I get a lot of questions about how fly rods are designed, and I think there are a number of misconceptions about where that new rod, like the Helios Blackout series, came from. Where did the idea come from? How is the design created? If you want a . . .
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Pro Tips: How to Tie Your Own Bass and Saltwater Leaders
Here’s another lesson–in the vein of his “guide-fly” series–from Alvin Dedeaux of All Water Guides. Guides want to be able to tie useful leaders that don’t take long to tie. This is not George Harvey-level science, but is a quick-and-dirty method for . . .
Read MorePro Tips: How to Catch Smallmouths Year-Round
Contrary to popular belief, fly anglers can catch smallmouth bass year-round, even during winter. While these hardy gamefish are known for tolerating higher temperatures than trout, they also tolerate cold water fairly well, and will still feed when it’s just . . .
Read MoreAsk the Experts: How Do You Attach the Second Fly in a Tandem Rig?
Tying the dropper to the hook bend of the top fly is the most common method for creating a tandem rig.
Photo by Phil Monahan
For our “Ask the Experts” Column , we ask you to pose some questions for our panel of experts. Our latest question for them to chew on is: “How do you attach the second fly in a tandem rig: to the hook bend of the top fly, to the hook eye of the top fly, . . .”
Read MoreVideo: How to Use Painter’s Tape in Fly Tying
In this video, Tim explains how painter’s tape can help you keep materials on the hook shank separate during the tying process. This is especially useful when you are doing extensive trimming, such as with spun deer hair. You can trim away without . . .
Read MoreMayflies Across America: Central Idaho
This week, our featured region is central Idaho. Famous for its technical spring-creek fishing, Idaho is home to dozens of different mayfly species, and to picky trout that sometimes key on minute details. Jeremy Silvas of Sun Valley . . .
Read MoreMaster Class Monday: How to Cast to Rising Trout
In this week’s Master Class, Dave and Amelia Jensen show us how to cast to a rising trout without spooking it. You need to place your dry fly in a trout’s feeding window, but it’s also important to . . .
Read MorePodcast: Beavers and Trout, with Ben Goldfarb
You may wonder why I’ve done a podcast about beavers. You may be greatly surprised by the beneficial interactions between beavers and trout habitat—I know I was after talking to Ben Goldfarb, author of Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of . . .
Read MoreAsk the Experts: How Do You Approach a New Water?
Fishing in new places can be a bit daunting, but expanding your repertoire is a great way to develop skill and to help ease overcrowding in popular areas. We asked a selection of Orvis-endorsed guides how they like to approach new water, hoping . . .
Read MorePro Tips: How to Fight Big Fish
Written by: Brian McGeehan, Montana Angler Fly Fishing
Even experienced anglers don’t get many shots a really big fish, so it’s best to be prepared to make each one count.
Photos courtesy Montana Angler (except where noted)
There is a natural evolution in the sport of fly fishing. Early in an angler’s initiation to the sport, hooking and landing any fish is paramount. Over time, though, a fly fisher slowly begins to improve his or her skills, . . .
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