TAL ON TAL

There's no sensation to compare with this

Suspended animation, a state of bliss

Can't keep my mind from the circling skies

Tongue-tied and twisted just an earth-bound misfit, I

Pink Floyd

Okay, David Gulmore was singing about planes, but it applies the same to my feeling as a helicopter takes off leaving me on a small gravel bar on the Taluchulitna. I had the chance to experience the Talaheim lodge on the Talachulitna river thanks to a friend who had been their previously. The "Tal" lies about one hour by small plane northwest from Anchorage. The location requires a shorter journey compared to rivers in the Bristol bay drainage yet a similar atmosphere of remoteness. The owner of the Talaheim lodge, Mark employs a staff who strive to provide to the needs of all the guests. You can't help leaving without feeling spoiled. Guides are first rate and professional. We had the pleasure of the company of Scott, Mason and "Doc" who lead us each day in the pursuit of Kings. I couldn't ask for a better trio of guides who definitely excel at flyfishing the area but are equally adept at using gear if that is your preference, not that there's anything wrong with that. Each day begins with a hearty breakfast concluding with a discussion regarding the possible fishing options and split up according to preferences. Our purpose was to swing for Kings but the trout fishery itself is equally impressive as evidenced by the dozens of "bycatch" trout that I landed on King flies during the week. The trout could definitely be described as fat and frisky, and I spent a better part of a day skating mouse patterns for 16-20 inch leopards. I'm told that the Silver Salmon season is not to be missed as well.

Fishing Report (July 28th)

Gorge Fly Shop July 27th Fishing Report

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

CARPE' THE NOW

Among those whom I like or admire, I can find no common denominator, but among those whom I love, I can: all of them make me laugh. W. H. Auden 

The original intent of this piece was to regale everyone with the follow up to my insistence on practicing your cast especially before a distant trip to salt water. My plan was to recant Heminway-esque tales of fishing for tarpon accompanied by the requisite fish porn, But alas, sometimes the fishing gods rear up and hit you with the butt end of a 12 weight with moody fish that are few and far between. During this recent humiliation in the Keys, the time on the water gave me time to pause and savor each moment while being poled around into a head wind.

Who needs fireworks?

Starting somewhere around the first week in November I start jonesing for 4th of July weekend on the Deschutes. Every year we float the river with friends over the 4th looking for a good time and potentially an early summer steelhead. Launching at Mack’s Canyon is a short 24 mile float through the roadless section of the lower, lower Deschutes. I had the priveledge of working this lower 24 miles for the previous month running trout trips and knew every camp was overgrown and tick infested so I wasn’t upset when our standing date with friends was cancelled. So what to do? We hemmed and hawed around a bit about possible road trips far far away but settled on easy. A nice jet boat trip, just Marni and I, to relax and maybe fish and maybe not.

The Mayor with a July Hog.

I had been up the river on the 3rd with the Hood River “fish boy” Gabe Cunningham and the river had been kind. With my itch scratched, my mindset was that of a camper not a fisherman…or so I claimed to my wife. So we packed up our backpack size camp and headed up the mighty Deschutes the afternoon of the 4th, no fireworks just each other’s company and the river. Had I not scratched my itch the day before I might have been upset to see one group spread out acrosss the vast expanse of Wagonblast but I was just camping out so whatever. We made our way up the remaining rapids to the middle lower lower and found a nice shady camp sitting on a two hour fish, gotta love July.

Fishing Report (July 21st)

Gorge Fly Shop July 21st Fishing Report

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

Fishing Report (July 14th)

Gorge Fly Shop July 14th Fishing Report

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

Viva Las Orlando: 2014 IFTD / I-CAST Mega Show

2014 I-CAST / IFTD Show

I-CAST / IFTD - The World's Largest Fishing Show!

Last year's I-CAST / IFTD (the fishing show) was held in Las Vegas. This year we are fortunate to endure Orlando, Florida's - hurricane season, thunderstorms, hot and muggy weather, kids running rampet all in the name of... science? Maybe not quite, but its gonna be interesting. A few Gorge Fly Shop Team Members will have to sacrifice a week of their time to see what's new and improved and worthy to report back to you. Watch our Facebook and Twitter for on the showroom floor accounts of what we happen to find. Be sure to follow our blog and Youtube page for any subsequent posts or videos in the following months.

RIO's InTouch Lines - Get "In-Touch" with the other end of your fly line

It's middle July and I-CAST/IFTD mega show is just a week away. This is where all the dealers go to check out all that is new and improved for the upcoming 2015 season. We'll cast rods and handle reels and catch up on all the latest gear designed to catch more fish (or more fisherman). 

A product that I have watched steadily improve over the last few years is fly lines. I just received product information sheets of the new additions to the Rio InTouch series of lines and I think we all have something to cheer about. 

Simms Headwaters Sling Pack: Reviews are over rated!

Accessories sold separately

Reviews are often over rated, fluffed up, powder coated and one sided often times scewing the truth all to sell product. So lets just cut to the chase. Or as my father would say, "Just the Facts".

This pack is Sweet!

Greg Darling scoping out the San Juan

I've always been a fan of spaghetti westerns so with that thought in mind. I would name this pack the "Gunslinger" of sling packs. Easy on, easy off. Similar to tactical sling packs but nothing quite as cool as this fishing friendly sling. Versatile, Comfortable - Packed full of features. Now onto the review FACTS: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.

In March Greg Darling and I spent two days on foot and two days floating the San Juan River. Our go to bag was this Simms Sling Pack. Perfect for the trip! 

The Good

Day in and day out we knew we could rely on our packs. Ideal for easy going day trips with two side access main compartments. It's a sling pack so you must sling the pack around in front of you in order to gain easy access. Attention went into detail, from the large ring zippers to the pockets on the inside. A full zip out work station front and center allowing you access to everything you need. Room for a bottle of water, gloves, spare spool and other accessories. A true joy to use.

Just the Facts Dude:

Peanut butter jelly time

• Lightweight for a full day use – pack in all your gear and fish on the go. 
• Two 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 and loop floatant holder and tippet-spool retainer 

Product Specs:

• 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”

Sage SALT and ACCEL Fly Rods Plus Domain Reel. NEW FOR 2015

SALT

THE NEW SALT FLY ROD. NEW FOR 2015.

All the way from Bainbridge Island, Washington - Sage brings us two new rods, the first for 2015 is their first ever saltwater rod created with their revolutionary Konnetic Technology. With medium-fast action that some may consider "Salt Action" loads extremely quickly at varying distances that allow you to make precise first casts regardless of range all with ease. Introducing the all new SALT.

We are told the rod is tapered throughout, the stiffer tip section on it's dark sapphire rod works seamlessly with the deeper-bending middle and lower sections all to help you quickly and effortlessly lift your line off the water providing lightning-fast casts.

New Sage Salt

Konnetic Technology rods have been known for tip-to-hand sensitivity and the Sage SALT is no different.
When precision casts are needed for moving targets the SALT provides instant feedback  and the torsional control and tracking qualities of the blank deliver your fly exactly where it's needed.

With added new custom components: 

1. Deeply knurled and ergonomically cantered reel lock nuts.
2. Black Stealth bead blasted reel seat numbered by line weight for quick selection.
3. Plus its built in hook keeper.   

Gabe Hooks Up Summer Steelhead on the Deschutes

Just add water

I got a phone call from Gabe the other day. 

Talking to Gabe is like an “Up to the minute” fishing report. Whether the report is good or bad you always know he put up a great effort and he never defeats himself. He is observant and thorough and never waivers no matter how many hours go by. 

Here are the details 

Walk before you Run!

"It's about wading staff's"

Wading Jedi / Falling Newbie:

This past May I had an incident where I was one with the water, I Chunky Dunked (story here). Not quite spiritual but definitely a wake up call. Quite ironic considering I've been testing the Fishpond Wading Staff (reviewed here) since March. At this point in my fly fishing (career / adventures) I would say I appreciate a staff more now than ever, at least when wading in waters that are still considered virgin for me. My wading skills aren’t quite up to Jedi specs like Wading Jedi Tom Larimer. Now some may argue they refuse to use such items as a wading staff. Keep it simple, less items out of your way. I get it, I've had line around my staff or other gear too. 

The Difference is in the pudding:

In May Greg and I were able to use Simms Wading staffs on the Deschutes for three days.  This was my first time putting together this style of staff sitting on a picnic table talking shop drinking a whiskey and coke. I probably looked like an inexperienced Michelangelo (Ninja Turtles) flailing this limp stick around (2014/2015 Simms Staff). Eventually I got the hang of it. - It's a learning curve to say the least for any one who has never operated this style of stick. I realized this after Greg's friend Dan went through the same turmoil, but with a few practice go's one eventually figures it out.

No matter what Simms changes or updates, one thing still holds true to this day for their staffs. It's how convenient it is to collapse your staff and have it neatly folded in a sheath, on the water, in a boat or even on land. It took me a few times on the water and maybe a few jokes on my behalf using this style of staff, but eventually I found my groove. Besides its drawbacks I enjoyed this setup quite greatly. Not only is it light weight, thinner than other staffs but the sheath is made of neoprene so it dries quickly.

My advice or reminder to anyone is whether you use a staff or not, walk before you run. Slow down. My day on the river with Tom I tried to keep up with him in the river, but either my PTSD (chunky dunk) or lack of Wading Jedi skills kept me a good rod length behind. I relied more heavily on my staff while wading in the middle of the "D" to fish a particular run. Good thing I made it too, caught a few whitefish, rainbows and had a few more grabs before returning to the boat. I was able to collapse the staff if need be while I worked the run or let it drift to my non casting down river side while I fished with confidence.

Be sure to check out wading staffs and accessories. 

Article by: Mike Prine - The Newbie
Gorge Fly Shop - Webmaster

Let us know your thoughts on wading staffs
and what do you think about collapsible staffs?
"Fly Fish the World with Us"

Sage Method Vs. anything you got!

Now Hiring

Someone asked recently what fly rods do I like? I paused for a moment in thought and truthfully replied with "I like all fly rods." Being with a group of fly fishers a low grumble came out and one angler said of course you would say that being in a retail business and all.

Sometimes I'm just plain too honest! Had the question been what rods do you like to fish with the answer would be wildly different. I do like all fly rods but I chose rods that fit my style of fishing and my casting personality. While there is a time and place for slow to moderate action rods I find most of my fishing has me reaching for a magnum stick and I find great pleasure tuning my stroke into a perfect cast of power and speed.

The Sage Method has my respect, for good reasons!

Why you ask?!

Many reasons come to mind but I feel the most profound reason of all is the lightning fast speed coupled with the most intuitive feeling rod I have ever put in my hand.

Power is useless unless one can harness it. Finding the right combination of speed and control equals the eternal quest for the perfect rod. In short if you can harness it you can cast it.

I don't know technically what makes this rod so different. My impression from the first cast was this is not as fast as I expected. But I was fooled by the feel. As I have spent much more time becoming intimate with my beautiful red mistress I have come to realize it's much faster than previously determined. Carefully watching the tip and the speed of the line during the cast has revealed a true magnum.

Red is the appropriate color to dress her in and if the look doesn't raise a brow than you should check your pulse. Trust me when I say give it a swing and fear not intimidation for this lady possesses grace. I'm laughing as I write this realizing I have never applied a gender to any of my fly rods yet I find myself wanting to describe the Method as a gorgeous woman in a beautiful red dress leaving you mesmerized and unable to look away.

Feed her the right line

No need to over-line the method but don't expect a good response from a trout line either.
Rio Grand will take care of the lighter rods. Streamers will fly on the 6 and 7 weights with a Rio Streamer Tip. Rio Bonefish Quickshooter loads the 7 and 8 weights perfectly. Rio Power Fly will please the big rod freshwater angler and the Rio Tarpon line will take on the silver salt species. Rio Outbound Lines are also a great choice with many possible sizes and densities to match any fly anglers needs.

Speed, power and grace combined with beautifully pleasing aesthetics all come together to create one extraordinarily series of fly rods.

Give her your hand and take her for a swing. She will not disappoint!

Greg Darling 

Gorge Fly Shop Internet Sales Manager | Product Specialist

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

Pay less for Redington Palix

Reliable gear, Reliable service.

Step One: Gear up!

Walk into any fly shop and speak to a dozen guys and you could get half a dozen opinions about Redington Palix Wading Boots. So what makes my opinion any different, perspective and budget really. I enjoy finding gear that doesn't break the bank and does what it states. When shopping for boots, waders or any item of importance ask yourself WHEN, WHERE, and HOW OFTEN you will need to use that item.

I was recently in a fly shop not that long ago where a floor staff tried to steer me away from Redington Palix boots. He attempted to explain I would get more for my money by purchasing another brand. A little shocked I proceeded to listen, but what the floor staff didn't  already know was that I had already purchased two pairs (rubber / felt) and have been using them this past year. My decision to purchase Redington gear wasn't made lightly. I not only did my own research but took the advice from guys who have tested Redington gear personally, George Cook and Greg Darling just to name a few key players. More for my money? That’s an interesting term and one effected by perspective and experience.  If you spend more money on a car do you really drive it more often? If you pay more for seats or materials do you sit more or less? I had no doubt these boots would hold up to its $89.95 price tag, but the true question is how comfortable they are and would they last just as long as a higher priced boot.

Where price and quality meet

Simple. Clean. Dependable.

I consider myself rough on footwear and putting these boots through the ringer was no exception. After spending time on the Deschutes, Sandy, San Juan and the Hood this year these boots still exceeded my expectations. $1 for $1, you get what you pay for and I know plenty of other anglers who have got their money’s worth tenfold on these boots.

4x4 2x2

As Greg Darling once told me: "Palix boots - The converse All-Star's of the fly fishing world!" I would have to agree. Ask yourself this. Do your boots need to look like they can walk on the moon? Do they need to be a fashion statement? Sometimes simple is better! Similar to the converse shoes while not high tech by any means they in fact succeed where it counts.. Basic in form, but true to it's roots and purpose.

Speaking of shoe's, these boots aren't the Nike’s of wading boots. Greg mentioned Converse and it's a solid comparison, but I would put them in a more rugged comparison. I classify these boots as an old Jeep, remember those? Before they where bought out by Chrysler. Looks decent, works when you need them to, dependable, reliable but not the same price of a Land Rover.

George Cook leads by example:
I always hear stories of George fishing, this dude likes to hunt but I bet he's got a gun safe full of rods or one hell of a man cave. When asked what he thought of his current pair of Palix Boots he responded quickly by saying: "No break in period, ready to go straight out of the box. The Redington Sticky Rubber Sole is shocking good, maybe the best rubber sole on the market today. I’m now on season #3 with my Palix Sticky Rubber Boots."

A word from Redington on sticky rubber: "Palix River Sticky Rubber Walnut Wading Boots are durable, lightweight, quick drying, and provide great traction, all at an unbelievable value. Boots are stud compatible for the more rugged fishing adventures."

Are cool extras and fancy materials always needed? For example: carbon fiber. Sounds cool to say right, but if a company uses carbon fiber to save you two ounces in weight you have to ask your self is it worth it? Maybe you just want to get your hands on some carbon fiber, so you pay for that up charge. I call that the X factor (Want vs. Need).

X Factor in all purchases: That want Vs. need feeling. We've all done this, walk into a store and want something only because it's cool or new. The coolest thing about these boots besides the ease of use and sticky rubber is the price. So why pay more when you can spend your hard earned money and save for another killer product at the Gorge Fly Shop... or take your wife out to dinner, theirs always that.

Boot Features -

• Available in Sticky Walnut Rubber or Felt soles
• Supportive, lightweight, and quick drying!
• Rubber toe cap for added abrasion resistance
• Deep draw lacing with moulded, non-corrosive metal hardware (enough lace to wrap ankle)
• Webbing pull loops for easy entry/exit
• Stud compatible (Tested with Redington Goat Head Sole Spikes)

Step Two: Get Wet!

The Palix Wader in use, Kenai River , Alaska (Rainbow). Season 1 Palix wader (2013)

Palix River Wader

What's a good pair of wading boots without waders? Wet wading during the Summer on the Deschutes... For all those other times you need a good pair of waders to get the job done. Are you the type of guy that buys the latest and greatest? The gear with all the bells and whistles? Or are you more like me and just need a quality product to get the job done. I once owned a pocket knife that had a flash light, used it all the time until one day the light quit. Unable to fix the light the knife became pointless to carry. I thought, what a waste.

Maybe your not looking to spend all that much but still in need of a quality wader... Or if your like a friend of mine: You travel so often you could benefit by having an extra pair of waders kept at a friends house so you don't need to pack a pair every time you travel.

Redington Palix River Waders fit that bill.

Wader Features -

• 100% nylon 3-layer DWR coated wader fabric reinforced 6-layer lower leg
• Opposing buckles for easy conversion to waist high
• High density neoprene bootie
• Chest pocket with drain holes
• Flip-out pocket with YKK zipper
• Belt loops with wading belt included
• Integrated gravel-guards
• Double layer-knee
• Custom Redington Exterior woven label
• Fleece lined handwarmer pocket

Instead of fishing in $3-400 waders George keeps things simple, to the point and gets busy fishing. When asked about Palix River waders he responded with: "I’m 2nd season into mine now and Dollar for Dollar, Feature to Feature, “Value and performance” meet on the curve here. Simply the nicest wader out there sub $250. And these happen to be $159.00.

George Cook nabs another Kenai Rainbow sporting a pair of Redington Palix River Waders - early June, 2014.

I'll end by saying this: No matter what you spend and how you spend it, life is too short to be wasting it away on gear that leaves you with regret. The last thing any angler needs or wants is to be waste deep and full of regret. 

So in the edited words of "Red" - Get busy Livin', or get busy Fishin'.

 

Article by: Mike Prine - The Newbie
Gorge Fly Shop - Webmaster

VIDEO: Important information - Wader Sizing Demostration

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

Fishing Report (July 6th)

Gorge Fly Shop July 6th/7th Fishing Report

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

Get Started in Fly Fishing - Chapter One - Get Hooked

Mention Fly Fishing in a room full of people and inevitably someone will respond with "I always wanted to do that but don’t know how to get started”. 

If I had a Dime for every time I heard this, well, I would have a pocket full of dimes. But the question remains how to get started? It seems almost an enigma to the beginner. Sort of like a secret society and unless you have friends that fish or grew up fishing with family, well it can be a bewildering undertaking. But the fact is it really is not that tough. Sure there is the terminology barriers to iron out, a master's degree in entomology to achieve and don’t forget tradition...you must know tradition! Or be cast out!...Pun intended.

Let's get started...

Greg Darling | 35 something years ago...

Before we buy this and that and spend a month's income outfitting for a trip to nowhere...Ask yourself one question...

Where will I fish?