Do you let the loop hang?

To hold a loop, or not to hold a loop: That is the question: Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, Or to take arms against a sea of troubles, And by opposing end them?

I bet if Shakespeare were a steelheader, he'd probably swing flies for them...

I've been asked this a few times before and my answer is never exactly clear-cut, but I do have a couple ground rules. For example, when I fish sink tips I never hold a loop, and when I dryline fish I do so about half the time. Why? Well for starters if I'm fishing a tip for winter-runs, I'm already swinging my fly down in the water column and the fish tend to move laterally rather than vertically in the water column. Therefore, when I fish a dryline the fish always have to move up in the water column to take the fly that's at or near the surface. A line from Dec Hogan that always stuck with me was, "what goes up, must come down."

So why don't I carry a loop every time if fishing a floating line? Well, it's purely situational for me. Say I'm fishing river right and trying to reach a specific distant spot- Instead of casting switch (with my non-dominating hand on top) I'll do whatever cast puts my fly where it needs to be, but as my line is shooting out the guides I'll pass the rod off to my left hand and only hang onto the bottom grip. The reason I do this is because I can control the fly much better with a little extra reach. I'm also able to slow my fly down or keep more line off the water if there is a funky surface current. When I fish this way my rod tip is almost always up high and if a fish takes the fly I simply bow the rod to the fish in respect for the steelhead taking my offering. Though it's really more because I want to give my fly to the fish and not pull it away. Similarly, if I'm twitching/skating/chugging dry flies for steelhead my rod tip is always high as I work a fly across a run. I'd much rather drop my rod tip to the fish, and if I'm fishing with my tip up I'll be less inclined to "trout set" by pulling my fly away from a fish out of excitement. Remember that, "what goes up must come down."

So when else do I fish a dryline without a loop? Sometimes in slow, froggy water or when there is a good chance for the fish to take the fly on the hang down. When these situations present themselves I believe I've got better feel with my two fingers holding the line, rather than pinching the line down on the cork by holding a loop. Sometimes I'll even pulse my finger on the running line to give the fly a little more movement in that soft/hang down water to entice the take, similarly if I'm fishing sink tips.

Is holding a loop an exact science? Not really, but it seams to be working for me and if it's not broke I ain't gonna fix it! So what do you do? Hold a loop? Sometimes? Never? Always? Situational? I think its good to be diverse in your tactics for how you approach steelhead. Either way, it's always a learning experience!

Cody Booth
Gorge Fly Shop | Product Specialist
541.386.6977  

Availability Across the Seychelles with Fly Water Travel

No doubt you have heard the stories from wide-eyed anglers returning from the heart of the Indian Ocean. For those who have not yet been, the tales, while true, are hard to swallow: steady streams of large, aggressive bonefish flooding pristine flats, huge trevally and barracuda, ellusive Indo-Permit, mysterious schools of super-charged milkfish, and blue water rich with sailfish and wahoo. Often referred to in recent times as the best bonefishing in the world, the only downside to the Seychelles is that once you have fly fished here you will be forever spoiled.

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Alphonse Fishing Company

Astove Atoll
The 23rd November is a full moon, so the Spring Tide will ensure some fast and furious action in areas that aren’t usually accessible on the neap tides! This includes the top section of the lagoon where one can target Permit, GT’s and big Bonefish as well as the Eastern side of the lagoon mouth which would only be accessible on the medium to high tide on the spring cycle.

November is an amazing time to fly fish in Seychelles as you are likely to experience light winds, tranquil oceans and great visibility.

November 19 – 26: 3 rods

Cosmoledo Atoll
The full moon on the 21st January will ensure quicker water movements and along with that, excellent opportunities at GT’s and Milkfish with large Bonefish making their appearance known as well. Come and experience the innovative and groundbreaking Cosmoledo Eco-Camp which has been set up for the season, and be part of the team that is pioneering a new form of luxury eco-tourism in the outer islands of Seychelles.

January 17 – 24, 2019

Alphonse Island and St. Francois Atoll
Alphonse Island and St. François Atoll always offer a fantastic fishing experience! With miles and miles of dazzling white and easily wadeable flats, you will have an amazing time targeting various species such as tricky Triggers, the golden-finned Permit, finicky Milkies, the bullish GT’s – all in one of the most prolific Bonefish fisheries in the world.

March offers fantastic weather as the season starts to move from the North Western to the South Eastern Tradewinds, and you are likely to experience some of the very best fishing weather that the Seychelles has to offer.

March 23 – 30, 2019

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Providence Atoll
Providence Atoll is just short of being the most southerly atoll in the Seychelles and contains two major land masses, namely Providence North and Cerf Island. This remarkable atoll has remained largely untouched, with fewer than a thousand people having visited this tropical wilderness in the last century. The sheer size and amount of fish holding area makes both the flats and offshore angling potential almost limitless. It is a true fly fishing wilderness! Providence offers fly fishermen the opportunity to wade and sight fish a possible 46 kilometers of pristine sand and Turtle grass flats, an enormous lagoon system as well the numerous channels which link these structures with the Indian Ocean. Anglers can expect to target record size Giant Trevally, Bonefish, Triggerfish, Indo Pacific Permit, Milkfish as well as Bumphead Parrotfish. Due to its size and diversity fly castaway will be placing five of their extremely talented and experienced guides on this remarkable atoll, together with five tender boats to be used exclusively on Providence. These tenders will surely improve both flats accessibility and help maximize the fantastic offshore fishery Providence is blessed to have!

Available weeks
December 4 – 11, 2018: 3 rods
April 9 – 16, 2019: 5 rods
April 23 – 30, 2019: 9 rods
November 19 – 26, 2019: 7 rods
November 26 – December 3, 2019: 4 rods

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Farquhar Atoll
Long known to only the inner circle of adventuresome saltwater anglers, Farquhar was one of the earliest outer islands to be discovered. Its reasonable size, varied flats, coral-strewn lagoon and prolific blue water fishery make it one of the world’s best multispecies destinations. In the past it was only accessed by mothership but today anglers enjoy a new lodge that makes it the perfect island fish camp and one of the best values in the Seychelles. The new lodge has been extremely well received by every guest thus far. On top of this, the number of meter plus GT’s landed on Farquhar is on par with any other destination you can think of and with it’s incredible diversity, it remains the true jewel of the Seychelles!

Available weeks
March 8 -15, 2019: 4 rods
March 22 – 29, 2019: 8 rods
March 29 – April 5, 2019: 1 rod
April 5 -12, 2019: 4 rods
April 19 -26, 2019: 2 rods
November 6 – 13, 2019: 4 rods
November 13 -20, 2019: 6 rods
November 27– December 4, 2019: 6 rods
December 4 – 11, 2019: 5 rods

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St. Brandon Atoll
Deep within the Indian Ocean, due east of Madagascar and 300 miles northeast of the island of Mauritius, lies an obscure and seldom visited atoll that may be the greatest bonefishing destination in the world. Scouted and eventually made accessible to fly anglers by the veteran South African saltwater outfitters at Fly Castaway, St. Brandon’s atoll is a wade fisherman’s paradise blessed with enormous hard sand flats and staggering numbers of huge bonefish. In addition to the incomparable bonefish resource, anglers will also encounter good numbers of Indo-Pacific permit, bluefin, golden, yellow dot and green spot and giant trevally.

Available weeks
April 8 -18, 2019: 6 rods
April 23 – May 2, 2019: 6 rods
April 29 – May 9, 2019: 2 rods
May 20 – 30, 2019: 4 rods
September 30 – October 10, 2019: 5 rods
October 7 – 17, 2019: 4 rods
October 14 – 24, 2019: 5 rods
October 21 -31, 2019: 6 rods
October 28 – November 7, 2019: 2 rods
November 4 – 14, 2019: 4 rods
November 11 – 21, 2019: 2 rods

Inquire for more info

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

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"Fly Fish the World with Us" 

Review: Burkheimer 6139-4 and Airflo Delta Spey II 6/7

CF Burkheimer released a new rod in their lineup this year, and it was one that sparked my interest from the get go. I've been a big fan of their rods ever since I first laid eyes on one, and even more so after I first cast one. I recently got to play with a 8139-4; pairing it with mid-belly, scandi, and skagit lines. The big stick was an absolute machine that was just begging for Washington's O.P., Skagit/Sauk, or British Columbia steelhead. However, a lighter-weight version of this rod for select Columbia tributaries would be a total blast! I don't do the graphite speed chase when it comes to my two-hander's and I look for rods with lots of feel and soul, which is exactly what Burkheimer is known for. Kerry makes a ton of different two-handed rod tapers/lengths in 3, 4, and 5-piece rods, so it's easy to find the one that's right up your alley.

So why a 13'9, 6wt? Well, I was out on the Deschutes earlier this summer fishing my 7127-4 Burkie and reaching for a distant seam when I realized I was trying to manage about 50-60+ feet of mono running line attached to a scandi head and tapered leader. It worked, but I found I was wasting a bit of time stripping line. Also, every third cast or so I would have my running line knot up in a guide. Again, wasting more time not swinging my fly in the water. It got to a point where I realized I was fed up with fishing shorter scandi heads on medium to large rivers. A long time ago in a past life during my snowboarding career, I realized how important it was to have a quiver of boards to suit specific needs; I.E. Powder days, park days, early/late season conditions, etc. Much like how you wouldn't use just one golf club for all of your golfing needs. 

So what did I do? I grabbed some mid-belly lines and the 12'7 and tried to dial it in. However, I found I was working much harder than I wanted for stripping in less line on the shorter rod. As fate would have it, our Burkheimer rep called to hype up a new rod... a 13'9, 6 weight. I was instantly sold, and rushed to put one on order for an upcoming trip in hopes to have it in time. I lined up my favorite reel- a wide-spool, raised pillar, click and pawl- with a Airflo Delta II 6/7 Mid-Belly. As I patiently waited I tied some favorite patterns and cooked up some new ones. As soon as the rod arrived I went to the local ditch and tested it out. Was it love at first cast? Absolutely. The rod felt more like a 6/7 weight than a true 6 weight to me, and despite being a little longer it was still nice and light in hand. Pairing it with the Delta II Spey line from Airfo was a perfect match! The good news was that I was already fishing my fly at 70 feet with just the head hanging out the rod tip. A few strips and I was already out to 100' with ease.

Snake River, WA: Big water tailored for longer rods and longer lines

 

Now I'll be honest in that the majority of fish I catch are never 100' out. In reality they're more like 40-50', but there are times when I know I'm missing fish if I can't make the cast needed. So next thing I know I'm on the Snake River, which happens to make the Deschutes River look like a tiny creek. I was just itching to give the rod a proper test drive! I know of some competition spey casters who'd said in good return years they've stuck fish at over 150 feet off the bank on that particular river. My ears perked up at the thought of hitting a fish at that distance. On a big water like that it's important to have plenty of backing as hooking a good B-run that charges for the current can empty a reel quickly.

So did I stick any fish at that distance? Nope. But at least I know I have the right tools to do so. I did find some at closer range and the rod handled them beautifully. Some people will preach the short format head systems, and I certainly find them applicable. However, I also feel the same with longer rods and more traditional lines. If I'm fishing a head system I really do like using mono shooting line for extra distance, although when I have an integrated running line it truly seems as though I have a much better connection and feel for how my fly is swinging. With integrated running lines such as Airflo's Delta Spey II, I can feel all the subtle nuances in the water and it heightens my anglers senses. Was that a leaf that just hit my fly? Or was it a light pluck from a chrome-bright hen who was curious to my offering? I'd better make a couple more casts before stepping down, just to be sure...

If you fish medium to large rivers than I highly recommend a slightly longer two-hander coupled with a mid-belly line. I find myself stripping less, casting further, and swinging my fly longer. That whole part about the more time your fly is spent in the water can really enhance your chances of success. Nevertheless, I'm in love with this new 6wt sword and will indeed keep it in the rod quiver for a long time to come. 

 Idaho's Clearwater with the 6139-4 and Airflo Delta II 6/7

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.

Cody Booth
Gorge Fly Shop | Product Specialist
541.386.6977  

Columbia Gorge Fishing Report 10/16/18

 

I've been away from local waters lately as I took an annual fall steelheading trip. This year my girlfriend Chelsey and I took off to fish some Columbia River tributaries out East. Our target was the Clearwater, Snake, and Grande Ronde. We'd never been, and despite low returns we decided to go anyways. Fishing was tough, though we found a few. The Clearwater was touting it's fall colors and it was easy to be distracted while swinging a run. I does parallel a busy highway and it felt like I was rolling the dice every time I pulled out of a spot or looked for a new one. Most all the prime water had an angler or two nearby at all times of the day. No big B-Run's, though there was a fish that I hooked and lost that could've been...

Over on the Snake I loved taking out the big stick and dropping long bombs while not even covering 1/5 of the water. Then transitioning over to the Ronde with a switch rod and ability to hit the far bank. Everywhere was beautiful, though pressure was high and fish counts very low. I talked to an old timer who's family had been fishing the area since the 40's and said this was one of the hardest years they've ever experienced. While steelheading sure ain't easy, this is a tougher year for us all. We linked up with some friends and made some new ones along the way too- Campfire whiskey, lunchtime fly tying, and miles and miles of walking each day in beautiful country made this year's Steel Headquarters a blast.

Steelhead: We are working hard out for any type of encounter with Mykiss. Those lucky enough to score prime water still aren't guaranteed anything. The Deschutes has been pumping out a fish here and there, and same with the Klickitat. If you're complaining about only hooking a fish here and there, its possible steelhead fishing isn't for you. I always tend to fish smaller drab flies, however this time of the year I certainly exercise that section of my fly box more. I preach the skater takes and steelhead will crush a hitched muddler with reckless abandon, so be sure to keep those nearby too. Sometimes when the fish have seen all the go-to patterns I like to show them something different, and that's when skittering a waking fly across the surface can be just the ticket to spark their interest. 

Just one of those years...

Trout: Fishing is certainly slowing down in the higher elevation streams and lakes. Soon many will be even be closed for the Winter. All along the Deschutes and Klickitat, October Caddis are out and about. Trout love these big juicy bugs and I like fishing them too, in part because they're much easier to see on the water in comparison to other caddis. There are also some smaller size 16 and 18 caddis hatches happenings on the Deschutes and you'll see lots of BWO's on cloudy days below a riffle. However, come the cold season I really enjoy fishing streamers on the Deschutes with a trout spey.

Warmwater: Bass fishing has been slowing down some with the cooler nights and water. I was just over on the John Day looking for early steelhead and found only bass, however they were all pretty sluggish and not' too abundant. Mornings have been pretty cold so I think that is definitely translating to their behavior. Columbia River action is also slow, however the fish still gotta eat so if you're going to focus your efforts there, I'd wait till the sun heats up the river a little.

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.

Local Fishing Information

Bookmark our new link to Weather, Stream Conditions and Fishing Licenses

Cody Booth
Gorge Fly Shop | Product Specialist
541.386.6977  

Echo 3 Saltwater Fly Rods - A Customer Review

I've just field tested the Echo 3 Saltwater 990-4 with a RIO InTouch Outbound Short Fly Line. First cast, hoping it would feel right, and it did. Nice smooth pickup and quick response. The wraps on the guides are even and well done. The reel seat has double locking rings that never moved during a Full day of casting, and catching Albies + Stripers. On 3 occasions I had fish deep into the backing. Long hard fights with a good bend in the rod. I'm happy. For a first day on the water we certainly gave it a workout. I'm ready for more! GB

Thanks GB.
We love to hear your stories and see you pictures. It's why we fish and why we sell great fly fishing gear.

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

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"Fly Fish the World with Us"

 

 

Passion or Prestige - Why are you fishing

Do you see the face of a hunter?

Not sure title fits but what the heck, let's give it a try...

Let me just start this off with a bit of personal background. As of the time of this writing I am mere days of age 52. I've fished in some form most of my life. Some of my earliest memories are fishing in the grandparents farm pond. I've collected a books worth of fishing memories thus far in life and my everyday wish is to add to those memories. I've fished with a lot of great anglers, I'm willing to shared my knowledge and I've spent a lot of time fishing alone.

Something that has become clear to me recently is that not all anglers get the same thing from fishing as I do. Just to clarify, I'm not writing about the difference of sport verses harvest anglers. I believe most anglers quickly recognize that distinction. What I'm really noticing is the difference between passion or prestige.

To reiterate, maybe these are unfair titles but you decide what might fit better after I describe what I've witnessed.

I'll use myself as my base point. I'm passionate about sport fishing no matter the where, how, when or what are the locations or the quarry. Bluegill to steelhead, snapper to tarpon, it's all good to me. I can enjoy fishing a puddle and have been fortunate enough to fish some famed waters. The passion for me is the same.
I believe I am truly a passionate angler.

So there is no misunderstanding, believe me I do recognize the varying levels of commitment, skill, challenge and reward associated with various fish species and/or fish locales.

But I notice a distinct difference in many other anglers. I want to be careful here and avoid saying that maybe they are not passionate about angling. But there seems to be many that without hesitation shrug off most forms of fishing as mere simple pleasures. They seem to always seek out conversations involving the higher profiles. If it doesn't include a passport stamp then why bother.
Some go as far to show absolute no interest unless they are fishing the top of the food chain. Many would go a year without even wetting a line just to spend a few days in pursuit of a prestigious trophy.

I personally don't share in or understand this philosophy.

Prestige or is it Romance
It no longer surprises me to be in an airport with a fly rod tube to have someone try to strike up a conversation with me about the beautiful art of fly fishing. They most always clearly have a "River Runs Through It" idealistic image of what it is to fly fish while trying to describe casting with waving arms and starry eyes.

While it is easy to buy into the attention, what my new found friend is completely unaware of is it's not some graceful art that drives my passion. The art is in the deception of my quarry. Sure I appreciate a great form fly cast but I'm much more interested in the cast that catches fish, graceful or not!
In these situations I have just learned to smile and agree with my new friend while hoping they are not going to be seated next to me on my flight. Life is too short to try and paint them a new image through my words of my definition of a modern fly angler.

I'm not in this for a prestigious ego petting. But, if you've been doing this for as long as I have I bet you know at least one angler, if not many, who is seeking this ego petting.

As I continue on just let me continue to clarify that I'm not saying this is a wrong pursuit. It's just different.

So why do I feel different
Personally I don't want to go very long without fishing, certainly no way a year. Not even a month really. I enjoy the challenge of any fish species and if I find no challenge than maybe I need to consider a tougher tactic. I've caught bass on soft hackles, catfish on poppers, carp on streamers and I remember every one of those catches. Certainly not the most effective techniques to apply to these species but as in the words found somewhere in midwest redneck philosophy "There's more than one way to skin a cat"!

Yes, I have some limits. I don't care for fishing put and take trout stocks, I'm not going to partake in snagging, and I have no interest in fishing with live bait. My fishing passion absolutely relies on the pure trickery through artificial means of the species I pursue.

As I'm writing this I'm just minutes away from joining a great group of anglers on a well known steelhead river. It's quite prestigious. I'm happy for the opportunity and seek to embrace the challenge.

I'm not going to share to you about the great weather and wonderful scenery in cover of a failed outing nor will I feed you instagram images for the next 30 days displaying my unwavering skill level. You see I don't need your validation. That's not why I fish.

My question I want you to ask yourself is, Why do you fish?

Greg Darling 

Gorge Fly Shop
Read more Greg's Post...

"My Passion For Fishing Is A Lifelong Pursuit Of Discovery"

Fall & Winter Hours in affect

SEASONAL HOURS NOW IN AFFECT

Starting today October 1st: Fall and Winter hours.

Monday - Saturday Open 9:30am to 5:30pm 

CLOSED in-store on Sundays. We will still be available for Online help and Phone calls/orders on Sundays 10am to 4pm. Pacific Time.

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977
Monday - Saturday Open 9:30am to 5:30pm and Closed in-store on Sundays.
Sunday online and phone support available 10am to 4pm

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