News On The Fly

Today’s guest might make you mad. If you’re a trout angler, he will certainly make you feel uncomfortable. Doug Thompson is the author of The Quest for the Golden Trout, and the book is not what you think it might be, . . .

The post Podcast: The Stupid Things We Do for Trout, with Doug Thompson appeared first on Orvis News.

Todays guest might make you mad. If you’re a trout angler he will certainly make you feel uncomfortable. Doug Thompson [37:29] is the author of The Quest for the Golden Trout, and the book is not what you think it might be from the title. He is a professor in geoscience and environmental studies and does research in geomorphology and hydrology. In examining critically what we do to ensure trout fishing, Douglas Thompson gores some sacred cows, including our obsession with stocking trout, non-native species we introduce, the way we manipulate the physical structure of rivers to benefit trout, and even the fishing tackle industry itself. You might think this book would make me angry, but it’s carefully researched and argued and has made me look differently at the structure of our entire trout-fishing industry.

In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions and tips, including:

How do I repair an exposed thread and a bent ferrule on my bamboo fly rod?

How do I know when it's time to replace my sinking line?

How can I distinguish between weighted and unweighted flies? Do people fish for walleye and American shad with a fly rod? If so how do they do it?

Why do I foul hook fish when fishing with two nymphs?

Which floating line is best with my 10-foot 3-weight Clearwater?

Do you have some tips for casting with a sinking line?

A tip on feeling better about getting skunked

A story about why we should always debarb our hooks

What does Tom do when he is in a slump?

Welcome to the first, all-new edition of the Orvis News Friday Fly-Fishing Film Festival of 2022. Each week, we scour the Web for the best fly-fishing videos available. This week, we feature 14 killer productions that not only take . . .

The post Friday Fly-Fishing Film Festival 01.14.22 appeared first on Orvis News.

The legendary Ben O. Williams joins Reid from his home in Livingston, Montana. Ben is an icon: a writer, photographer, naturalist, conservationist, artist, and bird dog trainer. He discusses a life in the uplands, his love for Hungarian partridge, . . .

The post Podcast: A Life Dedicated to the Uplands, with Ben O. Williams appeared first on Orvis News.

A mentor of mine once told me to always be prepared to attack the water column in three distinct areas—surface, sub-surface, and bottom—no matter how the water initially reads or presents itself. Fish are inevitably going to be feeding in one of those . . .

The post Pro Tips: 3 Essential Flies for Smallmouth Bass appeared first on Orvis News.

Reid and his old friend Jeremy Hatch go deep in exploring the mysteries of buying (and selling) guns at auction. Jeremy comes at the topic after a career in wingshooting and firearms which has culminated in his current position as firearms consultant . . .

The post Podcast: Buying and Selling at Auction, with Jeremy Hatch appeared first on Orvis News.

In the decades since Pennsylvania icon Bob Clouser created his minnow pattern, countless variations have appeared (see the bottom of this post), but in this great video, the man himself shows you how he ties it. Straight from the horse’s mouth, . . .

The post Video: Bob Clouser on How to Tie the Clouser Minnow appeared first on Orvis News.

t’s that time again to announce our Orvis Cover Dog Contest winners who will appear on our 2022 Spring and Summer Dog Books. As always your photos and participation did not disappoint. From August through October last year, we received . . .

The post Meet Our Latest Orvis Cover Dog Winners! appeared first on Orvis News.

In this episode, Reid spends some time housekeeping, and answering a smattering of listener questions that are long overdue. He also digs into some critical recommendations and reminders about gun safety in and out of the field. Finally, he provides . . .

The post Podcast: Odds and Ends as Winter Arrives appeared first on Orvis News.

In this week’s great tying video, Tim Flagler of Tightline Productions discusses his growing confidence in the color blue for winter fishing and then shows us how to tie a tiny, elegant midge pattern. Whenever I think about tying flies smaller than size 20, . . .

The post Video: How to Tie the Winter Parachute Midge appeared first on Orvis News.

Winter fishing can be some of the most delightfully tranquil and rewarding angling of the year. To fully enjoy the experience, however, anglers must prepare a game plan for staying warm and dry under various conditions. In order to maximize . . .

The post 5 Ways to Keep Warm During Winter Fishing appeared first on Orvis News.

Reid joins Orvis Gunroom Manager Greg Carpiniello for another deep dive into guns. In this episode Reid and Greg discuss the realities of gun resale, aftermarket upgrades/customization, and the managing of expectations around pricing a gun for sale.

The post Podcast: The Value Proposition, with Greg Carpiniello appeared first on Orvis News.

Training your dog at home is a wonderful bonding experience—especially if you are willing to be consistent and put in the work—but there are a few nuances about dog behavior and learning theory you need to understand in order to work with your dog . . .

The post Dog-Training Tips: Motivators and Reinforcement appeared first on Orvis News.

When it comes to fishing knots, most anglers tend to stick with a few go-to favorites. And that’s usually a good thing, since confidence and practice are arguably the two most important ingredients when tying any knot. But one weakness many . . .

The post Why You Should Learn the Slim Beauty Knot appeared first on Orvis News.

In early November Reid reflects on what his fall has looked like and what remains. He shares a reflection about food, hunting, land, and childhood. With hunting seasons in full swing, it is a time to appreciate the gifts that hunting gives us! . . .

The post Podcast: On a November Morning appeared first on Orvis News.

Hopefully, by now you’re familiar with Alvin Dedeaux of All Water Guides, who has been creating killer how-to videos for quite a while–everything from how to tie his favorite “guide flies” to what his life as a guide and outfitter is like. Here, he shares . . .

The post Video: Everything You Need to Know About Leaders appeared first on Orvis News.

Reid joins Tyla Kuhn of Sunsage Sporting Dogs to discuss the health and genetic testing criteria and standards that should accompany a new puppy. Tyla, a longtime breeder of both English Cocker Spaniels and German Shorthair Pointers, explores . . .

The post Podcast: The Finer Points of Picking a Pup with Tyla Kuhn appeared first on Orvis News.

In this episode, Reid welcomes Lee Kjos, noted outdoor photographer, brand guru, and creative force behind BOSS Shotshells. Kjos discusses his origin story, his views on woodsmanship, and the necessity of acknowledging that in being a hunter it is . . .

The post Podcast: Old School Ethics and Innovation with Lee Thomas Kjos appeared first on Orvis News.

Welcome to the first, all-new edition of the Orvis News Friday Fly-Fishing Film Festival of 2022. Each week, we scour the Web for the best fly-fishing videos available. It’s film-festival season, so we have a plethora of gorgeous trailers, as well as some sweet . . .

The post Friday Fly-Fishing Film Festival 01.07.22 appeared first on Orvis News.

In this installment of the podcast, Reid again collaborates with Purina Pro Plan to explore the topic of supplementation and nutritional support for both physical and psychological wellbeing in dogs. Reid is joined by two esteemed experts, . . .

The post Podcast: Nutritional Supplements for your Gundog, with Dr. Kurt Venator and Dr. Joe Wakshlag appeared first on Orvis News.

This week, my guest is Tim Landwehr, of Tight Lines Fly Fishing Company, in De Pere, Wisconsin. Tim has decades of experience guiding for smallmouth bass and is co-author of the book Smallmouth: Modern Fly Fishing Methods, Tactics, and . . .

The post Podcast: Modern Smallmouth Secrets, with Tim Landwehr appeared first on Orvis News.

This week, my guest is Tim Landwehr [43:50], of Tight Lines Fly Fishing De Pere, Wisconsin. Tim has decades of experience guiding for smallmouth bass and is co-author of a book on fly fishing for smallmouths. He shares some innovative and modern techniques for catching difficult smallmouths under all conditions, some you have probably never heard of or thought about.

In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions, including:

When I am Euro nymphing, why do trout always take my fly on the swing, after it has finished its dead drift?

I have trouble seeing my beetle imitations on the water. What can I do?

Why did trout, after refusing countless dead drifts during a spinner fall, take my fly as I stripped it back to me?

If you had to fish nymphs that only imitated one order of insects, which one would it be?

If I simplify my nymph collection to more generic imitations, will I do as well as if I worry about imitating specific insects?

What is the difference between a Comparadun and a Sparkle Dun and which one is better?

If I have the same guide two days in a row, should I tip him or her both days?

How many indicators should I carry for a day of fishing?

Do you prefer the Helios 3 D or F model in a 9-foot, 5-weight rod?

A fly shop owner told me not to submerge my reel. Was he right?

What is the best way to store dry flies?

A listener gives another good reason to always tie or buy three flies of the same pattern

How can I eliminate wind knots in my dry dropper rig? What is the best way to fish in the surf?

In reflecting on the passing of Leigh H. Perkins, Sr., Reid shares a story he wrote about the legacy of the Perkins family, and the history of Orvis under their ownership. This story, first published in Covey Rise Magazine (Dec/Jan 2017) was the result of . . .

The post Podcast: In Memoriam – Leigh H. Perkins, Sr. appeared first on Orvis News.

Two decades after the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) was authorized by Congress, more and more constituencies are seeing the importance of fulfilling the promise of CERP. This evening, Everglades Foundation is . . .

The post Wednesday Wake-Up Call 01.05.22 appeared first on Orvis News.

This week, my guest is Todd Tanner, a journalist who writes for many fly-fishing websites and magazines and is Fly Fishing editor of Sporting Classics magazine. Todd is also the president of Conservation Hawks, an organization dedicated to educating . . .

The post Podcast: 10 Ways to Become a Better Fly Fisher, with Todd Tanner appeared first on Orvis News.

In this week’s great tying video, Tim uses the original Walt’s Worm to demonstrate a cool way to create beadhead patterns using a drop bead, which causes a pattern to ride hook-point-up in the water. As usual, Tim has figured out the best way to attach . . .

The post Video: How to Tie the Drop-Bead Walt’s Worm appeared first on Orvis News.

In a podcast that is long overdue, Reid chats with his close friend and collaborator Brian Grossenbacher. Brian, who is widely regarded as among the finest photographers in the outdoor space, has shot extensively for brands such as Orvis, Simms, . . .

The post Podcast: An Eye for Detail with Photographer Brian Grossenbacher appeared first on Orvis News.