There is no T in Team without Travis

Today marks the twenty second year the Gorge Fly Shop has been serving the Worlds fly fishing community. We are proud to have made it this far. A big thank you goes to everyone who has helped along the way.

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

Interview with George Cook - 2/1/2014 - Spey updates

Gearing up by the fire!

On a cold winters evening I sat and made a phone call to George Cook to catch up and see what the latest news is in the fly fishing industry. For those who don't know George, he is the northwest representative for more than 20 + years with Farbank products which includes Sage, Redington and Rio. George spends much of his time in the outdoors either either swinging two hand rods for Steelhead, Salmon and Trout or hunting the great beyond for big game. I like to pick George's brain for current industry news and catch up on some of the latest trends and then pass that on to you. George eats, sleeps and breathes fishing, in particular two hand spey fishing and when it comes to current news he is my "go to" for information. A lot of new two-hand gear has come from Sage, Redington and Rio over the past year and whether you're new to spey fishing or have been two hand casting through the evolution there is always a new better arrow for your quiver.

First lets update on Switch rods. This is an area that seems to be growing really fast for many reasons. We have some really great rods out today and the lines are coming along to match  them better than ever. One of the things that George and I discussed was what really is a switch rod today and what are they being used for?

So while we worked through today's switch rods and lengths we came up with what we think is a pretty good table of lengths of switch rods that really work well for different techniques.

Switch Table

10'6" to 11'3" - Single hand spey, nymph/indicator, overhead casting and some spey casting
11'3" to 11'6" - All purpose switch...name your game with these lengths
11'6" to 12' - In this length you're looking at today's baby spey rods. Line up the skagit short or scandi lines and go for it!

Lets start from the top with the Sage Method Series Switch rods. Although we call these switch rods we decided they really are today's baby spey rods. Why? Well its simple, are you really going to single hand cast a 11'9" two hand rod? and I'll quote George here "you'll be on your way to Tommy John Surgery". Remember why we started two hand casting? To alleviate the pain of sink tips and flies tied with whole chickens and rabbits is part of the answer to this question.

2013 IFTD Las Vegas - George Cook

The Sage Method Switch rods all come in at 11'9" from sizes 6 thru 9 weight and I quote George "These rods are shocking how far they can cast." 

The Method 9119-4 might be the one to get a little more in-depth with. Not many entries in this "King" class of baby spey rods but they are destined to catch on. Think about this for a minute; a baby spey capable of Alaska King Salmon, big BC steelhead, big winter steelhead and maybe even a power stick for beach casters and or even big striper fishing. No longer is this class of fishing ruled by the 14' and 15' long rod.

Read Charlie's review of the Sage Method 9119-4

Moving on into the Sage One Switch Rod series of rods we find a middle of the road rod class with a 11'6" length starting with a sweeeet little One 4116 weight and ending at a  8116 steelhead weapon. These rods are super light perfect multi-use weapons no matter if you are single hand overhead casting, single spey, nymph/indicator or all out two hand spey casting, the Sage One switch rods are ready to play. George considers the One 7116, "trout to steelhead, the 30.06  of switch rods".

Personally I have been trout fishing the One 4116. I have put down all other rods to fish this rod and I really can't think of anything I can't do with it. I have spent most my time streamer fishing it but the level of confidence is so great that I am not concerned at all if I need to switch my tip to floating and cast a dry overhead, especially with the Rio Scandi short head or set up a nymph indicator rig. The Rio Switch Chucker line lets me two hand cast some pretty good size streamers and you always have the option of lining it with an all out Skagit Max short head and really throw the meat.

Bobo!

George has also found love with the Sage ONE 4116-4 Switch rod having landed his single biggest Alaska rainbow measuring at 33.5"x 17" on the Naknek River. His line choice was the 325gr Skagit Max short and he was fishing a sculpin pattern.

Since we're talking about switch rods lets examine some line possibilities:
The first point to mention just to go ahead and get it out of the way...if your looking for a one line to do it all, STOP LOOKING! It does not exist nor will it ever exist. So in the game of switch rods you need to determine what it is you want to accomplish in order to choose a proper line for you. This might mean you'll need more than one line to do several things with your switch rod.

The New Rio Switch Chucker - By far one of the most popular new lines to hit the market and we are still figuring out what it can do for us. While it can't do everything it is probably the best line available that can do many things pretty well. The Switch Chucker is a short powerful head with an integrated complete running line attached, (no need for a separate shooting line and no loop between head and shooting line). You can go right to a leader or choose a variety of tips for different applications. The short powerful head performs skagit style casting and turns over quite easily. An angler could go from indicator/nymph fishing to spey casting streamers with just changing out the tip. The handling section behind the head makes gripping the line easy during a cast and also gives you some body to help mend the line on the water. The line is a great line to learn spey casting due to its easy casting design. I must repeat myself now, There is NOT one line to do it all but the Switch Chucker comes about as close as we'll ever get. Another note for this line. No reason to over-line it. Buy the line weight that matches your rod.

Rio Skagit Max Short - A serious skagit head for the serious sinking tip and big fly work. Big flies and big heavy tips require mass to move them and turn them over. This game is accomplished best by the skagit short head. From 17' to 20' depending on size these short powerful heads are built on the low stretch ConnectCore Technology and are also offered in a i-Short (intermediate sink) series. MOW tips work great on these heads. If your plans with your switch rod are to spey cast large streamers or steelhead leeches than this Skagit head is what you want.

Rio Scandi Short VersiTip - This could be the best casting line I have ever thrown on a switch rod. Besides performing tight looped spey cast it also overhand casts extremely well and roll casts great! But there is a limitation and that is fly size. Stay within reason and this may be the only line you need. The VersiTip comes with four tips; Floating, Intermediate, Type 3 sink and Type 6 sink. What it doesn't do well is big flies, big sink tips and indicator rigs.

Rio Switch Line - This is the ideal line for those who use a switch rod from a boat to nymph/indicator fish. It has a powerful head that easily turns over indicator rigs. Also has a long back taper which gives you exceptional mending control. Line can be overhead cast or spey cast but I don't recommend this line to learn to spey cast with. The Rio Switch Chucker would be a better line to learn to spey cast with and still be able to cast a nymph/indicator rig.

Rio Outbound Coldwater Fly Line - If you plan on overhead casting a switch rod for fishing such as beach casting, surf casting or maybe big lake shoreline casting or even casting from a float tube the Rio Outbound series is hard to beat. They have a 37.5' head that can really load a rod well and have a great taper that turns over flies with ease. Now here's the catch, Outbounds are rated for single hand rods so to properly load a switch rod you must size up at least one full line size. One nice feature of the Outbound lines is you can find the grain weight of the line in the listing on our website. This can really help with getting your switch rod in the range you need.

George's Panther Cat "Shadow"

Lets talk Redington Dually spey and switch rods...
When I first saw the Redington Dually at the 2013 IFTD show in Las Vegas at first glance it was quickly noticed that this was a great looking rod with its cork insert reel seat and deep burgundy matte finish. But good looking doesn't make it a great casting rod. Well the new rod has been given its time on the water by many professionals and the results are in. "Crazy Good" in the words of George Cook.

Consider this for an "absolute splendid tool for 12 month use in the Northwest for steelhead". 

Redington Dually

• Redington Dually 7130 = $249.95
• Sage 2210 series reel = $159.00
• Rio Powerflex Shooting line = $39.95
• Rio Skagit Max Short 550gr = $54.95
• Rio Scandi 480gr = $54.95
• Add a couple MOW tips and you're under $600 for a complete 12 month Northwest steelhead fishing weapon

One line setup for the Redington Dually 7130 that absolutely impressed George is a Rio Scandi head in 480gr. I quote George here with "Absolutely simply wicked" and "be prepared to be shocked". This could be the absolute best pairing in 7 weight history and would be a perfect choice for a first time buyer, backup outfit, your kid, your wife, your significant other or whoever you drag into the boat with you for their first spey expedition - simply can't go wrong".

While our conversation continued on with many other topics it's time to conclude this one for now. We'll bring you more info on different subjects in the near future.

Greg Darling

Gorge Fly Shop 
Internet Sales Manager | Product Specialist

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

No Rhyme nor Reason for Frostbite

Kast Steelhead Gloves (Call to Action)

"But damn if these things aren't sweet."

My hands be cold
The tips so numb.
I cannot hold the line
My casting now so dumb.

But lord behold a miracle
Waterproof Kast gloves so snug.
I can deftly hold my Skagit
No muting of the steelie tug.

The grip and grin I do not dread.
The wrist cuffs waterproof like none.
Though river temps are frigid
I do not freeze once release is done.

Style with gloves rarely is a concern
But damn if these things aren’t sweet.
Black with fluorescent green highlights.
Provide a rare visual treat.

I’ll no longer dread jet boat runs.
Those rides with cold wind blown
Kast gloves block those gusts
No fingers red like nose of clown.

The fit is true
The price is right.
Call my friends at the Gorge Fly Shop
They’ll set you up tonight.

- Charlie Chambers

www.GORGEFLYSHOP.com
"Fly Fish the World with Us"

Argentina: From one end to the other!

Golden Dorado

Argentina, January 2014: 

In January, I was fortunate to fish the extreme north and south of Argentina at lodges that are over 2000 miles apart. The weather ranged from lows in the 30’s with winds of 20-50 mph in Tierra Del Fuego to temps in the 90’s at the Ibera Marsh. Packing was crazy. Below is a brief description of each location. If you would like to know more about either trip feel free to email or call.

Tierra del Fuego - Kau Tapen Lodge

Sea Run Brown Trout

The best Sea Run Brown Trout fishing in the world is on the Rio Grande in Tierra Del Fuego. I had the pleasure of fishing there with Kau Tapen Lodge in early January. It was their opening week and the 30th year in operation. They have miles of water and each two anglers are assigned multiple runs each morning and evening session. We never covered all of that water, there was such a bounty—no low-holers, poachers or racing up or down stream to get at the water first. A diversity of types of water keeps you engaged in the fishing and solving the puzzle. This is truly world-class fishing with a lodge and staff to match. The food, wine and hospitality are as good as it gets, without any formality or pretentiousness. The fishing ranged that week from one to six fish a day and in size from 3-4 lb (one salt) to 19 pounds. The record on the river is 33 pounds!

All of the anglers fished with Spey rods during the week, with various tips ranging from intermediate to MOW tips of T-11 and T-14. My favorite rods were the Sage Method 6126 (it’s no 6 wt!) and the ONE 7126. These fish really move to the fly this time of year. Flies range from skaters to swung nymphs to traditional steelhead and salmon flies to leeches at dusk. 

We fished until 11:30 PM each night, ate dinner at 12:30 AM and went to sleep about 2:30 AM.

Ibera Marsh – Pira Lodge

Fly Fish Argentina from one end to the other.

Golden Dorado are bad-ass predators! Their strike is meant to kill, and the softer “steelhead grab” is not too common. This fishing took place in the Ibera Marsh, which is over two times the size of the Everglades, host to over 300 species of birds and various mammals etc. This is a magical tropical place to swing streamers. Pira Lodge is an oasis in the midst of all this. The spacious rooms, generous and warm hospitality, comfortable lodge, delicious food and a pool (yes! a swimming pool) make for the perfect place to experience the Ibera Marsh.

Bad-Ass Golden Dorado!

RODS USED

Sage One's!

Single handed 8 to 10 wt. The Sage 990 ONE was best all around rod, throwing the four- to six inch flies with relative ease. Lines range from floating, intermediate head to sinking 24’ head such as the Rio Leviathan. The leaders have wire tippet as Dorado have teeth. Most all of the fishing is done from the Hells Bay flats skiffs because there is little dry ground, and wading with freshwater stingrays and piranha is not a good idea. Streamside friends are capybara and black cayman. Both have teeth and are faster than us anglers. The larger fish we caught ranged up to 17 pounds. They grow to over 30 lbs!


Jerry Swanson
Fish Head Expeditions, LLC
jerry@fishheadexpeditions.com
503-539-1451

Lamson ARX 4+ Spey Reel

A quality spey reel for your spey fishing consideration.

Waterworks/Lamson has been making high-quality reels in Idaho for over a decade. Their famous and effective conical teflon drag system has been the cornerstone of their line of reels since the beginning. When people come into the shop looking for a reel, here are a few reasons why I recommend a Lamson.

• Made in the USA. Even better, they are made in Idaho by people that live and breathe fly-fishing. Waterworks/Lamson is a great company with great customer service.
• One word: workhorse. I have many, many Lamson reels; most of which are 10-12 years old. Each of them has hundreds or even thousands of hours of use. Looking back, all of the big big fish I have ever caught were caught on Lamson's… and I have never had to send one reel in for repair or service. 
• Speaking of that, their drag system is extremely reliable. I have never had to fidget with it when casting or adjust it when fighting a fish. I am sure that most of us have hooked a fish on an inferior reel and immediately panicked, tweaking the drag in a desperate attempt to get the fish under control. This is not a problem with a Lamson.
• Lamson offers a wide range of reels at different price points without compromising quality. Besides the Konic II which is pressure cast, all of their reels are fully machined from high-quality barstock aluminum. 

The new ARX 4+ is a high quality reel that takes what Lamson does best to the next level.

Here is what Lamson has to say about it:

ARX 4+ Spey Reel

"Arx is a reel built with purpose; Spey or switch casting a variety of lines with maximum line control and reliability. The continuing evolution of Spey and Scandi lines, shooting heads, flat mono, etc. demand a reel that can help prevent line snags while retaining the high performance you’ve come to expect from Waterworks Lamson. Arx has a full cage frame that encapsulates the spool to prevent line from escaping or snagging in critical areas. Normally a configuration like this would do a good job at preventing line fouling, but would preclude palming the reel. Arx is carefully milled on the bottom third of the reel to expose a functional palming section. Even the drag knob has been designed to provide optimal grip without exposing a portion of the reel to line fouling."

Format: Large Arbor
Materials: Machined 6061 Aluminum, stainless steel
Finish: Hard Alox

This reel is truly built for the spey-fisherman in mind. I love the full frame. I have used a few reels that allow line to (especially smaller diameter mono running lines) to slip through the gap between frame and spool. This has been eliminated with a full frame and I have never been happier about it. Many other full frame reels are a little awkward when you palm the spool because the pressure from your hand has to slow the reel down; but the frame generally gets in the way on most of these reels. Because the ARX’s frame has been milled down on the bottom, it is very easy to get some leverage on the spool while keeping your hand in a comfortable position.

I took this out for a weekend on the Oregon Coast and a few mornings on the Hood River paired with a 7126 Sage Method with a 550 Skagit Max Short. While I had no love from any chrome steelhead, I was impressed with how smooth it takes line off the reel, and how the line tension remains steady. It takes minimal start-up inertia to get the reel moving. All of the features I have come to love and expect from a Lamson shine with this reel. I have a purpose for my tax refund now…

Elegance. Durability. Functionality.  The ARX 4+, a Spey Fishermen Reel

At $499 for the ARX 4+, this reel has the right combination of elegance, durability and functionality for most spey fishermen, and should be a top choice for anyone looking for a top-end reel for their spey rod without breaking the bank.

Andrew Perrault

Gorge Fly Shop

Lamson/Waterworks Spey Reels

"Fly Fish the World with Us"
What is Spey?

Fly Fishing Chronicles: The Oregon Coast

In Search of Chrome

We are some of the newest members of the Gorge Fly Shop crew and this is just one of the many lessons (I mean Adventures) we have learned while in search of Chrome...

As the story goes..

Since Jeff moved here last fall, I have been telling him about my favorite “secret” winter steelhead river out on the Oregon coast. Our time finally came in early January; we both scored the same two days off during the week and the conditions seemed perfect. Recent rains had brought the river levels up and they were hovering in that “perfect” zone, where the river was dropping between average and low flows, and the water temp was creeping up. All things were lining up in proper order for an epic trip of steelhead opportunities.

My fishing adventures usually start late in the evening with a long drive to a desolate river in the middle of the night. This trip was no different. We got off work in the evening; packed up Jeff’s rig, stopped by the liquor store, and then grabbed some tacos for the road. We drove until somewhere around midnight, and found a spot to set up camp off an old logging road not too far from a nice run that has been a known producer.

After we set up camp and drank some cheap bourbon, we went to bed. I was bolted awake around 4:00 am by the sounds of diesel engines. I was a bit afraid we were about to be run over by some heavy equipment or possibly arrested for trespassing.

No Contest

It turns out that there was a full-on logging operation going within sight of our camp that we hadn't noticed the night before when we were setting up. It also turns out that the logging crew starts the de-limbing machines around 4:00 am, and that they are incredibly loud and totally scary at 4:00 am.

When the first hints of morning light finally came around, we made some bad coffee in the jet-boil and tried to start the camp stove. No bueno… My new camp stove seemed to be frozen solid and non-functional; somehow it was 20 degrees at camp when we were expecting lows in the mid 30s. So no breakfast, but on the river early…

No sign of steel.

We fished hard from sun-up into mid-afternoon with no hook-ups, no bumps, and no sign of steel. Even in a spot that has produced more fish than any other run on any river for me, we struck out. When we went back to camp for some late lunch/breakfast around 3:00 pm, we noticed that our camp site was still frozen solid. Ice covered every inch of our site, even though we were in the open with no trees within 100 feet in any direction; while that the run on the river we were fishing a half mile away was in the 40’s and beautiful. Obviously we found where the “polar vortex” had creeped down into a 400 square foot section of Oregon forest. We quickly ate some protein and fished until dark, this time each getting a solid grab and I landed a couple of cutthroat.

Early to bed, slow to rise.

After polishing off our bottle of bourbon, we slept like babies that night, going to bed by 7:00 pm, and waking even earlier the following day. Again, we fished hard, hard, hard, hitting every spot that we could get to. In two days, Jeff and I each had a solid grab and a handful of cutties, Jeff landed a little jack coho, but there was no steel to be found anywhere.

Although our story is short and the grabs where few and far in between, our story still rings true... 

Photo courtesy of Sam Sickles

Every day of fishing provides an angler with learning opportunities. I learned to be more careful in selecting a camp spot, to never camp in that spot ever again; I learned to check logging schedules (my favorite run on earth was closed off due to logging). I learned that even on a river that I had conquered in years past, that no steelhead is guaranteed, even if conditions are perfect. I also learned not to tell my friends that we are going to slay steelhead; it’s just a recipe for disaster…

Andrew Perrault

Gorge Fly Shop

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

NEW: Tibor Signature 5/6 Fly Reels

For 2014 Tibor has added to the popular Signature Series line. A new 5/6 weight reel that is "Saltwater Tough and Freshwater Light" According to this highly respectable reel company. At the heart of the 5/6 is the same legendary sealed silky smooth micro grain cork drag system also found in the larger sizes in the Signature Series reels.

Water proof seal

Founder and Fly Fisherman Ted Juracsik explains the sealed drag system of his Signature reels. An innovative sealed drag system that’s waterproof, self-maintaining and still the strongest in the industry. A drag system that constantly applies seal pressure while in free spool so the reel will never overrun while stripping line. Legendary silky smooth micro grain cork that is constantly lubricated. On the rare occasion that maintenance is necessary, the system can be easily disassembled, yet still remain under warranty – unlike many other sealed drag reels currently on the market.

Ted Juracsik explains the internal workings

Like all Tibor Signature reels the 5/6 comes in the standard colors of Jet Black, Champagne Gold and Royal Blue and is also available in custom colors of Crimson, Moss Green and Graphite Grey for an additional charge. The additional charge is base on the retail price of the reel plus 10%.

Winston 7129 Boron III TH: A review from the field

Winston Spey

When the folks at RL Winston Rods decided to close out the popular BIIX line up of spey rods and replace it with the Borron III TH series I will admit I was skeptical. I recognize the need to create and market new products so you can keep selling and stay in business but the BIIX spey rods were simply the best…or were they? So I placed my order back in October and my rods showed up January.

7129 Borron III TH

By now I’ve had a couple of weeks to fish the 7129 Borron III TH. This is Winston’s first entry into the sub 13’ category for a seven weight. It should come as no surprise that Winston didn’t build a 7126, they built it three inches longer. When I first picked it up and gave it that wiggle, you know, the wiggle everyone gives a naked rod when they first pick it up, it was obvious this was in fact a new rod. So despite the same green color, same cork and reel seat, this didn’t feel like the Winston I had been fishing for the last decade. The new downward locking reel seat is a nice addition as well as the carbon fiber rod tube. Finally I got my day on the river with the new flagship for Winston and guess what?

Steelhead Outfitters

Sam Sickles: Steelhead Outfitters

Here at the Gorge Fly Shop the team is always looking for ways to better serve you. From gear reviews to travel destinations.

New to GORGEFLYSHOP.COM for 2014 we are proud to introduce another great steelhead guide service for you to choose from. So the next time your in need of a Steelhead Guide check out Sam and Marni, Steelhead Outfitters. For more information about Steelhead Outfitters and other great guide services, be sure to check out our "Guides Page".

Guide Service: Steelhead Outfitters

Guide Name: Sam, Marni Sickles

Guided Rivers: Deschutes, Sandy, Clackamas

Marni Sickles: Steelhead Outfitters

"Today my wife, Marni, and I own and operate Steelhead Outfitters - one of two fly fishing guide businesses that specialize in lower river jet boat trips on the Deschutes. I am the only guide offering jet boat trips initiating at the mouth as well as drift boat trips on the upper river where I spend my spring chasing the world famous Deschutes "redside”. Winter steelhead are my passion and I chase them on the Sandy and the Clackamas, the Olympic Peninsula, the Oregon Coast, and the list keeps growing." - Sam Sickles

www.steelheadoutfitters.com

PO Box 115 

Hood River, OR 97031 

samsickles@gmail.com 

(541) 400-0855

 

Steelhead Outfitters - Deschutes River

Check out Sam's "Go To" Steelhead Gear.

"Fly Fish theWorld with Us"

Christmas on the Bighorn

Bighorn Brown

Less than an hour east from where Custer and Sitting Bull collided lies the sleepy town of Ft. Smith, Montana, home to the Yellowtail Dam, a few fly shops and the legendary Bighorn River. Constructed in 1961 primarily for flood control and to enable irrigation to reach the semi-arid farmland of the Bighorn Basin, the dam resulted in what many consider the most prolific trout fishery in the lower 48 states.

The truth is, actually, that the fertility of the Bighorn and its adjoining farmland extends far beyond the fishery, as a trip to Fort Smith and it’s downstream cousin St. Xavier will reveal. I spent two days there over the holidays, the only one fool enough – according to most of the members of my family – to float the river in the dead of winter.

Simms Headwaters Large Sling Pack review

Simms Headwaters Large Sling Pack

Ask me if one perfect pack exist. I can answer that question in one word; NO! That’s an easy answer because the right pack is determined by your needs at that moment in time of use. Example; If it is summer and you plan on being out all day hiking in the sunshine than hydration will play a key importance to your function…for this I like a full-on backpack with hydration bladder, But that’s a bit bulky for the evening run and gun to your honey hole were you will only need some of your favorite flies and tippet. The packs I would equip myself for these two situations are obviously quite different. I’m not about to go into what I think you should use each type of pack for or what pack is best for you. It’s a personal choice and only you know what your needs is on your adventures. 

My idea of a perfect pack no matter what size or style may be is a pack that stays organized and items do not become lost. A pack has to be comfortable so that it’s forgotten while wearing it. It has to have enough flash to easily be seen for the times you do remove it so as to not get forgotten and left behind. Easy access to the tools you need is quite important. I’m sure we could brainstorm many more requirements of a great pack but I would like to get on with a new pack that has me pretty excited.

I have been slinging waist packs over my shoulder for years before any company ever named a pack a “Sling Pack”. But waist packs or chest packs thrown over the shoulder never quite met my needs and wearing a waist pack or a chest pack just always seemed to be in my way. Especially now that I Two Hand cast so much of the time, a chest pack is absolutely out of the question. On longer days I normally go with a backpack for the hydration capabilities enough space for lunch and all my needed gear. They do have the disadvantage of having to remove it to get to things but I can attach my tools and carry a fly box in my wader pocket for the basic needs.

Simms Headwaters Sling Pack in Lead Color

What I needed was a pack for all those other times such as short morning or evening adventures, and day adventures that don’t take me too far away from the truck and winter adventures where I don’t need to carry more than a 20 oz bottle of water or small thermos of coffee but still roomy enough to stuff a layer in it for the hike out or pack a PB&J for some stream-side energy. I also like to make sure I’m equipped with a good variety of flies and plenty of leaders, tips and tippet. Tools are a major importance to me. They need to always be at reach.

The Simms Headwaters Sling pack has all these needs covered and I can comfortably wear it all day and honestly forget about it being on my back. When I need something it slings around easily and the pockets are upright directly in front of you. The tools are also right at reach. You can equip it with tools on the pack and on the strap also so you always have tools were you need them no matter where the pack is. I really like the clamp holders and so far the magnets have been strong enough to keep them secure. Another great feature is the hideaways for the accessory straps. Tuck the rod and waist straps when not in use and you have no loose straps dangling around. I quickly figured out to use the back pocket (the one closet to your body) for larger items like a bottle of water and it’s perfect to stuff a fleece layer in when things warm up. The large front pocket holds my extra flies and leaders and the outermost pocket is perfect for the flies and tippet that I am currently using. The inside of this pocket is compatible with Simms hook and loop items such as the Simms Fly Patch. I have one of these stuck to the inside of that pocket to hang my wet flies to dry. The removable hook and loop floatant and tippet-spool retainers are also a nice feature. Just stick them on the outside of the pack while using them or stash them away when you’re not using them.

Simms Headwaters Sling Pack (smaller version)

Simms also makes the Headwaters Sling pack in a smaller version pictured here to the right shown in the Fury Orange color.

I am angler that likes to lean toward the minimalist approach. The large Headwaters Sling pack has a roomy 15 liter capacity but it feels compact, comfortable to wear all day and gives me the security of knowing I have what I need for any situation I may encounter. I've never had a pack that I liked as much as the Headwaters Sling Pack.

Greg Darling

Gorge Fly Shop 
Internet Sales Manager | Product Specialist

Features and Specs - 

• Lightweight pack for a full day on the water – pack in all your gear & fish on the go 
• 2 large zippered compartments with stretch mesh pockets 
• Quick-access stash pocket beneath the waistband allows easy access without slinging pack all the way around 
• Compression molded front pocket creates a fold-down workspace 
• Removable hook & loop floatant holder & tippet-spool retainer 
• FABRIC TECH: 420 Denier Abrasion resistant fabric with DWR 
• APPROX. WEIGHT: 32 oz 
• CAPACITY: 15 liters, 915.36 cubic in. 
• DIMENSIONS: 20” x 14” x 8”

Simms Representative Eric Neufeld demonstrates the functionality of the New Simms Headwaters Sling Pack at the 2013 I-CAST / IFTD Show in Las Vegas

"Fly Fish the World with Us"