News On The Fly

From Shimano:

Making a commitment to increase its connection to markets across the country, Shimano American Corp. will bolster its fishing operations at its Ladson, South Carolina facility over the coming two years, announces David Pfeiffer, company president.

In his announcement about the expansion plans, Pfeiffer stated a stronger presence on the east coast is necessary for key segments of Shimano’s fishing division. “The Charleston area is close to a number of influential fresh and saltwater markets, enabling us to create a more local connection to those markets by growing the operations at our existing facility in Ladson.”

The expansion will take place over the next 18-24 months, notes tackle division vice president Steve Ferrara. “We’ll start planning the

From TU:

Two U.S. House of Representatives committees passed separate bills this week that would severely hinder the effort to restore protections to America’s headwater streams under the iconic Clean Water Act.

One bill, approved by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, would require the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Environmental Protection Agency to withdraw a rulemaking proposal that restores protections to small, headwater streams within 30 days. The second bill, passed by the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water, would prevent the Corps from funding the enforcement of the proposed clean water rule that would protect headwaters.

“Both of these actions characterize the ongoing attack from Congress against the Clean Water Act,” said Brian Zupancic, government affairs manager for Trout Unlimited. “Small headwater streams are the lifeblood of our fisheries, providing clean water and food to downstream fish populations, as well as seasonal spawning and rearing habitat. Rather than give the Corps and EPA the chance to offer a final rule to clarify protections for these vital waters, Congress is stepping in now to pre-judge the outcome and block the process.”

The clean water rule is

Photo via petmd.com

We've already posted a couple times about the epidemic of canine flu which seems centered around Chicago, but may spread farther afield. (See previous posts here and here.) An article. . .

The post The Latest Update on the Midwest Dog Flu Outbreak appeared first on Orvis News.

At the end of the 2014 fishing season, five respected fly fishermen—Craig Mathews of Blue Ribbon Flies, Yvon Chouinard of Patagonia, Steve Hemkens of Orvis, Tim Romano of Angling Trade, . . .

The post Video: “Cold Waters,” Fly Fishing and Climate Change appeared first on Orvis News.

Illustration by Cristina Spanó, via nytimes.com

"First Casts" is an occasional feature that highlights great fly-fishing content from around the Web—from how-to articles, to photo essays, to interesting reads. . . .

The post First Casts 04.20.15 appeared first on Orvis News.

Officer Nick Walton shares a moment with a dog who is now up for adoption.
Photo via dogster.com

In children's books and cartoons, the "dogcatcher" is always the bad guy who is trying to rob the animals of their freedom. But in real life, the animal-control officer is often more interested in. . .

The post Meet the Animal Control Officer Committed to Atlanta’s Inner-City Dogs appeared first on Orvis News.

Here's a cool short film from Florida-based Livit Films, about a day chasing peacock bass on the suburban ponds and canals of the Sunshine State. When the weather isn't optimal for. . .

The post Video: The Dirty South appeared first on Orvis News.

Chris caught this rainbow on the Guadalupe River outside New Braunfels, Texas.
Photo courtesy Chris Joseph

Our Tax Day Sweepstakes received more than 10,000 entries, but at the end of the day, only one could be the winner. Our randomly selected recipient of a Helios 2 fly rod is. . .

The post Meet the Winner of Our Tax-Day Helios 2 Sweepstakes appeared first on Orvis News.

From Patagonia:

Extending the life of our garments is the single most important thing we can do to lower our impact on the planet. In keeping our clothes in use longer, we reduce overall consumption.

Today, we’re proud to launch a cross-country mission to change people’s relationship with stuff. The Worn Wear Mobile Tour, kicking off April 2 in Ventura, Calif., and ending May 12 in Boston, is our attempt to encourage customers to make their clothes last a lifetime.

As part of the tour, we’re bringing repair staff from Patagonia’s repair facility in Reno, Nev., on the road to offer free repairs on busted zippers, rips, tears, buttons, pulls and more – in addition to teaching people how to fix their own gear. Used Patagonia items will be for sale. The tour will be stopping at a myriad of locations such as retail locations, coffee shops, farmers markets and trail-heads.

Patagonia’s Worn Wear program was created in 2013 as a way to encourage people to take good care of their gear, washing and repairing as needed. The program aims to keep clothing,regardless of brand, in circulation for as long as possible. When it’s time for a replacement, we want you to invest in something that lasts.

That’s why Patagonia makes the best quality, most functional products in the world, guarantees them for life and owns the biggest garment repair facility in North America. And it’s why were going on tour – bringing Worn Wear’s critical message to communities across the country.

“There is nothing we can change about how we make clothing that would have more positive environmental impact than simply making less,” notes Patagonia CEO Rose Marcario. “Worn Wear is a

Here’s the latest wonderful rescue video from Eldad Hagar of Hope for Paws, in which Eldad must stop a stray dog before he makes it onto the freeway. Thanks to the help of some good. . .

The post Video: Eldad Hagar Rescues Tyrion Moments Before Disaster appeared first on Orvis News.

From TRCP:

Monday, April 20, marks the five-year anniversary of the BP Deepwater Horizon oil disaster, and half a decade later, the recreational fishing community remains committed to ensuring oil spill recovery dollars are used to improve habitat and management of the Gulf of Mexico’s fisheries and guarantee continued access to world-class fishing opportunities.
The Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership and its partners—the Center for Coastal Conservation, the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) of Louisiana, and the American Sportfishing Association—are renewing their dedication to this important opportunity in the Gulf region. In 2013, this coalition convened workshops in all five Gulf Coast states to determine the recreational fishing community’s priorities for restoring and sustaining fisheries in the wake of the nation’s worst ecological disaster. Their broad recommendations were released in a detailed report and, in 2014, the coalition helped select 25 specific priority projects, including barrier-island and marsh restoration, shoreline protection, fish tagging, oyster reef construction, and water quality improvements, to undertake with restoration funding.

“Anglers have long been a driving force behind the conservation and restoration of fish species and habitat throughout the Gulf, because we understand that our sport cannot exist without healthy populations in these waters,” says Chris Macaluso, TRCP Center for Marine Fisheries director and lifelong Gulf angler, whose recent

Written by: Simon Perkins, Orvis Adventures

Simon and Els Perkins hope that this will be the first of many close encounters with fish for Pippa.
Photo by John Irwin

Here is a picture from a recent trip that Els and I took to Charleston, South Carolina. We fished with Orvis endorsed guide John Erwin of Fly Right Charters. This redfish was. . .

The post Photo of the Day: A Child’s First Drum appeared first on Orvis News.

It's all in the eyes!
Photo via esbtrib.com

You know that wonderful feeling of connection that you get gazing into your dog's eyes, the one that makes you love him or her even more than usual? Well scientists have pinpointed the. . .

The post Scientists Find that Looking into Your Dog’s Eyes Releases “Love” Hormone appeared first on Orvis News.

The post Podcast: Fishing the Tailwaters of Eastern Tennessee with Patrick Fulkrod, the 2014 Orvis-Endorsed Guide of the Year appeared first on Orvis News.

A group of Colorado fly anglers head north to Wyoming’s North Platte River for prime-time spring runs. Via Yukon Goes Fishing.

Project Healing Waters will hold its 9th annual 2-Fly Tournament in Syria, Virginia April 25-26. Along with the competition, the event will feature notable speakers Bob Woodruff and Captain Eivind O. Forseth.

Read more in the press release below.

Preserving the Golden Dorado

Dorado (Salminus brasiliensis) is an iconic and charismatic fish species in neotropical rivers of Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Bolivia, and northern Argentina. Both sport and commercial fishers value Dorado for their sustenance, vigor, beauty, and challenge. ­­Dorado provides economic support for communities in northern Argentina and throughout South America. Currently...

In a manifesto of sorts, this short film explains the journey inherent in the sport. Via Razor Hollow.

SmithFly Designs has opened a new retail location in Troy, Ohio. The store held a Grand Opening Celebration on Friday, April 17, 2015.

Read more in the press release below.

Front Range Anglers of Boulder, Colorado, has announced that it will begin carrying Orvis fly fishing products. “We are excited to expand the top‐quality equipment options for our customers,” said Steve McLaughlin, president of Front Range Anglers.

Read more in the press release below.

RepYourWater has partnered with The Greenbacks group of Trout Unlimited to release a new Native Greenback Cutthroat hat. 10 per cent of sales go directly to The Greenbacks and efforts to restore greenback cutthroat trout populations.

Read more in the press release below.

On this week’s podcast Patrick Fulkrod, the 2014 Orvis-Endorsed Guide of the Year, gives us a very full accounting of fly fishing on the east Tennessee tailwaters, specifically the Watauga and South Holston rivers.  He spills some of his secrets on hatches, seasons, water levels, and special techniques.  In the Fly Box, we have questions on trimming hackle for dry flies, hackles to use on saltwater flies, how to set the hook on downstream fish, what to do on an unfamiliar river, crane fly larvae, how to fish nymphs for cutthroats in over 15 feet of water in a river (my advice—don’t), and finally how you can lose weight and get in better shape by listening to the podcast.

Reflective Dog Raincoat
Photo via orvis.com

"We have a pair of West Highland White Terriers and rain can play havoc with them as it takes a while to get them dry. These raincoats really do the job and minimize the drying job. We would highly recommend this product.” - Orvis customer from Tennessee

If you’re like me, inclement weather isn't often a reason to stay indoors. So when I rotate my clothes for the warm seasons, I keep key pieces of outerwear handy. But do our best friends. . .

The post Tips for Selecting Dog Jackets for Spring and Summer appeared first on Orvis News.

Written by: Orvis Staff

What color belt should I buy—brown, or black? It’s a question most men have probably asked themselves at some point. Or maybe we’ve pondered more specific questions: what color belt goes best with my gray pants....

The post Black or Brown Belt? The Age-Old Question appeared first on Orvis News.

Juan Ramirez is a longtime guide and fly tier on Colorado's Front Range
Photo via The Hopper Juan

Juan Ramirez grew up in northern New Mexico, fishing the small streams and creeks of the Sangre De Cristos. In 1997, he made the switch to fly fishing, and he has never looked back. Over the. . .

The post A Guide’s Top 10 Flies for the Southern Rockies appeared first on Orvis News.

Welcome to our latest edition of the Orvis News Friday Fly-Fishing Film Festival, in which we scour the Web for the best fly-fishing videos available. Here's a selection of fourteen great. . .

The post Friday Fly-Fishing Film Festival 04.17.15 appeared first on Orvis News.

A Bulldog refused to let the murderer upstairs and drove him into the basement.
Photo via lifewithdogs.tv

We often hear stories about dogs protecting their owners, but rarely is a tale so cut and dried as this one: Wilson the Bulldog literally stopped a murderer in his tracks. Donte Wyatt was on a. . .

The post Video: Brave Bulldog Protects His Family from a Murderer appeared first on Orvis News.

This short film from LOOP features the amazing land, rivers, and fish of the Atlantic Salmon Reserve on the Russia Kola Peninsula.

From Sage:

Casting for Recovery, a non-profit organization offering support and educational retreats for women with breast cancer, is announcing its second year of national sponsorship from Sage Manufacturing. In 2014, Sage again committed a portion of sales from a custom, pink fly fishing outfit, the GRACE, to directly support CfR and its mission. In its second year, the GRACE partnership raised $15k for Casting for Recovery, which is directly applied to helping women diagnosed with breast cancer attend multi-day retreats that teach them to fly fish and assist with the mental and physical challenges of breast cancer, at no cost to them. Both CfR and Sage are excited to continue the partnership in 2015 and hope to see increased success through the GRACE outfit.

“Fly fishing can be therapeutic, so with that in mind, Sage collaborated with Casting for Recovery to create the GRACE Outfit – a custom Sage rod and reel with a RIO Gold Line, all done in signature pink for CfR,” says Tag Kleiner, vice president of marketing. “Our partnership with CfR is amazing. We hope our support allows more women to attend CfR retreats, and we look forward to its continuation in the future.”

“We’re so excited about the success of the GRACE outfit in 2014,” says CfR executive director Whitney Milhoan. “It’s really meaningful to see the team at Sage get behind the GRACE outfit in support of CfR—and having the partnership so well received and supported by anglers across the nation makes it

From Smith:

At Smith, we are all about the journey. For 50 years, we’ve created innovative products and embarked on epic adventures, whether large or small, that amplified the thrill of human experience. This season, we’re sharing these timeless stories from an insider’s point of view to capture the action and personal interactions in the pursuit of fun beyond walls.

The multi-sport webisode series, Life Beyond Walls, will showcase the outdoor escapades of Smith skiers, snowboarders, surfers, climbers, mountain bikers, road bikers, kayakers and general enthusiasts. The debut episode, now available, features Smith team riders CJ Hobgood, Alex Smith and Brett Barley chasing a mid-winter storm off the Caribbean side of Panama where living was simple: surf, eat, surf, sleep and repeat for five days. Next up, part one of a three-part Smith mountain bike adventure to the south island of New Zealand exploring some of the world’s most beautiful and untouched terrain.

The yearlong web series is captured through an honest and spontaneous personal lens that celebrates

From OIA:

Outdoor Industry Association® (OIA) applauds the introduction of the U.S. OUTDOOR Act in the Senate today by Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) and Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA). Introduction into the House by Representatives Dave Reichert (R-WA 8) and Earl Blumenauer (D-OR 3) is imminent. This bi-partisan piece of legislation will lower costs for outdoor companies and their consumers, fuel innovation and encourage more Americans to enjoy the great outdoors. The bill is co-sponsored by Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Rob Portman (R-OH) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) in the Senate.

“I commend Senator Ayotte, Senator Cantwell, Representative Reichert and Representative Blumenauer for their leadership and support for outdoor companies and their consumers across the country. This common sense piece of legislation will add to the $646 billion in consumer spending and 6.1 million jobs generated by outdoor recreation every year. We look forward to seeing the OUTDOOR Act signed into law,” said Steve Barker, Interim Executive Director of Outdoor Industry Association.

The U.S. OUTDOOR Act:

* Creates new definitions and tariff classifications in the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule for “recreational performance outerwear” and
* Eliminates the import duties on these products

The Senate bill also establishes the

O hai!

Sometimes, you just appreciate some serious eye candy, and this show reel from the folks at Tributaries Digital Cinema is just gorgeous to look at. It's a mixture of fly fishing and surfing, with. . .

The post Video: Tributaries Digital Cinema 2015 Show Reel appeared first on Orvis News.

The latest issue of Montana Fly Fishing has hit the digital newsstand, which is particularly good timing for me, as I'll be in Missoula for the 2015 Orvis Guide Rendezvous next week. As usual, . . .

The post New Issue of <em>Montana Fly Fishing</em> Is Out appeared first on Orvis News.

Written by: Mike Dawkins, WorldCast Anglers

The Cutt Slam program combines education and challenge of catching Wyoming’s four sub-species of trout.
Banner via cuttslam.com

I, probably like many anglers, have had a love and hate relationship with cutthroat trout. When I first moved to the Jackson Hole area in January of 2005, I could not satisfy my angling. . .

The post Classic Fish Story: Wyoming is for (Cutthroat) Lovers appeared first on Orvis News.