Sage Trout Spey HD 10’9” One Weight Review

Finally got a chance to get out and really test out my new Sage Trout Spey HD 10’9” one weight rod.
I made a trip to the Malheur Mountains to explore some small streams that feed the Malheur River for Redband Rainbows.

Mike Prine and I have had this trip planned for a while. We knew going into this that the feeder streams would not likely produce much if any fish over 12”, but one could hope right. So along with my two and three weight single hand rods I packed my Sage Trout Spey HD one weight two hander.

By the second day we had reached a camp on a stretch of the stream that slowed and broadened out to twenty to forty feet wide. This was a perfect place to swing some soft hackles. I set down my dry fly rod and started swinging with the two hander.

Matched with the Sage Trout Spey 1/2/3 Reel and a RIO Trout Spey Scandi Head in 190 grain weight it made the perfect soft hackle outfit. The rod is light enough you can single hand cast it if you wanted unlike most two handed rods.

Swinging soft hackles on the one weight is a blast for the 8” to 12” Redband Rainbows found in these streams. Even though these fish are small, they still are a lot of fun on this rod. Don’t under estimate this rod because it says one weight on it, a good angler can do much more than many would think possible.

As we worked up stream I spotted what looked like a fairly large Brook Trout, maybe a bull trout. I quickly clipped my soft hackle and 5x tippet off. Grabbed my streamer box and tied on a 2” long white Sculpzilia.

I made a couple of cast and spooked the fish. So I made a couple more cast just for fun. Managed to hook a little bull trout about 14”.

I then realized that I forgot that the rod was called a one weight. I would not sell this as a streamer rod, but I was casting the small #8 Sculpzilla just fine even with the scandi style trout spey line. If I had it rigged with a RIO Skagit Trout Spey it would cast this set up even better.

A short ways up river I could see a huge shadow of a fish moving up into a riffle. If I was back home I would think Steelhead or Salmon, but not here. This drainage is I would guess a 100 plus miles and three dams away from the furthest point migratory fish can pass.

I grabbed my Trout Spey and quickly launched a cast out. As soon as the fly hit the water I started stripping and this fish instantly chased down my fly and inhaled it. I yelled to Mike, “Huge Fish!” He grabbed his camera and came running.

Now I am hooked up to a fish on a one weight trout spey rod that could easily estimate 28 to 30 inches. He rolled and took off upstream as I loaded the rod all the way into the butt.

Not sure what I had hooked but I saw an odd golden color as he rolled and turned. My mind was racing! What do I have? Don’t lose it! Keep the line tight, don’t let it in the logs! Is it a bull trout? It flashed more like a brown, but there are no browns in here, at least that I know of.

Crazy but I was able to keep the fish in control and lucky enough to land him after good little tussle.

Mike asked “what is that?” I looked at hum and said honestly it looks like an old spawned out Spring Chinook, but that is not possible here. We quickly took photos and released the fish.

The next few days we pondered what this fish was. It was really driving me crazy! Most everything pointed to an Spring Chinook that had been in the river for a while but it had no signs of looking like a zombie fish in which a Spring Chinook in September would. The mouth was much more trouty than most Chinook. I was just at a complete lost.

A few days went by and we dropped into cell coverage. I quickly texted my buddy Steve, a good friend and retired fish biologist, the picture of the mystery fish with caption "what is this?" He replied it is an old Spring Chinook.

I called him and told him there can't be no Salmon where I am. Once I told him where I was he said you are right. I see why you are so confuse. He then told me that Oregon Fish and Wildlife had just started a program a few years ago trucking a few hundred left over adult hatchery Chinook to this watershed and releasing them. They were doing this for some of the tribes so they could fish some historic grounds with traditional methods.

So mystery was solved.

Now I am not telling you this to promoting catching old worn out salmon on a one weight trout spey rod. I would have never cast to the fish if I knew what it was. The point of this is to show you even a one weight trout spey with the proper technique can cast a fairly large fly and land a fairly large fish.

My thoughts on this rod after spending more time with it is that it is one of the most fun rods I have fished ever. It is a blast to cast. Most of all it makes your small water trout fishery a lot of fun with a two hander.

This Sage Trout Spey HD 1109-4 is amazing fun with soft hackles and can handle light duty streamers on smallish water. It wouldn't be my first choice on big water like the Deschutes but for small water and wild trout then I say...YES! GET ONE!!!!
Trav

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Sage Payload Fly Rod Review

Over many years I've had an infatuation with the breed of short, "big fly" fly rods. I enjoy fishing hoppers, poppers, articulated streamers and any other form of bug that pushes boundaries of fly rod definitions, policies and permissions. It may not be pure but it sure is fun!

With the 2020 introduction of the new Sage Payload once again my big fly, warm water, green fish conundrum starts into a new mossy mess swirling inside my skull.

I've fished about every short rod known to man that's come around in the past ten years including Sage Bass Series (both 1 and 2), Redington Predators, Thomas and Thomas Exocett SS, G.Loomis Shorestalker's and even the lesser known St.Croix Mojo's.

All have exceptional qualities and my personal favorites remain in use today. One characteristic not usually mentioned on the individual qualities list is "lightweight in hand."

Late summer 2019 the evening topwater bite is in full on fish rage! Boat equipped with 5 fly rods dedicated to this topwater mayhem. I started one late afternoon with a CK Excalibur cork beetle on my T&T.

Smallmouths were ganged up. Once you found one you found half a dozen. Competition was fierce. After a brief hookup I needed a comeback fly.

I reached for the new Sage Payload Seven Eighty Nine. The lightness of this stick was instantly noticed in hand.

Equipped with a modest Ol' Mr. Wiggly size 2 fly in yellow, Payload and I went to work. Along with light in hand I also found swing weight of this rod to be incredibly light. Wiggly landed right on target with absolute precision. The Konnectic Technology of Payload is clearly gleaming in the feel and function of this rod.

In a trout sipping fashion Wiggly disappeared from the surface. I set hook but line did not come tight. I reached, hauled and picked up the entire 60 foot cast and laid it right back on target with little effort.

Instantly the water swirled and that yellow bug disappeared once again. "Hesitate", my internal voice repeated 10 times in the coming second. Let him get hold on that bug before you set hook on him.

Strip, Tight, Fish on!

Payload showed some grace in handling this fierce, chunky smallie. Great deep bend in the rod with plenty of butt power to move him away from the obstacles.

After a few more fish to hand it was time to tie on some big bugs. Diving Frogs and Surface Seducer's, both need a strong rod not only to drive the fly to target but have pickup power for quick recast.

Once again Payload proved worthy of its name.

Many more bruisers came to hand on this first outing. With the light fading and anticipation of the next surface explosion my camera took a back seat to the action. Dusk fell to dark while I switched senses from eyes to ears listening intently for that next surface disturbance hoping to set hook a predator coming up from the deep.

While motoring to a dark port on gps I glanced back to check once again that I had secured my new found best friend. I look forward to a long relationship and a boatload of memories with my new "beast tamer, big fly" Sage Seven Eighty Nine.
Greg

I'll see you on the water...But you won't see me!

Greg Darling 

Gorge Fly Shop
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"Passion For Fishing Is A Lifelong Pursuit Of Discovery"

Lyndsey's First Solo Fishing Experience

I’ve just returned from my first Solo Fishing trip. I was so proud of myself. You have to understand that over the years I have been lucky enough to fish with many great fishermen out there. Travis (my husband), Sam Sickles, John Garrett, Greg Darling, Tom Larimer, Russel Kleppinger and Greg Dini just to mention a few. While I have been lucky enough to not only fish a little locally but to also travel to Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Yellowstone, Montana and Idaho as well.

While I’m proud to say that I have fished with all of these guys and they have taken such good care of me that I am sad to say that I didn't even have to tie on my own flies.

Well this year I have been wanting to change that and the only way to do that is to get out there and fish!

Our son Austin, which if you follow our blog posts at all as you have seen he has really taken to fishing this past year. He is now 12 years old and earlier in the Summer we went float tubing together. It was a great day, I by far out fished him. But, he is really into his casting so I may not be fully knowledgeable I do know you will catch more fish when your fly is actually in the water…..but he was having fun and that is all that mattered.

So on Monday when my new Sage Trout LL 590-4 fly rod arrived I had to go and fish it!! So I decided it was time to make my first solo trip. After getting home from work I packed the car up with all of my gear and decided once the kids were off to school in the morning I would head out to Laurence Lake.

Once I arrived at the lake, I realized that I was the only angler out there, there were a couple of hunters but other than that I had this place all to myself. In the back of my head, thinking ...I have a whistle if something happens. But, who is going to hear it?? That was not going to stop me, everyone knew where I was and I was a pretty good swimmer. I came all this way to fish!

I pulled up and proceeded to inflate my Outcast float tube, I love this float tube as it’s so light and easy for me to pack around. Being that I am not even 5 foot tall all of this makes a difference.

I strapped Travis’s waist pack full of all of my stuff to the back of the float tube along with the net. Put my rod together, tied on my fly and proceeded to the edge of the water after putting my waders and boots on. The lake is very low at this time of year so the edge of the water is a bit muddy but I was able to find a spot to put in, get my fins on and I was ready to fish.

I had tied on the same fly that had worked for me so well last time. A wine colored woolly bugger ...Austin says it works for me because I enjoy drinking wine. Whatever the case may be, it works so I went back to it.

I proceeded to fish with it, made some casts then trolled with it for a bit. Had a light take down, then my rod buried and I missed him… So I continued to fish and paddle around for about 35 minutes with nothing. I reeled in only to realize I did not have a fly on any longer…..probably fished that whole time without a fly. At least I was getting good exercise and it was a pretty day. All of the guys said it was a rookie mistake ...might have been but it will be the last time I do that. So I chalk it up to a learning experience.

After that I re-tied on the same fly and proceeded to fish for a while missed a couple of fish. Then I could hear some thunder rolling and the wind calmed down and the lake was so flat. It was quiet and I decided I should try to dry fly fish. I then changed my fly…..but I was having trouble. The knot was not holding. Why was it not working this time? I was thinking I was doing it the same way. I could not call anyone with no cell coverage, or ask since I was the only angler on the water. So I kept at it, finally. Got it to work and proceeded to dry fly fish. I missed a few more fish. Just not quite quick enough ...guess I will have to fish more to get better at that.

So I decided I was going to go back to my wine colored woolly bugger, it was getting later in the day and I had kids to pick up. Then after a couple of casts I hook into a fish. Land it, get some pictures. Then back to fishing! Almost immediately hooked another one. Got him to the boat and he was bigger and full of beauty. I had to get another picture...which is not the easiest but had to make sure that I had proof I actually caught fish. I ended up landing a couple more and then it was time to pack up and pick up kids.

Learning to do this on my own gave me great confidence. I’m excited for this new journey and look forward to my next fishing trip!
Cheers,
Lyndsey!

Tight Line Nymphing Small Streams

Upstream a boulder sets up a small slick. Landing the a case caddis nymph just up and inside from the boulder sets up for a great drift. Rod tip high with line in control the caddis ticks its way down right into the thick of the slick. Quick as a flash of lightning the sighter jolts to a stop. I snap a hookset on another wild brown sitting undetectable in gin clear water.

Time and time again this method shows me fish hiding in plain sight. Fish that don't move for anything except what drifts in their feeding lane.

I never have and probably never will claim to be a trout expert. While deep into my middle age, the first two thirds of my life I never even lived near trout water. Over the past dozen years or so tinkering in trout streams I have come to one solid conclusion regarding this species. There are days they move and there are days they don't!

In recent history I got a chance to explore some of the famous Pennsylvania spring creeks. A friend and a true local of this water took his time and shared with me what these spring creeks are all about. What I learned in a week is with my limited western trout knowledge I would have failed miserably in this land of small and clear water had I'd been on my own trying to do it myself.

While much of the time trout were willing to move for flies in an equal amount of time they didn't move at all. Lucky for me my friend was willing to share his knowledge of tight line nymphing and continually he showed me fish that I could easily claimed are not there.

Back at home I proceed to put these "euro" methods into play on some late summer, clear and small streams. Just like in my recent experience soon I was setting hook on fish that I was sure wasn't there.

So what does this all add up to...
While I'm not ready to closet all my other trout gear and go all in on euro I am excited for what I've learned and it has added much insight to my understanding of trout behavior that goes well beyond the usual match the hatch and don't blow the cast, you suck as a trout angler personal profile.

My understanding has advanced in the way of how trout move, or don't move and how to match the situation for any given trout attitude that one may encounter during his hour on the stream.

If you find trout moving with reckless abandonment feed them a streamer. If you find them rising to a hatch, match the hatch. If you find them foraging the runs, swing a fly. If you can't find them at all...I recently learned a trick that will show you where they are. Are you interested?

Some say it's boring! You can't get bored with euro if you are properly engaged. It takes much effort to keep in contact and control of your fly. I guess if you stood in one spot that would get boring but that's true no matter what tactic you choose.

My limited outside instruction included this tidbit; Methodically pick apart your water and believe every rock, depression, seam, etc, holds a fish. Give that fish the opportunity to eat but if he doesn't eat let him be and continue on.

When I started seeing fish come from unlikely spaces is when I started to believe every rock held a fish. Pretty soon the world opened up and the idea of random fish went out the window.

As excited I am to learn a new technique I believe I'm even more excited about a deeper learning of trout and their behavior. Tight line techniques have supplied me the confidence that I am fishing where fish are. Now I can go to work on what makes them commit to a fly. It no longer feels random.

Find Euro Nymphing Gear at "The Gorge"

I'll see you on the water...But you won't see me!

Greg Darling 

Gorge Fly Shop
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"Passion For Fishing Is A Lifelong Pursuit Of Discovery"

Winston Air TH Spey Rods - New for 2020

For decades, Winston has been revered and sought after as the rods that combine the right amount of feel and power in a two-handed rod. The blend of high modulus graphite, Boron and premium hardware have made these Green rods favored worldwide

Today we have the New Winston Air Spey Series.

This new collection of rods encompasses the blend of Boron III technology, Super-Silica Nano Resin, High Modulus Graphite, Flor Grade Cork and the high end components never to be seen before in a Two-Handed rod. Winston, located in Twin Bridges Montana, is the only company to harness all these materials into a hand-crafted rod.

Brian Silvey and Michael White have worked in calibration with Annette McLean, Senior Rod Designer at Winston to bring 10 new models to market. Without a doubt, these rods have a feel unto themselves. This new feather weight feel is noticed by simply putting them together. The first shake of the rod gives the caster an indication of its sweet action. Like treasured rods of the past, the deeper deflection or “Winston Feel” is certainly apparent in the Air TH range.

With this said, this by no means the action is “slow”. These rods have a wonderful observed load sensation, giving the caster enormous feel but with stunning recovery. This precise load gives the caster reference as to what is happening during the casting stroke. These reference points are important in anchor point set up, the swivel to the key position or forward stroke.

The caster is executing the cast on feel, allowing the tempo to be created in a natural way. The incredible light weight action really highlights the Super Silica Resin System, allowing for a feather like feel. Rod line weights are consistent in each family and are appropriate for their line designation.

Here are write ups in regards to the all-new Air TH Family:

12’0” 5wt Air Spey- 

This rod is on the upper end of what we would consider Trout Spey or a light summer run steelhead rod. This rod is perfect when you need a bit more power than the 5wt Micro Spey. While they are both in the 5wt category the 5wt Air will comfortably carry a bit heavier line, thus being able to cast a slightly heavier tip and fly. Reel Match- Bauer RX 4 Micro Spey. Line Match- Skagit 390gr. / Scandi 360gr.

11’ 6” 6wt Air Spey- 

Small but mighty could be the mantra for this little dagger. This rod is not afraid of the bottom hand, speed or distance. While being the shortest in the family, this rod carries a big punch. Go through the motions and this rod is an easy caster. But you can push this rod and it doesn’t’ mind one bit. Great rod for the Grande Ronde, John Day, Rogue River summer run steelhead fisheries. Reel Match- Bauer RX 4 Micro Spey. Line Match- Skagit 420 gr. / Scandi 390gr.

12’6” 6wt Air Spey- 

This rod configuration will always have a home in any spey rod line up. This new 6wt will be a delight on any summer run steelhead stream. Casting dry lines to sink tips, this rod is the quintessential summer steelhead stick for the angler looking for the dialed set up. This rod is not to be overlooked in the trout spey arena as well. The traveling angler could easily add this rod for Alaska, South America or larger flies for the Western States. Reel Match: RX5 or RX5 Classic Spey. Line Match: Skagit 450 gr. / Scandi 420gr.

13’3” 6wt Air Spey- 

Magic! This rod is going to become a quick favorite for summer steelheaders across the Northwest. Anglers have been asking for a longer 6wt to carry longer heads and greater mending capabilities. With Winston always having iconic rods in the 13’3’ length this one just seemed like a natural evolution. So light in hand this rod loves Scandinavian lines with touch and go casts. Not sure if a single spey rod has ever been more fun! Reel Match: RX 5 or Classic Spey RX5. Line Match: Skagit 420gr. / Scandi 390gr.

12’3” 7wt Air Spey- 

With spey lines trending toward shorter and shorter head lengths this new 7wt certainly is at home with short Skagit’s or Scandi lines. This rod will be right at home on coastal rivers where obstructions behind the angler are prevalent. This shorter rod is the perfect stick to cast all varieties of flies and lines and get into places that require creative casting. Also, the perfect choice for an angler that needs a rod for smaller water would be wise to consider this 7wt. Reel Match: RX5 or RX5 Classic Spey. Line Match: Skagit 510gr. / Scandi 450gr.

13’3” 7wt Air Spey- 

If the anglers of the world where to convene and vote for Hall of Fame Spey rod the Winston 13'3" 7wt B2X would be a certain nomination. This configuration of length and line weight has been a home run with both the B2X and B3TH. Enter the new 13’3” 7wt Air Spey... This new model has all the characteristics of previous models: lots of feel, light weight, good grain window, easy to cast, fun, responsive, powerful…. But, its lighter, crisper and just a delight to cast. This is certainly the Do-It-All spey rod from Winston. Dry lines, sink tips, multi-density tips, little flies, big flies, short casts, longs cast, big fish, little fish this rod will do it all. The ultimate Anadromous spey rod if you are going to own one. Reel Match: RX6 or Classic Spey RX6. Line Match: Skagit 510gr. / Scandi 450-480gr.

12’3” 8wt Air Spey- 

The Big Brother to the 12’3” 7wt Air TH. 8wt rods are seeing a bit of resurgence in the Pacific Northwest and are not just viewed as a B.C. rod. Anglers that are casting larger flies and heavier tips are enjoying the increased power while have a very light rod in hand. Again, this shorter format will allow for increased movement in tight quarters or smaller rivers. Per the normal tread, if British Columbia Steelhead is in the plan, this is a go to rod. Reel Match: RX5 or RX5 Classic Spey. Line Match: Skagit 540gr. / Scandi 480-510gr.

13’3” 8wt Air Spey- 

This last new addition to the “One-Thirty-Three” collection, and frankly, is an exciting new rod. For all the reasons we love the 13’3” 7wt we will get more power here. This is the perfect big water, big fly, big fish rod. The rod is going to perform outstanding on B.C. rivers such as the Bulkley, Kispoix, Dean, Sustat, Skeena to name a few. Anglers looking for a winter rod to carry big flies, heavy tips a long way will love this rod. This is a great answer to the angler that is constantly pushing the limits with their 7wt. Reel Match: RX5 or RX5 Classic Spey. Line Match: Skagit 540 gr./ Scandi 480-510gr.

14’6” 8wt Air Spey- 

Long Belly casters are going to slap some high-fives all around and rejoice for this long 8wt. Whether your studying for your CI from the FFI or just want to blast some 100 footers on the Clearwater, this is your stick. This big boomer might not be for everyone, but for those that want to strip less and cast more, this is your baby. Long Belly lines are at home with this rod. Reel Match: RX5 or RX5 Classic Spey. Line Match: Skagit 540gr. / Scandi 510gr.

12’9’ 9wt- 

Quiet possibly the most glaring whole in the previous Winston Spey line has been a powerful, yet manageable 9wt. This rod is built for big fish, whether they come from the Atlantic or Pacific. The short lever is perfect for fighting big fish and will not wear you out casting all day. Get your T-14, T-17 and 5 inch fly out and put it into flight. If you’re into the green sticks and love King Salmon, this new arrival is waiting for you to put it into the game! Reel Match: RX 7 or RX7 Classic Spey. Line Match Skagit 540-570 gr. / Scandi: 510gr.
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Find Winston Air TH Spey Rods at "The Gorge"

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RIO's New Fathom CleanSweep Sinking Lines

The New RIO Fathom CleanSweep lines are designed for the trout lake fisher. Built with a clear intermediate front end the line transforms into a faster sinking body and back to a slower sinking running line.

This configuration causes a unique fly path which covers a multitude of depths and effectively fishing the fly longer on every cast.

Designed with a quick loading head for easy casting with minimal false cast.

Incorporated in a "Hang Marker" to show the angler when he is nearing the end of the strip and a perfect time to fish "The Hang."

Find RIO Fly Lines at "The Gorge"

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Columbia Gorge Fishing Report - September 2, 2019

Trout: 

Deschutes Trout: Trout fishing has stayed good all summer through out the river. Caddis are still a good bet, dries, pupa or larva will all work right now. This is also the time of year hoppers can produce good fishing along the steep banks. Cloud days will produce a variety of good mayfly hatches. Don’t forget about midges. Small flies like midges are greatly over looked on the Deschutes and can be very productive.

I have talked to a few anglers that have had some great streamer fishing this last week. 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.

Small Mountain Streams: 

The smaller mountain streams have been fishing well. Places like Trout Lake Creek, Lewis River above Swift Reservoir, East Fork of the Hood, White River to name a few. Fish in these locations are small, 6” to 8” average, but they are always looking up. These waters offer great dry fly fishing. Take your light rod and have a blast.

Lakes:  

Most of the lakes are still fishing well. They did not get very warm this year. Best fishing is going to be late in the day or early in the day.

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:  

Steelhead fishing in the Lower Deschutes River has been good. There has been a good push of one salt fish over the last few weeks. The White River has been spitting out mud off and on for the last week and a half, not very easy to predict from day to day. Is it fish-able when it is colored is up to you. Lots of fish have been caught on the dirty water days while many go home. Remember what we think is low to zero visibility, fish are looking up into light so they see 2 to 4 times as far as we do. Fish a bigger fly and a light sink tip and hang on. There are fish farther up river above the White if you don’t like the color of the lower river when the White is spitting out mud.

The Klickitat has fished well for those who braved the colored water this year. It has been colored up most of the summer. It will probably be like this until the mountain starts freezing.
Klickitat Super Slammer Kit 

Smallmouth:  

Smallmouth in the Columbia has still been good. You will find many of the bigger fish holding more in the deep drop offs and rock walls. These conditions do make it more important to use a boat of some type. 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. Keep in mind the river starts getting really low this time of year. So make sure your boat can handle the low water. Also keep in mind this river moves much slower so be sure to plan plenty of days to do a float.
Trav

"The Gorge"

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