News On The Fly

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This week, we look at Virginia, which is home to both native and introduced populations of largemouths. It’s one of the few states that offers year-round opportunities to catch this popular game fish. We recently sat down with Mossy Creek Fly Fishing . . .

The post Bass Across America: Central Virginia appeared first on Orvis News.

In this episode, Reid chats with Ronnie Boehme (The Hunting Dog Podcast) and Justin McGrail (Black Creek Dog Training) about the launch of their shared venture, The Upland Institute, which uses a series of short videos to provide a linear, . . .

The post Podcast: The Upland Institute with Ronnie Boehme and Justin McGrail appeared first on Orvis News.

In the sixth part of a new series on tube flies, Tim puts all the pieces together, showing you how to tie a basic tube fly and then how to rig it. If you’ve been following this series, you can see that there’s really nothing terribly difficult about the process, . . .

The post Video: Tube-Fly Basics, Part 6 appeared first on Orvis News.

In this episode, Reid chats with Charlie Jordan of the website and social media platform Missing Sucks. Charlie grew up hunting internationally, and has retained a passion for incorporating bird hunting and shooting into his travels to this day. He is a . . .

The post Podcast: Food, Travel, and Why Missing Sucks with Charlie Jordan appeared first on Orvis News.

In this podcast, Reid and Del Whitman of D.C. Whitman Custom Gunsmithing go deep on the firing pins, discussing function, failures, and the related fixes. This podcast fleshes out a collaborative article the duo wrote for an upcoming issue of . . .

The post Podcast: Firing Pins Explained with Del Whitman appeared first on Orvis News.

I didn't know that I wanted to go fly fishing in Nubia until watching this video...

Dig deeper on the Wild Sea Expeditions website and follow on Instagram and Facebook for the latest.

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I'm likely not the only one who's in that haze of days between Christmas and New Year's Day and maybe you didn't get as much done as you'd hoped to over the last few days if you've been off work.  

Okay, maybe that's just me but unlikely not.  Pour yourself that last bit of eggnog, mix in a bit of bourbon, and press play on the latest Jensen Fly Fishingadventure to Patagonia. You won't...

This week, my guest is Todd Tanner [39:47], a journalist who writes for many of the 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 fishers and hunters on the threats of climate change, and is the president of the School of Trout. Todd is a thoughtful guy, and he discusses the ten things he sees as essential to becoming a great fly fisher. And no, we don't talk about choosing the right fly or using the correct knot. I think some of his thoughts about this topic will surprise you and may make you think differently about your path to becoming happier and less insecure on a trout stream.

We have some great questions and tips in the Fly Box this week, including:

I want to start Euro nymphing. What's most important--should I look at a new rod, a new reel, or a new line?

Which is better for a bonefish leader--nylon or fluorocarbon?

A high school senior informs us of a conservation issue and an innovative way to raise funds for the cause.

What books should I get as a guide to western hatches?

Is it a good idea to attach my leader to a permanent section of monofilament with a blood knot as opposed to a loop-to-loop connection?

Tips from a listener on the value of journaling and how to make an insect seine out of your landing net.

Should I be using fishing clasps on my trout flies? Is it OK to practice casting in the snow?

What should I look at when upgrading my small-stream trout rod?

Can steelhead mate with resident rainbows?

A suggestion from a listener on why a "dangling" fly is attractive to trout.

In the fifth part of a new series on tube flies, Tim shows you how to cut a tube to the proper length, making sure you don’t squish the material or end up with a jagged edge. He then demonstrates his method for “softening” the end of the tube using a . . .

The post Video: Video: Tube-Fly Basics, Part 5 appeared first on Orvis News.

No Christmas is complete without Ivan's classic Silver and Gold.  10 years old and it still stands up to the test of time...



Yukon Goes Fishing may be long gone but now makes film magic for Trouts Fly Fishing.  You can see his latest magic on their YouTube channel. 

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“Balanced” patterns feature some extra weight beyond the hook eye, to balance-out the weight of the hook. The result is a pattern that hangs horizontally in the water, like a real baitfish or leech. Check out this great video featuring Canadian stillwater . . .

The post Video: How to Tie the Bruised Balanced Leech appeared first on Orvis News.

I enjoy fishing for steelhead more in winter than I do in summer, mostly because of the additional physical and mental challenges. Historically, there was perhaps no greater challenge in steelheading than catching a fish on a swung fly during . . .

The post A Winter’s Hope: How to Hone Your Steelhead Skills in Times of Poor Returns appeared first on Orvis News.

In the fourth part of a new series on tube flies, Tim describes the many fly-tying accessories designed specifically for tube flies–from cones to fit various tubes, to weights that allow you to adjust how the fly rides in the water, and more. Using these tools, . . .

The post Video: Video: Tube-Fly Basics, Part 4 appeared first on Orvis News.

Anglers who primarily fly-fish in fresh water often struggle with the transition to saltwater angling. Not only are the technical demands different, but opportunities to put your fly in front of fish can be fleeting, as well. The best preparation, as usual,. . .

The post Ask the Experts: What Should Anglers Work on Before a Saltwater Trip? appeared first on Orvis News.

As part of Trout Unlimited’s weeklong emphasis on the Snake River salmon-and-steelhead restoration plan, my guest this week is Chris Wood, president and CEO of Trout Unlimited. Our topic is the plan to remove four dams on the lower Snake River, a . . .

The post Podcast: Removing the Snake River Dams, with Chris Wood appeared first on Orvis News.

As part of Trout Unlimited's weeklong emphasis on the Snake River salmon and steelhead restoration plan, my guest this week is Chris Wood [50:25], president and CEO of Trout Unlimited. Our topic is the plan to remove four dams on the lower Snake River, a monumental project that offers great benefit to this river's historic anadromous fishery, which has been in great decline over the past 50 years. When I first heard of this, I thought it would be a pipedream to even think of removing these dams that supply hydropower, transportation, and irrigation. But Chris has convinced me that those beneficial uses can now be replaced with alternative means, and there is a real possibility of seeing these dams removed in our lifetime. Hopefully, he'll convince you as well.

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

How can I land large trout on tiny size 22 nymphs?

What can I do to move a big fish that sulks on the bottom?

Can you share a few of your DIY hacks for your fly-tying desk?

A tip from a listener never to buy or tie just one of a particular pattern.

Can I use an old Battenkill 3 reel on my new Clearwater 10-foot 3-weight for Euro nymphing?

If you hook a fish deep in the mouth, is it OK to leave the fly in the fish?

What is the best way to fish a dry fly directly downstream?

Are there special casts I can use? Why did the brown trout in my stream disappear around the middle of October?

Why do trout eat my nymphs after they have been hanging below me for 10 seconds?

What is a formula for a 15- or 18-foot knotted leader?

If I see creek chubs in a pool, should I expect brook trout will be there as well?

What is Tom's opinion on the practice of stocking cutthroat trout in eastern rivers?

A tip for keeping Sink Putty from sliding up your leader.

What are Tom's thoughts on what social media has done to fly fishing?

What are some techniques for catching trout that live in undercut banks?

Welcome to an all-new edition of the Orvis News Friday Fly-Fishing Film Festival, in which we scour the Web for the best fly-fishing videos available. This week, we’ve got a baker’s dozen great productions, from the far-flung corners of the globe and across the U.S.: From New Zealand’s backcountry rivers to the yellow fish waters … Continue reading "Friday Fly-Fishing Film Festival 12.17.21"

The post Friday Fly-Fishing Film Festival 12.17.21 appeared first on Orvis News.

It’s almost that time of year again, when dropping temperatures and shorter days begin to separate the casual anglers from the truly dedicated. Clearing out frozen guides every few casts isn’t for everyone, but rewards do await those hearty souls . . .

The post Pro Tips: 5 Flies for Winter Steelhead appeared first on Orvis News.

As part of Trout Unlimited’s “Snake Week,” Orvis president Simon Perkins joined TU’s Tom Reed, Greg McReynolds and Kirk Deeter to discuss salmon, fly fishing, bird dogs and why Orvis is so committed to restoring the Snake River basin and . . .

The post Wednesday Wake-Up Call 12.15.21 appeared first on Orvis News.

Mention the Mop Fly in any group of fly fishers, and you’re sure to get a variety of reactions. Some folks scoff that it’s not a “true fly,” while others extol its virtues as a trout magnet. This isn’t a new phenomenon: these same discussions happened when . . .

The post Video: How to Tie the Double Mop Fly appeared first on Orvis News.

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Alvin Dedeaux of All Water Guides in Austin, Texas, splits his fishing and guiding time between the bass waters of Hill country and the redfish flats off the Texas coast. In this great three-part series, he shares a ton of information that will help you . . .

The post Videos: How to Catch Redfish on the Fly appeared first on Orvis News.

In the third part of a new series on tube flies, Tim answers a common question: how do you secure the tube in your vise so you can tie on it, as you would a hook shank? As usual, there is more than one answer. If you plan on tying lots of tubes, you can . . .

The post Video: Tube-Fly Basics, Part 3 appeared first on Orvis News.

I get frequent questions about fishing emergers, and it’s a confusing subject. Do I fish one like a nymph or like a dry, and how deep should I fish it? My guest this week, Tim Cammisa, is a well-known fly tier who specializes in doing presentations on . . .

The post Podcast: All About Emergers, with Tim Cammisa appeared first on Orvis News.

I get frequent questions about fishing emergers and it's a confusing subject. Do I fish one like a nymph, or do I fish one like a dry, and how deep should I fish it. My guest this week, Tim Cammisa [41:06], is a well-known fly tier who specializes in doing presentations on tying and fishing emergers, so I thought it would be great to get his tips on them.

In the Fly Box this week, we have some interesting questions and thoughtful tips from listeners, including:

How do you deal with adding and removing split shot?

What should I use to touch up the finish on an old bamboo fly rod?

I have some old leader material that is difficult to tighten. Is it because the nylon is old?

Why do we think we need so much backing on reels?

And why are light lines as long as heavier lines?

Can I wear hunting waders for winter fishing?

Will stocked trout spawn in rivers if they survive to spawning season?

A great tip from a listener on handy modifications you can make to any fly-tying vise

Do you know of one pair of sunglasses that will adapt to changing light situations?

I am confused by all the hook styles and bead types for Euro nymphs. Can you narrow it down to three styles of hooks and beads in various sizes?

What do you think of fishing pegged beads?

If I tie a mono rig, can you clinch knot the mono directly to the permanent loop in the fly line?

For prescription sunglasses, what color lens and brand do you recommend?

Welcome to an all-new edition of the Orvis News Friday Fly-Fishing Film Festival, in which we scour the Web for the best fly-fishing videos available. This week, we’ve got eleven killer productions, many from within our fair borders. From the . . .

The post Friday Fly-Fishing Film Festival 12.10.21 appeared first on Orvis News.

If you want a fly to ride hook-point-up, the most common solution is to add weighted eyes to the top of the hook shank. And if at first you don’t succeed, simply try heavier and heavier eyes until it finally flips over. But adding more weight isn’t always a . . .

The post How to Use a “Lift Kit” to Make Flies Ride Hook-Point-Up appeared first on Orvis News.

This week, my best is Dr. Guy Fleischer , science advisor for the Wild Steelhead Coalition. We discuss the proposed closure of steelhead fishing on the Olympic Peninsula, how ocean changes affect steelhead survival, and the steelhead life cycle, . . .

The post Podcast: The Resilience of Steelhead, with Dr. Guy Fleischer appeared first on Orvis News.

After 25 years of loyal service, the United States Geological Survey’s (USGS) national streamflow tracking website has been completely redesigned. Launched in September after several years of internal development, the National Water Dashboard . . .

The post Pro Tips: How to Use the New USGS Streamflow Site appeared first on Orvis News.

While long casts and hard fights seem to get all the press, one of the most challenging aspects of flats fishing can be simply finding the fish. Not only are they highly mobile, but they can spread out over huge areas, which can make for some . . .

The post Pro Tips: 3 Signs of a Productive Fishing Flat appeared first on Orvis News.

Paul J. Beel, an Indiana native who runs the Franken Fly fly-tying website, is an avid smallmouth-bass fisherman, and he created the Yellow Meanie to mimic a local baitfish. Of the pattern, he says, “[It]isn’t a pretty fly, but it is my go-to for smallmouth. . . .

The post Video: How to Tie the Yellow Meanie appeared first on Orvis News.