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Columbia and Snake steelhead return predictions slightly better
Winter steelhead season is winding down, if not over in some rivers in the Pacific Northwest. Time for anglers to regroup and prepare for summer runs. First, a bit of cautious optimism. More steelhead are predicted to return to the Columbia River basin this year than in the past two years. Last year the upriver…
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Selecting CDC, Part 2
Last week, Tightline Productions' Tim Flagler taught us the CDC (cul-de-canard) basics—we know that the feathers come ducks or geese, near their preening glands. These feathers have lots of surface area, which helps them trap air and keeps the afloat quite well. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmKTqiQS7Ls Above, Tim shows us how various CDC feathers are used in common…
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Trout is King
It's getting warmer outside. Spring is actually springing, and that means summer isn't far off. Soon, it'll be time to camp next to high-country trout water and sight-fish to feeding fish. I can't wait. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qL6CTypRGrc And short films, like this little gem above from Carpe Dieme featuring wild brown trout fishing in Scandinavia, don't help…
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Seine the water
My best tip to finding the right fly, especially if you are nymphing, is to seine the water before you start fishing. Spend $3.97 for a two-pack of five-gallon paint strainers at Home Depot, which will fit right over a net. Get a buddy to stir up rocks and river bottom a few feet upstream…
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Five flies for April
The guys at Trouts Fly Shop in Denver hit the Colorado River recently, and they did some serious damage to the river's lively browns and rainbows using baetis imitations. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWumZ51uwOo Five Flies for April Baetis, often imitated in the dun form by the venerable Blue-winged Olive, are great springtime flies, and among the first mayflies…
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The Western Coachman
I love old-school flies. I think it comes from my involvement, many years ago, with the Trout Unlimited chapter in Salida, Colo., when I was the news editor of the local paper there. After penetrating the initial crustiness of the "old timers" at the chapter meetings, I made some great friends there, and these guys…
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High-sticking with an indicator
Indicator nymphing has long been an accepted method for reaching trout that are feeding throughout the water column. But not everybody employs the high-stick method when using an indicator, and they should. It really improves your chances. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQYqExJ--cc Orvis' Pete Kutzer on high-sticking with an indicator. Above, Orvis' Pete Kutzer demonstrates how to incorporate a…
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