When it comes to fly fishing, success isn’t just about the right rod or the perfect fly—it’s also about staying comfortable in the elements. Rivers, lakes, and coastal waters can be unpredictable, with conditions shifting from crisp mornings to damp afternoons. That’s where the mid layer comes in. Often overlooked, the mid layer is the unsung hero of your fly fishing kit, providing warmth, breathability, and adaptability between your base layer and outer shell.
Whether you're stepping into fly fishing for the first time or refining your gear for specific fisheries, choosing the right fly rod, reel and line setup is an important step. The right setup feels intuitive, casts smoothly, and matches your fishing environment and target species. The wrong one can turn into a frustrating situation where you're not able to take advantage of great fishing opportunities that may be presented to you.
This guide breaks down the key factors to consider when selecting a fly rod, reel and fly line for new anglers looking for their first fly rod.
It certainly looks like November out there with lots of rain, high rivers and gray skies. The good news is, there are still plenty of fly fishing opportunities out there for us fly flingers. Trout lakes can be great in November and most are still open until the end of the month, with many local favorites open all year long.
Also, steelhead are in the Columbia system rivers like the Deschutes, Grand Ronde, etc. Now is a great time to be on most of those rivers and the North Fork Stillaguamish is worth a look throughout the end of the month too.
It’s almost impossible to spend time in the Pacific Northwest fishing world and not know the reputation of G. Loomis rods — a benchmark for performance and craftsmanship for decades. When I cast the G. Loomis IMX PRO V2, I was stoked to find that everything I loved about those classic Loomis rods carried into this modern fly series. From the first few casts, the IMX PRO V2 impressed me with its light-in-hand feel and precise feedback. I enjoyed it so much I bought one. Since then, I’ve spent long days throwing the 6-weight with overweighted lines and heavy streamers, and the rod has remained comfortable and responsive throughout.
Built for the River. Refined for the Angler -- If you’re searching for a comprehensive Skwala Carbon Waders gear review, you’ve come to the right place. After spending a long day on the Green River in Washington state with the Skwala Carbon Waders, I can confidently say they’re among the best-designed waders I’ve ever worn.
This Fall steelhead trip to Skeena River Lodge started off like many great trips do. Months and months of planning, prepping gear, arranging flights and tying flies. We've hosted many trips to Skeena River Lodge over the years and this was my second time going and I couldn't wait to get back.
Finally after waiting for September to roll around, it was time to head to the airport and start our journey north. We all met up here in town and drove north to the Canadian border crossing and then made our way to Vancouver International Airport. We had a nice breakfast at the airport and shortly after we were sitting on the plane anxiously waiting to arrive at Skeena River Lodge. It's a short flight with great views of the Canadian mountains and before we knew it we were touching down in Terrace.
Patagonia Swiftcurrent Expedition Zip-Front Waders are engineered for all-day wear and Patagonia worked for years to nail down the perfect fit for as many people as possible. With an athletic cut and articulated legs, they offer a trim yet mobile fit that excels when navigating uneven terrain or scrambling over riverbanks. The gusseted crotch and articulated seat enhance flexibility, allowing for natural movement without restriction.
If you're looking for a solid saltwater hook that is dependable and proven, the Gamakatsu SL12S Hooks may be something to try. This hook simply doesn't let me down. I won't say I've never lost a fish on these hooks, but the landing ratio is very impressive. I've used these for GT's, sailfish, roosterfish, yellowfin tuna, dorado, albacore, tarpon, and even my largest ever Chinook salmon on the fly when using the SL12S with a big tube fly. I've never had one bend out and they seem to hold pretty dang well. Over the years, it seems like lots of other guys agree that this hook is simply effective.
The Skagit River embodies what we think of when we think of chum salmon. Large fish in a large river on a cool, fall morning with the rivers given new life by fall freshets. The mighty chum salmon, rarely given the respect it deserves as a sportfish, quietly ascends the river during the strongest flows of the year. A small percentage of fly anglers will take the opportunity to intercept them during their short time in the river. Those that do are quickly aware of their robust power and the excitement and thrill the chum salmon has to offer.
Fly fishing for coho, or silver, salmon can be incredibly fast and furious or it can be incredibly frustrating. Known for having "lockjaw" once in the rivers, the wily silver salmon has its own personality just like the other Pacific Salmon species. Hitting the river at the right time, having some patience to find out what they will react to, and covering lots of water can make a dramatic difference when searching for some fall silver. We get spoiled in the PNW with opportunities, but a big "hooknose" should be on every angler's list.