‘Catch and release’ has become a cornerstone of the fly fishing culture. Not only has it helped conserve fisheries all around the world, the very notion of ‘catch and release’ has inspired a desire in multiple generations of anglers to preserve their own fisheries – which is a really good thing. That said, despite our…
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Alaska West
Tying Different Color Heads
Last week we shared some fly tying tips from Stuart Foxall on how to finish your flies with tidier looking heads. Today, Stu’s back with a quick tip on how to class up those same heads with some color. Tying Different Color Heads So now we know how to tie neater, cleaner looking heads. But…
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Fishpond Boulder Briefcase
We run fishing lodges. And while we’re fortunate to spend more days staring at the water than the average human, for the majority of our guests getting away from the office for a fishing trip can be a challenge. Truth be told, with lodges in three different countries, like many of our guests we do…
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Greg Houska’s ‘Kriller’ at the Fly Fishing Shop
A while back we told you that our friends at Aqua Flies had begun producing a commercial version of the ‘Kriller‘ – a salmon/steelhead fly developed by Alaska West guide, Greg Houska, that certainly proved itself last season on our Kanektok king, chum, and silver salmon populations. We’re happy to report that the good folks…
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Timeless Tips: 9 Questions About Spey Fishing You Were Afraid to Ask
We love spey fishing. We also know that spey fishing can be a little intimidating when you first dip your toe in. It shouldn’t be! Spey fishing is just another fun way to fish. It’s not better or worse or harder or easier or simpler or more complicated than ‘normal’ fly fishing. Today we present…
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Tying Neater Heads
Nicely finished heads are the mark of a great fly tyer, and today professional fly designer, Stuart Foxall, is here with some step by step tips on finishing your flies with cleaner looking heads. Enjoy! Stuart Foxall on Tying Neater Heads A consistent problem I see from most inexperienced fly tiers are beautifully tied flies…
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Timeless Tips: 5 Reasons to Swing for Trout This Winter
Let’s face it, winter trout fishing is hard. If you are crazy like us, odds are you are not going to sit around and twiddle your thumbs until your next trip to Alaska or B.C. – you’re going to fish! Having hailed from all over the Northern U.S. and Canada (Alaska, Washington, Maine, British Columbia…
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Swing Season – The Slowdown
In case you missed it, our good friends from SAGE just released a great video for all you fellow spey-nerds out there. The ‘Slowdown’ digs past the fun-factor of swinging flies and sheds light on how the two-hander can actually be a great tool for conservation as well. If you like swinging flies for steelhead…
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5 Common Traits of Great Fly Casters
Most anglers want to be better casters. Whether you’re just beginning or have been fly fishing your entire life, there’s always room for improvement. The greatest casters on earth will tell you the same thing. The greatest anglers on earth will also tell you that casting is not fishing, and thus great casting is not…
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Nymphing Tip: Tag Your Split Shot
Way back in 2011, Alaska West alum and trout guru, JEB Hall, gave us the details for his go-to rig when slinging beads for big leopard rainbow trout. It’s still as current as it was six long years ago, so if you haven’t checked it out, be sure to hit the link to give it…
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