As a professional fly fishing guide, I’ve spent countless days on the water during the colder months. Whether you're casting for trout in icy rivers, swinging for steelhead in the Pacific Northwest, or chasing bass and pan fish in the south, there’s one fly that consistently earns its spot in my winter box: the leech pattern. Leeches are a year-round food source for many fish species, and their natural movement, profile, and protein-packed allure make them a top choice when conditions are tough, and fish are selective. Let me break down why leech patterns should be a go-to for trout, steelhea ..read more

Even the best anglers have days when the fish just don’t seem to cooperate.  Over the years, as a professional fly fishing guide, I’ve learned that when things aren’t going your way on the water, a shift in strategy—or attitude—can save the day. Here are five tips to help you make a “bad” day of fishing much better. (as we all know it is still better than a good day in the office) 1. Change Your Perspective Sometimes, the best way to turn things around is to reset your expectations. Fishing isn’t always about catching. It’s about being outside, observing nature, and enjoying the process ..read more

Any luck? How many times do you get asked that question while you are out fishing? My response is simple; “No luck…. Just skill!” Fly fishing is more than casting a fly and hoping for a bite. Success on the water depends on several things going “right”: the right fly, the right depth, the right presentation and most importantly the right spot. Understanding where fish are likely to hold and feed is a fundamental skill every angler must develop to be successful. Today, I’m here to share a few insights I’ve picked up over years of guiding anglers on Colorado’s rivers. Why Reading Water Matters ..read more

In Western fly fishing, an angler’s fly box is a treasure trove of options: dry flies, nymphs, midges, streamers, terrestrials with literally thousands of patterns falling within these categories. On top of that are the other thousands of patterns that aren’t “official” fly patterns but instead are individual creations of personal artistry and expression. When you really take a moment to reflect, it’s mind-blowing and a bit overwhelming, particularly to the beginner fly angler. Over the last decade—yes tenkara has now been in the US for over a decade— “tenkara flies ..read more

When people hear mention of tenkara, they typically think of small streams and creek fishing for fish in similar size categories. Most anglers would not consider using a tenkara rod for a float trip, but I encourage you to continue reading.  By the end of this article, you might consider otherwise. What Is Tenkara Fishing? Tenkara, if you’re not familiar, is the Japanese method of fixed-line fly fishing. Tenkara rods are ultralight, collapsable, have no guides, and use no reel. The rods come in different lengths but traditionally are long.  A 12ft tenkara rod is quite common, but th ..read more

As the days grow longer and the chill of winter slowly loosens its grip, seasoned anglers like myself begin to prepare for the upcoming fly fishing season.  With decades of experience as a fly fishing guide, I've come to appreciate the importance of thorough preparation to make the most of every cast and cherish the moments spent on the water. In this article, I'll share the top five ways to get ready for the upcoming fly fishing season. 1. Gear Check and Maintenance Before you hit the water, it's crucial to ensure that your fly fishing gear is in top-notch condition. Start by inspecting ..read more

Finding trout in small waters seems like it would be an easy task at first for many anglers as there are simply fewer areas for the trout to seek refuge. These anglers often overlook the intangible challenges that come with angling many small trout streams in tight quarters. More often than not, overhanging tree branches, undercut banks lined with woody debris, little room to cast, and less room to set the hook are regular obstacles fly anglers must overcome before figuring out where they plan on fighting the trout. The good news is, these streams get much less attention from anglers that wish ..read more

We are finally getting some warmer weather as we approach Spring. For some, we’ve been fishing throughout the winter and can’t wait to get rid of the multiple layers of everything we have to be warm. For most though, it means it's time to get ready to start the season. Here are the 10 things a guide does to get ready to start the season that you should think about too: Check Your Leader And Tippet Did you get lazy last year and not put away all your gear properly for the winter? Do you even remember what leader and tippet size you had on your reel the last time you fished? Take off that old le ..read more

Tired of leaky waders? In this guide, I’ll show you how to repair breathable waders, so you can get back on the water in no time. After a heavy 2021 of fly fishing, my Simms waders developed a leak in the neoprene bootie. It is one of those miserable feelings standing in the water and feeling the cold water creep in. The good news was that I had wool socks so it wasn’t too cold but my whole right leg was soaked.  Many people would send them back to the manufacturer but I had heard stories about how long Simms was taking to repair waders. People were telling me that they were going to have ..read more

Fly fishing in the winter can be a challenging but rewarding experience. The cold temperatures and potential for inclement weather can make it difficult to stay comfortable and catch fish, but with the right techniques and equipment, it is possible to have a successful winter fly fishing trip. Fish With A Buddy One of the most important things to keep in mind when fly fishing in the winter is safety. One of the best ways to be safe on the water is to not go alone. Try to talk your fishing buddy into joining you for a true winter experience. Dress in Layers When you’re fly fishing in winter, it ..read more