Aug 1, 2025

Friday's Featured Fly




Aqua Flies McGovney's RL Skater Brown/OrangeThis super buggy skater is tied on a light wire wide-gap hook.  Fish it anytime, but look for this one to shine later in the Summer Steelhead season when the October Caddis arrive.



Hartwick's Sword Fighter - If you took all the ideal qualities of dry line flies and put them into one pattern, you'd have the Sword Fighter.  It's got it all!  Slim tie. Chartreuse butt, pink, claret, purple, red and Peacock.  It's all there!



RIO's McGovney's RL Skater (Black/Blue) - Some folks have a hard time fishing a steelhead fly that isn't black and blue.  Can't say that they're in the wrong, either!  This skater is tied on a light wire wide-gap hook and has the added bonus of some wiggly rubber legs.  Fish this little guy in the shade and hang on!


RIO's Hartwick's Duck Turd -  Natural color schemes are essential in every Summer Steelheader's Box.  Whether used as a comeback fly for a plucky biter or a searching fly in clear water, the Duck Turd has all the right characteristics to seal the deal.

Jul 31, 2025

Buyer's Guide to 5 Weights


Why Every Angler Needs a 5 Weight Fly Rod

The 5 weight fly rod is the cornerstone of most trout anglers’ setups. They're good for a reason. It's incredibly versatile, perfect for everything from dry flies on small creeks to nymphing or casting light streamers on big rivers. Beyond trout, it’s equally at home chasing bluegill, crappie, and small bass in warmwater conditions.

When choosing a 5 weight, length and rod action matter. A 9-foot rod is the go-to for all-around performance, offering excellent line control and casting range. Shorter rods under 8'6" excel on tight water with dry flies, while longer options—like 9'6" or 10' models—shine in stillwater or when mending and reach are essential, especially from float tubes or low-seated watercraft. Pair the right action (fast for versatility, slow for finesse) with the right length for your fishing environment, and you’ve got a rod that can truly do it all.

Read the Full Buyer's Guide to 5 Weights in our Buyer's Guide section. 

At Gorge Fly Shop, we carry a wide selection of 5 weights to match your exact needs—because when it comes to fly rods, one perfect fit makes all the difference.

 

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"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977


"Fly Fish the World with Us"

Jul 30, 2025

Columbia Gorge Fishing Report - July 30, 2025


Deschutes Steelhead

This graph is a pretty good summary of the early portion of the return so far.  Keep in mind that this is just unclipped steelhead, not total steelhead.  It's a relief and great to see!  Things on the lower river are about how they've been the last couple years.  Afternoon water temps are quite warm.  Your best bet is going to be from first light until noonish.  Keep in mind that the coolest water of the day is hitting Moody sometime right around 8:30 a.m. and trending up from there.  At this point, there should also be some fish higher up in the system.  Don't be afraid to fish the access road below Sherar's Falls.  You'd definitely have a shot at a fish and likely little company from other anglers. 


Deschutes Trout

Not too much new to report there.  The trout fishing remains strong.  Especially in the mornings and evenings.  Caddis and aquatic moths are still the main bugs going.  Typical of the mid-summer, trout are parked in a lot of faster water.  This has made for some excellent Trout Spey fishing as of late!  Smaller sculpins and leeches in olive or black have been producing, per usual.  


Mount Hood Lakes

The hot bite going lately has been in the evening.  We've had lots of reports of excellent Callibaetis fishing this week during the last few hours of daylight.  This is a good time to start carrying a broader assortment of Callibaetis dries.  Beyond standard duns and spinners, be sure to have some change-up bugs.  Cripples and emergers can save the day when the standbys are getting refused.  Many of the most productive lakes around Hood have been getting fished relentlessly for sometime now.  Something a little different can seal the deal when they get snooty.






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"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977


"Fly Fish the World with Us"


Jul 28, 2025

2025 Winston Single Hand Rods - A Fresh Look!



Why the Latest R.L. Winston Rods Deserve a Fresh Look
For decades, Winston’s green rods have had a legendary "feel" — so distinct that experienced anglers could pick one out blindfolded. But something exciting is happening in Twin Bridges...
Winston has taken a bold leap forward. The iconic feel remains, but today's lineup adds new performance, power, and versatility across the board. Whether you're a dry fly fanatic, a stillwater tactician, or a saltwater warrior, there’s a new Winston rod dialed in for your pursuit.
 
Highlights:
Pure 2: Still buttery, now with backbone. A dream for dry fly purists with surprising muscle in wind.
Air 2: Light, deadly accurate, and now available in 7 and 8wt  —  perfect for single-hand steelhead.
Air 2 Reach: Built for nymphers and stillwater anglers. Long, strong, and ultra-manageable.
Air 2 Max: Winston’s best saltwater/big game rod ever. Lightweight power that plays nice with a variety of lines.
 
If you’ve loved Winston for its feel, get ready to love it for performance too.
Read the Full Article about Winston's - The All-Star Team!




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"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977


"Fly Fish the World with Us"

Jul 18, 2025

Columbia Gorge Fishing Report - July 18, 2025


Deschutes Steelhead

Everyone seems to be asking.  Are there some fish in the lower river?  Yes!  On any given year, barring a major catastrophe, there are some fish in the Deschutes in the first half of July.  Sometimes there's just a few and sometimes there's a bunch.  The major hitch tends to be the water temperature.  Interestingly enough, due to some combination of the dam operation and weather, the coldest water temps of the day have routinely been at about 8:30 a.m. at the mouth.  Not exactly corresponding with first light like we'd all prefer, but that's been the situation.  On the really hot days, it's only been getting down to ~66 degrees and going up from there.  Fortunately, we've had some slightly cooler nights the last few days.  Temps this morning were down to ~63....a much better number!

For those looking to try it for the first time, focus your efforts on the early part of the day.  Fish through the coolest water temps of the morning and call it a day when it starts getting excessively hot.  Put on 12 lb. and a bright hairwing with a stout hook.  The early summers can be totally ballistic and stacking the odds in your favor with the appropriate terminal tackle can be the difference between landing a fish and the "one that got away".     


Deschutes Trout

Not too much has changed in the trout world out there lately.  Caddis and Aquatic Moths are still the stars of the show.  The best dry fly fishing has been early in the morning and in the evening.  That said, you can still drum up some fish in the riffles with a dry during the day.  Nymph fishing remains strong and the Trout Spey bite is definitely there, too.  The great news in the trout world is that the river is largely void of anglers.  It gets eerily quite out there post-stonefly and it's really not warranted.  The fishing is great!


Mount Hood Lakes

Some of the shallower or lower elevation lakes are starting to go through a transitionary period.  After several weeks of summer weather, the surface temps are starting to warm on certain lakes.  Not to a detrimental degree, but it's changed the fish activity a bit.  Lots of fish, especially during the heat of the day, will be feeding down deeper toward the thermocline.  This can require a bit of a tactical change.  If the on or near-surface stuff isn't working, try a heavier sinking line that will get you down in the 10-20' range.  Slowly retrieving chironomid pupae or an unweighted leech will get these fish to go.  It's also worth trying early in the morning at this time of year.  The first light bite is not much of a thing on lakes at elevation earlier in the season, but it's definitely a thing now!  Expect to see insect and fish activity increasing earlier in the day with hotter weather.  




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"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977


"Fly Fish the World with Us"

Scientific Anglers - Key Trout Tapers

Popular trout Tapers from Scientific Anglers

A trout line is a trout line, right? Wrong! many different trout fishing scenes call for different trout tapers. The right trout taper can not only be more successful, it can also be more rewarding.

Trout Standard

SA's presentation dry fly line with punch!

This line excels with small-to-medium sized dries on a variety of rod actions.  It touches down gently and mends extremely well at distance.  This taper generates excellent line speed to cut through wind allowing for perfect dry fly drifts in a variety of conditions.

The Trout Standard Taper is offered in these three offerings

Trout

Think softer action rods, tiny dries and ultra-spooky fish

When the situation calls for very delicate presentations at close-to-medium range, this is where the Trout Taper shines. True to weight design for technical dry fly and small nymph systems. Medium-to-long distances and delicate presentations. Slow to medium-fast action rods.

Trout Taper is offered in these three offerings

MPX

This half-size heavy line shines on faster action rods.

A favorite among trout anglers on bigger water, the MPX has the power to deliver heavy nymph rigs, streamers and lofty dry/dropper rigs.  It's got the punch but also works well in more delicate situations as needed. Half-size heavy with super-positive turnover for short to medium distances and medium to extra-fast action rods. Good for larger fly systems, boat fishing and pocket water. 

MPX is offered in these three offerings

Infinity

If you're looking for one line to do it all, look no further!

Many would consider the Infinity to be the best all-around trout line ever made.  It's a half-size heavy so it loads faster rods, but it's not so heavy that if folds more moderate actions.  The extended rear taper lends incredibly well to roll-casting and allows for easy mending at distance.  Infinities have plenty of punch but still function well as a presentation dry fly line. Ultra-versatile half-size heavy design with long head for casting and mending control at all distances. Medium-fast to extra-fast action rods. All fly systems.
Infinity comes in twelve offerings including many saltwater options. For this article purpose we are only going to list trout options

Anadro Indicator

Though designed as an indicator line, the Anadro also works well with streamers and XL dry/dropper rigs. 

As the name would imply, this line was originally designed as a heavy indicator line for anadromous fish....and it works very well for that!  The effectiveness of the taper translates very well into smaller trout sizes.  It's an excellent indicator line when heavy metal is the name of the game.  The longer head and lengthy back taper make mending and maximizing your dead drift a breeze. The ultimate indicator taper. 1.5x heavy with powerful turnover and unmatched mending control. Large systems, including big streamers. 

Anadro Taper comes in Four Offerings


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"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

"Fly Fish the World with Us"



Jul 17, 2025

What Makes a Great Early Season Wet Fly for Summer Steelhead???


It's a wonderful time of year in the PNW!  The sun is shining and summer steelhead are making their way up the Columbia.  Is there anything better than the first dry line fish of the season!?  We think not!  With this in mind, what characteristics make up a great early season wet for summers?

* Color - Early summers like bright flies.  Hot butts and flash tend to be very good things.  Purple is always a sound choice, but early returners seem to REALLY like purple.  Have some more muted patterns to use as comeback flies, but don't be afraid to go bright.    

* Size - Go big!  Or small!  Size doesn't really seem to matter all that much.  Anything in the #3-#7 range will work well.  Bump up in size if the river you're fishing has some color.

* Hook - Hooks are mission-critical to success when swinging flies for steelhead.  Even when the bite is at its very best, opportunities can be rather fleeting.  If at all possible, run a wet fly with a heavier wire hook at this time of year.  The Sno-Cone seen above is tied on an Alec Jackson Steelhead Iron.  It's a notably stouter wire than most standard steelhead hooks, and has a very low chance of straightening out on a fish.  Early summers tend to go absolutely ballistic and having a stout hook can definitely save the day!  


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"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

Jul 8, 2025

New Steelhead Flies from RIO

RIO's Mykiss Muddler - Purple

Everyone who swings flies for steelhead needs muddlers in their boxes.  RIO’s Mykiss Muddler is a beautiful version you will want to add to your collection.  It will also be the one you reach for first on your next outing.  The flat head causes this muddler to dive into fishing position quickly.  This fly’s happy place is being swung on a floating line just slightly below the surface.  Tied on a #5 Black Alec Jackson Steelhead Iron.
Shop Mykiss Muddler

RIO's Horse Play - Natural

While fishing the Dean River in BC, we noticed many Deer Flies (commonly called Horse Flies) buzzing around, harassing us. We also noticed that steelhead smashed them with a revengeful attitude if given the chance. We had tied up some samples and sent them to another coworker the following year. The result... she ended up getting her largest steelhead of the trip on the pattern. That sealed it and thus the RIO Horse Play was born.
Shop Horse Play



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"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977


"Fly Fish the World with Us"

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