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Trout Tips: Your fellow anglers
This last week, I ventured high into the eastern Idaho backcountry to chase native Snake River fine-spotted cutthroat trout on a small mountain stream that clears early from runoff and sports some sizable trout for a stream its size. I'd scoped out a large bend in the creek that, I had calculated, would have me…
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Voices from the River: The elusive No. 5
Photos of the Naknek River by Mark Hieronymous By Jenny Weis Working in communications for Trout Unlimited, I encounter more than a fair share of “grip ‘n grin” fish photos. Given this, I like to think of myself as somewhat of an expert on the components for what makes the perfect photo. In my humble…
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Charlie and the hat
Editor's note: The following was inspired by the "A dog's life" blog post last week. I have a black lab named Charlie and she is a great hunting and fishing dog. Charlie comes from great retrieving stock and I worked hard on a daily basis to teach her the game. She was about two when…
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Video spotlight: Hank Patterson reviews the Orvis Practicaster
Let's say you've developed a great little practice tool—a fly rod in miniature that's designed to help anglers improve on the various aspects of fly fishing. And, as noted, it's small. Small enough that it can even be used indoors. In the dead of winter. When you're binge-watching Jessica Jones on Netflix (don't judge). How…
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Fly tying: The Squirmie Worm
With all the new synthetic tying materials available today, it's becoming easier and easier to craft patterns that are at the same time wickedly accurate imitations of natural fish food and oddly surreal. A couple weeks back, my son and I spent eight days chasing pike in northern Manitoba, where I put to use the…
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Gear test: Chaco Teton boots
Just a few years ago, and while still in my 30s, I was required to have both of my hips replaced as the result of arthritis and overuse. My ankles, unfortunately, are in about the same shape as my hips. Rolled ankles, sprains and softball sized swelling are maladies with which I’ve become all too…
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Gear test: Sage SPECTRUM MAX reel
Heavy duty fly reels, particularly for saltwater angling, need to perform in some intense situations. Bigger and stronger fish violently pull line from reels, and in hot, humid and salty conditions, a big-game reel needs to be able to withstand the elements, too. Most anglers who've ventured to the salt to chase anything from bonefish…
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