I can live happily in two different fly fishing camps. On one hand, I see the value in having precisely picked and dialed in gear. At the same time, I appreciate adaptation and using what you have in creative ways. One takes more resources; the other takes more energy and effort. If you live or …
The small college I attended in South Carolina was situated on a significant piece of land in the state’s Piedmont region. There were rolling sand hills covered in pine trees, and sharp bluffs overlooking a broad river. We also had two ponds. Each held significant populations of the premier fish of the American south: the …
Bass are unaware of Daylight Savings Time. They don’t have an emotional response to the first frost or “sweater weather.” They certainly aren’t swayed by the pumpkin spice-ification of the world. This does not mean that bass, like any other fish out there, are not impacted by the temperature shifts that accompany the change of …
Smallmouth bass are dangerous. Wherever you find them, they cause headaches for fly fishers who normally pursue trout. They change everything. Once these strong, fast predators make inroads, you can be sure that they’ll impact your angling. Why? You’re going to forsake the gentle creeks for the big rivers. You’ll have felt the pull of …
A lot of anglers started fishing by tossing worms to hungry sunfish. Usually, there is a progression from that point to more complex, conventional gear. For some, fly fishing becomes their preferred pursuit. There are also anglers who go straight to fly fishing for trout because they took a class, got a guide while on …
Within a few hours’ drive of the urban sprawl that surrounds Washington, DC, you can get into some amazing brook trout fishing. Or, you can get into some spectacular smallmouth bass fishing. Or, you can do both. The Shenandoah is a remarkable, beautiful, and historic region of the Mid-Atlantic. For fly fishers, it offers great …
I love fly fishing for bass, panfish, and all the other warmwater species that swim with them. While a lot of progress has been made within fly fishing culture for the acceptance, appreciation, and celebration of this side of the sport, there are still plenty of people who see it as a second-tier option. Is …
Its a good fly, the popper. Here are a few reasons why:
Earlier this week, I wrote about the real opportunities that are available for fly fishing for trout – even in the heat of the summer. I realize that even if you try to follow all the recommendations that I gave, there are still plenty of parts of the country that either can’t or shouldn’t engage …
On a beautiful spring morning with bluebird skies, I took a few hours to explore a new stretch of river in search of bass. The water had just come down to a reasonable level after a drastic amount of rain, and the color was about where it should be. I found my way into a …
