Most flies are OK. Some work well. Some consistently produce, and they’re my Confidence Flies. My list of such flies does vary over the years; for example, I these days rarely throw a Pheasant’s Tail, Hare’s Ear, Frenchie, or Pat’s Legs. They don’t seem to work as well, and I suspect that is because many
Best Flies and DIY Spots: Easy Links
These flies work, and these rivers produce. Links are below. Note that these are all amply-stocked waters that many already visit and about which much information already has been published. I’ve found that many rivers are sub-par. I track in my fishing journal what fly patterns work on which waters. So, the links below are
A False Start
With all of the great writers on this blog, I’m resigned to the fact that my posts are plain-vanilla and quite pedestrian. The other guys are damn-good writers, and it is a privilege to be associated with them. But, since we all write to pull our own weight and contribute to the team’s effort, here’s
A Casting Lesson with Sheila Hassan
Like shooting free throws in basketball, casting a fly rod is a repetitive motion that requires diligent practice to maintain proficiency. Disappointed in my inconsistency at making long, accurate casts, I recently took a private two-hour casting lesson with Fly Fishers International Master Casting Instructor Sheila Hassan of Cast 90 to get expert assistance. I walked
Swing Vote 2020
We are so excited that Bill Hager has joined our blog team. He has written guest posts in the past and which so many of us have enjoyed. The good news is that Bill will be writing more posts. Here’s the next one: another funny one. Welcome to the team, Bill! I’ve begun to question
At Long Last
Honestly, it was starting to get discouraging. Every Saturday or Sunday, I have been getting up early to be on the water before dawn. My goal? Intersect a robust Trico hatch and spinner fall. At long last, the stars aligned this past weekend, and I saw quite a few gulpers feasting on fallen bugs. It