The Grizzly King is actual older than Orvis itself. First tied in 1840 by Scottish zoologist James Wilson, the pattern appears in Mary Orvis Marbury’s 1892 book, Favorite Flies and Their Histories. You can read a great history of the fly . . .
Read MorePhil Monahan
Video: Tube-Fly Basics, Part 1
In the first part of a new series on tube flies, Tim explains the advantages of these patterns over traditional streamers. The tube allows for a shorter hook, which gives the angler a mechanical advantage during the fight, and because the pattern tied on . . .
Read MoreGiving Tuesday: Orvis Donates 10% of Profits to TU Battenkill Home Rivers Initiative
Leigh H. Perkins—who purchased The Orvis Company in 1965 and transformed it into one of the country’s most respected sporting, apparel, and dog brands—passed away last May at the age of 93. We continue to honor his legacy by supporting . . .
Read MorePodcast: Alternatives to Steelhead in the Pacific Northwest, with Kelsey Rosborough
There is nothing more magnificent than a wild steelhead on the fly, but because of poor returns in the Pacific Northwest this season, fishing for them will be limited. That’s no reason to park your fly rods in the garage, . . .
Read MoreCongratulations to Our Orvis Cover Dog Top Donor Dogs!
It’s hard to believe we’ve been working with Morris Animal Foundation and our customers since 2009 to help to end canine cancer. We are humbled to think that with your help, we’ve raised well over $1 million, all of which goes . . .
Read More5 Warning Signs to Help you Avoid Spawning Fish
Some trout streams are closed to fishing during fall to protect spawning fish, but many others across the country remain open all year. Anglers living in areas without seasonal closures must therefore shoulder the added . . .
Read MoreVideo: How to Wrap Wire Weight Without Waste
In this great video, Tim shows you how he wraps lead-free wire on the hook shank without wasting any. Plus, his method allows you to create a tapered body on the fly and lock a bead into place. Once you learn this technique, you’ll never fumble with . . .
Read MoreHow to Tie the Black Bear Green Butt
The Black Bear Green Butt is a traditional Atlantic salmon fly on the rivers of eastern Canada, but it is also popular with Pacific Northwest steelheaders. The pattern’s provenance is a bit murky, but several authorities credit Harry Smith of Cherryfield, . . .
Read MoreHow to Tie Steve Cobb’s Thanksgiving Turkey Fly
The author’s original pattern went viral on social media a few years ago.
All photos by Steve Cobb
Steve Cobb’s Santa Fly has been a favorite on this blog for a few years now, and he was kind enough to show us how to tie it a couple years ago. That post was such a big hit that I asked . . .
Read MoreVideo: How to Tie the Redfish Gotcha
Here’s another “guide-fly” lesson from Alvin Dedeaux of All Water Guides. (Or, as he calls them, “super easy to tie, down and dirty, quick and easy, fish-catching guide flies.”) As Alvin says, he doesn’t want to create flies that are . . .
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