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"

Columbia Gorge Fishing Reports - 7/22/2019

UPDATE: 7/23

The Hex Hatch is on now at Lost Lake. There have been a few scattered bugs seen over the last week, but the last two nights have produced a good hatch. If you want to fish the Hex Hatch I would start about 6 pm by fishing the nymphs. About 8 pm switch over to cripples or adults. You will want to fish until dark, so bring a flash light.

Trout:  

With our cooler than normal conditions the Deschutes is still fishing very well through out the system. Caddis have been the most productive for most anglers. I would fish Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis and Outrigger Caddis in tan and grey, sizes #16. For pupa I would use #16 tan or grey; Deep Six Pupa, Sparkle Pupa, Bead Head Sparkle Pupa and Prime Time Caddis Pupa. Be ready to stay out late, the fishing the last 45 minutes or so of the day has been very good as Caddis come back to the water to lay their eggs. In addition to dry’s swinging soft hackles can be very productive.

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

This is also the time that you can start fishing a small hopper with a nymph dropper.

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 Micro Trout Spey 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:  

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.

Still no sign Lost Lake’s Hex hatch, a few early single bugs reported. No real hatch yet reported, but I don’t expect to see the peak of the hatch until about the end of July to first part of August. It has been a comfortable average to cool summer here which generally means the hatch is the fourth week of July or so. We may see a few early bugs, but doubt if it will be very intense. I have people at the lake that will let me know when they see the first few signs of a real hatch.

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:  

There are a few anglers that are catching fish on the Deschutes. The Dalles Dam counts have been above the magic number of 200 a day, which generally means that there are good fishable numbers in the lower part of the Deschutes River. You don’t need many of these early Summer Steelhead to have good fishing, they are not stressed out and tend to be good biters. I would stay in the lower 10 to 15 miles of the river. Be ready these early fish are HOT!!!

Fishing on the Klickitat had been good for the early season Summers, but the river has been colored for a few weeks now. It has been bouncing between 12 and 18 inches of visibility. I personally would fish it, but that is me I tend to really like colored water. Growing up fishing the Hood and Klickitat I have caught many fish in these conditions.
Klickitat Super Slammer Kit

Smallmouth:  

Smallmouth in the Columbia River has still been good. You will find many of the bigger fish starting to hold 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 River 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

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Columbia Gorge Fishing Report - 7/10/2019

Trout: 

I know everyone likes to see lots of changes on fishing reports, but the honest truth is that fishing has really not changed much on the Deschutes, the whole river is still fishing very well. Caddis have been the most productive for most anglers and will continue to be for the several weeks or so. I would fish Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis and Outrigger Caddis in tan and grey, sizes #16. For pupa I would use #16 tan or grey; Deep Six Pupa, Sparkle Pupa, Bead Head Sparkle Pupa and Prime Time Caddis Pupa. Be ready to stay out late, the fishing the last 45 minutes or so of the day has been very good as Caddis come back to the water to lay their eggs. In addition to dry’s swinging soft hackles can be very productive.

When ever 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.

Small Mountain Streams:

Over the last few weeks the smaller mountain streams have started 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: 

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.

The question of the day is anglers asking the status of Lost Lake’s Hex hatch. No bugs yet reported, but I don’t expect to see the peak of the hatch until about the end of July. It has been a comfortable average to cool summer here which generally means the hatch is the fourth week of July or so. We may see a few early bugs in the next week, but doubt if it will be very intense. I have people at the lake that will let me know when they see the first few.

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: 

The Dalles counts have hit the magic number of 200 a day, which generally means that there are good fishable numbers in the lower part of the Deschutes River. You don’t need many of these early Summer Steelhead to have good fishing, they are not stressed out and tend to be good biters. I would stay in the lower 10 to 15 miles of the river. Be ready these early fish are HOT!!!

Fishing on the Klickitat had been good for the early season Summers, but the river colored up to the point many are not comfortable fishing it. I checked it this morning and the it is grey/tan and about 15 inches of visibility. It has been cooler this summer, so must have been a slide up on the glacier. I personally would fish it, but that is me I tend to really like colored water. Growing up fishing the Hood and Klickitat I have caught many fish in these conditions. Hopefully the river will clear up in the next few days.
Klickitat Super Slammer Kit

Smallmouth: 

Smallmouth in the Columbia has still been good. You will find many of the bigger fish starting to hold 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.

Trav

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Predator Hunt - Rigging and Fishing Crawfish Patterns

Columbia River Smallmouth Bass

Crawfish, Crayfish, Crawdads or Clawdads...Whatever you wish to call these armored, tasty creatures!

It's my belief that crawfish pattern flies are greatly misunderstood. So, to make a bold statement like that you'll demand I back that up. Here's my take on this and I'm going to start with shooting a bullseye right at the fly tying industry first.

CRAWFISH ARE NOT ORANGE!

I've found a lot of crawfish in nature but I've yet to find a live one colored orange. Unless you have crawfish in a pot of boiling water their color is NOT orange! But yet every fly shop fly bin has orange crawfish patterns in them.

Yes, there are red crawfish in the south regions but most of us have crawfish in the brown or olive coloration. They might have hints of orange but all orange is rarely ever found in nature. If you have orange crawfish in your fly box, take them out now and let's start over, pronto!

Colors to look for are tans, browns, chocolate browns, olives, dark olives, blacks. Highlight with hints of red, chartreuse, blue and copper. My "go to" crawfish flies are brown with copper highlights or black with blue highlights or dark brown with olive highlights.

My general rule is your pattern should closely match the the bottom of where you are fishing or go with black for an increased silhouette in stained water.

Catfish Eat Crawdads

Size

While it would seem bigger is better I prefer to keep them small and slim. Small and slim profiles sink better and since I want this fly on bottom bulky material will just slow down the sink rate or even prevent your fly from reaching bottom. I see some crawfish patterns having big bulky claws, these are not necessary. Matter of fact a crawfish pattern could not have claws at all and still be effective. Often in nature crawfish will have just one or no claws at all most likely lost in defense of predators.

Back to the fly

Crawfish patterns need to have strong hooks that are tied to ride up. These characteristics along with strong tippet will give you the ability to work around heavy structure.

Heavy Fly and Heavy Tippet

Along with a slim body a crawfish pattern will need to be heavily weighted in order to sink well when attached to heavy tippet.

Largemouth Bass eat Crawfish

Fish it like you intend to lose it

Crawfish survive by their ability to run and hide from their prey. They scurry under rocks, boulders and wood structure and will remain relatively close to hiding spots.

To make natural presentations flies need to be cast right on these structures and allowed to fall in and around them. Too many anglers spend all their efforts trying to avoid such situations when they should be aggressively going after those tough presentations.

Presentation

Once you have presented the fly try to keep sight on it as long as possible on the initial drop. Many strikes occur at those first descending moments. Don't be in a rush to start stripping. Maintain a taunt line without moving your fly. Keep on the alert for any tick movement at all times.

Next action is to make 2-3 very short strips like 2-3 inch strips, short and quick! Pause....2-3 more short strips! Pause. At this point if nbo strike has accured go ahead and lift fly quickly and recast to next location.

Avoid presenting/stripping your fly all the way back to you. The longer you dredge bottom the more likely you will snag the fly. Most strikes occur on or after the initial drop and strips. No need to continue. Cast to a new spot and keep moving.

Structure

Things to cast on include, rocks, logs, root wads, quick drop offs, points and man made structures.
When sun is high fish the shady sides. Imagine there is a fish under every boulder you see, More than likely there is!

About leaders and tippet

In this type of fishing I tie my own leaders. Start with a 30" section of heavy nylon monofilament in the .024" - .026" range and nail knot that directly to your fly line. No loop to loop in this setup. You want NO possible slack in this system. Hatch Professional Med/Hard Monofilament leader material is a good choice.

Next slip on an indicator such as RIO's Kahuna LT. Slide that right up to the nail knot. This indicator is not intended to float your fly instead, together with the mono butt section it is to keep the tip of your fly line on the waters surface and provide sight reference to help detect those slightest of strikes.

Next tie on 30" of 30# Hatch Fluorocarbon Leader, then 30" of 25#, then onward to 20# and in most cases I'll end in 16#. You got to be the judge of what your final tippet needs to be in order to avoid detection. Hatch Fluorocarbon Tippet works great for all of this.
Personally I believe if you fish this fly correctly you won't have tippet shy problems.

All blood knots, no loop to loops. Tie fly on direct with a improved clinch knot. No loop knots!

The idea of this leader is to keep your fly line tip afloat while the rest of the leader is free to sink as deep as needed. The indicator will help keep the fly line floating, provide strike detection, and if it sinks you will know that depth has exceeded your leader length.

Even Crappie will eat a well presented Crayfish

The Strike

Strike detection is the utmost importance to succeed in this fishing. Big predators that eat crayfish typically engulf and crush the crawfish in order to kill it and avoid being pinched. Strikes are usually not an eat and run ordeal. One slight tick on your indicator my be the only sign of a strike you will get. Don't hesitate, hook set immediately.

I've watched countless many times anglers detect the initial strike and remain still waiting for something bigger to happen. I always say the next tick in the line will be him spitting it out. Hook sets are free, all day long! Take advantage of that. I'd rather find out I set on nothing than miss a possible catch of a lifetime.

Hint...the biggest bass will strike the lightest

It took me years to feel confident in fishing craw patterns on fly rods. I hope this info can help advance you along much quicker path than I did. It's become one of my favorite ways to fly fish for  big predators.

Greg

Greg Darling 

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

Predator Hunt - Warm Water Fly Fishing Lakes and Reservoirs

Smallies at Sunrise

On The Hunt

Over many years of warmwater lake fishing I can count on one hand how many other anglers I've witnessed fishing with a fly rod. I'm talking hundreds of days spent on the lakes and reservoirs, warm water fishing and rarely ever see another angler with a fly rod. Why is this water so barren of fly anglers!?

Do you have a warm water lake or reservoir near you? Let me provide you some reasons you might want to fly fish this water.

Let's start with the obvious...No one else is doing it!

These warm water fish have seen every lure known to man but they have never seen a fly. That is a HUGE advantage! They've never seen streamers or natural looking crawfish patterns. No one has ever fished a beetle, dragon fly, diving hair frog or fly popper to them.

Multi Species

Lakes usually have many different species inhabiting them. This fact can make the fishing interesting when you are never sure what you have hooked. It also can provide options. When some species are being hard to find others may be readily available to take your fly.

Crappie on the Fly

Room to Fish

When the local trout streams are crowded I can usually find solitude on lakes. Sure, you'll need a watercraft of some type to get there but that becomes part of the adventure. A boat or kayak, I've even ventured out in my Outcast Stealth Pro on lakes and found great fishing.

Stable Environment

When you favorite river gets blown out by a storm the day before you were all set to fish why cancel out the day and sit on the couch stewing about it. Go to a lake instead. Most lakes can take a pretty good storm without being disrupted. Sometimes the influx of fresh rain water can even turn fish on. Make your local lake a plan B and before you know it might become your plan A.

Wild Fish

The other day I had a trout fisher friend from Colorado with me on a local lake. We were having a great time catching smallies. At some point during the day he asked in a statement way, "so these fish are hatchery I assume?"

Largemouth Bass on the Fly

It never ever occurred to me that this could be a question but I guess if you only grew up around stocked trout fisheries then why would one assume warmwater would be any different. New  reservoirs may have had some original plantings of species but after that most warm water lakes and reservoirs are self sustaining and therefore the fish are wild!

The Pursuit

Remembering back many years ago the first time I took a fly rod to a lake I felt a bit like it was a needle in a haystack kind of situation. Armed with a craw pattern fly a friend had given to me it wasn't long and I found some smallmouth bass. Pretty soon I was spotting carp to cast to and after a few failed attempts I finally got one hooked up. Today I've caught on fly about every warmwater species you'll find in the most lakes.

2001 - My first Fly Caught Smallmouth

Funny Looks

I get funny looks from other anglers that I encounter during my day and many have even asked if I am actually catching anything. Little do they know while they were within my sight I was quietly releasing my catch on the opposite side of the boat so as to not give away any secrets. Today , I can out-fish most gear anglers with ease.

I'm Hooked

For me a fly rod on a lake is not only a viable, fun tool but I've also come to realize that in many situations in the right hands it is a superior tool. I can deliver pinpoint accurate cast with realistic presentations and offer to multi species, natural imitating fly patterns with an end result of incredibly fun fishing.

Now, Why aren't you doing this! Get More "On The Hunt"

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

Greg Darling 

Gorge Fly Shop

"Passion For Fishing Is A Lifelong Pursuit Of Discovery"

Bronzeback Buster Bass Fly Kits

Spring is here and Summer is near. No better time than to get out and enjoy some topwater bassin`. Creek, pond, lake or river, bass are easily found in 48 states. Get out before the sunrise or take in the sunset and have some fun. 

The Bronzeback Buster Kit was hand selected for our local John Day River fishery.

The John Day River in central Oregon is one of our nation’s longest free flowing river systems. It also could be the best river for fly anglers to go into pursuit of the Smallmouth Bass. Since introduced to the river in 1971 the Smallmouth Bass have made this home and rivaled some of the best bass fisheries in the nation. As a fly angler your only problem is once you hook 50 fish per day with a top water popper you’ll likely be ruined for any other bass fishery. There are several float options to consider from Kimberly, Service Creek, Clarno, Cottonwood, Rock Creek and Tumwater falls ranging from easy one day floats to five day floats. Outcast Pontoon Boats and Rafts are the choice vehicles to navigate this free flowing wonder.

Bronzeback Buster Bass Kit includes -

• Todd's Wiggle Minnow - Rainbow
• Slider - Luna
• Popper - Sting
• Popper - Neon
• Shenandoah Chugger
• Hard Popper - Chartreuse

Our Bass Buster assortment will get you hooked up. 

See all Gorge Fly Shop Fly Selections at "The Gorge"

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Sage Bass II Fly Lines

You probably know that Sage builds a line of bass rods called Sage Bass II. This second generation of technique specific warmwater rods consist of Bluegill, Smallmouth, Largemouth and Peacock. Extending this series is also two Pike/Musky rods.

The Sage Bass II Fly lines are the exact lines that come with the four models of Bass rods. They have short powerful heads to move large flies effectively. These lines are available to purchase separately from the rods as either replacement lines or as in many cases for anglers to enjoy their benefits on their rod of choice.

Bass II Fly lines are sold by grain weight and come in 230gr, 290gr, 330gr, and 390gr. Generally the grains match up to rods weights in the following matter.

• 230gr - 6/7 weights
• 290gr - 7/8 weights
• 330gr - 8/9 weights
• 390gr - 9/10 weights

These lines are heavy for these weights on purpose. They need to be in order to carry a large payload. Their purpose is for powerful short casting and therefore their length is limited to 80 feet. 

Features -

• 80' 
• Balanced performance 
• Built for oversize, wind-resistant flies 
• Substantially forward weighted 
• Abrupt front taper 
• Larger diameter running line for fish fighting comfort

Sage Bass II Fly Lines are made by RIO Fly Lines. RIO also makes a great Smallmouth Bass Fly Lines as well as Bass Leaders and Bass Tippet. We have it all at "The Gorge"

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Video - Desert Bass Fly Fishing by Todd Moen

Came across this great video today. Really good scenery and a great display of topwater smallmouth bass fly fishing. I think about the possibilities in this beautiful clear river. Topwater, streamer, contact and float-n-fly fishing all comes to mind.
Enjoy!

Find Bass Flies at "The Gorge"

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On The Hunt - Strip Like You Mean it

He's on it...Strip! Strip! Strip!

Continuing the "On The Hunt" Series, in this article I wish to address your fly stripping.

I recently read a friends blog post that really hit home on the subject of fly stripping. Basically he indicates the difference between an average angler and a streamer guru is how they strip their fly. He gives a example of how a fly should be stripped similar to the beat of the opening of a old popular rap song that we've all heard. Check out the first 20-30 seconds of Tone Loc's "Wild Thing". Is this how you strip your fly?

Stuck in RRBD

Are you stuck in Repetitive Rhythmic Boredom Disorder, (RRBD)?
If you wish to maximize the effectiveness of your streamers you'll going to have to break out of your repetitive strip. I see this type of retrieve everywhere I go. I wonder if this issue isn't part reason why so many fly anglers have no confidence in streamers.

If you want a streamers to work for you with any measure of success beyond the random catch you're going to have to carefully scrutinize your retrieve. I know those are pretty harsh words to hear but take note, I am looking at myself in the mirror while I preach it to you. I need to hear it too.

Don't feel like you have to subject your memory to this song in order to become a better streamer angler. Just take it in for a few minutes and compare the beat of this song to how you are stripping your streamers. Are you coming up with anything even close!?

While we would all probably benefit with adopting the "Wild Thing" retrieve. personally I think proper strips has more to do with avoiding rhythms and paying close attention to what the fish tell you on the current day, or even current hour as fish attitude can change during the cycle of the day.

When the fly hits the water

At this point we need to decide if a response will come from a pause or instant action. Sometimes a pause is in order to allow the fly to dive subsurface, others flies dive so fast that one must get on the retrieve quickly. Either way pay attention to what the fish tell you.

Get the rod tip to the water

When stripping streamers you rod tip should be right at water level and in some cases for extra depth even plant your rod tip under the surface. Holding a rod tip far above water surface will put a bow in the line and your strips become drags. Avoid the drags!

Observe your fly's action

Watch the movements of your fly and compare with your strips. Some of today's big streamers can swim really well with side to side movements. Some need a stop and go retrieve while others perform darting action with slight rod tip jerks. More often then not I'm matching my fly to the action the fish want. Such as for slow pulsing action the fly Bad Hair Day works great, Feather Game Changers have a awesome swimming action which favors clearer water, and Swinging D's throw a lot of side to side action with aggressive strips. All these flies have their time and place for the streamer angler.

Protect Stripping Finger

If your not burning you finger stripping line through it then you aren't stripping aggressive enough. You've got to have a stripping glove or protective finger guards unless you have leather for skin. Simms Sun Gloves have a built in patch on the stripper finger...they work great for me. Get some RIO Line Cleaning Clothes. When you experience friction while casting or stripping, pull one out and run you line through it. You can also wrap it around your finger while fishing and really get your line operating smoothly. I have some other tricks regarding line slickness but they wouldn't be fly industry approved. If you wish to know more I suggest you reach out to me privately.

Be perceptive to every strike you identify and take note of what you and your fly was doing at time of strike. Was it paused, jerking, sinking, swimming, darting. All these conditions are pieces of the puzzle. Total success comes when all the pieces fit together. You don't have to get every piece right in order to catch fish but when you do fit all the pieces correctly it becomes next to impossible to not catch fish.
That should be your goal!

Reference: Ozark Fly Fisher Journal "Do It Tone Loc Style"

More "On The Hunt" Series Articles
> Never Sit Down
> Stand Ready

Watch for my next article "Detect The Strike"

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

Greg Darling 

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

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

Columbia Gorge Fishing Report (6/25/2017)

It's hotter than a well digger's armpit out there!

But there are fish biting all over the Gorge!

Exploring the Gorge never gets old

Trout fishing on the Deschutes has been pretty good and stable.  I have heard of some folks doing really well on yellow sallies and caddis.  Nymphing caddis larvae/pupae or a pheasant tail/hare's ear/prince nymph has been good as usual.  I would also be well stocked with PMD and PED adults/parachutes as that hatch should still be going strong.

Trout fishing on the local lakes has been stellar!  I have some seen some real beauties coming out of Lost and Laurance lake.  Lost lake resort rents boats as well, so if you don't have a watercraft and want to escape the heat, head on up and enjoy the view!  Lakes throughout the Cascades are fishing very well, but make sure you brings some DEET as the biting insects have been bad this year.  Ants, Callibaetis, damsels, dragonflies and buggers are the names of the game!  Check out my Stillwater Gear Roundup for details on getting dialed in!

Steelhead fishing has been quiet.  I have heard of a few fish being hooked on the Klickitat, but it has otherwise been very slow.  There are a few more fish between Bonneville and The Dalles, so hopefully we will see some fish getting happy!  The bulk of the summer steelhead should be showing up in the next couple months so book a trip with Sam at Steelhead Outfitters for a Deschutes jetboat trip or Travis at Western Waters for a float down the Klick before it's too late!

Another solid brick bronzeback

Bass fishing in Columbia has been very good.  I have found fish in both pre and post spawn depending on the part of the river I was on and the water temps.  I have had a couple killer evenings catching nice fish shallow on poppers.  Often the bite will come after the initial cast.  Just leave the popper sit for up to 30 seconds, if you can handle it...

Bass fishing on the John Day should be excellent.  We have had a lot of customers headed out that way, but no reports back yet.  I have to imagine the fish are hungry and plentiful! Bring a selection of small poppers, hoppers, and wiggle minnows and a light rod and have a blast on bronzebacks!

Flows:  The USGS sites give us real-time flows, while the NOAA site shows us predictions based on weather patterns.  Both are invaluable tools.

Hood River:

USGS

NOAA

Klickitat

USGS

NOAA

Clackamas:

USGS

NOAA

Deschutes near Madras:

USGS

Deschutes at the mouth:

USGS

NOAA

Columbia River

Bonneville Dam Water Temps

Columbia @ Hood River (The mouth of the Hood backs up at 75 feet)

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.  541.386.6977

*Add us on Instagram for more fishy content! @gorgeflyshop

Ryan Van Duzor

Gorge Fly Shop | Product Specialist

541.386.6977

Read More from the "Bearded Pescador"

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

On the Hunt - Stand Ready

Cast, Strip, Sight, Set, Fight

In continuation of the "On the Hunt" Series, this chapter addresses the stand or stance.

One day, while swinging flies on the river I watched a guide boat drift down with a single angler in front casting a streamer. He stood there like he was in line at the dmv and held his rod with a matching amount of ambition. He made lazy cast after cast and stripped his fly back with rhythmic boredom.

I couldn't help to think that even if a fish struck his fly in no way was he prepared to react. He held his rod with a lazy grip, high out over the boat, creating a bow in his line. No focus...Not prepared...No enthusiasm!

There are those who hunt and there are hunters just the same there are those that fish and there are anglers. This guy is clearly neither. On that day, his wrong opened my eyes to what would be right. I slipped into deep thought about how often we decide our own fate without even knowing.

My vision for writing this article mostly has to do with predator style streamer fishing whether it be for bass, pike, musky, brown trout or whatever you find yourself pursuing in what I refer to as predator fishing mode. These tactics also apply to predator top water fishing and may also apply to many other styles of fly fishing.

Stand Ready

The lazy guy I described above wasn't sitting down but he wasn't hunting.  The Phrase from the kick off article, "Never Sit Down", has a much deeper meaning than just a physical state. Your stand, or stance needs to put you in a state of preparedness. Prepared to cast, strip, sight, set and fight.

Stance

I like to put one foot in front of the other. Unlock your knees. Focus your vision on where you're casting and your fly where it lands. If your fly, for whatever reason is not in sight, still create a mental image about where it is and track it as you strip in.

Grip your rod

After your cast put the rod tip to the water pointing in the direction of your fly. Eliminate any slack from your line immediately . Grip your rod firm but try to avoid a death grip.

Strip like you mean it

You will need a gloved finger or stripper finger in order to achieve proper strips. DON"T wait until you have line burned your finger. Equip yourself before you start fishing and you will strip better all day. Streamer strips should be aggressive with demanding intent. DO NOT DRAG your fly. The topic of stripping deserves much more attention than I can give in this paragraph. Watch for a future article on this subject.

Watch you fly

Most predator fishing I do allows me to see my fly in action. Topwater and shallow sub surface streamer flies allow us to see what's going on. Keep sight on your fly at all times. Watch for shadows, swipes and be particularly aware if suddenly it disappears out of sight. Also, watch the water for movement such as swirls or pushes. Pay attention to your flies action. Many flies require specific strips and/or even rod tip jerks to get the desired action the fish want.

Strike Back

I like to use the term "Strike Back" rather then "set hook". Key point is...DO NOT trout set. I'm sure this subject has difference of opinions but this is how I like to approach the strike back hook set. Strip with a lift. A strip set alone is great but there are times when these fish are swimming toward you making it nearly impossible to get a set with a strip alone. If you strip set and lift rod at the same time you increase the amount of line taken up. But here is the key, you must lift your rod in a horizontal plane while you strip set. Combination strip and lift will draw power from the butt of the rod and take up the slack quickly for a solid hook set.

Fight

Predator fish often try to go down and under a rock or brush pile and when they get there you very likely won't be able to bring them out. They can wrap your line around objects and either get free or break you off. Be aware of your structure and take action immediately to pull it away from possible escape.

Watch for my next article about stripping your fly

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

Greg Darling 

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

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

On The Hunt - Never Sit Down

As a fly angler do you consider yourself a hunter?

I've never been an angler who sits and waits for fish to come to me. I don't see the point. Sure it's fun to hang with friends and drink lagers while waiting for the catfish to bite but that is not my definition of fishing or hunting.

Too often when reading fly fishing material the picture is painted of cool mountain streams, cascading clear water and matching the hatch. That's all good but is that always reality. It's like the sports car commercial were the drive is through scenic mountains and another car is nowhere in sight. Fly fishing like sports car commercials are often portrayed to give us feelings of peace, solitude and serenity.

That's great if you have time to find it. Sure I take trips and get off the grid but I can't wait all year for that special week of fly fishing. To satisfy my passions I must get on the water as often as possible. Most of the time the places I can go fish are shared with others.

Recently while hunting bass on a local reservoir I watched two guys in a boat sitting on pedestal seats, casting and waiting for something to happen. They came past me and said "Hi! Are you catching any?" At this distance there was no way they didn't notice I was wielding a fly rod. I yelled back my standard reply, "yeah, catching a few." Little did they know I've just landed an 18" smallmouth, a 17" white bass, two respectable largemouth's and more sunfish then I care to claim.
Take note that this all took place while this other boat was in my view and I never once saw these guys get out of there seats. I'm sure they caught fish but are they hunting fish!?

On my local lakes I watch an endless stream of guys who drag lures or whatever around all day but they don't really hunt. I never see another fly angler on lakes. Such a wide open field of opportunity. Imagine this...The fish in most lakes have never seen your flies!!! Yes, that sentence deserves three exclamation points. That is what I call opportunity.

I'm a hunter!  Are you a hunter?

I spend much time warmwater fishing from my boat. It takes me places I could otherwise never get to. It is my platform of which I operate from. At one time it was equipped with pedestal mounts for front and rear seats just like the ones those guys were sitting in. I say at one time because I just recently re-carpeted the boat and in that process I removed the pedestal mounts. I don't need them and was tired of stepping over them. I don't need them because I stand and hunt.

What is a fish hunter? To be a hunter from a boat you must...

Stand Ready! 

The entire day. Get into a stance that keeps you focused and ready to strip set in a nano second. Get serious about your footwear and comfort. Consider possible wind chop, swells and waves. Fly fishing is a sport, treat it like one!

Believe! 

Make every cast count and believe every spot you cast to has a fish to catch.

Attention! 

Remain fully vigilant for any and all clues. After the cast watch for swirls or pushes. Watch for shadows appearing under your fly. Watch your line. Fish will tell you what they want if pay attention and spot their reactions.

Embrace Wind! 

Most lake fishing involves wind. Let it be your friend. Winds helps to provide cover for both us and fish. It also helps to add oxygen to water and fish will naturally be more active. My experience is windy days are usually better fishing than dead calm days.

Make it Real! 

Make that fly real! You don't wait for strikes...you create strikes. DO NOT JUST DRAG THE FLY BACK TO YOU! Mix it up. Avoid rhythms. Vary your strips and pauses and mentally record the action you were giving your fly when a strike occurs.

Zone! 

Get you mind and body in the zone. Your thoughts, your posture and your attitude can affect your day. Believe that!

Summer is Here!

I've switched to hunter / predator mode. In the next couple months I wish to break down individually some of the bullet points listed above into much greater detail and share with you why I get so excited for this type of fly fishing.

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

Greg Darling 

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

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

Columbia Gorge Fishing Report (6/11/2017)

Long days and mostly decent weather have made for some good fishing in the Gorge.

Classic Gorge Weather: Sunny with Pouring Rain

Deschutes trout fishing has been good/excellent and fairly steady.  There are an assortment of insects around and the fish have been happy to indulge in whatever is hatching.  They are still coming up to golden stone imitations and purple chubbies and I have heard of at least a couple anglers hitting the green drake hatch.  There should be some yellow sallies and pale evening duns showing themselves too.  As always, the standard nymphs (hare's ear, pheasant tail, possie bugger, copper John) are producing.

Local Legend Jim Greenleaf with a Deschutes Redside!

Stillwater trout fishing has also been very good locally.  The damsels and dragonflies have started hatching, especially on warm days, and the fish are eating the nymphs worked slowly around and over weed beds.  Chironomids, Callibaetis and buggers are also still in play.  As things warm up, look for the flying ants to start hatching around the higher elevation lakes as well.

Gabe found some hungry backwater smalljaws!

Bass fishing has been about the same as the last few weeks.  Fish are being caught, both in the Columbia and the John Day.  Many fish are thinking about spawning and are in shallow water.  I would suggest crawling a big bugger/leach or fishing a Clouser minnow quickly in the shallows.  There are should be a popper bite going in the next month as fish enter post spawn feeding.

A beauty of a mountain tiger musky!

We got out to one of the western WA reservoirs for some tiger musky fishing.  We saw a ton of fish and had most of them follow.  We had 5 good eats and landed one beauty.  5-10 inch flies on 10wts is the name of the game.  I really like the SA Sonar Titan WF10 full intermediate for 90% of the musky fishing.  You will want some type of wire bite tippet or leader, as these fish have serious chompers!  If you are looking for a new challenge on the fly, and have a boat or at least a buddy who does, you owe it to yourself to give it a try at least once.  There is a ton of info on the WDFW website.

Cody's Steelhead Report:

Enthralled by emerald green waters, and happy to be skating dries again.

Welp, it’s June and if you’re like me summer-run steel have been on your mind since… well, maybe they’re always on your mind! This could be attributed to a variety of reasons- A change of pace from tough winter fishing and rainy days, the finesse and presentation of scandi-style casting, fish willing to rise to the surface, t-shirts and sunnies, long days, etc. Though I’m sure once Thanksgiving hits I’ll be back on a winter-run mindset for thick bodied chrome and sea-lice covered fins. Ha! It really never really ever seem to end...

June 1st was the opener for the Klickitat River and it’s a quite a different start than last year. Numbers over Bonneville have been pretty slim so far, along with high and colored water to round it out as well. I’ve driven up the Klick a few times in the last two weeks to check on it, only to find flows ranging from 4100 cfs to its current level of 2700 cfs (for reference, average mean flow at this time of year is 2080 cfs.) What this means is that most of your favorite runs to swing flies are gonna be challenging to wade, and the few fish that are in the river won’t be too far out. If you do make it out and water clarity is decent, I’d focus on swinging shorter bits of line all the way into the bank. Wading staffs and boot studs will also ease getting into your favorite runs. As for predictions, it’s tough to say since we’ve got a fair amount of snow up high still and haven’t seen many super warm days yet.

Indeed predictions for this season’s Columbia run look to be on par with last year’s (unfortunately) and with some increased restrictions on seasons, this year will make it tougher for anglers. It’s important to remain mindful with our pressure on the fish we love with our handling and ethics. Monitor the water temps, revive and release fish quickly, keep them wet, etc. Opportunities are out there though with the Sandy and Clackamas still producing some good hatchery summer fish. However, I did get out and camp along a gem of a river in central Oregon for a couple nights. A few fish were seen as we chugged foamy dries, skated muddlers, and swung wets with floating lines but no fish to hand. Unfortunately, rains came a little earlier than expected. Transforming the river’s notoriously difficult wading in the already high water, to well, even more of a challenge. As is tradition, I filled my waders up once trying to get into a greasy tailout. It wasn’t the first time, and certainly won’t be the last...

 

High water but high hopes. Chelsey swings through the bucket.

Flows:  The USGS sites give us real-time flows, while the NOAA site shows us predictions based on weather patterns.  Both are invaluable tools.

Hood River:

USGS

NOAA

Klickitat
USGS
NOAA

Clackamas:

USGS

NOAA

Deschutes near Madras:

USGS

Deschutes at the mouth:

USGS

NOAA

Columbia River

Bonneville Dam Water Temps
Columbia @ Hood River (The mouth of the Hood backs up at 75 feet)

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.  541.386.6977

*Add us on Instagram for more fishy content! @gorgeflyshop

Ryan Van Duzor
Gorge Fly Shop | Product Specialist
541.386.6977


Read More from the "Bearded Pescador"

"Fly Fish the World with Us"