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Presented by Orvis, Abel Reels and Trout Unlimited, the International Fly Fishing Film Festival returns to Calgary on February 5 at Canyon Meadows Cinema. Local presenting partner: Fly Fusion Forums / Fly Fish Calgary Full details: flyfilmfest.com/calgaryab Calgary's Fly-Fishing Film Event: the International Fly Fishing Film Festival (IF4) is a curated collection of world-class films and cinematic storytelling from independent fly-fishing filmmakers around the globe. Each year, IF4 brings together powerful stories that capture the heart, soul, and adventure of fly fishing. More than a film festival, IF4 is an unforgettable night of culture, connection, and stoke for the local fly-fishing community.

thanks for the information!

thanks for the information!

I realize that UV resins are great and I use them, but when did old fashioned head cement become impossible to find??

Missing flow rate data on an app or website can be more than just an inconvenience — it interrupts a routine people rely on for planning and safety. That’s a good reminder that the most valuable tools are the ones that support your life without unnecessary friction. Whether it’s outdoor data or daily habits, what matters most is reliability and clarity. That’s why I think platforms like https://wellness‑app.com/ online fasting tracker stand out: they focus on intuitive, consistent support that helps you build steady progress without noise or stress, making everyday routines easier to maintain.

This episode was originally published on July 14th, 2023. I think most stream anglers are interested in foraging, since we're immersed in nature all day long and although we watch for fish and insects and birds, many of us don't pay attention to the plants. And there are many delicious plants along trout streams you can take home for dinner—most of which will be more nutritionally dense than what you buy in the store—and free. If you have done any foraging at all, you have probably read some of more of Sam Thayer's [40:38] books. In our household his books are the primary source. I was lucky enough to spend some time talking to Sam about why foraging along streams is especially good, and what we can expect to find there. In the Fly Box this week, we have no phone calls but some great questions via e-mail, including: Why do trout in small streams take flies more readily when the water is high? Where do you recommend I go trout fishing in the East in July when I visit this summer? A great story about a listener getting generous advice from a famous angler along a trout river. A tip for keeping rod sections together using clothespins. What is the best streamer reel, line, and leader for a 7-weight rod? What do you do when there is a very heavy hatch and almost too many natural insects? I am having trouble hooking fish using the hand-over-hand retrieve when striper fishing. What can I do to increase my hooking rate? What are three things a novice dry-fly angler should pay attention to? Do you ever tie up dry/dropper rigs at home prior to going fishing? Will my 8-weight be enough rod for fishing for striped bass from a boat? What are some tips on picking flies for striped bass fishing at night? View the full article

This episode was originally published on November 3rd, 2022. My guest this week is Alex Waller [41:36] from New Zealand. You've likely seen his great videos on Orvisnews.com or on You Tube, in his channel Trippin on Trout. Alex shares his techniques for fishing nymphs in late fall and winter with us, and his techniques are a bit different than what most of us use, so you make pick up some tips for your own trout fishing wherever you live. And because he often fishes for migratory rainbows coming out of giant Lake Taupo, his techniques will play well with Great Lakes "steelhead". In the Fly Box this week, we have a host of interesting questions, including: What is the most buoyant natural material for dry flies? Does adding UV resin to dry flies affect their buoyancy? What is the best way to carry and store tube flies? Is there a universal rule for what size nymph you can use on a dry dropper? How do I keep my hook gap clear of materials so I don't miss strikes? What should I do when a big fish shakes its head when fighting? If black is the most visible color for flies, why do some anglers prefer black hooks when fish are spooky? If black is most visible in murky water, why do some people recommend bright flies under these conditions? I am stuck in the rolling plains of the Midwest, four hours from a trout stream. Can I still go fly fishing? A local river is highly pressured with very clear water, so everyone uses tiny midges. Would a bigger fly work sometimes? What is the best upgrade I can make to my Clearwater outfit, without spending hundreds of dollars? Do you ever swing wet flies in small streams? If so what leader do you use? When do you use a strike indicator instead of a dry dropper? And what kind do you use? I have a floating line for striped bass fishing and have done well with it. What other line would you recommend? What do you suggest if I want to try night fishing for striped bass? View the full article

thanks for replies fellas Merry Christmas all

The International Fly Fishing Film Festival (IF4), a curated collection of world-class films and cinematic storytelling from independent fly-fishing filmmakers from around the globe, is honored to announce RA Beattie, founder of Beattie Outdoor Productions and co-founder of Off the Grid Studios, as the winner of Audience Choice Award — Best Film in the 2025 IF4 for his groundbreaking film “The Silent Spotter”. This year’s top honor was determined entirely by audience votes from viewers around the world, underscoring the film’s powerful connection with the global fly-fishing community. The Silent Spotter introduces audiences to the extraordinary life of Tommy Batun, a deaf and mute fly-fishing guide from Xcalak, Mexico. With sharp eyes, unmatched intuition, and an unshakable love for the flats, Tommy has redefined what it means to be a guide, an innovator, and a hero in the world of saltwater fly fishing. Through stunning visuals and intimate storytelling, the film showcases Tommy’s remarkable ability to communicate, teach, and lead on the water, proving that passion and skill speak louder than words. “‘The Silent Spotter’ reflects Off the Grid Studio’s unique vision and remarkable talent for crafting memorable, meaningful stories,” said Chris Bird, founder and executive producer of IF4. “Beattie’s talent, curiosity and dedication to the craft have made him one of the most influential voices in fly-fishing cinema, and this film is yet another example of his remarkable contribution to our community.” “I’m honored that ‘The Silent Spotter’ has been recognized by IF4 Audiences as the top film in 2025 – especially with so many amazing and passionate films in the festival lineup,” said RA Beattie. “Tommy’s story is unlike any other. His skill, dedication, and spirit inspired every frame of this film, and we’re grateful to share his legacy with the global fly-fishing community.” With the 2025 festival tour now officially concluded, IF4 is already looking ahead. A new collection of world-class films for the 2026 season is complete, and the festival will debut the new lineup beginning in January, bringing fresh stories, new voices, and groundbreaking cinematography to anglers around the world. The full 2025 IF4 presentation is now available to watch at FlyFusionStreaming.com, offering audiences worldwide the opportunity to experience the complete lineup. “The Silent Spotter” is now available on the Off the Grid Studios website as a Limited Edition Mixtape (USB), plus digital download and other streaming options: offthegridstudios.com/pages/the-silent-spotter About IF4 IF4 is the ultimate celebration of fly-fishing culture, featuring a curated collection of world-class films and cinematic storytelling from independent filmmakers around the globe. Rooted in the soul of fly fishing, it brings together powerful stories that capture the heart and adventure of fly fishing. IF4 is a gathering place for the fly-fishing community and a celebration of friendship, stories and stoke. About Off the Grid Studios and RA Beattie Off the Grid Studios is an award-winning film and creative production company led by filmmaker RA Beattie. Known for cinematic, story-driven work rooted in adventure and conservation, the studio produces documentaries, broadcast content, and brand campaigns for partners around the world. Their films blend authenticity and craft to spotlight the people, places, and stories that shape our natural world. The post RA Beattie Named Winner of the International Fly Fishing Film Festival for “The Silent Spotter” appeared first on Fly Fusion. View the full article

Of course I am a dedicated Spey caster, so drifts and 'hammering' the banks is opposite for a Scandi caster, so I take my tube flies and swing. Normally a T2. Fishing on down the side channel above the Sue Higgins island,wich can get accessible during runoff, I fished a 'Float' from a company with Air in its name, and swung so many during the Calgary Spring and Summewith the 1.5sec sink rate in that channel. It was weird, as soon as the season was into Spawn, I fished a T3 and caught. Out in the bigger water down southern Alberta (I'm a wader) I've heard of a T32 Rainbow from a boat. Tight flies move faster, even with a sink tip. 10 - foot 12lb salmon from the company with Air, 5 feet off your favourite and yo _M. (Oops you're off to the races too!) Merry Christmas, good luck everyone, for the upcoming Season, water water water... just the right amount! C'mon TransAlta. Let's go snow!!! God Bless and happy 2026.

The Scott Fly Rod Company announces that Shawn Combs will join the Scott team as vice president in January. “Shawn is a lifelong angler with finely honed skills and a proven track record in fly-fishing product design,” says Jim Bartschi, president of Scott Fly Rods. “His passion for innovation, quality, and team building is a perfect fit to help carry on Scott’s fifty-year legacy of handcrafting high-performance fly rods. I’m thrilled to welcome Shawn to the Scott family and for the opportunity to work with him and the rest of the team on writing the next chapters of the Scott story.” After earning his master’s degree in mechanical engineering, Combs spent a decade in engineering roles with industry leaders, including Exxon Mobil Corp. and Lockheed Martin. In 2011, he joined the Orvis Company in Vermont as a product developer for fly rods and reels, and he has served as their director of product design and development since 2014. Combs says, “I am beyond excited to join the Scott Fly Rod Company to work alongside Jim and team. Having grown up fishing Scott rods, I am honored to contribute to the legacy of handcrafting rods that, in my view, embody innovation and soul like no other.” The post Scott Fly Rod Company Welcomes Industry Veteran Shawn Combs appeared first on Fly Fusion. View the full article

This episode was originally published on August 19th, 2022. Want to know how a bamboo fly rod is made? How long it takes to make one? How many different hands touch an Orvis bamboo fly rod before you (and your children and grandchildren) become its lucky owner. And finally, what's so great about bamboo fly rods? How are they different from fiberglass and graphite, and what will they do for you on the water? This week I interview Orvis bamboo fly rod craftsman Shawn Brillon [45:09], who loves to talk bamboo rods as much as he enjoys making and fishing them. In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions and tips from listeners, including: I could catch rising trout in one part of a pool, but when I moved 50 meters upstream I couldn't catch any. What was going on? How do I determine the correct size leader if I am going from a single size 16 fly to a hopper or multiple nymph rig? What are your thoughts on weed guards on flies? I caught a dragonfly on my elk hair caddis. Am I the first? I hooked a trout in the corner of the mouth and even with a barbless hook it bled and looked like it would die. Would it have been better if I left the fly in the fish? I have been fishing with an 8-weight shooting head outfit for striped bass and halibut. I want to catch corbina but I hear they are spooky. Do you think my 8-weight is too heavy? I keep seeing these large fish rising in a heavily pressured river but can't catch them on any multi-fly rig. What can I do to fool these fish? What do you do to stay in shape for fishing? What are the advantages of a big dry fly over a bobber? Does bead size really matter regarding attractiveness to trout? And is there a seasonality to what color beads you should use? I have been catching catfish on a fly. Does anyone else do this and is it a "thing" or is it bycatch? I went to Banff to fish and they required that all my tackle, including lines and leaders, could not have been used for 45 days and had to be cleaned and treated. What do you think about the potential for things like lines and leaders to transfer invasive species? View the full article

I used to use a 10-15ft sink tip with a sink rate 5 to 6. With water levels being lower in recent years, I have switched to a type 3 sink rate and find I am not dragging up vegetation as often. I don't think you need a super fancy expensive line to swing streamers. Use your extra cash to buy good floating lines.

 As a proud media partner, Fly Fusion is excited to share the stoke as the official sizzle reel for the International Fly Fishing Film Festival (IF4) has just been released, offering a first look at one of the most anticipated fly-fishing film events on the planet. IF4, presented by Orvis, Abel Reels and Trout Unlimited, is the ultimate celebration of fly-fishing culture, featuring a curated collection of world-class films and cinematic storytelling from independent filmmakers around the globe. Each year, IF4 captures the heart, soul and adventure of fly fishing, spotlighting the passion, lifestyle and culture that defines the sport. But IF4 is more than a film tour. It’s a worldwide gathering place for the fly-fishing community. A celebration of friendship and wild places. A platform for powerful stories. A night fueled by pure stoke. The sizzle reel is your first look into this year’s unforgettable experience, packed with stunning visuals, epic adventures and the energy that makes IF4 unlike anything else. Watch the sizzle reel. Feel the stoke. Join the global celebration of fly fishing. Tickets, trailers and schedule: flyfilmfest.com/schedule. The post The IF4 Stoke Begins Now: Get Your Tickets! appeared first on Fly Fusion. View the full article

Two decades ago, alerted by headlights shining on my parent’s front lawn, I slipped silently out the front door and threw my pack into the bed of an old forest service truck. I was 14-years-old and heading to a high mountain lake filled with cutthroat. In the driver’s seat was a business partner of my father’s, a real estate investor whose love for the outdoors mirrored my own. Although he was 16 years my senior, John and I formed a fast friendship, spawned in large part by that first outing together. As we bumped our way up the dirt road toward the trailhead we talked fishing and hiking and what excitement the day would provide. Only now, with the benefit of hindsight, do I realize what having a mentor such as John has provided for my life. I don’t know how many fish we caught that particular day but burned into my memory is another outing with John, when we pulled 78 trout out of Whale Lake, all on a dry fly. “Whale Lake” isn’t listed on any tourist brochure or forest service map. That was John and wife Judy’s moniker for one of their favourite haunts, declared as such after a friend took a swim with all his fishing gear on. “The fish must have thought a whale was after them with such a big splash,” Judy remarked, or so the story went, according to John. To a teenage angler spending a day free from responsibility or any outside pressure, the denomination was funny and fitting enough to stick. The incredible spruce moth hatch at Whale Lake probably helped, too. The fish were engorging themselves; anything that resembled a mottled cream morsel was getting demolished. I still recall vividly John’s old flannel shirt, his straw hat and the sight of hungry trout cruising the shoreline in search of an easy meal. Maybe it was our angling success that day which imprinted the memory of Whale Lake on my mind so enduringly, but my hunch is that is goes much deeper than hungry fish and a proliferation of bugs. I’d spent a few days on high mountain lakes before, but without a car it was usually difficult to figure a way to get to the trailhead, much less find someone who wanted to join. I didn’t realize how much I was pining for a friend to share the experience with until John asked me to fish with him. Years later, John and I have hiked and fished countless high mountain lakes. At the time, I thought we were just two buddies—albeit atypical ones—heading out for the day. Years later, as I look back and consider the value his friendship has added to my life, it is apparent those days spent hiking off of old Montana logging roads were about far more than the pan-sized cutties we were hooking. It’s easy to see the appeal of watching a trout rise through crystal clear water to eat a dry, but it’s much harder to convey the importance of a relationship built over time. Being willing to hike in to find fish is one thing, being willing to help someone who otherwise wouldn’t be able to get to the trailhead and help foster a connection with nature is another thing entirely. This past summer a few neighbourhood kids approached me with some questions about fly fishing. We talked tactics and gear before I was wise enough to see the opportunity in front of me. I clued in that it was my turn, and my privilege, to pay it forward. My friend John had taken a kid who was unable to drive and unsure of where to fish and given him the chance of both fishing and friendship. Now it was my turn. After getting the OK from their parents, the neighbourhood kids and I spent the day bouncing up a local river, mostly casting dries to small rainbows and cuts. This truly was life coming full circle. We were fishing a spot that, when I was their age, was one of my favourite places to fish. In this context, seeing 12-inch rainbows smash a dry was so much more fun as a spectator than it could ever have been had I been the one holding the rod. Their smiles were my smiles, their exuberance was my exuberance, all those years ago. Fly fishing has been the catalyst to many important moments in my life. It has been a vehicle for travel and exploration and served as the bridge to many lasting friendships. It’s clear to me now, however, that the real value I cherish comes in the form of sharing my passion with someone else. Perhaps one day, someone will look back at their life of fly fishing and reflect that it was my invitation that enabled them to find their own passion—just like John helped me all those years ago. The post Pay it Forward | Derek Olthuis appeared first on Fly Fusion. View the full article

This episode was originally published on March 10th, 2023. Learn how to decide between a canoe and a kayak, what kind to get, and how to maneuver and cast using these hard-sided watercraft (next week I'll be doing a podcast on inflatables). Ryan Lilly [47:30] is a fly fisher and Old Town's expert on fishing from these craft, and has many great suggestions for how to make the most out of your canoe or kayak experience. In the Fly Box this week, we have some interesting questions that I'm sure will be of interest to many of you, as well as some thoughtful tips from other listeners, including: What do bead-head nymphs imitate? Aren't flies tied without beads more natural in the water? Isn't it more natural to use a nymph without any added weight? How do you fish wet flies? Do you use a single one or more than one? And do you ever use weighted wet flies? I recently saw a bunch of large carp in a pond in Florida. Why didn't I see any smaller ones? I had trouble getting a good drift against the slow water on the far bank of a river. Every time I tried to mend my line the small dry fly sank. What else could I have done? Can I fish two dry flies at once? A suggestion from a listener on why upgrading from an entry level fly line is a wise investment. Are there any performance differences between a 6-piece rod and a 4-piece rod? How can I get an extra tip for my Orvis rod? A great tip from a listener on how to make a device to hold scrap pieces of tippet using two pieces of Velcro. I am going to a place where they have stocked golden rainbows. Do these fish behave any differently from normal rainbows? Can I use a Poly Leader for tarpon? Is there any difference between up-eye and down-eye hooks? A tip from a listener on how to change thread colors with a permanent marker. A tip from a listener on how to keep a partially used tube of Aquaseal stay fresh. Why do people hold bass by the jaw? I have heard that this can dislocate their jaw. I am taking my first guided trip. Should I do a float trip or a walk/wade trip? View the full article

Asking what some of you prefer for fishing from a boat on the bow and pounding the banks with streamers. Mine is pretty old now and I believe was a streamer express for SA?? I use a 7 wt. So many choices now!!! What do you guys use and likes?

My guest this week is photography expert and co-host of the Petapixel podcast Chris Niccolls [28:39]. Chris has access to nearly every kind of expensive camera in the world because he evaluates photo equipment for his day job. But when he is fishing, guess what he takes most of his photographs and videos with? You guessed it—his iPhone. Chris shares tips on how to set up your shot, how to get a photograph and still have minimal fish handling, and what settings to use on your phone. He also gives great tips on setting up the scene so that your photos are better than just grip & grin snapshots. In the Fly Box this week, we have these questions and tips: You say Orvis fly rods are true to line weight but you say you use a line that is a half-size heavy. Why? With a fly line that is rated for colder water, is it OK to use it for the occasional largemouth bass fishing trip in warmer water? A tip from a listener on how to get an estimate of a fish's length and weight using AI. A tip from a listener on great places to fish close to Chicago. Can I get a rod that is suitable for carp and for large salmon in the Great Lakes? How can I target suckers on a fly rod? Would a leader with a long stiff butt and abrupt taper be a good one for fishing big Chubbies in western rivers? What do you think of double taper leaders? What are some fly fishing books form the 1960s and earlier that are still worth reading? A great tip from a listener on using hockey laces for wading boots. A tip from a listener on a hot fly to use in the Driftless Region during the winter. Is there a trick for fly casting in rough seas? View the full article

Thanks for information!

My guest this week is Captain Dan Andrews [37:51], co-founder and CEO of Captains for Clean Water, one of Orvis' most trusted conservation partners. Orvis has been aligned with this grass roots group since their inception and it's been a valuable partnership. Dan tells us what is going on with the Everglades restoration project, what progress has been made, how it has affected the fisheries, and current threats to progress. He is also very optimistic about this winter's fishing conditions in Florida and looks into his crystal ball to predict how fishing will be in various regions of the Florida Coast this year. If you live in Florida or spend time visiting there during the winter you'll want to listen to this one. In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions and tips, including: -Do you think it's worth it to fish bugs on a marginal river with a lower fish count, or should you focus on covering water with a streamer? -Should I get my 14-year-old grandson a fiberglass or graphite rod for Christmas? -Why does the industry seem to push loop connections on fly lines? I had a problem with a loop system hanging up in the guides. Shouldn't people spend more time learning the blood knot or surgeon's knot? -Brian Fleshig and the late Flip Pallot recommend cutting the permanent loop off a fly line and replacing it with a nail knot. What do you do? -A listener who had great luck finding pinhole leaks in his waders using a flashlight. -For small stream fishing, should I get an 8/12 foot Clearwater of a 7'11" Superfine? -Will brass beads instead of tungsten allow a fly to drift more naturally in the current? -How would you deal with a couple anglers who high-holed you on a steelhead river? -I think I saw PMDs on a river in late October. Is that possible? What affects the hatch timing of mayflies? -How do you know when you have too much weight when tightline nymphing? -When fishing nymphs in deep water, why do the smaller fish get off easier but the bigger fish stay hooked? View the full article

Thanks for information!

I am not a big fan of using split shot but after this interview with Dom Swentoskey [36:41] of the Troutbitten blog and podcast, I'm going to use it a lot more. Dom's method of using split shot is simple and convenient, and he teaches us about placement, adding shot, and removing shot easily—and how to keep it from sliding on your tippet without placing it above a knot. Whether you fish nymphs or streamers, Dom has some great suggestions on using split shot properly. In the Fly Box this week, we have some great tips and questions form listeners, including: Is a 10-foot, 4-weight fly rod a good all-around rod for fishing in New England? If I have a floating and full sinking line for bass fishing, would an intermediate line be the next one to try for largemouth bass? Why aren't there more resources like books on fly fishing for largemouth bass? How many different floating fly lines do you have at home? When you are taking a trip, how many floating lines do you take? I have been steelhead fishing in Alaska with a tight line presentation. In what situations would an indicator be beneficial? I don't quite understand why we would take food out of a fish's mouth by using a throat pump. How can you justify this? Will egg flies work in Colorado? Is it possible to shoot line with a bow-and-arrow cast? Are there any saltwater barbless hooks? Why do spawning shrimp patterns always have the egg cluster tied near the head? A tip on using small magnets to hold hooks at the fly-tying bench A tip on using a pool noodle to hold larger saltwater flies after tying them Is an 8-pound bass leader the same as a 3X leader? A tip from a listener on how to alleviate shoulder pain when fly fishing. View the full article

Confused about which floating trout line to pick when you need a new one? I'm not surprised as today there is a dizzying array of options and nearly everyone is confused. If you understand what the various options offer the decision is much easier, so I asked product developer Jesse Haller [41:00] to help all of us make this important choice. We talk about what you get in the more expensive lines that you don't get in the price-point lines. We discuss tapers, whether your fly line should be a standard weight or a half- or quarter- or full-size heavy, smooth vs. textured, clear vs. opaque, fly line colors, and other options. And take heart, we also give you the best option for an all-purpose floating trout line. In the Fly Box this week, we have the following questions and tips from listeners: Help in picking an array of fly rods and lines for fishing for various species in Pennsylvania. How to get deeper for crappie in fall. Is there a way to determine the line size of older, non-labeled fly lines? Is putting a spoon on a fly rod considered fly fishing? I bought a Euro rod but don't like that method. How do I use my 10-foot 3-weight rod for dry fly and nymph fishing from a float tube? Where do trout go during droughts when the water gets painfully low? Do you have tips for casting heavy flies like Clouser Minnows? My son and I were frustrated during a blue-wing-olive hatch when the fish would just splash at our dry flies. Do you have any suggestions? Do I need to cut the loop off my fly line and attach my leader with a nail knot? Should I keep my waders away from electric engines when storing them? A tip from a listener on using a pipe cleaner for a material clip on your tying vise. I got a pigtail in front of my fly when using a Uni Knot. How can I prevent that in the future? How much of a tag end does Tom trim off when he ties on a fly? I seem to use a lot of tippet in the course of a day. View the full article

Fly Fusion’s Drift Sessions bridge the distance between author and reader. On October 23, Field Editor Derek Olthuis went live on Zoom to explore Mousing for Trophy Trout and Fishing Lakes. In this Drift Session, Derek Olthuis took us on a small-lake fishing adventure for brookies, cutthroats, and cutbows, highlighting both the thrill of the catch and the deeper experience of being on the water with friends. The session covered a range of techniques, including careful observation, nymphing near logs, and mousing for big trout along the surface. Derek reflected on the balance between chasing the fish and enjoying the camaraderie, emphasizing that fishing is as much about the people and shared experience as it is about the catch. Did you miss registering for this call? Well now you can watch the full session on flyfusionstreaming.com! And keep an eye out for the next session which will be announced very soon. Drift Sessions are free and available exclusively to Fly Fusion subscribers. These calls are open to the first 100 registrants so don’t wait! Why Join the Drift Session? Inside Access: Hear the stories behind the columns — what inspires them and the lessons learned. Ask Anything: Bring your questions and get real-time answers. Connect with Editors: Go beyond the pages and meet the minds shaping Fly Fusion. Exclusive Experience: Drift Sessions happen only a few times a year. This is your front-row seat. The post Drift Session with Derek Olthuis is LIVE on Fly Fusion Streaming appeared first on Fly Fusion. View the full article