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Hank Patterson’s Schwag-a-thon giveaway today
The first-ever Hank Patterson's Schwag-a-thon giveaway to support independent fly shops and guides around the country during the coronavirus pandemic is today at 6:30 p.m. MT. Over the last several months, anglers who spent at least $100 at a local, independent fly shop, or who booked guide trips through those shops, have been sending receipts…
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Time to act: Rare opportunity in Congress
The Moving Forward Act would mark a major win for clean water and healthy trout and salmon populations This month in Congress, we have a remarkable opportunity that doesn’t come along very often—a chance to pass major legislation that would put Americans back to work while also promising cleaner water, healthier rivers and rebounding trout…
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The Chubby Chernobyl
There are some flies that, upon first blush, make you wonder aloud as you pick through the offerings at the fly shop, "What was the guy who tied this thing smoking?" A couple of decades ago, this was certainly the reaction many traditional fly anglers had when foam became an accepted fly tying material, and…
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The hex hatch
Over the weekend I spent a total of 12 hours fishing. I landed two fish to show for it. It was nonetheless supremely satisfying. And no, I wasn’t fishing for steelhead. About 100 miles north of Lake Tahoe a lovely reservoir lies resplendent, framed by ponderosa pines, Douglas fir and the southern terminus of the…
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Cycling to the source of the Eklutna
As I dedicate more of my time with Trout Unlimited to help restore the Eklutna River, traditionally named Idlughetnu, I spend hours of the day with my mind 45 miles away from my Anchorage home within the fractured Eklutna River system. Though I now get to see more of the area and further my understanding of its history, there is no shortage of information I have yet to learn and areas of the watershed that…
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Simms Dry Creek Z backpack
As the name implies, the Dry Creek Z isn't just water resistant. It's waterproof. And, the pack itself, before you put anything in it, is virtually weightless. In fact, your first impression when you open the box might just be, "Is this it?"
About 18 months ago, I had three vertebrae fused in my lower back, a significant procedure that was done in hopes of stopping the brutal sciatic pain that would start just above my left hip and eventually stop at the tip of my big toe. Generally speaking, the surgery was a success. I'm still not…
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Finesse dubbing
Using dubbing to craft fly bodies and collars shouldn't be that difficult, regardless of the material you use in the process. But, for those new to the craft, dubbing can often give them fits at the vise. Below, Tim Flagler shows us how to craft the simple dubbing "noodle," or a length of dubbing that…