Gorge Fly Shop Trade Up Program

WHY TRADE IN WHEN YOU CAN TRADE UP!

So do you have a rod or reel that you don’t use much anymore? You have been hearing about the need rod that everyone is talking about and want one. Need a new set of waders, but can’t quite spend the money on them. Gorge Fly Shop does trade ins to help you get into that new gear.

It is real simple to do and get started. Here is a link to our trade up section to read all the details https://www.gorgeflyshop.com/store/pc/Trade-Up-Program-d165.htm. You will first need to know what new gear you want to get. This makes a difference in your trade in value sometimes. So first make a good list of what you want to get. Then shoot us an email at info@gorgeflyshop.com. In this email give us that list of new gear you want. Along with a description of the rods and reels you want to send in for trade. Be sure to be detailed in the description of the gear you want to trade in. Then we will reply with a trade in quote for the gear you want to send in. If it all looks good you will complete the trade in form under trade up program on the www.gorgeflyshop.com website. Here is the link to the form https://www.gorgeflyshop.com/Trade-up-Program/Trade-UP-Form-V4.6.pdf . Send this completed form along with your trade in items to:


Gorge Fly Shop, Inc.
3200 Lower Mill Dr.
Hood River, Or 97031


Once we receive your items we will inspect them to make sure they are as described. Once inspected we will call you to finish the trade in process and get your new items on order.

It is that simple! Don’t let your gear collect dust, trade up now.


Travis Duddles
Gorge Fly Shop

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

GorgeFlyShop.com  |  Join our Team |  Contact Us

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

Columbia Gorge Fishing Report - 6.29.2019

Austin Duddles gettin' tight on his bass game!

Deschutes Trout: 

The whole river is still fishing strong. Caddis have been the most productive for most anglers and will continue to be for the next month or so. I would fish Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis and Outrigger Caddis in tan and olive, sizes #14 - #16. For pupa I would use #16 tan or olive; Deep Six Pupa, Sparkle Pupa, Bead Head Sparkle Pupa and Prime Time Caddis Pupa.

Whenever we get the higher humidity days be ready for a good mayfly hatch like pale morning and pale evening duns. Don’t forget about midges. Small flies like midges are greatly over looked on the Deschutes and can be very productive.

In low light or cloudy days don’t forget streamers. That is my favorite way to fish the Deschutes. May not always produce big numbers, but it can be big fun! I like to fish my little 3 weight two hander with 10’ of T-8 sink tip along with the following flies. Sculpzillia # 8 (Olive, White or Natural), Kiwi Muddler, Precious Metal and Aqua Flies Char-mer Zonker.

Lakes:  

Laurance Lake has been fishing well after being closed last year, well worth the trip. Lost lake is it’s usual consistent self. This is the best time to hit the small higher mountain lakes before the heat slows them down. This is a great time of year to fish our local lakes, they fish really well right now. During the hot days the carpenter ants will hatch. These ants drive fish crazy.

Best results have been fishing an intermediate or slow sinking line with a variety of #8-10 leach patters in Black or Brown. Suspending a Balance Leach under an indicator with a floating line has been lethal to. Dry fly fishing has been good in the mid-morning or in the evening with Parachute Adams #14-16, Tilt Wing Callibaetis #14-16, Black Ants #8-12
Stillwater Trout Selection 

Steelhead:  

We are seeing more and more early summer fish in the Klickitat. Not much pressure on them this time of year, it can be worth a trip. In about a week the Deschutes should start being productive in the lower 10 - 15 miles
Klickitat Super Slammer Kit 

Smallmouth:  

Smallmouth in the Columbia has been really good! You will find lots of fish in the shallows and back waters of the Columbia. Best results are with a variety of streamers like; Sculpins, Crayfish, Baitfish, ect. Also try jigged flies like the Jaw Breaker under a indicator on a floating line, it can be really good.

John Day is a great river the fish this time of year for smallmouth. Take a light rod and a pile of small poppers, hang on! No need to fish any sinking flies on the JD, non-stop popper action out there. It is best to float it, but there is good walking access at Cottonwood Canyon State Park.
Bronzeback Buster Bass Kit

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

GorgeFlyShop.com  |  Join our Team |  Contact Us

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

Grand Opening Thank You

Thank You Everyone 

Over 200 guests came out for our Grand Re-Opening Party of Gorge Fly Shops' New location. So nice to have room for parking, events, casting and just hanging out.

EVERYONE can't wait for next years event and though that has not been decided upon I believe it's unanimous among all that this has to happen annually.

I have to say I don't think anyone of us here at "The Gorge" anticipated the benefit of large events like this to come from moving away from downtown Hood River. The change has brought a new vibe to our fishing community.

The weather was perfect and Mt.Adams in the backdrop just emphasizes the mountain life going on here.

Call it a rebirth, revitalization, or a reunion! Along with this party came a sense of togetherness which I haven't seen for some time in this local fishing community.

We owe it all to you!
Thank you to all the guests who came out and supported us. Also Thank You to all who couldn't make it and yet you shared it, sent your family and your friends. How cool is that!

Thank You to all the Reps. We appreciate your time and your willingness to participate. Your interactions with our customers is invaluable.

Thank You to all the Reps and Manufacturers who donated products for our prize giveaways. Many happy customers won some really great gear.

Thank You to the Deschutes River Alliance and Fly Fishing Collaborative for being on hand to share the good things happening and the long road ahead.

Thank You to Freebridge Brewing and Jola's for the great eats and drinks.

Thank You to our local guides for participating and bringing your boats. Your continued support is much appreciated.

Same Place Next Year!!!

(we'll keep you posted on the date)

Thanks Again from all of us at

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

GorgeFlyShop.com  |  Join our Team |  Contact Us

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

Deschutes Fishing Report 06/26/19: Guide Edition

Get Hooked

I thought it was over, trout season that is. We had a bout of warm weather mid- June that brought water temps near 70 degrees, that’s the doom and gloom number. Along comes the wind, the clouds, and some freakishly cool weather, kabam! The river temps are 59 degrees in the morning and low 60’s in the afternoon, this is the trout happy place on the lower lower. Unfortunately or fortunately depending on how you look at it, the wind has gone nuclear! Starting almost two weeks ago the normally windy Columbia River Gorge (the CGR) went too windy, too windy for the people who live here, too windy for the people who are visiting.

Low and behold, the trout know something’s amis. If I’ve ever seen better trout fishing on the lower Deschutes, I don’t know when. It’s almost too easy. It’s like they know the end of heavy feeding is near, and it is.

That’s pretty dramatic, I know but here’s the real deal. It’s been windy, real windy. The weather has been cooler so with the wind maybe a little cold. Obviously with the high wind dry fly fishing is next to impossible. The nymph fishing for giant Deschutes resides has been on and is off the charts. Oddly enough the trout are looking for really big flies to eat, we’ve had our best luck on stone fly nymphs and variations. Despite the only live insects around, caddis flies, the fish are turning their nose up at it and everything else small.

The fishing will remain strong until the water temps come back up, my guess, this weekend, maybe early next week. Take a chance and get out there for the last week of really good trout fishing. My friends at Gorge Fly Shop can get you what I been getting them on. I’m going to the John Day for some camping/fishing.

I’ll be back after the 4th……..STEELHEAD SEASON BEGINS!

 

Sam Sickles
(541) 400-0855
www.steelheadoutfitters.com

One Stop Euro Nymph Outfit

Ton of anglers are discovering the greater aspects of fishing on or drifting nymphs near river bottoms.

Have you showed up to a river only to find no fish looking up and wondering where they are hiding. They're not hiding! They're near bottom eating bugs. You want to catch them you've got to fish where they are.

The great feature of Euro style nymphing is you get to dial in to the watershed you're fishing. While there is literally hundreds of videos and tons of blogs on this subject the end user gets to define what works through his own discoveries and interpretations. There are no absolute rules to follow or century old traditions to adhere to. It's just an angler, a fly rod, a box of nymphs and your own ideas.

Our kit is just that too. It's just an assembled outfit of proven equipment that gives new euro anglers a place to start with the ability to build on for each individuals future.

One Stop Euro Nymph Outfit
We started with the very popular Echo Shadow II Fly Rod in the 3100-4 size. We added a quality reel, the Sage Spectrum C 5/6. This machined die-cast reel makes for a good balance for the long rod. We then went with the popular RIO FIPS Euro Nymph Fly Line and RIO Euro Nymph Leader. Spool that up with some backing and you've got an outfit ready to go to work for you.

You can also build your own with several Euro Nymph specific products all available at...

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

GorgeFlyShop.com  |  Join our Team |  Contact Us

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

Lamson ARX S-Line Switch and Spey Reels

New for 2019, Waterworks Lamson ARX S-Line

Lots of confusion over this new model compared to the original ARX Reel. It Looks like the same reel in a new finish. Well it mostly is just that. All the size dimensions remained the same and spools will interchange.

Fact is the reel really didn't need to physically change. It already has proven internals and great features for the spey angler.

ARX is a full frame reel. Very good feature for spey especially with nylon monofilament running lines. ARX also features a narrow frame area near bottom side of spool that allows for spool rim palming.

While ARX looks and feels lightweight it actually has some bulk for strength and balance weight.

A feature I really like on all Lamson reels is the machined into spool counterbalance weight. This feature really cleans up a reels look and helps minimize unnecessary, bolt on, parts.

Arx is a purpose-built premium spey and switch reel. Stealth pro­file and full-cage design prevents line from escaping or snagging on the reel. S-Line brings a new orange and champagne color scheme as well as refreshed styling. Manufactured in the U.S.A. and assembled in Boise, Idaho.

Features

• Large Arbor
• Materials: Machined 6061 Aluminum, Stainless Steel
• Finish: Hard Alox
• Drag: Sealed Conical Drag System
• US Made, Idaho Built

Specs - 

Model	Diameter	Width	Weight	Backing Capacity	Running Line + Skagit
ARX 3+	3.75"	1.2"	7.0 oz	125yds/20#	.024"+500gr skagit
ARX 3.5+	4.0"	1.5"	8.80 oz	150yds/30#	.030"+ 640gr skagit
ARX 4+	4.5"	1.5"	10.5 oz	275yds/30#	.035"+750gr skagit

Find Lamson ARX S-Line at "The Gorge"

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

GorgeFlyShop.com  |  Join our Team |  Contact Us

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

Tom Larimer - How to rob a bank

Join us June 22nd at the Grand Opening of Gorge Fly Shop's new location

Presenting for us on this Saturday at 1:15 pm at our new casting area is Tom Larimer

 
How to rob a Bank...
Few trout rivers in the western US are as challenging and rewarding as Oregon’s Deschutes. 

G.Loomis Sales Manager, Tom Larimer, will share insights from 15 years of guiding the river for redsides. 

His program will focus on a strategic approach, the critical gear, and useful casts/presentations for finding the river’s biggest fish in deep bank water. 

You will walk away with a solid game plan for success on our home water!

Tom Larimer
How to rob a Bank

Steve Rajeff - Advanced Casting

At 3:00pm, on Saturday, June 22nd, right before the "Battle of the Brothers" competition, Steve Rajeff presents a special presentation on Advanced Casting Techniques.

This presentation takes place on the new casting area in front of the new shop.

Hope to see you there!

Tim Rajeff - Why is this so hard and What rod should I use

Join us June 22nd at the Grand Opening of Gorge Fly Shop's new location

Presenting for us on this Saturday at 11:00 am at our new casting area is Tim Rajeff.

Tim will review the fundamentals of casting and take you through the rod design process he uses at ECHO.

Keeping it fun he will go over the material and design of a rod and help everyone know better which rod action and power will help them be more productive (have more fun) the next time they hit the water. 

Water balloons optional.

Rajeff Brothers - Casting Competition

Join us Saturday, June 22nd for our Grand Opening Party at our Brand New location 

Watch brothers Tim and Steve Rajeff Battle it out in a single hand casting competition...

WHILE HOLDING A BEER!!!

Come early for swag and prizes. Reps and presentations all day. Enter to Win! Food and Drink!

3200 Lower Mill Dr, Hood River, Oregon 97031

Hope to see you there. 

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

GorgeFlyShop.com  |  Join our Team |  Contact Us

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

 

Eric Neufeld - Fly Fishing North Idaho

Join us June 22nd at the Grand Opening of Gorge Fly Shop's New Location

Fly Fishing North Idaho

A couple years ago I got the idea to pull up google map and look at possible destinations that were within 8 hours drive. I soon realized I had so much untapped opportunity.

I think it's easy to get caught up into the thinking that good fishing is air travel and a passport stamp away.

When's the last time you searched your back yard!?

Eric is willing to share some awesome experiences and valuable information found within an easy days drive.

Please join in on June 22nd at 2 pm in our theater area at our Brand New Location

3200 Lower Mill Dr. Hood River, Oregon 97031

Deschutes River Alliance Presents - A River Worth Fighting For

A River Worth Fighting For - Trailer from Deschutes River Alliance on Vimeo.

At our New Store Grand Opening Party on June 22nd The Deschutes River Alliance will be kicking off the morning with a movie presentation at 10:15 am.

Get there early and you'll have time to grab coffee and pastries provided by Jola's.

Gorge Fly Shop proudly supports the DRA and 5% of Saturday June 22nd sales will be donated to their cause.

We look forward to seeing you there.

See the days schedule...

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

GorgeFlyShop.com  |  Join our Team |  Contact Us

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

Eric Neufeld - Simms Wader Care and Repair

Join us June 22nd at the Grand Opening of Gorge Fly Shop's New Location

Presenting for us on Saturday June 22nd at 11:45 am is Simms Rep Eric Neufeld.

Eric is also doing another presentation at 2:00 pm on Fly Fishing North Idaho...More to come on that!

Join Eric in our New Store Showroom at the Simms Display for a brief overlook at how to care for your Simms Waders and how to make a repair to your Simms Waders.

This is going to be a short (approx 15 min) presentation.

Eric will be on hand all day. Be sure to meet him and ask him anything you want about rods, reels, lines, waders, boots, etc. He is a wealth of knowledge and always talks straight.

Check out the complete Grand Opening Days Schedule

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

GorgeFlyShop.com  |  Join our Team |  Contact Us

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

Klickitat Fishing Report 6/11/2019: Guide Edition

 Summer is just around the corner and although it is a little early for most of the Steelhead fisherman to be looking to the Gorge for their fix, the Klickitat has been off to a surprisingly strong start.

 The flows have dropped recently do to the cooler temps that we have seen. With the warming trend that is coming that could change this up a little bit but I don't think it will be to drastic.

 All tactics have been productive, we have seen fish move to both the dry fly and sunk fly under a moderate tip.

 There are not a huge number of fish in the system yet but these early fish tend to be very aggressive and the lower fishing pressure can make for some good days of fishing.

Travis Wallace
Western Waters Guide Service

Columbia Gorge Fishing Report 6/8/2019

Trout:  

Deschutes: Sam’s Guide Editon Deschutes report says it; Deschutes trout fishing has been very good! The stone fly hatch has been extended, but is about done now. In the upper river you will still be able to get fish on them for about another week. Still the same favorite flies, Norm Woods #6-8, Norm Woods Rubber Legs #6-8, Larimer’s Golden Stone #6 and don’t forget the Chubby’s Golden #6-10. The secret weapon can be the Chubby Purple #6-10. Nymphs; Pat’s Rubber Leg’s in Black, Brown, Olive #4-8, Tungsten Pat’s Rubberlegs Black/Brown #6-8, Trout Retriever in all three colors (Yellow Lab, Choc. Lab, Black Lab).

The rest of the river has been fishing really well to, you just won’t find the stone flies. Caddis have been the most productive for most anglers and will continue to be for the next month or two as the stones wind down. I would fish Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis and Outrigger Caddis in tan and olive, sizes #14 - #16. For pupa I would use #16 tan or olive; Deep Six Pupa, Sparkle Pupa, Bead Head Sparkle Pupa and Prime Time Caddis Pupa.

Also watch for the occasional pale morning dun hatch and midges. Small flies like midges are greatly over looked on the Deschutes and can be very productive.

In low light or cloudy days don’t forget streamers. That is my favorite way to fish the Deschutes. May not always produce big numbers, but it can be big fun! I like to fish my little 3 weight two hander with 10’ of T-8 sink tip along with the following flies. Sculpzillia # 8 (Olive, White or Natural), Kiwi Muddler, Precious Metal and Aqua Flies Char-mer Zonker.

Lakes:  

Laurance Lake has been fishing well after being closed last year, well worth the trip. Lost lake is it’s usual consistent self. You can now get into most of our higher country lakes now. This is a great time of year to fish our local lakes, they fish really well right now. During the hot days the carpenter ants will hatch. These ants drive fish crazy.

Best results have been fishing an intermediate or slow sinking line with a variety of #8-10 leach patters in Black or Brown. Suspending a Balance Leach under an indicator with a floating line has been lethal too. Dry fly fishing has been good in the mid-morning or in the evening with Parachute Adams #14-16, Tilt Wing Callibaetis #14-16, Black Ants #8-12
Stillwater Trout Selection 

Steelhead:  

We are seeing a few early summer fish in the Klickitat, Hood, Sandy and Clack. Not much pressure on them this time of year, it can be worth a trip.
Klickitat Super Slammer Kit 

Smallmouth:  

Smallmouth in the Columbia has been really good! You will find lots of fish in the shallows and back waters of the Columbia. Best results are with a variety of streamers like; Sculpins, Crayfish, Baitfish, ect. Also try jigged flies like the Jaw Breaker under a indicator on a floating line, it can be really good.

Trav

Travis Duddles
Owner and CEO | Gorge Fly Shop
541.386.6977

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

Grand Opening Day Event Schedule

Doors open at 10:00 am and we will wrap up at 5:00 pm

10:00  -  Jola's  -  Food and Beverage all day (10am - 5pm)
               Freebridge Brewing - Beer and Cider

10:15  -  Deschutes River Alliance Presentation

• Location: Theater

11:00  -  Tim Rajeff - Finding the Right Rod

• Tim Rajeff will give his entertaining insights on the fundamentals of fly casting and how to choose the right casting tool. 
• Location: Casting area

11:45  -  Eric Neufeld - Wader Care and Repair

• Simms Sales Rep Eric Neufeld shares how to get the most life out of your waders
• Location: Simms display in shop

12:00  -  Jon Covich - Fly Water Travel Destinations

• Travel veteran Jon Covich highlights details on a few select best travel destinations
• Location: Theater

1:15  -  Tom Larimer - How to Rob a Bank

• G.Loomis Sales Manager gives up 15 years of Deschutes River tout fishing secrets
• Location: Casting Area

2:00  -  Eric Neufeld - Fly Fishing North Idaho

• Looking for nearby world class fishing destination? Eric gives up the goods on his home waters
• Location: Theater

3:00  -  Steve Rajeff - Advanced Casting

• Fourteen time world champion caster Steve Rajeff will make you a more proficient caster & angler
• Location: Casting area

4:00  -  Battle of the Brothers - Steve & Tim Rajeff

• Two of the best casters in the world, go toe to toe in a battle for casting glory, while holding a beer!
• Location Casting area

4:30  -  Raffle Prizes & G.Loomis Casting Competition Giveaway

• Location: Casting area

Grand Opening Food and Beverage

FOOD AND BEVERAGE FOR THE BIG EVENT

THE GRUB
As the days get closer to the big event we are beginning to nail down some event details. A few of the more important ones include food!

With great excitement we have teamed up with Jola’s Food Truck. Check out their Facebook page. They will be providing some yummy eats and homemade bites.

BEVERAGE
Hot Coffee and Pastries will be available for purchase in the morning (starting at 10AM) with lunch available all day 10AM-5PM. Besides fresh cofffee Jola's will be providing soda, water and maybe a few other handcrafted beverages.

We are beyond excited not only for the food but for the beer that will be served as well. Did we say beer? We'll also have cider as well. Stay tuned for flavors.



Be sure to let us know your coming! 

Facebook Invite
https://www.facebook.com/events/787060251680549/

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

GorgeFlyShop.com  |  Join |  Contact

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

Deschutes Fishing Report 06/03/19: Guide Edition

I just finished doing laps on the upper river for the last few weeks. Fishing has been really good. The cold front we had sitting on us for last couple weeks seems to be helping with the length of the hatch. There continue to be bugs from Warm Springs to Maupin and trout are actively feeding on adult stonefly and salmon fly patterns with reckless abandon. We will for sure continue to have very good dry fly fishing with salmon flies and stones for another week, maybe longer and I am available for both day trips and overnighters during that period.

Go to flies have been norm woods and clark stones, chubby chernobles are still working in the heaviest of water. It’s also a good idea to have some little sallies.


Sam Sickles
Steelhead Outfitters

Fly Water Travel Destinations Presented by Jon Covich

 Jon Covich is one of our long-standing reps, and considered a good friend of The Gorge Fly Shop. He was here when we had little more than fly tying materials back in 1993, and has been with us all along the great ride that has taken us to where we are today.

 Jon has always had a passion for travel, and has seen most of what the world offers in great fly fishing destinations. Most of that time, he carried a camera along with his fly rod, and has documented these travels in very memorable images.

 About seven years ago, Jon joined the very successful Fly Water Travel team, representing them in this territory, talking with us about travel, giving presentations, and leading many trips. Although having been so many places, Cuba is where Jon most often is when not in his Pacific Northwest home.

 We are happy to say that Jon will be joining us for our grand opening celebration on June 22nd. He will be available to council you on particular destinations, and impart some of his wisdom with us all, having seen so much of the world. Best of all, Jon will give a presentation on what he considers to be some of the best fly fishing destinations on the planet. We think you will find it informative, entertaining, and visually pleasing.

Join us June 22nd and witness this great presentation.

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

GorgeFlyShop.com  |  Join our Team |  Contact Us

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

Washington Free Fishing Weekend - June 8th and 9th

Washington Free Fishing Weekend

2019 WA State Free Fishing Weekend is June 8th and 9th, when fishing licenses are not required of anyone to fish in Washington.
Free Fishing Weekend in Washington is always the first weekend after the first Monday in June.

Also NOT required on Free Fishing Weekend:

• Vehicle Access Pass (which comes with a fishing license) 
• A Discover Pass will not be required on WDFW or Washington State Park lands throughout the weekend, but will be required on DNR lands both days. 
• Columbia River Salmon/Steelhead Endorsement 
• Two-Pole Endorsement 

Remember - all other rules still apply. While no licenses are required on Free Fishing Weekend, it's still important to check the regulations for other rules such as size limits, bag limits, catch record card requirements and area closures that will still be in effect.

Please see the Fishing Regulation Pamphlet for all rules and restrictions.
WDFW Website: https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/free/

"The Gorge"

The Gorge Fly Shop Team

541.386.6977

info@gorgeflyshop.com

www.gorgeflyshop.com
Join our Team

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

Video - Hank Patterson's List of Shots

*Gorge Fly Shop does not condone all of Hank Patterson's views or opinions. Stay in school!!!

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

GorgeFlyShop.com  |  Join our Team |  Contact Us

"Fly Fish the World with Us"