I look out at the pond: a few square feet of punky skim ice desperately clings to the snow-free banks in a shaded cove. Meanwhile, in the main pond, the late-afternoon sun is reflected by waves gently rolling across the water’s surface. It’s mid-February; the pond should locked under a thick layer of milky-white ice.Continue reading “Fly Fishing in the Dead of Winter”
Tag Archives: Fly Tying
Upcoming: Trout Unlimited Teen Summit Applications
Join us for the 2023 Trout Unlimited Teen Summit! This year’s Summit will be held at Georgetown Lake in Anaconda, Montana, with easy access to some of the nation’s finest trout fishing. The event will take place from June 28 – July 2, perfect timing for some great fishing and conservation opportunities. Teens at theContinue reading “Upcoming: Trout Unlimited Teen Summit Applications”
Recent Ties
I stayed up late the night before, prepping all my gear and tackle for the next day. Dropshot rig with 7x tippet and 13 tediously tied knots: check. New sling pack tactfully loaded with all the necessary accessories: check. Tea, smoothie, and downloaded podcasts for the long drive to the river: check. Paying close attentionContinue reading “Recent Ties”
That Rod Costs How Much?! Inflation in Fly Fishing
On a hilltop overlooking one of Massachusetts’ cleanest and deepest ponds stands a very modest dwelling. Most visitors of the pond know this shack to have been constructed by Henry David Thoreau, the esteemed author and philosopher; but few recall the house was built for a mere $28.12-1/2. Yes, that’s a half-cent. Nowadays you couldn’tContinue reading “That Rod Costs How Much?! Inflation in Fly Fishing”
Streamers: A Love-Hate Relationship
Fall is the time for streamer fishing, or so most fly fishers claim. This time of year, trout supposedly get particularly aggressive and are willing to strike anything that comes in their path. I’ve done my fair share of streamer fishing, especially during the fall, but it hasn’t always been a love story. In fact,Continue reading “Streamers: A Love-Hate Relationship”
8 Tying Materials to Imitate Any Forage
In July, I’ll be one of the lucky few teens to attend Trout Unlimited’s Teen Summit in western North Carolina. I’m ecstatic about the opportunity to connect with other fly fishers and conservationists my age, not to mention become more involved in TU itself. The Summit will allow me to explore and learn about aContinue reading “8 Tying Materials to Imitate Any Forage”
Lackluster Return Yields Plenty of Fun
It has been a tough couple of weeks to find time for fishing. Spring is always a busy season for me – of course all my activities have to pick up right at the heart of fishing season – but alas, baseball and school won’t be put on hold because the stripers are running andContinue reading “Lackluster Return Yields Plenty of Fun”
Confidence Flies
Every angler, no matter the time they’ve put into the sport, develops a set of confidence fly patterns that grows and evolves as they learn. At first, those flies could be based solely off appearance; perhaps they like color variety of a rainbow warrior, or the simplicity of a zebra midge. Maybe this angler hasContinue reading “Confidence Flies”
Off-Season Prep for a Productive Open Water Season
While the snow continues to pile up on my favorite lakes and ponds, the least I can do is prepare for the warmer days ahead. I go into each season with the mindset that it will be my best, and this year is no exception. With countless new tips and techniques I’ve picked up overContinue reading “Off-Season Prep for a Productive Open Water Season”
Bombproofing Your Flies: 7 Tips to Make Your Flies Last
Tying flies is easy; making them last long enough to catch a fish or two is a different story. From fish teeth to forcep jaws, flies are put through the ringer on each and every fishing trip. Even before they can be eaten by a fish, they must battle the rocks and rough gravel ofContinue reading “Bombproofing Your Flies: 7 Tips to Make Your Flies Last”
Current Angler 