New Arrival! Fine-Tune Your Swing with Scientific Anglers Skagit Sink Tips & Kits

The Kit comes with everything you need for MOST situations in a handy
Sink tip wallet.  Stay organized and ready!

Gorge Fly Shop's family of sink tips just grew bigger with the addition of Scientific Angler's Skagit Sink Tips. If I were to tell you that we sell more sink tips than leaders you may not believe it, but it's fact!  Tips are a very popular item and we are happy to let you know that we now have the SA Skagit Tips in stock! These tips are not hot off the press, but they are new to us here at the Gorge Fly Shop.

Q: What stands out about Scientific Angler Skagit Sink tips?

A: First off these tips are textured, which reduces friction, making it a tad easier to pick up off water and secondly, they're tapered, thirdly they are density compensated, so they'll turn over your flies smoother and make your presentations better.  Tips can be bought separately or in a complete kits.

As a side note to the introduction:

Most manufactures of Skagit and Scandi lines have their own versions of sink and floating tips that marry well with their products and this can be convenient, but that doesn't mean you couldn't mix and match with other manufactures tips.

For example, if I'm using an Scientific Anglers Skagit Head, I can use a RIO M.O.W. tip for sure.  The beauty of this is that different makers of sink tips offer different lengths and sink rates to cover absolutely every fishing situation you find yourself in.

The Scientific Anglers Skagit Sink Tips have you covered in situations where you need a 1 inch per second sink rate up to a 6-7 inch per second sink rate.  In comparison the the sink 6-7 inch per second would be equivalent to RIO'S M.O.W. Light Tip (T-8), which also sinks at about 6-7 inch per second.

Overwhelming would be an understatement when considering all the options we have in sink tips.  There have been plenty of articles written on the subject over the years and it's all good...once you grasp it, it becomes much easier and makes sense.  If you are interested in learning more about tips, click link below and read on.

READ MORE ON THE EVOLUTION OF SINK TIPS BY CLICKING HERE.

If you have any questions or are interested in the SA Skagit Sink Tips, you can visit our website at gorgeflyshop.com.

Prefer to talk it through? Call 541-386-6977 and we’ll set up your head + tip + leader, then place the order for you.

We are eager and always happy to help.

GFS Team

John G.

Parting Shot: Deschutes River Steelhead love them a Marabou Tube fly!

Superb choice when fishing with sink tips.

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#Spey #TroutSpey #WinterSteelhead #ScientificAnglers #GorgeFlyShop

Hot Off the Press: Winston AIR 2 TH Is Here

We are thrilled to announce the arrival of the brand new Winston Air 2 TH Series of Spey Rods from R.L. Winston.  Just in time for the tail end of summer steelhead season!  Air 2 TH hits close to home as the entire series was designed and fine-tuned by local legendary guide, Brian Silvey.  These rods were dialed in with the line systems we use on the Northwest steelhead rivers we all know and love.  Winston's Air TH series was excellent and has a huge following, but the new version is a completely different animal!  The Gorge Fly Shop Staff was fortunate enough to spend some time on the water with these rods prior to their release.  Here's a rundown of the major upgrades:

Line-Friendly

This might be the most important upgrade to the series.  Initial feedback from the GFS staff and the Northwest Winston rep, Eric Neufeld, is that Air 2 TH likes a lot of different lines!  Our staff fished the 7129 for a few days on the Deschutes recently and tried several different Scandi and Skagit heads.  Historically speaking, when a Spey rod is available in a longer and shorter 7 weight, the longer option tends to be more all-purpose.  They usually fish well with Scandis and Skagits, alike.  Conversely, the shorter 7's tend to be faster.  They're excellent for heavy metal sink tip fishing, but can be tough to find an ideal dry line for.  That was the real shocker about this 7129.  It fished a 450-480 grain Scandi extremely well with excellent line speed.  That begged the question.....will it have enough under the hood for a heavy sink tip and fly.  And it does!  No problem whatsoever with 10' of T-14 and a weighted fly.  When talking with Eric about the various other configurations he fished, the data was conclusive.  These rods like a lot of different lines and have a fairly broad grain weight window.  This is going to make the series incredibly versatile across the board.       

Grip

Nothing dampens the feel of a great blank like too much cork....and Winston took note of that.  Air 2 TH has a very slim upper and lower grip providing for excellent hand-to-line feel when casting.  This was a huge upgrade from its predecessor.  

Weight

These things feel crazy light in hand.  The 7's feel like a lot of other brands' 6's.  That does not, however, come at the expense of sacrificed power.  They have ample low-end stiffness to accommodate heavy tips and flies and XL fish.  

Additional Configurations

Winston added a few new length/weight combos this time around.  Two that stand out are the 5123 and 8126.  The older Air TH 5120 has a cult following among summer steelhead dry line addicts.  It may very well have been the best casting rod of that series.  That said, it was a hair short.  The additional length will be a very welcome upgrade here.  Then there's the 8126.  A shorter/stouter 8 weight for winter steelhead in tight quarters.  This one is going to be a quick front runner on the coast this winter!

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Hoody's Hanger - New Steelhead Skating Fly from Aqua

There is simply nothing like taking a steelhead on a skating fly. The pursuit brings out innovative new designs to entice this steelhead bite. 

After many years of skating dry flies for steelhead, Hoody found that tying his skaters on a 60° hook had the most success. The fly skates, pops and gurgles, making it hard for fish to resist. 

Hoody's Hanger is easy to cast and will pop well due to the tail end of the fly being weighed down by the hook. This keeps the legs down and the foam up for that iconic pop. 

Greatest of all are most of the fish hooked on the 60° jig hook are landed. 

Black and blue for those early morning dawn patrols and over cast days, orange for bright fish, and white for that 12 O’clock lunch fish when everyone’s taking a nap.

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Fall 2025 Launch - New From RIO Products

Our friends at RIO Products have some exciting new gear that just launched!  Here's the rundown of the new products available 8/12/25.  

Elite Scandi Body

RIO's original Scandi Body has a long-standing cult following among Spey enthusiasts.  It was particularly unique in that you could fish it on a shorter rod with a shorter 10' leader or light tip or add a longer tip to fish it on a longer rod.  This still holds true in the new Elite Series Scandi Body, but they made a few distinct changes.  This series comes with the current core and coating tech found in other Elite Series lines.  From a fishing perspective, the head length now varies more with the corresponding grain weight.  The heavier versions are a bit longer to better accommodate commonly used Spey rods in 8-10 weight.  

Elite Scandi MDC Kit

These kits are replacing the Scandi Short Versitip and Scandi Versitip.  Kit includes an Elite Scandi Body shooting head, spool of RIO Slickshooter, four new MDC Sink Tips and a Sink Tip Wallet.  This system allows anglers to cover most depths with small-medium sized flies.  With a short and longer offering, the RIO Elite Scandi MDC Kit has all bases covered for Spey rods of any length imaginable.  

Ambassador Series - Skagit Timberline

The RIO Ambassador Series Gray Struznik Skagit Timberline is an 18-foot shooting head that brings effortless performance to your coastal steelhead program. The compact design makes shorter two-handed rods sing when casting space is limited. Because of its heavily rear-loaded and progressively tapering design, it easily handles the heaviest T-tips, while still delivering a full range of marabous and modern steelhead flies with controlled loop precision.

MDC Versitip

The VersiTip gets an upgrade for 2025.  This Alaska favorite now comes with the tech advantages of the Elite Series core and coating.  Similar to RIO's other line kits, the RIO Elite MDC VersiTip Fly Line comes with the line, four new MDC Sink Tips and a Leader Wallet.  

MDC Sink Tips

After all this "MDC" talk, what the heck does "MDC" mean!?  It stands for Multi-Density Control.  Beyond the full floater tip, all other tips in this series are dual or triple density with the terminal end being the most dense.  The idea here is to facilitate positive turnover and hold your fly at depth.  The MDC Sink Tips are available in 12' 75, 90 and 100 grain and in 18' 130 and 150 grains.  

Classic Sink Tip

By the popular demand of B.C. anglers in particular, RIO launched this new line of 15 footers in the Classic Sink Tips Series.  Available in five different densities at 95, 110 and 125 grains, these tips will be right at home on any big river with gravel bar runs.  

Micro Leader Material

Euro Nymphers rejoice!  There's a new leader material!  RIO's Micro Leader Material is made of a unique nylon polymer that knots easily and firmly and is also incredibly sensitive.  Available in brown, pink and white to allow for endless customization of tight-line leaders.    

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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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Fishpond Nomad Nets with River Armor - Just in

Nomad Yampa Hand Net

Just in:  Two new Nomad Nets from Fishpond. Nomad Yampa Hand Net and Nomad Middle Fork Net. Nomad River Armor edition nets are constructed with a core of carbon fiber and fiberglass and an outer layer of woven DuPontTM Kevlar® fiber and carbon fiber. The result is an extremely strong net with enhanced durability. This composition was designed with the boulder-hopping bushwhackers in mind.

Nomad Middle Fork

Middle Fork features an 18" handle with an overall length of 37" and weighs in at just 1.1lbs. Ideal size for net slots in packs and belts or just tuck it in your wader belt. 

Nomad Yampa Hand Net
Yampa features a 9" handle and 27.5" overall length with an impressive hoop size of 12" x 18" and weighs in at 0.9lbs. This is the ideal walk and wade net. 

Keep your Nomad net close and ready for action with the Confluence Net Release 2.0

Confluence Net Release 2.0 - Gunmetal

Shop Nets

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Burkheimer's in stock - Updated March 2025

Just Reloaded with Burkheimer's

See our Selection - IN STOCK and Includes FREE FLY LINE

Few rods are as coveted as the small Washington town, handcrafted, one of a kind Burkheimer's.

They may be mostly known in the Northwest for their extremely comfortable, yet power two hand spey rods. There is also quite a following for the "in the know" trout angler who especially respects the deep load action of the DAL Trout Series.

While we'll gladly take your special custom order for any C.F.Burkheimer you wish for, be sure to first check our current selection, "in stock" of a few of our favorites in both Classic and Vintage finishes.

See What's In Stock...

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NEW from Simms 2025 - Flyweight Wading Boots

The original Flyweight Wading Boot developed a strong following over many years from anglers who hike and wade small to medium streams. The Flyweight was revered for it's lightweight feel and comfort while providing great in stream traction. 

The New Flyweight Wading Boot promises to maintain those qualities while enhancing durability. 

Flyweight comes in Men's and Women's sizing as well as a Felt Sole option in the Men's lineup. Flyweight is stud compatible with Felt models using the Hard Bite Studs for felt and the Vibram models using either Alumibite Cleats, Hardbite Star Cleats or Hardbite Studs for Vibram. 

Shop Flyweight Wading Boots

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Bauer SLT Fly Reels

Gorge Fly Shop Photo

Four years in development. Countless prototype iterations. Two years of research and development on the water. The result? The incredibly powerful, durable, and intuitive Bauer SLT fly reels!

Stacked with Power: 

The newly designed drag system is powered by a cutting - edge, alternating stainless steel and carbon disc stack, that effectively disperses heat and facilitates ultra - smooth engagement when fighting the world's most powerful fish. Additionally, the new drag stack features a high and low - end hard stop, preventing over - tightening and free spooling ,allowing for linear drag resistance with every click

Smooth Under Pressure: 

The SLT features a re-imagined and incredibly smooth clutch mechanism. Inspired by the tried and true clutch that revolutionized the fly reel industry for two decades, the reimagined clutch seamlessly transitions from the highest drag settings and provides ultimate smoothness when fighting unforgiving fish.

Engineered For Ease: 

Utilizing a threaded hub for easy on/off access to the drag system, the re-designed clutch is labeled for left/right hand retrieve, providing anglers with fast and easy change, without the use of any tools. All internal componentry has been made larger for easy handling, tighter tolerances, and is made to take higher heat and torque that come with fishing for tarpon, giant trevally, and arapaima among others.

Built to be Off The Grid:

The SLT is designed to have the most durable drag package on the market . All SLT internal parts are Type II anodized with 6061aluminum, 7075 aluminum, and stainless steel. The SLT's internal and external components resist wear and tear, and will withstand a lifetime of drops, slams, and overall abuse. Featuring a fully water and debris sealed system, hardcore anglers can rest easy knowing the SLT can withstand days of saltwater, mud, sand, and dirt without fail.

Shop Bauer Fly Reels and Get a FREE FLY LINE

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Galvan Torque in Gunmetal Grey

Gunmetal Gray is found on the New Galvan Swing Spey reel and the G.E.N. Euro fly reel. We really like the color and asked Galvan if they could anodize some Torque fly reels in the same color. A couple weeks later and here they are. We ordered all the popular sizes for stock on hand. At this time you will not find these anywhere else but Gorge Fly Shop. 

Buy Now

Galvan Swing Fly Reels Blends Tradition with Innovation

Galvan Swing is for two hand anglers. It's starts with the sealed and reliable disc drag from the Galvan Grip fly reel. Machined from 6061 aluminum the frame features a full cage housing to keep those thin shooting lines in check. It's finished off with a solid back and stealthy Gunmetal Grey color. 

Size ranges from 2/3 to 10+ for everything from trout spey, steelhead and salmon.

Shop Galvan Fly Reels

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Winston Pure 2 Fly Rods

100% MORE FEEL. 100% MORE HEART.

Introducing the new PURE 2 - crafted for fly anglers who demand both precision and joy on the water. Building on our 95 - year legacy of excellence of crafting the world's finest fly rods for trout, this rod embodies the essence of the "Pure" fly fishing experience: a deep connection to fly fishing and free from distractions.

THE PURE 2: CRAFTED IN THE HEART OF TROUT COUNTRY:

Introducing the new PURE 2 - meticulously crafted for anglers who demand precision and performance on the water. The name “Pure” is an intense and unfiltered feeling of happiness that arises from all the genuine love and connection we experience fishing. This continuation of the “Pure” name reflects our commitment to crafting a rod that enhances the connection between angler and water, free from distractions and complications.

For the last five decades, we’ve been headquartered in the middle of Trout Country, on the banks of the legendary Jefferson, Beaverhead, Big Hole, and Ruby Rivers, each serving as our incredible R&D lab. Our proximity to these world - class trout waters has helped us authentically craft premium, application specific rods to help anglers present dry flies to picky fish and feel a sense of joy and freedom.

Paired with a Bauer RVR Fly Reel

For 2025, we’re pleased to introduce the latest edition of Trout Country, the new PURE 2, adding to a legacy of building the world’s most beautiful rods for the most technical fisheries, to match your own genuine love, connection, and experience to fly fishing’s purest form.

Shop Winston Fly Rods

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Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Fishing Packs

Thunderhead Submersible Fishing Backpack in Shadowcast Camo Color

The Fishpond Thunderhead line of packs are among the top picks for fully-submersible waterproof fishing packs. Constructed with bombproof 900D TPU coated NewStream Fabric, these packs can be trusted in all your fishing gear needs. Key features include a waterproof TRU Zip closure that not only keeps water out but provides ease of use. The Thunderhead Backpack and Thunderhead Sling Pack includes one set of Lariat Gear Straps for your rod tube or any other use you can think of. 

Proven Waterproof Backpack in the new color Eco Shadowcast Camo

Shop Fishpond Packs

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Korkers Fish Moc - Tarpon

One of our most popular products in the Shop this summer has been the Korkers Fish Mocs and Korkers Fish Flips. Just in is the Fish Moc in Tarpon color. It's a Summer Shoe. It's a hidden Slipper. And it's 100% comfortable! 

Shop Korkers Fish Mocs and Fish Flips

Check out Chrome Lite Wading Boot

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REVISED: STILLWATER LINES UPDATE AND A PLUG FOR PONTOONS!

I guess I could've named this revised edition, Revised Addition.  I felt compeled to add to my previouse article titled:  Buyer's Guide to Specifically Designed Stillwater Fly Lines since there has been a new line introuduced that came out shortly after the piece was written.  That new series of fly lines where created in partnership by Phil Rowley and RIO, to bring us some exceptionally nice, and to be honest long needed floating, Interemdiate and Hover type lines.  Not that we didn't already have these types of lines available, it's just that these new lines feature new upgrades.

First off, what makes these lines unique right off the bat, is the integrated tippet ring into the front of the fly line where you would attach your leader.  This has virtually eliminated the loop to loop connections that tend to irritate some fisherman, especially when using techniques which require bringing the loop to loop connection inside the guides at the top of the rod. Techniques where longer than normal leaders are used is my case in point. This also allows for easy changing of the lines, without sacraficing existing leaders.

If you've ever searched YouTube for information regading stillwater/lake fly fishing tactics and or techniques, chances are you've already watched a few or more of Phil's educational videos.  I know I've personally watched nearly every one, and more than once.  Phil knows his stuff and anyone can gleen from his knowledge.  His experience and expertise bring credit to his creation of these lines.  You can have confidence in what he says in the videos and apply these techniques using his lines for stillwater success.

"I love fishing lakes using long leader presentations. For years, loop-to-loop leader connections have made these presentations challenging. We now have a solution. As a devoted stillwater fly fishing, these Ambassador lines are a game changer, making long leader presentations a breeze. The smooth leader-to-line connections of these lines slide through my rod guides smoothly, not only when threading the rod and preparing to cast but, most importantly, allow me to bring long leaders into the rod without binding at the tip to land fish efficiently. With loop-to-loop leader-to-line connections removed, on the water line changes are now a breeze. Having these lines in my kit bag gives me a critical presentation advantage." - Phil Rowley | RIO Ambassador

These new lines are offered in 6 and 7 weight versions, for the most popular rod weights used in stillwater fly fishing. I recently got out on one of many of our local lakes to give these new lines a go. Although I didn't use everyone of them, I did use the "Stillwater Floater" and "Aqualux" versions.  Lake fishing has been pretty good the past couple of weeks, although I have had to live vicariously through others who have actually went out.  Although I am jonesing to get out and use my brand new Outcast Pac 1000 for the first time, my current schedule has not allowed me to do that.  That issue will be resolved soon because I am taking a few days off to specifically fish!  So no more excuses.  I will update when I get back...

Ready to roll - Loads up nicely in the bed of my truck.

...Well, I'm back. Spent a little bit of time fishing the lake recently with the new RIO Ambassader Series Phil Rowley lake lines and I am in love.  The lines performed flawlessly and were a joy to fish. Due to conditions I mostly fished the new Phil Rowley Aqualux line, although I did spend a bit of time fishing dries on the surface with the Phil Rowley Stillwater Floater as well, and enjoyed a few fish on the dries. The dry fly bite didn't last for too long and then I was back to using a parabolic line, that worked well.

Super Happy with the Outcast Pac 1000.  Perfect for lake fishing.

Just like the new RIO Abassader Series Phil Rowley Lines, my new OUTCAST PAC 1000 worked stellar on the lake and my customized rod holders also worked great, not to mention the view was stunning. The Pac 1000 was super study and stable.  I am a big guy at 6'5" 240 pounds and it was literally the perfect size for me.  At one time I had two eagles flying overhead and an Osprey caught a fish right next to me, I only wish I could have gotten his catch on film. It was pretty cool!

If you're an aspiring stillwater fisherman or a seasoned verteran, give the new RIO lines a go and seriously consider a pontoon or float tube, they are worth it. I am a firm believer in things new and improved and especially if it makes me more efficient and or effective, and these lines do that.  If your tired of fishing on the bank and want to me more effective in covering water and hard to fish areas, look at the Outcast series of pontoons and or float tubes, you'll be glad you did.

Thanks for reading.

GFS Team

John G.

PARTING SHOTS:

Look at the stunning detail of a decent rainbow trout caught using a Parabolic stillwater fly line.

The Outcast Pac 1000 - Your next step for greater adventures!

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