Pacific Fly Fishers' Fly Fishing and Fly Tying Blog

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.  

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Fall is finally here! The leaves are turning, the days are getting shorter, and the weather is finally cooling off. October is a month that many of us dream about all year long and the fly fishing opportunities are almost endless. There's so much to do, it's hard to fit it all in! This is a great time be trout fishing in both rivers, and lakes. Steelhead and salmon are filling the rivers, and it's a great time to wet a line and get tight! Here's a look at what you can target in the month of October, where to go and what to use!

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Fly fishing for Skagit River pink salmon in the Western Washington Puget Sound area is an exciting, unique fly fishing opportunity we’re fortunate to have in our backyards. The season sneaks by quickly so put some dates on the calendar and use this complete guide to the when, where and how-to for this extremely fun, every-other-year run of plentiful salmon.

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Fly fishing Lone Lake on Whidbey Island, WA is a great trout lake for anglers in the Western Washington and Puget Sound area. Lone Lake is open all year with peak fly fishing opportunities in spring and fall. See our complete guide to getting started on the right foot fly fishing Lone Lake.

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September is well underway and the fly fishing opportunities are numerous. In the Western Washington area, the most notable is probably the return of loads of pink salmon to Puget Sound and its rivers. In addition, we have lots of silvers showing up, steelhead entering the Columbia system, loads of bass and warmwater opportunities, and September is a fantastic time to be on the Yakima, Methow, Naches, Green, Deschutes, and many other trout rivers. 

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