New Resource: Fly Fishing Small Streams

Small stream fly fishing is fly fishing for so many anglers. The primary reason is that trout live in mountain streams, spring creeks, and brushy tributaries. Often the best opportunities for wild fish and solitude, fly fishers will pick these more intimate environs over sprawling rivers and the potential for larger quarry. Plus, productive small streams are much more prevalent and accessible.

These truths have been a significant part of my fly fishing and, consequently, have been a major aspect of Casting Across for the last ten years.

As I consider how to make the thousands of articles on the site more connected and user-friendly, I’ve decided to put together some themed pages on Casting Across. These dynamic pages will be featured on the front of the website. Content will be curated in a way that will funnel readers with broad questions to a variety of interrelated answers. Hopefully, it will open up a decade of writing to more fly fishers.

First up is Fly Fishing Small Streams:

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Podcast Ep. 382: Mea Carpa

Like many a dace that have taken a dry fly, only to get hook-set into the streamside vegetation – I bit off more than I could chew last week on the podcast.

When I thought about talking predatory fish, I figured I could shoehorn carp into the discussion. They aren’t predators in the same way musky and big largemouth are. However, the rods and rivers overlap. Regardless, this is an episode where I make things right.

Which, of course, entails talking about carp for nearly 30 minutes. These weirdo, invasive fish are worth knowing about if you are in North American and own a fly rod.

Listen to the episode below, or on your favorite podcast app.

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VIDEO: Fly Fishing Stories that Will Hook You

If you grew up reading outdoor magazines, you’re probably familiar with the kinds of articles featured on the last page. They were usually short pieces provided by recurring authors. With an economy of words imposed by the finality of the back cover it would cause laughter, introspection, or both.

Steven Sautner’s Every Cast is an entire book of “last page” articles. This collection of essays and posts is truly enjoyable. The length of the chapters makes for a compelling read; seeing that the next installment will only take five minutes will keep you turning pages.

Watch what else I have to say about the book and find out where you can pick up your own copy below:

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Best Foot Forward: Whitewater Basin Deck Boot

There is an interesting dichotomy among many fly fishers. When it comes to equipment like fly rods there is an inordinate amount of attention given to having the precise piece of gear required for a particular application. That approach often entails acquiring a few  pieces of gear required for a handful of particular situations. At the same time, there are other items where “whatever” seems to work.

Consequently, fly fishers don expensive breathable waders  while wearing pants underneath that don’t wick moisture. High performance fly rods don’t excel when paired with the wrong fly line. And a long day rowing and casting starts to get uncomfortable because of shoes that get wet or don’t offer proper support.

You can get away with wearing whatever footwear you have when fishing. Or, you can add a pair of shoes that have been designed to make your time getting to the water and being on the water a little more comfortable. That is certainly the case with Whitewater Fishing’s newest angler-inspired boot.

Here are some of the features of the Whitewater Basin Deck Boot and why  fly fishers should take a look:

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Podcast Ep. 381: Gearing Up For Predators

In fly fishing, “predators” is a bit of an arbitrary designation. Why? Well, bluegill are predators. Brook trout are predators. Tiger sharks are predators. What we often mean is  the larger, piscivorous (fish eating)  freshwater species in North America.

Today I’m talking about some of the considerations one might make when thinking about gear for larger bass and toothy fish. As you can imagine, this includes a wide range of species and waters. Still, there are some general principles that all come into play when acquiring equipment for targeting predatory fish.

Also, I throw carp a bone. I mean, they do get big.

Listen to the episode below, or on your favorite podcast app.

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VIDEO: On Independent Fly Fishing Books

Most of the books I talk about come from major publishers or prominent fly fishing publishing houses. But just like the indie music scene or local artists galleries, there are other options for those looking for an interesting fly fishing read.

Today I talk about three books that are worth reading, especially if the  perspective or the setting resonates with you. Here are the titles and their authors:

  • Life and Death in the Middle, by Anthony Surage and Mike Aleckson
  • Fly Fishing Through the Crazy, by Tim Pynes
  • Rivers of Passage, by Ben Hohnke

All three came out in the last two years, and each reflects the labor of their writers – as well as their respective passions for fly fishing.

Watch what else I have to say about the books and find out where you can pick up your own copy below:

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Standing in a River Smoking a Stick: Big Sky Cigar

Not every fly fisher smokes cigars. But for those who do, it makes a lot of sense. Enjoying a cigar is a methodical, deliberate activity. Not unlike fly fishing, it is most appreciated when there is some observation and reflection involved. It isn’t uncommon for fly shops to offer a small selection in a humidor, and it isn’t a surprise to catch the faint scent of fine tobacco as you  wade alongside other anglers.

Consequently, it is a little shocking that there aren’t a handful of labels or blends that tap into the aesthetic and legacy of fly fishing. But if you do go looking for such things, you’ll come across Big Sky Cigar.

A decade ago, Jess Coleman and Brandon Marsh were working in construction. “We always threw business ideas back and forth on the jobsite,” Marsh said, “and we had a lot of ideas.” But one day the river spawned an idea that took. “One day we were fishing, smoking cigars. One of us asked, ‘Why doesn’t Montana have a cigar company?’ The rest is history. It is a blue collar story of two guys chasing a passion.”

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Podcast Ep. 380: Fly Fishing Accusations, XXXVIII

It is that time again. You ask, I answer. I like these episodes so much, that I do one every few months.

Today I interact with questions regarding:

  • Fly line choices
  • Fly rod action
  • Fly fishing footwear

And I transcend my normal 3 topic boundary by addressing two logistical/technical items.

As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Listen to the episode below, or on your favorite podcast app.

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VIDEO: Putting Trout on the Map

Some of my favorite fly fishing memories  include far more than a fish and some water. Looking back over the years, the physical context of so many angling experiences added to or defined the pursuit of fish.

Bob Mallard’s  25 Best Towns – Fly Fishing For Trout  is  guidebook which understands this principle. East coast to west coast, north to south, he highlights destinations that offer multiple fly fishing options plus  a whole lot more. These are places where rod racks, drying waders, and fly shops are a part of life.

This is an interesting and fun book that anyone who enjoys travel will appreciate.

Watch what else I have to say about the book and find out where you can pick up your own copy below:

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Rusty Flybox: Presidential

Well, apparently I’m not the only one who wouldn’t get an “A+” in civics. When I typed “is” in Google this morning, it either read my mind or assumed I was looking for the same thing most people were searching.

Yes. Presidents Day is a federal holiday.

As I often do on such hallowed calendar moments, I’ve put together a cluster of three articles from Casting Across’ archives. They all are presidential in nature.

  • The first talks about a federal initiative that blesses anglers.
  • Second, I spotlight a creek fished by many commanders in chief.
  • And last I propose something for the youth of our great country.

Click on the image or the headline to read each article:

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