most aggressive stud packages on the market.  Perfect for the most difficult wading situations.  Also very popular among jetty anglers.  One important not on these....this is not a boat-friendly sole!  

Triple Threat Customizable Blank - You can build your own adventure with this sole.  Mix and match any of the Triple Threat bars, discs or spikes to match your liking.   

Convert Your Korkers Wading Boot, Shoe or Sandal to an Awesome Boat Shoe!


Kling-On Deck Gum Rubber Sole

If you regularly fish out of a boat, you're well-aware of the importance of what's on your feet.  This great offering from Korkers fits any of their footwear with the OmniTrax 3.0 system.  This means all current wading boots, shoes and sandals.  Whether the boat in question is aluminum, glass or rubber, this sole provides great traction and stability on wet floors.     




https://www.gorgeflyshop.com/store/pc/Sale-Closeouts-c38.htm

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977


"Fly Fish the World with Us"

  © 'and' Steelhead.com Mike Prine 2009-2014

Back to TOP