Feb 27, 2017

Korkers Darkhorse Wading Boot Review


Reality is, buying wading boots is pretty low on the thrill factor in the acquisition of fly fishing paraphernalia. I've never seen an angler run into our fly shop just to touch and feel the new boots. Fly rods, fly reels, yes!...Boots, not so much.

Many years of wading experience has taught me this, improper fitting wading boots will make your feet and your fishing suffer! Are poor fitting, poor traction, poor functioning boots causing your fishing to suffer? Maybe we should get more excited about wading boots. If your feet stay warm longer, feel comfortable and supported, provide confidence in safety and wading ability then one can assume that a great pair of wading boots really should be capable of improving our fish-ability.

Korkers Darkhorse has improved my fishing


The New Darkhorse Wading Boot comes to us equipped with all the best Korkers time proven features while built with an emphasis on durability without compromising lightweight, comfortable function. Once this platform had been established Korkers fitted in, without compromise, an additional technology providing Achilles Stabilization known as 3PFS. 3PFS stands for 3 Ply Fit System.  The 3PFS system helps lock the foot in place for a more comfortable and secure fit.

In my testing I found the 3PFS system cradles without binding my ankles movements therefore giving me support I need for tough wading and freedom of movement for comfort and speedy trail hiking.

Korkers Darkhorse Features - 

BOA M2

After 10 years of testing Korkers BOA Lacing system boots without a single failure I can say without hesitation I find the benefits of BOA an asset not only in the entry and removal of wading boots but also in the ability to maximize stream comfort with precision lacing pressure. Darkhorse utilizes the same proven BOA M2 that all current Korkers BOA equipped boots use and function has been flawless.


Durability

Protected Triple Stitching
Molded TPU Toe Cap attached with Protected Triple Stitching. Click the picture to see a closeup. The toe cap is attached with the stitching embedded in this tough TPU material thereby keeping it out of contact with damaging abrasive contact.

OmniTrax 3.0 Sole System

You got to appreciate the versatility of this system. Choose your traction! OmniTrax offers options like AlumaTrax when your safety is the only option, felt to keep your guide happy in his drift boat and Kling-On Tread for long hikes. Whatever your need, there is an option for great traction.

AlumaTrax Soles

Fast Drying

Darkhorse utilizes Hydrophobic upper material with ultra abrasion resistance and tonal camo pattern

Internal Drainage

This is one of my personal favorite Korkers features found on all their boots. The internal drainage ports direct water down and out the bottom of the boots allowing for a complete drain when exiting water. No sloshing down the trail. You can actually feel the water drain away the moment you step out of the stream.

In my testing I've noticed these boots do dry fast. I believe that has to be contributed to the fast drying materials and the internal out the bottom drainage. It's a great feature when your travel requires you to pack them in the luggage the morning after a great fishing trip.

Boot Conclusion

I wasn't born a great angler. I have to fight for it. I'm all about seeking every possible asset that can potentially improve my fishing game. I feel like Korkers and I have a lot in common. For instance Korkers wasn't born into greatness, they had to fight for it. Korkers continues to reach for every possible asset to improve upon which over many years has resulted in an innovative competitive line of products. The philosophy of Korkers mirrors my own in that perfection is a long never ending road of constant strive toward research, discovery and improvement. That long road to success is clearly evident in this latest innovated Darkhorse wading boot from Korkers.

I have on hand a pretty nice collection of wading boots to chose from but after clocking many hours over several days in the New Darkhorse, these are the boots I find myself automatically reaching for. Function and comfort level have exceeded my expectations. My wading confidence has greatly increased. The adaptable traction system is solid and provides options to optimize performance for any stream bottom, terrain and/or seasonal weather conditions. I absolutely believe Korkers Darkhorse wading boots have played a part in improving my fishing!

Our fishing industry has overwhelmed us with more then enough wading boot choices but if I were to bet on a dark horse, I'm placing my bet on the New Korkers Darkhorse!


BassProGreg




Gorge Fly Shop Internet Sales Manager | Product Specialist


"Fly Fish the World with Us"


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Columbia River Gorge Fishing Report (2/27/17)

I have been out of town for a while, so of course the steelhead have started showing up and the snow melted...

A winter beauty, brought to hand by our in shop legend Mr. John Garrett

Winter steelhead reports have been good and steady throughout most of the Gorge and beyond.  Good rains, warmer temps, and higher flows have gotten fish moving and biting (well as much as a winter steelhead will bite).  Heavy sink tips are the name of the game, and we have had a lot of people getting bit on our new Aqua Flies steelhead selection.  Shakes those cabin fever blues off and get out there and get fishing!

Carp on fly, in February!
While back in Chicagoland, I did get out fishing a few days in the crazy unseasonable weather they were having.  Zeroed on our musky hunt, but caught some largemouth and carp.  Which reminded me how quickly these warmwater fish can respond to spring temps.  Don't be afraid to get out there bass and carp fishing locally as soon as the weather breaks.  Look for dark colored bottoms in the area you are fishing, those will warm up first.  The carp we found were in as little as 4 inches of water with their backs out, slurping up insects and worms.  If you can find green vegetation you will likely find some bass too, especially in shallow dark colored bottom areas.

A few degrees increase in water temp can get fish feeding, even if the water is barely over 40F.

Trout fishing has been steady to excellent on the Deschutes, especially after the washout last week.  Skwala nymphs and BWOs have been good, as well as the old standards.  The Skwala hatch could start anytime from now through March.  I like an olive or brown stimulator, but there are a number of great patterns to match this hatch.  I tend to stick to size 10.



Flows:  The USGS sites give us real-time flows, while the NOAA site shows us predictions based on weather patterns.  Both are invaluable tools.


Hood River:

Klickitat
USGS
NOAA

Clackamas:

Deschutes near Madras:

Deschutes at the mouth:

Columbia River
Bonneville Dam Water Temps
Columbia @ Hood River (The mouth of the Hood backs up at 75 feet)

As always, we are happy to talk fishing anytime.  Give us a call if you have any specific questions on local rivers, gear, and tactics, or if you just want some encouragement to get out of the office.  541.386.6977



Ryan Van Duzor
Gorge Fly Shop | Product Specialist
541.386.6977


Read More from the "Bearded Pescador"




 

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

Feb 22, 2017

Korkers Hatchback Wading Boots - New for 2017


No...Not Photoshop! Do not adjust your set!


Hard to imagine what new technology could develop for wading boots. We have pretty much tried every material possible for soles, BOA lacing systems are not new and Korkers owns the interchangeable sole system market. So what else is there to do with a wading boot?

Enter From Rear

You've got to give it to Korkers for Innovation. These guys are non-stop thinking about how something can be better. The boot pictured is the New Korkers Hatchback Wading Boots. Rear Entry Easy Access, BOA Lacing System, Omnitrax 3.0 Interchangeable Sole System, 3PFS Achilles Stabilization System and all the other Korkers innovations I've determined I can't live without including one of my favorites the Internal Drainage system.

I first saw this boot at I-CAST/IFTD 2016. Of course even though I wasn't wearing waders I had to slip my foot in it anyway. I couldn't believe how easy the entry was. Total wide open. I was imagining myself wearing waders and the first thought that came to mind is how nice it will be to start your day without the feeling of neoprene boot wad. You know what I mean, it seems to take time for everything to get comfortable. I think we can forget that issue with this boot.


Comes with two sets of soles and two sole buying options.

  1. Felt & Kling-on Tread
  2. Kling-on Tread & Studded Kling-on Tread

If your region allows felt I would go with the felt option and add either Studded felt or AlumaTrax Soles for the ultimate in traction. 

If your region has banned Felt then get the Kling-on package and add AlumaTrax Soles for ultimate in traction. 

The Korkers Hatchback Boots will be available around March 1st, 2017 and are available to purchase from our online store now for first delivery as soon as they arrive. 

BassProGreg




Gorge Fly Shop Internet Sales Manager | Product Specialist


"Fly Fish the World with Us"


Read more of Greg's Post


Feb 17, 2017

February Survey - Do You Tie Flies


Do You Tie Your Own Flies? Take Survey


Maybe I am just more aware of it but it seems to me that more anglers are tying their own flies today. Whether it be for personal satisfaction, commercially unavailable patterns or self created unique patterns. 

This question came to mind when I was ripping out a couple patterns for an upcoming fishing adventure. The patterns I tie are nothing amazing special but to the best of my knowledge the exact detail does not exist in a commercial tied fly. I also get a great deal of satisfaction knowing that I have my own hand in tying them. By no means would I take credit for creating this particular fly pattern but I still get to customize the way I like it and doing so gives me an extra edge of confidence in it. Seems to be effective because these particular flies will account for much of my catch. 

I don't tie all my own flies. Some I tie are completely my own unique patterns and I keep them pretty much to myself. Some flies I tie because the commercially available ones are so generic I have no confidence in them. I also tie a few patterns because simply they are not commercially available. 

I get a lot of confidence from tying my own flies. It's a great feeling when you get that tug on your pattern. It also gives me the ability to customize the flies to specific water types and seasonal stream flows. 

The goal of this survey is to find out a percentage of anglers tying their own. We look forward to the results and as always they can be immediately after taking the survey and we will summarize and post the results about a month from now on our Survey Page. Our survey page also contains the results of all our past surveys. 

Thanks for participating,

BassProGreg




Gorge Fly Shop Internet Sales Manager | Product Specialist


"Fly Fish the World with Us"


Read more of Greg's Post


Feb 12, 2017

Columbia Gorge Fishing Report (2/12/17)

Old Man Winter has finally released his grasp!  




At least for the moment...

We have had a good warm up and a bit of rain early in Feb.  Local rivers have finally gotten some flows, though most didn't get the projected spikes we were hoping for.

The coast, on the other hand, has been at flood stage or higher on many rivers, but is now on the drop and should be fishing great.

The fisher folk are suddenly out in droves, I counted 8 at the mouth of the Hood yesterday...  But I haven't heard of many fish being caught.  I think the higher flows got fish moving, but maybe not biting.

The Sandy is finally back at average flows, with hopefully more rain in the forecast it should start to fish well.

Still some good reports coming from the Deschutes trout bums, with a stonefly nymph bite really starting to materialize.  The D had a nice spike in flow, which should help clean out some of the super silty areas that once were great spots.

Skwala Nymph Eater!

With some steady (and warmer) weather expected this week, the fish should get happy and start snapping!

The warmth has gotten me fired up for spring bassin', so keep your eye on the report as I will be out there a lot come early March!

If you do get out this week we would love to hear your reports and see some fish porn!

Want to see your ugly mug in our fishing report?

Drop us a line to info@gorgeflyshop.com

See you out there!



Flows:  The USGS sites give us real-time flows, while the NOAA site shows us predictions based on weather patterns.  Both are invaluable tools.


Hood River:

Klickitat
USGS
NOAA

Clackamas:

Deschutes near Madras:

Deschutes at the mouth:

Columbia River
Bonneville Dam Water Temps
Columbia @ Hood River (The mouth of the Hood backs up at 75 feet)

As always, we are happy to talk fishing anytime.  Give us a call if you have any specific questions on local rivers, gear, and tactics, or if you just want some encouragement to get out of the office.  541.386.6977



Ryan Van Duzor
Gorge Fly Shop | Product Specialist
541.386.6977


Read More from the "Bearded Pescador"




 

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

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