No catalog fluff here—I’ve put this gear through real days on the water. If you're hunting for the right gift for someone who swings flies, hikes the banks, or chases steelhead after work, this is your best starting point.—Callum
1) Sage R8 Spey
"This is one of the best recent spey series Sage has launched. They realized that there isn't one specific action that is perfect for every fishery or scenario. Breaking the series into 4 distinct categories: switch, lightweight line speed, max versatility, and most powerful, allowed them to refine the taper to better suit particular fisheries. I've had the pleasure of fishing the 6130-4 in the lightweight line speed and the 8130-4 in the max versatility. The 6130-4 is a summer steelhead killer. I have loved fishing this rod with a Scientific Anglers Scandi on the Deschutes this summer. It has no problem throwing your smallest hair wings to the bushiest skaters into the lovely "W" that always seems to be around on the D. The 8130-4, while being the max versatile category, has been a winter workhorse for me. Paired with a shorter Skagit head, this rod will throw T-"Whatever" and a beefy intruder with ease.
Notes: "The granite colorway of the Spey II reel is a perfect match for this series."
Why is this gift worthy:
- Beautiful classic aesthetic
- Usable power and feel
- Thin fore and ergonomic rear grip are my favorite in the industry
Who's it for: "The spey angler that likes to have their cake and eat it too. Perfect mix of feel and performance."
2) Galvan Swing Reel
"Galvan is a fly reel manufacturer that is synonymous with durability and reliability. The Swing Series Spey Reel is no exception. Hands down, one of the best-made, purpose-built, dedicated spey reels available. The reel checks all the boxes: USA-made, Full Cage, fantastic backing capacity, bomber drag system, and no frills aesthetic. From the trout spey 2-3 to the 10+, there is a size swing reel that will be perfect for any spey rod setup."
Notes: "The 8-9 size is great on any rod 13ft and longer, regardless of the weight of the rod."
Why is this gift worthy:
- Build quality that will last multiple lifetimes
- Great sound
- Maintenance-free drag
3) Echo Glass Spey
"I initially thought the Echo Glass Spey would be fun to fish for the novelty factor of fishing with a glass spey rod. I was blown away because not only are they fun to cast, but they also performed extremely well. The 6wt crushed it this summer season on the Deschutes. Paired with a 420-gr Scientific Anglers Scandi Lite, I never felt like I was missing out on casting distance. This rod also performed extremely well when fighting fish. The S2 glass blank allows you to maintain constant pressure without worrying about pulling a hook on a hot fish. Perfect gift for any angler who loves casting spey rods and chasing feisty fish.
Notes: "One thing to keep in mind for the six and seven-weight rods is that they need to be paired with a heavy reel(16oz+) to balance out these rods."
Why is this gift worthy:
- Rod action that puts a smile on your face
- Surprisingly high line speed
- Unique
Whose this for: "Perfect gift for any angler who loves casting spey rods and chasing feisty fish."
4) Thunderhead backpack
"Perfect size for all your essential gear."
"Regardless of season or conditions, the Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Backpack is one piece of gear that I don't leave without. When luck favors the prepared, this pack allows me to cover all my bases. It has plenty of room for all my terminal tackle, water, snacks, "Uisge Beatha" and spare jacket/clothes for the unexpected swim or weather change. Being fully waterproof gives me the peace of mind that my gear will stay dry on those grey, damp days or running through rapids... as long as I remember to close the zipper. Being a Fishpond product, Fishpond accessories like Quickshot 2.0 or Net Holster integrate seamlessly with the pack, allowing the wearer to tailor their pack to their fishery's needs.
Notes: "NewStream fabric that is made from 100% recycled single-use water bottles"
Why is this gift worthy:
- Integrates with Fishpond chest packs
- Submersible
- Will work as a dry bag for rafting
Whose this for: "Anyone who spends time out in the elements who likes keeping their gear dry."
"The beauty in swinging for Steelhead is that you don't need a lot of gear with you. A handful of flies, a couple of tips, and an optimistic attitude are all you need for a successful outing. When standing in a run, this puck is a perfect way to store your intruders. Holds more than enough flies for a given outing while being able to store them in a wide range of pockets. While I use this for Winter steel, any angler who throws big, meatier flies will enjoy this puck for storing and organizing their flies.
Fishpond Predator Pucks and fly kits
Notes: "Pucks stack and snap together for greater organization."
Notes: "Pucks stack and snap together for greater organization."
Why is this gift worthy:
- A gift that won't break the bank.
- Great stocking stuffer
- Keep other small items organized, like indicators, split shot, and swivels.
Who's it for: "Great for spey anglers, who are impossible to shop for because they have everything already."
Whether you're gearing up for winter swings, stuffing stockings, or looking for a gift that will actually get used on the water, these picks won’t steer you wrong. Every item here has been fished hard, trusted, and proven worthy. If you need help dialing in the perfect choice, our team is always here to talk gear, rigs, and rivers.
— The Gorge Fly Shop Team
"The Gorge"
Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977
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