Photo by Spencer Durrant. What’s the most important skill a fly angler can posses? If you asked a dozen anglers this question, how many different answers would you get? A lot would probably say casting, followed by fly presentation. And while those skills are vital, I think the most important one is often overlooked: your ability to quickly and safely release trout. With the recent release of a new study that says fish are more susceptible to adverse effects from warming water than we previously thought, this idea has been on my mind. Add to that the heat wave we’re dealing with here in Wyom ..read more

This week’s Podcast Roundup features a list of the 10 best trout rivers in America, a conversation with one of the few IFFF Master Casting Instructors in the world, and a chat with an actual fly fishing therapist. Yes, that’s a real job! You won’t want to miss out on any of these great episodes. As always, if you have a podcast you’d like to see featured here, please let us know. Untangled Podcast: 10 Best Rivers in America In this episode of Untangled: Fly Fishing for Everyone, you’ll get a list of the top 10 best trout rivers in America (whether you agree with the list will be interesting) i ..read more

Photo: Domenick Swentosky In this recent post over at Troubitten, Domenick Swentosky dives into the never-ending debate about whether an expensive fly rod will catch you more trout. As with most everything Dom writes, I appreciate the way he looks at this question, and he does a wonderful job explaining his position. I particularly like that he spends time talking about the period in his life when he couldn’t afford high-end gear, and how his opinion on fly rods has changed as his circumstances have. I’ve had a similar experience, swearing by my bargain-bin rod for years before rea ..read more

Kirk Deeter’s most recent column at Angling Trade tackles the new research from Keep Fish Wet, and it’s worth your time to read. In case you’re not aware, the folks at Keep Fish Wet released new research that says, in part, the long-held belief that 68F is the water temperature at which we should stop fishing for trout. The new research pushes the idea that the actual threshold of causing potential harm to trout is 61F. That’s a stark difference, and presents interesting challenges from a management perspective. Deeter says that, in light of this information and all the other problems we know ..read more

I read Kubie Brown’s piece last week about nets, and one line jumped out at me: “I absolutely hate short-handled nets.” I understand Kubie’s reluctance. Short-handled nets aren’t ideal when you need to reach to net big trout at the end of long leaders. They’re certainly not the best for a buddy to use when trying to “help” you land trout from deeper water, either. However, I prefer short-handled nets. As much as my fly rod collection begs to differ, I have a minimalist attitude towards gear when I’m on the water. I got rid of my old fishing vest years ago in favor of a chest pack. I lose my w ..read more

Hardy announced the release of their new Averon reel, which will replace their current Ultradisc reel series. The Averon utilizes the same drag system, notably an unregulated adjustment knob that allows the angler to set the drag to whatever position best suits their current needs. Hardy says the Averon also has low startup inertia, which would be similar to the current Ultradisc reels. Of particular note is that Hardy offers this new reel in both half-frame and full-cage models. The full-cage reels are purpose built for Euro nymphing, Spey fishing, and other long-leader specific applications ..read more

Photo: Kamal Hamid/Flickr The Conservation Alliance (TCA) is a group that “protects outdoor spaces and wild places” that leverages its members to push new initiatives. Over the years, TCA has protected over 4,500 miles of river and removed 38 dams, according to Fly Fisherman Magazine. TCA recently gained new members  – Simms and Mayfly Outdoors. Mayfly is the parent company of Abel Reels, Ross Reels, Dyna King, and Airflo. “This represents an exciting moment for the growth and expansion of our membership at The Conservation Alliance,” said Conor McElyea, Senior Director of Membership at ..read more

This week’s Tying Tuesday features a great collection of patterns, from an emerger, to a wonderful take on the old Pheasant Tail, and one fly that works so well it was banned from competitive angling. Davie McPhail shows us how to tie a Klinkhammer emerger, which I consider to be one of the most important flies for any trout angler. Emergers are a must-have in your box, and the Klinkhammer-style ones I’ve found are usually my most effective. This particular pattern reminds me a lot of my trusty ol’ Sparkle Dun. Up next is a tutorial on tying The Zulu, a fly that’s known for its efficacy on se ..read more

Photo: Derrick Mercer/Flickr CC2.0 Norway has banned salmon fishing on 33 of its rivers in an effort to protect dwindling stocks of Atlantic salmon. According to Hatch Magazine, Atlantic salmon returns this year are below half of what’s considered healthy. Last year, returns were down 30% from 2022. Norwegian officials cite global warming and fish farms as the leading causes of the declines. Specifically, parasites from fish farms can escape the enclosures and impact wild fish, leading to diminished stocks across the board. With global warming, the Norwegians say that warmer river and o ..read more

Photo: Matt Keefe/Flickr This week’s Podcast Roundup features a chat about fly fishing in Central park, some tips on prospecting for trout, and one angler’s journey into fly fishing. These episodes should provide plenty of great listening for the rest of the week. As always, if you know of a podcast you’d like to see featured here, please let us know! Orvis Podcast: Fly Fishing Central Park On this recent edition of the Orvis podcast, Tom Rosenbauer chats with Brandon Dale, a licensed New York State guide who specializes in chasing carp, with a fly rod, in Central Park. Yes, that C ..read more