Currently browsing… Fly fishing
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The True Cast – The 3 “modes” of dry-fly fishing
Not all dry-fly fishing is the same. Seeing trout poke their heads above the surface might be the obvious clue that you can play the dry-fly game. But the savvy angler recognizes subtle situational differences that can and should dictate some basics, like which fly pattern you choose and how best to present it. I’ve learned…
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TROUT Tip – tame the wind
Even if you’re new to fly fishing, you can imagine the challenge that a windy day presents to the cast. But it doesn’t have to mean you have to pack it up and go home. It’s all about punching through that stiff breeze, so try these tips to do just that: Thumb on top Make sure to accentuate the power…
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Places Worth Protecting: Hot Creek, California
Hot Creek is a unique geologic site that’s as impressive for its natural beauty as its high quality and highly technical fishing. Join Trout Unlimited, the local community and other nonprofits to help permanently protect this place from mining.
Cresting the dirt rise from the parking on the south side of the canyon, the view comes into focus. The east side of the Sierra Nevada reveals its massive snow-covered flanks. A thin ribbon of clear water S-turns its way through the small canyon. Thick matts of bright green vegetation waving in the gentle current cover the streambed. Small rainbow and big…
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The True Cast – It’s tube and canoe season… don’t sweat it!
Years ago, I was canoeing down the West Branch of the Delaware with a fishing buddy when we came upon an angler casting in the Farm Pool. We asked if he wanted us to paddle behind him, but he just huffed and took a step back toward the bank. So, we took that as a sign to hug the…
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Photo of the Week – Summer
Ah, summer. What many categorize as their favorite season, especially anglers. Long days mean plenty of time to fish (as long as the water temperatures are conducive to trout survival, i.e. below 68°F). Warm days mean lots of bugs hatching and ants, beetles and grasshoppers starting to appear on riverbanks. Time off means spending time with friends and family on your favorite…
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TROUT Tip – roll casting
Get tips for making an effective roll cast and learn about it's many practical use cases in this week's trout tip.
The roll cast is a critical tool to have in any anglers’ arsenal. Not only will you frequently find yourself with an obstacle (a tree or bush or even a cliff wall) behind you that prevents the traditional overhead fly cast, but there's another reason it’s imperative to have a good roll cast: if the trout you’re fishing to are spooky, an overhead…
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The True Cast – The 5 questions you should ask about fly fishing product reviews
We live in a brave new world when it comes to buying things like fly rods, reels, jackets, waders and boots. “Brave” because it seems like everyone has the courage to step out and offer an opinion—especially in the digital realm, and even more especially when they can turn a buck by doing so. It seems like everyone is…